Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik from the water feels different fast. This full-day sailing around the Elafiti islands blends swim breaks with real island life, so you escape the big-boat crush and spend most of your time out on the Adriatic. It is an 8-hour day that starts at Lapadska obala and strings together three stops, with sailing taking up the in-between hours.

I really like the small group size. With a maximum of 6 travelers, the day feels more personal, and you are not stuck fighting for space at anchor. I also love that you get practical on-board comforts, including a restroom plus outdoor shower, which makes multiple swims far less annoying.

One possible drawback to plan for: the schedule is built around short island windows, so if you want long beach lounging or lots of walking time, you will need to pick your moments. Also, lunch is optional and not included in the price, so you should budget extra if you want to eat on Sipan.

Key takeaways before you book

• Small-group sailing (max 6) means a calmer day and easier snorkeling access.
• Restroom on board + outdoor shower makes repeated swims much more comfortable.
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can actually use it without extra stops.
• Three islands in one day keeps the day moving, with time to swim, snorkel, and explore.
• Captain-led pacing and local picks can turn a windy or calm day into good sailing moments.

Why this Elafiti sailing day beats big-boat tours

Dubrovnik is stunning from the Old Town walls, but the Elafiti islands are where the day really relaxes. This tour is designed for water time. You spend the bulk of the day sailing, with stops for swimming and snorkeling, rather than bouncing from one viewpoint to another like a clockwork bus ride.

The big advantage for me is the vibe. Smaller boats tend to mean fewer people around when you drop anchor and gear up. That matters because snorkeling is not just the water, it is the setup, the entry, and the ability to move around without feeling trapped.

You also get a captain and host who clearly wants you to have a good day on the water. In the reviews, Filip comes up again and again for being attentive, safety-minded, and genuinely enjoyable to talk with. If you like your travel day to feel friendly and smooth, that shows up here.

The 9:00 am start at Lapadska obala: what to expect on your first hour

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21a in Dubrovnik, and the tour starts at 9:00 am. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not juggling separate returns or complicated transfers.

Since the tour duration is about 8 hours and it is mostly sailing after the stops, your morning rhythm matters. Plan for a steady start: you will likely want sun protection ready right away, and your swim gear should be easy to reach. The tour does not include a private transport ride to and from the meeting point, so if you are not already close, you will need to handle that on your own.

One small detail I appreciate from the reviews: Filip communicates clearly. People noted he used WhatsApp to send meeting instructions the day before, and that sort of message usually saves time and stress.

Koločep Island swim and snorkel: short stop, big payoff

Your first island stop is Koločep. The time on the island is about an hour, and it is built for water fun: swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the bays.

An hour sounds brief until you remember what this tour is optimized for. The goal is not a museum schedule. It is to get you into the water quickly, with snorkeling gear ready, and then move on while the day is still fresh. If you enjoy those “jump in, float around, then relax” rhythms, Koločep is a strong match.

What to consider: one hour means you need a quick plan. If you want to snorkel seriously, give yourself time to rinse off, catch your breath, and then decide whether you want shore time. If you simply want an easy swim and a snack onboard, you will still have plenty of time to enjoy the water.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: sandy shore plus a restaurant option

The second stop is Šunj Beach, tied to the island of Lopud. This is the sandy beach stop, and it is a favorite type of break if you are tired of rocky edges or want an actual shoreline vibe.

You get about an hour here as well, and the typical rhythm is swim and snorkel from the boat, then sunbathe or go ashore for a drink. Reviews also mention the chance to grab food and use the beach area more like a classic island outing.

The trade-off is the same as Koločep: time is compact. If you have not decided whether you want to snorkel or go straight to shore, you might feel rushed. My advice is to do one main activity early, then spend your remaining time doing the other one at a lighter pace.

This stop also supports the tour’s overall theme: skipping the bigger boats. Even when people are on boats, bigger operations often lead to crowded swimming zones. On a smaller sail, you are more likely to find your own calm patch of water.

Šipan and Škočibuha Castle: town stroll plus a real lunch chance

The final stop is Šipan, and this is where the day gets a little more “island culture.” You get about two hours on Šipan, which is longer than the first two stops, and it includes several options.

You can take a walk through the town. You can visit Škočibuha castle. And you also get beach time for swimming, plus the chance to eat at local restaurants.

This is the stop that tends to make people happy even after they come off the water. Several reviews mention that Filip recommended a seafood restaurant and that the lunch was a highlight, with fresh fish and good wine. Lunch itself is optional and not included in the tour price, so you are paying on your own, but the advantage is that you are not stuck guessing which place is worth it.

What I like about having two hours here is flexibility. You can choose a quick castle visit if you want it, then spend the rest of the time eating and relaxing. Or you can skip the castle and focus on beach time. Two hours gives you room to do what matches your energy level instead of forcing one route.

Sailing comfort that actually matters: restroom, shower, and smooth ride

On paper, sailing tours can sound fun and then annoy you with basics. This one covers the basics in a way that makes long water time easier.

Included gear and comforts:

• Snorkeling equipment provided
• Restroom on board
• Outdoor shower
• Gas, fuel surcharge

Those details matter more than you might think. If you are planning multiple swims, an outdoor shower helps you rinse salt off before you get back onboard. The restroom is just plain convenient when the day is long and the stops are spaced out.

Comfort also shows up in how people describe the sail itself. Multiple reviews mention smooth sailing and a comfortable, well-kept boat. For a group of 6 adults, it still seems to work well, which is reassuring if you are going with friends or family.

And yes, when conditions allow, you might even hoist sails. In calm or low-wind moments, Filip reportedly still offers to raise them for photos, and that sort of extra initiative adds personality to the day.

Snorkeling stops: when to wear what and how to use the gear

Snorkeling is included, but your enjoyment depends on how you prep. Bring swimwear you can dry quickly, and a lightweight layer you can put on right after you swim. Even in summer, saltwater and wind can cool you down when you stop moving.

Gear is provided, so you do not need to buy equipment in Dubrovnik. Your main decision is your timing and how you manage energy. If you snorkel both Koločep and Šunj, consider doing one “serious” session and one lighter float session. That helps you enjoy the day instead of feeling like you are racing your breath.

One more practical note: since you are on a sailboat, entry and anchoring can vary by spot. Having a smaller group helps, because there is less jostling near ladders or while adjusting masks.

Price and value: what $157.22 really buys you

At $157.22 per person for about 8 hours, the price sits in the “mid range” for Dubrovnik boat tours, but the value is in what you avoid.

You avoid crowds. You avoid losing time to transfers. And you get snorkeling equipment plus on-board restroom and shower. You also get a captain who helps make the day work well in real conditions, including how stops are handled and what to do if wind is low.

The optional lunch is the one cost you should not forget. Lunch is not included, and the day gives you a chance to eat on Sipan at local restaurants, with the captain often recommending a seafood spot. If you plan to add lunch and drinks, treat it like a paid meal day, not a food included excursion.

Still, for me, it is a good deal if you want three island stops and true water time without dealing with a big tour boat.

Group size and the VIP feeling on a max-6 boat

With a maximum of 6 travelers, this is the kind of tour where you notice how the day is run. People describe feeling like they got a more private, personal experience on what was meant for a small group.

This matters if you:

• want conversation with your host and not just a recorded audio tour
• like asking questions while you sail
• prefer calm when you are switching between swimming and onboard time

It also helps with practical moments like moving around the boat, getting into snorkeling safely, and getting attention when you need it.

If you are traveling solo, this small size can still work well. Some reviews mention situations where there were only two people on the tour, and the trip still happened, which suggests the operator is willing to make it work when possible.

Who should book this sailing tour, and who might want a different plan

Book this if you want:

• a relaxed day on the water with multiple swim and snorkel breaks
• fewer people and less noise than big boats
• a captain who talks and helps you enjoy the islands
• a mix of beach time plus some town exploring on Šipan

You might rethink if:

• you need long, on-land time at each island
• you hate the idea of spending the day mostly at sea
• you do not plan to add the optional lunch on Sipan, since that stop is where a lot of the “extra satisfaction” happens

Weather is also a factor. Like all sailing days, it requires good weather. The tour can be offered on a different date or you can get a full refund if it is canceled due to poor conditions.

Quick practical packing list for this type of day

You do not need to overpack, but you do want the basics ready for water time:

• towel or quick-dry option (if you have one)
• sun protection and sunglasses
• swimwear you can rewear after rinsing
• a light layer for wind on the sail back
• cash or card for optional lunch and drinks on Šipan

Because you have an outdoor shower onboard, you can plan to rinse and reset before leaving the boat. That is a small comfort, but it makes the day feel smoother.

Should you book this Dubrovnik to Elafiti islands sailing tour?

If your idea of a great Dubrovnik day is water, swimming, and short island stops that keep the pace easy, I would book it. This is a solid value because you get snorkeling gear included, multiple swim opportunities, and real on-board convenience like a restroom and shower, all on a small boat with a captain who clearly cares about the experience.

The biggest reason to choose it is simple: it is built for people who want to escape the crowd feel. You still see the islands, but you experience them in a more personal way, with time to actually enjoy the sea.

If you have limited time in Dubrovnik and want one “wow” day beyond the city walls, this sailing itinerary is the kind of plan that pays off fast. You will come back with sandy hair, saltwater memories, and that rare feeling of spending the day doing the fun part of travel.

FAQ

What islands are visited on this full-day sailing tour?

The tour stops at Koločep Island, Šunj Beach (on the island of Lopud), and Šipan. The day is about 8 hours total, and the remaining time is sailing.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. There is an option to stop for lunch on one of the islands, and you pay for it separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. There is a restroom on board the boat.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

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