Private Boat Tour Dubrovnik and Elaphiti Islands

Imagine floating along the shimmering waters of the Adriatic, with Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls looming above and the coastline unfolding in all its scenic glory. That’s exactly what a private boat tour like this promises — a chance to see Dubrovnik from a perspective few get to experience. This particular tour, offered by Dubrovnik By Boats, has garnered glowing reviews, and for good reason. We’re here to give you a thorough look at what this adventure entails, with insights on why it might be just right for your trip.

What we love about this experience is its ability to combine stunning scenery with a personal touch. The boat is private, meaning no crowds, just your group enjoying the day at your own pace. Plus, the stops—ranging from beaches to caves—offer both relaxation and a bit of adventure. One thing to consider is the price, which might seem steep for some travelers, but when you factor in the private service, multiple stops, and personalized attention, the value starts to shine. This tour is ideal for those who want a flexible, scenic, and memorable day on the water with a small group, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Exclusive to your group, eliminating the hustle of larger tours.
• Varied Itinerary: Offers a mix of beaches, caves, and city views, catering to diverse interests.
• Flexible Stops: Ability to spend as much time as you like at each location, enhancing the experience.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings with comments about friendly guides, stunning scenery, and good value.
• Includes Food & Drinks: Noted for delicious offerings, adding to the enjoyment.
• Ideal for Small Groups: Perfect for intimate trips, family outings, or friends’ gatherings.

An Honest Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the Porat Dubrovnik meeting point, conveniently accessible and clearly organized. Lasting around 4 hours, it offers enough time to see multiple highlights without feeling rushed. The price is around $419.63 per group, accommodating up to eight people—this means you get your own boat, which is a significant perk if you dislike crowded tours.

What You Get for Your Money

At first glance, a private boat for roughly four hours might seem costly, but considering the personalized service, the variety of stops, and the inclusion of food and drinks (based on reviews mentioning tasty food), it can be a solid value. The reviews are filled with praise about the crew’s friendliness and professionalism, which makes a big difference when you’re on a boat for several hours.

The Itinerary Breakdown: Why It Matters

The tour is designed to show you both Dubrovnik’s striking coastline and the natural beauty of nearby islands. Here’s what you’ll likely experience:

Sunj Beach:
Our first stop is on Lopud Island at Sunj Beach, renowned for its soft white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters. It’s the kind of place where you can dive straight in without worrying about deep waters or rough currents. Travelers consistently mention how perfect this beach is for swimming and sunbathing, with one review calling it “a hidden treasure” and appreciating that it’s rare to find such a sandy beach in this region. You’ll have about 2 hours here to relax, swim, or take photos of the stunning scenery.

Dubrovnik City Walls from the Sea:
Next, you’ll glide past Dubrovnik’s legendary walls, offering a fresh perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage site. The significant advantage here is the panoramic view, which is often praised for its photogenic quality. The boat provides a different angle than land-based tours, with some reviews noting the “stunning coastline views” and “beautiful photo opportunities.” This stop is brief—about 15 minutes—but packs a visual punch that’s hard to match from the ground.

Blue Cave on Koločep Island:
One of the main highlights is the Blue Cave, where sunlight reflecting off the white seabed creates a striking blue glow. It’s a must-see for photographers and nature lovers alike. The 25-minute stop allows you to swim and snorkel in these shimmering waters, a favorite among travelers who cite it as “a hidden gem” with “stunning blue light effects.” The cave’s unique beauty makes it a standout feature.

Three Green Caves:
Rather than a boat-accessible cave, these are accessible only by swimming — a nice bonus for those who want a more active experience. The green hue created by sunlight reflecting off the cave walls offers another memorable scene. Expect another 25-minute window for swimming and exploring this tranquil spot. Several reviewers loved this part, describing it as “a beautiful experience,” and appreciated the opportunity to get in the water in such a scenic setting.

The Experience of the Stops: What You’ll Feel and See

Sunj Beach offers a laid-back start to your journey. The soft sand and shallow waters make it excellent for families or travelers who just want to relax and soak up the sun. It’s a place where you can take a quick swim, snap some photos of the coastline, or simply unwind on the boat’s deck. Reviewers mention that the food served here was “delicious,” which adds to the overall value, especially if that includes local snacks or tapas.

The Dubrovnik city walls from the water give you a chance to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the fortress walls that have protected the city for centuries. The view from the sea emphasizes their impressive height and strategic placement. It’s a visual treat and a great photo-op, especially with the sunlight casting shadows and highlighting the medieval architecture.

The Blue Cave is popular, and rightly so. The water here is incredibly clear, and the blue light effect—caused by sunlight bouncing off the white seabed—is enchanting. Many reviewers describe this as “one of the most beautiful spots” they visited on their trip. Snorkeling here allows you to get up close and personal with the vibrant marine life. The cave’s short but memorable stay is often highlighted as a highlight of the tour.

The Green Caves provide a slightly more adventurous element, requiring a swim to enter. The green glow, caused by sunlight reflecting off the cave walls, makes for a magical moment. Several travelers loved this part, commenting that it was “a beautiful experience” and a chance to connect with nature.

The Beaches and Natural Beauty

The tour’s stops are carefully chosen to showcase both the historical and natural beauty of the Dubrovnik region. The beaches on Lopud and the caves on Koločep are praised for their tranquility and scenic setting. Travelers often remark on the crystal-clear waters and the peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from busy city life.

Food, Drinks, and Comfort

Many reviews highlight the delicious food served during the trip, often described as “great,” “tasty,” and “a highlight.” The inclusion of food and drinks is a key part of the experience, turning a boat ride into a full-day, relaxed outing. The boat itself is noted for being clean and spacious, with comfortable seating and a friendly crew that makes guests feel welcome from start to finish.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Timing and Flexibility:
The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving plenty of options to fit your schedule. The flexible nature of the stops means you can prioritize swimming, sightseeing, or relaxing.

Group Size and Privacy:
With a maximum of 8 people per group, the experience remains intimate. This is perfect for families, small groups of friends, or couples seeking a private, personalized outing.

Price and Value:
While the per-group cost might seem high, it includes exclusive use of the boat, personalized service, and multiple stops. Many travelers considered this good value, especially given the high praise for guides, the boat’s comfort, and the quality of food.

Weather and Cancellation:
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

Accessibility and Collection:
The meeting point is easily accessible near public transportation, and the tour ends where it begins, making logistics simple.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private boat tour suits travelers looking for a flexible, scenic, and personalized experience. It’s ideal if you value comfort, intimate settings, and the chance to customize your day. Families, small groups of friends, or couples will find it particularly appealing. The stops cater to those who want a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, all wrapped into a four-hour adventure.

People who appreciate good food and friendly guides will especially enjoy this trip. It’s suitable for those who prefer avoiding large crowds and want the freedom to spend more time at the spots they love most. If you’re seeking a unique perspective on Dubrovnik’s coastline and islands, this tour offers a memorable, well-rounded option.

FAQs

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this experience is exclusive to your group, with no other parties sharing the boat.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, giving enough time for multiple stops without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
While not explicitly detailed, reviews mention delicious food and drinks, along with the boat, skipper, and personalized service.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

What stops are included?
You’ll visit Sunj Beach on Lopud Island, Dubrovnik city walls from the sea, the Blue Cave on Koločep, and the Three Green Caves.

Is swimming allowed?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are available, especially at the Blue Cave and Green Caves.

Is the boat accessible for everyone?
The tour is designed for small groups (up to 8), but specific accessibility info isn’t provided. Generally, it’s suited for travelers comfortable with water activities.

What’s the best time to book?
Any day between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM works, but early booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.

How do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is Porat Dubrovnik, Ribarnica ul. 1. It’s easy to find and near public transportation.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour offers a splendid way to see Dubrovnik from a different angle, combining the historic with the natural in a relaxed, intimate setting. Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and good value — especially considering the personalized service and variety of stops.

If you’re after a flexible, memorable day that combines sightseeing, swimming, and good food, this experience fits the bill. It’s especially well-suited for small groups or families who want to avoid crowded tours and enjoy a more tailored adventure. The high reviews speak to its quality, making it a trustworthy choice for your Dubrovnik itinerary.

In the end, this tour isn’t just about the sights; it’s about creating a relaxing, fun, and picture-perfect day that you’ll remember long after the boat has docked.