Private boat tour- explore the islands, find hidden caves and try snorkelling

See Dubrovnik from the water. This private boat trip takes you from the coast to Koločep’s caves, Šipan’s restaurants, Lopud’s churches and beaches, and sandy Šunj Beach. The boat gives your group room to spread out, and the captain can adjust the day around swimming, lunch, weather, and your preferred pace.

I especially like the private format, which makes this feel less like a fixed sightseeing run and more like a day on the Adriatic with your own captain. The hotel pickup, drinks, restroom, and snorkelling equipment also make the long eight-hour outing easier. The main drawback is that fuel is listed separately for the eight-hour option at €70 per booking, while snorkelling equipment and the working condition of the onboard restroom should be confirmed before departure.

The strongest praise goes to the captains, especially Bruno and Ivan. They are often described as friendly, careful, good with children, and willing to find quieter swimming spots. Still, a few people found the captain distant or experienced delays, so your enjoyment depends partly on the crew assigned that day.

Quick take: what makes this boat day worthwhile

• Blue cave swimming on Koločep: You can swim and snorkel inside several caves where sunlight creates a blue glow on the water.
• A private group of up to six: You avoid sharing the boat with a large crowd and can discuss the pace and stops with the captain.
• Four very different island stops: Caves, lunch, churches, sandy beaches, and beach bars all fit into one full day.
• Hotel or apartment pickup: Transport to the departure port is arranged from a suitable address, though out-of-area pickups cost extra.
• Food and drink flexibility: Lunch is not included, but the captain may help arrange a restaurant. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are provided.
• Good value for a small group: At $302.46 per group, the base cost works out well when split among six, but add the separate fuel charge and lunch.

Why a private boat makes sense near Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s coastline is best understood from the sea. From the boat, the old city becomes one part of a much wider setting of rocky islands, coves, beaches, and low green hills. You also avoid spending the whole day on one crowded beach or following a guide with a large group.

The private setup is the biggest advantage. Up to six people can sit together, choose sun or shade, and talk directly with the captain about swimming time, lunch, or a change of plan. Several outings included extra swimming stops, cliff-jumping locations, photo stops, and quieter coves when conditions allowed.

That flexibility matters more than it first appears. If the sea is too rough for one cave, the captain may look for a calmer place. If nobody wants a long walk on Lopud, you can spend more time in the water. If the group is cold, the day can focus on sightseeing and lunch instead of forcing every swim.

There is a practical limit, though. The advertised route takes about eight hours, and the islands are spread out. You cannot expect to add every possible stop near Dubrovnik, including Lokrum, without cutting into time elsewhere. A four-hour version is available in some arrangements, but it is better suited to caves and nearby swimming than to a full island circuit.

Koločep and its blue caves

Koločep is usually the most memorable part of the day. The boat heads to the Blue Cave and three other caves in the area. You can swim or snorkel inside, watching the sunlight reflect through the opening and tint the water blue.

This is not a walk-up cave attraction with a platform and a queue. You experience it from the water, often by swimming in from the boat. That makes basic water confidence useful. Life jackets and flotation noodles have been provided for people who were less comfortable in the sea, but you should still tell the captain if anyone in your group is nervous.

Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro if you have one. The cave light, rocky entrances, and clear coastal water are the kind of scenes that look much better in photographs than they do in a quick phone snapshot. You will also want to hold onto loose items carefully when the boat is moving.

The sea can be wavy, particularly on windy days. This is where the captain’s judgment matters. Bruno received repeated praise for finding good swim spots in windy conditions, and Ivan was praised for taking groups away from the busiest areas around Koločep. The experience is strongest when you treat the exact cave stops as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed in a fixed order.

One point needs checking before you leave the dock: the trip information says snorkelling equipment is supplied, but one booking reported that no snorkels were available. Ask directly what is on board, and bring your own mask if snorkelling is central to your plans.

Šipan for lunch and a slower middle of the day

After the caves, the usual route continues to Šipan, where you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Lunch is not included in the price, so plan for an additional meal cost.

This is a useful break after the morning on the water. You can get off the boat, eat properly, and enjoy the island at a calmer pace. A captain may suggest or arrange a restaurant, but you should confirm whether a reservation is included as part of the service or simply offered as help.

Sudurad, on Šipan, has been used for lunch stops, including a meal at Hotel Božica. Another group appreciated a restaurant with sea views and access to an infinity pool. Those details are not guaranteed for every departure, so treat them as examples of what the crew may arrange rather than promised features.

The two-hour stop gives you more breathing room than a rushed shore visit. It is also where the total cost can grow: lunch, drinks beyond those supplied on the boat, and any optional extras are yours to pay. Still, including a proper meal stop makes sense on an eight-hour outing. Nobody wants to spend the whole day balancing snacks on a moving deck.

Lopud’s churches, monastery, and sandy coast

Lopud brings a different mood. Instead of caves and open-water swimming, you have time to walk and look around. The island is known here for its churches, monastery, and sandy beaches.

The planned stop is about one hour, which is enough for a short wander but not a full island exploration. Wear shoes suitable for walking and keep expectations realistic. This is a brief island visit within a boat day, not a dedicated cultural tour of Lopud.

Some outings have skipped Lopud when the route changed. One group expected to visit both Koločep and Lopud but only reached Koločep. That is a useful warning: ask the captain at the start how the day will be divided, especially if Lopud matters more to you than swimming.

The stop works best for a group that wants variety. You can swim in the morning, eat on Šipan, then stretch your legs and see a little of Lopud before heading to the beach. If your priority is water time, you may prefer to shorten the walk and use the private format to return to the sea.

Šunj Beach, the classic final stop

Šunj Beach is usually the final stop and one of the easiest places to relax. It is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, with beach bars where you can have drinks after swimming.

The sand is a welcome change from Croatia’s more common rocky swimming spots. You can settle in, take a break from the boat, and enjoy a less active end to the day. If your group includes children or anyone who prefers an easy beach visit, this stop may be more appealing than another cave.

Because Šunj is popular, do not expect solitude. Its appeal is comfort and atmosphere, not secrecy. The private boat still gives you control over how long you stay, but the beach itself is not a private setting.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimsuit. None of these is supplied. The boat provides bottled water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine, but beach purchases are your responsibility.

The boat, crew, and onboard comforts

The boat has areas for sun and shade, a restroom, and space at the back for sitting. That matters on a full eight-hour day, particularly when some people want to sunbathe while others need shelter from the heat.

Drinks are included: bottled water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine. Several groups appreciated the stocked cooler, especially during long stretches between stops. A bottle of champagne is listed for sunset tours only, so do not assume it is included on the standard daytime trip.

The captains receive the most praise in the available feedback. Bruno is repeatedly described as warm, safe, and good with children. Ivan is praised for asking what the group wanted, finding less crowded places, arranging lunch, and taking photographs. Lovro received strong comments for his handling of the water and for giving groups enough time at each stop. Other captains named include Tony, Evan, Estevan, and Marco.

The crew is not always the deciding success. A few people felt their captain was cold or disengaged, and one group waited about 30 minutes when the skipper was temporarily away from the port. Those incidents appear to be exceptions, but they are worth keeping in mind if you expect a highly social guide. The basic service is boat transport and local guidance, not a formal history lecture.

There is also a conflicting detail about the restroom. It is listed as available, but one group reported that it was not working. Ask about its condition before departure, especially if anyone in your group needs regular access.

Price, fuel, and what you really pay

The advertised price is $302.46 per group of up to six people. Split six ways, that is about $50.41 per person before fuel and lunch. For a private eight-hour boat with drinks, transport, and snorkelling equipment, that can be good value.

The separate fuel charge needs attention. The details list €70 for the eight-hour option and €50 for four hours. Another section refers to fuel as included only for sunset tours, so confirm the exact fuel cost when booking. Your final price may also include an extra pickup charge if your address is outside the normal service area.

Lunch is not included. Towels, sunscreen, and swimsuits are also not provided. Take those extra costs into account before comparing this with a shared boat trip.

The value is best for four to six people. A couple will pay the full group price unless a different arrangement is available, so the per-person cost is less attractive for two. For a family or group of friends, the private boat offers space and control that a cheaper shared trip may not.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this for a group that wants several kinds of activity in one outing. You can swim in caves, snorkel, eat on an island, walk around Lopud, and relax on a sandy beach without arranging separate transport.

It suits families well when the children are comfortable around boats and water. The crew has provided life jackets and flotation noodles, and several captains have been praised for working well with children. Still, adults should supervise young swimmers closely, since cave swimming depends on sea conditions and personal ability.

It also works for couples and honeymooners. A private boat, sunset drinks on some departures, secluded swim stops, and the chance to shape the route give the day a more personal feel. One couple chose the shorter four-hour version and enjoyed caves, swimming, and drinks as the sun went down.

I would think twice if you want a detailed cultural tour, guaranteed cave access, or a strict schedule. The captain’s judgment and the weather shape the day. You should also skip it if a rough sea would make you uncomfortable, since the tour requires good weather and open-water movement.

Practical advice before you book

Confirm the departure time, pickup address, fuel charge, and planned route. Ask if Lopud is included that day, how long the lunch stop will be, and whether snorkels are actually on board.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, dry clothes, sunglasses, and a waterproof phone case. Water shoes may help around rocky entries, though they are not listed as supplied. If you are prone to seasickness, tell the crew early. One group had two people feeling ill during the first hour, and the captain stopped so they could recover.

Keep the schedule loose. The route is presented as Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj, but wind, waves, and the group’s wishes can change the order or remove a stop. That flexibility is one of the tour’s strengths, but only if you accept that the day is not a guaranteed checklist.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made later are not accepted for a refund, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this private Dubrovnik boat tour?

Book it if you value time on the water more than a formal guided program. The best parts are the blue caves, flexible swim stops, sandy Šunj Beach, hotel pickup, and the chance to have a captain adjust the day for your group.

For six people, the price is attractive, even after adding fuel and lunch. For two people, it is a more expensive choice, but the privacy may still be worth it for a honeymoon or special occasion.

Before paying, confirm the fuel charge, snorkelling gear, restroom, captain, and exact stops. If those details suit you, this is a strong way to see Dubrovnik’s nearby islands in one full, active, and pleasantly unhurried day.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour take place?

The tour departs from the Dubrovnik area and visits Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach, depending on conditions and the agreed route.

How long does the tour last?

The main experience lasts approximately eight hours. A four-hour option is also mentioned for shorter outings and sunset trips.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private tour is priced for one group of up to six people. Only your group participates.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be arranged from hotels, apartments, and other addresses. Pickup outside the provider’s normal service area may cost extra.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price. The usual lunch stop is on Šipan, and the captain may help arrange a restaurant.

Is snorkelling equipment supplied?

Snorkelling equipment is listed as included. However, because one booking reported that snorkels were unavailable, confirm the equipment before departure.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine are listed as included. Champagne is listed only for sunset tours.

Are towels and sunscreen provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel and sunscreen. Swimsuits are also not provided.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

A restroom is listed as available on board. One booking reported that it was not working, so confirm its condition before the trip.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.