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

The best part of Dubrovnik may be offshore. This eight-hour sailing trip visits the Elaphiti Islands, with time for swimming, snorkeling, a sandy beach, lunch on Lopud, and perhaps the Blue Cave. I especially like the maximum group size of eight and the freedom to adjust the day around swimming, sailing, or island walks. The main drawback is that lunch, snacks, and most drinks are not included, so you need to plan for those costs.

I also like the relaxed, personal feel. Skippers such as Dragan and Zeba have let people steer, explained the boat’s lines, and arranged lunch tables by the water. Still, this is a weather-dependent day at sea, and the exact island schedule can change if time, wind, or rain gets in the way.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum eight people: You get more room to move, ask questions, and spend time at the swim stops than on a large group cruise.
• Koločep comes first: The opening stop combines sailing, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing in quiet bays for about two hours.
• Šunj Beach has real sand: This famous Lopud beach offers a change from the rocky coves found around much of the coast.
• Lopud is the main island stop: You can eat beside the sea, swim from the beach, walk through the village, or visit a 14th-century monastery.
• The day is fairly flexible: The skipper can spend more time on swimming and sailing, while Šipan is optional if the schedule allows.
• Bring your own food and special drinks: Coffee, tea, water, a welcome drink, diving equipment, and a SUP are included, but lunch is bought on Lopud.

Setting out from Dubrovnik at 9:30 a.m.

The tour begins at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik and returns to the same meeting point. The 9:30 a.m. start gives you a full day on the water, with roughly eight hours for the islands and the return sail.

This is a useful arrangement if you are staying near Lapad or can reach the marina by public transport. Pickup and drop-off are optional rather than part of the standard price, so check that detail when booking. The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation is provided at booking.

The boat carries no more than eight people. That number matters. You can usually move around without stepping over a crowd, and the skipper can respond to what your group wants to do. If you prefer a busy party boat with music and lots of people, this will feel quiet. If you want room for a swim, a chat, or a turn at the wheel, it is a much better fit.

The day begins with a welcome drink, coffee, or tea. Water is also provided. You can bring your own snacks, soft drinks, or anything else you want for the boat, which is worth doing because the included refreshments are basic.

Koločep: your first swim in a quiet bay

Koločep is the first of the Elaphiti Islands, and the opening section of the day is built around the sea rather than sightseeing on land. After setting sail from Dubrovnik, the boat heads toward the island’s bays and beaches.

You get about two hours for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The boat carries diving equipment and an outdoor shower, so you can rinse off after swimming. A free stand-up paddleboard gives you another way to explore the water close to the boat.

This is likely to be one of the most satisfying parts of the trip if you enjoy being active. You can jump into the water, look for fish, paddle around, or simply sit in the shade and watch the cliffs. The boat also has a sunshade, a small but important comfort on a bright Croatian day.

The Blue Cave may be visited depending on the group’s wishes and the time available. That wording is important. It is a possible addition, not a guaranteed stop. If the cave is your main reason for booking, ask about conditions and timing before you pay. The tour’s stronger promise is a day of sailing and swimming around the islands.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: a rare sandy stretch

Next comes Šunj Beach, one of Lopud’s best-known features. The stop lasts about an hour and gives you a proper sandy beach instead of the pebbles and rock platforms common along the Adriatic.

You can swim and snorkel near the rocks, sunbathe, or walk through the water toward the shore. A beach club offers a place to buy a drink, though the cost is your responsibility. This stop works well for people who want a little beach time without giving up most of the day.

The one-hour limit means you should keep an eye on the meeting time. Šunj is the kind of beach where you may want to stay all afternoon, but this trip has another island and a meal stop ahead. Bring secure footwear for moving between boat, beach, and rocky areas, although the supplied information does not specify a required shoe type.

Lopud: lunch, a village walk, and time to slow down

Lopud receives the longest land-based visit, about two hours. This is the heart of the excursion because it combines food, local atmosphere, and another chance to swim.

Lunch is planned at a restaurant beside the sea, around 20 meters from the beach. Food is not included in the tour price, but the skipper may reserve a table. One especially useful detail is that a table can be arranged right by the water, making lunch feel like part of the day rather than a routine meal break.

You can also spend the remaining time swimming in clear water. If you prefer walking, explore the village. A 14th-century monastery offers a modest cultural stop for anyone who wants more than sun and sea.

Lopud gives you the best balance of activity and rest. You can eat, wander, swim, or simply sit with a cold drink. This flexibility is valuable because a full day on the water can be tiring. The island lets you reset before the final part of the trip.

Plan your lunch budget in advance. Since the meal is not included, the final cost depends partly on what you order. The stated tour price of $170.43 per person covers a small-group sailing day with equipment and refreshments, but not the main meal. For a full eight-hour outing, that can be reasonable if you value a small boat and flexible stops. It is less attractive if you want an all-inclusive cruise with unlimited food and drinks.

Šipan: the optional final island stop

Šipan is the last possible island stop, with about an hour allowed if time remains. The schedule treats it as optional, so do not book this tour expecting a guaranteed visit.

If lunch has already taken place on Lopud and the day is running on time, you may walk around Šipan’s small village, swim, enjoy the natural setting, or order a cold drink at one of the restaurants. It sounds like a quieter finish than Šunj Beach or Lopud.

The tradeoff is simple: more time at Šipan may mean less time for cruising or swimming elsewhere. The skipper has to work with the day’s conditions and the group’s interests. If you care strongly about visiting all three islands, ask how the route is normally handled on the date you plan to go.

Sailing time is part of the experience

The remaining time is used for cruising around the Elaphiti Islands, with possible stops in passing bays for swimming. This is not just transportation between attractions. The boat ride itself gives you changing views of the coast, open water, cliffs, and small coves.

The trip includes free sailing lessons. Several people have been allowed to steer, and skippers have explained what different lines do. That makes the outing more engaging than a simple ride where you sit still for eight hours.

Captain Dragan is described as easygoing and efficient, handling the boat himself while keeping the day moving. Zeba is also praised for being personable and making sure people had a good time. Because the experience is small, the skipper can make practical adjustments based on weather and the group’s energy.

Do not expect a formal lecture about every island. The strength here is hands-on sailing, conversation, and time in the water. If you want a heavily narrated historical tour, this may feel light. If you want to learn a few sailing basics while enjoying the coast, it has more appeal.

Swimming gear, shade, and what to bring

The included equipment is useful:

• Diving and snorkeling equipment
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Outdoor shower
• Coffee or tea
• Water and a welcome drink
• Free sailing lessons

The boat has a sunshade, which is one of those details you appreciate after several hours outside. You can spend time in the sun, but you do not have to remain exposed for the full trip.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes. Pack your own snacks and any drinks you want beyond the basic supplies. Since lunch is planned on Lopud, you do not need to carry a full meal unless you prefer to avoid buying food on the island.

A waterproof phone pouch is sensible for swimming stops, though it is not listed as an included item. Keep valuables limited because the day involves moving between the boat, beaches, and village streets.

Weather can shape the whole day

This experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is fair, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your Dubrovnik schedule.

Rain can affect more than comfort. It may shorten swimming time, make a beach stop less pleasant, and force the skipper to change the order of the islands. One outing returned during heavy rain, and the skipper allowed a passenger to remain on board with coffee while waiting it out. That shows a considerate attitude, but it cannot turn a stormy day into a sunny one.

The tour also has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Since the weather is central to the experience, check the forecast before the deadline if your plans are uncertain.

Who will enjoy this Dubrovnik boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a small-group day on the water with several swim stops and some control over how active the day feels. It suits couples, friends, and families who can enjoy a long day outdoors and do not need every meal and activity arranged in advance.

It is also a good choice if you like variety. You get sandy beach time at Šunj, village and lunch time on Lopud, possible exploration on Šipan, and open-water sailing between the islands.

You may want another option if you dislike swimming, get uncomfortable on boats, or want a guaranteed Blue Cave visit. The cave is dependent on the group’s wishes and available time, while Šipan is optional. You should also look elsewhere if an included lunch, snacks, and a full drinks package matter to you.

The group size is one of the tour’s best features. With only eight people, you have a better chance of getting personal help from the skipper and finding a comfortable spot on board. It also makes it easier to agree on how long to spend swimming or walking.

Is the $170.43 price worth it?

At $170.43 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. You are paying for a full eight-hour outing, a small boat, a skipper, several island stops, swimming equipment, a SUP, sailing instruction, and basic refreshments.

The value improves if you would otherwise book separate boat transport, rent water equipment, and pay for a large-group cruise. You also get a more personal setting than a crowded excursion boat. The price feels less compelling if you mainly want a quick ride to one beach.

Remember to add lunch and drinks bought on Lopud, plus optional pickup and drop-off if you need them. Tips are not included. Bring your own snacks and preferred beverages to keep the extra cost under control.

The experience is well regarded overall, with a 4.8 rating and 96 percent recommendation rate from 23 ratings. The strongest praise centers on the boat, the skippers, the swimming stops, the lunch setting on Lopud, and the ability to steer. The one clear criticism is the lack of included snacks and extra drinks, though you are free to bring your own.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal Dubrovnik day means warm water, a small boat, sandy beach time, and lunch beside the sea. I especially recommend it for people who want more freedom than a fixed sightseeing cruise provides.

Before booking, confirm how the Blue Cave and Šipan fit the day’s plan, then check the weather forecast and prepare for lunch costs. If those details suit you, this is a strong way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowded streets for a relaxed day among the Elaphiti Islands.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The standard start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The sailing tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum of eight people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is planned at a restaurant on Lopud, but you pay for it separately. Snacks and additional drinks are also not included.

Is the Blue Cave guaranteed?

No. Visiting the Blue Cave depends on the group’s wishes and the available time.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.