Dubrovnik : Full Day Group Sail Boat Tour to Elaphiti & Blue Cave

The best part of this Dubrovnik day is the freedom to spend real time in the water. You sail to quiet bays around Koločep, swim and snorkel from the boat, then reach the sandy shore at Šunj Beach and the village of Lopud. If time and conditions allow, the route may also include the Blue Cave or Šipan.

I like the small maximum group of eight, which makes it easier to move around the boat and shape the day around swimming, sailing, or a slower lunch stop. I also like the useful extras: a SUP, snorkeling gear, an outdoor shower, coffee, tea, water, and a welcome drink. The main catch is that food is not included, and Šipan or the Blue Cave may be skipped if the day runs long or conditions change.

Key things to know before you book

• Koločep gives you about two hours of sailing and swimming in bays backed by cliffs and bird sounds.
• Šunj Beach is one of the few sandy beach stops, with time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a drink at the beach club.
• Lopud is the main land stop, with lunch by the sea and a chance to walk through the village or visit a 14th-century monastery.
• The boat carries no set lunch service, so plan to buy lunch on Lopud and bring snacks or drinks from Dubrovnik.
• Skippers may let you steer and explain the boat, adding a hands-on sailing element beyond simple transport.
• Weather controls the day, and the Blue Cave and Šipan are optional rather than guaranteed stops.

What this Dubrovnik sailing day is really like

This is a full day on the water, not a quick island shuttle. The boat leaves from Lapadska obala 4 at 9:30 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point after roughly eight hours.

At $170.43 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to reach the Elaphiti Islands. But you are paying for a small group, a full day aboard a sailing boat, swimming stops, equipment, and a route that can shift with your interests. A larger excursion may cost less, but it is less likely to give you space to move around or time to linger in a quiet bay.

The boat has a sunshade, which matters on a long Croatian summer day. You also get an outdoor shower, free use of the SUP and snorkeling equipment, and basic drinks such as coffee, tea, and water. Bring anything specific you want to eat or drink, since lunch is planned on Lopud and no food is served aboard.

The skipper is a key part of the day. Captain Dragan is named in several accounts, and Zeba is also praised for being friendly and attentive. Depending on who operates your departure, you may be shown what the lines do or even be allowed to steer for a while. That makes this feel more like a personal sailing outing than a ride on a fixed sightseeing boat.

Leaving Dubrovnik for Koločep

The first stretch takes you from Dubrovnik toward Koločep, the first of the three Elaphiti Islands on the route. The sailing itself is part of the point. You get views of the coast from the water, with time to settle into the rhythm of the boat before the first swim.

Koločep is used mainly as a water stop. Expect about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with around two hours listed for the wider sailing and island visit. The appeal is not a packed schedule of sights. It is the chance to stop in a clear bay and stay there long enough to enjoy it.

The boat carries basic underwater equipment, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental for a quick look below the surface. You can also use the SUP if the sea is calm enough. The outdoor shower is handy after swimming, especially before lunch.

The Blue Cave may be added according to the group’s wishes and available time. Treat it as a possibility, not a promise. Since the day already includes several island stops, the skipper may need to adjust the route. If the cave matters more to you than village time or a long lunch, say so early.

Šunj Beach, the sandy break on Lopud

Šunj Beach is on Lopud and offers a change from rocky swimming spots. It is known for its sand, and the stop lasts about an hour.

You can swim from the beach, snorkel near the rocks, lie in the sun, or walk to the shore for a drink at the beach club. This is a useful middle point in the day because you are not confined to the boat. You get a proper beach pause, though the hour can pass quickly if you want both a swim and time for a drink.

Do not expect Šunj to feel like a private cove. Its appeal is its sandy shore and easy swimming, not complete solitude. If you prefer long, quiet swims from the boat, the Koločep stop may suit you better. If you want sand under your feet, Šunj is likely to be one of the day’s highlights.

Bring sun protection and a towel. The supplied information confirms swimming equipment and an outdoor shower, but it does not state that towels are provided.

Lopud brings lunch and a little village time

Lopud is the most substantial stop on land. The plan allows about two hours, with lunch at a seaside restaurant around 20 meters from the beach.

The skipper may reserve a table by the water, which makes this more than a rushed meal between boat departures. You can eat, return to the sea for a swim, or walk through the village. A 14th-century monastery is also available to visit, giving you a modest cultural stop alongside the beaches.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Food is not available on the boat, so budget separately for your meal at Lopud. You are also allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks. This is worth doing, especially if you tend to get hungry between swimming stops or want something specific that a restaurant may not offer.

Lopud is probably the best stop for a balanced day. You get local streets, a sit-down meal, a beach nearby, and a little flexibility. The tradeoff is time. A long lunch reduces the chance of reaching Šipan or spending extra time in a bay, so tell the skipper what matters most to you.

Šipan is a bonus, not a guarantee

Šipan is listed as the final island stop, but only if there is enough time. If lunch has already taken place on Lopud, the group may walk around a small village, swim, enjoy the surroundings, or have a cold drink in one of the restaurants.

That optional wording is important. You should not book this day mainly for Šipan. Think of it as an extra if the timing and sea conditions cooperate. The route already includes Koločep, Šunj, and Lopud, plus sailing time and possible swimming in passing bays.

This flexibility is useful for people who would rather enjoy three good stops than race through four. It also means the day can feel different depending on how long the group stays in the water or over lunch.

Sailing time is part of the attraction

The itinerary includes roughly two hours of remaining sailing and cruising, with possible stops in passing bays for swimming. That can sound like empty time if you expect constant sightseeing, but it is where the trip feels most relaxed.

You can sit beneath the sunshade, talk with the small group, watch the islands pass, or ask about the boat. Some departures have included a chance to steer, which adds a simple hands-on touch. You do not need sailing experience to take part in the free basic sailing lesson.

The small boat format helps here. With no more than eight people, you are not trying to find a seat among a crowd. You can move between sun and shade, and the skipper can respond to the group instead of following a rigid script.

There are limits. This is not a luxury yacht charter with a full galley or unlimited refreshments. The included drinks are basic, and you should bring your own preferred beverages. One account specifically noted that bottled water, coffee, and tea were available, while snacks and extra drinks were not.

How the $170.43 price works out

At first glance, $170.43 is a serious day-trip price. The value improves if you make full use of the eight-hour schedule and the included gear.

You are getting:

• A small-group sailing day for up to eight people
• Several island and beach stops
• Swimming and snorkeling time
• Use of a SUP
• Basic snorkeling equipment
• Coffee, tea, water, and a welcome drink
• An outdoor shower
• A basic sailing lesson
• The chance of a Blue Cave visit or an extra bay stop

You are not getting lunch, beach-club purchases, or guaranteed access to every optional stop. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged optionally, but the stated meeting point is at Lapadska obala 4, and the activity returns there.

Compared with a large boat excursion, this can be good value if you care about personal space and a flexible route. Compared with hiring a private boat, it is less expensive, but you share the day with other people and cannot control every decision. The price makes the most sense for couples, friends, or solo visitors who want a water day with some social contact but not a crowded deck.

Weather, timing, and what to bring

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same weather concern affects the route during the day, especially any optional cave or Šipan visit.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, so keep an eye on the forecast before that deadline.

For the boat, I would bring:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sun protection
• A refillable water bottle or extra drinks
• Snacks
• Cash or a payment method for lunch and beach-club purchases
• A light layer for the return sail

The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The information does not give detailed mobility guidance, so ask the provider directly if you have specific access needs.

Who will enjoy this day most

You should consider booking this if you want a full day of swimming with some sailing, rather than a history tour or a fast island checklist. It suits people who like clear water, beach time, small groups, and a little freedom in the schedule.

It is also a good fit if you want to try sailing without hiring a private boat. The skipper may explain the lines and let you steer, while the SUP and snorkeling gear give you more to do than simply sit on deck.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the choice between active stops and slower time at lunch. Most people can participate, but the day still involves boarding a boat, swimming, and moving around island beaches.

You may want another option if you need guaranteed Blue Cave access, a fixed visit to Šipan, included meals, or a fully planned sightseeing program. You should also think twice if you dislike changes caused by sea conditions or prefer a large, highly structured cruise.

Should you book the Elaphiti sailing tour?

I would book this for the small-group format, generous swim time, and flexible Lopud lunch stop. The combination of Koločep’s bays, Šunj’s sand, and Lopud’s village gives the day more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Go in with realistic expectations. The Blue Cave and Šipan are optional, lunch costs extra, and included refreshments are limited to basics. Bring your own snacks, tell the skipper what you value most, and judge the price against the amount of time you will actually spend at sea.

For a relaxed water day from Dubrovnik, this is a strong choice. It is best for you if the journey itself matters as much as the islands.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

What islands and beaches are included?

The route includes Koločep Island, Šunj Beach, Lopud Island, and the Elaphiti Islands. Šipan may be visited if time allows.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is planned at a restaurant on Lopud, but the meal is not included in the tour price. Food is not served on the boat.

Is the Blue Cave guaranteed?

No. A Blue Cave visit is possible depending on the group’s wishes, available time, and conditions.

What is included on the boat?

The tour includes a welcome drink, coffee or tea, water, a basic sailing lesson, SUP use, snorkeling equipment, and an outdoor shower. The group size is limited to eight people.