Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Private Boat Tour Review

Visiting Dubrovnik and thinking about seeing the Elafiti Islands? A private boat tour may just be the way to go, that is if you like comfort and exploring at your own pace. I had the pleasure of doing the ‘From Dubrovnik: 4-Hour Elafiti Islands Private Boat Tour’, so here’s my lowdown on what it’s like. Get ready for an experience that’s relaxing and a trip to some incredibly picturesque spots, that is assuming the weather plays ball!

Why Pick a Private Boat Tour Anyway?

Now, when you think about seeing islands, you have a few choices. There are the bigger group tours, which can be great, but a private boat? Well, a private boat offers a special kind of freedom, it’s almost like having your own floating island for the day. That appeal alone made it seem pretty good to me. So, really what sets it apart is the ability to decide where you want to go and how long you’d like to stay. You are calling the shots on this adventure, so you have the choice to skip the crowded spots and discover those quiet, hidden places instead. Another point is the comfort; with a smaller group (or just you and your companions!), you get way more personal attention and room to chill out, which is always good in my book.

What to anticipate From a 4-Hour Tour

A four-hour tour, well, it hits a pretty good sweet spot. It gives you adequate time to see a few key islands without feeling rushed. Most tours often focus on places such as Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, and these islands provide a wide array of experiences, really. You are getting stunning beaches to wander, quaint villages to check out, and that dazzling Adriatic scenery. Keep in mind, though, four hours goes by pretty quickly when you are having fun, so it is useful to plan what is most appealing to you ahead of time. Like your priorities of what you really want to experience. It can pay off to discuss the kind of stuff you like to do with the skipper too, as they know the spots you really shouldn’t miss!

My time on the Boat

The tour started from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor; finding the boat was straightforward, actually, and we were greeted by a skipper who knew his stuff, clearly. The boat was great; not too fancy, but spotlessly clean and just right for our little group, it had comfy seating and a shaded area, that is for folks wanting to avoid direct sunshine. I liked the fact there was cold drinks available, which I always consider is a thoughtful touch. We decided, pretty early on, to visit Koločep first. As we cruised, the views of Dubrovnik receding into the distance were something to behold. The Adriatic is super blue and clear, so just sitting there, feeling the breeze, well it’s magical. Koločep is brilliant for a short walk. The little trails through the pine woods have the smell of summer, which then opened out onto secluded bays. We took a quick dip in the crystal waters; the temperature was just right for a refreshing swim.

Lopud’s sandy embrace

Next up was Lopud, famed for its sandy beach Šunj. This spot is amazing, honestly. The water is so shallow and warm, so it’s perfect for families or anyone who just wants a relaxed paddle. There are a couple of little beach bars where you are able to grab a drink or snack, just remember, that is extra on top of the tour price. I wandered up to see the Franciscan Monastery; the stroll gives you pleasant views and a tiny slice of local culture, you know? The monastery itself is quietly impressive; that said it does not take long to see, that is if history’s not really your thing. I should say, Šunj can get kinda busy, more or less, particularly in peak season, yet with your own boat, you are able to leave when you have had enough.

Šipan, the largest of the isles

Šipan was our final stop. It’s the biggest of the Elafiti Islands and offers a distinct vibe to the others, very. The island is less about beaches and a lot more about seeing how the locals live, in some respects. We moored in a quiet bay and took a little walk inland, where we spotted vineyards and olive groves. There isn’t a massive amount “to do” as such in Šipan if I’m being frank, yet that is part of its appeal. It’s an amazing place to just take it easy and observe traditional Croatian island life. By the time we headed back to Dubrovnik, we were all completely chilled out. The sun setting over the water was a perfect end to the afternoon, in fact.

The benefits you may not have considered

Besides the plain flexibility of choosing your itinerary, there’s extra benefits that stick out. Firstly, these smaller private tours can access bays and coves that are out of reach for bigger boats, honestly. That alone offers you a much more secluded experience, and something well worth considering, especially in the busy summer months. Secondly, the skippers are a fountain of local knowledge, so it’s really worth talking to them! They can provide information about the islands’ history, the most suitable spots for snorkeling, or perhaps where to grab some real genuine grub. Finally, there’s the comfort thing again, as I touched on earlier; on a private boat, you are not fighting for shade or somewhere to put your bag.

A few things that weren’t so amazing

Ok, so everything wasn’t perfect; it never is, alright? The weather could cause issues; you are on the sea, more or less, so if it’s rough, that is going to affect the whole experience, arguably. It did get quite choppy on our return, yet the skipper handled the boat perfectly well, even though some of our group felt a little queasy! Another aspect to be mindful of is cost. Private tours are costlier than group tours, that is an unavoidable truth. If you are on a very tight budget, that this may well not be the choice for you. Then there’s the other tourists… obviously this isn’t the tour operators fault, yet some places, for instance Šunj beach, can get overrun at certain times of the day. Keep that in mind when you are planning your itinerary.

Is this tour good value, then?

So, the big question; would I suggest this tour to others? All things considered, I believe I would, basically. For anyone wanting to see the Elafiti Islands in style and comfort, with a personal touch, it is well worth thinking about. Yes, it’s more costly than a regular tour, but the benefits really are obvious, for instance the flexibility and personal attention. If you value having control over your itinerary and you also like dodging the crowds, then it’s a no brainer. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and be savvy of those peak season bottlenecks. I made some amazing memories on that boat, that is if that’s something you would value.

Some handy hints before booking

If you are leaning towards a private boat tour, a bit of prep will help to make sure you receive the very most out of the experience. Firstly, read reviews from other people; it gives you an honest feel for what to anticipate from specific tour operators, usually. Second, double check what’s included. Find out if drinks are included, or if there are extra costs for things like fuel, that kind of thing. Thirdly, plan your route with your skipper. Talk over what you like to do and what you would like to avoid, almost. Finally, bring sun protection! The Adriatic sun is really strong, so it is worth loading up on sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, so, too. Also bring a towel and swimwear if you want to enjoy those attractive blue seas!