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About This Experience
Dubrovnik Blue Cave & Elaphiti Islands Shore Excursion
Designed for cruise guests who want a true sea day from Dubrovnik without gambling on group-boat timing, this private shore excursion pairs direct port pickup with a skipper-led route toward the Blue Cave and the Elaphiti Islands. The day is built around your ship schedule, sea conditions, and preferred balance of cruising, swimming, and island stops — not a fixed shared-boat script.
Your skipper meets you at Dubrovnik cruise port and uses the first part of the day to get you onto the water efficiently. From there, the route usually leans toward the Koločep side first so the Blue Cave can be checked early, while conditions are still at their best. If the cave window is open and the water is right, Blue Cave becomes the signature stop. If conditions are rough, the same time is redirected into nearby clear-water coves or a longer Elaphiti island segment rather than wasting the excursion on a forced attempt.
Lopud and Šipan give the route its island character. On a faster pace, they can become scenic cruising points, harbor strolls, swim stops, or beach time near Šunj. On a more relaxed pace, the day can hold longer on one island instead of rushing through every possible stop. Because the excursion is private, the skipper can adjust the mix between cave time, island wandering, and relaxed sea time without turning the day into a generic Dubrovnik boat tour.
Why This Works for Cruise Guests
This page is built specifically as a cruise-port excursion, not as a broad private-boat charter page. Port pickup, return-to-ship timing, and route flexibility are part of the core promise. The route stays realistic for cruise passengers first, with a practical return buffer and day-of adjustments when tender timing, wind, or port traffic changes.
Blue Cave First — But Only When the Sea Says Yes
The Blue Cave remains the headline stop and the main reason many guests choose this route. At the same time, this is still a private sea day rather than a rigid checklist. If the sea is calm, the Koločep cave window leads the day. If conditions are not suitable, the skipper pivots toward the strongest Elaphiti-water alternative so the excursion still feels rewarding, comfortable, and premium.
Private Skipper Service, Not a Shared-Boat Schedule
You are not joining a large group departure with a fixed stopwatch. This is a private skipper-led outing shaped around your docking window and your preferred pace. That means a shorter island hop when the port window is tight, more swim time when conditions are ideal, or a calmer harbor stop when your group wants an easier rhythm.
Return to Ship With Confidence
Cruise timing is treated as part of the product, not as an afterthought. The final leg is planned with a realistic return buffer, and the route can be shortened or rebalanced on the day if your ship timing, tender logistics, or sea conditions shift.
Details
- Tour Name
- Dubrovnik Blue Cave & Elaphiti Islands Shore Excursion
- Difficulty Level
- Easy to moderate
- Languages Available
- English
- Tour Type
- Private shore excursion by speedboat
- Cruise Port
- Dubrovnik cruise port (Gruž)
- Return to Ship Notes
- Private skipper routing includes a practical return buffer and can shorten or reverse island sequencing if sea conditions, tender timing, or ship schedules shift.
- Itinerary
- Port pickup and embarkation → Koločep Blue Cave check → flexible Lopud / Elaphiti island stop → Šipan-side harbor pause and Dubrovnik return cruise.
- Vehicle Type
- Private speedboat with skipper; exact boat class is matched to your group size and operational availability.
- What's Included
- - Private shore-excursion planning around your ship schedule - Dubrovnik cruise-port pickup and embarkation coordination - Private speedboat and skipper service - Flexible Blue Cave / Elaphiti route logic - Time for swim stops or island wandering when conditions allow - Return-to-ship buffer built into the day
- What's Not Included
- - Food and drinks - Restaurant or beach-club spend during optional island stops - Personal purchases and gratuities - Guaranteed cave access when sea conditions require a safer reroute
- What to Bring
- - Soft deck shoes or sandals suitable for boat boarding - Sun protection and water in warmer months - Swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim - A light layer or windproof top outside peak summer - Cruise card and phone for day-of coordination
- Guide Speciality
- Dubrovnik island routing, Blue Cave condition checks, Elaphiti stop pacing, and cruise-friendly private skipper service.
- Physical Requirements
- Suitable for most guests comfortable stepping on and off a speedboat. Swimming is optional, but pontoons, ladders, and sea movement can require basic balance and mobility.
- Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation is supported on the source direction, but the exact cancellation cutoff is reconfirmed with your final booking setup.
- Available Days
- Daily, subject to ship schedule, skipper availability, and sea conditions.
- Available Start Times
- Adjusted to your ship's docking or tender timing, port formalities, and daily sea-state conditions.
- Destination / City
- Dubrovnik
- Area / Neighborhood
- Port of Dubrovnik, the Koločep Blue Cave zone, Lopud, Šipan, and the Dubrovnik coastline.
- Duration
- Usually around 4 to 6 hours, aligned to your docking window and sea conditions.
- Meeting Point at Port
- Dubrovnik cruise port in Gruž or a nearby dock handoff confirmed before your ship arrives.
- Guide(s)
- Private skipper
- Highlights
- - Cruise-port pickup and direct embarkation in Dubrovnik - Early Koločep Blue Cave check with sea-conditions flexibility - Private island pacing across Lopud and/or Šipan - Swim-stop, harbor-stroll, or beach-time flexibility - Practical return-to-ship timing
- Minimum Group Size
- 1
- Maximum Group Size
- 8
- Ship Return Guarantee
- ✓ Yes
- Transport Included
- ✓ Yes
- Air Conditioning
- ✗ No
- Port Pickup
- ✓ Yes
- Port Drop-off
- ✓ Yes
- Guided Tour
- ✓ Yes
- Licensed Local Guide
- ✗ No
- Wheelchair Accessible
- ✗ No
- Kid Friendly
- ✓ Yes
- Advance Booking Required
- ✓ Yes
Gallery
Itinerary
Dubrovnik Blue Cave & Elaphiti Islands Shore Excursion Itinerary
Private Dubrovnik cruise-port boat route that prioritizes the Koločep cave window first, then uses flexible Elaphiti island pacing with a reliable ship return buffer.
- Step 1
Port pickup and embarkation in Dubrovnik Gruž
⏱ 15-20 minMeet your skipper at Dubrovnik cruise port or a nearby dock handoff and move efficiently from ship logistics onto the water. The first step is all about using your available port window well rather than spending it on shared-boat waiting.
Dubrovnik Port Gruz
Highlight PortCruise-port pickup and embarkation briefing
Private-yacht embarkation point in Dubrovnik for a seamless Adriatic departure with Tendo-style service.
Exact dock handoff is reconfirmed with the ship schedule.
- Step 2
Koločep cave window and Blue Cave check
⏱ 45-60 minHead toward the Koločep side early and assess the Blue Cave while conditions are still at their best. If the cave is comfortably accessible, it becomes the signature stop; if not, the skipper reallocates time into nearby clear-water coves or a stronger island segment without forcing an unsafe attempt.
Blue Cave, Kolocep
Highlight Blue caveBlue Cave check and sea-condition assessment
Signature Blue Cave stop near Kolocep, chosen for luminous water, cave ambiance, and a strong private-boat moment close to Dubrovnik.
This remains the signature stop, but access still depends on safe conditions.
- Step 3
Flexible Elaphiti island stop on Lopud or nearby bays
⏱ 60-120 minUse the middle of the excursion for the island rhythm that suits your group: a harbor stroll on Lopud, time near Šunj, a swim stop, or slower cruising through the Elaphiti coastline. Because the outing is private, the day can stay focused on one stronger stop instead of rushing every island.
Lopud Island
Highlight IslandFlexible island stop or harbor stroll
Car-free Elafiti island with Sunj Beach and relaxed waterfront walks.
The skipper can hold longer here when the group prefers island time over extra crossings.
- Step 4
Šipan-side harbor pause and Dubrovnik return cruise
⏱ 60-90 minFinish with a slower Šipan-side harbor or bay segment when time allows, then return along the Dubrovnik coastline with the ship schedule front of mind. The final leg stays practical and ship-safe, and can be shortened if tender timing, weather, or port instructions change.
Sipanska Luka, Sipan
Highlight Fishing villageHarbor pause before the return leg
Traditional Sipan harbour village for a short walk or lunch pause.
Used as a calmer final island segment when timing allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we meet for the shore excursion?
The standard arrangement is pickup at Dubrovnik cruise port in Gruž, with the exact dock handoff or meeting point reconfirmed before your ship arrives. If the daily port setup or tender flow makes another nearby handoff smarter, that fallback is kept simple and clearly communicated in advance.
Is the Blue Cave guaranteed on this excursion?
The Blue Cave is the headline stop and the route usually checks the Koločep cave window early, but access still depends on sea conditions and safe entry on the day. If the cave is not realistic, the skipper shifts the time into stronger Elaphiti cruising, swim stops, or island time instead of forcing an unsafe cave attempt.
Which Elaphiti islands do we actually stop at?
Most private versions use Koločep, Lopud, and a Šipan-side segment as the core routing logic, but the exact stop mix stays flexible. On a shorter port window you may focus on one stronger island stop, while a longer or smoother day can include both a harbor-style pause and a beach or swim segment.
What if our ship is delayed or the tender schedule changes?
This is exactly why the excursion is private. The skipper can tighten the route, reverse the order of the stops, or shorten the island time so the day stays realistic for your ship window rather than trying to force a fixed shared-boat schedule.
Is this boat excursion suitable for children?
Often yes, especially for families who want a private pace and the option to control how active the day becomes. The main consideration is comfort with speedboat boarding and sea movement, so let us know the ages of the children and whether you prefer calmer cruising, beach time, or shorter swim stops.
What happens if weather or sea conditions are poor?
If the open-water cave plan is not comfortable or safe, the day is adapted rather than wasted. Depending on the conditions, that can mean a more sheltered Elaphiti route, fewer crossings, a shorter island rhythm, or rescheduling if the weather is clearly unsuitable for a quality shore excursion.
Why choose Tendo luxury travel
Tendo luxury travel is a regional expert and leading specialist for holiday planning and provision of complete tourist services in southern Dalmatia, the Dubrovnik area, and wider. Our business is based on quality presentation and complete tourist offers, professional and individual service oriented to client wishes and needs.
We are an active member of UHPA ( ACTA /Association of Croatian Travel Agencies) which guarantee of the service quality and authenticity of products and services. We’re taking special care of our clients during their stay at their destination or use of our services and we are always at your disposal ready to help and share useful and helpful information.
Throughout the past, we had countless satisfied and returning clients which present our success and pride and we hope that you will become one of them in a near future. Our goal is satisfied clients and professional service which goes beyond your expectations!
You can count on our kind and knowledgeable staff to offer you the attention, care, and service necessary to have a trip that is both memorable and trouble-free.
Where can I learn more about your agency?
Our business is based on quality presentation and complete tourist offers, professional and individual service oriented to client wishes and needs. You can read reviews about our agency on our Reviews page or on official our TripAdvisor page.
What do you have in your offer?
Offer program
Includes the most tourist products and services in Croatia and we would like to point out the services :
Private boat tours
Tendo Luxury Travel is an industry leader when it comes to providing speedboat tours in the Dubrovnik region. Participate in our Private Cave Tours as well as our Private Boat Trips to the Islands in the Area. We will make arrangements for an enjoyable day spent at sea in the vicinity of Dubrovnik, and you will have the option of paying a private visit to one of the islands in the area. There are a variety of boat rental alternatives available, ranging from moderate to high to luxury. To create the ideal day at sea for you, one that you will never forget, we will not only show you the greatest areas to swim and snorkel but also recommend the best eateries on the islands.
If you decide to go with our company to find a boat rental service in Dubrovnik, you will only be one click away from a memorable experience on the water in this city.
Tailor-made private excursions
Private day tours/excursions in Dubrovnik are taken by one or more passengers (all in the same party) on the date of their choice, subject to schedules and availability. In other words, our private excursions in Dubrovnik are just you (and/or your group) and adriaticGlobal.Net guide or/and driver/skipper - there are no join-in travelers. Private excursions offer the following benefits : they are flexible with itinerary, so you can enjoy trip planning with your own tour guide, and enjoy boats & vehicles that cater to only you for sightseeing popular attractions in comfort way.
Yacht and boat charter
We all dream of the right day on a boat! Would you like to engage in the adventure of exploring the Adriatic sea and enjoying its true beauty by boat? The Adriatic Sea has over 1000 islands and that's why it is often called the nautical paradise, and most southern part of the Adriatic sea, is well known as the most exciting one.
The actual advantages of a brand new yacht charter would be the flexibility to visit in which you want, within the cruising a part of the yacht, moreover as accomplish what you want after you need. To realize a charter vacation on the Adriatic coast, you will need to rent a yacht to explore 1000 (one thousand) islands on the Croatian side of the Adriatic, starting from Dubrovnik, Hvar, Kornati, Split, Zadar, Brijuni, Pula, Rovinj.
Private transfers on land and sea
Transfers with the boat - Transportation from the airports to the islands (direct). Your captain will pick you up and transport you directly to your destination, making your transfers a unique experience. Depending on the length of your stay, we may also transport you back to the airport. Avoid standing in line for the ferry. You decide to book a private transfer, so the entire boat is reserved just for you. You might take a private car from the port where you arrive at your destination to your residence, and then have the same car take you back to the port when you leave. We cover all major destinations such as : Dubrovnik, Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, Brac, Vis, Kornati, and Split in the Croatian part of the Adriatic, and we can organize transfers from Croatia to Montenegro (Budva, Kotor, Porto Montenegro, Porto Novi) or Montenegro to Croatia.
Check our private boat transfer offer.
Transfer with the car - If you are traveling with family, in a group, or on business, for example, and you would prefer your own vehicle to go straight to where you need to go with a registered driver, then a private transfer may be the ideal choice for you. With a private service, you can make arrangements to meet your driver at a location that has been predetermined in advance, pre-book seats for youngsters, or pre-book space for more luggage. We cover all major destinations such as : Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, and Rovinj in the Croatian part of the Adriatic, and we can organize transfers from Croatia to Montenegro and Italy
Check our private ground services (car transfers) offer.
Corporate travel events
Tendo Luxury travel is a full-service agency offering complete tour planning for individuals and groups of all sizes. We will provide you with professional tailor-made tours and destination services. As your partner, it is our duty to make your group event fun and memorable, therefore we will help you to plan your next event from start to finish and achieve your objectives by designing imaginative special events, fun-filled tours, and unique theme parties that make a lasting impression.
How do a pay for confirmed reservation?
Payment with credit card / OFFLINE
If you choose this method of payment, our customer service will send you a calculation and credit card authorization form, you will need to fill it in and return it to the agency by email. Be advised that only a signed form authorizes us to charge the booking balance of your reservation according to the chosen payment terms. For security reasons, you can call us to dictate your credit card number. Upon charging your credit card, the same amount is converted into your country's currency according to the exchange rate of credit card associations. There is a possibility of a slight difference from the original price stated on our website due to this conversion!
Payment with credit card / ONILE
In co-operation with our business bank Raiffeisenbank Austria, we have provided you with online credit card payment. If you choose this payment method, upon granted inquiry our customer service will send you an email, quote, and link for credit card authorization pages through our payment gateway secured with an SSL key : https://pos.adriaticglobal.net. Clicking on a link you will be redirected to adriaticGlobal.Net TA pages on which you must enter the required information and follow the application instructions to complete the payment. adriaticGlobal TA and Raiffeisenbank Austria guarantee the security of your online purchases by using 3D safety standards laid down by Visa International (Verified by Visa) and MasterCard Worldwide (MasterCard Secure Code).
Payment from abroad via bank transfer:
This method of payment refers exclusively to foreign customers/guests. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, please transfer the confirmed amount of service to the account of Tendo luxury travek agency.
Our bank beneficiary details are :
| Full name of receiving bank | Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d. / https://www.rba.hr |
| Full address of receiving bank | Petrinjska 59, 10000 Zagreb, Croati |
| Full name of beneficiary | Tendo d.o.o. |
| Full Address of beneficiary | Andrije Hebranga 106A, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia |
| Iban Code | HR2524840081107216972 |
| Account No. | 1107216972 |
| SWIFT | RZBHHR2X |
PayPal payment
We accept payments with PayPal. Please inform us if you like to process payment via the PayPal service.
Notes:
- Certain payment options do not apply to all products and services.
- Transaction fees are paid by the customer/guest and it is included in prices.
- After payment is done, the customer/guest may be asked to send confirmation of payment by e-mail.
- After payment is done, the customer/guest may be asked to send confirmation of payment by e-mail.
- The moment of reception of payment confirmation or credit card authorization form will be considered as accrued benefit and confirmation of reservation
What is the current currency of payment in Croatia?
The euro
As of 01 January 2023, the currency of Croatia is the euro.
What is your cancellation policy?
For all our services mostly you can cancel up to 48-24 hours before the tour check-in. Always In case of client illness, physical condition, accident, or injury prior to service star agency will in good manners offer a full refund.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! Contact us to find out more about discounts.
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