Dubrovnik Private Elaphiti Islands Tour with Blue Cave Visit

Explore Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands on a Private Blue Cave & Beach Tour

This private Elaphiti Islands tour from Dubrovnik offers a personalized experience that lasts approximately 4 to 8 hours. For $371.97 per group, up to 8 people can enjoy a day exploring three stunning islands: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. The tour is highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 31 reviews, and comes with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off within the Dubrovnik area.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of guided exploration, cave visits, swimming, and snorkeling in a flexible itinerary. The trip starts with a scenic view of Dubrovnik’s historic coastline before heading out to the islands, making it a great option for those seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. The small group size ensures a more intimate and relaxed experience, ideal for families, couples, or friends looking for a personalized day on the water.

While the tour offers many highlights, it is worth noting that meals are not included, so packing some snacks or a picnic is recommended. This tour suits travelers eager to discover hidden caves and pristine beaches away from crowds, with guides who are praised for their expert knowledge and friendly approach.

Key Points

• Private tour for up to 8 guests at a flat rate of $371.97
• Duration ranges from 4 to 8 hours, depending on pace and stops
• Visit three islands: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan
• Includes snorkeling gear, water, beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik simplifies logistics
• Guide-led exploration of caves and beaches, with swimming and relaxing time

Scenic Departure from Dubrovnik with Island Views

The tour begins with a pickup in Dubrovnik at Lapadska obala, a location near public transport options. The boat departs with a local skipper at the helm, offering comfortable seating and clear views of Dubrovnik’s old town and fortifications as you leave the mainland behind. The initial segment provides a glimpse of the city’s historic walls before the focus shifts to the islands.

This scenic departure sets the tone for the day, combining city vistas with the promise of island tranquility. The small group size and private nature make this experience feel exclusive, with personalized attention from the skipper-guide. The mobile ticket ensures easy access and flexibility for meeting arrangements.

Discovering Kolocep Island and the Blue Cave

Kolocep Island, often called Kalamota by locals, is the first stop on the tour. Known for its lush forests and peaceful beaches, it’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs and soak in nature. The island is car-free, which enhances its tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxing walk or swim.

The highlight at Kolocep is the Blue Cave, accessible only by swimming. The guide helps visitors explore this famous cave, known for its vivid turquoise waters that shimmer as sunlight filters through. The guide stays with the group to ensure safe access and to share interesting insights about the caves’ formations. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore three caves, enhancing the sense of adventure and discovery.

Swimming in the Blue Cave offers a chance to enjoy crystal-clear waters, making it a popular feature of this tour. The admission to the caves is included in the tour price, and the guide provides masks and snorkeling equipment for a comfortable experience.

Relaxing at Lopud’s Sunj Beach

After exploring Kolocep, the tour continues to Lopud Island for around 4 hours. The island is famous for Sunj Beach, a half-kilometer-long sandy stretch, known for its shallow waters and golden sand. It’s an excellent stop for families or anyone who enjoys relaxing on a beach with the option to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy refreshing cocktails and drinks.

The car-free nature of Lopud means you can walk freely along its peaceful pathways, exploring its small streets and scenic views. Visitors have free time to swim at Sunj Beach, lounge with sunbeds, or take a stroll on the island to discover local cafes and shops. The music on the boat adds a festive touch to the relaxing atmosphere, making the experience lively yet laid-back.

The free time at Lopud is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the warm Croatian sunshine, with the convenience of snorkeling equipment provided for underwater exploration.

Visiting Sipan: The Largest Elaphiti Island

The final stop is Sipan, the largest and most populated of the Elaphiti Islands. Located in a seaside village called Suura, Sipan features two Renaissance palaces, adding a touch of history to the visit. The two-hour visit allows for a brief exploration of this vibrant island, including a chance to see local architecture and enjoy the seaside scenery.

While the focus on Sipan is more about scenic views and a relaxed walk, the experience complements the earlier stops with a glimpse into local life and denseness of the island’s community. The tour’s well-paced schedule ensures that travelers leave feeling refreshed rather than rushed.

Included Amenities and Extras

This tour covers all essential needs with a local skipper and guide who stay with the group throughout. The fuel, mooring, and anchoring fees are included, ensuring smooth sailing. Beach towels, masks, and snorkeling gear are provided for water activities, along with water, beer, wine, and soft drinks to keep everyone refreshed.

The hotel pickup and drop-off service adds considerable convenience, especially in Dubrovnik’s busy area. However, meals are not included, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch is advisable for longer durations.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind in case of sudden plans or weather concerns. If weather conditions are poor, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded in full, reflecting a flexible approach to outdoor activities. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled start are not eligible for refunds.

The Experience Led by Knowledgeable Guides

The guides, notably Ivan in the reviews, are praised for their expertise and friendliness. They help visitors explore caves safely, point out hidden spots, and share interesting details about the caves and islands. The comfortable boat and attentive guidance elevate the experience, making it feel personalized.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private tour is ideal for those who value personalized service, want to avoid crowds, and prefer a flexible schedule. It caters to families, couples, friends, or small groups seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. The snorkeling and cave exploration make it especially appealing to water lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts on the Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands Tour

This private boat tour offers a well-rounded experience of the Elaphiti Islands, combining scenic cruising, cave exploration, and beach relaxation in a single day. The expert guides and comfortable boat ensure a smooth, informative, and memorable journey, with the flexibility to tailor stops and activities.

The price point reflects the personalized nature and included amenities, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking an up-close encounter with Croatia’s beautiful coastline. While meals are not included, the water, drinks, snorkeling gear, and hotel transfers add significant value. This tour suits travelers who want a customizable, intimate experience of Dubrovnik’s island scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s relaxed pace, calm waters, and shallow beach at Sunj make it suitable for families with children.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the pace and the stops chosen during the day.

What is included in the price?
The tour price includes the private boat with skipper, guidance, fuel, mooring, snorkeling equipment, beverages, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are meals provided?
No, meals are not included, so bringing snacks or a picnic is recommended.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather is bad?
Yes, full refunds are available if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, as long as cancellation occurs more than 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour different from other boat trips?
The private setting, customizable itinerary, and expert guides who stay with you throughout make this a personalized and relaxing alternative to larger group tours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, masks and snorkeling gear are included for all participants.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Lapadska obala in Dubrovnik, conveniently located near public transportation.

How many people can participate?
This tour is designed for groups of up to 8 guests to ensure a personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and any snacks or personal items needed for comfort during the day.