Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

A full-day sailing trip to the Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik is a great way to swap Old Town crowds for open-water time, with max 6 people and constant chances to swim. I love how it feels more personal than the big-boat day tours.

You’ll also like the practical setup on board: snorkelling equipment included, plus a restroom and an outdoor shower for rinsing off. One thing to plan around is weather, since the day depends on good conditions and can be rescheduled or refunded if it cannot run.

Key Things That Make This Elafiti Sailing Day Worth It

• Small-group sailing (up to 6) means less waiting, more time in the water
• Three island stops with set swim time at each one: about 1 hour at Koločep, 1 hour at Šunj, 2 hours at Šipan
• Snorkelling gear + restroom on board + outdoor shower, a rare mix for a full day on the sea
• Captain Filip runs a smooth, safety-minded trip, with relaxed pacing and plenty of chances to enjoy the ride
• Optional lunch on Šipan, so you can say yes to seafood or pass and eat later

Why This Small Yacht Elafiti Day Feels Different

This is the kind of Dubrovnik day trip that actually changes your day. Instead of doing the usual land circuit, you spend most of the time sailing between three islands in the Elafiti group, then you jump in and swim where the water looks great.

The biggest advantage is the small scale. With a maximum of 6 travelers, you are not stuck in lines, you are not playing follow-the-leader, and you can actually hear the captain when he talks about what you are seeing. Reviews repeatedly mention how safe and smooth the experience feels, and a comfortable ride matters more than people expect on a full day.

I also love that the trip is built around real time in the water. Snorkelling equipment is included, and the stops are short enough that you feel like you are moving with the day, not waiting for a schedule. If your goal is sun, swims, and views, this hits that sweet spot.

Price and Value: What You Pay For (And What You Do Not)

At $157.22 per person for about 8 hours, this is not the cheapest option in Dubrovnik. But it can be good value because you are paying for a small private-feeling boat day, not a big crowd cruise.

Here is what is included:

• Use of snorkelling equipment
• Restroom on board
• Outdoor shower
• Gas and fuel surcharge

And here is what is not included:

• Lunch, which is optional at one of the islands
• Private transportation to and from the meeting point
• An air-conditioned vehicle (in general, this is a boat day)

To me, the standout value item is the combo of snorkel gear plus basic comfort. A restroom on board sounds minor until you are out for hours and the sun is doing its thing. The outdoor shower also helps you rinse saltwater off right after swimming, so you are not walking around feeling sticky for the rest of the day.

If you are traveling with friends and want a more flexible day than a large tour, the small-group format justifies the price. If you are trying to keep every cost down and you would rather spend your day on foot, you might compare this to cheaper options that focus on land.

Meeting Point, Timing, and How the Day Flows

The day starts at Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, with a 9:00 am departure. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not left to figure out a second transportation plan later.

You will spend:

• About 1 hour at the first stop (Koločep)
• About 1 hour at the second stop (Šunj)
• About 2 hours at the third stop (Šipan)
• The remaining time sailing between islands

That structure is a big reason this tour works. You get swim windows that are long enough to enjoy, but short enough to keep the day from dragging. Also, because you are out on the water for the bulk of the trip, you feel like you are getting a true “sea day,” not just hopping off a boat for quick photos.

Practical note: the meeting point is described as near public transportation, so you should be able to reach it without needing a private transfer. Still, private transportation is not included, so plan on getting yourself to Lapadska obala on your own.

Stop One, Koločep Island: Bays, Snorkel Time, and Easy Sunbathing

Koločep Island is your first taste of the Elafiti vibe. The plan is built around getting you into the water quickly, with about one hour total at this stop.

What you can expect:

• Pristine bays and beaches on Koločep
• Time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe
• Admission ticket is listed as free

Why this stop matters is pacing. Starting here means you get your main water fun early, when you still have energy and before the day gets hot and late. Snorkelling equipment is included, so you can actually use it right away instead of waiting until later.

One possible drawback: one hour is not enough for people who want a long hike or a slow beach day. This is a swimming-focused stop. If you like stepping off the boat, getting in the water, then relaxing, you’ll love it.

Stop Two, Šunj Beach: A Sandy Contrast and Quick Access to Shore Drinks

Your second swim stop is Šunj Beach, described as a sandy beach and a trademark for island Lopud. The stop is also about one hour, so the rhythm of the day stays consistent.

What you can do here:

• Swim and snorkel from the boat
• Sunbathe
• If you feel like it, swim to shore to grab a drink at a restaurant

This is a smart pairing with the first stop. Koločep feels like bays and beaches, while Šunj gives you a more classic sandy setup. If you enjoy both snorkel time and the casual beach feel, this stop does both in one hour.

A small consideration: since the time window is limited, you’ll want to decide quickly what you want to prioritize. If you are snorkeling hard, you might not have time for a long shore snack run. If you want the sand-and-drink vibe, you may skip snorkel depth and focus on an easy swim.

Stop Three, Šipan: Town Walk, Skocibuha Castle, and a Real Lunch Moment

The third stop is Šipan, and it gets more time: about two hours. This is where the day shifts from pure beach time to something with a bit more island flavor.

The plan includes:

• A walk through the town
• A chance to visit Skocibuha castle
• Beach swimming
• Optional lunch at local restaurants

Two hours is a nice amount of time here. It is long enough to do a real town stroll without rushing, but it still keeps the day anchored to water time. Reviews often highlight lunch on this stop, including meals featuring fresh seafood. If you like the idea of getting a proper island meal instead of a quick snack, say yes when the captain recommends a place.

One practical thing: even with a meal stop, you are still on a sailing schedule. So if you are the type who gets hangry, plan to eat earlier in the two-hour window.

Sailing Time Between Islands: Why the Captain’s Choices Matter

The itinerary spends a lot of hours on the water, and that is not filler. When the sea is calm and the route is well chosen, the sailing part becomes the best part of the day.

From how the day is described, captain Filip keeps the trip comfortable and safety minded. Reviews also point out that he aims to avoid crowds by taking less busy routes, which usually means you feel like you are seeing the islands at their real pace.

People also mention that the sailing is smooth and comfortable. That matters on a full day because you want to relax, not brace yourself the whole time.

If the wind is light, you might not get long stretches of active sailing. Still, there are hints that Filip may raise the sails for photos when conditions are calm, so you still get that sailing moment even if the day is more about drifting and swimming than speed.

What the Boat Experience Really Adds (Restroom, Shower, and Storage)

This tour does not just promise a pretty ride. It includes several small onboard features that make the day easier.

Included amenities:

• Restroom on board
• Outdoor shower
• Snorkelling equipment
• Fuel and gas (so you are not surprised later)

From reviews, the boat also has a cabin that works for storing bags and changing. That is a real convenience if you want to rinse after swimming, change out of wet gear, then stay comfortable on the return.

Also, because the group is small, you are less likely to feel cramped. People describe the day as relaxed and personal, and that usually comes from the mix of space and low group pressure.

What to Pack for a Day of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan

You are going to be in and out of the water multiple times. Pack for a day that is partly beach, partly sea, and partly walking.

At minimum, bring:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen and something to protect your head
• A light layer for shade if you get sunburn-prone
• Towels if you prefer your own

I also recommend bringing water shoes if you like stable footing when you move between boat and shoreline. The tour includes beach time, but the exact surfaces can vary, and footwear helps you stay relaxed.

Because lunch is optional, consider a snack for the sail. If you do plan to order lunch on Šipan, you can use that as your main meal and go light before.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a strong match if you want:

• Snorkelling and swimming as the main activity
• A break from Old Town crowds
• A small-group day trip with a captain who chats and guides
• An easy pace with a mix of islands and onboard downtime

You might want to skip it if:

• You only want land sightseeing and long walks
• You need your lunch included in the price
• You are traveling during poor weather and cannot adjust plans if the trip must be rescheduled

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. There is no mention of special equipment for mobility limits, so if you have accessibility needs, you should check directly with the provider before booking. Also note there is no air-conditioned vehicle included, though most of the time is on the boat.

Should You Book This Elafiti Full-Day Sailing Tour?

If you want a Dubrovnik day that feels like an actual getaway, I think this one is a strong booking choice. The combination of small group size, included snorkelling equipment, and multiple swim stops gives you real value for your time. Add in a restroom on board and an outdoor shower, and the day becomes far more comfortable than many boat tours.

I would book it if your priorities are:

• swimming first
• sailing as the backdrop
• optional island lunch on Šipan

I would hesitate only if you strongly prefer all-inclusive pricing or you cannot handle weather-related changes. Since the experience requires good conditions, build in some flexibility.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What islands are included in the itinerary?

You visit Koločep Island, Šunj Beach (Lopud), and Šipan.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. There is an optional lunch stop on one of the islands.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.