Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The Adriatic looks best from a small sailboat. This eight-hour trip from Dubrovnik visits Koločep, Šunj Beach, and Šipan, with swimming, snorkeling, island walks, and time under sail. I like the maximum of six people and the relaxed pace, plus Captain Filip’s local tips and restaurant recommendations. The main catch is that lunch costs extra, and sailing time depends on the wind.

The boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Lapadska obala 21a and returns there. You get snorkeling gear, an onboard restroom, an outdoor shower, and a comfortable way to escape Dubrovnik’s busy streets. Just remember that this is a weather-dependent day on the water, not a tightly scripted sightseeing cruise.

Five things to know before you book

• Small boat, small group: The tour accepts no more than six people, making it far quieter than a large island excursion.
• Three Elafiti stops: You visit Koločep, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan, with roughly four hours on or near the islands.
• Swimming is central: Bring swimwear, as the day includes several chances to swim and snorkel in clear Adriatic water.
• Lunch is optional: A restaurant stop is planned on one of the islands, but food and drinks are not included.
• Captain Filip adds local flavor: He shares information about Dubrovnik and the islands and is happy to suggest places for seafood, wine, and local stops.
• The remaining time is sailing: If the wind is light, the boat may motor between stops, though the sails can still be raised for the experience and photos.

Why a small sailboat changes the day

Many boat trips from Dubrovnik are built around capacity. This one is built around space. With room for up to six people, you are not packed onto a large deck with a crowd competing for shade, swimming access, or the best view.

That small-group format is the tour’s biggest advantage. It makes it easier to ask Captain Filip questions, adjust the pace, and enjoy quiet stretches on the water. Some departures may have only two or four people, while a full boat still remains much more personal than a large group cruise.

I also like that this is a proper sailing outing rather than only a fast boat transfer between beaches. The wind may not cooperate, and the boat may need to use its engine for parts of the route. Still, when conditions allow, you can raise the sails and enjoy the simple pleasure of moving across the Adriatic under canvas.

Captain Filip receives particularly warm praise for his calm manner, sailing skills, clear communication, and local suggestions. He has contacted people through WhatsApp before departure with meeting instructions, which can make finding the marina easier.

Leaving Dubrovnik from Lapadska obala

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21a, with departure at 9:00 a.m. You return to the same place after about eight hours. Private transport to the meeting point is not included, so plan your route before the morning of the trip.

The boat has a restroom, which matters on a full day at sea. There is also an outdoor shower for rinsing off saltwater after swimming. A cabin provides a place to store bags and change, according to the experience details shared by the operator.

This is not an air-conditioned vehicle tour, and there is no land-based transport included. You are choosing a day on a sailboat, with sun, wind, water, and open views. Pack a towel, sun protection, a change of clothes, and only the bags you truly need.

The experience is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, though anyone with limited mobility should check the boat setup before booking.

Koločep: an easy first swim

The first stop is Koločep, where you have about an hour to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe. The island is known for quiet bays and attractive beaches, and this opening stop gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the day.

The water is the star here. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. Conditions under the surface will vary by weather and location, but the stop is designed for swimming rather than a formal guided marine-life tour.

An hour is enough for a refreshing swim and a little sun, but it is not enough for a full island exploration. That is worth knowing if you prefer long walks or extensive sightseeing. This trip gives you short, well-chosen pauses rather than a deep look at every island.

The first stop also helps set expectations. The day is less about checking off landmarks and more about enjoying the sea between Dubrovnik and the Elafiti Islands.

Šunj Beach: sand, swimming, and a choice

The second stop brings you to Šunj Beach on Lopud, one of the few sandy beaches in the area. That sandy shoreline is the main attraction, since much of the Croatian coast is known for pebbles and rocky swimming areas.

You can swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe on deck, or swim ashore for a drink at one of the restaurants. This flexibility is useful because not everyone in a small group wants the same thing at the same time.

If you have been hoping for a classic beach stop, Šunj is likely to be one of the day’s highlights. If you dislike beach crowds, the experience can vary with the season and conditions. The tour reduces the crowd problem by using a small boat, but it cannot make a popular beach private.

The time here is about one hour. That is enough for a swim and a short visit ashore, though you should not expect a long lunch or an extended walk around Lopud during this stop.

Šipan: the longest island stop

Šipan receives about two hours, making it the most substantial land-based part of the day. You can walk through the town, visit Škocibuha Castle, swim from the beach, or stop at a local restaurant.

This is where the tour shifts from a pure beach day to a taste of island life. The town walk gives you a change from the boat, while the castle provides a specific point of interest. You still have time for the water, so you are not forced to choose between sightseeing and swimming.

Lunch is optional and not included in the price. That is both a useful choice and an extra cost. Captain Filip has recommended seafood restaurants on Šipan, and several people have singled out fresh fish and local wine as a high point of the day. One useful approach is to treat lunch as part of the experience, but keep money aside for the meal and drinks.

Restaurant quality and prices are not specified, so you should not book this expecting a prepaid meal or a fixed menu. The strength here is the chance to eat locally rather than being handed a standard meal on the boat.

What the sailing time is really like

The tour lasts about eight hours, but the stops account for roughly four hours. The rest is spent sailing or motoring between the islands. That travel time is not filler. It is when you get the wide views of the Dubrovnik coast, the islands, and the open Adriatic.

Still, sailing depends on weather. Several accounts describe calm conditions and little wind. In that case, you may spend more time cruising under engine power than gliding under full sail. Captain Filip may still raise the sails for photos or allow you to enjoy the boat under sail when conditions permit.

This is an important distinction. If you are booking for the romance of sailing, the experience can deliver it, but there is no promise of strong wind. If your priority is swimming, scenery, and a peaceful boat ride, light wind is less of a concern.

The boat itself is described as comfortable and well maintained. It works well for families of six adults and for smaller groups that want room to spread out. You will have a restroom, snorkeling equipment, fuel, an outdoor shower, and a place to relax between stops.

The value of $157.22 per person

At $157.22 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit the Elafiti Islands. You are paying for a full day, a small group, a dedicated captain, fuel, snorkeling gear, and the freedom of a sailboat rather than a large shared vessel.

The value improves if you are traveling with a group of four to six people. You get more room, more direct attention, and a better chance to shape the day around swimming, lunch, or local sights. Even with two people, the operator has continued with the trip on some departures, which can make the outing feel unusually private.

Food is not included, and private transport to the meeting point is not included either. Add those costs before comparing this option with other Dubrovnik boat trips. Also remember that the price does not guarantee perfect sailing conditions.

For me, the strongest value is not the number of islands. It is the combination of small-group space, flexible stops, and local guidance. A large boat may cost less, but it will not offer the same quiet feel or easy conversation with the captain.

Who will enjoy this day most

This tour suits you if you want to combine swimming with light sightseeing. You should be comfortable spending most of a full day outdoors and on a boat, with sun and changing wind conditions.

It is a good match for:

• Couples who want a quieter day away from Dubrovnik
• Families or friends who can fill some or all of the six available places
• People who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and casual beach time
• Visitors who want seafood and a local island restaurant
• Anyone who prefers a personal captain-led outing over a large group cruise

It may be less suitable if you want air-conditioned transport, a fixed lunch included in the price, or a detailed guided tour at every stop. It is also not the right pick if you need guaranteed sailing under wind power.

The pace is relaxed but not empty. You see three islands, have several water stops, spend time ashore, and still get plenty of time simply sitting on the boat.

Useful planning tips for the morning

Arrive ready to board at the Lapadska obala meeting point. Since private transportation is not included, check your route and allow time to reach the marina.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, a hat, and a dry change of clothing. Pack cash or another payment method for lunch and drinks, since the meal is optional and not part of the tour price.

Do not overpack. The boat has storage and a cabin, but a small day bag is easier to manage than a large suitcase. You also have access to an outdoor shower, so you can rinse off after swimming.

Keep your schedule flexible after the tour. The planned duration is about eight hours, and weather can affect the day. The experience requires good weather, and a cancellation for poor conditions should result in another date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, so a departure can be changed or canceled if that minimum is not met.

Should you book this Elafiti sailing tour?

Book it if you want a personal, water-focused day with room to swim, snorkel, eat fresh seafood, and hear local stories from Captain Filip. The small boat and six-person limit are the real selling points, especially if you are tired of crowded excursions around Dubrovnik.

Think twice if your budget is tight, you want lunch included, or you need a guaranteed full day of wind-powered sailing. For most people who value quiet water time and a flexible island route, the price is reasonable for the setting and the small group.

This is best treated as a relaxed Adriatic day, not a checklist tour. Pack for the sun, keep lunch money ready, and let the islands, weather, and captain shape the pace.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour start?

It starts at Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What time does the tour leave?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum of six participants.

Which islands does the tour visit?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and is not included in the tour price. A lunch stop takes place on one of the islands.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.