Crystal water beats the big-tour shuffle. You get a private boat for up to six, plus real time for swimming from the boat, with a captain like Filip who keeps the day flowing. The one thing to plan around is wind—on lighter days, you may cruise by motor more than you hoped.

This trip is built for people who like their sightseeing to feel like a day at sea: short island stops, then sailing/cruising time where you can relax. It starts at 9:00 am at Lapadska obala 21 in Dubrovnik and ends back at the same meeting point about eight hours later.

At $692.36 per group, it’s a splurge that starts to make sense once you split the cost. Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for food and drinks during the islands stop.

Key things that make this Elafiti sailing day work

• Private pace for up to 6: fewer people, more control of when you’re in the water
• Boat-to-bay swimming at Koločep and Lopud’s Šunj Beach
• Snorkeling gear included, so you don’t have to bring your own
• Sipan time with a town walk and Škocibuha castle
• Outdoor shower and restroom on board, which you’ll appreciate fast in summer
• A captain who plans ahead, including restaurant reservations when needed

A private yacht day to the Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik

If you’re tired of Dubrovnik’s streets being packed all day, this is the escape hatch. I like that the format stays simple: you sail out, get a few focused island moments, and then you spend real time cruising around the Elafiti area. It’s a full day without feeling like you’re speed-running sights.

The tour is private, meaning it’s just your group (up to 6 people). That matters because it changes the feel of the day: you’re not stuck in a long boarding line, you’re not waiting behind other groups for water time, and you can settle into the rhythm the captain chooses for wind, traffic, and sea conditions.

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 21 in Dubrovnik, with a 9:00 am start. Expect about 8 hours total, and you’ll come back to the same place at the end. If you’re staying in the Old Town area, it’s helpful to plan a little extra time to get yourself and your swim stuff organized before departure.

What happens during the Koločep Island swim hour

Koločep is where the day often clicks into vacation mode. You get about an hour on the island, and the focus is on the kind of water time that doesn’t require a lot of planning: pristine bays, beaches, and the option to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.

This stop is short on purpose. You’re there long enough to get wet and enjoy the coastline, but not so long that you lose the sailing flow. I like that trade-off—especially if you’d rather spend your day in the water than hopping on and off land.

Practical note: the trip includes snorkeling equipment, so if you want to try it, you can. Still, I recommend bringing your own towel if you have the space. A captain will usually help you sort gear and keep things safe, but it’s always easier when you show up ready.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: sandy shore time with easy boat access

Next up is Šunj Beach on Lopud, also about an hour. This beach is famous for its sand, which is a nice change from the rocky entries you get at a lot of Adriatic coves. The plan here matches the day’s theme: swim and snorkel from the boat, then you can head to shore if you want sand time and a drink from one of the nearby restaurants.

I like how flexible this stop feels. If you want calm water and an easy swim, you can stay in the shallows. If you want a longer swim, you can use the boat as your “base,” then return when you’re done.

One consideration: one hour can disappear quickly in peak season. If your group loves beaches, bring a bit of patience and think of this stop as a concentrated burst of sand and sea, not a full beach afternoon.

Sipan island: town walk, Škocibuha castle, and a real meal stop

Sipan is where you get more of that island-town texture. You have around two hours here, which is enough time to take a walk through the town and fit in a visit to Škocibuha castle. You can also swim and, importantly, eat.

Lunch isn’t included, but there’s typically a stop on one of the islands where you can grab food. In Sipan, you’re in the middle of options—especially for anyone who cares about eating local seafood. I also like that the captain can handle reservations when a smaller place gets booked up.

From experience, this is one of the best places to decide what matters most to your group. If food is the priority, you can use Sipan for that. If swimming is the priority, you can keep the meal lighter and spend more time in the water afterward.

If you’ve got kids: this is also a good stop in the sense that the captain has experience hosting families and looks after safety. In one family-focused day, high-quality buoyancy vests were provided, which made the kids feel comfortable onboard.

The long cruising blocks: why “sailing time” is the point

After Sipan, the day shifts into more sailing/cruising time, with the remaining hours spent out on the water around the Elafiti area. In plain terms: you’re not rushing from one Instagram spot to the next. You’re hanging out in a slower rhythm where the scenery and the sea do most of the work.

This matters because the weather and wind are part of the deal. On wind-light days, you might cruise by motor more than you expected, then catch sailing when conditions allow later. That’s not a deal-break for me, because the value here is the combination: a private boat, clean swimming conditions, and time away from crowds.

You’ll feel the payoff most when you stop thinking like a tourist and start thinking like a passenger. Sit back. Let the captain steer. When the water is calm enough, jump in when the moment feels right.

Onboard comfort: snorkel gear, restroom, and an outdoor rinse

The basics onboard are exactly the kind of things that make or break a swim day. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus an outdoor shower and a restroom on board. That’s huge when you’ve been in saltwater and want to rinse off before changing clothes.

Fuel surcharge is included too, so you’re not getting surprised by add-ons for the sailing portion. I also like that the tour is designed for a small group size, which generally keeps the boat feel relaxed.

If you’re packing for the day, think “swim and reset.” Bring sunscreen, your swimwear, and ideally a light layer for sun-off moments. Water and snacks aren’t listed as included, so if your group likes to graze, plan to bring some. Several people find it helpful to have their own water and snacks ready.

Price and value: what $692.36 per group really buys

This tour costs $692.36 per group for up to 6 people. That sounds high until you remember it’s private, and the day includes the boat, fuel, snorkeling equipment, and basic onboard amenities.

Here’s the honest way I look at value:

• If you’re traveling as a pair or family of four, it can feel like a high-end day—especially since lunch and drinks aren’t included.
• If you can share with friends and split the group cost, it becomes a lot more reasonable for a full-day private sail with multiple swim stops.

Budget wisely. Lunch is not included, and neither are soda/pop or alcoholic beverages. Also, private transport to the marina is not included—there’s an estimate of around 40€ for an Uber if you’re outside Dubrovnik, and the operator notes that you can ask for help on reaching the marina.

One practical tip: the marina can be reachable by bus (bus 6 is mentioned as an option). If you’re staying centrally, it may save you hassle compared with coordinating a car.

Getting to the right spot in Dubrovnik (so you don’t start stressed)

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 21, Dubrovnik, and it ends back there. Start time is 9:00 am, so you’ll want to be at the meeting point early enough to find the exact pickup spot and get your group together.

If you’re not staying in Dubrovnik proper, plan for the marina transfer. The tour data only gives an estimate, so I suggest confirming your best route ahead of time. It’s the kind of small planning step that keeps the day from starting with a scramble.

Because the meeting area is near public transportation, you can often keep it simple. Still, bring a little buffer—morning starts in summer can be busy.

Who this Elafiti sailing day suits best

This is a great match if you want:

• A small-group, private boat day instead of a mass departure
• Swim-focused stops with easy access from the water
• A pace that mixes short island time with longer cruising
• A captain who communicates clearly and can adapt the day to conditions

It’s especially good for families, since buoyancy vests can be available and the day is paced rather than frantic. If you’re traveling with people who care more about relaxing sea time than ticking off a long list of monuments, you’ll likely love the format.

If you’re the type who wants a strict sightseeing schedule and lots of land walking, you might feel there isn’t enough time onshore. But if you’re chasing the sea itself, this trip hits the sweet spot.

Should you book this private Elafiti sailing tour?

I’d book it if your top goal is a private day at sea with multiple swim opportunities and a calm, friendly captain-led experience. The included snorkeling gear, onboard shower/restroom, and the way the day is paced for water time make it feel more like a true escape than a checklist tour.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting nonstop sailing in strong wind—because wind can be light and the captain may use the motor for stretches. Also factor in extra spending for lunch and drinks, since those aren’t included.

If you want an authentic Adriatic day that feels personal, and you’re okay with a flexible sailing rhythm, this one is a strong pick.

FAQ

FAQ

How many people are on this private tour?

It’s a private experience for your group, up to 6 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Lapadska obala 21, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The start time is 9:00 am, and the duration is about 8 hours.

Which islands will we visit?

You’ll stop at Kolocep Island, Šunj Beach on Lopud, and Sipan, with additional time spent sailing/cruising around the Elaphiti Islands area.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. There is a lunch stop on one of the islands, but lunch is not included in the price.

What’s included onboard?

The tour includes an outdoor shower, a restroom on board, snorkeling equipment, and a fuel surcharge.

What should I budget for lunch and drinks?

Lunch is not included. Soda/pop and alcoholic beverages are also not included, so you’ll want to plan spending for those on the islands.

Do I need to pay for transport to the marina?

Private transport is not included. There’s an estimated cost of about 40€ for an Uber to the marina if you’re outside of Dubrovnik, and the operator says you can contact them for help with getting to the marina.

What if 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.