Elaphite Islands Luxury Private Boat Tour with Cap Camarat 7.5

Leave Dubrovnik’s crowds behind. This private Elaphite Islands tour gives you a Cap Camarat 7.5 boat, a flexible route, and time to swim, explore caves, or simply sit back with a cold drink. I especially like the private format and the freedom to stay longer at places that suit your group.

I also like that hotel pickup, towels, snorkeling gear, a GoPro, water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine are included. The main consideration is time: four hours is enough for a taste, but the islands reward a six or eight-hour outing. The price is $544.43 per group of up to seven, so it makes much better sense for a family or group of friends than for one or two people.

Key points to know before you book

• A private Cap Camarat 7.5 boat means only your group is on board, with no fixed crowd schedule.
• Kolocep’s caves include the Green Cave, Blue Cave, and Three Caves, with time to swim or look around.
• Lopud combines Šunj Beach with a village stop, giving you both sea time and a chance to eat or stroll.
• Šime, also called Simon, is central to the experience, helping shape the route around your interests.
• Six or eight hours gives you the best choice of stops, including a possible visit to Sipan.
• Pickup and drop-off are included, which is especially useful if you are staying at a hotel, apartment, or arriving by cruise ship.

Why a private boat works so well around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town gets most of the attention, but the coast is where the city’s setting makes the most sense. From the water, you see rocky coves, pale cliffs, small villages, and islands scattered across the Adriatic. A boat trip also gives you a welcome break from stone streets and summer crowds.

The key advantage here is control. You are not tied to a large group’s swimming stop or forced to leave a cave just as your children are getting interested. You can ask to linger, move on, skip a place, or spend more time swimming.

The captain, Šime, is often called Simon by English-speaking customers. His role goes beyond steering. He helps decide how to use the available hours, explains the islands, answers questions about Dubrovnik, and suggests places to eat. Several outings included a restaurant recommendation or a lunch reservation on Lopud.

That flexibility has real value. One family with a nine-year-old appreciated being able to let their child explore without being hurried. Another couple asked for quiet areas, a swim in open water, and stops near two lighthouses. The route is not limited to a rigid checklist.

The Cap Camarat 7.5 and what comes with it

The boat is described as clean, modern, and luxurious, with a good size for a private party of up to seven. It is large enough for a comfortable day on the water while still feeling personal rather than like a floating bus.

You receive towels and snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack a full set of beach gear. A GoPro is also available for use in the water, a useful extra if you want photographs of cave swims or time beneath the surface.

Drinks are included: water, soft drinks, beer, and white wine. That sounds simple, but it matters on a hot afternoon when you are moving between beaches and caves. You can relax without needing to arrange a separate stop for refreshments.

The boat is not an all-inclusive cruise ship. Lunch is not listed as included, and any restaurant meal is separate. Šime can help arrange a table, but you should treat the meal as an optional extra and confirm details when booking.

Kolocep: three cave stops in about two hours

Kolocep is the first major stop on the route. The plan includes the Green Cave, the Blue Cave, and the Three Caves. These are natural formations best enjoyed from the water, with some opportunities to enter or swim depending on conditions.

The Blue Cave is the stop that tends to attract the most attention. Its color and enclosed shape make it especially appealing for photographs and a short swim. If you want a quieter visit, an early start matters. One cruise-ship family began ahead of the main boat traffic and had the Blue Cave nearly to themselves for several minutes.

That tip is worth taking seriously. The caves are popular, and the experience changes when several boats arrive together. Ask about the earliest practical departure for your day, especially in high season.

Kolocep is also where the private format shows its value. You might want to spend more time swimming at one cave and only look briefly at another. You might prefer to stay dry and focus on the rock formations. The captain can adjust the pace rather than moving everyone along at the same minute.

Two hours is a useful guide, not a strict rule. On a four-hour outing, extra time at Kolocep reduces time elsewhere. That may be exactly right for a group focused on caves and swimming, but it means you may see less of Lopud or skip Sipan.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: the best all-round stop

Lopud is usually the longest stop, with about three hours suggested. Its appeal is variety. You can visit Šunj, one of the area’s sandy beaches, then continue to the village for a walk, a drink, or lunch.

The sandy beach is a good contrast to the rocky coves around Dubrovnik. If you are traveling with children, prefer an easier beach day, or simply want room to stretch out, Šunj gives the outing a different rhythm. Bring sun protection and be prepared for a beach stop rather than a sightseeing attraction with a formal entrance.

The village adds a little local texture. You can walk, browse the waterfront atmosphere, and stop at one of the restaurants. Several tours included a seafood lunch arranged with help from Šime. One recommended meal featured simply prepared sea bass, while other outings included a restaurant booking for the group.

Keep in mind that restaurant choices and meal costs are not included in the advertised price. The benefit is having someone familiar with the island point you in a useful direction, rather than losing time wandering around while the boat waits.

Lopud can easily absorb three hours, especially if your group wants both beach time and lunch. On a four-hour booking, you will need to choose. On a six-hour trip, the stop feels much less rushed.

Sipan: worth saving for a longer day

Sipan is the last of the three main Elaphite Islands on this route. It is generally included on six and eight-hour tours. On a four-hour trip, it is possible only if you make brief stops at Kolocep and Lopud.

That makes Sipan less of a guaranteed part of a short outing and more of a benefit of booking extra time. If your main goal is the Blue Cave and Šunj Beach, four hours may be enough. If you want a broader look at the islands, the longer option gives the captain more room to work.

The supplied information does not promise a fixed attraction list on Sipan, so you should ask how the day’s route will be planned. Weather, sea conditions, your preferred pace, and time spent swimming can all affect what fits.

My practical advice is simple: choose six hours if you want caves, swimming, Lopud, and a chance at Sipan without watching the clock. Choose eight hours if you want a full day with a relaxed lunch stop and plenty of time on the water.

Four, six, or eight hours?

The advertised duration ranges from four to eight hours. That range is not just a booking detail. It changes the character of the outing.

Four hours works well for a port visit, a half-day break, or anyone who wants a focused trip to the caves and one beach. A family arriving by cruise ship used four hours, returned for lunch, and still had time to visit Dubrovnik’s walled city later. This is a smart option when your ship schedule is tight.

Six hours is the sweet spot for many groups. You have time for Kolocep, Lopud, swimming, drinks, and perhaps another island or scenic stop. It also gives Šime room to respond to what you enjoy rather than rushing from one point to the next.

Eight hours is best for a proper day at sea. You can take your time in the caves, stop at bays for swimming, have lunch on Lopud, and reach Sipan more comfortably. The day can pass quickly, so the longer booking makes sense if the boat itself is a major part of your Dubrovnik plans.

The tour is weather dependent. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. That is sensible for a sea outing, where wind and waves can change the experience quickly.

Pickup, timing, and cruise-ship use

Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included. This removes one of the annoying parts of a boat day: finding the marina, working out where to park, and wondering if you are at the right dock.

Pickup also works well for cruise passengers. One family found the meeting point about a ten-minute, flat walk from the ship. The captain stayed in touch, explained where to go, and even waved from the boat so the group could identify it before disembarking.

Do not assume every cruise schedule will fit automatically. Give the operator your ship’s arrival and departure times and confirm the meeting point. Starting early may help you avoid cave crowds, but you still need enough time to clear the ship and reach the boat.

The tour is offered in English. Communication before departure has been a strong part of the service, with the captain checking meeting details and answering questions.

Safety, comfort, and access

The captain receives repeated praise for being careful, friendly, and responsive. That matters on a private boat because you are spending several hours with one person, not passing quickly through a large excursion group.

You can expect the captain to shape the route around your comfort level. Families with young children used the freedom to slow down, while other groups focused on swimming and cave visits. The boat also received positive comments for being clean and comfortable.

If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact the operator before booking. One passenger reported that Šime asked in advance about boarding and whether the boat would work for their needs. That is encouraging, but it is not a guarantee of full accessibility for every person or mobility device.

Snorkeling and cave swimming depend on the sea and weather conditions. Follow the captain’s instructions, and do not treat the GoPro or provided equipment as a promise that every stop will be suitable for swimming that day.

Is $544.43 good value?

The price is $544.43 per group of up to seven. For two people, that is a costly private outing. For six or seven people, the price works out much more reasonably, especially with transfers, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and the GoPro included.

The larger value is privacy. A cheaper shared boat may cover similar waters, but you usually give up control over the timing and route. Here, you are paying for a boat, a captain, flexibility, and the ability to shape the day around your own group.

I would compare the total price with the cost of separate transport, a group cruise, beach transfers, and drinks before deciding. You should also factor in lunch, since restaurant food is extra.

For a family, a group of friends, or a couple celebrating a special day, the private setup can be worth it. For a solo visitor or a pair on a tight budget, a shared trip may offer better basic value.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families who want to control the pace
• Cruise passengers with four to eight hours available
• Couples or friends who value privacy
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want cave and beach stops
• Visitors who prefer local advice over a fixed script
• Groups large enough to share the private boat cost

It is less suitable if you want a formal historical tour, a guaranteed lunch included in the price, or a fixed list of stops regardless of weather. The focus is the sea, caves, beaches, swimming, and personal planning.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands tour?

Yes, if you want Dubrovnik from the water and can fill the boat with a few people. The combination of Kolocep’s caves, Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, flexible timing, drinks, and hotel pickup makes this a strong private excursion.

I would choose four hours for a tight cruise-port schedule, six hours for the best balance, and eight hours for a full sea day. Book early if your dates are fixed, since the experience is often reserved well ahead of time.

The strongest reason to choose it is not simply the scenery. It is the freedom to say, let’s stay here a little longer, and have the day adjust around you. If that sounds better than following a flag through a crowd, this is a good use of a Dubrovnik day.

FAQ

How much does the private boat tour cost?

The tour costs $544.43 per group of up to seven people. The price is for the private group, not for each individual.

How long does the tour last?

You can book a tour lasting approximately four to eight hours. Four hours suits a shorter port visit, while six or eight hours allows more time for swimming, lunch, and additional islands.

What islands are included?

The route includes Kolocep and Lopud. Sipan is usually visited on six and eight-hour tours, while a four-hour trip can include it only if the earlier stops are brief.

What is included on the boat?

Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are provided. Snorkeling equipment, towels, and a GoPro are also available.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from your hotel to the boat are included. Pickup arrangements should be confirmed when you book.

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 also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.