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

A day under sail is a good way to trade Dubrovnik’s busy streets for quiet coves and island time. I like the small group, capped at eight, and the mix of swimming stops with a proper break on Lopud. The boat also carries SUP boards and snorkelling gear, so you can choose between paddling, swimming, or simply resting in the shade.

One thing to plan for: lunch is not included, and neither are other meals or personal drinks and snacks. The stop on Šipan is optional, too, so the exact shape of your day depends on timing, weather, and the group’s interests.

The day at a glance

• Eight hours on the water: Depart from Lapadska obala 4 at 9:30 a.m. and return to the same meeting point.
• A small group: No more than eight people, which leaves room to move around and get to know the others on board.
• Swimming is a major part of the plan: Expect time near Koločep, Šunj Beach, and Lopud, with possible extra stops in passing bays.
• Lopud gives the day a land-based pause: You can walk through the village, arrange lunch at your own cost, and visit a 14th-century monastery.
• Blue Cave and Šipan are not guaranteed: The cave visit depends on what the group wants, while Šipan is optional if time allows.
• Useful extras come aboard: A welcome drink, coffee or tea, SUP boards, snorkelling equipment, and an outdoor shower are included.

From Dubrovnik to the Koločep coves

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4, with departure set for 9:30 a.m. It is an eight-hour outing, so you will spend most of the day on the boat or in the water rather than fitting in a quick island visit between city sights. That slower pace is part of the appeal: you have time to sail, swim, dry off, and take in the coast without rushing from one stop to the next.

Koločep is the first island on the route. The plan allows about two hours here, including sailing toward the island and time in a bay for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. The setting is described as clear water, beaches, and cliffs with birdsong. Bring a mask if you like spotting fish, or use the equipment provided.

The Blue Cave may be visited from this part of the trip, depending on the group’s wishes. Treat it as a possibility, not a fixed stop. If seeing the cave is important to you, ask the skipper about the plan at the start of the day, while staying flexible about what the sea and schedule allow.

The operator includes snorkelling gear and an outdoor shower, a practical combination for a day with repeated swims. There is also a free SUP board, so you can paddle when conditions and timing suit. If you prefer a more restful day, nobody needs to turn every stop into a workout. The tour is built around being on the water, not keeping score.

Šunj Beach: a sandy break on Lopud

The next listed stop is Šunj Beach, on Lopud. It is known for its sand, a welcome change from the rocky shore and pebbly coves common along this coast. You have about an hour here to swim, snorkel near the rocks, sunbathe, or swim ashore for a drink at the beach club.

That hour is enough for a refreshing stop, but not necessarily enough to settle in for a long beach day. The beach’s appeal is exactly that it offers a different kind of swimming break within a wider island itinerary. If lounging on sand is your main goal, keep in mind that the tour moves on rather than staying here for the afternoon.

The water and the route are weather dependent. Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and anything you like to have at hand after a swim. The boat has an outdoor shower, but the details of changing facilities are not specified, so plan simply and bring what you need for a day at sea.

Lopud: lunch, village lanes, and an old monastery

Lopud is the main stop for time on land, with roughly two hours set aside. You can walk through the village, have lunch at a restaurant by the sea, and spend more time swimming near the beach. The restaurant meal is not included in the tour price, so leave room in your budget for food and drinks.

Lunch is planned here, and the skipper may reserve a table by the water. That can make the stop feel less like a quick refuelling break and more like a relaxed island lunch. Still, a reserved table should not be mistaken for a meal included in the fare. Bring a payment method and be ready to choose from what the restaurant offers.

If you would rather spend your time exploring, Lopud also has a 14th-century monastery to visit. The tour information does not specify opening hours or whether admission is charged, so check locally if the monastery is a priority. With two hours, you will likely want to choose between a leisurely meal, a walk, and a swim rather than attempt everything at length.

Lopud is a strong part of the day because it gives you a break from the boat without sending you back to Dubrovnik. You can stretch your legs and see a village, then return to the water. For many people, that balance is more satisfying than a full day spent only sailing between swimming spots.

Šipan and the remaining island waters

Šipan is listed as the final island stop, with about an hour planned if the schedule allows. It is explicitly optional. If the group has already had lunch on Lopud, the skipper may use the time to visit a small village on Šipan, go for another swim, or stop for a cold drink at a local restaurant.

This flexibility is useful, but it means you should not book the tour solely to visit Šipan. The day’s pace, time spent at lunch, and conditions on the water can affect whether it fits. If an extra island stop matters to you, mention that preference early and ask how likely it seems on the day.

The remaining time is set aside for sailing and cruising around the Elaphiti Islands, with possible swimming stops in passing bays. This is where the outing can feel least like a checklist. The skipper can adjust the route and activity to the group’s interests, and you can spend more time swimming or simply enjoy the ride.

A few people have been allowed to steer or learn basic sailing skills during the trip. Free sailing lessons are included, but this should be understood as an opportunity to learn, not a formal course with a set curriculum. If you are curious about the boat, ask the skipper when it is suitable to take the helm or hear how the lines work.

What the small boat and crew mean for you

With a maximum of eight people, this is a more intimate outing than a large excursion boat. The small group makes it easier to move around, talk with others, and ask the skipper questions. It also means the mood of the day can depend more on the group’s preferences, so it helps to be friendly and flexible.

The skipper is named as Dragan in several accounts, while another person, Zeba, is also identified as a skipper. The available details do not establish who will captain your specific departure. What you can expect from the experience as described is a hands-on host who may explain the boat and adapt the day, rather than a scripted sightseeing talk.

The boat has been described as clean and larger than some nearby alternatives, with a sunshade that can make a difference during a long day in the sun. Shade is valuable on an eight-hour trip, but do not assume every seat stays shaded at every point. Bring sun protection and drink water, especially if you plan to spend long stretches outside.

Included refreshments are a welcome drink and coffee or tea. Basic drinks such as water have also been offered on board, but the experience does not include meals, and you should bring any particular snacks or drinks you want. A practical tip: stock up before departure rather than counting on finding food between island stops.

Is $170.43 a fair price?

At $170.43 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The price buys a full eight-hour outing, a small group, a skipper, several island and swim stops, snorkelling gear, a SUP board, an outdoor shower, and basic refreshments. Free sailing lessons add a hands-on element that many standard sightseeing cruises do not promise.

The value depends on how you like to spend a day. If you want a boat transfer with a short photo stop, this is more time and money than you need. If you want a full day that combines sailing, swimming, a sandy beach, and a long island break, the hours and included equipment help justify the fare.

Keep the extra costs in view. Lunch on Lopud is paid separately, as are any drinks or snacks you buy ashore. Tips are not included, and optional pickup and drop-off may be available at extra cost. There is no food service included on the boat, so the best approach is to treat this as a day trip with lunch on land, not an all-inclusive cruise.

The tour is booked, on average, about 38 days ahead. That is a useful signal to plan early if your Dubrovnik dates are fixed, especially during a busy season. The group is small, so fewer seats are available than on larger boats.

Practical details before you set out

Meet at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik for the 9:30 a.m. start. The tour ends back at the same point. The meeting location is near public transportation, and optional pickup and drop-off are mentioned, though the details and price are not specified.

The activity is offered in English, and most people can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking. The experience depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund. Those rules use local time, so check the clock in Dubrovnik when making a change.

Pack for both boat and shore time: swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a little cash or a card for lunch and drinks. If you have a preferred snack or drink, bring it along. The skipper has been accommodating when weather caused delays, but the sea still sets the terms of the day.

Who should book this sailing day?

I would choose this trip if you want a full day outside Dubrovnik, enjoy swimming, and like the idea of a small group rather than a crowded boat. It also suits curious beginners who would enjoy learning a little about sailing, and anyone who wants a mix of open-water time and a proper stop on an inhabited island.

It may not suit you if you need a fixed schedule, want the Blue Cave or Šipan guaranteed, or expect lunch and drinks to be covered by the ticket. The route has flexibility, which is a plus for an easygoing day but a drawback if you are set on a particular stop.

At 4.8 out of 5, with 96% recommending it, the experience has a strong track record. I would book it for the small-group feel, the generous time on the water, and the chance to make the day active or restful as you choose. Just arrive ready to swim, budget separately for lunch, and let the skipper shape the route around the conditions.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:30 a.m.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

How many people can join?

The group is capped at eight people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is planned on Lopud, but food is not included in the price.

Is a visit to the Blue Cave guaranteed?

No. A Blue Cave visit is possible depending on the group’s wishes.

Is Šipan always part of the route?

No. The Šipan stop is optional and depends on whether there is enough time.

What equipment and refreshments are included?

The tour includes a welcome drink, coffee or tea, SUP boards, snorkelling equipment, an outdoor shower, and free sailing lessons.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.