Experience full day sailing from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti islands

The best thing about this Dubrovnik sailing day is that you are not simply carried from one photo stop to the next. Skipper Dubo lets you help with the ropes, take the helm, and learn the basics of sailing, while still giving you plenty of time to swim or sit back. The route reaches Lopud, Šipan, and often Koločep, with room to adjust the day to the weather and your group.

I like two things in particular: the small maximum group of eight, and the freedom to linger in a bay rather than obeying a rigid timetable. You also get a more local meal stop on Šipan instead of eating on a crowded excursion boat. The main catch is that this is an older, modest yacht, not a polished luxury charter, and light winds can mean motoring instead of sailing.

Key points

• Hands-on sailing: No previous experience is needed to help steer, raise sails, and handle lines.
• Small-group setting: The yacht carries a maximum of eight people, with a minimum booking of four.
• Three-island route: Swim near Lopud, stop for lunch on Šipan, and continue toward Koločep.
• Flexible pace: Dubo can adjust swimming time and sailing stops to suit the group and the conditions.
• Simple boat, authentic feel: Expect an older sailing yacht with basic comforts rather than a luxury vessel.
• Bring your own drinks: Bottled water is supplied, and you may bring alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks at no extra charge.

A hands-on way to leave Dubrovnik behind

Dubrovnik is easy to admire from its walls, but the city can feel crowded in summer. This full-day sail gives you a clean break from the stone lanes and cruise-port traffic. Within minutes of leaving the meeting point, your attention shifts to open water, low islands, small coves, and the steady work of the boat.

The experience is led by Dubo, whose full name is also given as Dubravko. He acts as skipper, guide, driver for the optional pickup, and sailing instructor. You do not need sailing experience. If you are curious, he can show you how to steer and help with the sails. If you prefer a quiet day in the sun, you can take a less active role.

That mix is the main reason I would choose this over a large island cruise. You get something to do, but you are not forced to participate every minute. The day works for a couple, a family with older children, or a group of friends who want both swimming and a little adventure.

The boat is important to understand before booking. It is about 10 meters long and roughly 30 years old, according to the supplied details from past participants. It has the basics for a day at sea, but not the roomy seating, fresh upholstery, or polished finish you might expect from a high-priced private yacht. With eight people aboard, the deck can feel tight. A smaller group of four or five will have more space to move around.

Leaving at 9:30 for the Elaphiti Islands

The official start time is 9:30 a.m. at Gorava ul. 27 in Donje Obuljeno, outside Dubrovnik’s historic center. The day lasts about eight hours and ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup from your Dubrovnik accommodation can be arranged for an additional 20 to 30 euros per ride, covering transport both ways. This can be useful because Dubrovnik taxis are expensive, but confirm the arrangement before the morning of the trip. One poor experience involved delayed communication about transport, so I would not leave pickup details until the last evening.

The minimum booking is four people, and the maximum is eight. That minimum matters if you are booking as a couple or a small family. If the minimum is not met, the operator may cancel and offer another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Once everyone is aboard, the yacht heads toward Lopud. The early part of the day is your best chance to settle into the boat and learn how active you want to be. Ask Dubo at the start if you want more sailing time, more swimming, or more time ashore. The route is flexible, but clear communication helps him shape the day around your interests.

Lopud: your first swim and a gentle start

The first planned stop is Lopud, reached after sailing from about 10 a.m. until 11:30. You have roughly an hour at the island, usually in a natural bay suitable for swimming and snorkeling, with time for coffee on shore.

Lopud works well as the opening stop because it lets you ease into the day. You can jump into the sea, take a mask and snorkel if you bring your own, or swim toward shore for coffee and ice cream. The stop is not built around a long guided walk or a list of monuments. Its appeal is simple: clear water, a break from the boat, and the chance to see how the group wants to spend the rest of the afternoon.

Conditions can affect the feel of this stop. Some bays may have other boats, particularly in the high season. If the first swimming spot feels too busy, tell Dubo. The route can sometimes shift toward a quieter cove, though nobody can control the number of boats already at an island.

You should bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A long-sleeved shirt is useful too, especially on the return sail when the sun has had several hours to work on you. Bottled water is included, but food is not, so bring snacks if you need more than lunch.

Šipan: a proper island lunch stop

After Lopud, the yacht continues toward Šipan, with the lunch and swimming stop planned from about 1:30 to 3 p.m. Šipan is the practical heart of the day. You can swim in a sheltered bay, then eat at a small local tavern serving fish, meat, or a vegan meal.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. The restaurant is described as affordable, but you should carry enough cash. A past participant had trouble because the restaurant did not accept cards and the nearby ATM charged high fees. That is an easy problem to avoid: ask Dubo about payment before ordering and bring euros with you.

The food is one of the stronger parts of the experience when it works as planned. Fresh fish and local wine have been singled out as highlights, and Dubo can reserve a table. You may also bring your own alcohol or other drinks aboard free of charge, which helps keep the total cost under control.

Do not treat Šipan as only a meal stop. This is a good point to slow down. After a morning of sun and sailing, you may want a longer swim or a quiet coffee before returning to the yacht. Dubo is generally flexible about time, but the day still has to get back to Dubrovnik. If you want a leisurely lunch, make that clear early.

Koločep and the final hours on the water

The published route allows an hour of sailing toward Koločep after the Šipan stop, and the full-day pattern commonly includes a third island or another swimming bay. Reviews describe stops around three islands, including Koločep, though the exact sequence can change with weather, wind, and the group’s wishes.

Koločep is a useful final target because you can choose between another swim and more time under sail. Some people prefer to jump back into the water. Others would rather stay aboard, watch the islands slide past, and take photographs from the deck.

The return can be especially pleasant when there is enough wind to sail. You may help raise the sails or steer while Dubo handles the more technical work. Several parts of the day can feel surprisingly active for a sightseeing trip. You are not expected to know how a yacht works, but you can take part in the basic jobs if you want.

There is no guarantee of a full day under sail. The boat uses its engine when the wind is weak, and the skipper will not sail in unsafe rain, waves, or wind. A calm, sunny day may produce beautiful swimming conditions but little actual sailing. Check the forecast before booking, and choose an earlier date in your Dubrovnik stay if possible. That gives you a better chance to move the trip if poor weather cancels it.

What the small yacht feels like in practice

The yacht’s older character is both the charm and the compromise. You get a more personal, active outing than you would on a large modern catamaran, but you should not expect plush cushions, extensive onboard food, or lots of indoor space.

One weak point is comfort. The deck may not have enough room for eight people to sit comfortably, and the interior has been described as untidy on at least one occasion. The operator also needs time to clean and prepare the boat between outings, so the meeting and departure process may not feel as slick as a luxury charter.

The strongest point is access to the sailing itself. Dubo can let you take the tiller, handle lines, and help with maneuvers. He also has a relaxed approach to swimming time, which means you are less likely to feel rushed out of a beautiful bay just because the schedule says it is time to leave.

I would think of this as a working sailing boat with a skipper, not a floating lounge. Wear clothing you can move in, keep valuables secure, and expect some salt water. If your main goal is a spotless boat with cushioned seating and attentive onboard service, you may prefer a different type of excursion.

How the $119.83 price compares

At $119.83 per person, the cost is reasonable if you value a small group and actual participation. The price includes the professional skipper and guide, fuel surcharge, local taxes, handling fees, and bottled water. It does not include lunch or the optional 20 to 30 euro transport charge.

A large boat trip may cost less, but you will usually have less control over the route and more people around you. A private yacht charter will likely offer more comfort and privacy, but usually at a much higher total cost. This trip sits between those choices: small enough to feel personal, simple enough to remain affordable, and active enough to offer more than a ride from one beach to another.

Your final cost depends on lunch, drinks, and pickup. Bring your own beverages if that suits you, and carry cash for the tavern. Those small steps protect the value of the booking.

The rating of 4.6 from 40 reviews reflects the split clearly. The best days feature a friendly skipper, good wind, a small group, excellent swimming, and an unhurried lunch. The weaker days involve poor communication, a crowded deck, an older boat, or no wind at all. The price makes sense when you know which version you are buying.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to you if you like being involved in your sightseeing. It suits people who want to learn a little sailing, swim from the boat, and see island life without committing to a formal sailing course.

It is also a good choice for couples and friends. A small group can agree quickly about where to swim and how long to stay. Families can participate too, as most people can take part and service animals are allowed, but the operator does not describe special child facilities or onboard accessibility features.

You may want another option if you dislike boats with limited space, need a strict return time, or expect luxury service. You should also reconsider if sailing itself is your top priority but your dates are fixed. Wind is out of anyone’s control, and a sunny day can still become an engine-powered cruise.

Communication is worth treating as part of the preparation. Confirm your pickup, meeting point, and payment options before departure. The operator provides confirmation at booking, but direct details about transport are best settled well ahead of time.

Should you book the Dubrovnik island sail?

Book it if you want a small, flexible, hands-on day at sea and can accept an older boat with basic comforts. The best part is the freedom to help sail, swim in natural bays, eat local food on Šipan, and change the pace with Dubo rather than follow a large group’s fixed program.

Skip it if you want a luxury yacht, guaranteed sailing under wind power, or a perfectly polished operation. For everyone else, this is a worthwhile way to see Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep from the water, especially if you reserve early enough to leave room for a weather change.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

FAQ

How long does the sailing experience last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours. It starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Gorava ul. 27, 20236 Donje Obuljeno, Croatia. The activity also ends there.

Can I get picked up from my Dubrovnik accommodation?

Yes. Pickup can be arranged from your Dubrovnik accommodation for an additional 20 to 30 euros per ride, covering transport to the starting point and back.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. You do not need prior experience. The skipper can show you how to help with the sails, handle lines, and steer the yacht.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is paid separately at a tavern on Šipan. Food options include fish, meat, and vegan meals. Bottled water is included, and you may bring your own alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The trip also requires a minimum of four people, and a cancellation for that reason comes with the same options.