These three Dubrovnik boat tours all focus on the Elafiti Islands, but they differ in pacing, flexibility, and what is confirmed to be included. Two are full-day private options, while the third can be booked for a shorter outing or a longer day on the water.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching Dubrovnik custom private tours. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and Croatia tours and experiences.
Quick comparison of Dubrovnik custom private tours
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Flexible full-day boat trip | Travelers who want a private boat day with included pickup and a built-in flexible itinerary | ★ 5.0/5 | 209 reviews | Approx. 8 hr | Private transportation with hotel, apartment, or port pickup and drop-off is included. | View on Viator |
 Classic private island hop | Families or friend groups that want a private, full-day island-hopping plan without pickup and drop-off | ★ 5.0/5 | 180 reviews | Approx. 8 hr | The itinerary is private and can be agreed with the skipper before the tour begins. | View on Viator |
 Shorter or longer boat charter | Travelers who want the most timing flexibility, including a shorter outing or a longer island day | ★ 5.0/5 | 115 reviews | Approx. 4 hr–8 hr | The duration range is wider than the other two tours, so it can fit a shorter outing or a longer day. | View on Viator |
What each private Dubrovnik option includes
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Flexible itinerary with pickup
Full-Day Private Boat Tour of Elafiti Island from Dubrovnik
Best for: Travelers who want a private boat day with included pickup and a built-in flexible itinerary
This option is built as a private, approximately full-day boat experience from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti Islands. The main distinction is the flexible itinerary: you can discuss your wishes with the skipper before the tour starts, and the trip is described as private and specially designed for your group. Confirmed inclusions are broad, with private transportation, pickup and drop-off, skipper-guide service, fuel, snorkeling masks, an underwater camera, and drinks. Meals are not included. The route notes mention island stops, cave visits, swimming, and snorkeling, so it suits travelers who want an adaptable day on the water rather than a fixed sightseeing schedule.
Private full-day boat tour with flexible planning
- Private transportation with hotel, apartment, or port pickup and drop-off is included.
- The itinerary is flexible and can be discussed with the skipper before departure.
- Snorkeling masks, drinks, and an underwater camera are included.
Three-island private day
Dubrovnik Private Full Day Island Hopping Tour Elaphiti Islands
Best for: Families or friend groups that want a private, full-day island-hopping plan without pickup and drop-off
This tour is also a private full-day option, but its structure is more clearly centered on visiting three islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. The itinerary is not fixed, and the skipper can help shape the day before you start. Confirmed inclusions are bottled water, beer and soft drinks, life jackets for adults and children, skipper service, snorkel equipment, and fees and taxes. The listed exclusions are important: meals are not included, fuel is paid in cash on the day, and there is no pickup or drop-off. It suits travelers who want a private island-hopping day and do not mind arranging their own transfer to the start point.
Private full-day island-hopping tour
- The itinerary is private and can be agreed with the skipper before the tour begins.
- It specifically focuses on three islands, which helps travelers who want a clear island-hopping format.
- Life jackets for adults and children are included, along with drinks and snorkel equipment.
Flexible short-or-long charter
Private Boat Tour from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands
Best for: Travelers who want the most timing flexibility, including a shorter outing or a longer island day
Among the three, this is the most time-flexible private boat option because it can be booked for a shorter trip or a longer day. The tour covers the Elafiti Islands, including Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with notes that mention caves and Šunj beach. Confirmed inclusions are private transportation, Wi‑Fi on board, bottled water, snorkel equipment, wine, beer, cola, Fanta, and a fuel surcharge. Lunch is excluded. The itinerary notes emphasize that you can stay longer at each stop as long as it fits within the total duration, which makes this a good choice for travelers who want a customizable boat day with a shorter minimum commitment.
Private boat tour with the broadest time options
- The duration range is wider than the other two tours, so it can fit a shorter outing or a longer day.
- Wi‑Fi on board is included along with bottled water and other drinks.
- The itinerary notes clearly allow time-based flexibility at each stop within the chosen duration.
Choosing an Elafiti Islands day style from Dubrovnik
If you want pickup and a simple full-day plan, the first tour is the most straightforward fit. If you care most about shortening or extending the time on the water, the third tour offers the widest duration range, while the second is a good middle ground for a classic three-island day.
Elafiti Islands by private boat
A private boat day focused on the Elafiti Islands, with route details adjusted with the skipper before departure.
Koločep, Lopud, Šipan
A private route built around three Elafiti islands, with the day shaped in advance with the skipper.
Elafiti Islands by private boat
A private Elafiti Islands boat trip with the broadest duration range and flexible time spent at each stop.
Before you book in Dubrovnik
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Dubrovnik booking checklist
- Check whether pickup and drop-off are included before booking, because one of the three tours does not include them.
- Fuel is included on one tour, listed as part of the day on another, and charged separately on a third, so compare the inclusions carefully.
- Meals are not confirmed as included on any of these tours, so plan separately if you want to eat during the trip.
Questions travelers ask about Dubrovnik custom private tours
Which tour is the most flexible in timing?
The private boat tour from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands has the broadest duration range, so it is the best fit if you want the most control over how long you stay out.
Which option includes pickup?
The full-day private boat tour from Dubrovnik includes hotel, apartment, or port pickup and drop-off, and the shorter-or-longer private boat tour also shows pickup included in its listed options. The island-hopping tour does not include pickup or drop-off.
Are meals included on any of these tours?
No meals are confirmed as included on these products. One tour lists meals as excluded, one lists lunch as excluded, and the first tour also does not include meals.