Dubrovnik : Full Day Group Sail Boat Tour to Elaphiti & Blue Cave

Dubrovnik is famous for walls and old stone, but this full day group sail is what gives you the other side of the coast. You spend eight hours bouncing between the Elaphiti islands, with multiple swim stops and time on sandy beaches like Sunj Beach. There is also an optional shot at the Blue Cave, depending on what the group feels like doing.

What I really like is the small group size (maximum 8), which keeps the day relaxed and makes it easy to chat, not just queue for photos. I also like the hands on touch, with free sailing lessons and the chance to steer if you want to.

One consideration is food planning. Lunch is planned on Lopud, but this is not a full meal package built into the ticket, so you should expect to buy drinks and food on the islands.

Key highlights worth your time

• Up to 8 people on board for a calmer, more personal sail day
• Multiple swim stops with snorkeling and water time built in
• SUP included for free, plus sailing lessons and a welcome drink
• Optional Blue Cave visit when the timing works
• Lopud beach and village time with lunch by the sea and a chance to visit a monastery
• Free coffee or tea and an outdoor shower to rinse off salt

Setting Sail From Lapadska Obala at 9:30

The day starts at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, with a 9:30 am departure. It is a straightforward location that is near public transportation, so you are not forced into complicated logistics. Plan to arrive a bit early, get your bearings, and settle in before the lines come off the dock.

This tour is designed for a full day, about eight hours total. That means you get the “islands not just a quick stop” feeling. It is also why the time on water matters, because you will spend enough hours cruising between Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan that the day feels like a real escape.

The maximum group size of 8 is the quiet superpower here. With a smaller crew and fewer guests, you tend to get smoother transitions between stops, and you are more likely to find open space on deck for sun and photos.

Koločep Island: Beach Time, Snorkel Stops, and a Blue Cave Maybe

Koločep is your first island stop, about two hours. This is where the day starts to feel special because it is all about bays and beaches tucked along the coast. You will sail out first, then arrive with enough time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe without rushing.

I like the way this stop is built around choice. You can go straight into the water, keep it light with a swim, or use the provided snorkel gear for a longer look around the shoreline. There is also mention of free underwater gear, which is exactly what you want if you want to get beyond the surface without having to rent anything.

Depending on guest wishes, there is a possibility of visiting the Blue Cave. The idea is simple: you get an extra big-ticket sight if the timing and conditions allow it, and you do not lose the main day if it does not happen. If you are the type who loves a single memorable “wow” moment, keep an eye on how the group decides once you are out at sea.

What to watch for: cave visits can be timing sensitive, and water conditions matter. If you are prone to seasickness, this is also the point where you want to be settled and comfortable before any added detours.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: Sandy Waterline and Beach Club Convenience

Next up is Sunj Beach on Lopud for about one hour. This is a classic long-sit beach stop, with sand and clear water that makes it easy to switch from swimming to relaxing. It has the feel of a beach day first, then sea time second.

In the water, you can swim and snorkel near rocks. That is often the sweet spot in this region, because rocky edges bring the underwater life closer to the surface. If you want maximum payoff for minimal effort, this is one of the stops where you can just put on your mask and start looking.

There is also a beach club nearby, and you can swim to the shore to grab a drink. That matters because it keeps you from having to go find cash, chase a van, or leave the water too long. When you only get one hour here, you want that easy convenience.

One practical note: bring sunscreen and a hat if you burn easily. The stop is short, so you want to make sure you can enjoy it before the sun wins.

Lopud Island: Village Walk, Monastery Time, and Lunch by the Sea

Lopud is the most balanced stop of the day. You get about two hours total, and the plan is split between village wandering, a meal by the sea, and optional time for either swimming or a culture check.

You will have time to walk through the village, then lunch happens in a restaurant by the sea, just about twenty meters from the beach. That sounds small, but it is huge in practice. You can eat, then step back out to swim again without losing half the afternoon to transit.

There is also a chance to visit a local monastery from the 14th century. I like having an option like this, because not everyone wants to spend every minute in the water. A short walk into an older interior space can reset your brain after a morning of sun and salt air.

What is not included: this is not a ticketed sightseeing “package.” Admission details are described as not included for the Lopud stop. Translation: you should expect to pay for your meal and any small extras on site, unless you bring your own plan.

My advice: if lunch is a big part of your enjoyment, arrive ready to choose fast. Two hours goes quickly once you factor in eating plus swimming plus a short village loop.

Šipan as an Optional Bonus Stop for More Sea Time

Šipan is the last island stop and it is optional if there is time. If you make it there, you get about one hour. This is more of a relaxed add-on than a central “must do,” which is exactly how I like bonus stops.

On Šipan, the plan is simple: a walk through a small village, time for swimming in clear water, and relaxing with a cold drink at a restaurant. It is the kind of stop that works well if you want another chance to cool off before the cruise back toward Dubrovnik.

Because it is optional, you are not locked into a schedule that forces you to be “on” for every moment. If the day runs tight, you still get the core experience on Koločep and Lopud.

How the Sailing Works: Lessons, Steering, and a Relaxed Pace

This is a sailing tour, not just a ferry with swims. You are out there doing real sailing between islands, which means you can feel the shift from dock-to-dock travel into slow moving, wind-driven progress.

Included in the experience are free sailing lessons. That usually means you get quick guidance that helps you understand what you are looking at, and how the boat moves. It also helps you feel less like a passive passenger.

I also like that the captain keeps things efficient and friendly. In real-world terms, that means fewer awkward waits and a calmer day. One of the big praise points in this experience is that the skipper is very easy going and professional, with a boat that feels run smoothly.

There is also a hands-on element. People have specifically mentioned being allowed to steer, which turns the boat from scenery into an activity. Even if you do not steer, it is still fun to watch how the lines and setup connect to the movement you feel under your feet.

With weather being a real factor for sea days, this “sailing first” approach can feel even better because you are not trying to cram too much into too little time.

What’s Included on Board, and What You Should Bring

On board, you get a lot of small comforts that add up. The included perks list covers:

• Free welcome drink
• Free coffee or tea
• Free SUP (stand up paddle)
• Free sailing lessons
• Free underwater gear
• Outdoor shower

That outdoor shower is more useful than it sounds. Salt and sunscreen build up fast, and a rinse makes it easier to enjoy the last stops instead of spending the afternoon feeling sticky.

The SUP is also a big deal for value. A standalone SUP rental would cost extra almost anywhere in the area. Here, you can add it to your day without thinking about it.

Food is the main gap. Lunch is planned on Lopud, but the broader “snacks and meals are handled” feeling is not part of the package. You should be ready to buy what you want at the islands. If you have dietary needs, bring a simple plan. And if you like having drinks you prefer, bring them along.

Bring for a sail day: swimwear, a towel you do not mind getting wet, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap if you can, and a light layer for wind during sailing. Also consider water shoes if you are picky about foot comfort around rocks.

Price and Value: What $170.43 Really Buys

At $170.43 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do from Dubrovnik. But it is also not priced like a tiny, private yacht. The value lives in how much time you spend on the water, how many stops you get, and what is included.

You are paying for:

• An eight-hour outing across multiple islands
• Several planned swim and snorkel periods
• Included gear such as SUP and underwater equipment
• Coffee, tea, and a welcome drink
• A captain and small crew setup, with group size capped at 8

If you compare it to piecing together ferries plus rentals plus buying snorkel gear plus a separate SUP plan, the total cost often starts looking less scary. You are also buying convenience: one ticket, one schedule, and the boat handles the movement.

Who gets the best value: people who actually want to be in the water, and people who want more than one island stop. If you only care about a quick view from the deck, there are cheaper options. But if you want a day where your body gets wet and your photos look like postcards, this price starts to make sense.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This sail tour fits best if you want a mix of relaxation and active water time. You do not have to be an athlete. You just have to like the idea of swimming, using snorkel gear, and enjoying beaches without constantly shuffling plans.

It is also a great fit for:

• Couples or small groups who want a calmer experience
• Solo travelers who like friendly conversation and a small group setting
• People who want to see the Elaphiti islands beyond Dubrovnik’s main streets
• Travelers who appreciate flexibility, like the optional Blue Cave stop

You might consider a different style of tour if you are extremely sensitive to sun and heat, because you will be outdoors for most of the day. Also, if you need a fully included meal plan with minimal spending, you will probably want to set expectations for buying lunch on Lopud.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Sail to the Elaphiti Islands?

If your dream day includes island hopping, multiple swim stops, and included extras like SUP plus sailing lessons, then yes, book it. This is the kind of tour where the day is structured enough to feel easy, but flexible enough to let you choose your water intensity.

I would book it especially if you like the idea of Lopud time built around a real beach, plus the bonus of monastery and village wandering. The small group size makes a big difference here. You get a more personal feel, and that matters when you are spending eight hours together.

If food inclusions are your top priority, read your expectations carefully. Lunch is part of the plan, but you should be ready to pay on site. If that is fine with you, this sail day looks like strong value and a very memorable way to see the coast.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik sail tour to the Elaphiti islands?

The tour is about 8 hours long.

Where does the tour start, and what time is departure?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, with a start time of 9:30 am. It ends back at the meeting point.

What islands do you visit during the day?

The stops include Koločep Island, Sunj Beach (Lopud), Lopud Island, and an optional stop at Šipan. Remaining time is spent sailing and cruising with a possible swimming stop.

Is Blue Cave included?

Visiting the Blue Cave is possible depending on guests wishes. It is described as ticket free when offered.

What is included with the tour?

Included items include free sailing lessons, a free welcome drink, free SUP (stand up paddle), free coffee or tea, free diving equipment, and an outdoor shower.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is planned on Lopud at a restaurant by the sea. Food is not listed as included on board.

What is the cancellation policy if weather affects the tour?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.