Full day Private Boat Tour to Elaphite Islands and South Mljet

Leave Dubrovnik’s walls behind. This private boat day gives you eight hours on the Adriatic, with South Mljet, Saplunara Bay, Limoni Beach, and the Elafiti Islands all on the table. I like the small group limit of six, the local skippers, and the freedom to spend more time swimming, cruising, or stopping for lunch.

I also like the simple onboard comforts: water, soft drinks, beer, snorkel gear, a sun cover, a flat sun deck, and a shower for rinsing off sand. The main catch is the price. It costs $889.38 per group, then adds a €220 fuel surcharge, and the published meeting details say no pickup or drop-off is included despite some arrangements described by past customers.

Key points to know before booking

• Six-person limit: The Quicksilver 675 can carry eight, but the company limits it to six for more room.
• Two island areas in one day: You visit South Mljet for about three hours and the Elafiti Islands for about three more.
• Local skippers shape the day: Ivan, Tom, Branko, Matija, Josip, and other local crew members have helped guests find swimming spots, caves, villages, and lunch stops.
• Fuel adds €220: The advertised group price does not include this surcharge, so check the final total before paying.
• Meeting point matters: The listed start is Lapadska obala 4 at 10 a.m. Confirm any hotel transfer directly, since pickup is not included in the formal details.
• Weather controls the schedule: Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why this private boat day works so well

The best part of this outing is control. You are not tied to a large group moving from one stop to the next. If your group wants a quiet swim, you can spend longer in the water. If you prefer villages and lunch, the skipper can point you toward those instead.

That flexibility matters in a region where the appeal is not one famous sight. The pleasure comes from changing pace: open water, pine-covered shores, a small harbor, a swim from the boat, then a traditional meal in a village. A private boat lets you shape the balance.

The boat itself is a Quicksilver 675 speedboat. It has a Bimini sun cover, an XL flat sun deck, a small cabin for changing, and a shower to wash away salt and sand. The company also provides a sound system, so you can play your own music or leave it off and enjoy the sea.

Capacity is worth noting. The boat is rated for eight passengers, but the operator limits tours to six. That gives each person more space on the deck, which is especially useful during a full eight-hour day. You still need to share the boat with your own group, of course, but you will not be packed in with strangers.

The onboard drinks are a nice touch. Still and sparkling water, soft drinks, and beer are available at no extra charge. The package does not include a meal, so plan to buy lunch in one of the villages or bring your own arrangement with the skipper.

Leaving Dubrovnik from Lapadska obala

The listed departure time is 10 a.m., and the meeting point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. The day ends back at the same meeting point.

The formal details say there is no pickup or drop-off. Yet some past arrangements included hotel transport, including one case where an Uber was arranged at the beginning and end of the day, and another where transport to the port was handled separately. Treat that as an occasional arrangement, not a guaranteed inclusion. Ask before booking if you need a hotel transfer.

The first part of the trip is less about sightseeing in Dubrovnik and more about getting aboard and setting the day’s rhythm. Your skipper can explain what you are seeing, suggest places to stop, and help keep the route safe and practical.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a light layer. The Bimini gives you shade, but a day on open water still means strong sun. Water and drinks are supplied, while lunch is not.

South Mljet: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach

South Mljet receives about three hours of the day. This part of the island is known for pine forests, clear water, small settlements, and beaches that feel much quieter than central Dubrovnik.

The planned stops are Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach. Saplunara is especially appealing if you want time in the water rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. The bay gives the boat day a slower opening, with room for swimming and relaxing before the route continues.

Limoni Beach adds another coastal stop. Depending on the conditions and your group’s wishes, you might spend time on shore, swim from the boat, or simply enjoy the view from the sun deck. The exact balance is one of the reasons a private trip can suit families and friends better than a fixed group cruise.

The clear water makes the included snorkel masks useful. This is not a guided marine biology outing, and no detailed underwater program is promised. Still, the gear lets you look around on your own and adds something to a simple swim.

An underwater camera is also available, with photos that can be sent to you or transferred to your phone after the tour. That can be a good memory of the day, especially if you do not want to risk your own phone near the water.

One point needs clarification before you book: the headline highlights Mljet National Park, but the detailed route names Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach in southern Mljet. The national park is not described as a separate stop, and the park area is on a different part of the island. Ask the operator exactly what is planned for your date if seeing the national park is essential.

The Elafiti Islands: villages, caves, and swimming

The Elafiti portion takes about three hours. The group includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, each with a different feel.

Lopud is associated with sandy beaches and a relaxed shore setting. Šipan offers small villages and the chance for a traditional konoba meal. Koločep is known for quiet coves and wooded coastal scenery. You may not have time to explore every island fully, so the skipper’s choices will shape the experience.

This is where the local crew can make a real difference. Tom has been praised for finding quiet swimming places and caves. Branko has helped groups tailor the route and decide where to linger. Josip has offered several options while also respecting a group that simply wanted to sit on the boat with wine.

That last point says something useful about the tour. You do not have to turn the day into a race. If your ideal afternoon is a swim, a cold drink, and music on the sun deck, the private format allows for that. If you want more stops, the skipper can suggest them.

Caves are another possible highlight. The exact caves are not named, so you should not book this expecting a specific famous cave visit. Instead, think of them as places the skipper may know along the route, depending on sea conditions and timing.

A village lunch can make the day feel more connected to local life. One group stopped in a quaint village for a traditional konoba meal, and another had a fresh meal in Šipan. Lunch is not included in the price, so bring money and allow time for the meal if that is part of your plan.

What the skippers add to the experience

The operator uses local skippers, and the strongest praise has focused on their personal approach rather than on a fixed script. Ivan helped with transport and offered suggestions for swimming, islands, and restaurants. Tom has been repeatedly singled out for his friendly manner and ability to find less obvious places.

Matija and Josip have also received praise for clear communication and an easygoing approach. Branko has been noted for making the day adjustable. These details matter because a private boat day can be wonderful or merely expensive depending on how well the crew reads the group.

You can help the skipper by saying what you want early. Tell them if you care most about swimming, beaches, villages, food, caves, or simply a quiet boat ride. The more clearly you explain your priorities, the more useful the local advice becomes.

The tour is offered in English. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18. Life jackets are available for adults and children.

Price, fuel, and what you actually receive

The listed price is $889.38 for a private group of up to six. That works out to about $148 per person before the fuel surcharge if six people share the cost. Add the €220 fuel charge, and the effective group cost rises considerably.

For a full private boat and eight hours on the water, the price can make sense for a group that values space and control. Six friends or a family group can split the cost, use the boat for the whole day, and avoid a large shared excursion.

For two people, the calculation is harder. You are paying for the whole boat, not two seats, so the per-person cost becomes high. A couple who wants maximum privacy may still find it worthwhile, but a shared boat would likely be more economical if available.

Included items are water, beer, soft drinks, snorkel equipment, and adult and child life jackets. The fuel surcharge and meal are extra. Transport is also not formally included, so confirm the departure arrangement.

The drinks have real value on a hot day, but do not mistake them for a full catering service. You should plan your own lunch budget and ask about the route if you want a particular restaurant or village meal.

Timing, weather, and comfort

Eight hours is a long time on a small speedboat, even a comfortable one. The sun cover helps, and the flat sun deck gives you room to stretch out, but you should still expect much of the day to happen outdoors.

The small cabin is for changing rather than a full indoor lounge. The shower is useful after swimming, especially if you plan to walk around a village later. Bring only what you need, since deck space is limited even with the six-person cap.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The standard cancellation rule allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the 10 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

This weather policy is important for a boat trip around open islands. A gray day may still be pleasant, but rough conditions can change the comfort and route. Keep your schedule flexible if possible.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to a group of four to six people who want a private day and are happy to spend much of it swimming and cruising. Families can use the life jackets and flexible pacing, while friends can make the sun deck and drinks the center of the day.

It also suits people with limited time in Dubrovnik. One group had only two and a half days in the city and felt the eight-hour trip was worth the commitment because it covered so much coastline and island scenery in one day.

You should think twice if you want a structured cultural tour with long walks, historical explanations, or guaranteed time inside Mljet National Park. This is mainly a boat and swimming experience, with villages and food added when the route allows.

It is also not the best fit if you dislike open-water motion, strong sun, or a full day outside. The boat has comfort features, but this is still a speedboat, not a large cruise vessel with a roomy indoor salon.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want your own boat, a flexible route, and a full day away from Dubrovnik’s crowds. The strongest reasons are the six-person limit, friendly local skippers such as Tom, Ivan, Branko, Matija, and Josip, and the chance to combine South Mljet with the Elafiti Islands.

Before paying, confirm three things: the €220 fuel surcharge, the exact stops for Mljet National Park, and whether transport from your address can be arranged. If your group can share the full cost and values privacy, this is a strong use of a day in Dubrovnik. If you are traveling as a couple or want guaranteed park sightseeing, compare other options first.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. It starts at 10 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Is hotel pickup included?

No pickup or drop-off is included in the formal tour details. Some transport arrangements have been made separately, so you should confirm this directly before booking.

How many people can join the private boat?

The Quicksilver 675 can carry eight passengers, but the operator limits the tour to six people for greater comfort.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes snorkel equipment, life jackets for adults and children, bottled water, beer, and soft drinks.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals are not included. You can ask the skipper about stopping for a meal in a village such as Šipan.

Is there an extra fuel charge?

Yes. A €220 fuel surcharge applies per booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.