Dubrovnik: Lucky Boat Tour – Elaphite Islands and Blue Cave

This review covers the Lucky Boat Dubrovnik experience, a private boat tour exploring the scenic Elaphite Islands and the famous Blue Cave. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the detailed reviews, offerings, and itinerary insights paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect.

What makes this tour appealing are its personalized nature and the chance to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful coastlines in comfort. The boat itself is modern and well-equipped, promising a smooth ride with plenty of amenities for a relaxed day on the water.

A potential consideration is the limit on the group size (up to 6 people)—perfect for small families or friends, but possibly less suited if you’re traveling with a larger group or seeking a more social experience.

This tour is ideal for those wanting a personalized, flexible day out with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural stops. If you’re someone who values a relaxed pace, stunning scenery, and local flavor, this experience could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Private, eco-friendly boat offering a comfortable, intimate experience
• Flexible itinerary with scenic stops, swimming, and cultural visits
• Includes beverages and local restaurant recommendations for added convenience
• Skipper-led navigation ensures a smooth and informative journey
• Perfect for small groups or families seeking a personalized day out
• Potential extra: visit the largest Elaphite Island, Ipan, for wine and olive oil tastings

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Lucky Boat Tour

Introduction to the Experience

This private boat tour around Dubrovnik’s coast offers a chance to enjoy Croatia’s stunning seascapes without the crowds. It’s designed for small groups—up to six people—making it a cozy and personalized alternative to larger group excursions.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the blend of scenery, culture, and comfort. You’re not just ticking off a sightseeing list; you’re cruising in a beautifully remodeled boat equipped with modern amenities that make the day both relaxing and fun.

Another highlight is the flexibility—the itinerary is adaptable, with options to extend the day by visiting Ipan Island for wine and olive oil tastings, which adds a special local touch.

One thing to keep in mind is seasonal weather, as the tour involves open water and swimming stops, so a calm sea and sunny day will enhance your experience. The tour isn’t suited for those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is best suited for couples, families with children, or small groups who want a private, relaxed day exploring the Croatian coast. It appeals to travelers seeking authentic experiences with local guides, scenic beauty, and some time to swim and sunbathe. If you enjoy cultural stops, like visiting historic sites or tasting local wines, the option to extend the tour suits you well.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

More Great Tours Nearby

Dubrovnik’s Coastline

Your journey begins with a cruise around Dubrovnik’s famed Old City Walls, providing a unique vantage point of the city’s historic architecture. This initial segment sets the tone, offering panoramic views and perfect photo opportunities. It’s a gentle start that allows you to settle into the day’s rhythm.

Kalamota (Koloep Island)

Just 20 minutes from Dubrovnik, Kalamota enchants with its lush greenery and peaceful ambiance. This stop is more about enjoying the scenery than extensive sightseeing. You might find yourself relaxing on deck, soaking up the sun, or exploring a quiet cove.

Blue Cave Experience

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave, a small but magical natural feature where the water glows in intense shades of blue—an unforgettable sight. Swimming and snorkeling here are popular activities, thanks to the crystal-clear waters. It’s a unique chance to see Croatia’s marine colors at their best.

Lopud Island’s unj Beach

For a classic Croatian beach experience, you’ll visit unj Beach on Lopud Island. The sandy shoreline and shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, relaxing, and family fun. Reviewers note the ease of jumping into the sea from the boat and the convenience of the ladder for reboarding.

Cultural & Historic Sights

While the focus is on scenery and swimming, the tour also offers insights into local history. Visiting sites like the Franciscan Monastery and the Church of Our Lady of unj provides a peaceful, almost spiritual experience amid your day on the water.

Ipan Island: The Optional Extension

For those wanting more, the largest Elaphite Island, Ipan, is an attractive extension. Known for its vineyards and olive groves, Ipan offers the chance to taste local wines and oils at the Danii family house—an extra surcharge applies. This part of the tour appeals to food and wine enthusiasts looking to connect more deeply with local Croatian traditions.

The Boat: Comfort and Eco-Friendliness

The Lucky Boat itself is a remodeled Ocqueteau 715, upgraded in 2024. It offers a blend of classic design with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Key features include:
– Bow thruster and GPS for precision and ease of maneuvering
– Electric anchor for hassle-free stops
– Eco-friendly solar panels reflecting a commitment to sustainability
– Comfort features like shade (Bimini), shower, and easy water access via platform and ladder
– Onboard amenities include USB chargers, a refrigerator with drinks, speakers for music, and scuba masks for exploring underwater life

The boat’s size and layout make it perfect for small groups, providing plenty of space to relax, dine, or simply enjoy the views.

Included and Optional Extras

The price covers professional skippers, fuel, and drinks—water, wine, beer, cola, and iced tea—so your day stays refreshingly simple.

While the tour is comprehensive, visiting Ipan Island and tasting local wines are optional extras that can deepen your experience but require an additional charge.

What Travelers Say

Authentic reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. One traveler described the tour as “super,” noting the friendly staff and the beautiful surroundings. They also appreciated the ample cold drinks on board—a small but welcome detail during hot days.

Another family raved about their day on the boat, emphasizing the ease of swimming and getting back on the boat with no trouble, making it perfect for children. The price-performance ratio was described as “top notch,” reflecting good value for a private, tailored outing.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Book

Duration & Group Size

The tour is designed as a full-day experience, providing ample time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. The group size is limited to six, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.

Pricing & Value

At $588 per group, the cost might seem high if you’re traveling solo, but for a small group, it offers significant value—private service, tailored stops, and all amenities included. For families or friends, it’s an intimate, cost-effective way to explore.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack sunglasses, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The boat is equipped with a shower and water access, but personal comfort items are recommended.

Accessibility & Restrictions

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those prone to seasickness, so plan accordingly.

Cancellation & Booking Flexibility

You can reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Sum Up

For those seeking a personalized, scenic, and comfortable day on the water, this private boat tour around Dubrovnik’s Elaphite Islands offers genuine value. It combines stunning views, cultural insight, and leisure, all delivered in an eco-conscious vessel with modern amenities.

It’s especially suited for small groups or families who want an intimate experience without the crowds. The tour’s flexibility and the opportunity to extend your adventure to Ipan Island make it a versatile choice for travelers with different interests.

While not suited for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or seasickness—the experience offers a genuine taste of Croatia’s coast, blending natural beauty with local flavor and fun.

If you’re after a relaxed day with excellent guides, beautiful scenery, and plenty of swimming opportunities, this tour could be your highlight in Dubrovnik.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, especially families with children, as the stops include beaches perfect for swimming and easy reboarding from the boat.

How many people can join the tour? Up to six passengers per boat, making it ideal for small groups or families.

What is included in the price? The cost covers the professional skipper, fuel, and complimentary beverages such as water, wine, beer, cola, and iced tea.

Can I extend the tour to Ipan Island? Yes, visiting Ipan Island for wine and olive oil tastings is an optional extra that requires an additional surcharge.

Is the boat eco-friendly? The Lucky Boat features solar panels, reflecting a focus on environmentally friendly energy sources.

What should I bring? Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear for a comfortable day in the sun.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility in your planning.

This private Dubrovnik boat tour presents a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural interest, and comfort. For small groups wanting a flexible, authentic Croatian experience, it offers excellent value and memorable moments on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: