Private Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands

This kind of trip is interesting because it turns Dubrovnik into a launching point for a calmer day at sea, where you actually get time in the water instead of just taking photos from the dock. I love the private setup, capped at up to 6 people, so the day feels paced to your group. I also like the mix of short, focused swim stops plus longer sailing time, which keeps the day from feeling rushed.

My main consideration is weather and wind. When conditions are light, you may cruise by motor more than you hoped, and the sailing part can depend on the day’s breeze.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Private group up to 6: more control of the day, less crowds, easier with kids or families
• Koločep swim and snorkel stop: pristine bays and time to get in for about an hour
• Lopud’s Šunj Beach: a sandy beach stop that lets you swim, snorkel, and then head to shore for a drink
• Šipan town walk plus Skocibuha castle area: a change of pace from pure beach time
• Hours of sailing/cruising on the Elafiti route: the day’s real payoff is time on the water
• Boat basics included: snorkeling gear, outdoor shower, and a restroom on board

Why This Private Elafiti Sail Is Such a Smart Dubrovnik Day

Dubrovnik has its moments, but it also has serious foot traffic. A private full-day sailing trip to the Elafiti Islands gives you a simple fix: get off the busy streets early, then spend the day drifting between smaller islands, clear water, and tucked-away bays.

What makes this itinerary work is the rhythm. You get multiple chances to swim and snorkel, but each stop is timed so you are not stuck on land all day. Then there is a long stretch of sailing and cruising that feels like the point of the whole experience. If you want a day where you can breathe, float, and actually enjoy the sea, this format tends to deliver.

It is also a good match for people who like flexibility. Since it is a private activity, your group is not competing for space with strangers. That matters when you have kids, when you are traveling with friends who need more breaks, or when you simply want a calmer pace.

Getting There: The 9:00 AM Start and Lapadska Obala Meeting Point

The tour starts at 9:00 am at Lapadska obala 21, 20000, Dubrovnik and ends back at the same meeting point. Plan your morning around that. If you are staying outside the immediate area, you will want to build in time for getting to the marina.

One practical note: transportation to and from the marina is not included. If you are outside Dubrovnik, the estimate given is around 40 EUR by Uber. If you’re staying central, you might find it easier to rely on local transit, since the pickup area is described as being near public transportation.

Also, it helps to think about the day in layers. You will be on the water most of the time, so bring a hat and sun protection. Then, when you shift from boat to beach, bring what you need for a comfortable, easy landing, like water shoes if you tend to prefer them.

Koločep Island Stop: About an Hour to Swim and Snorkel

Stop 1 is Koločep Island, and this is the kind of start that sets the tone. You are there for about an hour, with time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. This stop is built for people who want the water experience early, before the rest of the day becomes more about walking and eating.

From a practical standpoint, a one-hour swim window is perfect for most groups. It is enough time to get into the water, do some snorkel time with the provided equipment, and still have energy left for the rest of the itinerary. If you are traveling with kids, the shorter duration is also easier to manage.

What to watch for: this is a stop that depends on good conditions. If the sea is calm, it feels like pure relaxation. If conditions change, keep your expectations flexible and focus on what you can control, like swimming when it is easiest and using snorkel gear when visibility looks good.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: Sandy Time With Easy Boat Access

Stop 2 is Šunj Beach, on the island of Lopud. This one is a contrast to the rocky or cliff-edge feeling you can get at other stops. Here, the highlight is the sandy beach vibe, described as a trademark of Lopud.

You get about an hour here, and you can choose your style:

• swim and snorkel from the boat
• then go to shore if you want a swim on land
• and grab a drink at one of the restaurants near the beach

This stop is valuable because it shifts the day from “boat-based water time” to “shore-based beach time.” It is also one of the easiest moments to slow down. If you want a calmer, more traditional beach break, this is where you tend to feel it.

A simple tip: think about staying practical with food and drinks. Lunch is not included, and soda or alcohol are also not included, so it is smart to plan for a purchase at the beach rather than expecting the tour to provide everything.

Šipan and Skocibuha Castle Area: Town Walk and Local Meal Options

Stop 3 is Šipan, and this is your land-time upgrade. You have about two hours, which gives you space for a walk through town and time to visit the Skocibuha castle area.

This is where the day stops being only about water. A town stroll helps break up the routine of swim, snorkel, swim again. Plus, a castle stop gives you something to look at that feels tied to the island rather than just a scenic photo angle.

What I like about this pacing is that the itinerary keeps your options open. You can do the town walk and castle area, then come back for a swim, then decide where to eat. In past departures led by skipper Filip, there was help making a reservation for a fish restaurant when it was needed, which is exactly the kind of small local service that makes a private day feel smoother.

One thing to keep in mind: because lunch is not included, plan to budget for it. This is not a problem, just an expectation-setting detail. If you care about getting a good meal without stress, treat this stop like the moment to choose your restaurant rather than saving everything for later.

Elafiti Islands Sailing and Cruising: The Long Stretch That Makes the Day

After Šipan, the rest of your time is spent sailing and cruising, including a 4 hour block associated with the Elaphiti Islands experience. This is the part you should think about first, before you even decide where you want to swim.

On a day like this, the real luxury is time on the water with nowhere you need to be except where the boat takes you next. Even if the wind is not perfect, you still get movement, sea views, and those long pauses where you can relax without trying to “do” another attraction.

One review detail that matters for expectations: there can be times where you go by motor most of the day if the wind is low, then get enough breeze later to enjoy some sailing. That is not a dealbreaker, but it is worth knowing if sailing is your top priority. If your goal is swimming and sea time, you should still be happy either way. If your goal is pure sailing under sail, keep some flexibility.

What’s Included on Board (and What You Should Bring)

This tour includes the basics that help you have a low-stress day on the water:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Outdoor shower
• Restroom on board
• Fuel surcharge

That combination is more useful than it sounds. Snorkeling gear means you do not need to pack bulky items. The outdoor shower is a quiet lifesaver after you swim, especially when the day is warm. A restroom means you can stay out longer without turning the day into a logistical puzzle.

What is not included:

• Lunch (there is a lunch stop on one of the islands, but you pay)
• Soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages

My practical packing list for a tour like this is simple:

• a towel if you like extra comfort (some groups bring their own)
• water and a few snacks, especially if you snack between swim windows
• sun protection you can reapply easily (hat, sunscreen, maybe sunglasses)
• footwear you feel good in around beaches or boat steps

If you are traveling with kids, it is worth noting that buoyancy support may be available, and it is smart to ask in advance what they provide for children. The day runs best when everyone feels safe and comfortable in the water.

Price and Value: What $692.36 Really Means for Your Group

The price is listed as $692.36 per group, up to 6 people, for an about 8 hour day. That is private-tour pricing, and the value depends heavily on how you split the cost.

Here is the simplest way to think about it:

• If you fill it with 6 people, it comes out to roughly $115 per person. That is often a reasonable price for a full day on a private boat with snorkeling gear and a custom pace.
• If you have only 2 people, you are paying closer to $346 per person. In that case, it is more of a splurge, and you should be sure you will use the whole day, including the cruising hours and the swim stops.

When I evaluate value for a sailing day, I focus on three things:

1) how much time you get in the water

2) how much time you get on the water cruising between stops

3) how much stress the organizer removes (private group, onboard essentials, and local help at meal time)

This tour covers items one and two well because you are not just hopping quickly. It also removes stress with onboard amenities and snorkeling gear. So even though the ticket looks expensive at first glance, it can be a strong value if you can travel with friends or family.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Might Want Another Option

This is a great fit if you want:

• a calmer day away from Dubrovnik crowds
• multiple swim windows, including snorkel time
• a mix of beaches, a town walk, and a castle stop
• private pacing for couples, friends, or families

It is also a smart choice for people who like to keep their day flexible. You have structured stops, but you are not locked into a nonstop march of attractions.

Who might reconsider:

• If you are only interested in sailing under sail with consistent wind, note that the sailing portion can vary with conditions.
• If you want a guaranteed included lunch with no decision-making, you will need to plan for meals yourself since lunch is not included.

Most people can participate. If you have mobility concerns, you may want to ask how boarding and steps are handled, since the itinerary includes boat time plus beach time at multiple islands.

Should You Book This Private Full Day Sailing Tour to Elafiti Islands?

Book it if your priority is water time and a private, low-crowd feel. The stop mix is practical: start with Koločep for swim and snorkel, shift to Šunj Beach for sandy shore time, then get a more cultural break on Šipan with the castle area, and finish with long hours cruising the Elafiti route.

Skip it or at least think twice if your must-have is included meals and predictable sailing conditions every hour. Also, if you are traveling solo or as a couple, the price can feel steep unless you truly want the privacy.

If you do book, I would recommend two small moves that improve the day fast: plan your lunch budget for Šipan and bring your own essentials for the water day (especially water, snacks, and sun protection). You’ll enjoy the day more when you are not scrambling for basics during transitions from boat to beach.

FAQ

How long is the private full day sailing tour to the Elafiti Islands?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What is the start time and meeting point in Dubrovnik?

It starts at 9:00 am from Lapadska obala 21, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

How many people are included in the private group?

The tour is private and the group size is up to 6 people.

Which islands are visited during the day?

The stops include Koločep Island, Šunj Beach (Lopud), Šipan (with time to explore), and then additional sailing/cruising time around the Elafiti Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included in the price, even though there is a lunch stop on one of the islands.

Are drinks included, such as soda or alcohol?

Soda/pop and alcoholic beverages are not included.

What facilities are available on the boat?

There is a restroom on board and an outdoor shower.

Do I need separate transport to the marina?

Transportation to and from the marina is not included. An estimate of about 40 EUR by Uber is mentioned if you are outside of Dubrovnik.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.