Salt air beats Dubrovnik crowds. This private full-day sail around the Elaphiti islands turns Dubrovnik’s shoreline into a slow, scenic playground with swim-and-snorkel time built in. I also like that you get free sailing lessons right on the boat, so the day isn’t just about being chauffeured by water. The one real catch: lunch and alcohol cost extra, so you’ll want to plan a food budget and either pack drinks or buy them during breaks.

A big factor here is the skipper. Many groups rave about Dragan for clear English and for keeping the route comfortable—useful if you’re traveling with kids or you just don’t want a rigid, rushed schedule. One more thing to consider: the day needs good weather, so have a little flexibility in your plans.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private sailing on a full-day schedule (about 8 hours) for up to 8 people, not a crowded speedboat lineup
• Free sailing lessons so you can actually participate, not just watch
• Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan swim stops with time to snorkel, sunbathe, and change pace
• Included snorkelling equipment + free SUP (stand up paddle) for active breaks on calm water
• Outdoor shower and rest area on board so you can rinse off after saltwater and reset between swims
• Fuel, coffee, and tea included, which makes the onboard costs easier to predict

A Private Sail Day Around the Elaphiti Islands

This is the kind of tour I’d pick when you want water views without turning the day into a sprint. With a private boat for your group (up to 8), you’re free to enjoy the rhythm of sailing: cruise, pause, swim, and repeat.

The itinerary is built around islands that are close enough to feel easy, but different enough to keep the day interesting. You’ll hit Koločep first, then Lopud for beach time and a village/monastery stroll, then Šipan for another town-and-water break, and finally you’ll spend remaining time sailing/cruising. The title also mentions Blue Cave—what you should know is that the exact cave portion is weather- and route-dependent, so your best move is to ask your skipper how that part fits into the day if it’s your top priority.

The best part for most people is that this isn’t only about photos. You get real time in the water with snorkelling gear and a plan that leaves room to linger, not just pop in and out.

Getting On Board at Lapadska obala 4

The boat meeting point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, starting at 9:30 am. The good news is it returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day, so you’re not juggling another drop-off arrangement.

You should expect a straightforward setup: a mobile ticket (so less paper clutter) and an English-speaking experience. The tour also notes it’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re not using a private driver. Pickup and drop-off aren’t included, though it’s listed as optional—so if you’re staying farther out, ask about that option early.

Once you’re on board, the included “comfort” touches matter more than you’d think. There’s a rest area and an outdoor shower, which is great for rinsing salt off before you head back to land. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, which is useful because you’re not limited to whatever you packed hours ago. Bring snacks if you like, and use the onboard space to keep the day feeling relaxed.

Koločep Island: Bays for Swimming and Snorkel

Koločep is where the day starts to feel like a vacation, fast. You get about an hour here, and the focus is simple: pristine bays, amazing beaches, and enough calm-water time to swim and snorkel.

Why this stop works well: early in the day, you’re typically still fresh. That’s when snorkelling gear feels fun instead of tiring. Koločep’s bays tend to be visually stunning from the water, but the real win is that you don’t just drift around looking—there’s a defined window to actually get in and enjoy it.

What to watch for: one hour sounds short on land, but on a boat day it’s usually right. You’ll spend part of that hour getting positioned and then making the most of the swim window. If you’re hoping for a long snorkel session, plan to keep your expectations realistic and enjoy one solid go-round instead of trying to do everything.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: Sand, Rocks, and Beach Club Drinks

Next up is Lopud, and specifically Sunj Beach, about one hour. This is the classic island-beach moment: sandy shoreline, rocks for snorkelling, and enough space to sunbathe without feeling like you’re sitting on top of other people.

The tour description also points out that this is a beach where you’ll want to stay. You can swim and snorkel near the rocks, then there’s time to either head along the shore or move toward the beach club for a drink. The detail that matters: because you’re on a private boat, you’re not stuck in a one-size-fits-all group routine. You can time your water break the way you like.

A practical tip: bring a comfortable plan for reapplying sunscreen. With swimming and snorkelling, you’ll likely reapply at least once, and you’ll be happier if you’re not scrambling to find your items while the boat is ready to move.

Lopud Village and a 14th-Century Monastery Moment

After Sunj Beach, you get about two hours on Lopud. This is where the day adds a bit of land flavor: a walk through the village and a visit to a monastery from the 14th century. Then you can add another swim or grab something to eat in local restaurants.

This stop is valuable because it breaks the day into sections. Water days can blur together if you only do beach time. Here, you get a short cultural pause—still relaxed, but different from saltwater all day.

The trade-off is timing. Two hours can feel just-right or a little tight depending on what you want. If you love wandering, you’ll likely stretch the village walk. If your main goal is another swim, you’ll want to keep the monastery visit efficient so you don’t feel rushed at the water.

Also note what’s not included: meals aren’t included. That doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry, but you should plan for lunch/dinner purchases during the island breaks. The upside is you can choose your own style—something casual by the shore or a proper sit-down meal.

Šipan Town Walks and Crystal Clear Water Breaks

Šipan is the last island stop, with about one hour. The way this is described is very straightforward: time walking around the town if you’re up for it, plus swimming in crystal clear water and chilling with cold drinks at a restaurant.

This is a good “final island” rhythm because you get one more hit of the water without losing the whole day to travel. The sailing itself is part of the appeal, so Šipan gives you one more chance to enjoy the coast before the boat turns into cruising time again.

What I like about this kind of structure: it gives you options. If you’re feeling energetic, walk around the town for a bit. If you’re tired, focus on the swim and then cool down with a drink.

One more note: drinking is age-restricted on the tour (18+), so if you’re traveling with teens or younger kids, it’s worth knowing ahead of time how the drinking age rule is handled.

Elafiti Islands Cruising and the Blue Cave Question

After the island stops, the remaining time is for sailing/cruising—about two hours. This is where you get to enjoy the boat experience as sailing, not just as transport.

If the Blue Cave is on your wish list, here’s how to handle it sensibly. The provided route details don’t spell out a specific cave stop, even though it’s in the tour name. So I’d treat it like an “if weather and conditions allow” situation. Ask Dragan (or whoever your skipper is) how the day could be adjusted to include it, and then let the plan do what it can safely do.

This cruising block is also a time to slow down. With a private group, you can settle into the mood: watch for wind changes, enjoy views, and take advantage of onboard downtime like coffee/tea.

If you’re someone who likes to stay active, this is also a great stretch of time to use the included gear. The tour includes free SUP, so you can switch from passive watching to paddling—if conditions look calm and safe.

Price, What’s Included, and What You Should Budget

The price is $744.61 per group for up to 8 people, for about 8 hours on the water. That sounds high until you break it down in real terms: it’s private boat time, with fuel included, sailing lessons, and a stack of included extras that you’d otherwise pay for in separate add-ons.

Here’s what’s included that tends to make the day feel like real value:

• Free sailing lessons (you participate, not just ride)
• Fuel included (big cost saver on boat days)
• Free coffee and tea
• Snorkelling equipment
• Free SUP
• Outdoor shower + rest area
• Fully equipped kitchen

On the “you’ll pay extra” side, the big items are clear:

• Lunch isn’t included (and it’s not guaranteed to be built into the cost)
• Alcoholic beverages aren’t included—you can bring your own drinks
• Gratuities/tips are not included
• A dinghy without outboard motor is on request at 40 EUR per day (so if you think you might need extra maneuvering, ask in advance)

So how do you budget realistically? If you’re traveling as a group, you can often keep meal costs reasonable by choosing one meal per person at an island restaurant and then doing snacks for the rest. Alcohol is where costs can creep up quickly, so either bring your own (within the tour rules and age limit) or plan to buy responsibly during island breaks.

Also worth calling out: the tour does require good weather. If weather changes your day, you’re still offered a different date or a refund. That’s the kind of risk you have to accept with any sailing plan, but it’s good to know you’re not stuck paying for bad luck.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong match if you want a private day that mixes sailing with real swim time. You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:

• want to get out on the water without dealing with crowds
• like the idea of learning the basics with free sailing lessons
• want gear included for snorkelling and SUP
• prefer a flexible pace with time on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan rather than a nonstop whistle-stop route

Families can also do well here. The feedback emphasizes that the skipper worked with routes for kids, so you’re not forced into a very strict, adult-only schedule. Even if you don’t have kids, that “comfortable planning” approach is a plus if your group includes swimmers, non-swimmers, and people who just want to relax.

If you’re the type who needs a long list of must-see stops on land, this might feel lighter than a full sightseeing tour. But if you want the coastline experience in the most direct form—water, islands, and sailing—this is a solid choice.

Should You Book This Private Sail and Elaphiti Day?

I’d book this if you want a private sailing day with meaningful water time, included snorkelling gear, and the chance to learn sailing basics without paying extra. The value is strongest when you split the group cost across up to 8 people, and when you like the idea of spending the day outdoors with simple, practical comfort on board.

Before you hit confirm, do two things:

1) Ask about how the route could handle the Blue Cave portion if it’s important to you. Weather and conditions will shape what’s possible.

2) Plan your lunch and drink approach. Lunch isn’t included, alcohol is on you (bring your own), and the day can be far better when you’re not stuck guessing what you’ll find.

If you like flexible pacing and genuine island time, this tour’s structure is exactly the kind that makes a Dubrovnik trip feel less like a checklist and more like a good day out at sea.

FAQ

How long is the private sail tour from Dubrovnik?

It runs for about 8 hours.

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

The tour starts at 9:30 am. The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik.

What is the maximum group size for this private tour?

The private tour is priced for up to 8 people per group.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What snorkeling and water activities are included?

The tour includes snorkelling equipment and also offers free SUP (stand up paddle).

Is lunch included in the price?

No. There is a lunch stop option, but lunch is not included in the price.

Can we bring alcohol on board?

Alcoholic beverages are not included. You can bring your own drinks, and the drinking age limit is 18.

What happens if the weather is bad 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 also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.