Dubrovnik : Full Day Group Boat Tour to Elaphiti & Blue Cave

The best Dubrovnik days happen offshore. This eight-hour cruise aboard the ZaraBella combines Blue Cave swimming with quiet bays, the sandy Sunj beach, and a long stop on Lopud. I like the small group size, capped at eight, and the chance to take the wheel with guidance from the skipper.

I also like the relaxed shape of the day. You can swim, use the stand-up paddleboard, walk around Lopud, or simply sit on deck while the islands slide past. The main catch is cost: $168 covers the boat and drinks, but lunch is extra, and the restaurant stop can be expensive.

Key points at a glance

• A Bavaria 40 yacht called ZaraBella: Comfortable sailing space, restroom, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, and room for up to eight people.
• Blue Cave on Kolocep: The first major stop includes swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• Sunj beach on Lopud: You get about 45 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• A two-hour Lopud stop: Eat beside the sea, walk through the village, visit a medieval monastery, or try homemade ice cream.
• Hands-on sailing: You can ask to steer, even if you have no previous sailing experience.
• Flexible route: The skipper may adjust stops and sailing time for weather, wind, and the group’s preferences.

Setting out from Dubrovnik City Marina

Your meeting point is the operational pontoon at Dubrovnik City Marina, near the university and about 100 meters before the entrance to Marina Frapa. Look for the yacht and a skipper wearing a white company shirt. Hotel pickup is not included, though it may be available as an optional extra.

The boat is described as ZaraBella, a fully equipped Bavaria 40 sailing yacht. After boarding, you receive safety instructions and a welcome drink. Bottled water, coffee, and tea are included, which matters on an eight-hour day under the Croatian sun.

The group limit of eight is one of the strongest features here. You get more space than on a large excursion boat, and it is easier to ask for a swim stop, a turn at the wheel, or a change in pace. One party booked the boat exclusively and was especially pleased with that arrangement, so it is worth asking about a private booking if you are traveling with family or friends.

There is a long boarding ladder, according to one comment, so take care when stepping aboard. People with back problems should not book this trip. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sportswear. Swimwear under your clothes is a sensible choice since the day includes several water stops.

The first sail toward Kolocep and the Blue Cave

The opening sail takes about 75 minutes. It gives you time to settle into the boat, listen to the safety briefing, and watch Dubrovnik recede behind you. The route heads toward the Elaphiti Islands, a small island group off the Dubrovnik coast.

The first destination is the Blue Cave on Kolocep. You stop for photos, then have around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water is the main attraction here. Expect a short, focused stop rather than a long beach visit, so have your towel and swimming gear ready before arrival.

The cave visit depends on conditions and the skipper’s judgment. Wind, waves, and access to the cave can affect the plan. That flexibility is sensible on a sailing trip, but it also means you should not treat every listed stop as guaranteed in exactly the same form.

Free diving accessories are provided, along with an outdoor shower for rinsing off salt water. The word diving here means recreational jumping and swimming in the water, not a scuba excursion. If you want a quieter morning, you can simply enjoy the scenery from the boat instead.

Sailing time, sea views, and a practical lesson

After Kolocep, the boat sails for roughly an hour toward Lopud. The sailing itself is part of the point. This is not just a motorboat transfer between beaches. The company uses the sails when wind strength and direction allow, so the boat may glide quietly or rely more on its engine.

You can ask for a free sailing lesson and, with the skipper’s help, take a turn steering. No experience is required. This is a fine feature for curious adults and older children who want to do more than pose for photographs. The skipper remains responsible for the boat, so you are getting a hands-on introduction rather than being left to manage the yacht.

Dragan has received especially warm praise for his approach. He is described as friendly, professional, helpful, and willing to answer questions while allowing the group plenty of personal space. That balance suits a full-day outing. You get assistance when needed without a running commentary every minute.

The route can also change based on what the group wants. If everyone prefers more swimming, the skipper may allow longer water stops. If the wind is unfavorable, the schedule can shift. Ask early in the day about the likely sailing conditions so you know what to expect.

Forty-five minutes at Sunj beach

The next main stop is Sunj beach on Lopud. You have about 45 minutes for a break, photographs, swimming, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding. The supplied paddleboard is included, so this stop gives you a little activity without an added rental fee.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a swim and a quick paddle, but it is not a leisurely beach afternoon. If you want to walk far along the shore or settle in with a book, you may find the time short. The point is to cool off and enjoy the water before lunch, not to spend half the day on the sand.

This stop works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can get in the water, while others can stay aboard or take photos. The skipper may adjust the timing according to weather and group preference, though the total eight-hour duration still places a natural limit on every stop.

A slower two hours in Lopud village

After another stretch of sailing and sun on deck, you reach Lopud village. The planned stay is about two hours, making it the most substantial stop of the day. A table is reserved at a restaurant beside the sea, so you do not need to spend your limited island time searching for a place to eat.

Lunch is not included in the $168 price. The restaurant setting is attractive, but one account specifically notes that the prices matched the setting and felt high. Budget for a separate meal, and ask about menu prices if you are watching costs. The skipper’s lunch is paid for by the company, so you are not expected to cover it.

You have choices beyond eating. Walk around the village, visit the medieval monastery, try homemade ice cream, or swim near the beach. This is the stop that gives the trip a little local texture. You are not spending the full day on the yacht, and you have time to see part of Lopud at a human pace.

The length of the Lopud stop is flexible. If your group wants a longer lunch, the schedule may allow it. If everyone would rather swim or walk, the skipper can help shape the break. That freedom is useful, but it also means the exact timing is not fixed to the minute.

The return route through quiet bays

On the way back, the boat may stop in one or two attractive bays. These later pauses are intended for another swim and a chance to cool down before returning to Dubrovnik. A final Kolocep stop is listed at about 20 minutes, followed by roughly 50 minutes of sailing back to the marina.

This part of the day is less about checking off sights and more about enjoying the water. You may find the quieter bays more pleasant than the famous Blue Cave because there is less pressure to take photos or move on quickly. Bring your camera, but keep it protected from spray and do not let photography replace the simple pleasure of being in the sea.

The return schedule depends on the earlier stops, wind, and weather. In strong rain, the company says the trip will be rescheduled for the first available time. The skipper can also shorten or change the route if conditions are poor. That is a normal and necessary part of sailing, not a flaw in the plan.

What the $168 price really buys

At $168 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elaphiti Islands. The value comes from the boat, the small group, and the number of included extras: welcome drink, bottled water, coffee or tea, Wi-Fi, restroom, outdoor shower, stand-up paddleboard, sailing instruction, and water equipment.

You are also paying for a full eight hours rather than a quick coastal cruise. The boat covers several different kinds of stops: a cave, a beach, open-water sailing, a village, and smaller bays. For a couple or a group of friends that wants a full day on the water, the price can make sense.

Lunch changes the calculation. Since it is not included, you need to add the restaurant bill to your budget. The restaurant is right beside the sea and convenient, but the attractive setting comes with a higher price. If low-cost eating is important to you, this is the main financial drawback.

The trip is also better value when you care about flexibility. A large boat may cost less, but you usually have less say over the pace. Here, the skipper can respond to the group, and you can request a sailing lesson or extra time in the water.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and friends who want variety without rushing from one attraction to another. It suits people who like swimming, light snorkeling, island walks, and time on deck. The small group limit also makes it a good choice for anyone who dislikes crowded excursion boats.

It is particularly well suited to people who want to try sailing without committing to a private charter. You can sit back for most of the day, then ask to steer or learn a little about handling the yacht.

Families should consider the swimming stops and the long day carefully. The boat has useful facilities, but the boarding ladder is long, and the tour is not suitable for people with back problems. Children need to be comfortable around open water and able to follow safety instructions.

This is less suitable if you want a strict schedule, included meals, or guaranteed use of the sails. The route changes with wind, rain, and the skipper’s assessment. It is also not ideal if your main goal is a long, quiet stay on one beach.

Useful details before you go

The tour operates in several languages, including English, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Croatian, Serbo-Croatian, and Russian. Ask questions at the start, especially if you want to steer or use the paddleboard.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A towel and swimwear
• Sportswear that is comfortable on a boat
• A little extra money for lunch
• A secure bag for phones and cameras

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

The tour has a perfect five-star rating from 16 published ratings, with repeated praise for the skipper, the boat, the swim stops, and the flexible approach. The most useful name to remember is Dragan, who is repeatedly described as professional, friendly, and good at giving the group room to enjoy the day.

Should you book the Elaphiti boat tour?

Book it if you want a full day that mixes Blue Cave swimming, Sunj beach, Lopud village, and hands-on sailing in a small group. The strongest reasons to choose it are the comfortable Bavaria 40 yacht, flexible pacing, and skipper-led personal attention.

Skip it if you need lunch included, dislike changing plans, have back problems, or want a low-cost island transfer. For everyone else, the $168 price is reasonable when you value space, equipment, and eight hours on the water. Just budget separately for the Lopud meal and keep your schedule open to the weather.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

The tour lasts eight hours, including sailing, swimming stops, the Lopud visit, and the return to Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the operational pontoon at Dubrovnik City Marina, near the university and about 100 meters before the entrance to Marina Frapa.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is taken at a restaurant on Lopud beside the sea, but the meal is paid separately. The skipper’s lunch is covered by the company.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour is limited to eight participants. An exclusive boat booking may also be available for a private group.

Can I steer the yacht?

Yes. Free sailing lessons are available on request, and you can get hands-on experience steering with the skipper’s guidance. No previous experience is required.

What equipment is included?

The yacht includes a restroom, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, stand-up paddleboard, diving accessories, bottled water, coffee or tea, and a welcome drink.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In very bad weather, including strong rain, the tour is rescheduled for the first available time. The skipper may also change the route or stop timing because of wind and sea conditions.