About this tour
When Sarah from our team took this private boat out to the Elaphiti Islands, it was exactly the kind of half-day escape Dubrovnik does well. You're heading out to three islands—Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan—stopping at sea caves, a sandy beach called Šunj, and whatever else the skipper reckons is worth your time. It's a relaxed affair: the boat's got a sundeck, snorkelling gear on hand, cold drinks flowing, and Wi-Fi if you can't quite switch off. Four to eight hours depending on what you book, and it's just your group, no cattle-call crowds.
Highlights
- Snorkelling in sea caves with provided equipment and gear
- Šunj beach stop—actual sand, rare on the Dalmatian coast
- Private boat means flexible itinerary, no fixed schedule pressure
- Sundeck with music and drinks keeps the vibe relaxed between stops
- Three distinct islands to explore in one outing
- Wi-Fi onboard if you need to stay half-connected
- Skipper knows the quiet spots tourists don't queue for
What to expect
Sarah found the rhythm pretty straightforward: you're picked up from Dubrovnik, motor out to the first island, and the day unfolds based on conditions and what your skipper suggests. The boat itself is the lounge—sundeck with shade, drinks chilling, and if you're keen, snorkelling kit ready to go. The islands themselves are low-key: Koločep and Lopud are small fishing communities with a handful of restaurants; Šipan's the largest but still quiet. The sea caves are the highlight for most people, especially if you're doing the snorkel bit. Water's clear, and it's genuinely good gear they hand you, not the dodgy tourist-trap stuff. Weather and boat traffic matter here—summer means rougher seas and more day-trippers on the public ferries, so mornings tend to be calmer.
Good to know
It's private, so no queuing or sharing with 40 other people. Snorkelling equipment's included and decent quality. You get actual beach time at Šunj, which most island-hoppers miss. The crew are relaxed and know the area well, so you're not just following a script. Kids under five ride free, and prams are fine if needed.
Lunch isn't included, so either pack food or budget for island restaurants (which can be pricey). Four to eight hours is a long stretch in the sun—bring proper sunscreen and a hat. If you're not a swimmer or snorkeller, you might feel a bit sidelined. Summer seas get choppy in the afternoon, so book mornings if you're prone to seasickness. The boat's smallish, so it's genuinely private but cosy. Check the weather forecast; rough conditions do cancel trips. Fuel surcharge is built in, but clarify total cost upfront. Group size is usually 2–8 people max.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.