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

The best part of this Dubrovnik excursion is the freedom of a private sailboat. Instead of following a large motorboat group from one stop to the next, you can spend the day swimming, learning a little sailing, and choosing how long to linger around the Elaphiti Islands. Skipper Dragan is praised for his friendly manner, strong English, and willingness to adjust the route, including for families with children.

I like the mix of quiet coves and sandy Sunj Beach, since you get both open-water swimming and a proper beach stop. I also like the useful extras: snorkeling equipment, a stand-up paddleboard, coffee, tea, an outdoor shower, and fuel are included. The main drawback is that lunch, alcoholic drinks, optional pickup, and the dinghy with outboard motor cost extra, so the advertised group price is not the full cost of the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to eight people: You have the boat and skipper to yourselves, with no unrelated group joining.
• A relaxed island route: Koločep, Sunj Beach, Lopud, and Šipan each offer a different kind of stop.
• Sailing is part of the experience: Dragan can teach you basic sailing rather than simply driving between beaches.
• Useful water gear is included: Snorkels, a SUP, an outdoor shower, and onboard rest space make swimming stops easier.
• Lunch is flexible but not included: You can eat at a local restaurant on Lopud or another island, at your own cost.
• Weather matters: The trip runs for about eight hours and can be moved or refunded if poor weather cancels it.

A full day on a private Dubrovnik sailboat

This is a day for people who want the sea to be the main event. You meet at 9:30 a.m. at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, then spend roughly eight hours moving through the Elaphiti Islands by sailboat.

The boat has a rest area, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor shower, and room for up to eight people in your own group. That capacity matters. Eight friends or family members can share the cost and still have a much more personal outing than a large public cruise.

The skipper, Dragan, is one of the most important parts of the experience. He speaks English, teaches basic sailing, and has adjusted the route for families with children. If you want a quiet day with several swims, say so. If you want to spend more time learning how the boat works, that is also worth discussing at the start.

This is not a high-speed sightseeing circuit. The route includes about two hours of sailing and cruising between the island stops, plus time for swimming, walking, eating, and relaxing. You should expect the day to feel unhurried, with the boat itself serving as part of the attraction.

Koločep: your first hour in the water

Koločep is the first scheduled stop, with about one hour set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is a useful opening stop because you can get comfortable with the boat and water gear before the longer part of the day.

The island is known here for clear bays and attractive beaches. You can use the included snorkeling equipment, or simply swim and sit in the sun. The included SUP gives you another option if you want to paddle rather than stay close to the boat.

One hour goes quickly. If you want a long snorkel session, you may find the stop short, especially if you also want time to shower and change. Still, Koločep sets the right pace: get in the water early, enjoy the island from sea level, and let the boat do the work between stops.

Sunj Beach: a rare sandy pause

The next stop is Sunj Beach on Lopud, one of the most appealing parts of the route for anyone who prefers sand underfoot. Many beaches around the Adriatic are rocky or pebbled, so a sandy beach creates a different kind of break from the boat.

You have about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling near the rocks, or sunbathing. You can also swim ashore for a drink at the beach club. That choice gives you some flexibility, though the drink is not part of the tour price.

Sunj can be the most popular-feeling stop of the day because it is a recognizable beach destination rather than an empty swimming cove. If your group prefers quiet water and private boat time, you may enjoy Koločep more. If you want a simple beach hour with the option of buying a cold drink, Sunj is the stronger stop.

Lopud village and a two-hour lunch break

Lopud receives the longest scheduled visit, about two hours. This is where you can leave the boat for a proper walk through the village, visit a 14th-century monastery, swim again, or eat at a local restaurant.

The longer stop keeps the day from becoming a string of rushed swims. I like that you are not forced to remain on the boat all day. You can stretch your legs, look around the settlement, and choose a meal at your own expense.

Lunch is not included, and the tour does not set a fixed menu or restaurant price. That is useful if your group has different appetites, but you should budget for it. The strongest practical plan is to decide with Dragan whether you want lunch on Lopud before leaving Dubrovnik, especially if you have children or dietary needs.

The description also allows for swimming and eating at one of the island restaurants. The exact balance depends on your group and the route that day. If you want the full two hours for the village and monastery, lunch can take a large share of that time.

Šipan: a quieter final island stop

Šipan is the last named island stop, with about one hour available. If you already ate on Lopud, the plan is to spend this time walking around town, swimming in clear water, or having a cold drink at a restaurant.

Šipan works well as a final pause because it gives you another choice between land and water. You can take a short walk, settle into a restaurant, or make one more swim before the return cruise.

There is a little uncertainty built into this section. The precise activity depends on whether lunch happened earlier and how the day has unfolded. That is not a flaw for a private trip, but it does mean you should not expect a rigid timetable at every stop.

Sailing lessons and time between islands

The two hours of sailing and cruising are not dead time. They are part of what separates this outing from a basic island transfer. Fuel is included, and Dragan can show you the fundamentals of sailing if conditions and interest allow.

You should treat the sailing lesson as an added experience, not a formal course. The available information promises free sailing lessons and describes Dragan teaching guests how to sail. It does not specify the length, depth, or certification of the instruction.

The boat also includes coffee and tea, a kitchen, and a rest area. Those features matter during a full day on the water. You can take a break from swimming, have a hot drink, or settle in while the boat moves to the next island.

Alcohol is not included, though you may bring your own drinks. The stated drinking age is 18. You should plan your own supply of nonalcoholic drinks and food unless you intend to buy lunch on the islands.

Where does the Blue Cave fit?

The experience is presented as a trip to the Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave, but the detailed route names Koločep, Sunj Beach, Lopud, Šipan, and general cruising. It does not give a separate Blue Cave stop or a guaranteed time there.

That is worth clarifying before you pay. If the cave is the main reason you want to book, ask Diamond sailing service whether it is included on your chosen date, how long you will spend there, and whether weather or sea conditions can change that part of the route.

The named island stops are clear. The Blue Cave portion is less specific, so do not assume the title alone tells you the exact route.

What the $744.61 group price really means

The price is $744.61 for the entire group, up to eight people. At full capacity, that works out to about $93 per person before lunch, drinks, tips, pickup, or the optional dinghy. For a couple, the cost per person is much higher, so this tour makes the most financial sense for a family or group of friends.

Fuel, coffee, tea, snorkeling equipment, and the SUP are included. Those inclusions reduce the need to pay small extras throughout the day, and they make the price easier to justify if you plan to swim at several stops.

Lunch is not included. Alcohol is not included, although you can bring your own. Pickup and drop-off are optional rather than included, and a dinghy with an outboard motor costs 40 euros per day if requested.

The value comes from privacy and flexibility, not from the number of attractions checked off. If you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour with every meal and transfer covered, this may feel less complete. If your group values a private boat, swimming time, and the chance to shape the day with the skipper, the price is more attractive.

Who will enjoy this day most

This is a good choice for families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that want their own space. The route can be adjusted for children, and the onboard SUP and snorkeling gear give active groups plenty to do during the water stops.

It also suits anyone who prefers sailing to a fast motorboat ride. The pace is slower, and the sailing lesson adds a hands-on element. The boat provides a place to rest, so you are not committed to swimming at every stop.

You should think twice if your group dislikes open-water time, wants a guaranteed elaborate lunch, or expects a highly fixed schedule. The tour is shaped by weather, sailing conditions, the group’s choices, and the time spent at each island.

Practical details that affect the day

You start at 9:30 a.m. at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik and return to the same meeting point. The location is near public transportation, but pickup and drop-off are not included unless arranged as an optional extra.

The activity is private, so only your group participates. That makes it easier to discuss swimming ability, children, lunch timing, and how much sailing instruction you want before leaving the harbor.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate. Because the activity requires good weather, poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling or changing the booking less than 24 hours before departure is not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff uses local time.

My call: book it if the boat matters as much as the islands

I would book this tour for a group of up to eight that wants a relaxed private day on the water, especially if swimming, sailing, and flexibility matter more than a packed sightseeing schedule. Dragan’s friendly, adaptable style is a real asset, and the included water equipment keeps the day simple.

Before booking, confirm the Blue Cave details, decide where you want lunch, and allow extra money for food, drinks, tips, pickup, or the optional dinghy. If your group can fill most of the boat and wants to learn a little sailing while visiting Koločep, Sunj Beach, Lopud, and Šipan, this is a strong Dubrovnik day trip. If you are only two people and want the lowest possible cost, a shared cruise may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing tour start?

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private tour is available for a group of up to eight people.

Which islands are included in the route?

The route includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with a stop at Sunj Beach on Lopud and additional sailing around the Elaphiti Islands.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can stop at a local restaurant on Lopud or another island and pay for your own meal.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can bring your own drinks. The stated drinking age is 18.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is a stand-up paddleboard available?

Yes. A free SUP, or stand-up paddleboard, is available onboard.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts.