Dubrovnik:Full day Private Boat Tour to Elaphiti & Blue Cave

Trade Dubrovnik’s stone streets for open water. This private sailing day combines the Blue Cave at Kolocep, swimming at Sunj Beach, lunch beside the sea on Lopud, and quiet time in clear island bays. I like the small private group, which lets you shape the pace, and the chance to sail under wind power rather than spend the whole day listening to an engine. The main consideration is lunch: it is not included, and a long restaurant stop can reduce time at the swimming spots.

This is a good match if you want a relaxed day on the Adriatic instead of a packed sightseeing cruise. The skipper can adjust timings and stops, but the sailing portion depends on the wind, so you should treat the exact route as flexible. The named skipper Dragan has been praised for being calm and accommodating, a useful quality when eight people are sharing one boat.

Key points to know before you book

• A real sailing boat: You travel aboard the Bavaria 40 yacht ZaraBella, with sails used when the wind allows.
• A private group of up to eight: You do not share the boat with a large crowd, and the skipper can respond to your preferences.
• Three main water stops: Expect the Blue Cave at Kolocep, Sunj Beach on Lopud, and another Kolocep bay on the return.
• Lopud includes a two-hour shore break: You can eat at a waterside restaurant, walk through the village, visit a medieval monastery, or swim.
• Useful equipment is included: The boat has an onboard toilet, outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, SUP equipment, snorkeling and diving accessories, bottled water, coffee, tea, and a welcome drink.
• Lunch costs extra: The restaurant meal is not part of the $736 group price, although the company pays for the skipper’s lunch.

Why this private sailing day works well

The Elaphiti Islands are close enough to Dubrovnik for a full-day outing, yet they give you a clear change of pace. The city’s walls and polished stone can become tiring in summer. Out here, the schedule is built around wind, swimming, sun, and the sound of water against the hull.

The private format matters more than it might at first seem. With a maximum of eight people, you can ask for more time in the water, shorten the restaurant stop, or adjust the timing of the return. One recent passenger specifically praised the captain’s flexibility with both the schedule and the route. That is valuable on a boat day, when your group may not all want the same thing.

The yacht is a Bavaria 40, fully equipped for a day at sea. It has a restroom, Wi-Fi, an outdoor shower, and room for basic comforts on deck. You also receive a welcome drink, bottled water, coffee or tea, SUP equipment, and accessories for snorkeling and underwater swimming.

There is also the option of a free sailing lesson. Ask for it when you board rather than waiting until the final hour. The skipper can explain the basic parts of the boat and how the sails work, though the actual use of sails depends entirely on wind strength and direction.

Finding the yacht near Dubrovnik City Marina

The meeting point is the operational pontoon at Lapadska obala 4, near the University and close to Dubrovnik City Marina. It is about 100 meters before the entrance to Marina Frapa. You should look for the yacht and a skipper wearing a white shirt with the company logo.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be arranged as an option. Allow a little extra time to reach the marina, especially if you are staying away from Lapad. The boat departs for an eight-hour outing, and the exact start time depends on availability.

After safety instructions, you receive a drink and settle into the boat. The first sailing leg takes roughly 50 minutes. This is a good time to ask about the day, the wind, and your preferred balance between swimming and time ashore.

The Blue Cave at Kolocep

The first main stop is the Blue Cave on Kolocep, reached after the opening sail from Dubrovnik. The planned stop lasts around 20 minutes, with time for swimming and snorkeling.

The appeal is simple: clear water, a small cave setting, and the chance to enter the water early in the day. It is a short stop rather than a long beach visit, so you should think of it as an atmospheric first swim, not the main event.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel close. The boat has an outdoor shower, which is useful after getting back aboard. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you can bring your own mask if you prefer a familiar fit.

After the cave, the yacht sails for about 45 minutes toward Lopud and Sunj Beach. Depending on the wind, you may sail under canvas for part of this stretch. On calm days or with unfavorable wind, the motor may be needed. That is an important distinction: this is a sailing yacht, but it is not a guarantee of wind-powered travel all day.

One hour at Sunj Beach

Sunj Beach is the main swimming break and lasts about one hour. The beach is known for its shallow, clear water and relaxed Adriatic setting. You can swim, snorkel, use the SUP, or simply stay on deck and enjoy the view.

The SUP is included, which gives your group another way to use the stop without paying for an extra rental. The boat also carries equipment for underwater swimming. You will want to use the hour wisely because it passes quickly once everyone changes, gets in the water, and dries off.

This is one place where private touring helps. A large boat needs to move a whole crowd on a fixed timetable. Here, the skipper can listen to your group, although the total time still has to fit the day’s route. One family praised the comfortable boat and equipment but felt that a long lunch made the swimming stops too short. That is a useful warning: if swimming is your priority, say so clearly before lunch.

Lopud village, lunch, and time ashore

After another sailing leg of about 45 minutes, you reach Lopud village. The planned stop lasts around two hours, making it the longest break of the day.

A table is reserved at a restaurant beside the sea. Lunch is not included in the tour price, so plan to pay separately for your meal. Drinks are also not included as part of the tour price, apart from the supplied water, coffee, tea, and welcome drink. The company pays for the skipper’s lunch, so you are not expected to cover it.

The food stop is more than a practical pause. Lopud gives you a chance to step off the boat and see an island village at walking pace. You can walk around, visit the medieval monastery, try homemade ice cream, or swim from the local beach.

The two-hour block is generous, which is useful if your group wants both lunch and a short walk. It can also feel long if you would rather spend the day in the water. Since the length of the stay can change according to your wishes, discuss your preferred timing with the skipper before sitting down to eat.

I would make one decision early: choose either a leisurely lunch with a walk or a quicker meal followed by swimming. Trying to do everything may leave you watching the clock.

The return route through Kolocep’s bays

The return sailing takes about an hour before a second Kolocep stop. Depending on the time available, the skipper may also pause in one or two attractive bays with clear water.

The final planned swim at Kolocep lasts about 20 minutes. It gives you one more chance to cool off before the final 50-minute sail back to Lapadska obala 4. If the day has run late at Lopud, the extra bay stop may be shortened or skipped. That is normal for a private boat trip, not a hidden charge or a failure to follow the plan.

The return can be especially pleasant when the group settles into the rhythm of the boat. You may have time to sit on deck, rinse off with the outdoor shower, or ask for a short sailing lesson if the wind is cooperating. One recent family described the boat as clean and the skipper as a gracious host. Those small details matter after several hours in sun and salt water.

What the $736 price really buys you

The listed price is $736 for a private group of up to eight people. At full capacity, that works out to about $92 per person before lunch, drinks, and any optional hotel transfer. For a couple or a small family, the per-person cost is much higher, but the price still buys exclusive use of the yacht rather than individual seats on a shared cruise.

The value is strongest for groups of six to eight who care about privacy and control. You are paying for the boat, skipper, equipment, and a full day on the water, not just transport between islands. Water, coffee, tea, a welcome drink, Wi-Fi, a toilet, SUP equipment, and an outdoor shower are included.

The price is less appealing if you are happy to join a crowded boat or only want a short swimming trip. It also does not cover the main restaurant meal, and drinks beyond the supplied refreshments are extra. Budget for lunch before you go, and ask about the menu and payment arrangements when you arrive.

There are no stated hidden costs for the listed inclusions. Hotel transport is the main optional extra mentioned.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this experience to:

• Families or friends who want a boat for themselves.
• Couples looking for a calm full-day outing from Dubrovnik.
• People who prefer swimming, snorkeling, and island time to formal sightseeing.
• Visitors who like having a skipper adjust the pace.
• Anyone curious about sailing and interested in a short lesson.

It may be less suitable for anyone with back problems, since the activity involves boarding a yacht, moving around on deck, and spending hours at sea. People who dislike flexible schedules should also know that weather, wind, and the skipper’s judgment can change the order or length of stops.

This is not the best choice if your main goal is a long visit to Lopud. The village stop is planned for about two hours, but that time includes lunch. It is also not ideal if you require guaranteed sail power. The yacht uses its sails only when conditions allow.

Weather, packing, and practical comfort

Bring beachwear and a towel. That sounds obvious, but you will want both from the first Blue Cave stop onward. Sunscreen and a hat are sensible additions for a full day on open water, though only the towel and beachwear are specifically required.

The tour is rescheduled if there is really bad weather, including strong rain. Even in acceptable conditions, the route can change because of wind direction, wind strength, or the skipper’s assessment of the sea.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times before booking, since departure time is not fixed in the information provided.

The live guide languages are English, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Bulgarian. The boat is private, so your group can communicate directly with the skipper throughout the day.

My verdict: book it if you value privacy and water time

I would choose this tour for a group that wants a polished but unhurried day away from Dubrovnik. The combination of the Blue Cave, Sunj Beach, Lopud village, and smaller swimming bays gives you variety without forcing you onto a large party boat.

The strongest parts are the private setting, clean and comfortable yacht, flexible skipper, and useful equipment. Dragan has received especially warm comments for his calm manner and willingness to adjust the day. The main compromise is the restaurant stop: lunch costs extra, and a long meal can cut into swim time.

Book it if you can fill most of the eight-person capacity and want to set the rhythm yourself. If you are a small party watching every kuna, compare the private price with shared boat tours. If you do book, tell the skipper before departure that swimming is a priority, and keep the Lopud lunch focused enough to leave time for the sea.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

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

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is the operational pontoon at Lapadska obala 4, near Dubrovnik City Marina and the University. It is about 100 meters before the entrance to Marina Frapa.

What boat is used?

The tour uses the Bavaria 40 sailing yacht ZaraBella, which is fully equipped for the day.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers a private group of up to eight people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at the restaurant on Lopud is not included. The company pays for the skipper’s lunch.

Are drinks included?

A welcome drink, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included. Lunch and other drinks are not included in the price.

Is sailing guaranteed throughout the day?

No. The use of sails depends on the strength and direction of the wind. The yacht may use its motor when conditions require it.

What swimming equipment is provided?

The boat provides SUP equipment, snorkeling and diving accessories, an outdoor shower, and bottled water.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel.

Can the tour be changed because of bad weather?

Yes. In really bad weather, such as strong rain, the tour is rescheduled for the first available time. The route and stop lengths can also change because of weather, wind, or the skipper’s assessment.