Crystal water and quiet coves, minus the crowd. This private full-day sailing outing is built for swim time and easy pacing, with stops on Kolocep and Lopud plus a town break on Šipan led by skipper Filip. I also like how proactively he communicates before you go, so you feel set from the first message. The one thing to keep in mind: when there isn’t much wind, you may travel by motor more than you expect.

With a group size capped at up to 6, you’re not sharing your boat with strangers. The day runs about 8 hours from a convenient Dubrovnik meeting point, and you’ll have real comfort basics onboard like a restroom and outdoor shower. You’ll also get snorkeling equipment, which makes it easier to jump in without extra planning.

One more practical note: lunch and drinks cost extra. So I’d plan your budget (and bring water/snacks if you like), then enjoy the freedom of doing swims first and food when you’re ready.

Key highlights (what makes this day work)

• Private boat experience for up to 6, with your own pacing
• Snorkeling equipment included for the clearest water stops
• Kolocep + Šunj + Šipan in one day, mixing beaches and small-town time
• Sailing/cruising time that keeps the focus on being on the water
• Skipper Filip’s communication and helpful restaurant planning
• Small-boat feel that helps you enjoy calm coves instead of crowds

Why the Elafiti Islands feel calmer than Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is gorgeous, but it can also be busy. The Elafiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) give you the opposite feeling: water-focused time with short, purposeful stops. You get a day that’s less about ticking off sights and more about being in the sea, then taking short breaks on islands where life moves at a slower pace.

This tour also keeps your schedule flexible in a smart way. Even though there are set stops, there’s plenty of time sailing and cruising, which means you don’t feel like you’re racing from one viewpoint to the next. It’s a good fit for couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed day with the option to swim often.

Finally, the skipper mindset matters. From the way Filip runs the day, the goal is to get you to enjoyable swimming spots and keep everyone comfortable—especially if you’re traveling with children. The boat setup and his planning help you feel looked after without turning it into a formal lecture.

Route and timing: the day flows from swim stops to sailing

The day starts at 9:00 am at Lapadska obala 21, Dubrovnik, and you return to the same meeting point. The overall duration is about 8 hours, but the experience really feels shaped by the sequence: beach time, then island time, then cruising for the afternoon.

The stops are structured in a way that makes sense for a sailing day:

• short-ish swim and beach breaks early
• a more substantial stop on Šipan for town walking and a lunch option
• longer cruising time later, so you can enjoy the water without constantly getting on and off

One practical consideration: while the plan includes sailing time, wind can vary. If the breeze is light, you’ll still be out there, but you may move by motor more than you hoped. The upside is you keep your timing and don’t get stuck waiting around for the wind to cooperate.

Kolocep Island: pristine bays and an easy swim-and-snorkel hour

Koločep is a strong opening stop because it’s all about the water. You’ll get about an hour to enjoy pristine bays and amazing beaches, with time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. This kind of stop works well right after you’ve gotten situated onboard—no long drive, no complicated schedule, just jump in and settle.

If you like snorkeling, this is the moment to do it. Snorkeling gear is included, so you can spend less time hunting for equipment and more time in the sea. The water here tends to be clear enough to make the effort worthwhile.

Keep expectations realistic, though. You’re not guaranteed to have perfect sailing conditions the whole day, and that’s true across the route. Still, an hour on Koločep gives you enough time to swim your fill, take photos, and then move on before the island gets too crowded.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: sandy time with swim-from-the-boat flexibility

Šunj Beach is the kind of shoreline that makes people remember their boat day. It’s described as a sandy beach and a trademark of Lopud, and you’ll have about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling from the boat, plus time to sunbathe.

What I like about this stop is the flexibility. If you’re not feeling a full swim, you can still enjoy the beach atmosphere and step into the water whenever you want. If you prefer snorkeling, the plan gives you that option too, rather than forcing everyone into one style.

There’s also a nice payoff for people who like food on their schedule. After a swim to the shore, you can grab a drink at one of the restaurants. That’s not a complicated pause, just an easy way to cool down and refuel before heading to Šipan.

Šipan and Škocibuha Castle: town wandering plus beach time

Šipan is where the day gets more “island life,” not just sea time. You’ll spend time on the island to take a walk through the town and visit Škocibuha castle, then you’ll have time for beach swimming and eating.

This stop is especially valuable because it breaks up the day in a satisfying way. Up to now, you’ve mainly been in the water. On Šipan, you get a bit of strolling, a landmark visit, and the chance to sit down for lunch (at your own cost). That balance is what prevents a sailing day from feeling repetitive.

One helpful detail: Filip can help with lunch planning, including making reservations when needed. In a small harbor village, that kind of forethought can save you time and frustration when popular spots fill up. The result is you spend more of your day enjoying the island and less time hunting for a table.

If you’re traveling with children, this is also a workable stop: you can do shorter walks, then rotate back to the beach for swimming. The skipper has provided buoyancy vests for kids on past trips, which is a big comfort factor for families trying to relax.

Elaphiti cruising time: the part you’ll miss when it ends

After Šipan, you shift into the longer section of sailing/cruising time. Depending on the day, the remaining time on the water is designed to let you slow down and enjoy open sea views without constantly packing and unpacking.

This is where the “private” part really pays off. On larger tours, you often feel rushed because everyone has to follow the same rhythm. Here, the time on the water feels like it’s for your comfort: swim again if you want, bask in the sun, and watch the coastline from a perspective you simply can’t get from land.

Also, think of this stretch as your buffer. Even if the earlier stops include a bit of waiting for swims to start or for the boat to dock, the cruising hours absorb that. The day stays enjoyable, not frantic.

What’s actually on the boat: comfort and useful extras

This tour includes some genuinely helpful onboard basics:

• Outdoor shower
• Restroom on board
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fuel surcharge

That shower is more important than it sounds. After swimming, you want an easy way to rinse off salt and sunscreen before you sit back down. A restroom also matters on a full-day itinerary, especially when you’re out for hours.

Snorkeling equipment included is a clear value point. You don’t need to rent anything locally or track down a last-minute store. And if you brought your own snorkeling gear, you still have the option to use what you prefer.

What isn’t included is also important:

• Lunch (there’s a lunch stop, but you pay)
• Soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages

My advice: bring water and small snacks if you like. One traveler did that and it made the day feel smoother between swim breaks and meal timing. If you tend to get hungry, pack simple snacks you can grab without needing to find a store.

Price and value: what $692.36 per group really buys you

The price is $692.36 per group (up to 6 people) for about 8 hours. In practical terms, you’re paying for a private boat day with fuel covered, plus snorkeling gear and basic onboard comfort.

How to think about value:

• If you’re traveling as a small group, you can split the cost and still get a private schedule instead of fitting into someone else’s agenda.
• You’re not paying separately for snorkeling equipment, restroom access, or the fuel surcharge.
• The day includes multiple stops on islands that are far easier to reach by boat than by hopping ferries all day.

The additional cost to plan for is mainly food and drinks. Lunch and beverages are not included. Also note the potential extra transport cost to the marina area: the estimate given is about 40€ for an Uber if you’re outside Dubrovnik. (You can still meet at Lapadska obala 21 in Dubrovnik for the start of the day.)

If you want a simple decision rule: if your group values being on the water with frequent swim chances, and you hate crowds, this is the kind of price that can make sense. If you’d rather do a cheaper shared cruise and don’t care about privacy, then a group tour might suit you better. But for a private sailing day, you’re paying for time and control.

Getting to Lapadska obala and then to the sailing area

Your meeting point is Lapadska obala 21, Dubrovnik, and you start at 9:00 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point, which is convenient—no searching for a transfer afterward.

The marina access note matters. Transportation fees to and from the marina are not included, with an estimate of 40€ by Uber if you’re staying outside Dubrovnik. The good news: the starting area is near public transportation, so getting to Lapadska obala is usually straightforward.

If you’re staying within the Dubrovnik core, you may only need minimal local transit. If you’re farther out, budget extra time and that potential Uber cost, then you’ll avoid stress.

Who this tour suits best (and who might rethink it)

This experience is a strong match if you want:

• a private day on the water with a small group
• multiple swim opportunities
• a relaxed pace with time on three islands
• a skipper who communicates and plans details like dining

It’s also a good option for families, since buoyancy vests have been provided for kids on past trips, and the stops are short enough to manage with children.

Where you might rethink it: if you hate the idea that wind can be light and you might motor more than you sail. The itinerary is still active, but your sailing-from-a-glide standpoint depends on conditions.

Also, if you’re traveling solo and want the absolute lowest price, private-by-default usually won’t be the cheapest route. But the quality of the day can still be worth it if it fits your priorities.

Should you book the Private Full Day Sailing Tour to Elafiti Islands?

I think you should book it if your ideal day looks like this: boat first, swim often, then a simple island break for lunch on Šipan. The itinerary is built around the best reasons to visit the Elafiti Islands—water time, beaches, and a little town wandering—without forcing you into an exhausting sight marathon.

It’s also a solid choice because the tour is designed for a small group and relies on good skipper handling. Filip’s proactive communication and restaurant planning help the day run smoothly, so you can focus on the sea.

If you’re okay paying extra for privacy and flexibility, and you bring (or plan) for lunch and drinks, this is one of those Dubrovnik-area days that feels like it belongs to you.

FAQ

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

How many people are in the group?

Up to 6 people per group.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop on one of the islands where you can buy your own meal.

Where do we meet, and what time does it start?

Meet at Lapadska obala 21, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The start time is 9:00 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.