Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The best thing about this Dubrovnik boat trip is its small six-person limit. Instead of joining a packed excursion boat, you spend the day on a comfortable sailboat with captain Filip, stopping at clear-water swimming spots and quieter island villages around the Elafiti Islands. The pace is easy: about eight hours on the water, with plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and look back at Dubrovnik from the sea.

I like the chance to snorkel at more than one stop, and I like that lunch on Šipan is optional rather than forced into the price. The main consideration is weather and wind. On calm days, the boat may use its motor for much of the route, though Filip can still raise the sails for photos or sailing when conditions allow.

Key points to know before booking

• Small-group sailing: The boat takes a maximum of six people, a major advantage over large island cruises.
• Three island stops: The route includes Koločep, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan.
• Swimming is central: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a way to protect your phone from water.
• Lunch costs extra: You can eat at a local restaurant on Šipan, but the meal is not included.
• Captain Filip adds local insight: He shares information about the islands, Dubrovnik, sailing, and local life.
• Convenient boat facilities: Snorkeling equipment, an onboard restroom, fuel, and an outdoor shower are included.

Why a small sailboat works so well around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for its Old Town walls, but the coast looks different from the water. You see the city from a wider angle, then move into the Elafiti Islands, where the day shifts from sightseeing to swimming and quiet time aboard.

The six-person limit matters here. A small boat can keep the mood calm and personal. You are not waiting for a large crowd to board, lining up for a crowded swim platform, or trying to hear a guide over a full boat. If only two people book, the trip may still operate, according to the experience details and past bookings, though minimum numbers and weather can affect departures.

Captain Filip is an experienced sailor and the owner of the boat. He is described as friendly, capable, and clear with meeting instructions. He has also shared local recommendations, including restaurants and a family winery. His role is more than steering the boat. He can explain the islands, point out sights around Dubrovnik, and adjust the day to suit the weather and the group.

You should still set your expectations correctly. This is not a luxury yacht charter with a full meal and private transfers included. It is an intimate day on a working sailboat, with a captain, basic facilities, swimming equipment, and time to enjoy the sea.

Leaving Lapad at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting point is at Lapadska obala 21a, in Dubrovnik. The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the same place after the day on the water. The departure point is near public transportation, but transport to and from the marina is not included, so plan your own way there.

The first part of the trip is sailing time. The exact amount depends on the wind and the route. Some days allow more sailing with the sails raised. On calm days, the boat may travel under power. This is worth knowing if your main goal is traditional sailing rather than island swimming.

I like that the remaining hours are not treated as wasted time. The trip is built around the full experience of being on the Adriatic: sitting on deck, watching the shore pass, talking with the captain, and choosing when to swim or simply rest. You may even be invited to help raise the sails when conditions are suitable.

There is a restroom aboard, which makes an eight-hour trip much easier. An outdoor shower is also included, useful after swimming in the sea. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring a mask and fins unless you prefer using your own.

Koločep: the first swim of the day

The first stop is Koločep, one of the Elafiti Islands. You have about one hour here to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe in one of the island’s bays.

This is a good opening stop because it gets you into the water early. If you are eager to swim, you will not spend half the day waiting for the first break. The focus is natural scenery and clear water rather than a long town visit.

Bring footwear that is suitable for getting in and out of the water. The information provided does not specify the exact shore surface at the swimming spot, and many Adriatic bathing areas are rocky or uneven. You can ask Filip about the easiest entry point when you arrive.

The one-hour limit keeps the day moving, but it also means you should not expect a long beach visit here. Use the time well. Swim first, then snorkel, and leave sunbathing for the return ride if you want to make the most of the water.

Šunj Beach: Lopud’s sandy highlight

The second stop is Šunj Beach on the island of Lopud. This beach is known for its sand, which makes it different from many rocky Adriatic swimming spots.

You can swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe aboard, or swim toward shore for a drink at one of the restaurants. You have about an hour, so this is another short stop rather than a full beach afternoon.

Šunj is a useful middle point in the day because it offers a choice. If you prefer privacy and quiet, remain on the boat and swim nearby. If you want to step ashore, you can head toward the beach and buy a drink. The experience details do not promise that a restaurant visit is included, so carry a payment method for anything you buy on land.

The tradeoff is that a well-known sandy beach can feel less secluded than a quiet bay. The small boat helps you avoid the biggest group-boat crowds, but it does not turn Šunj into a private beach. Go for the sand, the swim, and the change of scene, not for guaranteed solitude.

Šipan: two hours for lunch and a walk

Šipan is the longest stop, with about two hours to explore. You can walk through the town, visit Škocibuha Castle, swim, or eat at a local restaurant.

This is where the tour becomes more than a swim cruise. After two water stops, Šipan gives you time on land and a chance to see a quieter side of the Dubrovnik region. A walk through the town helps break up the day and gives you a feel for island life beyond the beaches.

Lunch is optional and not included in the $157.22 price. Filip has recommended seafood restaurants, including places serving fresh fish, and several outings have included local wine with the meal. The exact restaurant and menu can vary, so treat this as a recommendation rather than a prepaid dining arrangement.

If you enjoy seafood, I would seriously consider taking the lunch stop. Fresh fish and a local setting can be one of the most memorable parts of the day. If you would rather keep costs down, you can skip the meal, have a drink, or bring something with you, though the supplied details do not confirm whether outside food is provided or permitted.

Šipan also gives you the best chance to slow down. The two-hour stop is less rushed than the one-hour swims at Koločep and Šunj. You can choose one main activity, such as lunch or a walk, and still have time for a short swim.

What the boat day feels like in practice

This is a relaxed outing, but it is still an active day. You will board in the morning, spend hours exposed to sun and wind, climb in and out of the water, and walk around Šipan. Comfortable clothing and sun protection matter more than dressing up.

The boat includes a restroom and an outdoor shower, but it does not include an air-conditioned vehicle. That detail is less important on the water than it would be on a road tour, yet you should not expect an enclosed, climate-controlled sightseeing coach.

The trip is best for people who like variety without a packed schedule. You get three islands, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, a possible restaurant meal, and time to sit quietly on deck. You do not get long guided tours at every stop, a guaranteed full day under sail, or lunch included in the booking price.

Filip’s style appears to be personal and flexible. He has adjusted routes, made extra swimming stops, suggested restaurants, and shared local details about Dubrovnik and the islands. That flexibility is valuable when weather or wind changes the best plan for the day.

Is $157.22 good value?

At $157.22 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elafiti Islands. A large group boat may cost less, especially if you only want transport and a short stop at one beach.

The value comes from what is included in the format. You get about eight hours, a maximum of six people, a captain who also acts as guide, snorkeling equipment, a restroom, an outdoor shower, fuel, and several island stops. Private transport to the meeting point and lunch are extra, so include those costs when planning your budget.

For a couple or small family, the price can make sense because you are buying space and attention as well as transportation. A group of six can share a more private experience without hiring an entire boat. If you mainly want to lie on a sandy beach for the day, a beach transfer may be better value. If you want swimming, island visits, local advice, and a calm boat ride, the price is easier to justify.

The strongest value is the group size. Six people is small enough for easy conversation and quick decisions. You also avoid the noise and crowding common on large coastal excursions.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this tour to:

• Couples looking for a quiet day away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town
• Small families or friend groups who want a more personal boat outing
• Swimmers and snorkelers who care more about the water than long guided walks
• People who enjoy seafood and want the option of a local island lunch
• Visitors who prefer a slower pace and flexible stops
• Anyone who wants island views without joining a large boat excursion

It may be less suitable if you dislike being on the water for several hours, need guaranteed air conditioning, or want every meal and transfer included. It also depends on good weather, so keep a little flexibility in your Dubrovnik schedule.

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The provided information does not give detailed mobility guidance for boarding, swimming access, or the shore stops, so contact the provider if you have specific access needs.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book. The tour runs in English and is booked, on average, about 48 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible during the busy season.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, and a cancellation for that reason comes with the option of another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Elafiti Islands sailing tour?

Book it if you want a small, friendly day on the Adriatic rather than a standard large-boat cruise. The combination of Koločep swimming, sandy Šunj Beach, a longer stop on Šipan, and optional seafood lunch gives the day a good mix of water and island time.

I would choose it for the small group, the included snorkeling gear, and Filip’s local recommendations. I would also keep the weather in mind and budget separately for lunch and transport to the meeting point.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed full day of strong sailing winds or a fully packaged excursion with lunch, transfers, and air conditioning. For everyone else, this is a strong way to leave Dubrovnik’s crowds behind for a day and see the nearby islands at a human pace.

FAQ

How long does the Elafiti Islands sailing tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. It begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum of six travelers, making it a small-group sailing experience.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep Island, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan Island.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and is not included in the tour price. You have a lunch stop on one of the islands, with local restaurant recommendations available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with an onboard restroom and an outdoor shower.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.