From Dubrovnik: Private Island-Hopping Customizable Cruise

Planning a day on the water in Dubrovnik? This private and flexible boat tour offers a chance to explore the Elaphiti Islands and beyond at your own pace. Whether you want to visit iconic spots like the Blue Cave or discover your own secluded bay, this experience promises a personalized adventure that’s perfect for small groups. It’s an excellent way to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy the Croatian coast almost like a local.

What we really love about this tour is its customizable nature, allowing you to choose your own route and destinations. The boat is easy to handle, making it suitable even for first-timers or those with limited boating experience. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics simple. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that food and drinks onboard aren’t included, so you’ll want to bring your own supplies.

This experience is best suited for small groups who love flexibility, a bit of adventure, and authentic coastal scenery. If you’re seeking a laid-back, personalized day on the water — with the option to explore hidden corners of Dubrovnik’s archipelago — this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: You decide where to go, making each trip unique.
• All-Inclusive Pickup: Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik.
• Self-Guided Exploration: Explore small coves, beaches, caves, or iconic spots like the Blue Cave.
• Affordable Group Price: Around $259 for up to 6 people—great value for a private day.
• Easy-to-Use Boat: Powered with a 5 hp engine and equipped with sunshade and fridge.
• Weather Policy: Tours are rescheduled or refunded in case of bad weather.
• Bring Your Own Supplies: Pack food, drinks, sunscreen, and swimwear.
• Limited Outside Pickup: Service is within Dubrovnik city area only.
• Cancellation Flexibility: Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Imagine sailing out from Dubrovnik in your own vessel, with the freedom to craft your perfect day on the sea. That’s essentially what this private, customizable island-hopping cruise offers. Unlike larger group tours that follow a fixed schedule, this experience grants you the power of choice. You can explore the Elaphiti Islands, known for their small coves, secluded beaches, and caves, or deviate to find your own quiet spot away from the crowds.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics and lets you start your adventure without the hassle of arranging transportation. Once onboard your boat, a 5 hp Tohatsu engine powers your journey, giving enough control for a relaxed cruise. The boat’s features, like the sunshade and refrigerator, add to your comfort, especially on hot summer days.

What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. You could follow well-known routes, such as visiting the Blue Cave or Sunj Beach, or set your own course for a hidden cove. Many reviews highlight how effortless it is to manage the boat—Olivia mentions, “The boat was easy to use,” and the full day of exploration means you can really settle into the rhythm of the sea. With up to six passengers, the cost per group becomes very reasonable, especially for a private experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Day’s Itinerary: What You Might Expect

Since this tour is about your choices, it’s worth imagining the possibilities. You’ll start with a pickup from your accommodation — a major convenience that saves time and energy. The boat is prepared, equipped with a fridge for drinks, a sunshade for comfort, and straightforward controls.

Once on the water, you can head straight to the Elaphiti Islands, a cluster of islands famed for their natural beauty and charming villages. You might decide to visit the famous Sunj Beach, renowned for its clear waters and pebble shoreline, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Alternatively, the crew can point you toward caves or secluded beaches that aren’t as crowded, ideal for those seeking privacy.

Many travelers, like Tanya, enjoyed self-guided exploration at their own pace, visiting spots like Blue Cave, Sunj Beach, and other lesser-known coves. The flexibility means your day can be as lively or as relaxed as you prefer. You might spend the morning snorkeling or sunbathing, then forage for a picnic on a quiet beach, which you’re encouraged to bring along or arrange in advance.

The Experience of Self-Guided Freedom

What truly makes this experience shine is the ability to tailor your journey. The reviews reinforce how easy and enjoyable it is to navigate at your own pace. Tanya notes that the instructions were clear and the boat very easy to operate, making the entire trip accessible even to beginners. Olivia appreciated the full eight hours available, emphasizing that it’s a full day of adventure.

Since food and drinks are not included, packing a picnic becomes essential. Many travelers find it a highlight to bring their own snacks and beverages—perhaps some local Croatian delicacies or simple sandwiches—and enjoy them in a peaceful cove away from busy tourist spots.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of around $259 for a group of up to six offers good value, considering it’s a private experience. The cost includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat, motor, sunshade, and fridge, making your day hassle-free. However, you will need to bring your own food and drinks. Fuel costs are not included, but considering the engine size and likely short distances, fuel expenses should be minimal.

It’s also worth noting that pickup outside Dubrovnik city area isn’t available, so plan your accommodation accordingly. The tour’s flexibility in timing—reserve and pay later—means you can book with confidence but keep your plans adaptable.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Croatia’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in shoulder seasons. The tour provider’s policy is to reschedule or refund in case of bad weather, giving peace of mind that your experience won’t be marred by storms. If you need to cancel for any reason, doing so at least 24 hours in advance guarantees a full refund.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authenticity and Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and ease of use of the boat. Olivia’s comment about “highly recommend” and the mention of free parking highlight how smooth the logistics are. Tanya’s positive experience with guided self-exploration and visiting highlights like the Blue Cave emphasize the flexibility and adventure potential.

Comparing to Other Tours

While this tour doesn’t include guided commentary or organized stops, its strength lies in personalization. Other options, like group excursions to the Blue Cave or full-day trips with lunch, are available but often less flexible. If you prefer to set your own pace and choose your destinations, this private boat offers a much more tailored experience at a reasonable price.

This experience suits small groups of friends or family who want a personalized, relaxed day on the sea. It’s perfect for adventurers comfortable with handling a boat or willing to learn basic navigation. Those who appreciate authenticity and off-the-beaten-path spots will find plenty to love here. It’s also a good fit for travelers with flexible schedules who want to avoid crowded tours and craft their own route.

However, if you have mobility issues or need a guided tour with commentary, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re not keen on bringing your own food or drinks, you may want to consider tours that include meals.

This private, customizable boat tour from Dubrovnik offers a fantastic way to experience the city’s surrounding islands with freedom and flexibility. The straightforward setup, easy-to-use boat, and the ability to choose your destinations make it a perfect option for those seeking an authentic and personalized sea adventure. You’ll love the chance to discover hidden beaches, caves, and quiet coves while enjoying the comfort of your own vessel.

It provides great value for small groups, especially given the privacy and control it offers over your day. Whether you want a full day of swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing with breathtaking views, this tour adapts to your wishes. The emphasis on self-guided exploration makes it stand out in a market often dominated by rigid group schedules.

In summary, if you’re looking for a flexible, private, and scenic way to explore Dubrovnik’s coast, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s best for travelers who value independence, enjoy being on the water, and want to tailor their Croatian coast experience to their own interests.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Dubrovnik, the boat, a 5 hp engine, sunshade, and a refrigerator for your drinks. Food and drinks onboard are not provided but can be packed by you.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy during your day at sea. Pack a picnic basket for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, food, and drinks. It’s also good to have sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.

Is the boat easy to operate?
Yes, reviews mention that the boat is very easy to use, even for beginners. The instructions are clear, and the boat is suitable for small groups.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of bad weather, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded, ensuring you won’t be caught out in storms.

How many people can fit on the boat?
The boat accommodates up to 6 people, making it ideal for small groups or families.

Can I customize my route?
Absolutely. You can follow recommended routes or create your own itinerary based on your interests and the advice of the crew.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It’s best suited for those able to handle basic boat operations or comfortable with self-guided exploration.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, providing flexibility as your travel plans firm up.

This private cruise from Dubrovnik truly offers a laid-back, customizable way to enjoy Croatia’s stunning coast. It’s a smart choice for those who want control over their day, enjoy small-group adventures, and love exploring beautiful, less-trodden spots on their own terms.

You can check availability for your dates here: