Dubrovnik: Full Day Private Sail Boat tour to Elaphiti&Blue Cave

Leave Dubrovnik’s walls behind. This private sailing day takes you across the Elaphiti Islands, where swimming, small villages, sandy beaches, and open-water sailing replace the usual city crowds. I especially like the private format for up to eight people, and the chance to learn basic sailing from skipper Dragan rather than simply sitting in a motorboat. The main consideration is that lunch, drinks, and optional transfers cost extra, and the published route does not clearly describe a separate Blue Cave stop, so confirm that detail before booking.

The day runs about eight hours, starting at 9:30 a.m. from Lapadska obala 4. I also like the flexible feel of the outing: families have been able to adjust the route for children, while couples and friends can spend more time swimming, sailing, or relaxing on deck. If you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing cruise with every stop fixed to the minute, this may feel too loose.

Key points at a glance

• A private sailboat for up to eight people: You share the boat only with your own group, giving you more say over the pace and swimming stops.
• Three Elaphiti islands in one day: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan each offer a different mix of coves, beach time, village streets, and local restaurants.
• Real sailing, not only transport: Free sailing lessons are included, and the skipper has been praised for teaching guests how to catch the wind.
• Sandy Šunj Beach: Lopud’s famous beach gives you a proper sand-and-sea stop, unusual in a region better known for rocky swimming spots.
• Useful onboard equipment: Snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, an outdoor shower, coffee, tea, and a rest area are included.
• A flexible family option: The route can be adjusted for comfort, including for children, but food, alcohol, tips, and pickup are separate expenses.

Setting out from Lapad at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting point is at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, an area near public transportation. The boat returns to the same place after the full-day outing, so you do not need to arrange a second meeting point elsewhere in the city.

The start time matters. An early departure gives you a full day on the water, with roughly two hours of sailing between or around the island stops and about five hours divided among the main places. You should arrive ready for a long day outdoors rather than expecting a quick harbor excursion.

Because the boat is private, your group can discuss the rhythm of the day with the skipper. The supplied information describes free sailing lessons, so you can take an active role if you wish. You can also simply sit back while Dragan handles the boat. Several strong ratings single him out as kind, conversational, helpful, and skilled at finding the wind.

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. Still, you should be comfortable with a full day around water, boat movement, sun, and swimming stops.

Koločep: the first hour for swimming and snorkeling

Koločep is the opening island stop, with about an hour set aside for a bay and beach break. The plan is simple: swim, snorkel, or sunbathe while the boat is positioned near one of the island’s appealing coves.

This first stop works well because it gets you into the water early. The included snorkeling equipment means you do not need to pack your own mask and fins, though you should bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and anything else you like for a long day outside.

An hour is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a long coastal walk or a relaxed meal. That is worth remembering if you prefer to settle into one place. This tour is built around variety, with several island experiences rather than one beach day.

The boat has an outdoor shower, a useful feature after snorkeling or swimming. There is also a rest area onboard, so you can dry off and enjoy the ride without treating every stop as an obligation.

Šunj Beach: Lopud’s sandy pause

The next stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud. It is described as a trademark sandy beach, and that gives the day a different feel from the rocky coves common along the Adriatic coast.

You can swim, snorkel near the rocks, lie on the sand, or walk toward the shore for a drink at the beach club. The scheduled stay is about an hour. That is plenty of time for a swim and some sun, but it may feel short if you want a long lunch, a beach walk, and a leisurely paddle all in one stop.

A free stand-up paddleboard is available on the boat. The information does not promise that it will be set up at every stop, so ask the skipper when and where it makes sense to use it. The optional dinghy with outboard motor costs 40 euros per day if you request it, which could be useful for getting closer to shore, but it is not part of the basic price.

Šunj is likely to be one of the more popular stops during the day, so do not expect complete solitude. Its value is the combination of sand, easy swimming, and a chance to step ashore for a drink.

Lopud village and its 14th-century monastery

After the beach, the boat spends about two hours around Lopud. This is the most flexible part of the route. You can walk through the village, visit a monastery dating from the 14th century, swim again, or sit down for lunch at a local restaurant.

That extra time gives Lopud more weight than a quick photo stop. You have room to choose your own pace. If you are curious about local life, a walk through the village will be more rewarding than staying on the boat all day. If your group is focused on food, this is also the likely place to make the main lunch stop.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. That is both a drawback and a useful choice: you pay for what you order, rather than being locked into a set meal. One particularly appealing detail from the experience is the chance to eat seafood at a small beach village. You should budget separately for this meal and check what your group wants before stepping ashore.

The two-hour window also helps families. Younger children can have a swim or a break from the boat, while adults can walk or eat. The route has already been adjusted for families with children, so it is worth explaining your group’s needs early in the day.

Šipan: a quieter final island stop

Šipan is the last named island stop, with about an hour planned here. The exact use of the time depends partly on whether your group has already eaten lunch on Lopud.

If lunch is finished, you can walk around the town, swim in clear water, or enjoy a cold drink at one of the local restaurants. This stop is less about checking off a major sight and more about giving you one last island pause before the boat returns toward Dubrovnik.

The hour-long schedule keeps the day moving, but it also means you will need to choose. A walk, swim, and restaurant stop may not all fit comfortably. I would treat Šipan as a chance to slow down and enjoy one small part of island life rather than try to do everything.

The stop also breaks up the return journey. After several hours of sun and water, a final shore break can be welcome, especially if someone in your group prefers land-based time between swims.

Two hours of sailing through the Elaphiti Islands

About two hours of the day are set aside for sailing and cruising around the Elaphiti Islands. This is where the private format earns its keep. You are not simply being carried from one dock to another. The boat itself is part of the experience.

Dragan offers basic sailing lessons, and the strong praise for his ability to catch the wind suggests that this can be an active, memorable part of the day. You can learn the fundamentals, ask questions, or let the skipper demonstrate while you enjoy the views.

The pace of a sailboat is slower than a motorboat. That is precisely the point, but it can also test your patience if you want to cover a lot of distance quickly. One family specifically found the sailing approach better than a motorboat excursion, while another group valued the leisurely feel. If speed is your priority, choose a different type of boat. If you enjoy time on the water, the slower pace is a major benefit.

Fuel is included, as are coffee and tea. The boat has a fully equipped kitchen, though that does not mean lunch is provided. You may bring your own nonalcoholic drinks, while alcoholic beverages are not included. The stated drinking age is 18.

The trip title refers to the Blue Cave, but the supplied schedule names Koločep, Šunj Beach, Lopud, Šipan, and general sailing around the Elaphiti Islands. Since a separate Blue Cave visit is not clearly described, ask the operator to confirm whether it is included on your chosen route, weather permitting.

What the $744.61 group price really means

The listed price is $744.61 for a group of up to eight people. For a full eight-person group, that works out to about $93 per person before lunch, drinks, tips, transfers, or the optional 40 euro dinghy.

That is a different value calculation from a standard ticketed cruise. You are paying for a private boat, skipper, fuel, equipment, sailing instruction, and the ability to spend the day with only your own group. A couple or small family will pay more per person than a full group, but the privacy can still matter if you dislike crowded excursions or want more control over swimming time.

Fuel being included is helpful because fuel costs can otherwise make boat outings less predictable. Snorkeling equipment, the SUP, coffee, tea, shower, and kitchen also reduce the need to rent or pack extra items.

The largest extra cost is lunch. Pickup and drop-off are optional and not included, so ask about the transfer price if you do not want to reach Lapadska obala independently. Gratuities are also separate. The free cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund, which is important for a sailing day.

Who will enjoy this private sailing day most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and groups of friends who want a full day on the water without sharing the boat with strangers. It is especially suitable for people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and a relaxed lunch rather than a long list of formal sightseeing stops.

Families may appreciate the adjustable route and the chance to choose between sailing and shore time. The included equipment keeps things simple, and the skipper has experience making the day comfortable for children.

It also suits anyone who wants to try sailing. The lessons are included, and you can participate as much or as little as you like. That hands-on element gives the day more character than a standard boat ride.

You may want to skip it if you dislike open-water activities, want guaranteed Blue Cave access, or prefer a detailed historical tour with a guide at every stop. The 8-hour length can also be tiring in strong sun, and the one-hour stops require you to manage your time.

With a perfect 5 rating from 13 submitted ratings and full recommendation from those who rated it, the strongest praise centers on Dragan, the relaxed sailing style, family flexibility, and the beauty of the island stops. Those are the parts I would focus on when deciding, not the promise of checking off every possible attraction.

Should you book the Diamond Sailing Service tour?

Book it if you want a private, unhurried day that mixes hands-on sailing with swimming and island time. A full group gets the best financial value, while a smaller group pays for privacy, flexibility, and a more personal relationship with the skipper.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact boat route, whether the Blue Cave is included, and the expected lunch stop. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and money for food and drinks. If those details suit your plans, this is a strong choice for seeing the Elaphiti Islands at a slower, more enjoyable pace.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing tour start and finish?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, at 9:30 a.m. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The outing lasts approximately eight hours. The schedule includes about one hour at Koločep, one hour at Šunj Beach, two hours around Lopud, one hour at Šipan, and about two hours of sailing or cruising.

How many people can join the private boat tour?

The price covers one private group of up to eight people. Only your own group participates in the activity.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price. The group stops at one of the islands for a meal, with Lopud presented as one possible lunch location.

What equipment and refreshments are included?

Fuel, coffee, tea, snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, an onboard rest area, an outdoor shower, and use of the fully equipped kitchen are included. Alcoholic drinks are not included, though you may bring your own drinks.

Can I cancel the booking for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.