A day on the water here feels personal. This 8-hour sailing trip from Dubrovnik to Lopud and Šipan mixes real sea time with easy stops for snorkeling and swims, all run by skipper Filip on a small boat capped at 6 people. It’s a great way to see the Elaphiti Islands without lining up with big tour groups.

What I like most is the pacing: you get anchored time in Lopud’s bays for swimming, then a slower afternoon on Šipan at your own pace. The other big win is value for money, since the price includes the skipper, gas, and snorkeling equipment (plus life vests), so you’re not stuck paying extra just to get on the water. The one thing to keep in mind is that the sailing depends on wind, so you may spend parts of the day under engine power if conditions aren’t right.

Weather-flexible itinerary: Timing and stops can shift with conditions and the captain’s discretion.

Lopud swim + snorkel time: Anchor in a bay, then spend time in the clear water off the island.

Šipan island afternoon: Disembark to stroll the village and grab food at local seaside spots.

Small group, up to 6 people: More chatting, less waiting, and an easier day to manage.

Hands-on sailing option: If you want, Filip may let you help raise the sails when wind allows.

How This Elaphiti Sailing Day Works From Dubrovnik

This tour runs from 9:00 to 17:00, and it starts at the entrance to Marina Frapa (Lapadska obala, 21a, Dubrovnik). The skipper waits for you at 8:50, so you’ll want to arrive a touch early and get settled before you’re off.

Once onboard, the crew does a safety briefing and you’re good to relax. You’ll then sail out through the Adriatic with plenty of open-deck time, sea views on all sides, and that simple rhythm that makes boat days feel like a break from travel logistics.

The “small group” limit matters more than it sounds. With up to 6 participants, you don’t feel like you’re in a moving crowd, and you can actually talk with Filip while the boat is getting into position for the day’s stops.

Lopud: Island Bays, Swimming Breaks, and Snorkel Gear Included

Lopud is the first island stop, and the focus is classic: bays, swimming, and snorkel time. After you reach Lopud, the boat anchors, and you get a chunk of time to get into the water and enjoy the conditions.

This is where the included equipment earns its keep. The price covers snorkeling equipment and life vests, so you don’t need to hunt down rentals or pay extra to participate. Bring a towel, some sunscreen, and swim-ready comfort—Lopud is about being in the water, not just looking at it from the deck.

You also get time to explore Lopud on your own. That means you can choose your pace: a relaxed walk along the coastline, a chance to take in viewpoints from shore, or simply hanging back on the boat between swim sessions.

A practical note: you’ll be making choices based on water conditions. If the visibility is great, snorkeling tends to be the highlight. If the day is cooler or a little choppier, you might prefer a shorter swim and more deck time while you enjoy the scenery.

Šipan Afternoon: Local Food Stops and Island Time at Your Own Pace

After Lopud, the boat heads to Šipan, and the tone shifts from swimming break to island wandering. You’ll see the coastline from the sea as you travel, then you arrive with the boat anchored near beaches where you can step off for the afternoon.

This is not a guided “follow me everywhere” island tour. You’re free to spend your time how you want—stroll through the village, look at points of interest at a relaxed pace, or head straight toward food.

Speaking of food, you should plan on paying for your meal yourself since food, drinks, and gratuity are not included. What’s helpful is that Filip steers you toward a local restaurant option, and several past experiences mention the joy of ordering a seafood lunch that feels tied to the day—often including catch-of-the-day style dishes. In other words, you’re not stuck with a generic tourist menu.

If you want a “Croatia lunch” moment, Šipan is where you’re most likely to get it. You’ve got time to sit, eat, and feel like you’re actually on an island day rather than just passing through.

The Sailing Part: What Wind-Dependent Days Feel Like

Here’s the honest version: sailing is wind dependent. On some days, you’ll spend more time under engine power, and on wind-friendly afternoons you may get sails up for a more traditional sailing feel.

That said, I like that the experience doesn’t treat sailing as an all-or-nothing checklist. When wind allows, Filip has a hands-on attitude, and some trips include a chance for guests to participate in tasks like raising the sails. Even if you’re not an experienced sailor, it makes the day feel interactive rather than passive.

On engine-powered stretches, you still get the value of being on the water—moving between Lopud and Šipan, anchored in bays, and able to jump in when conditions make sense. In short: you’re there for the Elaphiti Islands, and the boat is the tool that gets you away from the busiest Dubrovnik crowd zones.

Price and Value: Why $153 Can Make Sense Here

At $153 per person for an 8-hour day, the real question is what you’re paying for—and what you’re not. This price includes the skipper, gas, snorkeling equipment, and life vests. That’s a solid base package, because those items are often where cheaper-looking boat deals start charging later.

Also, you’re paying for a small-group format. With a maximum of 6 people, you’re not just buying transportation; you’re buying a calmer day with more flexibility and a more personal feel. A few experiences specifically highlight that this kind of shared small-boat approach can feel like a better deal than private charter pricing.

Where you’ll likely spend extra:

• Lunch on Šipan (and drinks) since food and drinks aren’t included
• Any extra drinks or snacks you want during the day
• Gratuity, if you choose to add it

If your priority is being on the water plus snorkeling plus island time—without the stress of coordinating multiple tickets—this price often lands as fair value. If you want a full day of guaranteed sail-only movement, you’ll want to be mentally flexible about wind.

Meeting Point Tips and On-the-Water Comfort

The logistics are refreshingly simple once you know them. Meet at Marina Frapa entrance in Dubrovnik, and plan to show up around 8:50 for an on-time start at 9:00.

For comfort, think practical rather than fancy. You’re advised to wear comfortable shoes and avoid high-heeled footwear. Bring a towel and plan for a day where you might be in and out of the water. If you can, pack light—oversize luggage isn’t allowed, and you’ll be happier with a small bag you can manage easily.

You’re also told to bring drinks and sunscreen. That’s not just a recommendation—it’s the best way to avoid energy dips mid-boat day. Saltwater, sun, and waiting in the sun while the boat anchors can add up fast.

If you’re bringing a pet, you’ll need to notify the provider beforehand. It’s not on the “every guest” list, so plan ahead.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This sailing day suits people who want a calmer way to see the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik. If you love the idea of a full day that includes swimming and snorkeling, plus an unhurried afternoon on an island, you’ll probably enjoy the rhythm.

It also works well for couples and small groups. The boat is set up for a small group experience, and several past days emphasize how quickly the vibe becomes friendly and easy rather than stiff and formal.

If you’re curious about sailing, you’ll also like the “get involved” angle. The tour notes that guests can participate in sailing if they’re interested, and Filip is known for engaging and answering questions about the area.

On the other hand, the tour isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users, and it notes that people with pre-existing medical conditions should not join. If you’re unsure, it’s smart to consider whether being on a boat for hours (with possible sea movement) could be a problem for you.

What to Expect From Timing: 9:00–17:00 and Flexible Stops

The schedule is 9:00 to 17:00, but don’t assume the exact minutes are fixed. The tour explicitly warns that timing and itinerary may vary due to weather conditions and the captain’s discretion.

That flexibility is normal for sailing, and it’s often a plus. Instead of racing from spot to spot no matter what, the skipper can adjust to wind and water conditions, which can make the swimming/snorkeling windows more enjoyable.

The day also includes a return to Dubrovnik at the end, and you’ll have a chance to enjoy the final views during the sail back. Because the sea and sky can be dramatic here, that last stretch tends to feel like the payoff for the earlier hours.

Should You Book the Full Day Sailing to Elaphiti Islands?

If your goal is a small-group boat day that combines Lopud bays, snorkeling time, and a real afternoon on Šipan, I’d say book it. The price covers the core “on-the-water” pieces—skipper, gas, snorkel gear, and life vests—so you can focus on the fun parts and not nickel-and-dime the day.

Skip it if you need guaranteed, continuous sail-only sailing, or if you have mobility/medical constraints that make boat time difficult. And go in prepared to pay for lunch yourself, since that’s the main extra cost.

FAQ

What islands are included in the sailing tour?

You’ll visit the islands of Lopud and Šipan as part of the full-day itinerary.

How long is the tour and what time does it run?

The tour lasts 8 hours and runs from 9:00 to 17:00.

Where is the meeting point in Dubrovnik?

The meeting point is the entrance to Marina Frapa, Lapadska obala, 21a, Dubrovnik.

What time should I arrive?

The skipper will be waiting at 8:50, before the 9:00 departure.

What’s included in the $153 price?

The price includes the skipper, gas, snorkeling equipment, and life vests.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food, drinks, and gratuity are not included in the price.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a towel, comfortable shoes, passport or ID card, drinks, and sunscreen.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I know about weather and schedule changes?

Timing and the itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions and the captain’s discretion.