The Elaphiti Islands are an island archipelago located near Dubrovnik and are one of the most peaceful locations near the most visited destination in Croatia. A private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands is one of the best ways to enjoy this serene environment at your own pace. In this article, we’ll discuss the topic of such tours from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands and suggest highest rated experiences that will result in a day of relaxation and exploration of some of the most famous places on these islands.
There are many day trips from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti, and you can join any of them and have a great time. But in this article, we’ll present you with the option of private boat tours to Elaphiti, which is the best option if you are looking for an exploration at your own pace and a customizable itinerary. The most famous and most visited islands in this archipelago are Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, and we’re going to tell you a bit about each of them. The Elaphiti Islands are the best island-hopping experience in the Dubrovnik area. Let’s explore them.
Why Choose a Private Boat Tour? As we already mentioned, there are many daily departures from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti and you have a few options of reaching this archipelago – public boat ride, guided tours, or private ones. Each of them offers a different kind of experience, and here’s what makes a private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands worth considering:
Flexibility: With the private tour, you choose the departure time, route, and duration. You’re the captain.Privacy: These kinds of tours are the perfect option for couples, families, or small groups looking to get an exclusive experience.Comfort and Style: Most private boats in Dubrovnik come with sun decks, shade, drinks, and a professional skipper.Customized Experience: Want to spend time in a secluded bay, explore Šipan more than any other island, or snorkel in a Blue Cave maybe? You can do it, your experience can be whatever you want it to be.
Top Stops on a Private Elaphiti Islands Tour Elaphiti consists of many islands, and 3 of them are the most famous and included in all Dubrovnik to Elaphiti tours. Each Island is beautiful and has some peculiarities that others don’t. With a private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands, you can choose at what place you want to spend more time or whether you want to skip some places altogether. Here’s what to expect out of each of these islands.
1. Koločep (Kalamota)
Closest island to Dubrovnik
Famous for its lush vegetation, hidden bays, and famous Blue Cave (not to be mixed with the Blue Cave on Biševo Island)
Great place for swimming and snorkeling
2. Lopud
Famous for Šunj Beach , one of the rare sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area
Car-free place with a relaxing island vibe
Picturesque village with a seaside promenade, restaurants, and cafes
3. Šipan
The largest one of the Elaphiti Islands
A place with a rich history, with old churches and summer villas (ljetnikovac) used by Dubrovnik’s noblemen through the centuries
Great for exploring on foot or bike (check for the guided tours too), or enjoying lunch in a local tavern
Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka are the most famous villages on this island
What’s Typically Included Private boat tour from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands is a different experience than any other similar boat tour. If you choose this kind of experience, you can enjoy in the most luxurious exploration of these beautiful islands near Dubrovnik. Here’s what’s usually included in the price of these tours:
Private boat with licensed skipper
Fuel and docking fees
Drinks (water, champagne, beer, soft drinks)
Snorkeling gear
Hotel pickup and drop-off (from Dubrovnik)
Custom itinerary based on your wishes
Optional Add-Ons Apart from the things that are usually included in every private tour, you can arrange additional add-ons like:
Best Time for a Private Tour Any time you visit Dubrovnik is a great time for a private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands. Still, summers are the best period because the Adriatic Sea is the warmest at this period which is great for swimming and snorkeling. On the other hand, if you book such a private tour during the months like April, May or October, you can enjoy the almost empty Elaphiti Islands.
May to October is the best period for all kinds of boat tours in DubrovnikMorning departures give you the opportunity for the full day experience, while sunset cruises
Tips for Your Elaphiti Boat Tour We know that you are already eager to book your private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands, but let us share a few more tips with you before you leave:
Book these tours in advance , especially during the high season (June–September)Don’t forget to bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a hat Tell your skipper your preferences – they know the best hidden places and they can take you thereBring some cash for island restaurants or beach bars (some might not accept cards)
Before you venture on a private boat tour to Elaphiti Islands A private boat tour to the Elaphiti Islands can easily become a highlight of your stay in Dubrovnik. In fact, our first exploration of this archipelago was through a private boat tour . We were shooting a wedding of a couple in Dubrovnik, and they booked a private boat tour in Croatia, so one day was reserved for the Elaphiti Islands. Elaphiti are truly a magical place and the best location for enjoying peaceful moments near the usually crowded Dubrovnik.
Enjoy your stay in southern Croatia !
