Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The best thing about this eight-hour sailing day is the small boat. With a maximum of six people, you get open views, room to stretch out, and a much quieter trip than the big excursion boats leaving Dubrovnik. Captain Filip sets a relaxed pace, shares local background, and takes you to clear-water swimming spots around the Elafiti Islands.

I like the chance to combine three distinct island stops in one day, from the quiet bays of Koločep to sandy Šunj Beach and the village life of Šipan. I also like the practical touches: snorkeling gear, an outdoor shower, onboard toilet, and a cabin for storing bags or changing. The main consideration is price. At $157.22 per person, this costs more than a crowded group boat, and lunch, transport to the marina, and any drinks are extra.

Five things to know before you sail

• Small group, maximum six people: This is a personal sailing outing rather than a large day cruise.
• Captain Filip leads the day: He handles the boat, explains the islands and Dubrovnik area, and offers local suggestions for food and stops.
• Three island experiences: Swim and snorkel at Koločep, visit sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud, then spend longer on Šipan.
• Lunch is optional: The stop on Šipan gives you time to eat at a local restaurant, but the meal is not part of the tour price.
• The day depends on weather and wind: Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund, and calm conditions may mean more engine-powered cruising than sailing.

Why a small sailboat changes the Dubrovnik day

Dubrovnik’s old town can feel packed, especially in the warmer months. Getting out on the Adriatic gives you a welcome change of pace, and this trip is designed for people who want time on the water without joining a boat full of strangers.

The maximum group size is six. That matters here. You can ask Filip about the islands, Dubrovnik, sailing, or lunch without trying to speak over a large crowd. The small setting also makes it easier to decide how long to swim, when to sit in the sun, and how much time to spend walking on shore.

This is not a speedboat transfer with a quick photo stop. The day lasts about eight hours, and the hours between the three listed stops are used for sailing. Depending on the wind, you may travel under sail or by motor. One important detail from the trip experience is that calm weather can limit the actual sailing, though Filip may still raise the sails for photographs or whenever conditions allow.

The boat includes a toilet, outdoor shower, snorkeling equipment, and a cabin for storing bags or changing. Those features make a full day much easier. You do not need to return to shore after every swim, and you can rinse off salt water before sitting down for the next stretch of the route.

Meeting at Lapadska obala at 9:00

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 21a in Dubrovnik at 9:00 am and returns to the same meeting point. Private transport to the marina is not included, so plan your route there before the morning of the trip. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying away from the waterfront.

Filip has contacted some visitors through WhatsApp before departure with clear meeting instructions. That can be useful at a marina, where several boats and docks may look similar. You receive booking confirmation at the time of reservation, but I would still check the exact meeting details before setting out.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, a towel, and a small bag. The boat has storage and a changing area, but this is still a compact sailing vessel, so packing light makes the day more comfortable. You should also bring money or a card for the optional lunch and drinks, since food is not included.

There is no air-conditioned vehicle included because private land transport is not part of the experience. The important comfort comes from the boat itself, the breeze, the outdoor shower, and the chance to move between shaded and sunny areas.

Koločep: the first hour in quiet bays

Koločep is the first stop, with about one hour set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is a good opening to the day because you can get straight into the water after the boat ride from Dubrovnik.

The island is known here for clean bays and attractive beaches. You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look below the surface, though you should treat the gear as a way to explore the water rather than expect a guided marine-life tour. The main pleasure is simple: clear water, a quiet cove, and an hour with no city traffic or stone streets under your feet.

An hour passes quickly. If you want a long swim, snorkel session, and time on the beach, you may need to keep an eye on the clock. The schedule gives you a taste of Koločep rather than a full island visit.

This first stop also sets the rhythm for the rest of the day. The tour is not built around strenuous sightseeing. You swim, dry off, sit on deck, and continue toward the next island. If you prefer a calm day outdoors to a packed list of monuments, that balance is a strong point.

Šunj Beach: Lopud’s sandy break

The second stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, one of the best-known sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area. Sandy beaches are less common along the rocky Adriatic coast, so Šunj gives the day a different feel from the rocky coves around Koločep.

You have about one hour here. You can swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe on board, or swim to shore for a drink at one of the restaurants. That flexibility is useful because not everyone wants the same kind of beach stop. One person can stay in the water while another heads ashore.

The practical catch is that swimming from the boat to the beach requires comfort in open water. If you would rather not make that crossing, you can remain on board and enjoy the water around the boat. The tour does not promise a long shore visit, so think of Šunj as a short sandy-beach stop, not a full afternoon at Lopud.

The water and setting are the main attractions. You get a chance to compare a sandy island beach with the more secluded bays earlier in the day, all without packing and unpacking for separate excursions.

Šipan: two hours for lunch and a walk

Šipan is the longest stop, with about two hours to explore. That extra time lets you do more than swim. You can walk through the town, visit Skočibuha Castle, go to the beach, or eat at a local restaurant.

This is also the planned lunch stop. Lunch is optional and not included in the $157.22 price, but choosing a restaurant on Šipan can make the day feel more connected to the islands. Filip has recommended seafood restaurants, including places serving fresh fish, and some trips have included local wine with the meal. Those details are recommendations, not part of the fixed tour package, so confirm the menu and cost directly at the restaurant.

I like that Šipan gives the outing a shore-based pause. Eight hours of sun and salt water can become tiring, and a walk through town or a sit-down meal breaks up the day. The castle adds a small cultural element without turning the trip into a formal history tour.

You should not expect a long guided visit to every sight on Šipan. The two hours are yours to divide between food, swimming, and exploring. If you want to see the castle, eat lunch, and spend time at the beach, you will need to choose your priorities.

Sailing time, swimming, and the pace of the day

The schedule lists three stops, but the sailing between them is a major part of the experience. You can sit back, watch Dubrovnik and the islands recede, and enjoy a slower view of the coast. The boat has room for sunbathing, and the small group makes it easier to find a comfortable spot.

Wind affects the character of the outing. On a breezy day, the sails may go up and the trip feels like a proper sailing adventure. On a calm day, the boat may rely more on its motor. That is not a fault with the operator, but it is worth knowing if the word sailing is the main reason you are booking.

Several useful details come from the way Filip runs the boat. He may offer to raise the sails for photographs even when the wind is too light for meaningful progress under sail. He also provides information about the islands and landmarks as you go, and he has suggested less crowded routes and extra swimming stops when time and conditions permit.

The exact route can vary with weather, wind, and conditions. The fixed plan gives you Koločep, Šunj, and Šipan, while the remaining time is sailing and may include an additional swim or photo stop. You should see the listed itinerary as the framework for the day, not a promise that every minute will follow a rigid timetable.

Captain Filip and the personal feel

A good skipper matters on a small boat. Filip is described as friendly, professional, and careful, with strong sailing skills and a relaxed way of explaining the area. He also shares information about Croatian life, Dubrovnik, and the islands rather than simply pointing out names from a distance.

That personal contact is one of the main reasons to choose this trip over a large cruise. You can ask for advice about food, wineries, or places to visit after the tour. One recommendation mentioned by the operator is a family-owned winery, though any visit or purchase there is not part of the stated tour package.

Safety is another important part of the captain’s job. The boat is described as being in good condition, and the small group allows Filip to keep a close eye on everyone during swimming and boarding. You still need to be comfortable following boat instructions and swimming in the sea.

The service is not limited to full groups. The tour is designed for up to six people, and it may still operate with only two people booked. That can be a major advantage for couples, though you should not assume every departure will be private unless the booking confirms it.

Is $157.22 a fair price?

The price is high compared with a basic group boat trip, but the comparison is not quite equal. You are paying for an eight-hour outing with a maximum of six people, a dedicated captain, three island stops, snorkeling gear, a toilet, an outdoor shower, and a more flexible pace.

Lunch is not included, and neither is transport to or from Lapadska obala 21a. Add those costs when planning your budget. Drinks, restaurant meals, and optional island purchases also come out of your pocket.

For a couple or small family that values space and personal attention, the price can make sense. The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole day: swim several times, snorkel, spend time on Šipan, and enjoy the sailing rather than treating the boat as simple transport.

If your main goal is only to reach one beach cheaply, this is probably not the right choice. A larger excursion may cost less, but you will give up the limited group size and the quieter feel. Here, the premium buys comfort, time, and flexibility more than luxury extras.

Who should book this Dubrovnik sailing trip?

I would recommend it most to couples, families, and small groups who want a full day outside Dubrovnik. It suits people who enjoy swimming, sunbathing, light snorkeling, coastal scenery, and an optional local meal more than people seeking a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour.

It also works well for anyone trying to escape the crowds around the old town. The boat gives you a different view of the region, and the island stops offer a mix of water time, beach time, food, and a short walk through a town.

Families with six adults have found the boat comfortable, but space is still limited compared with a large vessel. Children and adults should be happy spending much of the day outdoors and should be able to participate in the swimming portions if they choose them.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The experience requires good weather, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor or if the minimum number of people is not reached. In either case, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 9:00 am start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Final call: choose the boat if you value time and space

Book this trip if you want a relaxed Adriatic day with a small group, several swims, and a real chance to talk with your skipper. The strongest parts are the limited group size, Filip’s personal guidance, the varied island stops, and the optional seafood lunch on Šipan.

Think twice if you need guaranteed sailing under full canvas, included food, hotel pickup, or a low-cost beach transfer. Wind can be light, lunch costs extra, and you must reach the meeting point yourself.

For most people who want to trade Dubrovnik’s crowds for clear water, island villages, and an unhurried day at sea, this is a strong choice. Pack light, leave room in your budget for lunch, and treat the sailing time as part of the experience rather than a gap between stops.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The experience lasts about eight hours. It starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and returns to the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of six travelers.

Which islands and beaches are included?

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

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is optional and is not included. There is a lunch stop on one of the islands, with Šipan listed as the main stop for food.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. There is a restroom on board, along with an outdoor shower.

Is transport to the meeting point included?

No. Private transport to and from the meeting point is not included, though the meeting point is near public transportation.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.