Private Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands

Crystal water beats Dubrovnik crowds. This private full-day sailing to the Elafiti Islands is all about swim-and-snorkel time plus a slower pace than the big-group tours. I especially like the built-in stops for easy jumps in and out of the sea, with about an hour at Koločep and another at Šunj, then time on Šipan with a walk around town and Škocibuha Castle nearby. One thing to plan for, wind can be light, so you may cruise by motor for stretches.

What makes it work well is the private setup for up to 6 people, with skipper Filip running a relaxed schedule and staying in touch by WhatsApp before you go. You also get practical comfort items on board like a restroom and an outdoor shower, plus snorkeling gear so you are not scrambling at the last minute. If you are hoping for a lot of pure sailing under big sails the whole day, I would still bring the expectation that you will trade some sail time for more reliable cruising.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Private group for up to 6, so you control the pace
• Koločep and Šunj swim stops, including a sandy beach break
• Šipan time with a town walk and Škocibuha Castle area
• Snorkeling equipment included and easy water access from the boat
• Comfort on board with restroom and an outdoor shower
• Flexible lunch options on islands, but lunch and drinks are not included

Private Elafiti sailing, the real purpose of this day

This is not a checklist tour. The whole point is to be out on the water for a full day, then break it into calm, swim-friendly chunks along the Elafiti Islands.

With a private group limited to 6, you are not stacked shoulder-to-shoulder while you wait your turn to take a dip. That changes the vibe fast, especially in the summer when Dubrovnik feels busy on land. Here, the day feels more like your own boat day, with the skipper choosing where the water looks best and keeping the schedule smooth.

Meeting on Lapadska obala at 9:00 am

You meet at Lapadska obala 21 in Dubrovnik, and the tour starts at 9:00 am. It also returns to that same meeting point, so you are not trying to coordinate another pickup later.

This start time matters. In peak season, the earlier departure helps you get those first swim hours before the day fully heats up and the marinas feel crowded. Also, you spend the rest of your time bouncing between island stops and cruising, so starting early keeps the day feeling relaxed rather than rushed.

Price and value for up to 6 people

The price is $692.36 per group, for up to 6 people. On paper, that can sound steep compared with group sailing, but the value is in what you do not compromise on: privacy, pacing, and a flexible day built around swimming.

If you split it across a full group of 6, the per-person cost drops sharply. If you are a smaller group, you lose some of that math advantage, but you still pay for the convenience of having your own skipper rhythm, your own swim breaks, and time to tailor the day.

Also, a few practical items are included, like fuel surcharge, snorkeling equipment, and on-board basics like restroom and an outdoor shower. Lunch is not included, but the tour does allow for a lunch stop during the island time, and you can pick what fits your budget.

Koločep Island: bays, beaches, and your first hour in the water

Koločep Island is your first stop, and the focus is simple: pristine bays and amazing beaches, with about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is a great way to get into the rhythm of the day. You are not waiting hours for the first water break.

Why I like this first stop: it tends to set the tone. If the water is clear and you have energy early, you can really make the most of it. Bring swimwear you can use fast, plus a towel ready for after you climb back on board.

A small tip for comfort, if you plan to snorkel, keep your movements easy and give yourself time to adjust once you are in the water. This is one of those swims where the sea quality matters more than speed.

Šunj Beach at Lopud: sandy shoreline from the boat

Next comes Šunj Beach. It is known for its sandy shoreline, so this stop gives you something different from the rocky-cove feeling some islands have.

You get about an hour here, with time to swim from the boat, snorkel, sunbathe, or take a swim to the shore for a drink at a restaurant. This is also a handy option if your group includes people who want sand and a more relaxed beach moment rather than continuous snorkeling.

One practical consideration: sandy beach time often means sunscreen matters. Start early with protection, and bring a small personal towel if you do not want to rely on what is available on board.

Šipan and Škocibuha Castle area: town time, then beach time

Šipan is your last island stop in the listed sequence, and you get around 2 hours. That time is a mix: a walk through the town, a chance to visit the area around Škocibuha Castle, plus swim time on the beach.

This is the stop that adds land flavor without turning the day into a walking tour. You get enough time to stretch, take photos, and grab a snack or a meal, but you still spend most of the day on the sea.

One detail that can make this smoother for you: Filip has experience with restaurant planning at this stage of the day, and some small spots can be fully booked. If you care about a specific meal, ask the skipper during the trip about options that match your timing, and be ready to follow his lead.

Long cruising time among the Elafiti Islands

After Šipan, the rest of the day becomes sailing or cruising time. Based on the schedule, you spend several hours on the water, including time labeled for the Elaphiti Islands area and additional cruising stretches.

This is where you slow down and enjoy the route itself: shifting light, coastlines, and those long views you cannot get from the road. It also tends to be when the best swimming opportunities show up, because the skipper can choose where the water looks clearest and where a safe stop is easiest.

A real-world note from how this day plays: wind may not cooperate for the entire trip. On one recent outing, the boat ran by motor most of the time, with enough wind later for some sailing. So, do not plan your whole day around getting lots of sail action. Plan around getting lots of water time.

What’s included on board (and what you should bring)

Here is what you can count on being included:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you do not need to rent it in Dubrovnik)
• Outdoor shower and a restroom on board
• Fuel surcharge
• Admission tickets are listed as free for the stops shown
• Service animals are allowed

What is not included:

• Lunch (there is a lunch stop, but you pay for what you eat)
• Soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages
• Private transport to the marina if you are outside Dubrovnik (an estimate of 40 euros for an Uber is given)

What I recommend you bring for a smoother day:

• Your own towel (if you like having your own, it helps)
• Water and some snacks, especially if you get hungry between swim stops
• Sunscreen and a hat that can handle sea wind
• Swim shoes if you do not like stepping on uneven rocks
• A small bag for wet gear after snorkeling

If you are traveling with kids, this kind of private day can be easier. One family situation worked smoothly because the skipper provided high-quality buoyancy vests for children. If that matters for your group, ask ahead so you know what is available.

How the day actually feels, pacing and group size

The schedule is designed around short, high-payoff moments: about an hour at Koločep, about an hour at Šunj, around 2 hours at Šipan, then longer cruising time. That pacing is perfect if your group wants variety without feeling trapped in a bus or a rigid shore program.

Because this is a private tour for your group only, you can keep the mood your own. You can move at a comfortable speed on shore, stay longer at the water break if everyone is energized, and spend the cruising time chatting or relaxing without feeling you need to perform on a fixed timeline.

Also, having a responsive skipper matters. Filip is easy to reach on WhatsApp before the day, and he communicates proactively. That helps you feel calm when you are planning your morning and coordinating meeting and timing.

Getting to the marina: a detail that can save you stress

Your tour meeting point is on Lapadska obala 21, but the marina access can require extra planning depending on where you are staying. The tour notes that transportation fees to and from the marina are not included, with an estimate of 40 euros for an Uber if you are outside Dubrovnik.

If you are staying in the Dubrovnik area, you might find it manageable on your own, since the tour is near public transportation. If you are further out, factor in that extra cost and time so you do not feel rushed at 9:00 am.

Weather and wind: what to expect on a sea day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is the smart approach for a sailing day, because sea conditions affect safety and comfort.

Wind is the other variable. Even with good weather, wind can be inconsistent. One recent day had limited wind, so the boat used motor power for much of the trip, with wind returning later for some sailing. If you are sailing-focused, go in expecting cruising time first. If you are water-focused, you will still get plenty of value.

Who should book this Elafiti private sailing tour

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A private boat day for a group of up to 6
• Multiple swim opportunities tied to Koločep and Šunj, plus beach and town time at Šipan
• Snorkeling gear included, without the hassle of renting
• A slower rhythm that keeps you out of the densest tourist flow

It is especially good for families, couples, and groups of friends who would rather pay for comfort and control than do a high-volume island hop.

If you are someone who only wants shore sightseeing and minimal time on a boat, this may feel a bit too sea-heavy. But if you enjoy open water and you want that classic Adriatic swim rhythm, you will likely love it.

Should you book this tour?

I would book it if you are aiming for a full-day sailing experience that prioritizes swimming, clear water time, and a relaxed private schedule. The included snorkeling gear, restroom and outdoor shower on board, and the mix of Koločep, Šunj, and Šipan make it more than just a ride from port to port.

The main reason not to book is if you feel disappointed when wind changes plans. This trip adapts. You might sail some and cruise some, but you will still be on the water for the whole day with multiple chances to get in.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and meets at Lapadska obala 21, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour, and how many people can go?

Yes, it is private, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 6 people.

What is included on board?

Included items are outdoor shower, restroom on board, and use of snorkeling equipment. Fuel surcharge is also included.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. The day includes a lunch stop on one of the islands, but you will pay for your own meal.

What about drinks like soda or alcohol?

Soda/pop and alcoholic beverages are not included, so you would need to purchase them separately.

What happens if the 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.