Dubrovnik- Full day sailing around Elafity islands&Blue cave

If you like your day trips to move on wind, this is it. You’ll spend a full day on a real sailboat, with time on the Elafity islands and the chance to steer and learn basics with free sailing lessons.

I especially liked the mix of island swimming time and active sailing, plus the included extras like SUP and bottled water so the day feels low-stress. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that lunch isn’t included, so plan for food and snacks before you’re out on the water.

Key things I’d circle on your plan

• Steer the sailboat during the day, not just watch
• Free sailing lessons so you can actually understand what you’re doing
• Koločep, Lopud, and Sipan with crystal-clear water and village time
• SUP included for an extra way to enjoy the water
• Blue Cave area is part of the cruise theme
• Fuel, insurance, coffee, tea, and bottled water are covered in the price

A full-day sail from Dubrovnik that actually feels like sailing

This is an 8-hour sailing tour from Dubrovnik to the Elafity islands on the boat Juzni vjetar. The big win here is how different wind-powered travel feels compared with a motorboat day. You’re listening to the waves, feeling the rhythm of the sail, and getting that real sense of speed when the wind fills in. It’s a quieter kind of adventure, where you look out more and stare at a windshield less.

The islands portion matters too. You’re not just passing by coastlines. You get time around Koločep, Lopud, and Sipan, which are known for clear water and charming island towns. In practical terms, that means you can cool off, stretch your legs, and take breaks without the day turning into a nonstop “on to the next stop” shuffle.

Finding the boat: your meeting point is simple

You’ll meet the guide at the start of the activity, and the guide will be wearing a white polo shirt with the company logo. That’s your visual cue, and it keeps things easy when you’re in a busy port area.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. So you’re not stuck with the stress of coordinating a separate transfer at the end of the day. For me, that kind of straightforward routing is part of the value.

Optional hotel pickup and drop-off exists, but it’s not automatic. If you’re staying somewhere convenient, you may be able to keep it simple by meeting directly.

Juzni vjetar and the feeling of “I’m part of this”

One of the standout promises is that you get real participation, including a unique opportunity to steer a sailboat. On a lot of group boat days, you mostly hold on and hope for good views. Here, the goal is different. You’re given space to learn and contribute, and that makes the day feel more personal.

The tour also notes that you can organize the cruise according to your wishes. That doesn’t mean you control everything, but it tells you the crew isn’t running a rigid script down to the last minute. If you want more time in calmer water to swim or more time near viewpoints, you can usually talk that through with the team once you’re on board.

There’s also an included insurance line item. That’s not exciting, but it’s practical. It reduces the mental load when you’re out on the water for a full day.

The free sailing lessons: how to get something out of the day

The tour includes free sailing lessons, which is a huge part of why this is worth considering. The value isn’t only the instruction itself. It’s what instruction unlocks: you’ll understand what you’re feeling when the boat picks up speed, why the sail changes shape, and how small adjustments affect the ride.

Even if you’ve never touched sailing gear before, you’ll have a framework for what’s going on around you. That turns the experience from passive sightseeing into a skill-based day. And if you do want to steer, this is the kind of setting where you’ll actually get a chance, rather than being told to wait your turn and never getting there.

Pro tip: wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Not everything will feel “dry and tidy” once you’re around spray and shifting positions on deck.

Koločep: clear water, easy cool-down moments

Koločep is one of the island stops, and the tour specifically calls out crystal-clear water and charming village vibes. In real-life terms, that means the water is part of the plan, not just a background detail.

This is the kind of place where you’ll likely want to do a quick rinse-off, put on beachwear, and give yourself time to relax. You’re on an 8-hour day, so pacing matters. Koločep is a good early or mid-day stop when you want a reliable “reset” moment.

One practical consideration: bring food and drinks. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want snacks available for when the day stretches a bit longer than you expected. Pack like you’re planning a beach day, because that’s essentially what you’re doing, just with sails.

Lopud: village time between water breaks

Lopud is another highlighted island, and it’s included alongside Koločep and Sipan. The tour describes charming villages and clear water, so you can expect a mix of land time and water time rather than only time on deck.

I like this stop because it breaks up the sailing rhythm. You get to step away from the boat, absorb a slower island pace, and then return to the water when you’re ready. The tour’s setup also includes free coffee and tea onboard, so you can warm up your break between island time and open-water sailing.

If you’re the type who likes taking short walks and spotting the small details, island towns are where you’ll feel that payoff. If you’re not, focus on the water access and keep your land time short. Either way, you stay flexible.

Sipan: where the day feels longer in a good way

Sipan rounds out the trio of islands included in the tour, again with crystal-clear water and charming villages mentioned as the core appeal. By the time you’re at Sipan, the day is likely to feel full, which is exactly when island time matters most.

The tour is built as an 8-hour sailing day, so you don’t want it to feel like you’re constantly “on the move.” Having multiple islands helps you spread out your energy. Sipan gives you another chance to cool down, swim, and use the included water fun gear.

If you want the best experience, I’d treat the day like a rotating schedule: sail, swim, island break, sail again. When you keep that rhythm in mind, the 8 hours feel like one continuous experience rather than a list of tasks.

The Blue Cave: why this kind of cruise is better than a motor-only day

The tour’s theme includes the Blue Cave area, which is the reason many people book. Even without drowning in details, there’s a clear logic to pairing a cave visit with time on wind-powered water.

When you’re on a sailboat, you’re not just traveling from point A to point B. You’re part of the day’s pace. That makes the approach to a special spot feel less like a quick stop and more like a moment in the full journey.

If weather shifts, keep your expectations grounded. The tour notes that in real bad weather, an alternative date will be offered or you’ll get a full refund. So the cave component should be treated as part of the plan, but not something you should cling to with zero flexibility.

SUP and underwater accessories: included, so actually use them

The included list is strong for people who want more than sitting and snapping photos. You get free SUP (stand up paddleboarding) and free diving accessories (the tour uses that wording) plus free bottled water. There’s also coffee and tea and free Wi-Fi onboard.

The best way to think about this: the price isn’t only paying for transit. You’re paying for a day with extra activities built in. If you’re the type who brings your own gear, you might still enjoy the included setup because you’re not adding more costs.

Practical advice: If you want to paddle, plan for easy, dryable clothes. If you want to get in the water, towel and beachwear are non-negotiable items from the packing list.

What’s included in the $160, and what you should budget for

At $160 per person, the value looks good on paper because the tour includes more than you might expect. Included items are:

• Fuel included
• Insurance
• Bottled water
• Coffee and tea
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free SUP
• Free diving accessories
• Fuel included in the price

Not included:

• Lunch

This is where you should do a bit of smart planning. Lunch is the one clear extra cost, so bring your own snacks or arrange your own meal strategy. The tour explicitly tells you to bring food and drinks, which lines up with how you’ll actually enjoy the day.

Also notice what’s not listed as an extra: there’s no mention of surprise add-ons for the sailing, lessons, or the included water activities. That fits the highlight about no hidden costs. You still want to pack responsibly, but the structure feels like it’s set up for a single, predictable payment.

Weather and the real-life flexibility you’ll care about

Croatia can throw weather at you, especially in coastal conditions. The tour states that in case of real bad weather (rain), an alternative date will be offered or a full refund provided. That’s about as clear as it gets.

It helps to pack for wet conditions even if the forecast looks calm. Bring a towel, bring beachwear, and keep a change of clothes in mind for after the sail.

Who this tour is best for

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A Dubrovnik day that feels like an active experience, not a bus ride
• A chance to learn sailing basics with free lessons
• Time on multiple Elafity islands, including Koločep, Lopud, and Sipan
• Included water time with SUP and underwater accessories
• A cruise length that’s long enough to feel like a real day out, not a quick tour

It may be less ideal if you strongly prefer fully land-based sightseeing, or if you do not want to plan for your own meals since lunch is not included.

Also, if steering a sailboat sounds fun but you’re worried about being “in the way,” don’t be. The tour is set up around teaching you and giving you a meaningful role.

The booking decision: should you sail this day from Dubrovnik?

If you want a day that combines wind-powered sailing with island time, I’d say this is a book-worthy option. The standout value is that you’re paying for participation, not just a view, thanks to free sailing lessons and the opportunity to steer. Add in the included SUP and the fact that fuel and insurance are covered, and the price feels more like an activity package than a simple transfer.

I’d book if:

• You’re okay bringing your own food and drinks for lunch
• You want real sailing around Koločep, Lopud, and Sipan
• You like water-based time and optional extra activities

I might skip if:

• You’re only interested in a cave stop and minimal time on the water
• You prefer meals to be fully handled by the tour

If you like travel flexibility, the tour also mentions reserve and pay later, which can help if your Dubrovnik days are still shifting around.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik to Elafity islands sailing tour?

The tour is a full day and lasts 8 hours.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at the meeting point where the guide is identified by a white polo shirt with the company logo, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off is optional, not automatically included.

What does the price of $160 per person include?

The tour includes free sailing lessons, bottled water, coffee and tea, free Wi-Fi, free SUP, free diving accessories, insurance, and fuel included in the price.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, food and drinks, and beachwear.

Are SUP and underwater accessories provided?

Yes. Free SUP and free diving accessories are included.

Can I bring my own alcohol or soft drinks?

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own alcohol or soft drinks free of charge.

What happens in bad weather?

In case of realy bad weather (rain), you’ll be offered an alternative date, or a full refund.

Are there smoking rules on the tour?

Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle and not allowed indoors.