Hidden Gems Odyssey: Private Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Tour

The Hidden Gems Odyssey: Private Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Tour offers a highly customizable experience that departs from Dubrovnik, Croatia, for $332.35 per person. This tour lasts approximately 4 to 8 hours, making it perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed, private day on the water. The tour is led by a local skipper and guide who stay with your group throughout, ensuring a tailored experience at each stop.

What truly sets this tour apart is its flexibility—you can linger at your favorite spots or make special requests, such as wine tasting or monastery visits. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and personalized service. One key consideration is that this is a private activity, so it’s ideal for groups seeking an exclusive, intimate adventure rather than a crowded tour.

While lunch and underwater scooters are not included, the tour offers snorkeling gear, beach towels, unlimited drinks, and safety equipment. The pickup service simplifies logistics, and the group discounts make it a good value for families or small parties. This experience is especially suited to those who want a customized, guided boat trip with plenty of opportunities for swimming, scenic views, and even wine tasting.

Key Points

• Private boat experience with a local skipper and guide for a fully personalized day
• Stops at three islands: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, with options for swimming and exploring
• Flexible itinerary allowing you to linger or make requests, including wine tasting or monastery visits
• Includes snorkeling gear, beach towels, unlimited drinks, and safety equipment
• Duration varies from 4 to 8 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Highly praised for guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility

Private Boat Tour from Dubrovnik with a Local Skipper

This private boat tour departs from the Old Town port in Dubrovnik, starting at a convenient spot near the Lokanda restaurant. The local skipper is known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to customize the day. You will get a chance to explore the Elaphiti Islands, a cluster of islands just off the Dalmatian coast, with a focus on relaxing and personalized experiences rather than large group activities.

The pickup service makes the start hassle-free, and the group discounts help make this tour accessible for families and small groups. The cost is $332.35 per person, and most bookings are made 56 days in advance, reflecting high popularity.

The duration can extend up to 8 hours, offering plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, or just relaxing on deck with unlimited drinks. The tour’s flexible nature appeals to travelers who prefer a tailored experience, whether that means exploring secluded caves or lounging at popular beaches.

Exploring Kolocep Island: First Stop for Swimming and Sightseeing

The first stop on this tour is Kolocep Island, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. This enchanting island is known for its scenic beauty and is an ideal spot for a swim in the Adriatic Sea. The stop lasts approximately 2 hours, giving plenty of time for guests to explore the coast, snorkel with provided gear, or simply relax on the boat.

The Blue Cave on Kolocep is a highlight, offering a chance to see the famous Blue Cave with its shimmering water, accessible by your private boat. The admission to this stop is free, but the experience of swimming in crystal-clear waters and taking photos makes it memorable.

This island is perfect for those who enjoy quiet, scenic spots away from crowds, and the skipper can point out interesting features or arrange a monastery tour if desired. The personalized approach means you can spend as much time as you like here.

Sun and Sand at Lopud Island’s Famous Beaches

The second major stop is Lopud Island, famous for its sandy beach at Šunj Beach. Here, guests typically spend about 3 hours, soaking up the sun and swimming in the calm waters. The beach is renowned for its soft sand and gentle waves, making it perfect for families or anyone wanting to relax onshore.

Beyond swimming, the guide can help arrange lunch reservations at local restaurants or recommend spots like Sunj Beach Bar for drinks and snacks. The skipper can also take you to secluded coves or other quiet areas for more swimming and sunbathing.

The timing is flexible, so you can stay longer if you wish, or explore the island’s charming village. The free admission and focus on personalized service make Lopud a standout stop for unwinding.

Sipan Island and the Charm of Ipan’s Beaches

The final stop is Sipan Island, which is the largest and most populated of the Elaphiti islands. The tour typically spends about 3 hours here, with opportunities to swim in beautiful coves and explore local villages.

Ipan, a notable location on Sipan, is known for its red beaches and wine tasting options, if arranged. The skipper and guide can facilitate additional activities like monastery visits or lunch at a local restaurant.

Sipan offers a mix of scenic beauty and local charm, with less crowded spots that are perfect for relaxed exploration. The free admission and customizable itinerary let you maximize your time and interests.

Snorkeling, Safety, and Onboard Amenities

Snorkeling gear and beach towels are included, allowing you to enjoy the underwater scenery easily. The boat is equipped with life vests and safety gear, ensuring a secure experience for all ages.

Guests can enjoy unlimited local beer, wine, water, sodas, and fruits during the trip, adding to the laid-back vibe. For those interested in a better snorkeling experience, an underwater scooter can be rented for 70 cash.

The tour also covers fuel costs and hotel pickup/drop-off in Dubrovnik, simplifying your logistics. The flexibility to linger at favorite spots and request additional activities makes this tour a personal adventure, not a rigid schedule.

Guides, Personalization, and Customer Service

Reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness, knowledge, and flexibility. Guides like Ivan, Michael, Bruno, and Gigi are praised for their local expertise and willingness to tailor the day to guests’ preferences.

Guests consistently mention the guides’ storytelling, recommendations for secluded spots and restaurants, and their accommodating attitudes. The personal touch—like arranging wine tastings or spotting hidden caves—significantly enhances the experience.

The ability to choose between popular or secluded locations, along with the personalized service, makes this tour stand out compared to more generic group excursions.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

Most bookings are made 56 days in advance, reflecting strong demand. The meeting point is in Dubrovnik’s Old Town port, near a local restaurant, making it easy to locate.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including children, who must be accompanied by an adult. It’s not suitable for those seeking a large group experience—this is a private tour only for your party.

Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and will be offered a different date or full refund if canceled due to weather, which is important to consider during unpredictable seasons.

Customized Experiences Make This Tour Stand Out

This private, flexible boat tour offers a personalized view of Dubrovnik’s surrounding islands, with stops at Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing. The guides’ local knowledge and willingness to customize create a memorable, stress-free experience.

Guests appreciate the unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, and personalized itinerary. The high praise for guides’ friendliness and professionalism shows how much the service enhances the adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers wanting an intimate, tailored day on the water, with options to add wine tasting or explore secluded caves. It’s less ideal for those seeking a fixed schedule or a larger group setting, but perfect for small groups or families looking for a luxurious, private escape from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this tour?
The tour includes snorkeling gear, beach towels, fuel, a local skipper, unlimited drinks (beer, wine, water, sodas, fruits), and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long does the tour last?
The duration is approximately 4 to 8 hours, depending on your preferences and requests for linger or extra activities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible, and the guide can arrange wine tasting, monastery tours, lunch, and other extras based on your interests.

What stops are included?
Stops are made at Kolocep Island for swimming and caves, Lopud Island for beaches and relaxation, and Sipan Island for more swimming and exploration.

Are there any additional costs?
Lunch is not included, and an underwater scooter can be rented for 70 cash. Pickup at locations like Sheraton, Mlini, or Cavtat costs 70 cash if desired.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult but are welcome on this private experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start. If canceled earlier, a full refund is provided; less than 24 hours, the fee is non-refundable.

How do I book this tour?
Most reservations are made 56 days in advance through the provider, Rewind Dubrovnik. Contact details are available for questions or special requests.

Is weather a concern?
Yes, the tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

This private Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave tour offers a relaxed, customizable day at sea, perfect for groups seeking intimacy, flexibility, and high-quality guiding. With stunning scenery, personalized service, and unlimited drinks, it creates an enjoyable Dubrovnik experience that’s tailored to your pace and interests.