Dubrovnik: Full Day Private Sail Boat tour to Elaphiti&Blue Cave

A full day on a sailboat beats the usual hop-on rides. This private Dubrovnik sailing tour strings together island time on Kolocep and Lopud, a shoreline stroll on Šipan, then leaves the rest of the day for sailing and sightseeing around the Elaphiti area. One big win is the skipper’s hands-on feel, including free sailing lessons, so you are not just watching from the deck. The one catch to think about is that lunch is on your own, and the day runs on good-weather timing.

I also like how the plan mixes swim stops with real breaks, not nonstop busy time. You get snorkelling equipment and even SUP (stand up paddle) included, plus coffee and tea aboard, so it feels like a floating beach day with options. If you are hoping for a strict, guaranteed schedule for every photo spot, keep in mind the final cruising segment is weather dependent and the skipper will choose positioning based on conditions.

Key highlights (the stuff that actually matters)

• Private group up to 8 means you can move at a pace that fits your crew, not a factory schedule.
• Free sailing lessons and a supportive skipper, including an experience style that works well with kids.
• Snorkelling gear plus SUP are included, so you can switch activities without paying extras.
• Coffee and tea onboard, plus a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor shower for rinse-down convenience.
• Koločep and Lopud beach time with swim and snorkel windows, not just quick stops.

Why this private sail day feels better than a bigger boat

Dubrovnik has a long list of sea tours, but this one is set up like a day you can shape around comfort. With a private group (up to 8), you get less crowd energy and more “do what feels right” time, whether that means hanging off the rail with a swim break every so often or staying aboard between stops.

The tone from the experience is also very human. People rave about the skipper, Dragan, for being kind, communicative, and organized, with English that makes the whole day easier. That matters, because on a sailing day, small things like how and when you move, where you park the boat, and how you get everyone settled affect your whole mood.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

The price is listed as $744.61 per group for up to 8, and the tour runs about 8 hours starting 9:30am. Put differently, you are paying for time on a sailboat with fuel and key gear included, plus the flexibility of a private route.

Here is what gets built into the value:

• Fuel included
• Free coffee and tea
• Snorkelling equipment included
• Free SUP included
• Rest area on board plus an outdoor shower
• Fully equipped kitchen

What is not included (so you can plan around it):

• Alcoholic beverages (you can bring your own drinks)
• Lunch is not included, even though there is time for it on the islands
• Tips
• Optional pick up and drop off
• A dinghy with outboard motor on request for 40 EUR per day

If you compare this to paying extra for gear and factoring in lunch, the overall cost often lands closer to what you would expect from a quality private outing. The big advantage is you are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all “see, move on, repeat” vibe.

Meeting at Lapadska obala, then settling into a day at sea

Your meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik, and the activity ends back there. Since it is near public transportation, you can show up without needing a complicated plan, especially if you stay in the broader area.

Once aboard, you are set up for the day fast. Between the free sailing lessons, snorkelling gear, and SUP availability, you can bounce between low-effort lounging and more active water time. The boat setup also includes an outdoor shower, which sounds small until you spend the day swimming and you want an easy rinse before relaxing again.

Stop 1: Koločep Island swim and snorkel in calm bays

First comes Koločep Island, where the tour gives you around an hour to enjoy the pristine bays and beaches. This is the kind of stop that works even if you are not a die-hard snorkeler, because you can simply swim, snorkel around, or sunbathe for a while.

Why this stop is smart early in the day: you start with water time before you get tired. After that, the day shifts into more island exploring and sailing, so having this first swim window helps you feel like you truly used the day on the water.

Possible drawback: if you are prone to seasickness, your comfort may depend on sea conditions that morning. The itinerary itself is structured as a full day, so plan to bring whatever helps you feel steady.

Stop 2: Sunj Beach on Lopud for sandy beach time

Next is Sunj Beach, described as the sandy trademark beach of Lopud. Here you get about an hour that you can spend swimming and snorkelling near rocks, sunbathing, or walking the short distance to shore for a drink in the beach club.

This stop tends to be the “linger” moment. It is the best option on the schedule if you want a classic beach feel, not just boat-to-water movement. Also, sandy beaches usually make it easier for families and first-timers to relax, since you are not constantly negotiating uneven entry points.

What to consider: one hour goes quickly. If you love a long, slow beach afternoon, treat this stop as your warm-up and rely on the rest of the day to keep your pace relaxed.

Stop 3: Lopud Island village walk, monastery visit, and beach time

Then you shift from pure beach mode to a bit more “island life.” On Lopud Island, you get around 2 hours. That includes time to walk through the village, visit a 14th-century monastery, and decide whether you want more beach time or time to grab something to eat at local restaurants.

This is where the day adds variety. You get a break from the water, you get land legs, and you get to see that these islands are not just swimming stops. A monastery visit adds a layer of place without turning it into a museum marathon.

Things to watch:

• Admission for this stop is listed as not included, so budget accordingly.
• It is still a seaside day, so comfortable shoes matter for the village walk and any paths leading toward viewpoints or the monastery area.

Stop 4: Šipan for town wandering and crisp water time

Your last island stop is Šipan, with about 1 hour available. This is a shorter segment, but it is flexible: you can take a walk around town, swim in clear water, or cool down with a drink at a restaurant.

Why this stop works late in the day: you can choose a calmer activity, like walking and grabbing a cold drink, if you are running out of energy. Or, if you still want water, this is a good time for one more swim before the sailing portion takes over.

Since this stop includes the admission ticket, you can expect the built-in time to cover what the tour plans for you. Still, keep in mind the overall day depends on conditions, so the exact vibe might shift if weather changes.

Cruising time for the Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave viewing potential

After Šipan, you spend remaining time sailing and cruising. The tour name includes Blue Cave, so this cruising segment is where that promise typically fits in, depending on what the skipper can safely and sensibly do with wind and sea conditions.

Here is the sailing-day reality: caves, coves, and rock formations are great, but they are not like clockwork attractions. A good skipper uses the boat’s angle, timing, and weather to position for the best viewing.

This is also the segment where the sailing lessons can make the day feel extra personal. If you have already learned a few basics, you may start reading the water a bit differently, like where the boat will catch wind and how the boat moves when you shift weight.

Lunch and drinks: plan for your own food stop

Lunch is not included. The schedule includes time on islands where you can get food, and you can also bring your own drinks since alcoholic beverages are not included.

If you want to maximize value, treat lunch as your “choose the right spot” moment. Island restaurants often have seafood options, and one group specifically highlighted that their lunch was a standout. You do not have to chase a perfect meal, but you should plan to eat somewhere convenient in the time you are given.

Practical tip: even if you pack snacks, you might still want cash or a card for lunch and drinks at the beach clubs or restaurants you pass during island time.

Sailing lessons, SUP, and snorkeling gear: the fun multipliers

This is one of the tours where the included gear actually changes what you do, not just what is sitting on a shelf.

• Free sailing lessons: You can learn basics from the skipper, and the vibe stays friendly, not intimidating. People also note how accommodating the route is, even for families with kids.
• Snorkelling equipment: You can take advantage of the swim windows at Koločep and the rock areas near Sunj Beach.
• Free SUP: If you like a steady activity that still feels like adventure, SUP is a great add-on. It also pairs well with the “take it easy” feeling of an island day.

The boat setup helps too. With a rest area and a fully equipped kitchen, you can keep the day comfortable even if you choose a slower pace.

Optional dinghy service and practical comfort

The tour includes the main sailboat and listed amenities, but there is an optional item: a dinghy with outboard motor can be arranged on request for 40 EUR per day. If you think your group might want extra flexibility for shore access, it is worth asking in advance rather than waiting until you are already at the islands.

Also, the tour includes outdoor shower. That small detail can make a huge difference if you plan to swim at multiple stops.

Who should book this tour, and who should consider another option

This sailing day is a strong match if:

• You want a private experience around Dubrovnik’s nearby islands
• You care about swimming and snorkeling rather than just sightseeing
• You want a skipper who teaches and helps you enjoy the boat, not just move you between stops
• You are traveling as a family and want a route that can stay comfortable for kids

You might consider another tour if:

• You want a tight checklist of attractions with fixed stop times, no matter the weather
• You expect lunch to be fully handled for you
• You dislike spending most of the day outdoors on a boat and prefer mostly on-land sites

The real deciding factor: the skipper

In reviews, the recurring theme is Dragan’s approach. People highlight his English, his helpfulness, and the way the day feels planned and executed without stress. That kind of skipper skill is hard to quantify in a brochure, but it shows up in the day itself, like when you are settling onto the boat, when you are choosing the route, and how smoothly everyone gets to and from swim spots.

If you are the type who likes to feel taken care of, you will probably appreciate that energy. If you prefer totally hands-off, this still works, because the day includes plenty of downtime too.

Should you book this Dubrovnik private sail boat tour?

I would book it if you want a genuine sea day with real water time, included snorkelling and SUP, and a private setting for up to 8 people. The value makes sense because fuel and key gear are built in, and the sailing lessons can turn your vacation from spectator mode into participation mode.

I would think twice if you are traveling with very inflexible schedules or you know you will get frustrated by weather dependent cruising and the fact that lunch is on you. For most people, though, that is a normal trade in the Adriatic: you pay for comfort and choices, and the sea decides the exact shape of the day.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik private sail boat tour?

It is listed as about 8 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It is a private tour/activity and your group size is up to 8 people.

What time does the tour start and where do we meet?

The start time is 9:30am, and the meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included, and what should I plan to pay for?

Included items are free sailing lessons, fuel, coffee and tea, snorkelling equipment, SUP, rest area on board, outdoor shower, and a fully equipped kitchen. Not included are alcoholic beverages, lunch, tips, optional pick up and drop off, and an optional dinghy with outboard motor on request for 40 EUR per day.

Do I need to buy tickets for every stop?

The itinerary lists admission tickets as included for Koločep Island, Sunj Beach, and Šipan, while Lopud Island is listed as not included.

What is the cancellation and weather policy?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.