Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

A day on open water beats Dubrovnik’s pavement. This small-group sail to the Elafiti Islands mixes real swimming, snorkel time, and island-hopping with a calm pace. I especially like the snorkeling gear included and the practical onboard setup like a restroom. One thing to consider, the lunch is optional and extra, so you’ll want to plan for that.

The schedule is simple: you’ll stop at Koločep first, then hit Šunj Beach, and finish with Šipan. The rest of the day is sailing, so you’re not stuck with constant bus transfers or long wandering through tourist streets.

This tour suits you if you want the Adriatic front and center and you like avoiding the big-boat shuffle. It’s for a maximum of 6 travelers, which keeps the whole day feeling personal, but it also means the experience depends heavily on weather and sea conditions.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Small group size (max 6) for a calmer day on the water
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can focus on the swim, not the logistics
• Koločep, Šunj, and Šipan give you beaches plus a real island town moment
• Restroom onboard + outdoor shower for simple comfort after getting wet
• Sailing time fills the day instead of constant checkpoints

Entering the Day: Lapadska obala, 9:00 am, and a Mobile Ticket

You start at Lapadska obala 21a in Dubrovnik, with departure at 9:00 am. The tour runs as a full-day outing of about 8 hours, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That last detail matters. It means you don’t have to solve a second transportation puzzle at the end of a long sea day.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and you get confirmation at booking. In practice, this is the kind of setup that keeps the morning smooth, especially if you’re bouncing between Dubrovnik sights and a bunch of beach plans.

Also note the tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate, which is helpful if you’re traveling with mixed ages or fitness levels, as long as you’re comfortable getting on and off a boat during stops.

Why This Small-Boat Sail Feels Different From the Big-Crowd Tours

If Dubrovnik has you thinking, crowds are a thing today, this is one of the better antidotes. The big-boat tours often pack dozens of people and turn each swim stop into a short, frantic sprint. Here, the max group size is 6 travelers, so you’re more likely to enjoy the water first, then deal with the rest.

The itinerary also supports that relaxed vibe. You get multiple time blocks for water time, then a structured island stop where you can walk around and eat. The “the rest is sailing” layout is a real gift. It turns the day into a slow-moving scenic loop rather than a collection of errands.

Finally, there’s a restroom onboard. That sounds small until you’ve been on a day trip that turns into a stress test. Having that makes a big difference on an all-day outing.

Koločep Island: Pristine Bays and a Real Snorkel Pause

Your first stop is Koločep Island, with about 1 hour on the water and by the bays. This is where the day starts feeling like a beach day, not a sightseeing day. The focus here is swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and it’s long enough to do at least one full snorkel cycle without feeling rushed.

Koločep is known for pretty coves and clear water, and the tour leans into that with time directly at the island. Admission is listed as free for the stop, so you’re not hunting for extra tickets before you can actually get in the water.

One practical upside: because snorkeling gear is included, you can show up and go. No last-minute shopping, no trying to borrow someone else’s mask, no standing around while everyone gets geared up.

Possible drawback: with only about an hour, you’ll want to treat this as your “get your swim done” stop. If you’re the type who needs a long, slow float with zero urgency, you might find yourself wishing for 20 more minutes.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: Sandy Shore Time and Boat-to-Beach Swimming

Next up is Sunj Beach, tied to the island of Lopud. Expect a sandy beach vibe, not a rocky-only experience. The tour gives you about 1 hour here, with options that make sense for different moods.

You can swim and snorkel from the boat, then sunbathe. If you want a shore moment, you can swim to land and grab a drink at nearby restaurants. This is also where the day gives you a break from full-time boat life. Sandy beaches are simply easier for relaxing, and they can feel like a different world compared to Dubrovnik’s stone and steps.

Snorkeling here is part of the plan, and since equipment is included, you’re not adding extra steps for something you might want to skip if the water is chilly. You also have that second chance to see local underwater life after Koločep, which is one of the tour’s biggest selling points.

A consideration: this stop can be more about shore lounging than deep exploring. If your idea of a perfect island day is long walks, you might find the time brief. For shore-time and water-time, it’s a strong match.

Šipan Island: Castle Footsteps, Town Walks, and a Longer Island Break

The last stop is Šipan, and this is the one with the most time on land at about 2 hours. This is where the tour mixes sea time with culture, even if you’re keeping it casual.

The plan includes a walk through the town and a visit to Skocibuha Castle. After that, there’s time for a beach swim and time to eat at a local restaurant. If you like your island days to include at least a little atmosphere beyond beaches, Šipan is the payoff.

Two things make this stop especially valuable:

• You get a change of pace. After two water-focused blocks, Šipan lets you stand up, wander, and take photos without fighting waves.
• You get the best chance to eat something truly local in a calm setting, since the tour explicitly builds in restaurant time.

About lunch: lunch is not included in the price, but there’s a lunch stop and it’s optional. The idea is simple. If you want a full sit-down meal, you’ll have time. If you’d rather keep it light, you can do that too.

One note on timing: because the total tour is about 8 hours, and you’re not spending all day on one island, it helps to arrive on Šipan ready to choose. Walk a bit, see the castle, then decide how much time you want for the beach and food.

Captain Filip and the Pace That Keeps You Relaxed

A big part of why people love this sail comes down to how it’s run. The captain is Filip, and the vibe shows in the way the day is paced. The tour is friendly, safety-focused, and built around you enjoying the water rather than following a checklist.

You’ll spend a lot of time just sailing. In calm conditions, you get proper time on the water, and on some days the captain may raise the sails for photos. That’s not something you should count on every single day, but it does add a fun “we’re really sailing now” moment when conditions allow.

Another thing I like about this style of day trip is how it avoids the common mistake of trying to do everything fast. The schedule gives you multiple swim opportunities, plus island time. That balance is what keeps it from feeling exhausting.

Onboard Comfort: Restroom, Outdoor Shower, and Storage for Wet Stuff

This is one of those tours where small details make the whole day easier. You’ve got a restroom onboard, which is huge for an outing that runs about 8 hours. There’s also an outdoor shower, which helps after snorkeling or after you’ve been swimming long enough to bring half the bay back on your skin.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can focus on the water time instead of gear hunting. And based on how people describe the boat, it’s set up so you can store bags and handle changing related to swimming, which makes a difference when you’re going from shade to sun.

What’s not included is an air-conditioned vehicle, and that matters if you’re expecting to be driven in comfort to and from the meeting point. Private transportation isn’t included either, so you’ll likely rely on local transport or your own plan to get to Lapadska obala 21a.

Value for Money: What $157.22 Buys in a Full Sea Day

At $157.22 per person for about 8 hours, this isn’t the cheapest option on the Dubrovnik water. It also isn’t overpriced if what you care about is water time plus a small group.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in plain terms:

• Multiple stops across the Elafiti Islands (Koločep, Šunj, Šipan)
• Snorkeling gear included
• Restroom onboard + outdoor shower
• Fuel/gas included
• A small group max of 6, which usually means less chaos

Then there are the add-ons and tradeoffs:

• Lunch isn’t included. You’re choosing whether to upgrade to a proper island meal, and that can raise your total cost.
• Private transport isn’t included, so plan for getting to the dock.
• On days when wind is limited, you might get more motor-sailing than full-on sail action.

Still, for most people, the combination of included snorkeling and the fact that you’re skipping the big crowded boat experience is what makes the price feel fair. You’re buying time on the water and the freedom to swim and snorkel without extra fuss.

Best for Who: Couples, Families, and Water-Lovers Who Hate Crowds

This is an easy pick for:

• Couples who want a calmer alternative to Dubrovnik’s busy streets
• Families who want real breaks, not hour after hour of walking
• Snorkel fans who want at least two swimming spots with included gear
• Anyone who wants a break from Old Town crowds without giving up the island experience

Because the group is small and the captain runs the day with a relaxed pace, it tends to suit travelers who like conversation, scenic stops, and straightforward logistics.

If you’re traveling with someone who only wants beaches but hates snorkeling, the tour still works since swimming is built into the plan. If your main goal is hiking for hours, you might find the land time is shorter than you want, especially at the first two stops.

Practical Tips to Make the Most of It (Without Overthinking)

The itinerary is built around swimming and snorkeling, so come prepared for a water-based day. That means planning for a swimsuit, something to change into after, and sun protection. There’s an outdoor shower and onboard facilities, so you’re not stuck without a way to rinse off.

Because time on each island is scheduled (about 1 hour at Koločep and Šunj, 2 hours at Šipan), you’ll get more out of the day if you treat each stop like a mini plan:

• Koločep: snorkel and swim first, then relax
• Šunj: enjoy sandy beach time, then another swim/snorkel
• Šipan: walk, castle stop, then decide when to eat and when to swim

Also, you’ll save stress by arriving at the meeting point with enough buffer for the morning. Starting at 9:00 am means you don’t want to be sprinting from a bus stop at the last second.

If you’re hoping to eat on the islands, remember lunch is optional and not included. Decide ahead of time whether you want a full meal or something lighter, so you don’t get decision fatigue while you’re hungry and sun-tired.

Should You Book This Elafiti Full Day Sail?

I’d book it if you want a small-group Elafiti day that prioritizes swimming, snorkeling, and scenery, with just enough land time to feel like you visited islands, not just floated past them. The included snorkel gear and onboard restroom make it a practical choice, not a “wish I’d planned better” choice.

Skip it or think twice if:

• You hate the idea of optional lunch costs and want everything bundled
• You don’t want a full day schedule with multiple water stops
• Your plan depends on getting private door-to-door transportation to the dock, since that part isn’t included

If you’re in Dubrovnik and you want your best memories to be about the Adriatic rather than the bus ride, this one fits well.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Full Day Sailing Tour to Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

What islands and stops are included during the trip?

The tour includes stops at Koločep Island, Sunj Beach, and Šipan, with the remaining time spent sailing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop on one of the islands, and lunch is optional.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes. There is a restroom on board the boat, plus an outdoor shower.

What happens if weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.