Elaphite Islands Luxury Private Boat Tour with Cap Camarat 7.5

Dubrovnik’s finest escape from crowded streets is a private boat aimed at the open Adriatic. On the Cap Camarat 7.5, Captain Šime, often called Simon, takes your group to Koločep’s caves, Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, and possibly Šipan, with the route shaped around your interests.

I like the true private format, which lets you stay longer at a swimming spot or skip a stop that does not appeal. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, towels, a GoPro, and drinks are already on board. The main consideration is time. Four hours can feel rushed if you want caves, beaches, swimming, and lunch, so six or eight hours offers a much better pace.

Key points at a glance

• Private Cap Camarat 7.5: Your group of up to seven has the boat to itself.
• Captain Šime, or Simon: He handles the boat and helps shape the day around your plans.
• Koločep’s cave stops: Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves are the main early attractions.
• Lopud’s Šunj Beach: Combine a swim or beach break with a walk through the island village.
• Longer tours reach Šipan: The third Elaphite Island is generally reserved for six and eight-hour trips.
• Useful inclusions: Beer, white wine, soft drinks, water, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro are provided.

Why a private boat works so well from Dubrovnik

The Elaphite Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, but they feel far removed from the city’s stone lanes and busy waterfront. A boat lets you see the coast from its best angle, with cliffs, small bays, and sea caves appearing in quick succession.

The crucial difference here is control. You are not tied to a fixed group schedule or required to spend the same amount of time at every stop. If your children want a longer swim, you can give them that time. If you care more about scenery than beaches, you can move on.

Captain Šime is central to the experience. He is described as friendly, safe, flexible, and well informed about Dubrovnik and the islands. He also keeps in touch before the trip, confirms where to meet, and helps with practical details. That matters when you are arriving from a hotel, apartment, or cruise ship and have limited time.

The boat is a Cap Camarat 7.5, a size that suits couples, families, and small groups without feeling like a mass excursion. The maximum is seven people per booking. You pay $544.43 per group, not per person, so the value improves sharply as your party gets larger.

For two people, this is a premium outing. For six or seven, the price works out much closer to a high-end shared excursion, with the major benefit of having your own skipper and route. Drinks and equipment are included, which also keeps the day from accumulating small rental and refreshment costs.

Starting from Dubrovnik with pickup included

Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included. That removes one of the annoying parts of a boat day: figuring out how to reach the marina, especially if you are staying outside the Old Town.

Pickup details are confirmed after booking, and Captain Šime contacts you before the experience. One cruise-ship family found the meeting point about a 10-minute walk from the ship, along a flat route with sidewalks. Their early arrival allowed them to start a little ahead of schedule, but you should not assume extra time is guaranteed. Confirm your exact meeting place and start time in advance.

Pickup is also helpful for cruise passengers. A four-hour trip can fit into a port day, leaving time to return for lunch and later visit Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town. Still, build in a generous buffer. Boat timing depends on conditions at sea, and you will not want to cut it close before your ship departs.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is received at booking. The meeting area is near public transportation, but the included transfer is the simpler choice if you have it.

Koločep’s Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves

Koločep is usually the first major stop, with about two hours planned for its caves. The key attractions are the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves. These are not museum-style sights with gates or timed entries. They are coastal formations experienced from the boat and water, and there is no admission charge.

This is where an early start can pay off. The Blue Cave is popular, and arriving before larger boats may give you a quieter few minutes inside or near the entrance. The exact conditions depend on the day, but the private boat makes it easier to adjust the timing instead of simply arriving with a large group.

You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look into the clear water around the caves. A GoPro is also provided for underwater photos and video, a particularly useful extra if you do not want to bring your own camera into the sea. Towels, water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine are available on board.

The cave experience is weather dependent. Wind and rain can change the most comfortable route, and the skipper may need to adjust the plan for safety. One group had a good morning despite wet and windy conditions, but rougher weather can affect swimming and how long you want to remain outside.

Do not expect Koločep to feel like a long land excursion. The appeal is the coast itself: entering or viewing caves, swimming near rock formations, and moving between small sea-level sites. If you prefer ancient buildings, museums, or long walks, this stop may feel light on land-based sightseeing.

Lopud and the sandy shore at Šunj Beach

Lopud receives about three hours on the stated itinerary, making it the most substantial island stop. Its main attraction is Šunj Beach, a sandy beach that offers a change from the rocky coastline and boat-based cave stops.

The beach is a good fit for families and anyone who wants a proper swim and a little time on shore. You can also walk through the village, where you will find restaurants and places to sit. Captain Šime has helped arrange lunch reservations, and his restaurant suggestions have included seafood spots and simple grilled fish.

Lunch is not listed as included, so plan for that expense separately. The same applies to any restaurant food or drinks ordered on land. Ask about the timing if you want a relaxed meal, because a long lunch can affect how much time remains for Šipan or additional swimming.

The village gives the tour a useful human scale. After the caves, it is pleasant to step ashore, stroll, and see a little island life instead of spending every minute moving by boat. Still, Šunj Beach can be popular, and the private charter cannot guarantee an empty shore.

I like the balance here. Koločep supplies the cave scenery, while Lopud gives you sand, a village, and the chance to eat lunch. If your group is happiest swimming and relaxing, Lopud may become the day’s favorite stop. If you want to cover every island, you will need to watch the clock.

Šipan is best saved for six or eight hours

Šipan is the last of the three Elaphite Islands and is normally included on six- and eight-hour tours. On a four-hour trip, it is visited only if the earlier stops are kept brief.

That timing advice is important. The tour is not a race to collect three island names. A four-hour booking can give you a rewarding taste of Koločep and Lopud, but adding Šipan may mean shorter cave visits, less time at Šunj Beach, or fewer swimming breaks.

Choose the longer option if seeing all three islands matters to you. Six hours gives you more room for a varied route, while eight hours is the choice for an unhurried full day with swimming, lunch, and time to pause in bays. One couple who booked six hours wished they had chosen the full eight because the day passed quickly once they were on the water.

The itinerary is flexible, but distance and sea conditions still set limits. Be clear with Šime at the start about your priorities. Tell him if you want all three islands, a long lunch, several swims, or more time in the caves. He can then suggest a sensible order.

What is included on the Cap Camarat 7.5

The included supplies make this more than a simple transfer between islands. You receive:

• Beer and white wine
• Soft drinks and water
• Towels
• Snorkeling equipment
• A GoPro

The drinks suit a relaxed day, but use good judgment with alcohol, especially if you plan to swim. Water is available too, and it is the sensible choice in the sun.

The snorkeling equipment saves you from arranging rentals. It also makes spontaneous swim stops easier. You can ask to stop in a bay or near a cave if the conditions and schedule allow, rather than planning every minute in advance.

The GoPro is a nice touch for families and couples. It lets you record cave swims and underwater moments without risking your phone. Ask Captain Šime how he wants the equipment handled before entering the water.

Towels are another small but meaningful convenience. You can swim without packing a bulky beach kit, though you should still bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for personal comfort. Those items are not listed as provided.

The captain’s role makes the difference

A private boat tour can be either personal or merely private. Here, Captain Šime’s role appears to be the reason the experience feels more tailored. He does not just follow a rigid loop. He asks what you want to see, suggests options, and adjusts the pace.

Families have used the flexibility to avoid rushing younger children. Couples have chosen extra swimming and quiet bays. Other groups have asked for unusual details, including lighthouse views and a swim away from the usual stops. These requests are not guaranteed, but the format makes them possible to discuss.

He has also helped arrange restaurant reservations and offered local context about Dubrovnik, Croatian culture, and the islands. If you enjoy asking questions, this is more useful than a recorded narration. If you prefer silence, reading, or simply listening to the water, you can say so.

Safety is another repeated strength. Several people specifically describe feeling safe with Šime at the helm. That does not remove the normal risks of open-water travel, but a careful skipper and a small group make it easier to communicate about swimming, weather, and comfort.

One wheelchair user reported that Šime checked boarding needs before the trip. That is encouraging, but it is not a guarantee of full accessibility. If mobility is a concern, contact the provider before booking and explain exactly what assistance and boat access you require.

Four, six, or eight hours?

The duration is listed as approximately four to eight hours, with the route changing by length.

Four hours: Best for cruise passengers, a half-day outing, or anyone who mainly wants caves and one island. Focus on Koločep and Lopud. You may see Šipan only briefly if earlier stops are shortened.

Six hours: The best middle ground for most people. You have time for several cave and swimming stops, a visit to Lopud, and a reasonable chance to include Šipan. It also allows lunch without turning the day into a sprint.

Eight hours: Best for a full day at sea. You can take the three-island route at a calmer pace, linger at swim spots, stop for lunch, and enjoy the boat itself rather than treating it as transport.

I would choose four hours only when your schedule is tight. For a holiday day, six hours offers stronger value. Choose eight if your group loves swimming, wants a slow lunch, or is likely to say, just one more stop every time the boat prepares to leave.

The value of paying for a private charter

At $544.43 per group of up to seven, this tour deserves a direct comparison with shared boat trips. A shared outing may cost less, especially for one or two people, and can be perfectly adequate if you want a fixed sightseeing circuit.

The private charter earns its price through time and control. You decide if a cave is worth another look. You can ask for a longer swim, skip a beach, or change the emphasis from sightseeing to relaxation. The included drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, GoPro, and transfers add real practical value.

For a family, the private setup also reduces pressure. A four-year-old or nine-year-old does not have to match the pace of a full boat. Teenagers can swim while adults enjoy the scenery, and nobody has to apologize for a child needing more time.

For a couple, the value is less automatic. You are paying a premium for privacy, personal service, and flexibility. I would book it if those things matter more to you than finding the lowest possible price.

Weather, cancellation, and practical limits

This experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. The cutoff follows local time. Check the forecast, but remember that sea conditions can differ from what you see on a general city forecast.

The boat is exposed to sun and wind, and the day includes swimming and possible movement between islands. Pack sun protection and wear clothing suited to being on the water. The supplied towels and drinks are helpful, but they do not replace your personal essentials.

Most people can participate, but this is an active boat outing rather than a sightseeing bus. If anyone in your party has mobility, medical, or swimming concerns, raise them before departure.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples who value privacy, small friend groups, cruise passengers, and anyone who wants to set the pace. It is especially useful if your group cannot agree on one fixed activity, since caves, beaches, village time, swimming, and lunch can all be mixed into the day.

It suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy being outdoors. Non-swimmers can still appreciate the scenery, but much of the appeal comes from entering the water and stopping near caves.

You may want a different tour if your top priority is a formal historical tour, a low-cost shared excursion, or a guaranteed visit to every listed site in a short window. Four hours simply cannot provide a leisurely version of everything.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands private boat tour?

Book it if you want Dubrovnik’s coast on your own terms. The strongest reasons are Captain Šime’s flexible approach, the private Cap Camarat 7.5, easy hotel transfers, and the useful collection of drinks and swim equipment.

For the best balance, I would pick six hours. Four hours works well for a tight port visit, while eight hours is the better choice if you want a complete day with caves, swimming, Lopud, lunch, and Šipan.

The price is easiest to justify with five to seven people, but couples may still find the privacy worthwhile. Just set realistic expectations: the sea controls the schedule, lunch costs extra, and popular sites can still attract other boats. If you accept those limits, this is a strong way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowds for salt air, island beaches, and a day shaped around your group.

FAQ

Where does the Elaphite Islands boat tour depart from?

The tour operates from Dubrovnik and includes round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat. Exact pickup details are confirmed after booking.

How many people can join the private boat tour?

The private charter is for your group only, with a maximum of seven people.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. The available island route depends on the length you choose.

Which islands are visited?

The route includes Koločep and Lopud. Šipan is generally included on six- and eight-hour tours, while four-hour tours visit it only if the earlier stops are kept brief.

What will I see on Koločep?

The Koločep stop includes the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves. You can also use the provided snorkeling equipment during suitable swimming stops.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not listed as included. On Lopud, you can walk through the village and eat at one of the island restaurants, and Captain Šime may help with a recommendation or reservation.

What is provided on the boat?

Beer, white wine, soft drinks, water, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro are provided.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the tour, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.