Eight hours of sailing takes you away from crowds. This Elaphiti day sail lets you customize the pace—swim, snorkel, and relax when you want—while still getting that real sailing feel. You can also get hands-on steering with no experience required.

Two things I really like here: the itinerary gives you real time on the islands (not just a quick photo stop), and the crew runs the day so you’re actively involved if you want to be. The only major consideration is that this is not a luxury yacht setup—think basic boat, small deck, and a day focused on sailing and sea time rather than comfort.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 8), so the day feels personal instead of like cattle herding.
• Hands-on sailing is part of the experience, not a gimmick.
• Lopud and Šipan time is built in for swimming, snorkeling, and island breaks.
• Wind can be variable; when it isn’t cooperating, the skipper may use the engine to keep the day on track.
• Lunch is not included, but there’s an affordable tavern stop on an island.
• Pickup costs extra only to cover petrol (about 20–30 EUR each way depending on where you stay).

Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti islands: what the full day really feels like

This sail day is a classic Dubrovnik-to-islands escape: you start on the mainland, then spend the day hopping between the Elaphiti islands for open water, quiet bays, and short island time. The big difference versus the huge party boats is your flexibility. Instead of marching on a strict schedule, you’re encouraged to steer the day toward what you came for—swimming, snorkeling, and sailing movement.

The route is built around three island moments with sailing legs in between. You’ll head toward Lopud in the morning, then spend time on Šipan for swimming and lunch, and finish the afternoon with a sailing leg toward Koločep before returning back to the meeting point.

Timing matters here. You start around 9:30 am, and the full day is roughly 8 hours. If you’re the type who likes to pack tight plans after, I’d leave breathing room—this isn’t a quick errand. The better mindset is to show up, relax, and accept that the sea sets the tone.

Meeting point and pickup: how to avoid stress in Dubrovnik

The tour starts at Gorava ul. 27, 20236, Donje Obuljeno, Croatia, and it ends back at that same meeting point. The listed start time is 9:30 am, with a sailing day that stretches into the mid-afternoon.

Hotel pickup is offered, but not fully included in the price. The wording is that it’s not a full hotel-to-boat transfer—there’s a petrol-only fee if you want pickup, typically 20–30 EUR per ride, depending on where you stay (both ways). Since taxi pricing in Dubrovnik can be eye-watering, this is a practical compromise.

One more thing: you receive a mobile ticket, so plan to have it ready on your phone. Also, the tour is near public transportation, which is useful if your hotel can’t easily get you where you need to go.

The crew: what “hands-on sailing” means in real life

The skipper/guide is the heart of this trip. The experience is designed so you don’t need sailing experience to take part. Many people specifically mention help with things like steering at the tiller, helping with the ropes, and joining the sailing motions instead of just sitting in one spot all day.

You may meet captains such as Dubo or Dubravko—both show up in feedback as relaxed, professional, and willing to teach. What stood out in the responses is that the best days happen when you communicate. If you want more sailing time, more swimming stops, or a quieter bay, the skipper is set up to adjust within reason.

There’s a key expectation to set early: a sailing day will still involve periods of motoring if wind is light, and the boat itself has limitations. But within those limits, you’re not being dragged like a passive passenger. If you want to participate, you’ll have chances.

Lopud island (morning): snorkeling, swimming, and island coffee time

Lopud is your first real island stop. The schedule gives you a sailing segment from around 10:00–11:30, then a dedicated island window 11:30–12:30.

This stop is where the sea time starts in earnest:

• You get swimming and snorkeling in a natural bay.
• You also have time for coffee on the island.

What makes Lopud worth it on a day sail is the balance. You’re not stuck on deck for hours waiting for lunch. You get to jump in the water, come up to shore, and reset with a simple island break.

Potential drawback: if you’re chasing a very quiet beach scene, Lopud’s bays can still have other boats around. The good news is that you’re on a smaller sail format, so you typically have more room to move and pick a spot without feeling boxed in.

Šipan (early afternoon): swimming plus lunch at an island tavern

After Lopud, you move on to Šipan with time scheduled roughly 13:30–15:00. That window includes:

• Swimming
• Lunch at a restaurant on the island of Šipan (lunch isn’t included in the tour price, but a stop is planned)

This is the part of the day that turns it from active sailing into a proper island break. You’re in “choose your seafood” territory—fish or meat, and there’s also a vegan meal option mentioned as available at the small tavern stop.

Two practical notes to keep you from surprises:

1. Bring a plan for money. One review specifically mentioned a restaurant where credit cards weren’t accepted and cash was needed. You can still be fine without panic if you come with some cash.
2. Lunch is where cost can creep. It’s not included, so your final day cost will depend on what you order and whether you add drinks.

The Koločep sailing leg (late afternoon): one more look from the water

From around 15:00–16:00, the schedule focuses on sailing toward Koločep before wrapping up the day back to the meeting point.

There’s less detail listed about what you do on Koločep in the schedule block, but the purpose of this stretch is clear: it’s more open-water time and more sea views before the tour ends. If you like seeing islands from the water—rather than only standing on them—this is a nice capstone.

Also, wind conditions can shape how much you sail versus motor during the day. One review described a day with no wind where they motored a lot, while other feedback talked about active sailing when conditions allowed. The consistent theme: the skipper’s job is to keep the day moving and safe.

Boat size and comfort: the real expectations vs luxury cruising

Let’s talk about the one thing people either love or don’t: the boat.

This is a small sailing yacht experience—max 8 travelers—and the boat can be older and more basic. One review said the boat was about 10 meters long, roughly 30 years old, and that inside space could feel dirty/untidy at the time they were on board. Another review pushed back on that and highlighted how the day still delivered, especially when it came to the sailing and the stops.

So here’s the balanced take you should use:

• If you want quiet, active sea time with a hands-on skipper, this format often hits the sweet spot.
• If you’re expecting a comfortable, modern, pillow-and-privacy luxury yacht, you might feel disappointed.

Also consider deck comfort. With small boats, more people can feel tight during sailing and sun time. Since the group is capped at 8, that helps, but it’s still not a wide resort-style deck.

Swimming and snorkeling: your best photos won’t come from sitting still

The day’s structure clearly pushes you into the water. You’ll have at least one snorkeling window at Lopud, plus swimming time on both Lopud and Šipan.

That means you should pack like a sea day is the priority:

• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A hat and possibly a light long-sleeve shirt (sun is real out there)

If you want better water photos, don’t wait until the end of the day. The Elaphiti bays can look stunning when the water is calm, and you’ll have multiple chances to jump in and reset your view.

Also, bring a towel if you like comfort. Water time happens, and you’ll appreciate something practical after your swim.

Drinks, water, and the lunch reality

Good news: bottled water is included. That takes one small decision off your list.

Alcohol is handled with common-sense freedom. You’re allowed to bring your own drinks, and people are encouraged to bring alcohol and non-alcohol beverages free of charge. If you do, be sure to store it safely and keep things tidy—this is a small boat setting.

Lunch is not included in the price. Instead, you stop at a small tavern with local domestic food. Feedback points to low-cost options for fish, meat, or vegan meals. So you’re paying for the lunch directly, but you’re not being forced into expensive tourist menus.

Price and value: is $119.83 actually fair?

At $119.83 per person, you’re buying a full-day mix of sailing time, island access windows, and a professional skipper.

What you get included (based on what’s listed):

• All taxes, fees, and handling charges
• Fuel surcharge
• Local taxes
• Bottled water
• A professional skipper/guide

What costs extra:

• Hotel pickup/drop-off isn’t included in the tour price; it’s a petrol-only added cost of about 20–30 EUR per ride depending on your pickup location.
• Lunch isn’t included. You’ll pay at the island tavern.
• Alcohol isn’t included, but you can bring your own.

So is it good value? Usually yes, if you want active time on the water. You’re not just paying for transportation; you’re paying for a skipper-led day with swimming windows and sailing instruction.

If you’re mostly trying to “get from A to B” cheaply, you might compare against ferry-style options. But if your goal is water time plus sailing involvement, this price sits in the reasonable zone.

Who should book this Dubrovnik-Elaphiti day sail

This is a great fit for:

• Couples who want a quieter, smaller-group day
• Families and friend groups looking for water breaks and activities built into the plan
• People who want to help sail instead of only watching
• Anyone who likes nature bays away from the busiest mainland spots

It might be less ideal if:

• You need a luxury boat with lots of deck space and modern comfort
• You hate any chance of the day turning into motoring if wind is weak
• You want lunch fully included with no cash/meal decisions

Should you book this Dubrovnik to Elaphiti full-day sail?

If you’re after a small-group sailing day with real sea time, I think this is worth booking—especially because the day is designed around choice: swim when you want, help steer if you want, and spend actual time on Lopud and Šipan rather than rushing from stop to stop.

My practical “yes” comes with two conditions:

1. Plan for basic boat comfort. This is an active sailing experience, not a floating hotel.
2. Bring a little flexibility about wind and water conditions. When the sea is calm, you’ll get the full sailing vibe. When it isn’t, you’ll still be out there, and the skipper can keep the day on track.

If that matches your style, book it early. The average booking window is about 70 days in advance, and earlier booking often gives you better options around weather.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the Dubrovnik Elaphiti sailing tour?

The meeting point is Gorava ul. 27, 20236, Donje Obuljeno, Croatia. The tour also ends back at this meeting point.

Is pickup included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the tour price. Pickup is available for a petrol cost of about 20–30 EUR per ride (both ways), depending on where you stay.

What islands are included during the full-day sail?

The day is built around stops at Lopud, Šipan, and a sailing leg toward Koločep in the afternoon.

Do I need sailing experience to join?

No. The experience is designed so you can gain hands-on steering practice with no experience necessary.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The schedule includes swim and snorkeling time, especially during the Lopud stop, plus additional swimming time on Šipan.

Is lunch included, and can I bring drinks?

Lunch is not included in the price. You will stop at a tavern/restaurant on the island for lunch. You can bring your own drinks, including alcohol and non-alcohol, at no extra charge.

How many people are on the boat?

This is a small-group sail with a maximum of 8 travelers.

What if there is little or no wind?

The trip is a sailing experience, but when wind is weak, the skipper may use the engine to keep the day moving and reach the planned island areas.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.