Islands Tour on Luxurious Jeanneau Sun Odyssey

A day under sail can change your sense of distance. Dubrovnik’s harbor slips behind you, and the Elaphiti Islands become the day’s destination: quiet coves, a rare sandy beach, and a small island settlement reached by boat. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey is the setting for this small-group trip, with a maximum of 10 people.

I like two things in particular: there’s time for snorkeling and swimming at Koločep, and the boat gives you a chance to enjoy the passage itself, not just hurry between stops. Captain Frano has also served as a First Officer on Princess cruise ships, and has shared island stories and arranged a lunch reservation on an outing.

The main consideration is the price: at $156.53 per person, lunch is extra, and the day depends on good weather. The listed stops add up to about four hours ashore, so much of the eight-hour outing is sailing and transit. That is a plus if you enjoy being on the water, less so if you want a quick island shuttle.

At a glance

• A proper sailing day: The tour lasts about eight hours, with travel time included.
• Three island stops: Visit Koločep, Šunj Beach, and Šipan, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and a look at local island life.
• Small group: The maximum group size is 10, and a low-season trip has run with only a couple aboard.
• Boat comforts: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey has been described as spacious, with two heads, meaning toilets, and room above and below deck.
• Included on board: Bottled water, soda, alcoholic drinks, fuel surcharge, and snorkeling equipment are included. Lunch is not.
• Dubrovnik departure: Meet at Lapadska obala 4 at 10:00 am, and return to the same point.

Leaving Dubrovnik for Koločep

The tour starts at 10:00 am at Lapadska obala 4, on Dubrovnik’s waterfront, and returns there at the end of the day. It is worth arriving ready to board, with swimwear and anything you need for a full day outside. The trip takes about eight hours, including time spent sailing between stops.

Koločep is the first listed stop, with two villages, protected bays on the north side, and natural caves on the other side. The two-hour visit is the longest island stop, and the varied coastline gives you a reason to get into the water rather than simply look at the island from shore. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you do not need to bring your own equipment.

The caves and clear water are the draw, but conditions matter. The tour requires good weather, and the captain will have to work with the day’s sea and wind conditions. Don’t treat the cave visit as a guarantee of a particular swim or snorkel route. The supplied details describe opportunities to swim and snorkel, not a fixed itinerary through the caves.

Two hours is enough to make this more than a brief photo stop, though the exact balance between swimming, snorkeling, and time on shore is not specified. If you prefer an active outing, bring a towel and plan to use the water time. If you would rather stay aboard, the boat itself is part of the day, and the island views remain part of the passage.

Šunj Beach and a rare sandy shore

The next listed stop is Šunj Beach, for one hour. Its natural fine sand and sheltered bay set it apart from the rocky shores common along the Adriatic. The water is described as clear, and a couple of beach restaurants give you the option of buying a meal or a snack.

An hour goes quickly once you account for getting ashore and back to the boat. Think of this stop as a chance to stretch out, take a swim, or eat something simple, rather than a long beach day. The tour does not include lunch, so bring money if you plan to order at one of the restaurants.

There is a practical tradeoff here. A sandy beach is welcome if you want a break from boarding and swimming off a boat, but it can also be the busiest-feeling stop of the day, especially if other boats are nearby. The tour information does not promise a private beach or a reserved table, so keep expectations straightforward.

Šipan for village life and a 15th-century castle

Šipan is the largest island in the Elaphiti group, and the listed visit lasts one hour. Its appeal is less about a single beach and more about seeing a small island community. The stop offers a glimpse of local life, along with secluded bays and clear water.

In the middle of the settlement stands a large castle built in the 15th century and owned by a noble family of the Dubrovnik Republic. That detail gives the island a little historical texture without turning the stop into a formal sightseeing tour. You can take in the village and its setting, then enjoy the contrast between daily island life and Dubrovnik’s grand old city.

An hour is a short visit, so you will need to choose what matters most: a walk around the settlement, a look at the castle, or some time by the water. The tour does not specify a guided walking route or a castle visit inside. Treat the castle as a landmark to see from the outside unless your captain says otherwise.

Sailing is part of the itinerary

The three listed stops account for four hours, while the full outing lasts about eight. The remaining time includes travel, and the boat is not merely transport between attractions. If the wind allows, sailing with the engine off can make the journey itself the most memorable stretch of the day. One couple described that quiet moment as a highlight, a simple pleasure that is hard to get from a fast motorboat transfer.

That said, the tour is not a guaranteed all-sail passage. Wind and weather affect how a boat moves, and the schedule has to fit the conditions. If you mainly want to maximize time ashore, an eight-hour sailing trip may feel slow. If you enjoy the movement of a boat, open water, and a little unhurried time, the pace is part of the value.

The captain can also make choices about how to use the day. On one low-season outing, a couple chose to skip a nearby third island stop in favor of more sailing time. That shows how the experience can adapt, but it does not mean every group can choose a custom route. Ask the captain about the day’s plan rather than assuming you can alter it.

What the Jeanneau and small group add

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey is described as a luxurious sailing boat, and a couple of practical details matter more than the label. It has two heads and room both below deck and topside, so you are not limited to one cramped place to sit. The boat’s space can be especially welcome over an eight-hour outing, when you may want shade, a place to rest, or a different view.

A maximum of 10 people keeps the group smaller than a typical large excursion boat. That can make boarding and coordinating stops feel more personal. In low season, one trip had only two people aboard, but you should not count on a private sailing. Group size varies, up to the stated limit.

Captain Frano has been described as personable and experienced, with past work as a First Officer on Princess cruise ships. He has shared history and stories during the trip, and on one occasion prepared a tray of snacks and wine. He also arranged a lunch reservation for an island stop when restaurant options were limited. Those are useful signs of attentive hosting, not a promise that every trip includes the same snacks or restaurant arrangement.

Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks are included, along with snorkeling gear and the fuel surcharge. The minimum drinking age is 18. Lunch is the clear extra cost, and you may also want to bring personal items such as a towel or sun protection. The supplied details do not list meals or other extras as included.

Is $156.53 a fair price?

At $156.53 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit the islands. You are paying for an eight-hour small-group sailing outing, a boat with space to spend the day, drinks, snorkeling equipment, fuel, and a captain who may add stories and practical help. If you would otherwise book a boat trip and pay separately for drinks or gear, that package can make sense.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you see sailing as a major part of the experience, the price is easier to justify. If your priority is simply reaching Šunj Beach or getting the fastest route to the islands, you may find the boat time less valuable. Lunch is not covered, so include a meal in your budget if you expect to eat ashore.

The small-group limit is another part of the calculation. A boat capped at 10 can offer a quieter feel than a larger excursion, though the price does not guarantee a nearly private outing. The occasional low-season trip with just a couple aboard is a bonus, not something to book around.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this tour if you want an entire day on the water and like the idea of mixing sailing with a few island stops. It suits couples, small groups, and anyone who would rather snorkel in a cove or linger at a beach than spend the day following a rigid sightseeing schedule. The historic castle and village on Šipan add a little cultural interest alongside the swimming.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a quick transfer, a full day on one beach, or lunch included in the fare. The three stops have limited time, and sailing conditions can shape the day. You will get more from it if you are happy to be flexible and enjoy the boat as much as the destinations.

The tour starts and ends at Lapadska obala 4, is offered in English, and uses a mobile ticket. Booking confirmation is issued within 48 hours, subject to availability. It averages about 49 days of advance booking, so plan ahead if your dates are fixed. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start; poor weather or failure to meet a minimum number of participants can lead to a different date or a refund.

Should you book?

Book it if the sailing is as appealing to you as the islands. Koločep’s caves and bays, sandy Šunj Beach, and Šipan’s village and castle make a varied day, while the small group and capable captain can add a personal touch. If you want the most time ashore for the lowest price, compare other options first. For a relaxed day where the passage itself counts, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about eight hours, including travel time between stops.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10:00 am.

Which places does the tour visit?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although there are a couple of restaurants at Šunj Beach.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda, the fuel surcharge, and use of snorkeling equipment are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.