Blue water in Croatia, minus the ferry stress. This full-day yacht trip from Sunshine Sailing Dubrovnik takes you to the Blue Cave near Kolocep, then out to Lopud and the Elaphiti islands for real swimming time.

What I like most is the small group of up to 8 and the chance to get hands-on with steering a yacht without needing experience. One thing to plan for: lunch and drinks are not included, so you’ll want cash or card ready on Lopud.

The day runs at a relaxed seafaring pace. Weather, wind, and the skipper’s calls can shift the exact timing, but the overall flow stays focused on water time and a few great stops ashore.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Up to 8 people means more room on deck and fewer logistics headaches.
• Blue Cave + Kolocep water time is built in early, so you start your day fresh.
• SUP and diving accessories are included, so you’re not hunting for gear or paying on the fly.
• Sailing lessons are on demand, and yes, you can actually try steering.
• Lopud lunch by the sea comes with a reserved table and time to wander the village.

Price and what you really get for it

At about $168 per person for an 8-hour outing, this sits in the mid-to-premium range for Dubrovnik boat tours. The reason it feels fair is simple: you’re not just “seeing” islands—you’re spending a long chunk of the day on the water with included extras that make the day smoother.

You get a yacht sailing setup (a Bavaria 40 is used), a welcome drink, bottled water, and coffee or tea. You also have an onboard restroom, outdoor shower, and the gear that usually turns a boat trip into a swimming day instead of a sightseeing day. SUP is included, and there are diving accessories provided too.

The main budget caveat is straightforward: lunch and drinks are not included, and tipping isn’t included either. The lunch stop on Lopud includes a reserved table, and the restaurant is right by the sea—so you’re paying for the setting. When you book, just decide ahead of time what you’re comfortable spending for that meal.

Where you meet: Sunshine Sailing Dubrovnik and the pontoon trick

This tour leaves from the operational pontoon at the Dubrovnik City Marina, very near the University area. The exact spot matters because Dubrovnik marinas can feel like a maze if you’re arriving late or unsure.

Look for the boat and skipper in a white T-shirt with the company logo, and note this useful detail: the pontoon is about 100 meters before the entrance to Marina Frapa. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to double-check you’re at the right section of the harbor instead of rushing with sunscreen still in your bag.

Also, hotel pickup isn’t part of the standard plan, though it can be optional.

Onboard setup: Bavaria 40 comfort for a full day

A long day on the water is only fun if the boat setup helps you relax. On this one, the practical extras are the things you’ll notice fast.

Onboard you’ll find:

• Restroom (huge for an 8-hour day)
• Outdoor shower for rinsing off after swimming
• Bottled water plus a welcome drink
• Coffee or tea
• Wi‑Fi available on board, noted as fee-based
• A deck that supports sunbathing and easy access when you’re in swim mode

The tour is also geared toward active water time. You’ll get free SUP (stand up paddleboarding) and diving accessories, which means you’re not forced to choose between sightseeing and water play. If you want a calmer day, you can just swim and lounge. If you want motion, you’ve got options.

One small boarding consideration: at least one rider noted the boarding ladder can be long, so if you don’t like climbing steps over water, keep that in mind when you’re deciding.

First sailing segment: Elaphiti Islands viewpoints and a proper start

After safety instructions, you’ll be welcomed on board with a drink and time to settle in. Then the schedule immediately points you toward the best kind of cruising: slow enough for photos, structured enough that you’re never wondering what happens next.

You’ll spend about 75 minutes cruising around the Elaphiti islands area with sightseeing and photo stops. You also get more sailing time early, before you commit to a swim.

Why this works: it gives you the “I’m really on the coast of Croatia now” moment before the water stops start. And it avoids the classic mistake where you spend half your day stuck in transit before getting in the sea.

Blue Cave at Kolocep: short swim window, big reward

The Blue Cave at Kolocep is the headline stop, and the timing reflects that. You’ll get a photo stop first, then about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

That’s not a lot of time compared to island wandering, so treat this like a focused water session:

• Put sunscreen on early.
• Bring your towel so you can dry quickly between swim and deck time.
• If you snorkel, you’ll want to be ready to use the moment rather than wait around.

Drawback to know: caves and coast conditions depend on weather and water movement, so the “feel” of this stop can vary. Still, the structure stays the same—quick, refreshing, and designed to keep the day from dragging.

The in-between cruising: Elaphiti sailing that doesn’t feel dead

Between swim stops, you’ll spend additional time sailing, including stretches of around one hour. This is when the day feels most like a sailing vacation and least like a checklist tour.

You’ll typically get:

• Photo stops during passes
• Sightseeing moments from the water
• Deck time for sunbathing and just watching the coastline

If you’ve done Dubrovnik tours where you’re constantly ferrying between land points, you’ll probably appreciate this. You can let your brain switch from “walk-walk-walk” to “sit, look, breathe sea air.”

Also, the boat may use sails during the trip, but whether sails are raised depends on wind strength and direction. It’s a normal sailing reality, not a disappointment—when conditions are right, you’ll get that extra sailing feel.

Sunj/Sinj beach break: swim, snorkel, stand up paddle

This is one of the nicer “choose your vibe” stops. You’ll have a beach break on Sunj (spelled Sinj in one part of the plan) with time for swimming and snorkeling. Depending on the day’s conditions and how the group is pacing, you’re looking at around 45 minutes up to about an hour.

You’ll likely be able to:

• Swim and cool off
• Snorkel if the water and conditions cooperate
• Use SUP if you want to move around without taking a full boat detour

The main drawback: since timing can shift, don’t bank on a long beach hang. Bring your towel ready and be ready to go in and out quickly.

Lopud Island: reserved waterfront lunch + real village time

This is where the tour turns from water-focused to island-experience focused. On Lopud, you’ll get a longer stop—about two hours—and the day includes a reserved table at a restaurant right next to the sea.

Here’s what you can do during that window:

• Eat at the waterfront restaurant (your meal isn’t included, but the table is reserved)
• Walk around the village
• Visit the medieval monastery
• Try homemade ice cream
• Return to the sea if you want another swim

In practice, this stop is about balance: you’re not just getting fed; you’re getting a chance to see how the island life feels away from the waterline.

One practical note on cost: this lunch setting is the kind of place where the view is part of the price. The experience is worth it if you like “meal with scenery,” but if you’re trying to keep spending tight, treat lunch as the planned splurge.

Hidden bays on the way back: the refresh factor

On the return, the skipper may stop at one or two hidden bays with very clear water, depending on time. These aren’t the kind of stops where you get a full “shore excursion.” It’s more about a quick reset—swim, cool down, then head back with the day still feeling fresh.

This is a strong part of the value because it lets you get extra water time without paying extra or changing tours. The exact bay choices can shift with conditions, which is normal for this kind of sailing.

Steering lessons: hands-on sailing even if you’ve never tried

This is one of the best reasons to pick this tour over a basic sightseeing cruise. The plan includes free sailing lessons on demand, and the vibe is that you can actually try steering.

You don’t need prior experience. The point is getting you involved in a safe, simple way while the boat keeps moving. It’s also a good mental break: instead of just watching, you’re doing something with your hands and learning a few real sailing mechanics.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, this can be the “everyone gets a turn” moment that makes the day more memorable than another photo stop.

The skipper matters: Dragan’s flexible, calm approach

The quality of the day depends a lot on the skipper, and the pattern here is clear: Dragan gets praised for being both professional and flexible. One rider described how the day mostly followed the itinerary while Dragan stayed open to changes if the group wanted them.

What you’ll feel on board with a good skipper isn’t chaos—it’s that you can relax. You’ll get answers to questions, and you’ll feel supported rather than rushed. There’s also a helpful streak: one experience included assistance organizing a return to the harbor.

Weather and wind can force adjustments, but a competent skipper makes those changes feel thoughtful instead of messy.

Who this day sail is for (and who should skip it)

This tour is designed for a group-friendly experience with a small maximum size, so it works well for:

• Couples who want time together without crowds
• Families who want a mix of swimming and village wandering
• Friends who like the idea of sailing, not just motor cruising

It’s also a great fit if you enjoy practical, hands-on travel: the included SUP gear and the sailing lesson option mean you can be active when you want.

The one clear mismatch: it’s not suitable for people with back problems. If you fall into that category, it’s worth looking for a different style of outing with more stable accessibility.

Practical packing checklist (so you don’t waste time)

Bring what you need for sun and water, not what looks nice in your suitcase:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sportswear you can swim in

Even on a sailing day, you’ll be exposed. A towel saves you from that awkward moment of drying with your stuff still damp, and sportswear helps you move without thinking about it.

Should you book this Dubrovnik to Elaphiti + Blue Cave day sail?

I think you should book it if your ideal day in Dubrovnik includes three things: swimming time, a small-group feel, and at least one moment that’s more interactive than sitting for photos.

It’s a strong pick when you want the Elaphiti islands without turning your day into a logistics puzzle. The Blue Cave stop is short but purposeful, Lopud gives you actual village time, and the sailing in between keeps the rhythm relaxed.

I’d pass (or at least reconsider) if you’re trying to minimize extra costs, since lunch and drinks aren’t included, or if you have a back problem and can’t handle boat movement or ladder boarding.

If you’re good with a paid meal stop and you want water time that feels like part of a real day—this is a very solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik full day group boat tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What is the group size?

It is a small group, limited to 8 participants.

Where do we meet the tour?

You meet at the operational pontoon at Dubrovnik City Marina near the University, about 100 meters before the entrance to Marina Frapa. The skipper is in a white T-shirt with the company logo.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a sailing yacht (Bavaria 40), a welcome drink, bottled water, coffee or tea, a restroom on board, Wi‑Fi on board (noted as fee-based), an outdoor shower, SUP, diving accessories, and free sailing lessons on demand.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price, even though there is a reserved table at a restaurant near the sea on Lopud.

Are drinks included?

Lunch, drinks, and tip are not included in the price.

Do I need sailing experience to steer?

No. Free sailing lessons are available on demand, and you can gain hands-on steering experience without prior experience.

What languages are spoken by the live guide?

English, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Croatian, Serbo-Croatian, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and sportswear.

What happens if the weather is really bad?

If there is really bad weather, such as strong rain, the tour will be rescheduled for the first available time.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.