Rent a speed boat and explore beaches and coves of Elaphiti Islands

Three islands, one fast boat, endless sea views. This private speedboat trip gives you a lively way to explore the Elaphiti Islands, with time for Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, Šipan’s old fishing port, and the clear coves of Koločep. I especially like the flexible schedule and the fact that your group controls how long to stay at each island.

The boat includes snorkeling gear, a sunshade, a fridge, drinks, and hotel pickup within Dubrovnik city. The main drawback is the ride itself: a speedboat can be fun but bumpy, and swimming into some caves requires confidence in the water.

Key points before you book

• Private boat for up to six people: You get the boat and skipper for your own group rather than sharing the excursion with a large crowd.
• Flexible four- to eight-hour format: You can choose a shorter outing or allow more time for beaches, swimming, and island walks.
• Lopud has the best mix of beach and sightseeing: Visit Šunj Beach, explore old paths, or stop for a drink in the village.
• Šipan feels the least polished: Suđurađ offers old stone homes, fishing boats, and a slower island atmosphere.
• Koločep is the swimming stop: Expect clear water, small coves, underwater views, cliffs, and caves.
• Experienced skippers make a difference: Eric, Roko, Tito, Mark, Ivan, and Luca have all been praised for their care, local tips, and good humor.

Why a private speedboat works well here

The Elaphiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, but each island has a different character. A boat lets you link them in one outing instead of waiting for separate ferries or choosing only one destination. You also get the pleasure of moving across open water with the Croatian coast behind you.

The private format matters most for couples, families, or a small group of friends. With a maximum of six people, you can decide if the day is about swimming, beaches, food, old buildings, or simply sitting under the sunshade with a cold drink. You are not locked into a fixed timetable at every stop.

The tour lasts about four to eight hours. Four hours is enough to make the island circuit at a brisk pace, with roughly two hours at Lopud and an hour each at Šipan and Koločep. An eight-hour booking gives you more freedom, particularly if you want a long lunch, a proper beach break, or extra time in the water.

The speedboat is fitted with a sunshade, sundeck, and fridge. Bottled water, soda, wine, and beer are included, along with snorkeling equipment. Bring your own swimsuit, since it is not provided, and remember that a boat trip can feel cooler when the boat is moving quickly.

Setting out from Yacht Club Orsan

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4 in Dubrovnik. Pickup is offered from addresses in the city area when they are more than one kilometer from the starting point. Pickup is not included for locations under one kilometer away, and the operator does not collect passengers from outside Dubrovnik city.

For pickup, transport is by air-conditioned minivan or car. That is a useful touch if you are staying away from the marina, but you should check the one-kilometer rule before assuming a hotel transfer is included. The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Once aboard, expect the ride to be part of the attraction. The boat is quick, but the ride may be bumpy when the sea is choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the skipper recommends and avoid treating the included beer or wine as your first drink of the day.

The group size is limited to six, and this is a private activity. Children must be accompanied by adults. Most people can take part, but you should tell the operator about specific requirements when booking.

Lopud: Šunj Beach, old paths, and island comforts

Lopud is the most rounded first stop because it offers both a proper beach and a village with places to eat and drink. The island is known for sandy beaches, rocky paths, pine and old forest areas, olive groves, vineyards, and stone houses.

The big draw is Šunj Beach. Sand is not something you should take for granted along the Croatian coast, where rocky shorelines are common, so this is a good place to spend time in the water or stretch out on the beach. A local legend says that couples who bathe together at Šunj will never part. You can decide for yourself if the sea has that kind of power.

Lopud also works well if you want more than swimming. You might walk through the old village, stop at a cocktail bar, sample local olive oil or wine, or look for a restaurant serving island food. The island is inhabited, so it has more services than the quieter stops on this route.

One unusual sight is one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens. The island also has a museum called the Temple of Sun, where different shades move across the interior as you walk through it. These are worthwhile additions if you prefer a little culture with your beach time.

The suggested stop is two hours on the shorter route, but the exact timing is yours. On a four-hour tour, you will need to choose between a long swim, a walk, and a meal. On the eight-hour option, Lopud can receive the extra time it deserves.

My practical advice is to discuss priorities with your skipper at the start. If Šunj is your main goal, say so early. If you want the botanical garden, village, and beach, the longer booking makes more sense.

Šipan: a quieter port and old Dubrovnik summer homes

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and feels different from Lopud. The stop is based around Suđurađ, an old fishing port where you can have coffee, walk around, and see an island community that has retained more of its traditional character.

The island is known for its large number of olive trees and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for having the biggest number of olive trees on one island. The olive groves are part of what gives Šipan its slower, rural feel.

History appears in a more domestic form here. Dubrovnik families once used Šipan as a summer retreat, and the island still has old villas and religious buildings. You might see the late-Gothic Rector’s Palace, ruins of archbishops’ palaces, and the 16th-century castle built by the Stjepović-Skočibuha family.

A defensive tower beside the castle recalls the time when island settlements had to protect themselves from pirates. In Suđurađ, fishing families still maintain their traditions, and the harbor has small and large boats, old stone houses, and children selling seashells.

Šipan is a good counterpoint to Lopud. Lopud is better for a classic beach stop, while Šipan is better for a look at island life. Tourism has not shaped the port as heavily, partly because Šipan is farther from Dubrovnik. You may find the pace wonderfully calm, though anyone expecting a packed schedule of attractions could find the stop modest.

The suggested visit lasts one hour. That is enough for coffee and a short walk, but not enough for a long exploration of the island. The appeal is not a major attraction with a long queue. It is the chance to pause beside the harbor and see a quieter side of southern Dalmatia.

Koločep: clear coves, caves, and snorkeling time

Koločep is the final stop and the place to plan around if swimming is your priority. The island has clear water, fish, seashells, pine trees, olive trees, small coves, cliffs, and caves.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and tube. The underwater views are a central part of the stop, and the water is described as clear enough for seeing fish and shells. A short beach break is also included in the plan.

The island has two villages, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo. You can walk through them to see typical Mediterranean settlement patterns in southern Dalmatia. Still, the main reason to stop here is the coast rather than a long inland walk.

The caves are the adventurous part of the outing. Some are associated with the blue-cave experience described by guests, with swimming into an entrance and seeing the changing color of the water. The entrance is not large, and waves can make the approach more demanding. You should be a capable swimmer before attempting it.

This is not the place to assume you can simply step into shallow water from a paved dock. Conditions change, and your skipper will help you judge what is sensible. If you are not comfortable swimming in open water, you can still enjoy the boat, the shore, and the views, but the cave portion may not be right for you.

The suggested Koločep stop is one hour. That gives you time for a swim and a short look around, though an eight-hour trip allows more room if your group wants to stay in the water.

Skippers can shape the whole day

A private boat outing depends heavily on the person at the helm. The most praised skippers on this experience are Eric, Roko, Tito, Mark, Ivan, and Luca.

Eric is described as warm, attentive, and fluent in English. One especially thoughtful moment involved lending a windbreaker to a passenger who felt cold early in the ride. That small act tells you what you want from a skipper on the water: awareness, patience, and quick attention to comfort.

Roko has been praised for making the day feel special and for guiding people through caves and beaches. Tito is known for patience, useful swimming tips, and interesting local stories. Mark is described as attentive and helpful when showing people how to explore the caves.

Ivan has received especially strong praise for creating a memorable boat day, including helping a group celebrate two birthdays. Luca is a popular choice for groups of friends and families, with music, swimming, cave visits, and time at a beach club forming part of the fun.

You cannot guarantee a particular skipper unless the operator confirms it, but you can ask when booking. If you have a birthday, a family concern, or a strong interest in caves, tell the company ahead of time. The crew can then understand what kind of day you want.

What the $720.84 price really means

The price is $720.84 for a private group of up to six people. At full capacity, that works out to about $120 per person. For four people, it is about $180 per person, and for two people, about $360 each.

That is not a cheap island transfer, but it is a fairer deal for a full group than for a couple. You are paying for a private boat, skipper, flexible timing, pickup in Dubrovnik when applicable, snorkeling gear, drinks, and the ability to visit three islands in one day.

The value improves if your group wants control. You can linger at Šunj, shorten the historic walk on Šipan, or spend extra time snorkeling at Koločep. A shared boat may cost less, but it will not give you the same say over the schedule.

For two people, compare the price with your priorities. If you mainly want a quick swim, a public boat may be enough. If you want a private day with no unfamiliar group aboard, the extra cost can be worthwhile, especially for a special occasion.

The practical drawbacks to keep in mind

The boat is fun, but it is not a smooth coastal cruise in every condition. The ride can be bumpy, and wind or waves may affect your comfort. The operator requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Swimming ability matters. The cave entrance may be small, waves can be present, and the boat may stop in places suited to swimming rather than easy shore access. Bring a swimsuit, and consider carrying a towel and any personal sun protection you need.

The four-hour version may feel rushed if you want substantial time at all three islands. The eight-hour version is a better choice for a relaxed day, but it also means spending longer in the sun and on the water.

The listed cost includes alcoholic drinks, but you should pace yourself. Beer and wine are pleasant additions after a swim, not a substitute for water or shade. Bottled water and soda are also supplied.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation is normally sent at booking, although reservations made within two hours of departure are confirmed as soon as possible and depend on availability.

Who will enjoy this island day most

I would choose this trip for a small group that wants a mix of beach time, local scenery, cave swimming, and a little island history. Couples may especially like the private setting and the romantic legend attached to Šunj Beach.

Families can enjoy the private format, but adults must accompany children, and the swimming sections require sensible judgment. Ask the skipper about conditions before allowing children into a cave or open-water area.

It is also a strong choice for friends marking a birthday or another occasion. The crew has experience helping groups celebrate, and the boat gives you space to play music, relax, and set your own rhythm.

I would be more cautious about booking it if you dislike bumpy rides, cannot swim confidently, or want a long museum visit and formal sightseeing at every stop. This is primarily a sea day with light cultural stops, not a full historical tour.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands speedboat?

Book it if you have up to six people and want the freedom to shape a private day on the water. The strongest reasons are the flexible stops, the excellent skipper care, and the mix of Šunj Beach, Šipan’s port, and Koločep’s coves.

Choose eight hours if you want the day to feel relaxed. Choose four hours if you mainly want a fast sample of the islands and a few swims. Before paying, confirm pickup, ask about the expected skipper, and be honest about your swimming ability.

For a full group, the price offers good value. For two people, it is a special-occasion splurge. Either way, this is one of the better choices in Dubrovnik for turning the nearby islands into an active, personal day rather than just another boat transfer.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat experience last?

The tour lasts approximately four to eight hours. The length you choose affects how much time you can spend at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

How many people can join the private boat?

A maximum of six people can be included in one booking. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Yacht Club Orsan at Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The experience ends back at the Yacht Club Orsan meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is included for locations in Dubrovnik city that are more than one kilometer from the starting point. Pickup is not included for locations under one kilometer away or outside Dubrovnik city.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, wine, and beer are included in the experience.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. A swimsuit is not included, so you need to bring your own.

Can children take part?

Children can participate but must be accompanied by adults.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.