Private Speedboat Tour

Dubrovnik’s best escape may be the one that gets you away from its famous walls. This private speedboat heads past the Old Town and Lokrum, then across to the Elaphiti Islands for cave swims, sandy beaches, and quiet island harbors. Captain Damir shapes the day around your group instead of following a fixed bus tour route.

I like the freedom to choose your stops, and I like the small private setting. You can spend more time swimming, skip a stop that does not appeal, or return to a cave if a child needs another try. Snorkeling gear and drinks are included, which keeps the outing easy.

The main drawback is the price: $737.53 per group is a serious cost for four hours, especially for a couple or small family. It makes much better value for a full group of up to six, and the experience depends on good weather.

Four details that shape the day

• A private boat for up to six: You share the speedboat only with your own group, so the pace and stops can be adjusted.
• Three hours around the islands: The listed island portion covers about three hours, within an experience lasting roughly four hours.
• Caves, beach, and harbors: The possible route includes the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Sunj Beach, Lopud, and a fishing village on Sipan.
• Swimming made simple: Snorkeling equipment, water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are supplied.
• A local lunch option: Your captain can suggest or arrange a restaurant, but the meal is at your own cost.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Leaving Dubrovnik by speedboat

Meet at Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik, near public transportation. From there, the boat gives you a fresh view of the city: instead of squeezing through the Old Town streets, you see the walls, shoreline, and nearby Lokrum from the water.

That opening ride is not just transport. Dubrovnik can feel crowded, especially around the historic center, and a boat outing changes the rhythm of your day at once. You trade stone lanes and tour groups for open water, coastal views, and the sound of the engine.

The speedboat also lets you cover several island locations in a short time. The experience lasts about four hours, while the island stops are listed as roughly three hours. That leaves part of the outing for getting out from Dubrovnik, moving between locations, and returning to the meeting point.

You should not think of this as a slow sailing trip. A speedboat is useful here because the Elaphiti Islands are spread across the water, and the boat can connect caves, beaches, and ports without wasting the whole afternoon on transit.

Choosing your own Elaphiti Islands route

The itinerary is flexible. The listed stops are options, not a promise that every one will receive a long visit. Talk with Damir at the start about what matters most to you: swimming, caves, a sandy beach, island scenery, lunch, or a mix of everything.

That flexibility is one of the tour’s strongest features. A family with children may want easier swimming and more time at Sunj Beach. A group of adults may prefer the caves and snorkeling. You are not locked into the priorities of a large shared boat.

There is also a practical limit. Four hours passes quickly when you try to include every named stop. If you want time in the water, do not treat the itinerary as a checklist. Choose two or three main goals and let the captain help you fit them into the available time.

Swimming into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is one of the main reasons to book this trip. The attraction is experienced from the water, so bring a swimsuit and expect the visit to be active rather than a simple photo stop.

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, giving you an easy way to look into the water around the caves. You do not need to arrange separate equipment before arriving, though you should still be comfortable getting into the water.

The caves are also where private touring has a real advantage. One family used the flexible timing to return to the Green Cave after their 11-year-old son felt nervous on the first attempt. That kind of second chance is difficult on a tightly scheduled shared excursion.

You should still keep expectations sensible. Cave conditions and access can vary with the weather and water. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a refund.

Exploring the Green Caves and coastal swim spots

The Green Caves add another swimming and snorkeling setting to the route. The appeal is not only the cave itself, but the chance to experience the rocky coast from the water instead of viewing it from a road or harbor.

This is a good part of the outing for people who want active time. The boat lets you stop for a swim, and the supplied gear means you can spend more time in the water without carrying a full kit from home.

I would plan for a relaxed attitude here. The exact amount of time at each cave depends on your group and the day’s conditions. If everyone wants to swim, that may leave less time for Lopud or Sipan. If some people prefer sightseeing from the boat, the captain can adjust the balance.

The feedback about Damir is especially consistent on his friendly manner, historical explanations, and willingness to adapt. He is described as attentive to requests and able to add information about Dubrovnik, Croatian history, and local culture without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

Sunj Beach and the appeal of sand

Sunj Beach on Lopud offers a change from the rocky swimming areas. The sandy shore makes it a sensible choice for families, children, or anyone who wants to get off the boat for a proper beach break.

A beach stop also gives the day a different pace. After the speedboat ride and cave visits, you can stretch your legs and enjoy a more conventional seaside setting. If your group includes people who are less keen on snorkeling, Sunj may be the most broadly appealing stop.

The trade-off is time. A beach visit takes longer than a quick look at a cave because you need time to reach shore, settle in, swim, and return to the boat. Ask the captain how much time remains before committing to a long stop.

Lopud harbor and Sipan’s fishing village

The port of Lopud gives you an island village setting rather than another swim stop. It is a useful pause if you want to see how the islands feel when you are not speeding past them.

Sipan’s fisherman village adds another local point of interest. The supplied details do not promise a long walking tour or a specific cultural program, so treat it as a scenic island stop rather than a full village excursion.

That distinction matters. This is primarily a boat and swimming experience, not a land-based tour of the Elaphiti Islands. You will get the best value if the water, coastline, and flexible route are your main interests.

A lunch option at Bowa Restaurant

Bowa Restaurant is listed as a possible stop, and the captain can recommend a local restaurant. Food is not included, so budget separately if you want lunch.

A restaurant stop can work well for a group that wants a slower middle section to the day. It also gives Damir a chance to direct you toward a place suited to your timing and route. One group specifically praised a restaurant arranged by the captain.

Still, make the choice based on your priorities. A meal uses part of a four-hour outing, and a restaurant stop means less time for caves or swimming. Ask about the timing before you sit down, particularly if the Blue Cave is your top goal.

What the $737.53 group price means

The listed price is $737.53 for a private group of up to six. Split six ways, that is about $123 per person. For four people, it is about $184 each. For two, the cost is much harder to justify unless privacy and a custom route matter more to you than a lower per-person price.

The value comes from more than the boat ride. You are paying for a private captain, a flexible route, snorkeling equipment, and included water, soda, and alcoholic drinks. You also avoid sharing the boat with a large crowd and can set the pace around your own group.

That does not automatically make it a bargain. The tour lasts about four hours, and lunch is extra. A group that wants a full day on the islands may find the duration limiting, while a group that wants a compact afternoon on the water may find it just right.

I would book this for six people if possible. Families and friend groups get the strongest value because the fixed price is spread across more passengers. Solo visitors and couples should compare it with shared boat trips before paying.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This tour suits you best if you want to swim, see caves, and move between several coastal spots without organizing separate transport. It is also a strong choice for families because a private boat allows more patience when children need a break or a second attempt at a cave.

It works well for groups with mixed interests. Some can swim and snorkel while others enjoy the views, island ports, and captain’s stories. The boat setting also gives you a more personal experience than a large excursion.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, want a long beach day, or need a detailed walking tour of every island. The route is active and water-focused. Four hours is enough for a taste of the Elaphiti Islands, not an exhaustive island visit.

Damir appears to be a major part of the experience. He is repeatedly praised for being friendly, funny, attentive, and well informed about Dubrovnik and Croatia. Mislav is also mentioned in connection with transport and guiding on a longer outing, but Damir is the captain most closely associated with this tour.

Practical planning before you go

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring sun protection. The supplied information confirms snorkeling equipment, water, soda, and alcoholic drinks, but it does not specify towels, changing facilities, or a full meal, so plan accordingly.

The meeting point is Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, and the activity returns there. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the location is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should be ready for a boat-based outing with swimming stops.

The experience is private, so only your group participates. The stated capacity is up to six people. Keep that number in mind when booking, since the private price is based on the group rather than a per-person fare.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded. Since the trip requires good weather, a cancellation by the operator for poor conditions brings an alternative date or a full refund.

Should you book the private speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a flexible, water-centered escape from Dubrovnik and can fill most of the six seats. The combination of cave swims, Sunj Beach, island harbors, included drinks, and a private captain gives the day a clear sense of freedom.

I would especially recommend it to families and groups of friends who value privacy. The ability to slow down, change the route, or return to a cave can matter more than squeezing in one extra landmark.

Skip it if the price would fall on only one or two people, or if your main goal is a long beach stay or a detailed island walking tour. For the right-sized group, though, this is a lively and practical way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowds for the open Adriatic.

FAQ

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours. The island portion of the itinerary is listed as about three hours, with the remaining time used for the boat journey and return.

How many people can join the private tour?

The tour is private for your group of up to six people. No other group participates.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is Ribarnica ul. 1, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Which islands and locations can be visited?

Possible stops include the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Sunj Beach, the port of Lopud Island, a fisherman village on Sipan, and Bowa Restaurant.

Are the stops fixed?

No. The stops are optional, and you can choose your itinerary with the captain.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. A local restaurant can be recommended, but any meal is at your own expense.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.