Turquoise water days feel rare. This one runs like a proper island cruise from Dubrovnik to Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with plenty of swim time and gear included.

I like the small group setup (max 8) and the way the day stays water-focused, not bus-focused. You’ll also get optional add-ons like the Blue Cave, depending on how things roll.

One possible downside: your main meal costs extra, since lunch on Lopud is planned but not included in the tour price.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Max 8 travelers for a calmer boat day: less crowding, more room to move and talk.
• Captain Dragan (and even the name Zeba shows up): friendly, practical handling of the boat and an easy, chat-with-us vibe.
• Koločep + Lopud split keeps the water fun coming: short travel stretches, then swim/sun time.
• Blue Cave is optional and can be worked in if you want it, with an admission ticket listed as free.
• Real “active” freebies: SUP access, snorkeling-style underwater gear, plus coffee/tea and a welcome drink.
• Outdoor shower on board: a small thing that makes a big difference after saltwater swims.

Setting off from Dubrovnik’s Lapadska obala at 9:30

This tour starts at Lapadska obala 4, right in the Lapad area of Dubrovnik, with a 9:30am departure. The big win here is timing: you’re already on the water before the day gets crowded with land plans.

Expect an about 8-hour full-day outing. And because this is diamond sailing service with a boat that caps at 8 people, the day feels closer to a personal charter than a cattle-call cruise. You’ll also want that morning energy, because the schedule is built around multiple swim breaks rather than one long sightseeing block.

What you get on board before the islands even start

The included start-of-day touches are simple, useful, and not trying too hard. There’s a free welcome drink, and you can also count on free coffee or tea. There’s even an outdoor shower, which matters more than you’d think once you’ve been in and out of the water a few times.

You’ll also have access to free SUP (stand up paddle) and free underwater gear. On this kind of sailing, that’s not just a checklist item—it changes what you can actually do once you’re stopped in a cove. If you’re the type who likes moving around rather than just lounging, these extras help you get more out of each swim stop.

One more nice detail: there are free sailing lessons. You’ll likely get a chance to understand basic lines and what they do, and some reviews mention steering time. If you’ve never sailed before, this is a friendly way to feel competent without needing a technical background.

Koločep Island: swim, snorkel, and the bird-sound coves

First up is Koločep Island, and the tone is set fast: sailing out from Dubrovnik, then easing into a day of sheltered bays. This stop is built for water time—think swimming, snorkeling, and sunning with a relaxed pace.

You’ll get about an hour on Koločep, with the emphasis on natural quiet: cliff sounds, birds overhead, and the kind of clear water that makes you want to keep re-entering the same spot. If you like to linger where the water is calm, this fits you well.

There’s also a Blue Cave option tied to this stop. It’s not a forced detour; it’s dependent on what you want and what fits the day. If you do it, the info lists an admission ticket as free. In plain terms: if you’re curious and the conditions work, you can add it without paying another full attraction fee.

Lopud’s Sunj Beach: the sandy break everyone talks about

Next comes Sunj Beach, the sandy trademark area of Lopud. This is the stop that feels more like beach time than boat-time. You’ll have about one hour here—long enough to swim, get a handle on the shoreline, and do some snorkel time near the rocks.

It’s also one of those places where you can stay put and still feel like you’re doing something. If you want a beach-club moment, you can even make a short swim over to the shore to grab a drink. Just don’t expect that part to be included—you’ll want to budget for anything you buy on the beach.

The main drawback is also simple: one hour goes by fast. If you want a full beach afternoon, this tour is still a good match, but you’ll do that longer island-living moment on Lopud’s lunch stop instead.

Lopud Island: village walks, a sea-side lunch stop, and monastery time

Then you’re on Lopud Island for about two hours. This is where the day shifts from pure swim breaks into island rhythm: a walk through the village and downtime built around the beach.

Lunch is planned here at a restaurant by the sea, and it’s described as very close to the shoreline—about 20 meters from the beach. Importantly, lunch is not included in the price, so you’ll want to treat this as your paid meal moment for the day. One review also mentioned the captain reserving a table on the water, which is the kind of detail that makes the meal feel easier and more “set” instead of rushed.

You’ll also have options beyond lunch. There’s mention of a local monastery from the 14th century, and if you like mixing a short walk with views, this is your chance to add a little culture without turning the day into a museum marathon. And of course, after lunch, you can keep swimming in clear water while the others are doing their own thing.

Šipan (Sipan) as a time-flex stop

After Lopud, the itinerary includes Šipan as the final stop, but it’s explicitly optional based on timing. If there’s time, you get about one hour to explore.

In that time window, you can walk around a small village, enjoy swimming in clear water, or stop for a cold drink at a restaurant. Since this is optional, it’s less about ticking a box and more about squeezing in extra island life if the day has room. If the weather or the overall pace changes, this flexibility can actually be a good thing.

The sailing itself: lots of water time, not a long slog

A big reason this tour scores so high is how the sea time is used. The day is basically designed around the question: where can you swim, snorkel, and relax without losing hours to constant travel?

That matters in Dubrovnik. From here, you can burn half a day just getting out and back if a tour is poorly planned. This route keeps travel stretches shorter and focuses on pristine bays with repeat opportunities to cool off and reset.

You’ll also pass interesting coastal areas along the way, and there can be an extra swimming pause in bays if time allows. It’s not “one stop and done.” It’s more like: stop, play, sail to the next calm patch, repeat.

Free gear and small comforts that make it easier

The included items are practical, not gimmicky. Free SUP means you can add a different kind of motion besides swimming. Free underwater gear means you’re not stuck trying to rent equipment once you’re already on a schedule.

Then there’s the basic stuff: coffee or tea, a welcome drink, and an outdoor shower. The shower is a quiet hero. When you’re salt-sticky and sun-warmed, a quick rinse turns an end-of-day scramble into a simple landing.

One note from feedback: the tour doesn’t position itself as a full meal-and-snack service. You’re allowed to bring what you want. If you have preferences—snacks, something for energy, or extra drinks—pack accordingly so you’re not relying on what’s on board or what you can buy on shore.

Captain Dragan’s style: calm, efficient, and hands-on

This trip’s vibe is strongly tied to the skipper. Multiple reviews point to Captain Dragan (sometimes written as Dragon) as professional, friendly, and efficient. He’s described as an easy person to talk with, and in at least one case, he’s let people steer or explained the boat’s lines so you feel involved rather than just seated.

There’s also mention of a skipper/host named Zeba in a glowing review. The takeaway for you: the people running the boat tend to be human, not stiff. You’ll feel taken care of without the performance of a scripted “tour guide show.”

Weather can also come into play. In one review, rain delayed returning to port and the captain helped by letting the person stay on board and making coffee while waiting. That kind of small kindness is worth its weight when you’re already out on the water.

Price and value: $170.43 makes sense if you want water time

At $170.43 per person, you’re paying for boat access, multiple island stops, and a lot of included extras. You’re not just buying a seat—you’re buying a day of water-focused activities.

What’s included that protects your value:

• the boat day with sailing time and stops
• free SUP
• free underwater gear
• free coffee/tea plus a welcome drink
• outdoor shower
• the chance at Blue Cave if you want it (with admission ticket listed as free)

What you should budget separately:

• food, since the tour notes lunch is planned on Lopud but isn’t included
• any beach purchases or drinks you choose to buy

If you arrive thinking this will be an all-in-one dining experience, you might feel short. If you arrive thinking it’s mostly a water and island day where you’ll handle your own meal, it starts to feel like a fair deal.

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

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a small-group boat day instead of a big crowd experience
• like to swim and snorkel repeatedly during the day
• enjoy island time with short walks and beach breaks
• don’t mind paying for lunch separately to keep the tour flexible

It’s less ideal if you:

• want a long, uninterrupted beach day (Sunj Beach is about one hour)
• expect that snacks and drinks are fully handled for you onboard
• dislike water activities and want mostly “stay dry and sightsee”

Weather reality: plan for good days, stay flexible for the bad ones

This is a sailing tour, so weather matters. The experience data states it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Also, optional parts like the Blue Cave are easier when conditions cooperate. If the day gets choppy, the crew will likely prioritize safe, comfortable stops and might shift what’s possible.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Elaphiti sailing tour?

Book it if you want the best version of a Dubrovnik day that doesn’t involve another bus ride or another long line. The small group size, the repeated swim stops, and the included water gear make it feel like you’re actually using the day well.

Skip it (or at least adjust your expectations) if you want an all-inclusive food experience or you’re only a casual swimmer. You’ll still have a great time if you prepare—bring what you like for snacks and drinks, and plan for lunch on Lopud.

If you’re the type who looks at the map and immediately thinks about water coves and island beaches, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik sailing tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is lunch included?

Food is not included. Lunch is planned on Lopud at a restaurant, so you’ll pay for your meal there.

Is the Blue Cave included?

Visiting the Blue Cave is possible depending on guests’ wishes, and the admission ticket is listed as free.

What activities and gear are included?

You get free coffee or tea, a welcome drink, free sailing lessons, free SUP, free underwater gear, and access to an outdoor shower.