Dubrovnik – Full day group yacht tour to Elaphiti&Blue cave

If you’re considering a day out on the water while in Dubrovnik, this full-day sailing yacht tour offers a refreshing alternative to crowded boat trips. It’s a chance to experience the coast and islands in a more intimate, wind-powered vessel, with a small group that ensures personal attention and flexibility. Imagine gliding past sparkling waters, stopping for swims, and exploring hidden spots— all while enjoying a touch of luxury without the hefty price tag.

What we love most about this tour is the hands-on sailing experience and the delicious local food on Lopud Island. It’s also impressive how flexible the itinerary is—meaning you can tailor your day to suit your mood, whether that’s swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. The only consideration? Since the trip relies on wind conditions for sailing, some parts of the plan may shift if the weather isn’t cooperative.

This experience is ideal for couples seeking a romantic day, families eager for adventure, and friends wanting a private, authentic sailing trip. If you’re after a memorable, active way to explore Dubrovnik’s coast with a dash of luxury, this tour might just be perfect.

Key Points

• Personalized itinerary: Flexible stops for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.
• Authentic sailing: Powered by wind, providing peaceful sounds of waves.
• Small group size: Up to 8 guests for a relaxed, intimate experience.
• Local cuisine: Enjoy a meal at a seaside restaurant on Lopud Island.
• Inclusive amenities: Free water, tea, SUP, diving accessories, and restroom.
• Skilled skipper: Friendly, knowledgeable guides who adapt to your wishes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Journey Begins at Sunshine Sailing Dubrovnik

Your day starts at a convenient meeting point near the Dubrovnik City Marina, a short walk from the university and just before the entrance to Marina Frapa. The boat, a Bavaria 40 named ZaraBella, is both comfortable and attractive, signaling that you’re in for a premium experience. The crew—friendly, professional, and ready to teach sailing basics—sets a welcoming tone.

What’s Special About Sailing in This Tour?

Unlike crowded motor boats, ZaraBella is a sailing yacht powered solely by wind. We appreciate how this provides a tranquil atmosphere, with the soothing sounds of waves and wind replacing engine noise. This makes for a more genuine maritime adventure, allowing you to truly connect with the sea. Multiple reviews highlight this aspect, with one traveler noting, “You can’t do wrong,” emphasizing the relaxing vibe.

Exploring the Elaphiti Islands

The tour weaves through the Elaphiti Islands, starting with a 50-minute sail to Kolocep Island. The highlight here is the crystal-clear water and the peaceful bay, ideal for swimming and taking photos. You’re encouraged to customize your experience—whether that means floating in the water, snorkeling with provided gear, or simply soaking up the scenery.

Later, the yacht sails around the islands for about an hour, offering stunning views of rugged coastlines and quiet coves. It’s a wonderful chance to appreciate the unspoiled beauty of this part of Croatia from a perspective few get on land.

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The Blue Cave and Kolocep Island

Next stop is the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island, where a brief 20-minute window is dedicated to swimming and snorkeling. The name suggests striking blue waters, and reviews confirm the opportunity to dip into pristine spots. This part of the tour offers that perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with some guests noting the serenity of the cave and surrounding waters.

Sunj Beach and Lopud Island

After a longer sail—about 45 minutes—the yacht reaches Sunj Beach on Lopud Island, where you’ll have approximately 45 minutes for a break. This is a scenic spot for photos, swimming, or a quick stroll. The tour then pauses on Lopud for a two-hour stop, allowing time for lunch, more swimming, or exploring the charming coastal village. Guests frequently praise the restaurant, describing it as a nice seaside spot with high-quality seafood and a lovely ambiance.

The Final Legs and Return

The yacht continues its journey, sailing for about an hour back to the starting point, with additional opportunities to swim and snorkel along the way. The overall itinerary offers a good mix of sailing, stopping, and relaxing, with the flexibility to linger at favored spots or move on quickly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour ticks many boxes with inclusions like fuel, a restroom, outdoor shower, bottled water, tea/coffee, SUP, and diving accessories. It’s particularly valuable considering that many other tours charge extra for these amenities. The only extra cost is lunch, which is at your choice and paid separately at a seaside restaurant—adding a taste of local cuisine and atmosphere.

The Skipper and Crew

Guests consistently mention the friendly and attentive skipper—notably Dragan—who is praised for his knowledge and willingness to adapt the trip based on the group’s wishes. Multiple reviews highlight how he’s eager to answer questions or help organize additional activities, making the experience feel personalized rather than just a set tour.

The Value and Price Point

At $169 per person for 8 hours, this tour offers excellent value. It combines the charm of sailing with personalized service, stunning scenery, and memorable stops without the crowds associated with larger boats. The small group size enhances the overall experience, fostering a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who value authentic experiences over cookie-cutter tours. If you want to steer a yacht (no experience necessary), explore hidden bays, and taste the ambiance of seaside Croatia, it’s a winner. It also appeals to those seeking a peaceful, wind-powered cruise rather than a noisy, crowded boat ride.

The Sum Up

This full-day yacht tour offers a genuine taste of Croatia’s coastline, combining sailing, swimming, and local flavor in a small-group setting. The hands-on sailing aspect is a rare treat for those interested in more than just sightseeing from afar, and the flexibility to customize your day makes the experience feel personal.

While weather conditions can influence certain parts of the itinerary, the crew’s professionalism and friendly attitude help create a comfortable and memorable journey. The inclusion of amenities like water, tea, and SUPs adds value, ensuring you stay refreshed and entertained.

In short, this tour is an excellent choice for travelers who want a relaxed yet active day on the water, seeking both natural beauty and authentic Croatian hospitality. It’s perfect for couples, families, or friends who appreciate the quiet charm of sailing and the joy of discovering Croatia’s lesser-known islands from a unique perspective.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s great for families with children who are comfortable in the water and enjoy boat trips. The small group size and relaxed pace make it suitable for varying ages.

Do I need prior sailing experience?
No, the skipper offers free sailing lessons, so beginners are very welcome. The focus is on enjoyment and learning.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and sportswear. It’s also good to have a camera for capturing the stunning scenery.

Can I swim or snorkel at each stop?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are available at each designated stop, weather permitting. The duration at each spot depends on your wishes.

Are food and drinks included?
No, lunch is not included, but water, tea, and other refreshments are provided onboard. You can choose to dine at a seaside restaurant on Lopud.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of very bad weather, especially heavy rain, the tour will be rescheduled. The skipper will keep you informed.

Can I book just part of the day?
This tour is designed as a full-day experience, but you might be able to customize or extend your time in certain spots by discussing it with the crew beforehand.

Is hotel pickup available?
Not included in the standard package, but there is an option for hotel pickup and drop-off if needed.

This Dubrovnik yacht tour stands out for its authentic sailing experience, personalized service, and stunning scenery. It delivers both adventure and relaxation, making it a memorable way to see Croatia’s coast while enjoying the wind in your hair and the waves beneath your feet.

You can check availability for your dates here: