Eight hours on the water turns Dubrovnik up to 11. You start in Cavtat and sail toward the Elaphiti Islands with Mato (Matthew), a licensed skipper with 20+ years who shares Croatian history and everyday life as you go.

My favorite part is the focus on real sea time, especially the swim break on Lopud at Sunj Beach, the only sandy option in the Dubrovnik area.

One thing to plan for: food isn’t included, so your day may depend on optional lunch on Lopud or bringing your own approach to snacks.

Quick hits before you book

• Private group sailing for up to 8, so the pace and stops feel flexible
• Sunj Beach on Lopud for an actual sandy swim break
• Dubrovnik City Walls in the distance on the way out, no ticket lines required
• Koločep and Blue Cave stop (possible) on the return route
• Water and snorkeling gear included, plus drinks on board from the experience style

Sailing Out of Cavtat: a Private Day With Actual Wind Time

This tour starts from the Old City port of Cavtat. The meeting point is next to the waterpolo training field, and then you’re set up for an 8-hour day on the water instead of a day spent hopping between stops.

What I like about private sailing here is simple: you’re not squeezed into someone else’s schedule. With a boat built for sailing and a captain who knows when to go and where to look, you get more time in the water and less time “waiting for the group.”

You’ll also get that end-of-day reward. When you return, Cavtat’s harbor is full of super yachts, and it feels like the trip ends in comfort rather than traffic.

Dubrovnik City Walls From Afar: Views Without the Crowds

On the sail toward the Elaphiti Islands, you’ll see the old Dubrovnik city walls from a distance. This is a smart way to experience a major landmark: you get the shape and scale of Dubrovnik’s fortifications without needing to treat your legs like a ticket.

From the water, the walls read differently. They don’t just look historic; they look strategic—built to protect a coastline. If you’ve ever seen Dubrovnik from a bus window, this gives you a clearer sense of how the whole city sits along the sea.

Elaphiti Islands Time: How the Sea Changes the Day

The tour’s “main character” is the sea and the islands. The route is designed so you’re sailing between stops rather than bouncing from dock to dock.

That matters because it’s when things feel best—when you can enjoy the turquoise sea, watch the islands slip by, and settle into a slower rhythm. This is also where the captain’s experience really shows up. In the stories from past guests, the moment the engine goes off and sailing takes over is described as heavenly—quiet, calm, and very easy to enjoy.

If you care about scenery, this is the kind of trip where your phone will be busy, but you’ll still want your eyes up more than your hands on the screen.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: the Only Sandy Swim in the Area

Your biggest planned break is on Lopud Island. This is where the itinerary turns into a “do-nothing-and-enjoy-the-water” day.

You’ll get a scheduled swimming break at Sunj Beach, which is famous locally because it’s the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area. That’s a big deal if you’re coming from rocky shorelines and you want an easy step-in swim. It’s also why this stop works for couples, groups, and mixed-age families who still want everyone to relax.

There’s also the option to grab lunch nearby at a restaurant on the island. Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, but having the option right where you’re already swimming helps you avoid hunting for food with a time crunch.

Practical tip: plan your day around this swim break. If you’re thinking about snorkeling, do it during the swimming time so you’re not rushing after.

Koločep and the Blue Caves Maybe: How the Return Adds a Twist

On the way back, the boat sails close to Koločep Island. There’s a chance of a short stop next to the famous Blue Cave, depending on conditions and timing.

This “maybe” matters. It means you’re not guaranteed a long detour, but you do get the possibility of a special side stop. For me, that’s a good compromise on a private day: you still get the core experience, and you leave room for a bonus if the sea cooperates.

Even if the Blue Cave stop doesn’t happen, you’re still getting the return sail along the islands, and the day doesn’t feel like it ended early. The energy simply shifts from swimming to one last stretch of cruising.

On Board: Licensed Captain, Snorkel Gear, and Drinks

The tour includes a professional licensed guide with more than 20 years experience. That’s not just a credential; it’s peace of mind. You’re out on open water for hours, so the biggest comfort is trusting that the boat handling and timing are in good hands.

You’ll also have water and snorkeling equipment included. Past guests specifically mention soft drinks on the boat, which is the kind of small comfort that makes a difference when you’re out in the sun and salt air.

You’re sailing on the best sailing boat in the Dubrovnik area (as listed by the operator). In plain terms, that means you’re on something suited for this kind of day—built for enjoying the sea, not suffering through it.

Lunch on Lopud: Optional, Easy to Add, and Worth Thinking About

Lunch is not included in the price. That’s the clearest trade-off with this tour: you’re paying mainly for the boat time, captain, and equipment, and then handling meals separately.

The upside is flexibility. On a private sailing day, I like options because tastes and appetites vary. If you want a proper sit-down meal, you can organize lunch at the nearby restaurant on Lopud. If you want to keep it light, the tour still gives you water and a long swim break so you can snack and reset.

If you’re doing this as a “one special day” trip, I’d treat lunch as part of the plan. Choose a time mindset: after swimming, you’re usually ready for food, not just another stop.

Price and Value: $706 for a Private Group Up to 8

The price is $706 per group up to 8 for an 8-hour private sailing tour. Private sailing can sound expensive until you do the simple math: at higher group sizes, the per-person cost drops fast.

But the better way to judge value is to ask what you’re buying:

• A full day on the water with sailing time, not a short hop
• A professional licensed skipper with 20+ years
• Included snorkeling gear and water
• A structured itinerary with Dubrovnik walls in view and a real sandy swim at Sunj Beach

If you’re traveling as a small group and you want a day that feels different from the usual Dubrovnik sightseeing grind, this is the kind of tour that can feel worth it. If you’re traveling solo or as a duo, it’s still memorable, but you’ll feel the cost more.

One strategy: if you can fill the group size with friends or family, the value gets a lot easier to justify.

Who This Sailing Tour Fits Best

This tour works especially well if you want Dubrovnik scenery without spending your whole day in crowds. The boat vantage point for the city walls is a smart alternative.

It’s also a strong pick for:

• People who want a relaxed day with real water time and a sandy beach stop
• Families who can enjoy swimming breaks without constant transfers
• Anyone who likes history context but doesn’t want a museum schedule

If you’re the type who gets anxious with plans changing, this still might work because the main structure is fixed (the Lopud stop and swimming time). The only “flex” element is the possible short Blue Cave stop.

Should You Book This Private Sailing Day?

I’d book it if you want a private day that feels like a true coastal escape: Cavtat harbor at the start, islands in the middle, and Dubrovnik’s walls showing up from the sea like an old postcard with depth.

Be sure to plan for meals since food isn’t included. Also, if you’re set on a specific wildlife-or-cave moment, remember the Blue Cave stop is possible, not guaranteed—so go for the sailing and the swim first, and treat extras as a bonus.

If you’re coming for a memorable “one day only” experience near Dubrovnik, this is the kind of day that gives you pictures, stories, and a calmer pace all in the same 8 hours.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is next to the waterpolo training field.

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a professional licensed guide, water, snorkeling equipment, and the sailing boat.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. There is a possibility of organizing lunch at a nearby restaurant on Lopud.

Is this a private group tour?

Yes. It’s a private group with a maximum group size of up to 8.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.