The Elafiti Islands — Dubrovnik’s Best Kept Secret
The Elafiti archipelago — Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan — stretches northwest of Dubrovnik across some of the cleanest water in the Adriatic. Most tourists take the slow Jadrolinija ferry and only visit one island. With a private rental boat, you can visit all three in a single day, stop wherever you want, and swim in coves that ferries cannot reach.
The full loop from Marina Frapa to Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan and back covers about 40 nautical miles. A Quicksilver 675 or Cap Camarat 6.5 handles this route comfortably, with enough fuel range and speed to make all stops without rushing.
Island-by-Island Guide
Kolocep (Kalamota) — First Stop, 20 Minutes from Dubrovnik
Kolocep is the closest Elafiti island and completely car-free. Anchor in Donje Celo bay, swim off the boat, then walk 10 minutes through a pine forest to the Blue Cave on the south coast. Unlike the famous Blue Cave near Bisevo, this one has no entrance fee and almost no tourists.
Lopud — Sandy Beach and Best Lunch Stop
Lopud has Sunj Beach, the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area. Anchor in the main harbour and walk 20 minutes across the island, or take the boat around to the south side and anchor off Sunj directly. The village has several good restaurants — Obala is the local favourite for fresh fish.
Sipan — Largest Island, Quietest Vibe
Sipan is the furthest island and the most peaceful. Sudurad harbour on the east side has a 16th-century fortified palace and excellent konoba-style restaurants. Most day-trippers skip Sipan entirely, which means you often have the harbour to yourself.
Best Boats for the Elafiti Islands Route
- Quicksilver 675 — €300/day, seats 7, 150 HP. Our most popular boat for Elafiti trips. Fast enough to cover all three islands with time to spare.
- Cap Camarat 6.5 — €300/day, seats 7, 150 HP. Premium comfort with a sun deck and T-top shade.
- Quicksilver 755 SD — €400/day, seats 8, 250 HP. If you want a cabin for changing and extra storage for a group trip.
- Barracuda 545 — €200/day, seats 6. Budget-friendly option that still handles the open water between islands well.
All prices include fuel, insurance, and safety gear. Check our full pricing page for multi-day discounts.
Suggested Itinerary: Full-Day Elafiti Boat Trip
- 08:30 — Depart Marina Frapa, Dubrovnik
- 09:00 — Arrive Kolocep. Swim and explore Blue Cave (1.5 hours)
- 10:30 — Cruise to Lopud (15 min)
- 11:00 — Sunj Beach and lunch in Lopud village (2.5 hours)
- 13:30 — Cruise to Sipan (20 min)
- 14:00 — Explore Sudurad, coffee, swim (1.5 hours)
- 15:30 — Return to Dubrovnik via Lokrum Island for a final swim
- 17:00 — Back at Marina Frapa
This itinerary works perfectly for families with children too — the stops are short enough to keep everyone happy, and Sunj Beach is shallow and sandy.
Tips for Your Elafiti Boat Trip
- Fuel: All included. The round trip uses about 60-80 litres depending on speed.
- Weather: Check the Bura (north wind) forecast. If Bura is above 20 knots, the channel between Lopud and Sipan can be rough.
- No licence? Book with a skipper — included free for the Elafiti route. Or read our guide on renting without a licence.
- Combine with sunset: Start later and end with a sunset cruise past the Old Town walls on your return.
How much does a private Elafiti Islands boat trip cost?
A full-day private boat trip to all three Elafiti Islands starts at €200 with the Barracuda 545 or €300 with the Quicksilver 675. Split between 4-6 people, that is €50-75 per person — cheaper than most shared tours and with complete freedom.
Can I visit all three Elafiti Islands in one day?
Yes. With a private boat from RentBoatDubrovnik.com, you can comfortably visit Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan in 8 hours. The ferry only visits one or two islands per trip and takes much longer due to fixed schedules.
Do I need a boat licence for the Elafiti Islands?
For the open-water crossing to the Elafiti Islands, we recommend a boat with a skipper if you do not have a licence. The skipper is included free of charge and knows every bay, restaurant, and swimming spot.
What is the best time to visit the Elafiti Islands by boat?
June and September offer warm water, fewer crowds, and lower prices. July and August are peak season — book at least 3-5 days ahead. May is possible but the water is still cool for swimming.
Ready to island-hop the Elafiti? Browse all boats or call +385 91 600 1201 to book your trip.
Related Guides
Looking to Rent a Boat or Book a Boat Tour in Dubrovnik?
Browse our fleet of 9+ boats starting from €150/day. Private boat tours, island hopping tours, half-day & full-day rentals with optional skipper.
View All Boats →
