Eight hours later, you’ll still smell the sea. This private speedboat day from Dubrovnik to Mljet and the Elaphite Islands is built for a small group, with a Quicksilver 675 set up for real swimming time—not just window sightseeing.

I especially like that the day comes with onboard snorkel equipment and easy comfort details (bimini shade, flat sundeck, cabin to change, and a shower to rinse off sand). You also get a local skipper vibe—skippers like Ivan, Tom, Matija, Josip, and Branko show up for these trips, and that local feel matters when you’re picking the best swim spots and cave routes.

One thing to factor in: the tour price is per group, but there’s a €220 fuel surcharge per booking, meals are not included, and you’ll officially meet at Lapadska obala 4 (no pickup/drop-off is stated in the details).

Key points to know before you go

• Quicksilver 675 comfort for up to 6: the boat can carry 8 “passages,” but they cap it at 6 for a calmer day.
• Real swimming setup: snorkel gear, life jackets, plus a shower onboard after the beach.
• Three major water stops: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach on Mljet, then Elafiti Islands islands like Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep.
• Onboard drinks included: still and sparkling water, soft drinks, and beer at no extra cost.
• Music without pressure: a sound system lets you play your own music, or just enjoy quiet water.

A private speedboat day that actually feels like a day at sea

If Dubrovnik is your “walls and views” base, this trip is the antidote: open water, swim stops, and islands where the day slows down. The format is simple—an 8-hour private outing with only your group aboard—so you don’t spend your day negotiating with strangers about where to stop.

The boat is a Quicksilver 675, described as brand new and built for comfort. Even better, they limit the group to 6 people even though the boat can handle more passengers. That small-group choice tends to matter when you’re changing for the next swim, moving around the sundeck, and trying to keep the day relaxed.

What you’ll love most

Two things stand out fast. First, the onboard setup is practical: a bimini for shade, an XL flat sundeck for lounging, and a small cabin so you can change without doing an awkward land-and-sprint routine. Second, the trip includes drinking water and beverages throughout—still/sparkling water, soft drinks, and beer.

A practical consideration

This isn’t a “lunch is taken care of” day. Meals aren’t included, and the price comes with an extra fuel surcharge €220 per booking. You can still make it good value, but you’ll want to plan your food strategy (either bring your own snacks or budget for a meal stop).

Starting in Dubrovnik: Lapadska obala and your skipper’s local guidance

The tour starts at 10:00 am at Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik. From there, you head out with a local skipper who can talk you through what you’re seeing and how the day will flow. This is one of those details that seems small until you’re on the water and the skipper is already thinking about wind, currents, and where swimming will actually feel good.

The trip also includes basic onboard extras that make the first hour feel less like logistics and more like vacation. You’ll have water (still and sparkling), soft drinks, and beer onboard during the tour. There are snorkel masks available, and the tour description also mentions an underwater camera so you can capture the moment without dragging your main camera into salty water.

Bring this mindset: flexible beats rigid

The schedule is set into stops, but your skipper’s job is to make the day fit your group. On private tours, that can mean spending a bit longer where everyone is actually enjoying the water, or adjusting the vibe when the group just wants to relax on the boat for a while.

Transfers: the fine print and the real-world help

Officially, no pickup/drop-off is included. That said, some departures report skippers coordinating transport help—like ordering an Uber to and from a Dubrovnik hotel—so if you want that extra ease, it’s worth asking ahead of time. In other words: plan to meet at the port, but don’t assume you’re on your own if you want help getting there.

Boat comfort checklist: what’s included onboard on the Quicksilver 675

This boat is built for a full day without feeling cramped. The details are the kind that make you grateful you’re not just sitting on a bench the entire time.

Here’s what you can expect onboard:

• Bimini (sun cover) for shade when the sun is high
• XL flat sundeck for lounging and easy in-water access
• Small cabin to change so you can rinse or swap without awkwardness
• Shower to wash off sand after beach time
• Sound system if your group wants music, or you can keep it quiet

They also provide life jackets for adults and children, plus snorkel equipment. If snorkeling is part of your idea of the day, you’ll appreciate not having to hunt down gear when you’re traveling.

Snorkeling and photos: more fun, less hassle

You’ll use snorkel masks during the day, and the tour description says an underwater camera is part of the experience. The aim is simple: you get the photos without having to risk your own camera gear. Afterward, you can typically get photos sent to you or transferred to your phone.

Stop on South Mljet: Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach

Mljet is where the trip turns from “Dubrovnik day out” into “Adriatic escape.” The focus here is the island’s south: unspoiled nature, crystal-clear turquoise water, and pine forest vibes that feel calmer than the mainland.

You’ll spend about 3 hours on Mljet, with stops at Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach. That’s enough time to do the real thing—swim, snorkel, and take a slow walk if you find a spot you like.

Why these two beaches work well in a single stop

Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach are a good pairing because they’re different enough to keep the day from feeling repetitive. One often suits people who want a wider, open swim area; the other can feel more sheltered depending on the day’s conditions.

Since you’re on a private boat, your skipper can choose the approach that best fits your group’s comfort level. If your party includes non-swimmers, you still get value: the scenery and water color are a reason to be there even if you’re not snorkeling for hours.

The main drawback at Mljet

You’re out on open water in the Adriatic, so wind and chop can change how “easy” a beach day feels. The good news is that the trip is weather-dependent anyway, so the operator expects that conditions matter. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund rather than forcing the day through.

Elafiti Islands time: Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep in about 3 hours

After Mljet, the mood shifts again. The Elafiti Islands are known for pristine beaches and Mediterranean vegetation, and the day’s third stop leans into that variety.

You’ll have about 3 hours to explore the Elafiti Islands. The experience is described as visiting areas tied to Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep—each with a slightly different character:

• Šipan: peaceful village feel
• Lopud: sandy beaches
• Koločep: more untouched nature vibe

How to use the 3-hour window

Three hours sounds short until you’re on the water and realize you don’t actually want to rush. The way to enjoy this stop is to pick one “anchor activity” and then build around it:

• If you love swimming, focus on finding the clearest water and staying in the sea
• If you’re more of a stroll-and-snap-photo person, take short breaks and enjoy the islands’ laid-back pace
• If your group is split, private tours let the skipper flex: someone can drift on the boat while others explore

The islands are also set up for nice late-day views as you work your way back toward Dubrovnik. Even if the day isn’t timed for a dramatic sunset, the coastline scenery is typically worth slowing down for.

The main drawback at the Elafites

This stop can feel “short” if your group has strong interest in walking around towns for hours. That’s not this tour’s strongest match. It’s a boat-based island experience where your time is best spent in the water and on the deck, not in long land excursions.

Drinks, music, and the small comforts you notice once you’re far from shore

A tour like this lives and dies on the moments between stops. This one has a few thoughtful touches that keep the day from feeling like you’re waiting around.

You’ll have still and sparkling water, plus soft drinks and beer onboard throughout the tour. That’s not just “free beverages”—it removes the small stress of where to buy drinks mid-day, especially once you’re out at islands where options are limited.

Then there’s the sound system. If you like your own playlist, you can use it. If you don’t, you can keep things quiet and let the Adriatic do the entertainment.

About alcohol and kids

The tour has a minimum drinking age of 18, and kids must be accompanied by an adult. Since life jackets are included for adults and children, it’s clear they’re thinking about safety, but you’ll want to use your judgment about supervision when kids are near water.

Timing and itinerary flow: how an 8-hour structure works in real life

The day is built around three core segments plus sailing time, with a start at 10:00 am. You’ll have:

• A brief Dubrovnik-oriented moment as you head out (about 10 minutes)
• 3 hours on Mljet (Saplunara Bay and Limoni Beach)
• 3 hours on the Elafiti Islands

That leaves enough “in between” time for transitions and moving from one swim area to the next. On small boats, these transitions are where motion and sun matter most, so it’s smart that the boat has shade and a changing cabin.

Admission tickets: no surprise entrance fees

The tour details list admission ticket free for the stops. That helps with budgeting and keeps the day from turning into a line-up of small payments.

Price and value: what you’re paying $889.38 for (and what’s extra)

The headline price is $889.38 per group, up to 6 people, for about 8 hours. That’s the key value math: you’re paying for private boat time, not per-seat transportation.

Now the extra cost you need to know: a fuel surcharge €220 per booking is not included. You should treat that as part of the real all-in picture.

Meals are also not included, so if your group wants a sit-down lunch, you’ll either need to budget for it or plan snacks. On a private boat day, a simple approach (snacks plus whatever you can grab on land) can work well.

Is this worth it?

If you’re traveling as a group of 4 to 6, it can be a strong deal because you’re buying comfort, gear, and local direction in one package. If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, the per-person cost rises quickly, and you might get better value from a shared tour format.

The other value driver is time. An 8-hour window is long enough to actually swim multiple times without feeling like you’re on a tight clock.

Quick budgeting tip

Plan around three buckets:

• Tour price per group
• €220 fuel surcharge per booking
• Food (not included)

If you do that, you avoid the classic “vacation accounting” stress mid-trip.

Who this private boat tour suits best in Dubrovnik

This tour fits best when you want water time as the main event and you value control over pacing.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You’re traveling with a small group (up to 6) and want true privacy
• You care about snorkeling and don’t want to manage gear
• You prefer comfort details (shade, changing cabin, shower) over barebones boat tours
• Your group enjoys flexible island time more than long sightseeing walks

It may not be your best match if:

• You want a heavy land-based itinerary with lots of walking and town time
• Your group wants meals handled start-to-finish
• You’re hoping for included hotel pickup (it’s not listed as included)

Should you book this private boat tour to Elaphite Islands and South Mljet?

I’d book it if your Dubrovnik plan is missing that “islands all day” feeling. The mix of Mljet beach time plus the Elafiti Islands in one private speedboat day is exactly the kind of contrast that makes a trip memorable.

Also, this tour is consistently rated 5/5 with 49 reviews, which is usually a sign that people are getting what they came for: comfort, good skipper guidance, and a day built around water.

If you do book, my advice is simple: budget for the €220 fuel surcharge, plan your lunch strategy, and make peace with the fact that this is a boat-first experience. For the right group size, it’s one of the more satisfying ways to spend a day off your Dubrovnik itinerary.

FAQ

How many people are allowed on this private boat tour?

It’s a private tour for up to 6 people in your group, aboard a Quicksilver 675.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The start time is 10:00 am, and the duration is about 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

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

Is pickup or drop-off included?

No pickup or drop-off is included, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Are snorkel masks and life jackets provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and life jackets for adults and children are included.

What food and drinks are included?

Bottled water, beer, and soft drinks are included. Meals are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.