Elaphite Islands Luxury Private Boat Tour with Cap Camarat 7.5

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This private boat trip from Dubrovnik gives you caves, beaches, quiet bays, and small island villages without tying you to a fixed group schedule. I especially like the freedom to stay longer at places you enjoy, plus the personal service from skipper Šime, also called Simon. The included drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and GoPro make the day feel easy from the start.

The main consideration is time. The four-hour option can reach Koločep and Lopud, but Šipan is generally reserved for the six- and eight-hour trips. If you want a relaxed swim, lunch on Lopud, several caves, and all three Elaphite Islands, I would choose at least six hours. The boat costs $544.43 for up to seven people, so the value improves sharply when you fill the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Private Cap Camarat 7.5 boat: Your group of up to seven has the boat to itself, with no strangers setting the pace.
• Three different island experiences: Koločep brings caves, Lopud offers Šunj Beach and a village walk, and Šipan adds a quieter final island on longer outings.
• Flexible timing: You can linger at a swimming spot, skip a stop, or ask Šime to seek out quieter places.
• Useful extras included: Water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a GoPro are provided.
• Hotel and port pickup: Round-trip transfers are included, with pickup arrangements made in advance.
• Best value from six to eight hours: Four hours works well for a taste of the coast, but longer trips leave room for swimming and lunch.

Why a private boat makes sense around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for its stone walls, but its best summer views often come from offshore. From the water, you see the city and islands in their proper setting: steep shores, small coves, pale rock, and open Adriatic views.

A private charter changes the feel of the day. Instead of following a large boat that must keep to a strict timetable, you can tell Šime what sounds appealing. One family spent more time in the caves and swimming areas, passed by places that did not interest them, and stopped at a beach and fishing village. Another group asked for quiet spots, a swim in open water, and views of two lighthouses.

That flexibility is the heart of this experience. You are not simply buying transportation between three islands. You are paying for a skipper who can adjust the day around your group.

The boat is a Cap Camarat 7.5, described by several customers as clean, spacious, new, and comfortable for families or couples. It carries up to seven people, though the ideal number depends on how much personal room you want. With two people, the price is a splurge. With six or seven, it becomes a reasonable way to share a private day on the coast.

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

Koločep is the first main stop, and it gives the trip an immediate sense of adventure. The planned visit includes the Green Cave, the Blue Cave, and the Three Caves. These are natural coastal formations rather than formal attractions with admission gates, so your time is spent getting in, looking around, swimming, and enjoying the setting.

The Blue Cave is especially popular. If you want a quieter visit, an early start matters. One family arranged an early beginning and reached the first cave before the larger boats. For a few minutes, they had the place nearly to themselves. That detail is worth taking seriously during the busy season, when popular caves can feel less peaceful.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes. The boat carries snorkeling equipment and towels, and the GoPro can be used in the water. You can look into the caves from the boat, swim inside suitable areas, or simply admire the cliffs from the deck. The skipper can help you decide how much time each stop deserves.

The cave stops are not a museum visit or a guided geology lesson. Their appeal comes from the setting, the changing light, and the chance to enter the water directly from a private boat. If your group prefers long swims, allow more than a quick photo stop. If caves are not your main interest, you can shorten this part and give more time to the beach or village later.

Lopud and the sandy shore at Šunj

Lopud brings a different kind of scenery. The main attraction is Šunj Beach, a sandy beach that makes a pleasant change from the rocky coves common along the Adriatic. You can swim, sit by the shore, or take a break from the boat.

The beach is paired with a visit to Lopud village, where you can walk around and stop at one of the local restaurants. This makes Lopud the most useful stop for a longer outing because it combines beach time, a little island wandering, and lunch.

I like the balance here. Koločep is about caves and swimming from the boat, while Lopud gives you a chance to put your feet on land. You can ask Šime to call ahead for a restaurant reservation, a helpful touch when you are trying to make the most of a six- or eight-hour trip. Several groups praised his restaurant suggestions, including a seafood meal on Lopud.

Do not expect a major urban center. The village is valued for its small scale and relaxed feel. You might spend an hour on the beach, walk through the village, and enjoy lunch without trying to turn the stop into a rushed sightseeing checklist.

There is one practical tradeoff. Time spent at Šunj and in the village reduces time available for Šipan or additional swimming bays. That is not a problem on a full-day booking, but it matters on four hours. Tell Šime what matters most before setting off.

Šipan, the longer-trip reward

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

That timing tells you something important about the geography of the outing. A four-hour tour is not a full survey of the islands. It is a focused coastal excursion, best suited to caves, a swim, and one land stop. If Šipan is a priority, book more time.

The supplied details do not promise a particular activity on Šipan, so you should treat it as an added island stop rather than expect a fixed program there. Ask about the plan when booking if you want to give this island more than a passing visit. The private format makes that conversation worthwhile.

The eight-hour option allows the most breathing room. You can visit all three islands, spend real time in the water, stop for lunch, and still avoid turning the day into a race between locations. One couple specifically wished they had booked eight hours after finding that the time passed quickly.

What Šime adds to the day

The strongest part of this outing is not just the boat or the scenery. It is the skipper. Šime, often referred to as Simon, is repeatedly praised for his friendly manner, local knowledge, clear communication, and safe handling of the boat.

That description is backed by practical examples. He contacted people before the trip to confirm pickup details, checked in again on the morning of the outing, and helped one cruise-port group find the boat. He also adjusted the plan for families with young children, guests who wanted unusual stops, and people who preferred to avoid busy areas.

You can ask for a loose plan rather than arrive with a rigid checklist. Want caves? Spend more time at Koločep. Want a beach? Give Lopud priority. Want a quiet bay and a swim? Say so. Want a restaurant reservation? Ask in advance.

Šime also provides context about Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the islands while you travel. This is not a formal lecture, and that is part of its charm. You can ask questions as the coast passes by and get local suggestions tied to your interests.

The experience is still dependent on the skipper’s judgment and the day’s sea conditions. That is normal for a private boat trip. The benefit is that you have someone who can adjust the pace, rather than a fixed schedule that treats every group the same.

Drinks, towels, and the little things that matter

The included supplies make a real difference. Water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine are served on board. Towels and snorkeling equipment are available, and a GoPro is provided for underwater photos and video.

These extras save you from packing a full beach kit, though you should still bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you personally need for a day outside. The boat is not an all-inclusive resort, but it has the basics that make swimming stops convenient.

The drinks are also useful because the day can run long. On an eight-hour trip, you are not returning to a hotel every few hours for a break. Having water on board is essential, while beer and wine suit the slower stretches between islands.

One family used the snorkeling gear and GoPro at several cave and swimming stops. Another group appreciated the towels and drinks while exploring with children. These are modest additions, but they make a private charter feel more polished.

Pickup from hotels, apartments, and the cruise port

Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included, and pickup arrangements are confirmed after booking. This removes one of the more annoying parts of a boat excursion: finding an unfamiliar marina at the right time.

The service also works for cruise passengers, based on the experience of one family with limited time in Dubrovnik. They walked about ten minutes from their cruise ship to the boat meeting point, with flat sidewalks along the way, and returned to the ship after the four-hour trip. They still had time for lunch and a short visit to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Do not treat that example as a guaranteed schedule for every ship. Cruise docking times, disembarkation delays, traffic, and meeting points can vary. If you are in port for one day, provide your ship details and confirm the exact pickup instructions early.

The operator also uses a separate driver for some transfers. Ana was praised for friendly, helpful service, including pickup and drop-off. That extra transport support can make the tour easier for families, couples, and anyone who does not want to negotiate local transport before a day on the sea.

Four, six, or eight hours?

The tour is offered for roughly four to eight hours, and the duration you choose shapes the experience.

Four hours is a good fit if you have limited time, are visiting on a cruise, or mainly want caves and a swim. You can visit Koločep and Lopud, but the schedule needs discipline. Šipan is not normally part of the plan unless earlier stops are short.

Six hours is the best middle ground for many people. You have time for the caves, a beach or swimming bay, a village stop, and possibly lunch without rushing every decision. It also gives the skipper more room to adjust the route when your group changes its mind.

Eight hours is best if the boat day is one of your main Dubrovnik activities. You can include Šipan, stop for lunch, spend longer in the water, and make several pauses along the coast. The catch is simple: you need to be comfortable spending most of a day on a boat.

The longer options cost more than the advertised group price if the booking structure changes, so confirm the exact rate for your chosen duration. Still, the group price of $544.43 for up to seven people can be strong value when split among several people. A six-person group pays about $91 per person before any difference for duration, which may compare well with separate transport, drinks, and a private guide.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it most to families, couples, small friend groups, and cruise passengers who value control over their schedule. Families with children can slow down at a cave or leave a stop early without worrying about holding up a large group.

It also suits people who want a relaxed day rather than a packed sightseeing tour. You can swim, sit on deck, have a drink, ask questions, and let the skipper suggest the next stop.

Accessibility should be discussed before booking. One wheelchair user said Šime checked in advance to ask whether boarding would work. That is encouraging, but the supplied details do not guarantee full wheelchair accessibility, so contact the operator with your exact needs.

This may not be ideal if you dislike boats, want a formal historical tour at every stop, or prefer the lowest possible price. A large group boat will usually cost less per person. You give up privacy and control, but that may be a fair trade if your priority is budget.

Weather, cancellation, and basic planning

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a 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.

Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times follow local time in Dubrovnik, so do not wait until the last minute if your plans are uncertain.

The booking is confirmed immediately, and the activity is offered in English. It is near public transportation, though the included transfer service may be simpler than arranging your own route.

Plan for sun, swimming, and wind. Wear something comfortable for boat travel, keep valuables secure, and bring any medication or personal snacks you need. The operator supplies drinks, but the provided details do not promise meals, so lunch should be arranged on Lopud if you want a restaurant stop.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands private boat tour?

I would book this tour if your goal is a personal day on the Adriatic, not just a quick ride between islands. The private boat, flexible route, included equipment, drinks, and dependable pickup service give it real value, especially for a group of four to seven people.

Choose four hours for a compact taste of the caves and coast. Choose six hours for the best balance. Choose eight hours if you want Šipan, lunch, longer swimming stops, and time to enjoy the boat without watching the clock.

The biggest reason to choose Stella Maris Dubrovnik Boats is Šime. He listens, knows the area, and adjusts the outing to suit the people on board. That turns a standard island trip into a day that can match your group, whether you want caves, beaches, restaurants, lighthouses, or simply a quiet stretch of sea.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The listed price is $544.43 per group, for up to seven people. The exact amount may depend on the duration you select.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to eight hours. Four-hour, six-hour, and eight-hour outings are described in the available details.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. Šipan is generally visited on six- and eight-hour tours, while four-hour trips usually focus on Koločep and Lopud.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are served. Snorkeling equipment, towels, and a GoPro are also provided.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included. Pickup arrangements are confirmed after booking, and cruise-port pickups have also been accommodated.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.