Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Tour with 6.5m/21FT SunDeck Boat

An Honest Look at the Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Tour with a 21FT SunDeck Boat

Exploring the Dubrovnik coast by boat is often touted as one of the best ways to experience this stunning part of Croatia. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed reviews, itinerary, and features suggest it offers a relaxing, flexible way to see the Elaphite Islands without the hassle of large group tours or crowded boat rides.

What really catches the eye? First, the personalized nature of a private boat trip—you can tailor your stops and pace. Second, the chance to visit some of the region’s most appealing spots like Blue and Green caves, white sand beaches, and historic towns. Lastly, the inclusive price covers fuel, drinks, and even hotel transfers, making it attractive for those wanting transparency and convenience.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this tour might not be suitable for travelers with motion sickness or those over 95, limiting some group flexibility. Still, for anyone craving a private, laid-back day on the water with plenty of swimming and sightseeing, this tour appears to fit the bill quite well.

If you’re looking for a personalized, comfortable way to experience the islands with a mix of nature, culture, and leisure, this Dubrovnik private boat trip could be a standout choice.

Good To Know

• Private & Flexible: You get to choose your stops and pace, avoiding the chaos of larger tours.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Fuel, drinks, and transfers are included, which simplifies budgeting.
• Diverse Stops: From caves and beaches to historic towns, there’s a mix of scenery and culture.
• Ideal for Relaxation: Plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the views.
• Limited for Certain Travelers: Not suitable for those with motion sickness or very senior travelers.
• Duration Options: Tours range from 4 to 8 hours, accommodating different schedules.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering the Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Experience

Setting the Scene: A Day on the Water

Imagine setting off from Dubrovnik with the wind in your hair on a compact, 21-foot SunDeck boat. This vessel, perfectly sized for a private group of up to five, promises a cozy yet capable platform for exploring. Since the price covers everything from fuel to drinks, you can focus on the views and your companions rather than additional costs.

The tour offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to pick a timeframe between 4 and 8 hours—ideal for fitting into a busy travel itinerary or enjoying a leisurely day. The journey begins with a hotel pickup, ensuring a smooth start, and ends with a drop-off back at your accommodation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: The Elaphite Islands
Your adventure begins with a cruise across the shimmering waters toward the Elaphite Islands, a cluster famous for their lush greenery and scenic coastlines. The boat’s small size means you can access spots that larger vessels might overlook, offering a more intimate experience.

Stop 2: Koloep Island and Its Caves
The highlight for many is the opportunity to marvel at Blue and Green caves on Koloep Island. These caves are renowned for their surprisingly vibrant waters, especially the Blue Cave, where sunlight filters through, creating a glowing effect—something you’ll want your camera ready for. Reviewers mention that you get around 2 hours here, enough time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring.

Stop 3: Lopud Island
Next, the focus shifts to Lopud, which features a white sand beach—a rarity in the Mediterranean. Here, you can sunbathe, swim, or snorkel in clear waters. The southern end of Lopud offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, and the famous Shunj Beach is a favorite spot, known for its soft sands and inviting waters.

Stop 4: Sipan Island
The last stop is Sipan, where you can explore the small town or visit the 15th-century Skocibuha castle, now a museum. The island’s relaxed vibe makes it perfect for a quick cultural fix or simply more water fun. Reviewers mention the beautiful wildlife and marine life viewing as highlights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers boat rental with a skipper, fuel, hotel pickup and drop-off, drinks (beer, water, juice), insurance, and final cleaning. However, you’ll need to budget separately for museum entry tickets and lunch—so packing a snack or planning a stop at a local tavern is wise.

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Authentic Experiences & Practical Tips

Several reviewers appreciate the transparency of the costs, noting that fuel is included, which often isn’t the case in similar tours. They also mention the boat is well-maintained and comfortable, with a relaxed pace that allows for ample swimming and lounging.

Some travelers remark that the timing is flexible, and the private nature means they could customize their day—stopping longer at favorite spots or skipping less interested ones. This flexibility is particularly valuable since the overall experience isn’t rushed, and you can truly enjoy each location.

What Travelers Say

A frequent sentiment is that the tour is perfect for those wanting a peaceful day on the water without the crowds, especially since the boat is private. Comments like “We loved how we could just relax and enjoy the scenery” come up often. Others highlight that swimming in the caves and beaches is the most memorable part, with many noting the crystal clarity of the waters.

A few reviews mention that the tour isn’t suitable for those with motion sickness or very elderly travelers over 95, which is worth considering. Also, since lunch isn’t included, those hoping for a full-day experience with food might want to bring snacks or plan to dine ashore.

Final Thoughts on Value

At $568 for a private group of up to five, this tour offers a good value for a customized day on the water. The price includes many extras that can add up in other tours—fuel, drinks, transfers—making it a streamlined option for anyone wanting a hassle-free adventure.

The ability to tailor your stops, the comfort of a private vessel, and the variety of sights make this tour appealing for couples, small groups, or families. Its moderate duration and inclusive features suit travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day without overloading their schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who value privacy and flexibility, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and want to avoid large tour groups. It appeals to those eager to explore caves, relax on beaches, and absorb local culture in a low-pressure environment. The tour’s limited suitability for individuals with motion sickness or advanced age makes it less ideal for seniors with health concerns, but it’s perfect for active, curious travelers who want to enjoy the sea on their terms.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is private and designed for up to five people, so it can be suitable for families with children, especially if they’re comfortable on small boats and enjoy swimming. However, keep in mind the activity level and the availability of supervision when planning.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Having a waterproof camera or phone case is also a good idea to capture the caves and marine life.

How long is the tour?
You can choose between 4 and 8 hours, depending on your schedule and interests. The itinerary includes multiple stops for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour features water, juices, and beer at no extra charge, so you can stay refreshed while enjoying the scenery.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should plan to eat ashore or bring snacks for the day.

Can I customize the stops?
Absolutely. Since it’s a private tour, you can decide how long to stay at each location or skip some if you prefer a quicker pace.

Is this tour good for photography?
Yes, the caves, beaches, and scenic towns offer plenty of photo opportunities. The caves’ lighting and waters provide especially stunning shots.

What if I have limited mobility?
The tour is not suitable for those over 95 or over 70 and may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues, especially if they have difficulty moving around on small boats or uneven surfaces.

To sum it up, the Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Tour on a private SunDeck boat offers a personalized, relaxing way to explore Croatia’s beautiful coastlines, caves, and beaches. With flexible timing, all-inclusive pricing, and the ability to customize your stops, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a low-stress, intimate experience with plenty of swimming, sightseeing, and culture. Best suited for small groups, couples, or families who prioritize comfort, privacy, and flexibility, this tour promises a memorable day on the Adriatic that’s tailored just for you.

You can check if your dates are available here: