DUBROVNIK BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Private Beneteau Day: Six Hours Chasing the Elafiti’s Caves, Beaches and Hidden Bays
A private six-hour boat charter from Dubrovnik aboard a Beneteau Flyer 650 SD that lets you choose where to swim, snorkel, visit caves, and eat on island shores.
Private Beneteau Day: Six Hours Chasing the Elafiti’s Caves, Beaches and Hidden Bays.
Adventure brief
Private Beneteau Day: Six Hours Chasing the Elafiti’s Caves, Beaches and Hidden Bays
On a private Beneteau Flyer 650 SD, the 6 Hours Elafiti Islands Tour hands you the map and the throttle: a skipper is aboard to offer suggestions, but every stop is chosen by you. With the islands clustered close to Dubrovnik, the day is built around swimming, snorkeling, exploring caves and small beaches, and lingering over an island lunch if you like—privacy and flexibility are the point.
On a clear Adriatic morning, climb aboard the Beneteau Flyer 650 SD for the 6 Hours Elafiti Islands Tour, departing from Dubrovnik's Gruž or Old Town port. This private charter puts you at the helm of a customizable day cruise through the Elaphite archipelago—Koločep, Lopud and Šipan are within easy reach—so every stop can be chosen for swimming, snorkeling, or a slow lunch by the water. The islands are low, rocky, and formed of karst limestone; their sheltered bays hold pebble and sandy beaches rimmed by Aleppo pine and fragrant Mediterranean maquis.
Your skipper steers; your day unfolds. With room for up to five guests plus skipper, the Beneteau Flyer 650 SD balances nimble handling with comfortable deck space and shade. Expect crystal-blue coves with talcum sand, sea caves carved into pale limestone, and cliffs where the Adriatic reveals layers of geological time. Local touches include recommendations for family-run konobas on Šipan and Lopud where seafood is simple and fresh, and the chance to drift into quieter anchorages away from larger tour boats.
This tour is a standout for Dubrovnik visitors because it offers true flexibility: stop as long as you like to snorkel in water visibility that often exceeds 15 meters, explore pebble beaches framed by gnarled pines, or follow a caleta (small inlet) into a sea cave. It's ideal for small groups celebrating a birthday, couples wanting privacy, or travelers who prize pacing over a rigid itinerary.
Practicalities matter. Pickup is at Gruž port or Old Town port; free car pickup at your apartment can be arranged. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky landings, and a light jacket for the sea breeze. The skipper carries safety gear and local knowledge—current conditions, hidden coves, and restaurant suggestions—so you can relax and focus on the water.
Why book this with a local operator? The Elaphite Islands are close to Dubrovnik yet feel a world away: low-lying islands, olive groves, and simple stone houses that speak to centuries of seafaring life. A private six-hour cruise on a Beneteau lets you access quieter beaches and tailor the day to your group's pace—small-boat freedom in one of the Adriatic's clearest playgrounds.
On Lopud you can wander car-free lanes to a seafront and cafés; Šipan's terraces and olive groves invite a shore walk or bike stop. Water temperatures warm in midsummer and cool in spring and fall; visibility and light make mid-morning and late-afternoon the best windows for underwater photos. The skipper will point out Posidonia meadows and avoid anchoring on sensitive beds. Bring a reusable water bottle and a small bag for beach trash—leave nothing behind. Book through the referral link to choose pickup and start time; operator details are not provided.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic — Typical Stops
Stops on the six‑hour loop commonly include island landings, cave visits and beach swims—choose which to keep and which to skip.
Koločep
A first island option for short swims and quiet bays; one of the three main Elaphite islands visited on the tour.
Lopud (beaches)
Visit sandy or pebble beaches and relax ashore; beach time and short walks ashore are common on the itinerary.
Šipan
The largest Elaphite island on the route and a place to explore village shoreline or stop for an island meal.
Blue Cave and Green Cave
Swim and snorkel in dramatic sea caves and hidden bays that are listed among the tour highlights.
Šunj Beach (relaxation stop)
A noted beach stop for relaxing on sand and shallow water—one of the recommended places to linger if you prefer a beach day.
The tour is a private, six‑hour charter and the skipper tailors the route and stops to guest preferences; be prepared to board and disembark from a small private boat and to enter the water if you choose to swim.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Island-hopping the Elafiti — Koločep, Lopud and Šipan
The cruise visits the three main Elaphite islands—Koločep, Lopud and Šipan—so you can island-hop between pebble and sandy beaches and seek out quiet bays without long transits between stops.
Caves, hidden bays and crystal-clear swimming
Swim and snorkel in clear Adriatic water and visit dramatic sea caves listed on the route—highlights include stops at both the Blue Cave and the Green Cave and many tucked-away bays.
Private comfort and a day tailored to you
A private boat means personal freedom: your skipper can recommend anchors and restaurants, but you determine the pace—swim, relax on beaches such as Šunj, or pause for an island meal.
What the day feels like
What Six Hours Feels Like
The day is relaxed and customizable: after boarding you move between close-by islands, dropping anchor in coves for swims and snorkeling, slipping into sea caves when conditions allow, and tying up at a seaside restaurant for an optional island lunch. The skipper handles the boat and offers local suggestions while you set the agenda—there’s no strict timetable beyond the six-hour charter.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this private Elafiti day trip.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The charter runs for six hours with a flexible start time.
Board at Gruz port or Old Town port; free car pickup at your apartment is an alternative offered by the operator.
The trip is aboard a Beneteau Flyer 650 SD with a skipper who can recommend stops and services.
Plan to swim and snorkel if you wish—the day centers on water stops and beach time; an island lunch is optional.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The charter is six hours long with a flexible start time.
Where do we meet the boat?
You can board at Gruz port or the Old Town port; a free car pickup at your apartment is also possible.
Is the boat private and who runs it?
Yes — this is a private boat charter operated by Dubrovnik Boat Rent, with a skipper aboard to assist and advise.
Which islands and sites are typically visited?
Typical stops include the Elaphite islands Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, as well as visits to the Blue Cave, Green Cave and beach stops such as Šunj.
Can we swim, snorkel or have lunch on the islands?
Yes — the day is built around swims and snorkeling, and there is an option to stop for lunch at authentic island restaurants.
What boat will we be on?
The announced boat for the tour is a Beneteau Flyer 650 SD.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-14T12:08:42.960Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.