Wind, water, and a quiet yacht day. I like the private sailing pace on the ZaraBella (a Bavaria 40), where you can feel the wind doing the work and skip the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos. I also love the built-in swim-and-linger rhythm: Blue Cave for snorkeling, Sunj Beach for an hour in the water, and time in Lopud for lunch by the sea. One thing to consider: lunch (and drinks/tip) are not included, and the exact sailing plan can shift with wind and weather.

You’re out for a full day in Dalmatia with a small group (up to 8), and the skipper can tailor timing as conditions allow. If you want comfort plus real time on the water—rather than a rushed checklist of stops—this is a strong match.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Wind-powered sailing on a Bavaria 40 (the use of sails depends on wind strength and direction)
• Blue Cave + Kolocep swim window with snorkeling time built in
• Sunj Beach for one full hour (swimming, snorkeling, and SUP options)
• Lopud village + sea-side restaurant table plus time to walk and enjoy the monastery area
• Free welcome drink, bottled water, and coffee or tea on board
• Flexibility from the skipper based on timing, wind, and the conditions of the day

Why this private sailing day feels better than a fast motor-boat loop

This tour is built around the feeling of sailing, not just traveling. You board the ZaraBella yacht and get safety instructions, then you start the day with a welcome drink while you take in the water and shoreline. The operator highlights the real sailing part—powered by wind—along with the sound of waves. That’s the sort of detail you only notice when you’re on a smaller boat with fewer people crowding your view.

I also like the balance between action and breathing room. You get short, focused water time at the Blue Cave, then a longer swim stop at Sunj Beach, plus a proper chunk of time in Lopud. It’s not a day where every minute is scheduled to the second, and the skipper can adjust things based on what the weather and wind allow.

The only real “trade” here is that sailing under sail depends on wind conditions. If the wind doesn’t cooperate, the itinerary still keeps you moving and swimming, but the feel of the sailing can be more motor-assisted than sail-forward.

Getting to the yacht: the Lapadska obala meeting point that’s easy to spot

Meeting is at Lapadska obala 4, at an operational pontoon at the Dubrovnik City Marina near the University. The meeting location is described as about 100 meters before the entrance of Marina Frapa.

This matters because a private boat day lives or dies by how smoothly you board. Here, the operator makes it simple: you’ll spot the yacht and the skipper in a white T-shirt with the company logo. If you’re trying to time your start from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, build in a little buffer so you’re not rushing down to the marina.

First stop: Blue Cave and Kolocep swimming for a quick hit of Adriatic clarity

After boarding and the safety chat, the route heads to the Blue Cave near Kolocep. The stop is short—about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. That short window is actually a smart format for a full-day outing. You get a taste of the place without turning the day into a waiting game, and then you’re back out on the water moving toward Lopud.

Practically, this is where the free gear matters. Diving accessories are included, and you’re also free to swim and snorkel using what’s provided. If you like to move fast—dip in, enjoy the clear water, then rinse and relax—this stop fits that style.

A quick heads-up: the itinerary can vary with weather and skipper assessment. So if the sea state isn’t comfortable, don’t be surprised if the skipper adapts timing. The good sign is that this tour is explicitly set up to tailor to guest wishes as conditions allow.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: one hour that’s long enough to actually enjoy the water

Sunj Beach is the big water moment. You’ll get about an hour here, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP). The operator also notes diving as part of the experience, and since diving accessories are included, you can use the on-board setup during your time in the water.

One hour sounds simple, but it’s the right length for Sunj. Short stops don’t let you relax; longer stays can drag if you’re not a “beach all day” type. Here, you’ll have time to do the full sequence: quick swim, a snorkel pass, maybe paddle for a bit, then either stretch out on the deck or just watch the water while the boat rests.

This is also the stop where “private” really shows. On crowded trips, you’re often squeezed into whatever time slot someone else just left. On a private group sailing day, you’re typically free to use your time in a more natural way.

Lopud village time: reserved sea-side lunch plus walking and a monastery visit

After Sunj, you head to the village of Lopud. The schedule gives you about two hours there, and that’s where the day turns from water-only to a real island break.

You’ll have a reserved table at a restaurant right next to the sea, and you’ll get time to walk around the village. The plan includes opportunities like visiting the medieval monastery area and trying homemade ice cream, plus swimming again if you want it.

Here’s an important value note: lunch itself is not included in the tour price. So you’re paying for the sailing, the boat day, and the time—and then you budget for lunch and whatever you choose to order at the restaurant. If you’re thinking about this as a convenience fee (boat + access + sea-side meal logistics), it tends to work well. If you’re hoping for a fully all-inclusive day, you’ll want to plan for food and drinks separately.

Also note a small detail in the operator’s setup: the skipper lunch is paid for by the company, and the representative on the boat is provided lunch as well. That’s not your bill. For your actual meal, you still use the restaurant setup and pay as you normally would.

The return sail: hidden bays, fewer crowds, and wind that can change the plan

On the way back, the tour includes the possibility of stopping in one or two beautiful hidden bays with unreal water. This part depends on timing, so it’s not guaranteed as a fixed checklist stop. But it’s exactly the kind of feature you want from a private sailing day—less fame, more calm, and more time where the water looks like it belongs in a camera ad.

The operator also makes it clear that the use of sails depends on wind. So don’t think of this as a guaranteed full sail-by-the-book experience. Think of it as a day on a sailing yacht where you’ll get more sail time on the days the wind cooperates and still get the same core benefits—quiet cruising, swimming windows, and deck time—even if conditions mean more motoring.

If you prefer an itinerary that breathes with conditions rather than a strict script, that flexibility is a plus. If you’re the type who hates schedule changes, you might feel this more than other people—but the swimming stops and Lopud time stay central even when minor details shift.

Price and included comfort: where the value really comes from

The price is $736 per group up to 8 people for an 8-hour day. That pricing matters because you’re not paying per person like many sightseeing boats. In practice, the cost becomes much more reasonable if you can fill the group.

What you get for that group price includes:

• a Bavaria 40 sailing yacht (ZaraBella) that’s fully equipped
• free welcome drink, free bottled water, and free coffee or tea
• restroom on board
• outdoor shower
• SUP included for free
• free sailing lessons on demand
• free diving accessories
• WiFi on board (listed as fee Wi Fi)

Then there are the costs that are not included:

• lunch (there is a lunch stop, but it’s not included in the price)
• drinks and tip
• hotel pick up and drop off (optional)

This is a tour where you should budget for lunch and whatever you drink on Lopud. If you do that, the rest of the day feels like a smooth package: transport by yacht, access to the water stops, and a relaxed pace with included gear.

Free sailing lessons on demand are also a fun value-add. If you’ve ever watched someone tack or trim and thought I want to try that, this is the moment—so long as the skipper can do it safely with the wind and conditions.

Who this Dubrovnik yacht tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This works best if you want a private day at sea with real sailing and multiple water opportunities. It’s also a good fit for people who care about comfort: you’ll have a restroom, an outdoor shower, and a deck set up for lounging between stops.

Language-wise, the guide can handle English, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Bulgarian, so communication shouldn’t be a problem for most groups.

The tour is not suitable for people with back problems. That’s a big point—don’t plan around it if you know your back gets aggravated on boats or with movement.

From the overall tone of the experience, it’s also a decent pick for mixed-age groups who like water time, since the day includes swimming, snorkeling, and SUP, plus land time in Lopud. But keep in mind the water stops are still time-limited, so the itinerary is best for people who are comfortable jumping in and taking a short break rather than people who need long beach hours.

Practical tips that make the day run smoother

Bring a towel and beachwear. Those are the only “what to bring” items specifically listed, and they’re the ones that matter most for comfortable water stops.

Because the tour timing can vary due to weather and skipper assessment, I recommend treating the day as flexible, not rigid. If you show up with the mindset of sailing first and scheduling second, you’ll enjoy the day more.

Two more practical notes:

• Sunj Beach is the longest swim/splash window (about one hour). If you want your best water time, plan to use that hour well.
• The Blue Cave snorkeling window is shorter (about 20 minutes). Go in ready—don’t spend the whole time getting organized.

Also, the operator mentions that in really bad weather (strong rain), the tour will be rescheduled for the first available time. So if you’re traveling during a changeable week, it helps to have flexibility.

Should you book this Dubrovnik full-day private boat tour?

I’d book it if you want a calmer, more personal way to experience the Elaphiti Islands than big-group boat trips. The combination of private sailing on a smaller yacht, meaningful swimming time at Sunj Beach, and a real island break in Lopud (with a sea-side lunch table) gives you a well-rounded day without feeling rushed.

Skip it if lunch and drinks included matter to you, because lunch is not included. Also skip it if you have back issues, since the tour is listed as not suitable.

If you’re traveling with up to 8 people, this is one of those days where your group size is the value lever. Split the group price, budget for lunch, and you’ll get a stylish, water-first day that feels like Croatia at its most unhurried.

FAQ

How many people is the tour for?

It’s a private group tour, priced per group up to 8 people.

What’s included on board?

Included features are the Bavaria 40 sailing yacht, a welcome drink, bottled water, coffee or tea, restroom, WiFi on board (fee), an outdoor shower, free SUP, free sailing lessons on demand, and free diving accessories.

Is lunch included?

No. There is a lunch stop on Lopud with a reserved table, but lunch is not included in the price. Drinks and tip are also not included.

How long do you spend swimming and snorkeling?

Blue Cave has about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Sunj Beach has about 1 hour for swimming, snorkeling, and SUP. Lopud includes swimming time within the longer break. There’s also a Kolocep swim/snorkel break later in the day.

Can the boat sail using sails the whole time?

The use of sails depends on the strength and direction of the wind, as assessed by the skipper.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for people with back problems.