Private Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands

A day on the water beats the usual Dubrovnik grind. This private sailing tour to the Elafiti Islands trades long bus rides and crowds for swim stops and real cruising, with a skipper who can steer the day around conditions.

I especially like the up-to-6 group size, which keeps things relaxed when you are moving between islands and hopping in for a swim.

You also get a very personal vibe from the start, thanks to your contact with skipper Filip and the way the schedule is paced. I like that you can choose how active to be, from snorkeling gear to beach time, and that the boat setup works well for families. The one thing to watch is wind, since the boat may run by motor most of the time if breezes are light.

Key highlights you should notice

• Private full-day for up to 6 people, so your time is your own
• Real swim time at Koločep and Šunj, plus opportunities to snorkel from the boat
• Sunj Beach on Lopud, known for its sandy stretch and easy access from the water
• Šipan town stop, including time to walk and visit Skocibuha castle
• Snorkeling equipment, outdoor shower, and restroom on board included
• Skipper Filip’s planning, including restaurant help when spots are tight

Dubrovnik’s Elafiti Islands day sail, minus the crowd pressure

If Dubrovnik has you feeling like you are constantly dodging other people, this is the fix. You start on the coast, then spend your day bouncing between islands that feel calmer, swim-friendlier, and more about sea time than checklists.

The value here is not just the destinations. It is the flow: short, focused stops where you can actually get in the water, then long stretches of sailing or cruising that let you relax. On a trip like this, that difference is huge, because you are not spending most of the day in transit.

Also, because it is a private tour for a small group, you are less stuck with a rigid pace. If your crew wants quiet time, it is there. If you want more movement, you can usually make it happen within each stop.

Price and what you are really paying for (up to 6 people)

The price is $692.36 per group (up to 6) for about 8 hours. The best way to judge the value is per-person math: if you fill all 6 spots, that works out to about $115 per person for the boat day.

Then think about what is included. You get snorkeling equipment, fuel surcharge, and practical comfort items like an outdoor shower and a restroom on board. Those are the costs that add up fast once you start piecing together your own day.

Two cost items to plan for:

• Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop on one of the islands, and you pay for your meal on your own.
• Soda/pop and alcohol are not included. You will likely want to budget for drinks.

There is also a possible extra travel cost to the marina (estimated at 40€ for an Uber if you are outside Dubrovnik). That estimate can affect value depending on where you are staying, but it is still often cheaper than turning this into a half-day plan plus separate private transport.

Getting to the marina and the 9:00am start you should plan for

You meet at Lapadska obala 21, 20000 Dubrovnik, with a 9:00am start. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not hunting for transportation at the end of a long day.

The marina transfer is not included. If you are staying outside Dubrovnik, you should expect that approximate 40€ Uber estimate. If you are already in the city, you might find it easier to use public transit. One useful hint is that the marina can be reached by bus 6, which is the kind of small detail that saves time if you do not want to pay for a ride.

Tip for planning your morning: aim to arrive early enough to feel unhurried. With a private tour, there is no waiting for a big group schedule, so you want to be ready when the day starts.

Stop 1 on Koločep: swim, snorkel, and a full hour to do nothing (well)

Koločep Island is your first swim-focused stop. The idea is simple: you get about one hour to enjoy the island’s bays and beaches, including time to swim and snorkel and sunbathe.

Why I like this stop for most travelers: it is the easiest kind of island time. You are not required to race around town or fit in a rigid plan. You can keep it casual, swim when you want, then return to the boat. With snorkeling gear included, you are set up without having to track down equipment.

What to consider:

• One hour sounds short, but on sailing days, it is just right. You will feel refreshed, not rushed.
• If you prefer shore swimming, bring footwear you feel comfortable in for getting to and from the water. The tour does not list beach shoes, so plan based on what you know about your own comfort.

Stop 2 at Šunj Beach on Lopud: sand time and boat-to-shore convenience

Next up is Šunj Beach, associated with Lopud. This stop is designed for a different vibe than Koločep. Instead of rocky coves and quick jumps, you get a sandy beach setting where it makes sense to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and even head toward shore for a drink at local restaurants.

You get about one hour here as well. That timing works well because it splits the day into clean segments: first island swim, second island beach time, then move onward.

Two practical pointers:

• Bring a plan for hydration. Water and snacks can help you stay comfortable between stops, especially if you are out in sun for most of the morning. A few people have specifically mentioned bringing water and snacks.
• If you want drinks from shore, give yourself enough time to swim, dry off a bit, and then walk over to order. You do not want to feel rushed at the end of the hour.

Stop 3 on Šipan: town stroll, Skocibuha castle, and beach time options

Šipan is your last island stop before the day shifts more toward sailing and cruising. Here, you get a longer window of about two hours, and the day opens up from pure beach time to a mix of activities.

The options include:

• A walk through the town
• Time to visit Skocibuha castle
• Beach swimming
• Eating at local restaurants

This stop is valuable because it adds variety. You still get water time, but you also get a chance to see what island life looks like beyond the shoreline.

One smart detail: since restaurant demand can be high in summer, having a skipper who can help with reservations is a real advantage. Filip has arranged restaurant plans in Šipan when needed, which can reduce the stress of finding a table mid-day.

Potential drawback to keep in mind: you are not doing a full museum crawl here. If your idea of a great island day is hours of indoor sights, you might find this stop more about walking and short visits than deep sightseeing.

Elafiti Islands time: how to use 4 hours of sailing or cruising

After Šipan, the remaining day is spent more on moving across the water and hanging out. There is a stated 2 hours of sailing or cruising after the Šipan portion, and then about 4 hours associated with the Elafiti Islands time.

That is where the trip really becomes different from most Dubrovnik excursions. This is your long stretch to:

• Watch the coastline slide by
• Take photos without people shoulder-to-shoulder
• Relax on deck and do the simplest thing well, which is enjoying sun and sea air

A small but important heads-up comes from the reality of the water: if the wind is light, you might run by motor longer than planned. That is not a dealbreaker, but it changes the feel. One account describes sailing in the afternoon after more motor time earlier, which suggests the day can still deliver sailing time even if the morning is calm.

If you are the type who gets restless, plan small things: water, snacks, a dry layer for after swimming, and your swimsuit ready to go again.

Boat comfort: outdoor shower, restroom, and the small extras that matter

The tour includes several onboard comforts that are easy to ignore until you need them:

• Restroom on board
• Outdoor shower
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Fuel surcharge

On a day with multiple water moments, the shower matters more than you think. It helps you rinse off after swimming without waiting around.

There is also a family-friendly note from real experiences: kids can use buoyancy vests provided onboard. If you are traveling with children, that is the kind of practical safety detail that makes the whole day easier.

What I suggest you bring anyway, even with included gear:

• Your own towel if you have one that dries quickly
• Water and light snacks for the gaps between stops
• Sunscreen you reapply without thinking
• A dry bag or zip pouch for phones and wallets, since you will be on and off the boat

Lunch and drinks: budget for island meals, not package extras

Lunch is not included. The tour description notes there will be a lunch stop on one of the islands, and that is when you choose your meal and pay separately.

This is common on private sailing days, and it can be a good thing. You are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all boxed lunch. Instead, you can pick something local when you are already in a small island setting.

Drinks also need planning:

• Soda/pop is not included
• Alcoholic beverages are not included

If you want a simple strategy, bring water and snacks for earlier stops, then go for a proper island lunch when you arrive at the lunch stop. That way you never feel forced to buy something quickly just to get comfortable.

Who should book this private Elafiti sailing day?

This tour fits best if you want:

• A private day at sea without the big-tour shuffle
• Swim and snorkeling time as the main event
• A small-group pace that works for couples and families
• A day that mixes beaches with a town stroll and a castle visit

It is especially attractive if you already know you will spend your vacation swimming and you do not want to spend your time searching for beaches alone. The tour handles the logistics of moving between islands so you can focus on the water.

It may not be the best match if you want a nonstop stream of major attractions with long guided stops. This is not built like a sightseeing bus tour. It is built for sea time, with island breaks that keep the day feeling varied rather than hectic.

Weather, wind, and staying flexible without losing the fun

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.

Wind is another factor, and it directly affects how the day feels. One experience notes low wind meant the boat used motor most of the time, with sailing time later once wind picked up. So if you care deeply about the sailing sensation, bring the mindset that calm days can still be enjoyable, just more motor-cruising than wind-driven.

The best way to make weather work for you is to pack for both: swimsuit ready, but also a light layer for when you are on the water longer than expected.

Should you book Smooth Sailing to the Elafiti Islands?

Yes, I think you should book if your dream day includes swimming, a small private group, and a skipper who can shape the day around what is happening on the water. The combination of included snorkeling gear, onboard facilities, and multiple island stops makes this feel like a full-value sea day, not a half-day tacked onto an itinerary.

You might skip it if you are hoping for a highly structured, attraction-heavy tour. This is a sailing day first, with islands as the stops that feed that goal.

If you book, do a simple prep checklist: arrive on time at Lapadska obala 21, bring a towel and sunscreen, and plan to pay for lunch and drinks on the islands. Then settle in for a day where the best part is the water time you do not have to organize yourself.

FAQ

How many people are in the group for this private sailing tour?

It is a private tour, and the group size is up to 6 people. Only your group participates.

Where do we meet, and what time does the tour start?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the tour starts at 9:00am. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the sailing tour to the Elafiti Islands?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What islands and stops are included in the itinerary?

You stop at Koločep Island, Šunj Beach (Lopud), Šipan (with time for walking and Skocibuha castle), and then you spend remaining time sailing/cruising around the Elafiti Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop on one of the islands where you can purchase your meal.

Is transport to the marina included?

No. Private transport to the marina is not included. The estimate shared is around 40€ for an Uber if you are outside Dubrovnik.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.