Full Day Sailing Tour to Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik

Small-boat sailing beats the big Dubrovnik tours. On this full day on the water, you get the classic Adriatic island rhythm: cruise out from Dubrovnik, anchor for swimming and snorkeling off Lopud, then spend time on Šipan with skipper Filip before heading back as the light changes. The one thing to plan around is simple: sailing depends on wind, so some stretches may be under engine power.

You’ll meet at the entrance to Marina Frapa (Lapadska obala, 21a) and board in a small group capped at 6. The day runs 9:00 to 17:00, with the skipper waiting at 8:50, and the pace stays relaxed enough that you’re not constantly rushing between stops. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch on the islands.

Key things I’d watch for

• Snorkel time is the centerpiece: You get gear plus real water time off Lopud’s bays.
• Small group, flexible feel: Up to 6 people means less standing around and more time where you are.
• Filip’s hands-on hosting: You can sometimes help with the sails when conditions cooperate.
• Two different island moods: Lopud for water breaks, Šipan for village and beach time.
• A value-focused day: $153 covers boat, skipper, and equipment; you choose what to spend on meals.

Getting on board at Marina Frapa (and why it matters)

The meeting point is the entrance to Marina Frapa in Dubrovnik, at Lapadska obala, 21a. The skipper is there at 8:50, and your tour runs 9:00 to 17:00. I like this setup because it keeps things simple. You don’t waste the morning on a long pickup circuit, and you get out to the water while the city is still waking up.

Marina Frapa is also practical for gear: you can keep your essentials together (towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes if you want). The tour notes say no oversize luggage and no high-heeled shoes, which is a good clue that this is meant to be a walk-and-splash kind of day, not a dress-up one.

The cruise out of Dubrovnik: relax, then pick up speed

Once you’re aboard, there’s a safety briefing and then the boat heads out along the coast. This is the part where you’ll want to take it slow. The crew generally encourages you to enjoy the deck, feel the sea breeze, and take in Dubrovnik’s shoreline as it falls behind you.

What makes this cruise more than just travel time is the way it sets up the stops. You’re going to Lopud and Šipan, both close enough that the day stays full, but far enough that you feel like you escaped the main tourist loop. Several reviews also point out how comfortable the boat is, and that matters because on an 8-hour outing, comfort changes how the day feels.

Lopud: bays to swim and snorkel in

Lopud is the water-first stop. The plan is to reach Lopud, drop anchor in a bay, and then you get time to jump in. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life vests, so you’re not scrambling to find gear at the last minute.

Here’s what you should expect in real terms:

• You’ll have time to swim and snorkel at the anchored bay.
• You can explore the coastline at a relaxed pace, or just stay on the boat and enjoy the calm.
• The water visibility off Lopud’s shore is often excellent, which is exactly what makes snorkeling worth it.

Practical advice: bring a towel and some water-ready footwear or sandals you’re comfortable with. The listing says comfortable shoes, and that’s smart because you may step on uneven surfaces around the island areas. Also pack sunscreen before you leave the marina; you’ll be in strong sun once you’re anchored.

A quick note on the sailing part

Even when you start out with the idea of a sailboat day, wind rules. Some days are powered more than sailed. That said, one of the best parts is that you can still get involved—reviews say skipper Filip has let people help raise the sails when the wind allows it. If your priority is hands-on sailing, go with a flexible mindset. If you just want the islands and the water time, you’ll still get a full, satisfying day.

Šipan: island time, village wandering, and lunch decisions

After Lopud, the boat heads toward Šipan. The route itself is part of the experience: open water time with views on both sides. When you arrive, you’ll anchor near the beaches, and you get to disembark for an afternoon on the island.

Šipan is more about slowing down and being on island time. The description calls out options like strolling the village, checking out historic sites, looking for local food, or simply relaxing on the beach. The big win here is choice. The schedule gives you a block of time that doesn’t feel like a quick dash between viewpoints.

Food on Šipan: plan for extra cost

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. That’s important for budgeting. That said, you’re specifically here to grab something to eat at local restaurants, and several reviews mention a relaxed lunch stop at a seaside place on Šipan with seafood—one review even mentions catch of the day. Translation: treat lunch like part of the fun, not like a gotcha.

If you want to make lunch painless, keep cash or a card ready and decide early what kind of meal you want. You’ll likely have a limited window compared with people who stay on the island all day, so I’d rather pick a simple plan than overthink it.

Watching the sunset back toward Dubrovnik

The return trip is timed so you can enjoy the last stretch of the day while the light softens. The description specifically notes mesmerizing sunset views over the Adriatic Sea, and this is one of those moments where the small-group setup helps. With only a handful of people onboard, it’s easier to find a spot, move around for photos, and just enjoy without the usual crowd chaos.

Even if the sky isn’t perfectly dramatic, you still get something valuable: a calm end to a full day. You’re not stepping into another tour right away. You’re heading back, letting your brain cool off after the swim and island walking.

Value and price: what $153 really buys

At $153 per person for an 8-hour small-group sailing day, the value depends on what you care about.

Here’s what you’re paying for that you’d otherwise have to piece together:

• A skipper to run the boat and manage the day
• Gas (so you’re not paying a separate transport fee)
• Snorkeling equipment plus life vests
• Access to a plan that includes Lopud anchoring time and Šipan island time

What you’re not paying for:

• Food and drinks
• Gratuity

For many people, the snorkeling and island time are the real ticket value. If you were to try to do this independently, you’d be dealing with boat logistics and the cost of getting to the islands, plus you’d still have to solve the gear piece. Here, the gear is handled, and the route is organized for a smooth day.

Also note the small-group cap of 6 participants. That’s not just a comfort perk—it’s part of the value math. In a larger group, snorkeling time can feel rushed. In a smaller group, you’re more likely to get the calm, unhurried pacing that makes the day memorable.

Who this sailing day suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A calmer day away from Dubrovnik’s busiest areas
• Real water time for swimming and snorkeling
• A small-group vibe where the skipper can adjust to the day
• A chance to help with sailing when wind allows it

It’s also listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and people with pre-existing medical conditions. If either applies to you, take that seriously. Even when the boat ride is smooth, boats come with uneven movement and water-based activities.

Tips to make your day easier

A few practical things will make the difference between good and great:

• Bring a towel and sunscreen. You’ll use both.
• Pack drinks. Drinks are recommended, and the tour notes say drinks are something you should bring.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on islands and uneven ground.
• Bring a passport or ID card.
• If you’re curious about hands-on sailing, ask the skipper how you can help. Conditions control what’s possible, but the crew seems open to involving people.

If you’re bringing a pet, you’ll need to notify the provider beforehand.

Should you book this Elaphiti sailing day?

Yes, I’d book it if your goal is a full, water-based island day with minimal fuss. The combination of Lopud snorkeling time, Šipan island wandering, and a small-group setup makes it feel more personal than the big boat circuit. And if you care about sailing, keep your expectations flexible: wind matters, but you may still get a chance to take part when conditions allow.

I’d think twice if you’re not comfortable with a boat day in open water, you have a medical condition that could be affected by movement, or you know you want strictly under-sail sailing no matter the wind. In that case, you might be happier with a different style of tour where you’re not balancing sailing expectations with weather reality.

FAQ

What islands do you visit on this full-day sailing tour?

You visit Lopud and Šipan as the two main island stops, starting from Dubrovnik and returning to Dubrovnik at the end of the day.

How long is the tour and what are the times?

The tour lasts 8 hours and runs from 9:00 to 17:00.

Where do you meet the skipper?

The meeting point is the entrance to Marina Frapa, Lapadska obala, 21a, Dubrovnik. The skipper is waiting there at 8:50.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the skipper, gas, snorkeling equipment, and life vests. Food, drinks, and gratuity are not included.

Is the snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life vests are provided as well.

How big is the group?

The tour is a small group and is limited to 6 participants.

Is this tour refundable if plans change?

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.