Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is its small size. With room for no more than six people, you spend the day on a sailboat rather than a packed excursion vessel, stopping at quiet swimming spots around the Elafiti Islands. Captain Filip handles the boat and adds local stories along the way.

I like the flexible pace, which leaves time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a walk on Šipan. I also like the practical touches: snorkeling gear, an outdoor shower, a restroom, and storage space on board. The main consideration is weather. Light wind can mean more time under motor power, and rough weather may cancel the trip.

Why this day on the Adriatic works so well

• Small group of up to six: You avoid the noise and crowding of larger island cruises.
• Three different island stops: Koločep offers bays and beaches, Šunj brings sandy shore, and Šipan adds a village visit and lunch option.
• Swimming is central to the day: You get time in the water at more than one location, with snorkeling equipment provided.
• Captain Filip shapes the day: He combines sailing skills with local information and restaurant suggestions.
• Lunch is optional: You can eat at a local restaurant on Šipan, but the meal is not part of the tour price.
• Simple marina logistics: The boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Lapadska obala 21a and returns there after roughly eight hours.

A small sailboat instead of a crowded cruise

At $157.22 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elafiti Islands. It is priced as a personal sailing day, though, not as a basic ferry ride. The maximum group size of six changes the feel of the outing. You have more room to ask questions, move around the boat, and tell Filip what kind of stop you prefer.

I see the value most clearly for couples, families, and small groups who want time on the water without a large crowd. A full boat of six adults has been described as comfortable, and smaller bookings may mean an even quieter day. The tour has also gone ahead with only two people, which is useful if you are booking early in a trip and do not want to depend on a large group forming.

The boat is described as being in very good condition, with a cabin for storing bags and changing. That matters on an eight-hour trip. You can arrive in swimwear under light clothing, keep your day bag protected, and use the outdoor shower after a swim. The restroom is another welcome detail, especially since much of the day is spent away from shore.

Do not expect air-conditioned road transport. None is included, and private transportation to the marina is also not part of the price. You need to make your own way to Lapadska obala 21a in Dubrovnik. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity ends at the same place.

Leaving Dubrovnik at 9:00 a.m.

The morning start gives you a full day on the Adriatic without a late return. The opening part of the trip is sailing time, and the remaining hours are divided among the three island stops. The exact balance can change with wind, sea conditions, and the pace of the group.

Filip has contacted people by WhatsApp before departure to clarify meeting instructions. That is a useful touch when you are trying to find a marina in an unfamiliar part of Dubrovnik. I would still arrive with enough time to locate the boat calmly, since the listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

The trip is offered in English. Filip’s role is more than simply steering the boat. He explains parts of Dubrovnik and the islands, answers questions about sailing, and points out less crowded places. Several people have enjoyed his easy manner and local recommendations, including advice on restaurants and a family winery.

The boat may sail under canvas when the wind allows. On calm days, you may travel under engine power, with the sails raised briefly for photographs or as conditions permit. That is worth knowing before you book. The tour is still a day on the sea, but it cannot promise steady sailing wind.

Koločep: an easy first swim

The first stop is Koločep, where you have about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. This is a good opening stop because it lets you settle into the boat and the water before the longer visit to Šipan.

Koločep is known here for its clean bays and attractive beaches. The appeal is not a long list of sights. It is the simple pleasure of stepping off the boat into clear water, floating for a while, and looking back at the island from the sea.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The trip’s strongest water activities happen at more than one stop, and the smaller boat can make swimming feel less like a mass beach outing.

An hour goes quickly. If you want a long swim, time to sunbathe, and a careful snorkeling session, you may need to choose your priority. The schedule is designed to give you variety rather than keep you at one beach all day.

Šunj Beach and the rare sandy shore

The second stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, an island known for its sandy beach. Sandy beaches are less common along the rocky Croatian coast, so Šunj gives the day a different texture from the rocky bays and swimming spots around Koločep.

You can swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe on board, or swim to shore for a drink at one of the restaurants. This choice is one of the tour’s useful features. You are not forced into a single beach routine. If you prefer a quiet hour on the boat, stay aboard. If you want a change of scenery, head toward the sand and shore facilities.

The stop lasts about an hour, so plan your time. Swimming to shore takes part of that window, and you may prefer to remain near the boat if snorkeling is your main goal. A waterproof phone pouch, towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up will make this part easier, though only the snorkeling gear is specifically supplied.

Šipan: lunch, a walk, and island life

Šipan is the longest stop, with about two hours. That extra time gives the day a more grounded feel. Instead of only admiring islands from the water, you can walk through the town, visit Škocibuha Castle, swim, or eat at a local restaurant.

Lunch is optional and not included in the $157.22 price. That keeps the booking flexible, but you should budget separately if you want the meal. Filip has recommended seafood restaurants on the island, and fresh fish with local wine has been a popular choice. One useful tip is to let him guide you toward a restaurant if you want a local seafood meal rather than choosing at random.

The lunch stop is not just a break for food. It lets you spend time on land and see a quieter side of the Dubrovnik area. You can take a walk, look at the village, and return to the boat without rushing through a short shore visit.

Two hours is enough for lunch and a modest walk, but not for an ambitious island tour. If you want to linger over a long meal, you may have less time for the castle or beach. Decide early what matters most to you, and ask Filip how to fit it in.

What Captain Filip adds to the day

The captain has a large effect on a small-group sailing trip, and Filip is a major part of this one. He has been described as friendly, capable, and skilled at handling the sailboat. He also shares information about the islands, Dubrovnik, and Croatian life without turning the day into a formal history lecture.

That balance suits the setting. You can ask about landmarks while underway, then return to swimming or quiet time when you want a break. His local restaurant suggestions are especially useful on Šipan, where the meal is your own choice and expense.

Safety is another practical strength. People have felt secure under Filip’s command, including a family group of six adults. He also sets expectations clearly and has been flexible with small bookings.

You should still remember that a captain controls the route according to sea conditions. A promised swimming area may change if weather, wind, or boat traffic makes another spot better. That is normal for a water-based day, not a flaw in the plan.

Swimming, snorkeling, and comfort aboard

This is best understood as a swimming and sailing day with island visits, not a sightseeing cruise where you stay seated. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry bag for anything you do not want splashed.

The supplied snorkeling equipment lowers the cost of joining in, especially if you are not carrying your own gear around Croatia. The outdoor shower lets you rinse off saltwater before the next stop, and the restroom means you are not dependent on finding a facility on every island.

The reviews of the boat repeatedly point to comfort, smooth movement, and plenty of time for swimming. Calm water can make the ride especially easy, but it can also reduce the amount of actual sailing. If raising the sails and moving under wind power is your main goal, keep your expectations tied to the weather.

There is no mention of a full meal, drinks, or hotel pickup being included. Bring what you need for the boat and plan separately for lunch. The restaurant stop is optional, so you can control some of your spending.

Is $157.22 a fair price?

I think the price makes sense if you value privacy, a small group, and time in the water. You are paying for approximately eight hours, fuel, the boat, the captain, snorkeling equipment, an onboard restroom, and access to several island stops. The group limit is the key value point.

The price is harder to justify if you only want a quick boat ride to one beach. In that case, a simpler transport option may suit you better. This outing earns its cost through the range of activities: three island areas, two main swimming opportunities, a longer visit to Šipan, and the chance to sail when wind conditions cooperate.

Lunch is the main extra expense to remember. Fresh fish and wine can make the day feel special, but they are not included. Private transport to the meeting point is also separate, so add local transport costs when comparing this with other Dubrovnik excursions.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would choose this for people who want a relaxed day away from Dubrovnik’s busiest streets. It suits couples, families, and small friend groups who enjoy swimming but also want a walk and a meal on land.

It is also a good fit if you prefer conversation and personal attention over onboard entertainment. Filip’s local advice and sailing knowledge are central to the experience. You get a captain-guide rather than a large tour operation with a fixed script.

The trip may be less suitable if you dislike boats, want guaranteed sunshine, or need a packed schedule of historical sites. Most of the day is spent sailing, swimming, sunbathing, and moving between islands. The island walks are brief, and the exact sailing time depends on wind.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity requires good weather, and a cancellation caused by poor conditions brings a choice of another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Final verdict: a strong choice for a personal island day

Book this tour if you want the Elafiti Islands in a small setting, with real time for swimming and a captain who can adjust the day to the conditions. Koločep gives you an early water stop, Šunj adds a sandy beach, and Šipan supplies the longer shore visit and optional seafood lunch.

I would skip it only if you are looking for a low-cost transfer, a guaranteed full day of sailing under wind power, or a large program of historic sights. For everyone else, the mix of comfortable boat time, snorkeling, local food advice, and a six-person limit makes this one of the more personal ways to get beyond Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the Elafiti Islands sailing tour?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

The boat leaves from Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik. The activity ends back at that meeting point.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Koločep Island, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $157.22 per person. Lunch and private transportation to and from the meeting point are not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and is purchased separately at a restaurant on one of the islands, usually during the Šipan stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. The boat has a restroom and an outdoor shower.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of six travelers, making it a small-group sailing trip.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.