Dubrovnik: Jet Ski Safari to Elaphite Islands & Blue Cave

4.93

(15 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about the jet ski safari at first — I’d never driven one before, and the Adriatic looked huge from the dock in Dubrovnik. Our guide, Marko, just grinned and handed me a waterproof bag for my phone. “Don’t worry,” he said, “you’ll get the hang of it.” The engine rumbled under me and suddenly we were off, bouncing over waves with salt spray on my lips. The city walls looked different from out here — somehow older and more mysterious. We zipped past Banje Beach where kids waved at us like we were celebrities or something.

First real stop was Lokrum Island. There was this piney smell in the air, sharp and clean, mixed with sunscreen and seaweed. Marko pointed out where Game of Thrones filmed some scenes — he seemed proud but also a bit amused by all the fuss. Then we headed toward the Elaphite Islands. Koločep’s Blue Cave was next; I didn’t expect how blue it really is inside, almost glowing around your legs when you swim in (I swallowed a mouthful of salty water trying not to laugh). The water felt cold at first but then just right after all that sun.

Lopud’s sandy beach at Šunj was quieter than I thought it’d be — just a few locals playing cards under an umbrella. We drifted for a bit while Marko told us stories about growing up on these islands (he claims his grandma still makes the best olive oil). On Šipan we passed Bowa restaurant from the sea; smelled grilled fish even from out on the water. Somewhere along the way I realized I’d stopped worrying about falling off — it was just fun, loud and splashy and kind of freeing. We looped back toward Dubrovnik with one last look at Lovrijenac Fortress rising above everything. That view sticks with me.