Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The best part of this Dubrovnik day trip is its small six-person limit. Instead of joining a packed excursion boat, you spend the day on a comfortable sailboat with room to stretch out, swim, and talk with captain Filip. The route pairs three Elafiti islands with long stretches of open-water sailing.

I like the chance to swim and snorkel at more than one spot, and I like that lunch on Šipan can be arranged at a local restaurant, often with fresh fish and wine. The main consideration is the price: at $157.22 per person, this costs more than a large group boat tour, and lunch, transport to the marina, and drinks are extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Small-group sailing: The boat carries a maximum of six people, giving the day a private, relaxed feel.
• Three island stops: Swim at Koločep, visit sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud, and spend the longest stop on Šipan.
• Captain Filip: He handles the sailing and adds local information about Dubrovnik and the islands.
• Swimming-focused day: Snorkeling equipment, an outdoor shower, and time in clear Adriatic water are included.
• Lunch is optional: You can eat at a local restaurant on Šipan, but the meal is not part of the tour price.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why this small Elafiti sailing trip works

Dubrovnik’s Old Town can feel crowded, especially in the warmer months. The Elafiti Islands offer a welcome change of pace, with quiet coves, small settlements, swimming stops, and the simple pleasure of sitting on a boat as the mainland fades behind you.

This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with announcements and timed photo stops. It is closer to a day on the water with a capable skipper. You can sunbathe, chat, snorkel, walk through an island town, or simply watch the coast pass by.

The advertised day lasts about eight hours, beginning at 9 a.m. and returning to the same meeting point. The island visits account for roughly four hours, while the remaining time is spent sailing between stops. That balance matters. You are not being rushed from one port to another, but you should also understand that this is a full day outdoors, not a short harbor trip.

Captain Filip is central to the experience. He is described as friendly, professional, and a skilled sailor, with useful information about Dubrovnik, the islands, and local life. He also contacts people through WhatsApp before departure with clear meeting instructions, which can make the morning easier.

Meeting at Lapad and settling aboard

The starting point is Lapadska obala 21a, in Dubrovnik’s Lapad area. You need to arrange your own way to the meeting point because private transportation is not included. Public transport is nearby, but the supplied information does not specify a particular bus, taxi cost, or transfer time, so check your route before the morning of the tour.

Once aboard, the boat provides a restroom, an outdoor shower, and storage space in the cabin. Those are modest features, but they make a real difference on an eight-hour outing. You can change after swimming, rinse off salt water, and avoid cutting the day short because of basic comfort concerns.

The boat is designed for no more than six people. That limit is the strongest reason to choose this trip over a standard island-hopping cruise. A small group allows the day to respond to the conditions and the people aboard. If everyone wants another swim, there is more room for that conversation. If the group prefers a longer walk on Šipan, the pace can feel less mechanical.

Do not expect air-conditioning or an air-conditioned vehicle. There is no vehicle portion included, in fact, and most of the day takes place outside on the boat. Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel, and something light for the ride home. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer to bring your own mask if you have one that fits well.

Koločep: the first swim of the day

The first stop is Koločep, one of the Elafiti Islands. You get about an hour here to swim, snorkel, and sit in one of the island’s attractive bays. This opening stop sets the tone: the focus is water, scenery, and time away from Dubrovnik’s urban edge.

Starting with a swim is a good choice. The boat gives you a chance to get comfortable before the day’s longer sailing legs, and the supplied snorkeling equipment lets you look beneath the surface rather than only admiring the sea from above. The aquatic life may vary with conditions, but the point is to enjoy a clear Adriatic setting at an unhurried pace.

An hour is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a detailed visit to the island. You will not have time to explore Koločep in depth, so think of it as a bathing stop rather than a full island tour. If you want a long shore walk or extensive sightseeing, this schedule may feel brief.

Still, this is one of the more valuable parts of the day. You are not waiting for a large crowd to board or following a rigid group swim. On a small boat, the stop feels personal and easygoing, which is exactly what many people want after a busy morning in Dubrovnik.

Šunj Beach: a rare sandy shore

The next stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud. The beach is known for its sand, a notable feature in a region where many swimming spots are rocky or pebbled. You have about an hour here, with several choices: swim from the boat, snorkel, sunbathe, or make your way to shore for a drink at one of the restaurants.

Šunj gives the day a different texture from Koločep. Koločep is about a bay and open-water swimming, while Šunj offers a recognizable beach destination and the option to step onto land. If you enjoy sandy beaches, this is likely to be one of the most appealing stops.

The wording of the schedule suggests that you may swim to shore from the boat, but conditions and the group’s plans can affect how that works. You should be comfortable in the water and bring footwear suitable for the boat and beach. The tour does not promise a long restaurant visit here, so treat any drink stop as optional rather than a fixed part of the program.

The one-hour visit also means you need to choose your priority. If you want to snorkel, sunbathe, and walk to a restaurant, time will pass quickly. I would decide before arriving whether the sand, the water, or the shore matters most to you.

Šipan: two hours for food and island life

Šipan is the final and longest stop, with about two hours available. This gives you more room to leave the boat and experience an island settlement rather than only stopping for a swim.

You can walk through the town, see Škocibuha Castle, swim from the beach, or eat at a local restaurant. The stop is flexible, but you cannot do everything at a leisurely pace in two hours. If lunch is your priority, allow time for the meal. If you want to visit the castle and walk around, keep the restaurant visit focused.

The optional lunch is one of the tour’s biggest draws. Captain Filip recommends restaurants, and the food described in the supplied material includes fresh fish caught that morning, along with local wine. That does not mean every departure will have the same menu or catch, so consider the meal a local dining opportunity rather than a guaranteed seafood package.

Lunch is not included in the $157.22 price. This is important when comparing the tour with other options. You pay separately for food and drinks, and restaurant prices can vary. Still, the chance to eat in a small island setting may offer more character than a prearranged meal served aboard a busy excursion boat.

Šipan also gives the day some cultural balance. After swimming at Koločep and Šunj, you can walk, look at local architecture, and get a feel for island life. The visit is not a full historical tour, and the exact amount of guiding depends on the group and captain, but Filip provides background about the islands and surrounding sights.

Sailing time is part of the experience

The hours between island stops are not empty time. They are the reason to book a sailing trip rather than simply buy transport to the islands. You can sit on deck, watch Dubrovnik and the surrounding coast from the water, and enjoy the changing pace of the day.

The boat can sail when wind conditions allow. Several details from the experience point to a practical captain who does not pretend that nature follows a timetable. When the wind is light, Filip may still raise the sails for photographs or give you the chance to enjoy the boat under sail, but the engine may be needed to keep the route moving.

That is worth understanding before you book. The experience is called sailing, but wind is not guaranteed. If you care most about swimming, island stops, and being on the water, calm conditions should not ruin the day. If your main goal is hours of fast sailing under full canvas, you may find the weather unpredictable.

The boat itself is reported to be in good condition and comfortable for a family group of six adults. The onboard restroom, cabin storage, and outdoor shower make it more practical than a bare-bones small craft. There is no air-conditioning, so hot days will feel hot. The open deck is part of the appeal, but it also means sun and wind exposure.

The real value of $157.22

At $157.22 per person, this is a premium day trip. You are paying for a small group, a full eight-hour schedule, a dedicated captain, snorkeling gear, fuel, and the ability to spend the day on a sailboat rather than a crowded ferry-style vessel.

The value improves if you are traveling with friends or family and care about space and a personal pace. A maximum of six people can make the boat feel almost private, especially if your party fills most or all of the available places. One booking detail is especially useful: the tour may still operate for a very small party rather than cancel simply because only two people booked.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a cheap ride to the islands. A larger boat can cost less and may include a broader entertainment program or meal package. This trip does not include lunch, drinks, or transport to Lapadska obala 21a, so add those costs before comparing.

I see the strongest value in the captain’s local recommendations. A good restaurant suggestion can turn Šipan into more than a scheduled stop, and local advice about quieter swimming places can help you avoid the busiest parts of the islands. You are also buying flexibility and comfort, not just a route.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want a calm day outside Dubrovnik, enjoy swimming, and prefer a small group. It suits couples, families, and friends who like a social boat setting without a large crowd.

It also works well for people who want several kinds of activity in one day. You can snorkel, sunbathe, sail, walk through a town, see Škocibuha Castle, and eat a local meal. You do not need to be an experienced sailor. Captain Filip handles the boat and keeps safety in view.

You should think twice if you dislike full days in the sun or want a heavily structured historical tour. The island stops are fairly short except for Šipan, and the emphasis is on leisure rather than formal guiding. People who need guaranteed air-conditioning, included meals, or organized hotel pickup should look at other options.

The tour is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. The information provided does not give specific details about accessibility on the boat, so contact the provider if you have mobility concerns or need equipment assistance.

Weather, cancellation, and useful planning tips

This activity depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of people, and if that minimum is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

For your own plans, avoid placing an important evening reservation too close to the scheduled return. The day is listed as approximately eight hours, and sailing conditions can affect the rhythm of the route.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local Croatian time.

Pack lightly. Swimwear, a towel, sun protection, water, and a small amount of cash or payment method for lunch and drinks are sensible choices. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the boat has a restroom and outdoor shower.

Should you book this Elafiti Islands tour?

I would book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes clear water, small-island stops, and a relaxed boat ride rather than a packed sightseeing program. Captain Filip’s personal approach, local food suggestions, and small-group format add real value to the route.

I would skip it if $157.22 feels high for a day where lunch and transport are extra, or if you want guaranteed sailing conditions and a detailed tour at every stop. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for getting beyond Dubrovnik without giving up comfort or personal space.

FAQ

How long does the sailing tour last?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Which islands does the tour visit?

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

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is optional and is not included. You will have a lunch stop on one of the islands, with Šipan listed as the main longer stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

How many people can join the boat trip?

The tour has a maximum of six travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.