A sail day here feels different than a bus tour because you spend it on the water, not in traffic. I especially love the private, skipper-led pace and the chance to swim at Sunj Beach on Lopud, plus the on-the-water viewpoints of Dubrovnik’s old city walls. One consideration: lunch is not included, so you’ll want a plan (or bring your appetite budget) for the island restaurant stop.

What makes this work well is the mix of classic sights and real time in clear water. The tour includes water and snorkeling equipment, and the boat time is long enough that the day doesn’t feel rushed. Also, you’ll be sailing as a group of up to 8, which keeps it personal.

Skipper-wise, I’m a big fan of guided days where the captain can talk and handle the boat at the same time—and this one has that energy. The guide is a licensed professional with 20+ years, and the reviews you’ll hear about this day often circle back to the captain’s skill and easygoing company.

Key things that make this sailing day special

• Dubrovnik walls from the water on the way toward the Elaphiti Islands
• Sunj Beach swim break on Lopud, the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area
• Optional Blue Caves-style time near Kolocep, if conditions allow
• Snorkeling gear included, so you can switch from sunbathing to exploring fast
• A real private-group experience, up to 8 people, with a local captain who sets the rhythm
• Cavtat harbor yacht views at the end of the day, when you return to the marina scene

From Cavtat’s harbor to Elaphiti views without the crowd stress

Your day starts at the Old City port area in Cavtat, with a meeting point next to the waterpolo training field. From there, you head out on an 8-hour sailing route built around the Elaphiti Islands. Even early on, the vibe is calm: you’re moving with the sea, not waiting with everyone else.

One of my favorite parts of this kind of coastline day is the way it changes what you see. Instead of getting Dubrovnik in one flat postcard view, you get it from angles that only happen when you’re on the water. On the way to the islands, you’ll see the old city walls of Dubrovnik from a distance, which gives you that wow factor without the crush of the city center.

A private format matters more than people think. With a group sized for comfort (up to 8), you can actually follow your skipper’s timing. In the best moments, you’re not just going somewhere—you’re going at a smarter pace.

Dubrovnik city walls from sea distance: why this viewpoint is worth it

You’ll pass along the Dubrovnik coastline while sailing toward the Elaphiti Islands, and that’s when the city walls show up. You won’t be standing in the middle of the hot promenade. You’ll be watching the walls slide into view from the water, where they look taller and more dramatic than you expect.

This part is also a quick “orientation moment.” Even if you haven’t spent much time in Dubrovnik itself, seeing the walls like this helps you understand how the city sits along the cliffs and edges. It’s the kind of perspective that makes later sightseeing click.

Practical note: because this is a moving-view experience, it helps to be ready for cameras and sun. Bring sunglasses and consider a hat if you burn easily. You’ll want to look up often.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: the sandy break you actually remember

The main stop is planned on Lopud Island, and the highlight here is the scheduled swimming break on Sunj Beach. It’s described as the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, which is a big deal. Most of this coast is rocks and steps into the sea, so having one beach moment designed for easy barefoot time feels like a luxury.

Sunj Beach also works as a “reset” stop. You get a real chance to cool down, swim, and relax on something closer to a classic beach day. With snorkeling equipment included, you can split your time: one round of water time for swimming, then a slower look around for what you can spot near the shore.

If you want lunch, there’s an option to organize it at a nearby restaurant on the island. Lunch itself isn’t included in the tour price, so you’re making a choice: snack and swim longer, or slow down for a meal.

Why I like this stop: it’s the only part of the day that’s clearly “easy mode.” It’s a simple plan—get in the water, enjoy the sand, then get back on the boat when everyone’s ready.

Sailing close to Kolocep: the Blue Caves chance

On the way back, you’ll sail close to Kolocep Island. There’s a possibility of making a short break next to the Blue Caves. Notice the wording: it’s a chance, not a guarantee. That usually means timing and sea conditions play a role, so I’d treat this as bonus time.

Even if you don’t get the full stop you’re hoping for, the “close sailing” part is still the point. You’ll get that coastal scenery without needing to pack a separate day trip. If you do get the short time near the caves, it’s a good chance to pair the view with another quick snorkel or at least a soak-and-look moment, depending on how the water looks that day.

This is also where a good skipper earns their keep. The people who rave about this tour (and why) often point to the captain knowing the right spots and right timing. On a sail day, that’s not just talk—it’s the difference between seeing something and really having time to enjoy it.

The boat, the guide, and why the group size keeps it fun

This is a private group experience, and the pricing is set per group up to 8 people. That’s important because it changes the feel of the day. You’re not fighting for space or waiting for strangers to get their act together. You’re moving as a small unit, guided by someone who can focus on your group.

Included with the tour:

• Professional licensed guide with 20+ years experience
• Water and snorkeling equipment
• A best sailing boat in the Dubrovnik area (as described by the provider)
• Time on a route built around turquoise sea and island coastlines

From the reviews, two themes show up again and again: the skipper’s friendliness and his ability to talk about Croatian life and history while still operating the boat confidently. One review even mentioned the captain arranging lunch at a restaurant, and another described how the sailing felt especially good when the engine went off—heavenly calm on the water. That’s the kind of detail that tells you this isn’t just transportation. It’s a true day on the sea.

About language: the guide is English-speaking, so you won’t have to rely on guesswork to understand what you’re seeing.

Price and value: what $706 per group really means

The price is $706 per group up to 8, and the duration is 8 hours. To judge value, I look at two things: how long you’re on the water and how much is included.

With this tour, you get a licensed guide, snorkeling equipment, water, and a boat time that covers multiple coastal sights plus two island areas (Lopud for the main swim stop, and Kolocep for the possible Blue Caves moment). Lunch isn’t included, so you might add that cost if you choose it—but at least you have the option.

If your group maxes out at 8 people, the math works out to roughly $88 per person for an 8-hour private sailing day. Even if you come with fewer people, you still have a strong value argument: most Dubrovnik-area tours can’t match the combination of time on the water, snorkeling gear, and a private skipper.

Bottom line: if you want an authentic sea day and your group can split the cost, this looks like a good deal.

How to plan your day on the water (so it feels effortless)

Sailing days are simple, but a little prep makes a big difference. Here’s how I’d plan it based on what’s included and what isn’t:

• Swim-ready basics: bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. You’ll have a clear swim break at Lopud, and the tour may include a short stop near Kolocep.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: you don’t need to pack your own mask or snorkel equipment, but you might still want your own prescription items if you use them.
• Plan for lunch: lunch isn’t included. If you’re hungry at the Lopud stop, decide in advance whether you want the optional restaurant meal or you’re keeping it light.
• Think about comfort: you’ll be on a boat for hours, so bring layers if the breeze cools you down.
• Sun protection and water: water is included, but sun is still sun. Hat and sunglasses go a long way.

One more practical tip: if your goal is clear-water time, treat the swim break like the main event of the day. That’s where the sand and the snorkeling opportunity are most “scheduled” and predictable.

Who this private Cavtat sailing day is best for

This is the kind of tour I recommend when you want Dubrovnik-region views without spending the day in crowds. It’s especially good for:

• Families who want a calm, guided sea day with a clear swimming plan
• Couples who prefer a private rhythm over a rigid schedule
• Small groups who can split the cost and want real boat time
• People who care about snorkeling and want equipment handled for them

If you’re someone who hates uncertainty, the Kolocep Blue Caves stop is the only part to note. It’s a possibility. Everything else—the sailing route, the Lopud swim break, the long boat time—fits the plan.

Should you book Full Day Private Sailing of Cavtat and Dubrovnik?

Yes, if your ideal day includes sandy beach time on Lopud (Sunj), at least one real swim window, and you want Dubrovnik’s walls from the water. The private group size is a major quality-of-life upgrade, and the captain experience shows in the way the day runs—talk when you want it, silence when you don’t, and time where it counts.

I’d say wait or reconsider if you’re only interested in a guaranteed Blue Caves stop, because the Kolocep part is described as a chance. Also factor in lunch, since food isn’t included—though the island restaurant option helps.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and where do I meet the guide?

You meet next to the waterpolo training field, and the tour starts from the Old city port of Cavtat.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a professional licensed guide (20+ years experience), water, snorkeling equipment, and the sailing boat. Food is not included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. There’s a possibility to organize lunch at a nearby restaurant on Lopud.

Which islands and stops are part of the plan?

You’ll sail toward the Elaphiti Islands, with a main stop on Lopud for a swimming break at Sunj Beach. On the way back you sail close to Kolocep Island, with a chance of a short stop near the Blue Caves.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private group tour.

How many people can be in the group?

The tour price is for a group up to 8 people.

What language is the guide?

The tour is available with an English-speaking guide.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.