Private Full Day Sailing Tour To Elafiti Islands

Leave Dubrovnik’s crowds behind by boat. This private sailing day takes you around Koločep, Lopud, Šunj Beach, and Šipan, with time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and slow coastal views. I like the small-group format, which gives your party room to set the pace, and I like skipper Filip’s personal touch, especially his help with restaurant reservations. The main thing to weigh is the weather: if the wind drops, the boat may motor for much of the day rather than sail.

The tour costs $692.36 for up to six people, making it a better value for a family or group than for one or two people. Lunch, drinks, and transport to the marina cost extra, so the final price will be higher than the headline figure.

Key details before you book

• Private boat for up to six: Your group has the boat to itself, with no large tour crowd sharing the day.
• Three island stops: Swim at Koločep, visit Šunj Beach on Lopud, and spend longer on Šipan.
• About eight hours on the water: The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the marina in Dubrovnik.
• Swimming gear included: Snorkeling equipment, an outdoor shower, and a restroom are provided on board.
• Skipper Filip adds local help: He can suggest places to eat and has made lunch reservations for visitors.
• Bring your own food and drinks: Lunch, soda, alcohol, and other refreshments are not included.

Setting out from Lapadska obala at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21 in Dubrovnik, and the tour begins at 9:00 a.m. You need to arrange your own ride to the marina. An Uber from outside Dubrovnik is estimated at about €40, but that is only a rough guide, and all transport to and from the marina is excluded.

The marina can be reached by public transport, with bus 6 noted as one useful option. I would confirm the exact route with Smooth Sailing before departure, particularly if you are staying outside central Dubrovnik. The boat returns to the same meeting point after the day.

This is a private activity, so only your party joins the boat. That matters more than it may sound. You are not tied to a large group’s swimming habits, lunch schedule, or preferred pace. A family can linger in the water, while a couple might spend more time walking on Šipan.

The boat has a restroom and outdoor shower, useful after saltwater swims. Snorkeling equipment is included, as is the fuel surcharge. Towels are not listed among the included items, so bring your own. The same goes for drinking water and snacks. One family brought its own supplies and found that useful during the day.

Koločep: your first hour for swimming

The first stop is Koločep, one of the Elafiti Islands close to Dubrovnik. You get about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in a sheltered bay or near one of the island’s beaches.

The strongest feature of this stop is its simplicity. You are not rushed into a long sightseeing walk. Instead, you step into clear water from the boat and spend an hour enjoying the sea. For many people, that first swim is the moment the day shifts from city sightseeing to a proper Adriatic outing.

The exact swimming spot can depend on conditions and the skipper’s judgment. Filip has taken groups to quieter places with clear water and fewer people, which is one reason this tour suits anyone trying to avoid the most crowded coastal stops. Still, an hour passes quickly. If you want a long beach visit, this will feel more like a refreshing break than a full island stay.

The snorkeling equipment on board saves you from packing your own mask and fins. You should still bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. The boat’s outdoor shower lets you rinse off afterward, but it does not replace a full change of clothes, so a dry outfit is a smart addition.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: sand, sea, and a choice

The next stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, famous for its sandy shore. Sand is a welcome change from the rocky swimming areas found along much of the Croatian coast, and Šunj is one of the day’s more recognizable stops.

You may swim and snorkel from the boat, sunbathe on board, or swim toward shore for a drink at one of the restaurants. The schedule allows about an hour, so you will need to choose how to use it. If you want to sit on the sand, leave enough time to reach shore and return. If you prefer a quiet swim, remaining near the boat may be easier.

This flexibility is a real benefit of a private outing. You do not have to follow one fixed activity. Parents may prefer the boat and a short swim, while others may want to reach the beach for a drink.

The trade-off is time. Šunj Beach is not treated as a long beach day, and the stop may feel brief if you want a full meal, a long walk, and plenty of swimming. I would think of it as a well-placed coastal pause rather than the main event.

Šipan: the day’s best chance for a slower lunch

Šipan is the final main island stop and gets about two hours, giving you more room to do something beyond swimming. You can walk through the town, visit Škocibuha Castle, swim at the beach, or eat at a local restaurant.

This is where the tour gains its most personal feel. The smaller harbor setting offers a break from the boat, and two hours lets you stretch your legs without turning the day into a rushed march from one sight to another. If you care about local food, Šipan is the natural place to plan lunch.

Lunch is not included, but Filip has helped arrange tables at local fish restaurants. That help may matter because small restaurants can fill up, especially when a group of six needs a table. You should ask about a reservation before the day begins, then budget separately for the meal and drinks.

Do not expect a full historical tour of Šipan. The schedule gives you the chance to see Škocibuha Castle and walk around, but the experience remains a relaxed island visit. The focus is on the combination of a little history, local food, and time by the water.

Two hours also gives you a practical buffer. If the morning swims run a little long, Šipan offers more flexibility than the one-hour stops. On the other hand, lunch prices are not stated, so you should not assume the low group price covers your shore expenses.

The long return cruise around the Elafiti Islands

The schedule sets aside about four hours for sailing and cruising around the Elafiti Islands, with another two hours listed as sailing or cruising around the island stops. This means the boat ride itself is a major part of the day, not merely transport between beaches.

That is good news if you like being on the water. You get time to watch the coast, talk with your group, and enjoy the changing views without a packed sightseeing checklist. Filip has also pointed out places around Dubrovnik and selected quieter swimming areas, so the cruise can feel more personal than a simple transfer.

But you should set realistic expectations about sailing. The boat cannot manufacture wind. In calm conditions, the engine may run for much of the route, with some genuine sailing later if the breeze picks up. One outing had little wind and used the motor most of the day, though the afternoon brought enough wind for a period of sailing.

If the phrase full day sailing tour makes you picture eight hours under sail, this distinction matters. You are booking a private boat day in which sailing is part of the experience, not a guarantee for the entire route. The water, island views, swims, and flexible pace remain the core appeal.

Why the private format changes the day

The boat is suited to a small group, with space for up to six people. For a family, this can be far more comfortable than joining a large excursion boat. One family with two young children particularly valued the personal attention and the high-quality buoyancy vests provided for the children.

That does not mean the boat is a private floating resort. The product details confirm a restroom, outdoor shower, and snorkeling equipment, but they do not promise luxury cabins, a furnished dining area, or a full drinks service. You should pack for a practical day at sea.

The private setup also gives you a better chance to shape the day. You can swim instead of going ashore, eat at the island restaurant instead of bringing lunch on board, or spend more time walking on Šipan. The exact order and length of stops may reflect weather, sea conditions, and the skipper’s advice.

Filip is a key part of the experience. He is described as easy to reach through WhatsApp, proactive before departure, friendly during the trip, and helpful with restaurant choices. He also serves as captain and host, so you get local guidance without a separate guide on board.

What the $692.36 price really means

The listed price is $692.36 per group of up to six. At full capacity, that works out to roughly $115 per person before food and marina transport. For six people, that is a sensible way to buy a private day on the water. For two people, the same total becomes about $346 per person, which is a much bigger commitment.

Fuel is included, which removes one common surprise from boat excursions. Snorkeling equipment, the restroom, and outdoor shower are also part of the package. Those details add practical value, particularly if you plan several swims.

You will still pay separately for:

• Lunch on one of the islands
• Soda and other soft drinks
• Alcoholic drinks
• Transport to and from the marina

The estimated €40 Uber cost applies to transport from outside Dubrovnik, but the actual amount can vary. I would also bring water and snacks even if you plan to eat on Šipan. A small shop on the island may have drinks and ice cream, but relying on that alone leaves little room for delay or preference.

The value is strongest when your group wants privacy and control. If your main goal is the cheapest possible way to see the islands, a shared boat may cost less. If you want your own skipper, room to spread out, and a slower day with no strangers on board, this price is easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that care more about time on the sea than checking off many monuments. It is especially useful for people who want clear-water swims and a quieter alternative to crowded group excursions.

It also suits visitors who want a local restaurant stop without having to solve every detail themselves. Filip’s help with reservations can remove some stress, particularly for a larger group.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat rides, need a guaranteed sailing-only experience, or want a packed program of historic sights. The day includes time on Šipan and a visit to Škocibuha Castle, but most of the experience is cruising, swimming, sunbathing, and eating.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour requires good weather, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if conditions are poor. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, while changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

What to pack for eight hours

Pack as if you are spending the day at a beach with a boat attached:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen and sun protection
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• Money or a payment method for lunch and drinks
• Phone for contacting the operator through WhatsApp

The boat supplies snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer to bring personal gear if you have it. Children can be provided with buoyancy vests, though you should discuss the needs of your children with the operator before departure.

Bring less luggage than you think you need. A soft day bag is easier to manage than a hard suitcase on a small private boat.

Should you book the Elafiti Islands sailing tour?

Book it if you want a private, easygoing day with three island stops, several chances to swim, and a skipper who takes an active role in shaping the outing. The best reasons are the small group size, the clear-water swimming spots, and Filip’s practical help with food and local choices.

I would not book it solely because the name promises nonstop sailing. Wind conditions may mean a motor-powered cruise for much of the day. I would also compare the group price carefully with your party size, then add lunch, drinks, and marina transport.

For a full group of six, this is a strong value for a private Dubrovnik boat day. For two people, it is a premium choice, but one that can make sense if privacy, flexibility, and a personal skipper matter more to you than keeping costs low.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 21, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers one private group of up to six people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though the day includes a lunch stop on one of the islands.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with an outdoor shower, restroom, and fuel surcharge.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.