Full Day Private Sailing Tour of Cavtat and Dubrovnik

Cavtat gives this full-day trip a quieter starting point than Dubrovnik’s busy old port. From here, you sail toward the Elaphiti Islands, pass Dubrovnik’s ancient walls from offshore, and spend the main stop at Šunj Beach on Lopud, described as the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area.

I like two things in particular: the private group of up to eight, which makes a long day on the water feel personal, and the chance to switch between sailing, swimming, and a relaxed island lunch. One consideration: lunch costs extra, and the short stop by Kolocep’s Blue Cave is only a possibility, not a guaranteed part of the day.

The essential details

• Start in Cavtat: Meet beside the waterpolo training field, then return to Cavtat harbour after about eight hours.
• See Dubrovnik from the sea: The route passes the Old City walls at a distance, a striking view but not a walking visit.
• Spend time on Lopud: The main stop is Šunj Beach, where you can swim from the area’s only sandy beach.
• Keep the group private: The listed price is $706 for up to eight people, so a full group pays about $88 per person before lunch.
• Bring an appetite: Food is not included, though lunch can be arranged at a nearby Lopud restaurant.
• Expect a possible Kolocep stop: There may be a short break near the Blue Cave on the return sail.

Leaving Cavtat for the Elaphiti Islands

The tour begins at Cavtat’s old city port, with the meeting point beside the waterpolo training field. If you are staying in Cavtat, that makes this a convenient way to start a day at sea without first heading into Dubrovnik.

From the harbour, the boat heads toward the Elaphiti Islands. The route gives you a view of Dubrovnik’s Old City walls from the water, but keep expectations clear: you see them from a distance rather than stopping to walk the ramparts or explore the old town.

That offshore perspective is still a worthwhile part of the outing. The walls are one of Dubrovnik’s defining sights, and seeing them from a boat gives you a different angle from the usual approach on foot. I’d treat this as a scenic pass-by, not a substitute for a visit to the city.

The boat is described as the best sailing boat in the Dubrovnik area, and the trip includes a licensed guide with more than 20 years of experience. The guide speaks English. Skippers named Mato and Matthew have been associated with this trip, with praise for their sailing ability, knowledge of Croatian history and everyday life, and warm, easygoing company.

One detail to look forward to is the chance to sail under wind rather than motor power. A family on the trip described the moment the sails went up and the engine went off as peaceful. That depends on the conditions and the route on the day, so it is best seen as a possible pleasure rather than a promise.

Dubrovnik’s walls from the water

The view of Dubrovnik is brief in the sense that the boat is passing by, but it offers a useful change of pace from the city’s packed streets. You can take in the walls without navigating crowds or spending another day on land, then continue on toward the islands.

The tour’s appeal is not a checklist of stops. It is the way a private boat links the coast, open water, and a proper beach break in one day. If your holiday includes time in Dubrovnik, Cavtat, or both, the route gives you a chance to see more of the coast without arranging separate transport between islands.

Still, if your main goal is to explore Dubrovnik’s historic centre, this is not the right tour for that. The walls are viewed from offshore, and the main stop is on Lopud. Think of the city view as a scenic moment along the way.

A long swimming break at Šunj Beach

Lopud is the main stop, and the planned swimming break is at Šunj Beach. It is described as the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, which makes it a useful contrast to a day spent around boats and coastal scenery.

The schedule includes time to swim, rather than just a quick look from the shore. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with water, so you have the basics for a dip. You can use the break to get in the sea, relax on the sand, or simply enjoy being ashore for a while.

The beach stop is a strong reason to choose this trip if your group wants more than sightseeing from the deck. It also makes the outing a good fit for families who are happy to spend time swimming together. The exact time available at the beach is not specified, so don’t assume you can plan a long independent visit beyond the scheduled break.

Lunch can be arranged at a nearby restaurant on Lopud, but it is not included in the $706 price. The skipper has organized a restaurant meal for groups before, which can simplify the day, but you should expect to pay separately for food. If you prefer to keep costs down, check what arrangements are possible before setting out.

Kolocep and the possible Blue Cave pause

On the return, the boat sails close to Kolocep Island. There may be a short stop near the Blue Cave, but it is not guaranteed. The wording matters: plan for the route past Kolocep, and treat a cave-side break as an extra if conditions and the day’s schedule allow.

That flexibility is typical of a day on the water. The set plan is a full-day sail with Lopud as the principal stop, while the brief Blue Cave pause is a possibility. If seeing the cave is the one thing you most want, ask about the likelihood when arranging the trip rather than building your whole day around it.

The trip ends back in Cavtat’s harbour. The marina is noted for its many luxury superyachts, so the return offers another change of scene after the beach and islands. It is a fitting finish to a day that begins and ends in town rather than requiring a transfer back from Dubrovnik.

What the private format means for your group

The tour is priced at $706 for a group of up to eight, rather than by individual seat. With eight people, that works out to about $88 per person before food. For a smaller party, the per-person cost rises, so the value depends in part on how many people are sharing the boat.

The private format gives your own group the outing, rather than placing you with unrelated passengers. That can make a difference over eight hours: you can spend the day with family or friends, talk with the skipper, and enjoy the swim stop together. The exact degree of flexibility in the route or timing is not specified, so ask directly if you have a particular request.

For the price, you get the boat, an experienced licensed guide, water, and snorkeling equipment. Lunch is extra. I’d compare the cost with what your group values most: a full day at sea, a dedicated boat for your party, and a guide who can talk about local history and daily life. If you are booking for one or two people, the total may feel steep; for a group of six to eight, the per-person calculation is more appealing.

The trip lasts eight hours, so it is a substantial day out, not a short harbour cruise. That gives the route room for the Dubrovnik view, the Lopud stop, and the return by Kolocep, but it also means you should be comfortable spending much of the day on a boat.

Who will get the most from this sailing day

I’d consider this trip if you want a private coastal outing that combines sailing with a proper swim stop. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like being on the water and want the freedom of a private booking rather than a shared excursion.

It is especially appealing if you are staying in Cavtat, since the trip starts and finishes there. The English-speaking guide and the reported conversations about Croatian history and everyday life add more than a simple transfer between beach stops. If you enjoy asking questions and hearing about the place as you travel, that can make the hours on board more rewarding.

On the other hand, this may not be the best match if you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour with guaranteed cave access, a city walking visit, or meals included. The Blue Cave stop is only possible, lunch costs extra, and Dubrovnik’s walls are seen from the boat. Those are small but important details to weigh before booking.

Practical points before you book

The meeting point is beside the waterpolo training field at Cavtat’s old city port. Check the exact starting time when you look at availability, since the listed information does not specify one fixed departure time.

Water and snorkeling equipment are included, while food is not. If lunch at the Lopud restaurant matters to your plans, arrange or confirm it ahead of time. You can also ask the provider about the likely Blue Cave stop and how the day’s sailing plan may work.

The activity is offered as a private group, with English as the listed language. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Should you book this Cavtat sailing tour?

Book it if your priority is a full day on a private boat, with Dubrovnik’s walls as a passing view and a generous stop for swimming at Šunj Beach. The strongest reasons to go are the experienced skipper, the mix of sailing and shore time, and the chance to share the day with your own group.

Think twice if you are travelling as a small party and price is your main concern, or if you need lunch and the Blue Cave stop to be included and guaranteed. For a group that can split the cost and is content with a flexible day at sea, this is a well-rounded way to see the coast from Cavtat.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the sail from Cavtat, the planned stop on Lopud, and the return.

Where does the tour start?

It starts from Cavtat’s old city port. The meeting point is beside the waterpolo training field.

Where does the tour go?

The route heads toward the Elaphiti Islands, passes Dubrovnik’s Old City walls from a distance, stops at Lopud, and sails close to Kolocep on the return.

Is a stop at the Blue Cave guaranteed?

No. There is a possibility of a short stop near Kolocep’s Blue Cave, but it is not guaranteed.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food is not included. Lunch can be arranged at a nearby restaurant on Lopud, at additional cost.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a licensed guide, water, snorkeling equipment, and the sailing boat.

How many people can join the private group?

The listed price covers a private group of up to eight people.

What language is spoken on the tour?

English is the listed language for the guide or instructor.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.