Dubrovnik: Full Day Private Sail Boat tour to Elaphiti&Blue Cave

This is one of those Dubrovnik days that feels simple and good: you get a private sailboat, a clear plan, and real time to swim in island coves instead of just shuttling past them. The mix of Elaphiti islands and the chance to work a boat with the skipper is what makes it interesting, especially if you want something beyond the usual motor-boat ride.

I really like the way this tour turns you from spectator into participant. Free sailing lessons mean you can learn basic moves (not just sit and watch), and the included gear, like snorkelling equipment and free SUP, makes the water time actually worth it.

One consideration: it is a full day on the sea, and lunch and alcohol are not included, so you will want to plan ahead and budget for food ashore when you stop. Also, it depends on good weather, since this is a sea-focused day.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before Booking

• Private sailboat for up to 8 people, so you control the vibe and pace with your skipper
• Free sailing lessons plus a hands-on day on the water, not just sightseeing from a seat
• Snorkelling gear and SUP included, which means you can switch activities without paying extra
• Island time that mixes swim breaks with village walking, especially on Lopud and Šipan
• Fuel included and coffee and tea on board, so the day runs smoother than many day trips

A Private Sail Day on the Elaphiti Islands (With Cave Possibilities)

If Dubrovnik is your base, the Elaphiti islands are the payoff. This tour gives you that classic Adriatic rhythm: sail, stop, swim, move again, and repeat. You’re not just “seeing islands,” you’re getting time in the water and time on land that actually fits a relaxed day.

The private part matters. With a group of up to 8, you get a calmer experience than packed boat tours. The skipper, Dragan, comes through strongly in the feedback, especially for clear English and for being flexible with the day’s route and timing.

You’ll also notice the tour is built for people who like water time. There’s snorkel gear, a free SUP option, and even an outdoor shower on board. That sounds minor until you’ve spent hours in salt water, then it becomes a big deal.

The Boat Day Setup: Up to 8, Fuel Included, and a Real Kitchen

This is a private tour with your own group. That means you will be able to talk with the skipper, ask questions, and get comfortable with how the day works. It also tends to make families and friend groups happier, since the route can be discussed around what your group can handle.

From a comfort standpoint, I like the practical inclusions:

• Fuel included in the price, so you are not guessing what determines how long you cruise
• Free coffee and tea on board, a small thing that makes the morning feel less rushed
• A fully equipped kitchen and a rest area on board, which helps if you want to take a break between swims
• Outdoor shower, so you can rinse before you head back

One small cost note to keep you sane: there is an optional dinghy with outboard motor on request (listed as 40 EUR per day). If your group has mobility needs or you are trying to reduce walking distance ashore, ask about it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

Koločep Island Stop: Swim, Snorkel, and Shore-Hopping Without a Crowd

Koločep is first, and it sets the tone. You get about one hour here for swimming and snorkelling, plus time to sunbathe. If you like a classic “stop on a pretty coast” moment, this is where you get it.

Why this stop works well:

• The schedule gives you a focused swim window before the day gets long.
• You have included snorkelling equipment, which makes the underwater time easier than bringing your own.
• It’s a good place to adjust to boat life early. If you feel good after the first swim, the rest of the day is easier to enjoy.

What to watch for: one hour goes fast. If your group wants longer in the water, you may need to prioritize snorkelling, then come up for a quick sun break, then go again. This is where having a SUP option later can also help, because you can keep momentum even if you only have short swim bursts.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: Sandy Time and a Beach-Club Friendly Break

Next is Sunj Beach, described as a trademark sandy beach on the island of Lopud, and the schedule gives you about one hour. This is the stop where the day shifts from rocky snorkel spots to a more beachy vibe.

Here’s how to use the time well:

• Swim and snorkel near the rocks when you can, then save your energy for sandy lounging.
• If you want a drink, there is a beach club nearby. The tour doesn’t include it, but having something easy on shore can help you avoid spending the entire day hungry.

A sandy beach stop is also a good “reset” moment for families. In the trip feedback, people specifically liked that Dragan can adjust the day for kids, so this kind of stop tends to land well when you’re traveling with different ages.

One drawback to consider: if you are the kind of person who hates limited beach time, the hour can feel short. On the bright side, the pace keeps you from turning the day into a sun-only slog.

Lopud Island Village Time: Monastery Visit Plus an Unhurried Walk

Then you get a longer two-hour stretch on Lopud itself, and this is where the tour stops being only about water. You can walk through the village, visit a 14th-century monastery, and choose how much time you want to spend on the beach.

This stop is valuable because it adds variety without breaking the day. It’s easy to come to the islands thinking the whole point is swimming, then realize you also want something on land to slow your brain down for a bit.

Practical expectation:

• Admission for this stop is listed as not included, so budget for the monastery visit if you want to go.
• Food is also on you here. The tour does not include lunch, so plan to eat at a local restaurant if you can, or bring snacks if your group works that way.

From the feedback, the lunch options on the islands have been a high point, especially for seafood. I would treat this as a “let’s eat well and keep it simple” moment.

Šipan Island: A Shorter Window for Town Wandering and Clear-Water Swimming

Your next island is Šipan, with about one hour on the schedule. If you already ate lunch on Lopud, Šipan becomes more about walking around town and enjoying the sea, rather than needing a full meal plan.

This is a good stop for people who like:

• A quick walk for atmosphere and photos
• A final swimming chance in clear water
• A drink at a restaurant without committing to a long land schedule

If you get motion sensitive, the last part of the day can still feel smooth because you are not stuck in transit nonstop. You have short activity blocks, then sailing time, then another swim chance. It’s a smart rhythm for a private day.

Elaphiti Cruising Time and the Blue Cave Connection

The tour is marketed as Elaphiti and Blue Cave, and the itinerary includes sailing/cruising time after your island stops. The practical way to think about it is this: you are spending the “in-between” hours on the water, with the skipper steering the route.

This matters because cave time is weather and sea-condition dependent. Even when you are aiming for a specific sight, the sea can control the plan. A private skipper approach usually helps here, since you are not locked into a rigid route like many larger boats.

If you want a day where sailing time is a real part of the experience, this structure fits. If you are expecting nonstop cave touring, you should know the day is built around island swimming first, cruising second, and any cave moment is something your skipper will try to work in based on conditions.

Sailing Lessons That Actually Feel Useful

The biggest “why this is worth it” piece is the free sailing lessons. Most boat tours give you a view and that’s it. Here, the point is that you can learn simple sailing skills and participate more.

What that means in real life:

• You’re likely to spend more time paying attention to the wind and sail setup.
• You will probably ask questions, and the skipper will explain things as you go.
• The day feels less passive, which is a win even if you are not a “boat person.”

In the feedback, Dragan is described as not only talented, but also very accommodating. People also noted his English is strong enough to make the lessons understandable, not just a series of hand signals. For a private day, that’s exactly what you want.

Included Perks That Make the Day Run Like a Vacation, Not a Checklist

It’s easy for tours to say they include gear. This one actually covers the things you would otherwise have to figure out.

You get:

• Snorkelling equipment (so you can focus on using it, not buying it)
• Free SUP (handy when you want a different kind of water time)
• Rest area on board so you can cool down between stops
• Outdoor shower for a quick rinse after swimming
• A fully equipped kitchen and coffee/tea

And the tour also says fuel is included, which is another way of saying the day is planned around sailing time, not around adding fees for basic movement.

The not-included parts are equally clear:

• Alcoholic beverages are not included, and you can bring your own drinks
• Lunch is not included
• Dinghy with outboard motor is an optional add-on (40 EUR per day)

That clarity is helpful. You will know what you need to budget for.

Price and Value: $744.61 for the Group, Up to 8

At $744.61 per group (up to 8), the math depends on how you divide the cost. If you’re traveling as a couple, this still can be a good use of money because you are paying for privacy and a full sailing day, not just a seat on a standard tour. If you’re a small group of friends, it can look even smarter.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

• You’re paying for private sailing, sailing instruction, and a full-day structure.
• Fuel and several “activity items” (snorkel gear, SUP, coffee/tea) are included.
• You get multiple island stops plus cruising time, so it’s not just one swim location.

If your goal is the cheapest way to see the islands, you will find other options. But if you want a day that feels like a real boat experience, with time in the water and hands-on sailing, this is priced in the range that matches that kind of day.

One extra practical tip: if you plan to buy lunch at the islands, keep a budget in mind for food and drinks. Alcohol is allowed if you bring it, but meals are still on you.

What to Bring and How to Pace Yourself

A full sail day in the sun is not the time to pack like you’re going to a museum. Bring items that make swimming stops easy.

I recommend:

• Swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes
• Sun protection (you will be on deck and in bright water)
• Water shoes if you like extra grip near rocks
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch

Pacing matters too. The day is broken into swim and island windows, not endless hours in one place. So you can enjoy the day without trying to do everything at once.

Also, note the tour includes an age limit for drinking listed as 18. If you are traveling with a group that includes younger people, alcohol planning is something to manage early.

Should You Book This Private Sail Boat Tour to Elaphiti and Blue Cave?

I’d book it if you want a private day on the water with a real sailing component, not just a look-from-the-deck cruise. It’s also a great fit for families, because the skipper is described as able to keep the day comfortable for kids and adjust the route when needed.

Book it when:

• You care about swimming and snorkelling with included gear
• You like the idea of learning basic sailing moves
• You are traveling with a small group and want privacy
• You want a mix of island beaches and short town walks

Consider a different option if:

• You only want one long beach day and hate short swim windows
• You are trying to keep meals super tight on budget, since lunch is not included
• You are expecting a guaranteed cave highlight regardless of sea conditions

If you’re flexible with timing and you’re excited to spend the day on a sailboat, this is the kind of Dubrovnik outing that turns into a “we should have done this earlier” memory.

FAQ

How many people are on this private tour?

It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. The price is listed per group up to 8 people.

What is included in the tour price?

The included items are free sailing lessons, fuel, free coffee and tea, snorkelling equipment, free SUP (stand up paddle), rest area on board, outdoor shower, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price, and the tour notes there is a lunch stop on one of the islands.

Can I bring drinks?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and you can bring your own drinks. The age limit for drinking is listed as 18.

Where do we meet, and what time does it start?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The start time is 9:30 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

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