This full-day Elafiti sailing trip is a smart way to trade old-town lines for open-water time with Filip at the helm. I love that you get snorkeling gear and easy water access, plus you’re not jammed onto one of the bigger party boats.

You’ll spend about 8 hours on the water, with swim stops that are intentionally short. The main thing to consider is that the day depends on good weather, so plan to stay flexible if conditions aren’t perfect.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• A true small-group sail (max 6 people), so the day stays calm and personal
• Snorkeling gear included, making it easy to hop in without extra stops or fees
• Restroom onboard + outdoor shower, which matters more than you think after a few swims
• Three different island vibes: Koločep beaches, Lopud’s Šunj sand, and Šipan town and castle
• Lunch is optional on Šipan, and Filip can help you choose
• More sailing, less crowds, with time left for just cruising between stops

Why this Elafiti sail feels better than the big-boat versions

Dubrovnik is gorgeous, but in peak season it can feel like you’re constantly moving with the crowd. This tour cuts that problem down fast. You start the day at Lapadska obala 21a, then head out to the Elafiti Islands in a smaller boat with room to breathe.

What makes the experience feel different is the pacing. Instead of a rushed “look and move on” format, you get multiple chances to stop, swim, and snorkel. And because the group is limited to up to 6 travelers, it stays more like a shared day on the water than a production line.

Filip’s style is also part of the value. From how he runs the day, you can tell he’s focused on safety and comfort, not just checking boxes. Many people also mention how he explains what you’re seeing while keeping the vibe relaxed, so you get context without feeling lectured.

The price: $157.22 for a full day on a small sailboat

At $157.22 per person for about 8 hours, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do from Dubrovnik. But it’s not overpriced either, given what’s included.

You’re paying for several practical items that would add up on your own:

• snorkeling equipment
• fuel/gas coverage (so the boat can actually run between islands)
• a restroom on board and an outdoor shower
• a small-group day with a working captain

You also get three separate swim opportunities across different islands: Koločep, Lopud (Šunj Beach), and Šipan. If you want a beach day plus snorkeling plus sailing, doing it this way is usually better value than piecing it together with separate transport and paid activities.

The one cost that can sneak up on people: lunch isn’t included. If you want it, you’ll pay for it separately at one of the stops, most commonly on Šipan.

Meeting at Lapadska obala: what to plan before 9:00 am

The start time is 9:00 am, and the meeting point is Lapadska obala 21a (near the water). That’s good news because it keeps things simple: you’re not scrambling across town for a bus ride, and you can arrive on your own schedule.

One detail that comes up a lot in people’s experiences: Filip gives clear meeting-point instructions in advance, so you can avoid the usual “where exactly is the dock” stress. If you’re coming from the Old Town side, give yourself time to walk to the marina area and get oriented before boarding.

Also keep in mind:

• it’s offered in English
• you’ll be out for most of the day, with sailing filling the time between stops
• most travelers can participate, so you’re likely not signing up for a technical activity, but you do need to be comfortable on a boat and in open water

Stop 1: Koločep Island swim and snorkel in a quieter bay

Koločep is the first major stop, and it sets the tone for the day: swim, snorkel, and sunbathe for about an hour. This is where the “small-boat advantage” shows up. You’re not stuck on a crowded shoreline with people funneling in and out for photos. You get time in the water.

Practically, expect a mix of:

• boat time to reach the spot
• a swim/snorkel window where you can choose how active you want to be
• a chance to just relax on the water after Dubrovnik’s heat and walking

A strong point here is that you’re not trying to snorkel without gear. Equipment is included, so you can focus on enjoying the water instead of hunting for supplies later.

Possible drawback: the swim window is about one hour. If you want long snorkel sessions, you’ll feel the time limit. The tradeoff is you get more stops overall, which keeps the day from dragging.

Stop 2: Lopud’s Šunj Beach for sand, snacks, and easy access

Next you’ll head to Šunj Beach on Lopud. This stop is also about an hour, but it feels different from Koločep. Instead of being all about rocky water access and floating time, Šunj gives you the “sandy beach” factor.

What I like about this part of the plan is the choice:

• you can swim and snorkel from the boat
• you can also swim to shore
• once you’re on the island, you can grab a drink at one of the restaurants

That flexibility is useful if your group has different energy levels. One person wants to snorkel right away. Another wants shade and a quick cold drink. This stop allows both without anyone having to wait around.

If you’re sensitive to sun, plan to bring sunscreen and a hat. You’ll get enough beach time to use it, and you’ll also be back out on the deck afterward.

Stop 3: Šipan island town walk, Skocibuha Castle, and optional lunch

Šipan is where the trip shifts from water time to island life. You’ll have about 2 hours there, and the focus is a mix of strolling and swimming.

Here’s what the stop includes:

• a walk through the town
• a visit to Skocibuha Castle
• time for a swim on the beach
• an opportunity to eat at local restaurants (lunch is optional and not included)

This is the stop that makes the day feel like more than a beach hop. The castle visit adds a bit of culture without forcing a full museum-style commitment. It’s a good balance: you get history as you move around, not just while standing still.

If you want lunch, you’ll typically be choosing what kind of meal fits the day. Many people end up going seafood-heavy, and Filip can recommend what to order based on what he thinks you’ll enjoy. The best approach is simple: say yes to his suggestions and be ready for fresh island food in a relaxed setting.

One consideration: the stop has a “do a bit of everything” flow. If your top priority is swimming, you may want to time your lunch so it doesn’t eat too much of your beach window.

What’s included onboard: snorkeling gear, shower, and a restroom

The included onboard setup is genuinely practical, especially on a full day.

You get:

• snorkeling equipment
• a restroom on board
• an outdoor shower
• gas/fuel coverage (so the tour actually runs)
• (plus you’ll have outdoor space for relaxing as you sail)

The restroom matters. On a long day with multiple swim stops, it turns “nice to have” into “thank you, whoever planned this.”

The outdoor shower is the kind of detail you only appreciate after your first swim and sand-and-salt moment. Being able to rinse off before you’re back on deck improves comfort for the sailing back.

Also, several people note that the boat has room to store bags and handle changing, which helps keep the experience smooth. You’re not constantly juggling towels and phones in your lap.

Sailing time: calm waters, crowd avoidance, and a flexible captain

The remaining hours are for sailing, so the day isn’t just a string of swim stops. You’ll spend time cruising between islands, and that sailing portion is where the atmosphere shifts from “activity” to “vacation.”

A big reason this tour gets such strong marks is the “skip the crowds” feel. Instead of sharing deck space with hundreds of people, you’re out there with a small group. That changes how the whole day feels.

It’s also clear Filip understands the practical reality of sailing in the Adriatic: sometimes wind is strong, sometimes it’s light. On lighter wind days, you’ll still get plenty of time on the water, and there’s a good chance he’ll keep things fun and photo-friendly when conditions allow.

Who should book this full-day sailing from Dubrovnik

This is a good fit if you want:

• a beach-and-snorkel day without heavy logistics
• small-group comfort (max 6)
• a captain who explains what you’re seeing while keeping the day relaxed
• island variety in one outing: Koločep, Šunj, and Šipan

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a small group who wants a more personal feel. It can also work well for families in the sense that it’s not a technical excursion, but you do need to handle boat time and swimming windows.

If you hate the idea of time-limited swim stops, you might feel slightly rushed at each island. But if you’d rather do more locations with more chances to swim, this format is a strong match.

Quick reality check: things that can affect your day

This tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the operator will offer another date or a full refund.

Also, keep your expectations aligned with the structure:

• Each of the first two stops is about an hour, so you’re choosing how much time to spend in the water versus on the island.
• Lunch is optional, not included.
• Private transportation to and from the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll handle getting to Lapadska obala on your own.

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes if you like them. Even if you’re not planning to snorkel for long, you’ll want to be comfortable stepping on and off whenever the boat stops.

Should you book this Elafiti Islands sailing day?

I’d book it if you want an efficient, high-comfort way to see the Elafiti Islands without battling Dubrovnik crowds. The combination of small group size, included snorkeling gear, and multiple island stops makes the $157.22 price feel like it’s buying you time on the water rather than just a ticket.

Skip it (or think twice) if you’re the type who needs long, uninterrupted swimming sessions or you’re traveling on a day when weather may be questionable. Otherwise, this is one of those Dubrovnik activities that tends to feel like a full-day win: sea time, swim time, and island wandering, all in one smooth run.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour to the Elafiti Islands?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Dubrovnik?

You meet at Lapadska obala 21a, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Are snorkeling equipment and other gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there a restroom onboard the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. There is an optional lunch stop on one of the islands.

How many people are on the tour at most?

The maximum group size is 6 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor, or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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