Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The best thing about this Dubrovnik boat trip is its small scale. With room for no more than six people, you avoid the packed-deck feel of larger island cruises and get a day shaped around swimming, sailing, and local island life. Captain Filip runs the boat and adds useful stories about Dubrovnik and the Elafiti Islands.

I like the chance to swim at more than one spot, and I like that the day includes both quiet bays and a real island stop. The restroom, outdoor shower, and snorkeling gear also make eight hours on the water easier. The main consideration is the price, $157.22 per person, and lunch is extra. You also need good weather, and calm conditions may mean more motoring than sailing.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat, maximum six people: This is a personal outing rather than a big-group cruise.
• Three island stops: You visit Koločep, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan.
• Swimming is central to the day: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.
• Captain Filip shapes the experience: He provides sailing, local background, safety guidance, and restaurant suggestions.
• Lunch is optional and not included: Šipan is the planned place to eat, with fresh seafood often recommended.
• The day runs about eight hours: Start time is 9:00 a.m. at Lapadska obala 21a, returning to the same point.

Why this small Elafiti Islands trip works so well

Dubrovnik’s Old Town can feel crowded, especially in the warmer months. A day on the Adriatic gives you a useful change of pace: open water, quiet coves, small island villages, and plenty of time with no sightseeing checklist in front of you.

This is not a speedboat race from one landmark to the next. The remaining hours between the island stops are spent sailing or motoring across the water, depending on conditions. That matters because the value of the trip is not just the stops. It is also the unhurried time on the boat.

The boat is designed for a very small group, and that changes the mood. You can ask Filip about the islands, Dubrovnik, or local life without trying to get his attention across a crowded deck. Some departures have had only two or four people, while the boat can take up to six. If you are lucky enough to have a lightly booked day, it can feel close to a private outing without the full cost of chartering a boat.

Filip is repeatedly praised for being friendly, capable, and easy to spend a full day with. He also contacts customers through WhatsApp before departure with clear meeting instructions. That small step is useful in Dubrovnik, where marinas and waterfront roads can be confusing if you are in a hurry.

Koločep gives you the first hour for swimming

The first stop is Koločep, one of the Elafiti Islands. You get about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in a bay or beach setting.

This is a sensible opening stop. You are still fresh, the water is the main attraction, and the first swim helps set the rhythm for the day. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer using familiar gear.

I would treat Koločep as water time rather than a long cultural visit. The schedule gives you roughly an hour, so you are not there to wander far across the island. Get changed before arriving or use the boat’s cabin for storage and changing, then make the most of the swim.

The supplied information does not promise a particular marine species or underwater site. You can expect clear Adriatic water suitable for looking around with the provided equipment, but snorkeling conditions depend on weather, visibility, and the exact bay selected that day.

The boat also has an outdoor shower, which is handy after swimming. You can rinse off salt water before settling in for the next sailing section. That is a basic feature, but it makes a real difference on a long day at sea.

Šunj Beach is the sandy stop

Šunj Beach on Lopud is the most obvious choice for anyone who wants a sandy beach. It is described as a signature beach of the island, and the stop lasts about an hour.

You can swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe on board, or swim ashore for a drink at one of the restaurants. That gives you more choice than a simple beach drop-off. If you want to stay in the water, you can. If you would rather stretch your legs or sit at a beach restaurant, you have that option too.

The practical point is that the stop is short. You may not have time for a long beach visit, a full meal, and an extended swim all in one hour. Since lunch is planned later on Šipan, I would use Šunj for the beach and save the restaurant visit for a quick drink if you want to go ashore.

For many people, this will be one of the prettiest parts of the route. The contrast between the boat, the sandy shore, and the surrounding island scenery gives the day some variety. Still, Šunj can be more popular than the quieter swimming coves, so it may not feel completely secluded.

Šipan combines a village visit with lunch

The final island stop is Šipan, with about two hours available. This is the longest stop and the one that adds the most land-based interest to the day.

You can walk through the town, visit Škocibuha Castle, swim at the beach, or eat at a local restaurant. The choice is yours, but two hours passes quickly if you try to do everything. I would pick one main plan, then leave time for a swim or a slow waterfront walk.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. It is optional, and the supplied details make clear that Filip can suggest a local restaurant. Several past outings included fresh fish and local wine, and the restaurant advice is one of the useful parts of having a local captain. You should still budget separately for the meal and drinks.

Do not book this tour expecting a formal castle visit with an extended guided tour. Škocibuha Castle is offered as a place to visit during your walk, but the schedule does not specify a dedicated castle admission or guided interior visit. Think of Šipan as a relaxed island stop with food, scenery, and a little culture.

The lunch stop also gives the day a welcome break from swimming. After two water stops, a meal on land can make the afternoon feel less repetitive. Fresh seafood is a natural choice in this setting, though you are not required to eat at all.

Sailing time is part of the experience

The tour lasts about eight hours, but only four hours are assigned to the three stops. The rest is sailing or travel between the islands. That is not wasted time. On a boat trip, the ride itself is part of the point.

You get views of the Adriatic, the islands, and the Dubrovnik coast while moving between stops. When wind conditions allow, Filip may raise the sails, and some outings have included chances to help hoist them or take photos under sail.

You should keep expectations realistic. Sailing depends on wind. On calm days, the boat may motor for much of the route. Filip has still raised the sails for photographs when there was little wind, but this is not a guaranteed full-day sailing course.

That distinction matters when comparing this trip with a motorboat excursion. The pace is likely to feel smoother and quieter when sailing, but you cannot control the weather. If your main goal is fast transport and maximum time at each beach, a faster boat may suit you better. If you like the motion of a yacht and want time to sit, talk, and watch the coast, this format makes more sense.

The captain’s role is another plus. Filip is described as an experienced skipper who takes safety seriously and explains the islands and nearby sights. You get a guide, boat operator, and local contact in one person, rather than a separate guide speaking over a large group.

What the $157.22 price includes

At $157.22 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elafiti Islands. Its value comes from the small group, the length of the outing, the captain’s attention, and the equipment provided.

The price includes snorkeling equipment, fuel, gas, the fuel surcharge, the onboard restroom, and an outdoor shower. Those inclusions reduce the number of small costs that can appear on a full-day boat trip.

Lunch is extra, and private transport to the meeting point is not included. You also do not receive an air-conditioned vehicle, though that is not especially relevant to a boat-based experience. Plan your own way to Lapadska obala 21a in Dubrovnik.

For a couple or small family, the cost can be reasonable if you place a high value on avoiding crowds. The maximum of six people is the key comparison point. A larger cruise may cost less, but it will not offer the same amount of space or direct contact with the captain.

For six adults sharing the boat, the experience can feel particularly good value because the fixed boat outing is spread across a full group. For only two people, the price is harder to justify unless privacy and a quiet pace are important to you. Some departures have still operated with just two people, which is a nice feature if the minimum booking rules allow the trip to run.

What to bring and how to pace your day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. You will have more than one chance to swim, and changing on a boat is easier if you are prepared.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a dry layer for the ride back. Even a warm day can feel cooler after swimming or when the boat is moving. A waterproof pouch is useful for a phone, wallet, and room key.

Bring some money or a payment method for lunch and drinks. The meal on Šipan is optional and not covered by the ticket. You may also want a small amount set aside for a drink at Šunj if you decide to swim ashore.

I would not overpack. The boat has storage, but a small day bag is easier to manage than a large suitcase. The restroom and outdoor shower help, but this remains a compact boat rather than a full-size ship with lots of indoor space.

The trip begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends back at the same meeting point after about eight hours. That makes it a full-day commitment, so avoid placing another major activity too close to the return time.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits you if you want swimming, scenery, and a slower day away from Dubrovnik’s streets. It works especially well for couples, small families, and friends who prefer a personal setting to a large organized cruise.

It is also a good pick if you want local advice. Filip can explain sights along the route, talk about Croatian island life, and recommend places to eat. Some outings have also included suggestions involving a local winery, though that is not listed as a guaranteed stop.

The trip may be less suitable if you dislike spending long stretches on a boat or if you need a tightly timed sightseeing schedule. Four hours of the eight-hour day are assigned to island stops, with the rest used for travel and sailing.

You should also be comfortable with a weather-dependent plan. Bad weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, but it can still affect your vacation planning. If you cancel, free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, but your own transport to and from the meeting point is your responsibility.

Should you book the Smooth Sailing Elafiti tour?

I would book it if you want the islands as a relaxed day on the water rather than as a rapid series of photo stops. The strongest reasons are the maximum six-person group, the chance to swim at Koločep and Šunj, the longer visit to Šipan, and Filip’s role as both captain and local guide.

I would be especially happy with this choice for a small group that wants fresh seafood, quiet sailing, and room to change the plan within the day. Ask Filip about lunch on Šipan, and say yes if a good local restaurant is suggested, while remembering that the meal costs extra.

I would compare other options first if your budget is tight, you want guaranteed sailing under canvas, or you prefer a tour with transport included from your hotel. Wind cannot be promised, and the price is higher than a basic group boat trip.

With a 5.0 rating from 91 reviews and 100 percent traveler recommendation, the experience has a strong record. The practical decision is simple: pay more for a small boat and a personal captain, or pay less for a larger cruise. If the first option sounds like your kind of Dubrovnik day, this is a sound choice.

FAQ

How long does the Elafiti Islands tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including sailing time between the island stops.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep Island, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Šipan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. The boat has a restroom and an outdoor shower.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch on one of the islands is optional and must be paid for separately.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of six travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded. If bad weather or insufficient bookings cause the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.