Private Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands

Crystal-clear water is the day’s main attraction. This private eight-hour sailing tour from Dubrovnik takes you to Koločep, Šunj Beach, and Šipan, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and slow coastal cruising. I like the small-group format and the freedom to set an easy pace with skipper Filip.

I also like that lunch remains flexible, so you can choose a local restaurant rather than eat from a fixed tour menu. The main consideration is that the advertised four hours of sailing and cruising can feel long if you want a packed sightseeing schedule, and calm weather may mean more engine time than sail time.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to six people: Your group travels alone, which makes the day calmer and more flexible than a large excursion boat.
• Three island stops: Koločep offers swimming and snorkeling, Šunj brings a rare sandy beach, and Šipan adds a village walk and lunch opportunity.
• Skipper Filip is a major strength: He handles restaurant reservations, communicates through WhatsApp, and adjusts the day around conditions and your interests.
• Four hours are set aside for cruising: This is a slow day on the water, not a rapid island-hopping checklist.
• Snorkeling gear and boat facilities are included: You get equipment, an outdoor shower, and a restroom onboard.
• Budget for transport and food: The $692.36 group price excludes marina transfers, lunch, soft drinks, and alcohol.

A private day on Dubrovnik’s outer islands

Dubrovnik is famous for its walls, stone lanes, and busy summer waterfront. The Elafiti Islands offer a different kind of day. Here, the main event is not a museum or monument. It is the sea itself, along with quiet coves, small harbors, sandy shoreline, and time to stop when the water looks too inviting to pass.

The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. from Lapadska obala 21, near Dubrovnik’s Lapad area. It lasts about eight hours and returns to the same meeting point. Since the boat is reserved for your group of up to six, you do not need to match the pace of a large party or wait for people you do not know.

That private setup is the real value. At the full group price of $692.36, the cost works out to about $115 per person for six people. For two people, it becomes a much more expensive day, so I would mainly consider this for a family or group of friends who will use the full capacity.

The pace is relaxed. You will spend time underway, but the route also includes three distinct island stops. The skipper can help shape the day, and Filip’s friendly communication and restaurant help are useful touches for anyone who prefers a smooth plan without feeling locked into a rigid schedule.

Koločep starts the day with swimming time

Koločep is the first stop, with about an hour set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The focus is on its clear bays and beaches rather than a formal guided walk.

This is a good first stop because you can settle into the boat and the rhythm of the day. If you want to get in the water right away, this is your chance. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins, although you should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and drinking water.

I like that the first stop does not try to do too much. An hour is enough for a swim and some time in the sun, but not enough for a long island walk. If you want cultural sights at every stop, Koločep may feel light on activities. If your idea of a good holiday is quiet water and a few unhurried hours outside, it gets the day moving in the right direction.

The outdoor shower becomes useful after this stop. You can rinse off saltwater before settling back into the boat, and the onboard restroom means you are not dependent on facilities at every beach.

Šunj Beach brings sand and a choice of pace

The next stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, one of the best-known sandy beaches in the Elafiti group. Much of the Dubrovnik area is marked by rocky shorelines, so Šunj’s sand gives the day a different feel.

You can swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe onboard, or swim toward shore for a drink at one of the restaurants. That choice matters. You do not have to leave the boat if you prefer a quieter swim, but you can also reach land for a short break.

I would not treat this as a full Lopud sightseeing visit. The scheduled stop is about an hour, so you have time for the beach and perhaps a drink, not an extensive exploration of the island. The short stop works best when you decide in advance what you want to do. A swim from the boat and a little sunbathing will fit comfortably. A long beach meal and a walk may feel rushed.

For families, Šunj can be an easy crowd-pleaser because it offers sand, water, and a simple shore break. Parents should still keep track of children around the boat and water, although the skipper has supplied high-quality buoyancy vests for young children on family outings.

Šipan combines a village, history, and lunch

Šipan is the longest proper island stop, with about two hours available. This gives you more than a quick swim. You can walk through the town, visit Škocibuha Castle, swim from the beach, or sit down for a meal at a local restaurant.

This is where the tour gains its strongest sense of place. Koločep and Šunj are mainly about the water and beach. Šipan adds a small harbor community and a chance to slow down on land. The castle visit gives the stop a historical focus, though the exact amount of sightseeing depends on your pace and what is open when you arrive.

Lunch is not included, which is both a cost and a benefit. You pay for what you choose, and you are not tied to a set menu. Filip can help arrange a reservation, an especially useful service because smaller island restaurants may have limited seating. One meal reservation made through him was important because the chosen fish restaurant was full.

Bring some water and snacks as backup. A small shop is available in the harbor area, but relying only on finding a restaurant at the last moment may not be wise during a busy summer day. Soft drinks and alcohol are also excluded, so factor those into your spending.

Šipan is likely to be the most satisfying stop for anyone who wants more than a beach day. You can split the time between a short walk, lunch, and another swim. The two-hour window is generous enough to make the island feel like part of the experience rather than just a place to step ashore and leave again.

Four hours of cruising shape the whole experience

The schedule allows four hours for sailing and cruising around the Elafiti Islands. That is a large part of an eight-hour tour, and you should understand what it means before paying for a private boat.

This is not a rapid route that tries to collect as many islands as possible. You will have long stretches to sit, talk, watch the coast, and enjoy the open water. I think that suits people who want a quiet break from Dubrovnik’s streets and day-trip crowds. It may not suit you if you want constant stops or a guide speaking throughout the day.

The boat can sail when wind conditions allow. On a calm day, the engine may do most of the work, with some sailing later if the breeze picks up. That is a normal limitation of a sailing trip, not a failure of the tour, but it is worth knowing. You are booking time on the sea, not a guarantee of nonstop sailing.

The slow pace also gives Filip room to adjust the route. He has taken groups to quieter swimming places and offered suggestions around Dubrovnik and the islands. His role is more than steering the boat. He acts as host, local contact, and practical problem solver.

You should expect the exact rhythm to depend on weather, wind, swimming preferences, and lunch timing. The listed schedule provides a useful outline, but a private day works best when you allow some flexibility.

What the boat provides, and what you should bring

The boat includes snorkeling equipment, an outdoor shower, a restroom, and the fuel surcharge. These details may sound basic, but they make an eight-hour outing much easier.

The restroom is helpful because island stops are spaced across the day. The shower lets you wash off saltwater after swimming. Snorkeling equipment saves you from packing extra gear, though you should still bring your own if you prefer a particular mask or fit.

Pack lightly but thoughtfully:

• Swimsuit and a spare layer
• Towel
• Sun protection
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• Cash or a payment method for lunch and drinks
• A phone or camera in a waterproof case

The tour description confirms service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Specific accessibility details for the boat are not provided, so anyone with mobility concerns should contact Smooth Sailing before booking.

Transport to the marina is not included. An Uber from outside Dubrovnik is estimated at about €40, but the final amount depends on where you are staying. Ask for directions if you are unsure how to reach Lapadska obala 21. One useful detail is that bus 6 can serve the marina area, making the start easier for some people staying in Dubrovnik.

Why the skipper matters on a private tour

A private boat only feels worthwhile if the skipper adds something beyond transportation. Filip appears to be one of the strongest parts of this experience.

He communicates before the trip, responds through WhatsApp, and helps with practical details. He has made restaurant reservations, provided snorkeling gear, offered buoyancy vests for children, and adjusted the day for the group. That kind of help can matter more than a formal speech about the islands.

Families may appreciate his calm attention to safety and his ability to engage with children. Couples may prefer the quiet, personal feel of a boat that is not packed with strangers. Friends can shape the day around swimming and lunch rather than following a fixed group schedule.

The private format also reduces the chance of being rushed through a stop that you enjoy. If the water is perfect, you can make the most of it. If you prefer to spend more time walking on Šipan, you have room to discuss that with the skipper.

The price makes sense for the right group

At $692.36 per group, this tour is not a low-cost island excursion. Its value depends heavily on group size and how much you care about privacy.

For six people, the per-person price is reasonable for a full private day with a skipper, fuel included, snorkeling equipment, and onboard facilities. For four people, the cost is about $173 per person. For two, it is about $346 per person before lunch and transfers, which makes the private experience a luxury purchase.

You are paying for control, comfort, and time rather than a long list of included meals or attractions. Lunch, drinks, alcohol, and transportation to the marina cost extra. The fuel surcharge is already included, which avoids one common surprise, but you should still budget for the other exclusions.

I would compare this with the cost of a large shared boat trip. A cheaper excursion may visit similar water and islands, but it is unlikely to offer the same control over swimming, lunch, and timing. If privacy matters, the extra cost can be justified. If your main goal is simply reaching Šunj Beach or Šipan as cheaply as possible, a shared trip may be better value.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to:

• Families wanting a private boat and a flexible pace
• Couples seeking a quiet day away from Dubrovnik’s busy center
• Small groups who can divide the cost six ways
• People who prefer swimming, sun, and local meals to nonstop sightseeing
• Anyone who likes having a skipper arrange practical details

It is less suitable for people who dislike time at sea or expect a packed cultural program. Four hours of cruising is significant. The day also depends on weather, and calm conditions can limit the amount of sailing.

You should also be comfortable with informal planning. The route is clear, but the balance between swimming, lunch, walking, and cruising can change. That flexibility is a benefit for some people and a drawback for anyone who wants every minute fixed.

Booking and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded.

The tour requires suitable weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Because this is a private activity, only your group participates. The experience is currently offered in English, and it is booked well ahead on average, around 85 days in advance. Summer dates are worth arranging early, especially if you need a particular day for a family holiday.

Should you book the Elafiti Islands sailing tour?

Book it if you want a private, unhurried day with clear water, three varied island stops, and plenty of time to simply enjoy being on a boat. The strongest reasons are the small group, Filip’s personal service, flexible lunch planning, and the chance to escape the more crowded Dubrovnik excursions.

Think twice if you want nonstop sailing, a low price for two people, or a tightly packed sightseeing route. The boat may use its engine when the wind is weak, and the four-hour cruising period is central to the day.

For a group of five or six, I think the value is strong. Bring water and snacks, allow extra money for lunch and transfers, and treat the schedule as a relaxed outline rather than a stopwatch. That is when this private trip makes the most sense.

FAQ

How long is the private Elafiti Islands tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. It starts at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the meeting point at Lapadska obala 21 in Dubrovnik.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to six people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Which islands and beaches are included?

The route includes Koločep Island, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan. The remaining time is spent sailing or cruising around the Elafiti Islands.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. You will have a lunch stop on one of the islands, and drinks, soda, and alcohol are also not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is transport to the marina included?

No. Transport to and from the marina is not included. The estimated cost for an Uber from outside Dubrovnik is about €40, although the actual price can vary.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.