Dubrovnik: Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour

Introduction

If you’re eyeing a day of exploring Croatia’s coast beyond Dubrovnik, a private tour of the Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave is a fantastic choice. These boat trips promise a taste of untouched nature, crystal-clear waters, and charming island villages—all with the comfort and flexibility of a private guide.

What we particularly like about this tour is its personalized approach—you can tweak the stops to suit your mood and interests—and the opportunity to swim in pristine caves and coves, which truly captures the essence of the Dalmatian coast. On the flip side, the lunch stop can be a bit unpredictable, especially if you’re not a seafood fan or prefer to choose your own meal.

But if you’re after an authentic, relaxed day on the water with knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, this tour suits couples, small groups, or families seeking a more intimate experience rather than a large-scale cruise. It’s a chance to enjoy Croatia’s coastline at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences.
• Stunning scenery: Explore caves, beaches, and picturesque island towns.
• Excellent value: All-inclusive experience with drinks, snorkeling gear, and snacks.
• Good for small groups: Up to 6 people for a more personal experience.
• Guide and comfort: Knowledgeable skipper with a well-equipped boat.
• Consider the lunch: Restaurant stop is pre-selected, which may not suit everyone.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Dubrovnik Private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded day on the water, blending sightseeing, swimming, and local flavor. The journey begins with hotel pickup, making it easy to start your adventure without transport worries. From there, you’ll head to the port, where your skipper and guide will introduce themselves and discuss your preferences.

The Blue Cave Experience

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave, a natural wonder famous for its shimmering, otherworldly light. As you cruise to the cave, you’ll get a sense of cruising the Dalmatian coast—bright blue waters and rocky cliffs on either side. Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and marvel at the cave’s natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim and photography.

A review from a previous traveler appreciated the clean boat and the scenery, saying, “the caves and scenery was amazing.” It’s a chance to see this famous natural feature from a close distance, with the added bonus of underwater exploration.

Cruising the Elaphiti Islands

After the caves, your boat will sail around the Elaphiti Islands—a small archipelago known for their lush greenery, quaint villages, and peaceful beaches. The islands like Lopud and Koločep are often highlighted for their charming towns and unspoiled nature.

You might find yourself relaxing on deck, soaking in the views of rocky coastlines and pine forests, or wandering through small streets lined with cafes and local shops. The tour allows for customizable stops, so if a particular island or cove catches your eye, your skipper will do their best to accommodate.

Lunch and Local Flavor

Midday brings a lunch stop at a local restaurant, usually on Lopud, renowned as one of Croatia’s beautiful islands. The experience here—based on reviews—can be a mixed bag. Some travelers found the food underwhelming and pricey, especially if seafood isn’t your thing. One guest called the restaurant “exorbitant,” and the meal sizes were small, which might leave you wanting more or feeling a bit gouged.

However, the views from the restaurant are excellent, and it’s a good chance to relax, chat, and enjoy a local meal. Your guide can recommend options, and drinks like wine, beer, and soft drinks are included on the boat, adding to the relaxed vibe.

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Beaches and Coves

The trip isn’t just about caves and towns. You’ll have opportunities to swim in pristine waters in beaches and coves with crystal-clear conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just want to paddle around, these secluded spots offer a refreshing break from the boat.

Returning with Scenic Views

On the way back to Dubrovnik, you’ll enjoy the spectacular scenery—rock formations, islands, and the shimmering sea. Many find this part of the trip just as memorable as the stops, with the sound system and Bluetooth providing a soundtrack to the landscape.

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

This tour offers a lot of value for the $506 price (for up to 6 people). It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a skipper/guide, snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks—water, soft drinks, beer, and wine—plus the boat’s amenities like a shower, toilet, TV, and Bluetooth sound system.

However, the fuel for the boat is extra, ranging from $60 for 4 hours to $90 for 8 hours, payable in cash. The lunch at the restaurant is also not included, giving you flexibility but requiring some planning or extra budget if you want a full meal.

What to Bring

To make the most of the day, pack sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Since you’ll be out on the water, these essentials will keep you comfortable and protected.

Tour Duration Options

The tour length varies—4, 6, or 8 hours—so you can choose based on how much time you want on the water. Longer tours mean more island stops and caves, but also higher fuel costs.

Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer praised the knowledgeable guide “Dragon” and the intimate, flexible experience, noting that the boat was clean and scenery breathtaking. Their only quibble was with the lunch stop—they felt pressured into eating at a specific restaurant and found the meals overpriced and underwhelming.

This highlights an important consideration: while the trip itself is highly praised, the lunch arrangements may not suit everyone. If you’re a foodie or prefer to select your own meals, you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, intimate day on the water. It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or families who want personalized attention and a chance to swim, snorkel, and explore at their own pace. The tour’s flexibility means you can skip or linger at certain spots, making it a very tailored adventure.

It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate scenic beauty and a touch of adventure without the crowds of larger tour groups. If you want a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, this trip hits all those marks.

The Sum Up

For those seeking an authentic, well-rounded day on the Croatian coast, this private Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave tour offers a great combination of stunning scenery, personalized service, and comfortable amenities. The inclusion of drinks and snacks, along with the chance to snorkel in famous caves and relax on beautiful beaches, makes it a solid value.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a more intimate, flexible experience rather than large group tours. While the restaurant stop might be a point of contention for some, the overall experience—beautiful islands, caves, and personalized attention—more than compensates for it.

If you’re ready to enjoy Croatia’s coast without feeling rushed, this tour provides an excellent way to do so, with plenty of memorable moments and scenic vistas to take home.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation, making the start and end of your day very convenient.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour is designed for groups up to 6 people, offering a more intimate experience compared to larger cruise options.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. These essentials will help you stay comfortable while swimming or relaxing on the boat.

How long is the tour?
You can choose between 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring and relaxing.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour provides cooled drinks—including water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine—enjoyed throughout the day.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, so you can explore underwater in the caves and around the islands.

What about lunch?
Lunch is not included in the tour price, and you will stop at a restaurant selected by the skipper. Be aware that some travelers have found the meals expensive and not to their taste.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

This private boat tour of Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave offers a captivating mix of scenery, relaxation, and authentic local experiences. With careful planning and a relaxed outlook, it’s a day that will leave you with lasting memories of Croatia’s stunning coastline.

You can check availability for your dates here: