Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour

Exploring the Dalmatian coast by water is a quintessential experience for anyone visiting Cavtat, and a full-day boat tour of the Elafiti Islands is often cited as a highlight by our visiting friends and family. This 6-8 hour journey unveils the pristine beauty of the islands and the enchanting allure of the Blue Cave, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Both "Elafiti Islands" and "Elaphites Islands" refer to the same group of islands in Croatia. The name comes from the Ancient Greek word for deer, "elaphos," as deer once populated these islands. Today, the Elafiti Islands are known for their scenic beauty and historic sites.

When choosing your Elafiti Islands boat tour, you have two options: a private charter or a group charter. Both options provide unique opportunities to explore the magical scenery and vibrant atmosphere of the Elafiti Islands. More details on each choice are available below, helping you decide the best fit for your adventure along the Dalmatian coast.

Choosing Your Charter

Before we dive into the details between group charters and private charters, there are a few details that may influence your decision, including pickup locations and whether or not you want to see the Blue Cave.

Pickup Locations

While Adriana's group boat charter conveniently departs from Cavtat Harbor, most private boat charters typically begin at the Dubrovnik Marina. These charters usually offer a car/van shuttle service from Cavtat to the Dubrovnik Marina and back. However, since a boat day can already be quite lengthy, I prefer not to extend it further with an additional 30 to 45 minute drive each way to/from Cavtat to the Dubrovnik Marina. Therefore, we usually opt to pay an extra fee of around 100 euros for private charters to pick us up directly at Cavtat Harbor. To secure a pickup at Cavtat Harbor, it's essential to discuss and confirm this arrangement during the booking process.

Blue Cave Tour

Visitors to Cavtat often confuse an Elafiti Islands boat tour with a Blue Cave tour. To clarify, the Blue Cave is a single stop on most private boat charters. It’s a cave on one (of the three) Elafiti Islands that you will see on your tour. However, due to the larger boats used for group tours, group tours typically don't stop at the Blue Cave.

Located near Dubrovnik, the Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming. Boats anchor close to the cave, and guests swim about 100 feet to the entrance. From there, you'll need to swim 10 feet underwater to reach the cave, with just 1-2 feet of clearance between your head and the top of the entrance. Inside, you'll find a small chamber, roughly 10 feet in diameter and height.

The true magic of the Blue Cave is not immediately apparent. Instead of just looking around inside the cave, submerge your head underwater (with goggles on) and gaze toward the entrance to see the shimmering blue light that gives the cave its name. For an even better experience, dive down and look up toward the entrance. Bring a mask or goggles to fully appreciate this view. Also, if you have time, be sure to explore the rocks around the Blue Cave, as they’re a host to many fish and other water creatures.

Important to Note: Blue Cave Safety

Be aware that the top of the cave entrance is jagged and extremely dangerous if your head strikes it. If the water is rough and the sea level is higher than usual, we strongly advise against entering the cave unless you're a very experienced swimmer who can dive deep enough to clear the entrance safely. Trust us, it's not worth risking your life—it's cool but not phenomenal enough to cost you a hospital visit.

Consider wearing a life jacket or at least bring a flotation device (like a kick-board, noodle, etc.). The swim is challenging for most, and the crowded conditions can make it even more stressful. A flotation device will provide safety in case of panic, especially if another swimmer tries to grab onto you.

If there's not enough clearance for your head at the entrance without diving underwater, that's a clear sign you should avoid entering. It's a cool experience, but definitely not worth compromising your safety.

This warning isn't an exaggeration. Even decent swimmers have had panic attacks in the chaotic environment around the Blue Cave due to the boats, swimmers, and the nerve-wracking challenge of getting inside. So prioritize your safety and enjoy the experience within your limits.

Another important caution regarding the Blue Cave is the high level of boat traffic in the area. While most boat captains are vigilant and keep an eye out for swimmers, the combination of crowded waters and the hunt for good anchoring spots can easily lead to a swimmer being overlooked. This is yet another reason to wear or bring a life jacket, as the bright orange color makes you much more visible.

Even with a life jacket, always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're near boats or in their potential pathways. Stay alert, and ensure your safety by keeping a safe distance from boat traffic.

Private Boat Charter

Now, let’s get into the charters. We opt for private boat charters primarily for the flexibility and control they offer over the day's schedule. Starting at the convenience of pickup, we can adjust the time at Cavtat Harbor if, for instance, breakfast runs longer than expected. This control extends to deciding which spots to visit and how long to stay at each one—some locations might warrant a quick look, while others deserve more time for exploration.

Private charters also allow us to customize our lunch experience. For example, during a private charter to Lopud Island, we can choose to dine at notable restaurants such as La Villa or Restaurant Dubrovnik, which are renowned for their delightful outdoor settings and exceptional seaside atmosphere. This contrasts with group boat charters, where meals are usually cooked on board, offering a unique but less personalized dining experience.

Moreover, private charters grant us the liberty to explore secluded swimming spots for snorkeling and relaxation, away from the predetermined routes of group tours that prioritize efficient travel from one island to another. If the group decides to wrap up the day earlier, we can simply inform the captain; this could be after 6 hours instead of the standard 8 hours, unlike on a group boat where the return time is fixed.

However, it's important to note that private charters are not inexpensive. Prices start at around 700 euros and can increase depending on the size and luxury level of the boat. In contrast, a group charter is much more budget-friendly, typically costing around 60 euros per person. While more costly compared to group charters, the personalized and flexible experience offered by private boat charters makes them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a tailored day on the water with friends and family.

Private Boat Charter Recommendations

We highly recommend Rewind Dubrovnik By Boat for their exceptional and safe service, which we and our guests have consistently enjoyed. If you’re curious about what a full-day Elaphiti Islands tour with them is like, check out our blog post here: Everything You Need to Know: Elaphiti Islands Private Boat Tour with Rewind Dubrovnik. While there are many other boat charter companies in and around Cavtat and Dubrovnik, we’ve chosen not to include them simply because we haven’t personally experienced their services and, therefore, cannot fully recommend them.

If you’re considering booking a private boat charter outside of this recommendation, it’s important to ensure that you deal directly with the boat’s owner. We’ve heard several instances where tourists believed they were booking directly with a boating company, only to discover they had actually booked through a broker. This can often lead to complications, so always verify you are in direct contact with the service provider to avoid any potential issues.

Rewind Dubrovnik By Boat

Check out the reviews on Tripadvisor for Rewind Dubrovnik before booking.

Private Boat Charter Itinerary

Rest assured, you won't need to craft your own itinerary; the esteemed companies listed above will provide you with a seasoned boat captain who knows precisely how to curate an unforgettable day for your group. However, it's beneficial to communicate your preferences to your captain—whether you're keen on swimming, snorkeling, or capturing group photos against the backdrop of Dubrovnik's Old Town harbor entrance. This ensures a tailored itinerary that aligns with your group's desires.

Drawing from our extensive experience—having embarked on this adventure over a dozen times—here's a glimpse of what a typical day might entail with a private charter:

  • Pickup in Cavtat: Start your journey conveniently from Cavtat harbor.

  • Lokrum and Dubrovnik: Cruise by the Lokrum caves and view Dubrovnik from the water.

  • Kolocep Island: Stop for a coffee at Kalamota Beach House on Kolocep Island, with an option for a swim.

  • Sunj Beach on Lopud: Enjoy a refreshing drink at Sunj Beach.

  • Lunch at Lopud: Dine at La Villa Restaurant or Restaurant Dubrovnik, known for their delightful outdoor seating and atmosphere.

  • Visit Šipan: Explore this less-traveled island for a taste of local life.

  • Blue Cave and Snorkeling: Dive into the crystal-clear waters at the Blue Cave for some snorkeling.

  • Drop off back in Cavtat.

Group Boat Charter

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, consider the "Three Islands Cruise" by Adriana, priced at 60 euros. While we have not personally taken this tour, it comes highly recommended by tourists we've spoken with. You can book this group boat charter directly here. The cruise departs daily at 10 a.m. from Cavtat harbor.

The Elaphite Islands cruise offers a full-day excursion to the three most beautiful islands in the archipelago: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. This tour allows you to explore historical sites, enjoy unspoiled nature, and experience the old-world charm that these islands are known for.

You will travel aboard the spacious traditional wooden ships, Kupinova or Gospe od Karmena, which are among the largest that visit these islands. These ships are equipped with onboard toilets, a kitchen, dining area, and panoramic sun decks. Each island visit is thoughtfully timed—about 1 hour on Koločep, 45 minutes on Šipan, and 2 hours and 30 minutes on Lopud—with ample opportunity for sightseeing, exploring, sunbathing, and swimming.

The price per adult passenger is 60 euro. Children up to 5 years of age can join for free, and children aged 5 to 12 years enjoy a 50% discount (30 euro, ID may be required upon boarding). The ticket price includes lunch with wine and refreshments throughout the trip, without limitations. Lunch includes fish or chicken from the grill served with salad, or a vegetarian meal consisting of various grilled vegetables.

Below are a few photos of a group boat charter with Adriana: