Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The best thing about this Dubrovnik day trip is its small scale. With no more than six people aboard, you get a quiet day on the Adriatic instead of being packed onto a large excursion boat. Captain Filip handles the sailing, shares local stories, and adjusts the pace for swimming, sun, and a relaxed lunch on Šipan.

I like the chance to swim at Koločep and Šunj, then spend real time ashore on Šipan. I also like the practical touches: snorkeling gear, an outdoor shower, storage space, and a restroom on board. The main consideration is price. At $157.22 per person, this costs more than a basic group cruise, and lunch is extra.

Key points at a glance

• A six-person maximum: The small boat keeps the day personal and avoids the feel of a crowded excursion.
• Three island stops: Swim at Koločep, visit sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud, and explore Šipan.
• Captain Filip’s local guidance: Expect practical island tips, sailing knowledge, and recommendations for seafood and refreshments.
• Swimming is central: You get snorkeling equipment, two main swim stops, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off.
• Lunch is optional: Šipan is the place to eat, with fresh fish and local wine available at your own cost.
• Eight hours on the water: The stops take about four hours in total, with the rest spent sailing between Dubrovnik and the islands.

Why this small sailing trip feels different

The Elafiti Islands are close to Dubrovnik, but a boat gives you a welcome break from the city’s stone streets and summer crowds. This is not a sightseeing cruise built around a long list of landmarks. It is a day of clear water, quiet coves, sun on the deck, and short walks through island villages.

The six-person limit matters. On a larger boat, swimming stops can feel rushed and crowded. Here, Captain Filip can give the day a gentler rhythm. You might spend more time in the water, raise the sails for photographs, or pause at a less busy spot when conditions allow.

You should also know what kind of sailing experience this is. The boat may sail under wind power, but the amount of wind changes. Several outings had little wind, so some time was spent motoring. Filip still raised the sails for photographs when possible, but you should not book this expecting a full day of fast sailing.

The real strength is the mix of activities. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, walk around Šipan, eat lunch, and listen to stories about Dubrovnik and island life. It is a flexible day on the water, not a formal history tour.

Meeting at Lapadska obala at 9 a.m.

The tour begins at Lapadska obala 21a in Dubrovnik at 9 a.m. It ends back at the same meeting point after roughly eight hours. Private transport to the marina is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Give yourself enough time to arrive without a last-minute rush. Filip has contacted people through WhatsApp with clear meeting instructions, which is useful when you are finding a marina in an unfamiliar city.

The boat has a restroom, an outdoor shower, and space to store bags and change clothes. Those details make a full day at sea much easier. Still, pack lightly. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, a hat, and a dry change of clothes. Lunch and drinks are not included, so bring money for the island stop.

The boat is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. The tour is not described as an air-conditioned vehicle excursion, and no land transport is provided. This is a boat day from start to finish.

Koločep: your first hour for swimming and snorkeling

Koločep is the first stop, with about an hour set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The island is known for clean bays and attractive beaches, but the point here is not a long inland visit. You use the boat as a base, get into the water, and enjoy the coast at an easy pace.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. The water around the islands is one of the main reasons to choose this trip, and this first stop gives you a chance to settle into the day before lunch and sightseeing.

An hour passes quickly. If you want a long swim, careful snorkeling, and time on the beach, you may feel the stop is short. On the other hand, the schedule gives you a taste of several islands instead of spending the whole morning in one bay.

The boat’s outdoor shower is especially useful after Koločep. You can rinse away salt before getting back underway, though you should still bring a towel and dry clothing if you dislike sitting in wet swimwear.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: sand, water, and a choice

The second stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, one of the best-known sandy beaches in the Elafiti group. The beach is the reason to come ashore here, since many nearby beaches are rocky or pebbly. You can swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe on board, or swim toward the beach and find a drink at one of the restaurants.

That choice is a useful feature of the day. You are not forced into one activity. If you prefer calm water and a quiet hour on deck, stay with the boat. If you want sand under your feet and a short shore visit, head toward Šunj.

The stop is planned for about an hour, so it is best to decide quickly how you want to use it. A swim to shore, a drink, and time on the sand can take up most of the allotted period. You may prefer to stay aboard if you want the maximum time in the water.

Šunj can also be the busiest-feeling stop because it is a famous beach. The small boat helps, but this is not necessarily a private, empty cove. Your benefit is the ability to choose where to spend your hour rather than being tied to a large group schedule.

Šipan: two hours for lunch and a short walk

Šipan is the final and longest stop, with about two hours available. You can walk through the town, visit the Skocibuha castle, swim from the beach, or eat at a local restaurant. This is where the day shifts from a swim outing into a small taste of island life.

I would save room for lunch here. The tour price does not include food, but Captain Filip recommends restaurants, and fresh fish is a recurring part of the experience. Local wine is also available at some meals. You pay separately, so check prices before ordering if you are watching your budget.

The two-hour stop gives you more breathing room than the earlier swim breaks. You can combine lunch with a walk, or skip the restaurant and focus on the beach. You should not expect a long guided tour of Šipan, though. The visit is informal, and the time is yours.

Skocibuha castle adds a small cultural element to the stop. If your ideal boat trip includes more than swimming, this visit helps. If you want a full historical tour, the castle and town walk will feel like a brief introduction rather than a detailed study.

One practical point: the route description names Koločep, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan, while some outings focus on two main swimming locations and the island lunch. Weather, sea conditions, and the day’s pace can affect the exact balance. Ask Filip at the start how he expects the hours to work.

Captain Filip shapes the day

Captain Filip is the central part of this experience. He is described as a capable sailor, an easy host, and a source of information about the islands, Dubrovnik, and daily life in Croatia. That combination matters on a small boat. With only a handful of people aboard, the captain’s manner affects the whole day.

He also gives useful local recommendations. The strongest advice is to let him suggest the lunch restaurant on Šipan. Several outings included very good fish, including fish caught that morning, along with local wine. Since lunch is optional and not included, his recommendation can help you choose a meal without spending your shore time wandering from place to place.

Filip also seems willing to adjust within reason. He has added a swimming stop, raised the sails for photographs, and kept an outing going even when only two people had booked. That does not mean every departure will follow the same route, but it does suggest a more personal style than a fixed large-boat cruise.

The captain’s local stories are an added benefit, especially while motoring between islands. You may hear about landmarks and island life rather than a constant stream of formal commentary. If you prefer complete silence, you can also simply sit back and enjoy the water.

What the $157.22 price really buys

At $157.22 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elafiti Islands. You are paying for a full day, a small maximum group of six, a boat with a restroom, snorkeling equipment, fuel, and the chance to sail with a captain who knows the area.

The price makes more sense for couples, families, and small groups who value space and personal attention. If six people share the boat, the experience can feel like a private charter without the full cost of hiring a boat alone. If you are traveling as two people and the boat still operates, you get a great deal of room and a quieter ride.

The cost is harder to justify if your only goal is transportation to a beach. A simple beach boat or larger island cruise may cost less. This trip earns its price through the combination of swimming, snorkeling, sailing time, local recommendations, and a small group.

Remember to add lunch and any drinks to your budget. Food is optional, but Šipan is designed as the meal stop, and skipping it may mean missing one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.

Who should book this day on the Adriatic?

I would choose this tour if you want a relaxed day away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town and care more about the quality of the boat time than checking off many sights. It suits people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and unhurried island stops.

It is also a good fit for families and small groups who want a private-feeling outing. The boat carried six adults comfortably according to the available experience, and the cabin provides storage and a place to change. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable getting in and out of the water and spending much of the day outdoors.

This is less suitable if you want a packed sightseeing schedule, guaranteed strong wind, or a detailed guided tour at every stop. The day is shaped by the sea and weather. On a calm day, you may motor for much of the route, with sailing used when conditions permit.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

My call: book it for the water, not a checklist

You should book this sailing trip if your perfect Dubrovnik day includes clear water, small coves, a sandy beach, fresh fish on Šipan, and plenty of time to sit in the sun. Captain Filip’s personal service and the six-person limit give it an advantage over crowded island cruises.

I would especially recommend it for a couple or small group willing to pay more for comfort and breathing room. Just remember that lunch costs extra, wind is never guaranteed, and the island visits are short and informal. If you accept those limits, this is one of the more pleasant ways to trade Dubrovnik’s crowds for a full day on the Adriatic.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours. It begins at 9 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan.

How much time is spent at each stop?

The tour allows about one hour at Koločep, one hour at Šunj Beach, and two hours at Šipan. The remaining time is used for sailing between Dubrovnik and the islands.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and must be paid for separately. The lunch stop takes place on one of the islands, usually Šipan.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of six people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.