Kolocep to Šipan in one smooth day. This private sail outing turns Dubrovnik into a launch point for the Elaphiti islands, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and learning the basics of sailing. You get free sailing lessons plus gear like snorkelling equipment and even a SUP board. The day is built around real water time, not just photos and shuffling.

The main thing to think about is that the plan depends on good weather, and you should expect to be flexible if conditions change.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private group up to 8: quieter, more personal pacing than big-boat tours
• Free lessons on a real sailboat: you can actually try controlling the boat, not just watch
• Snorkel and swim stops at Kolocep, Lopud (Sunj Beach), and Šipan
• SUP included, plus snorkelling gear and an outdoor shower to rinse off after water time
• No lunch included, so you’ll want a plan for meals on the islands

Private sailing around the Elaphiti islands, not a cattle-boat day

This is one of those Dubrovnik experiences where the “why” is simple: you’re out on the water for most of the day, and you’re doing it with a small group. The boat takes your group only, up to 8 people, so the schedule feels like it’s for your day, not for a checklist of strangers.

I like that it’s not a pure party cruise either. You’ll be doing real things: swimming, snorkelling, and potentially standing up on a SUP. And if you want to learn how sailing works, the skipper provides free sailing lessons, which is a rare bonus compared to typical motor-boat excursions.

Based on what I’ve learned from the way this day is run, the best part is the balance. You get islands with time to relax, plus sailing time to enjoy the motion. It’s the kind of day where you stop thinking about the schedule and start paying attention to the sea.

Meeting at Lapadska obala and planning your 9:30 start

You meet at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, and the sail day starts at 9:30 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not have to worry about getting from one place to another later.

This timing matters. Leaving in the morning usually gives you calmer water and better daylight for swimming and snorkeling, especially if you like photographing gulls and coastline rather than wrestling with crowds. Also, an 8-hour day is long enough to feel complete, but not so long that you lose the sense of a vacation day.

What to bring is pretty straightforward: swimwear, a towel if you prefer your own, sunscreen, and water shoes if you tend to find rocks annoying. If you wear snorkeling gear often, you might still want to bring your own mask, but snorkelling equipment is provided for you.

Kolocep Island: one hour of swimming and snorkel time

Stop one is Kolocep Island, and it’s built around water time. You get about one hour here to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the bays around the island. A big plus is that snorkelling equipment is included, so you can just put it on and go.

Kolocep is a great “first water stop” because it sets the tone. When you start the day with a clear, easy swim option, the rest of the tour feels like it flows, not like you’re waiting for something to happen later. If you’re traveling with different interests in your group, this stop tends to work well too. Some people snorkel, some people float, and some people just grab sun.

The one drawback is simple: it’s only about an hour. If you’re the type who wants a long, slow beach day, you’ll likely want more time later on Lopud or Šipan. On the other hand, that short slot keeps the day moving and gives you more variety.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: sandy shore, rocks, and beach club drinks

Next up is Sunj Beach on Lopud. The itinerary calls this another one-hour stop, and it’s a very different feel than Kolocep. Instead of focusing on bays and snorkeling near rocks, you’re going after beach comfort. Sunj Beach is described as sandy and as a trademark spot on Lopud, which matches the vibe you’ll probably want after the first swim.

You can swim and snorkel near the rocks, sunbathe, or even do a swim that ends with a shore-side reward. The tour info specifically notes you can grab a drink in a beach club. That matters because it makes the stop feel like a real break, not just a quick swim and back to the boat.

What I appreciate here is the contrast. If the morning made you happy but busy, Sunj Beach slows the day down. You can choose your pace: water time, rest time, or a mix.

A consideration: because it’s a sandy beach stop, you may want to bring a cover-up or a light shirt, since the day is long and the sun can add up fast, even if you’re constantly in and out of water.

Lopud village and the 14th-century monastery visit

Then you shift from beach time to land time on Lopud. This part is about two hours, and it’s your window for the island side of the story. You’ll have time to walk through the village and visit a monastery from the 14th century.

This is where the tour stops being only about water and becomes more about place. Dubrovnik is famous, but getting out to Lopud helps you see the calmer, everyday rhythm of the Elaphiti islands. The village walk is also a good way to reset after snorkeling.

You can also stay flexible with your time here. The plan includes options like swimming on the beach and grabbing food in local restaurants. Lunch is not included, so this is where you make your decision: do you want a quick bite, or do you want to treat it like a real meal? Either way works, but plan to pay for what you choose.

If you like history but don’t want a full museum day, a monastery visit is a nice middle ground. It’s enough to feel meaningful without dragging the schedule.

Šipan: crystal water plus a relaxed town wander

The next stop is Šipan, the last island stop before the sailing time takes over. You get about one hour here.

If you want the clean-water payoff, Šipan is the final swimming moment on the itinerary. The description points to crystal clear water, and that fits the overall feel of the day. After two swimming-focused stops and a village reset on Lopud, Šipan usually feels like the closing chapter of the island-hopping part.

There’s also town time. The plan notes that if you already had lunch on Lopud, you can spend time walking around the town, swimming, or enjoying nature with a cold drink at a restaurant.

The big practical note is that this stop is short. Use it for either swimming or wandering, not for trying to do everything. I’d treat this hour as the time to enjoy, not to cram.

Blue Cave area and the best part of the day on the sail

The tour title points to the Blue Cave area, and the itinerary keeps the last chunk of time as sailing and cruising across the Elafiti islands. After Šipan, the remaining time is listed as about 2 hours devoted to sailing.

This is where the day becomes uniquely “sailing” instead of just “island visits.” On a sailboat, you feel the breeze and the rhythm of wind changes more than you do on a motor boat. If you took the morning lessons, this portion of the day is the time when learning turns into something you can sense.

It’s also the easiest portion to enjoy with no pressure. Bring your camera if you want, but also consider just sitting back and watching how the coastline changes as you move.

One practical consideration: because the tour runs on wind and weather conditions, the exact experience around the cave area can vary. That’s not a flaw, it’s how this kind of day works. The good side is that your skipper can adjust to keep you comfortable and safe.

Money, inclusions, and how to avoid surprises

Let’s talk value, because the price is not small. At $744.61 per group, up to 8 people, the real math depends on how many spots you fill. For a full group of 8, the per-person cost drops a lot compared with solo or small-party private days. For 2 or 3 people, it’s more of a splurge, but you’re paying for privacy, flexibility, and a full day on a sailboat with included gear.

The inclusions are strong for what you’re getting:

• Fuel included
• Free coffee and tea on board
• Snorkelling equipment
• Free SUP (stand up paddle)
• Free sailing lessons
• A fully equipped kitchen and a rest area on board
• An outdoor shower after swimming

Those items matter. Snorkel gear and SUP reduce rental hassles. The outdoor shower helps if you plan to keep enjoying the day afterward, or if you just hate feeling salty. The kitchen and rest area mean you’re not stuck overheating in the open deck for the entire day.

What to know about the not-included items:

• Alcoholic beverages are not included, though you can bring your own. There is an 18+ drinking age noted.
• Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop option on the islands.
• Gratuities/tips are not included.
• Pickup and drop-off are listed as optional, not included by default.
• If you need a dinghy with an outboard motor, it’s on request for 40 eur per day.

If you want the least stress day, plan to bring your own drinks if that’s your style, and budget for meals once you’re on the islands.

Who this Dubrovnik private sail day suits best

This tour is best for people who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, without giving up control. If you care about being on a sailboat specifically, and not just any boat, this fits. The fact that Dragan is the skipper mentioned in customer feedback tells me the experience is guided, friendly, and built for real learning, not just steering.

It also works well for families, because the route can be adjusted for comfort. One parent-centered detail you’ll appreciate: there’s room to agree on the route to keep things workable with kids, rather than forcing a one-size plan that only fits adults.

If you’re the type who loves checking off a lot of viewpoints, this might feel calmer than expected. The itinerary is mostly water and short island blocks, with walking and a monastery visit on Lopud. You’ll leave with memories and photos, but the goal is the day on the sea.

If you have trouble with uneven surfaces, plan for some walking in island towns. Also, if you cannot be outside in sun for periods, bring shade and plan hydration.

Should you book this private sail tour?

I’d book it if your priority is a small-group day on the water with real snorkeling time and a chance to try sailing yourself. The inclusion list is unusually practical for a private tour: fuel, gear, SUP, lessons, coffee and tea, and onboard comforts like an outdoor shower.

I would not book it if you want a guaranteed, fully fixed itinerary regardless of wind. This is a weather-dependent sail day, and the skipper may adjust timing and routes to match conditions. Also, if you hate the idea of paying extra for lunch or you want a full meal included, you’ll want to plan ahead and budget for island restaurants.

If you want a Dubrovnik day that feels authentically local and not just a port repeat, this is a solid choice. Get your swim gear ready, keep your lunch budget in mind, and aim for a sunny weather window. That is when this kind of private sail day really pays off.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik private sail boat tour to Elaphiti and Blue Cave?

The tour duration is approximately 8 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates, up to 8 people.

What stops are included during the day?

The day includes Kolocep Island, Sunj Beach (on Lopud), Lopud (village and monastery time), Šipan, and then sailing/cruising time around the Elafiti islands.

What is included for swimming activities?

You get snorkelling equipment, and there is also a free SUP (stand up paddle) provided.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. There is a lunch stop on one of the islands, but lunch is not included in the price.

Can I cancel for free, and what happens if weather is poor?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.