Exploring the Full Day Sailing to Elafity Islands & Blue Cave from Dubrovnik

If you’re dreaming of swapping your hotel room for the open sea, this full-day sailing tour from Dubrovnik could be just what you need. It offers a chance to glide past the beautiful Elafiti Islands on a proper sailboat, powered by the wind—an experience that feels far more authentic than motorboats and gives you a real taste of sailing life.

What we really like about this tour? First, the opportunity to actually steer the boat and enjoy free sailing lessons—a rare treat for landlubbers wanting to get hands-on. Second, it’s flexible and transparent, with no hidden costs, meaning you can organize your day around your wishes rather than a rigid schedule.

That said, a potential consideration is that the weather can impact the experience; if rain or storms roll in, your plans might change or be postponed. Still, the company is clear about alternatives like rescheduling or providing a full refund.

This tour seems perfect for travelers who want a more genuine sailing experience, enjoy nature, and don’t mind a bit of adventure mixed with sightseeing. It’s especially suited for those eager to feel the wind in their hair and explore the coastline from a unique perspective, all in a private group setting.

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Key Points

Hands-on Sailing: You’ll get the chance to steer the boat and learn sailing basics, making the experience memorable and engaging.
Flexible Itinerary: The tour is organized to suit your wishes, with no hidden costs—simply enjoy the day your way.
Beautiful Stops: Expect visits to the Blue Cave, Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
Well-Organized Schedule: The day is packed with sailing, exploring, relaxing at beaches, and enjoying local scenery.
Weather Contingency: In case of bad weather, your trip will either be rescheduled or refunded, which adds peace of mind.
Private Group: The experience is tailored for your group, making it more intimate and personalized.

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Setting Sail from Dubrovnik: A Practical Overview

Starting from the Lapadska obala, this 8-hour tour promises a full day of adventure on the water, with a mix of sailing, sightseeing, and leisure. The guide, dressed in a white polo with the company logo, ensures a professional yet friendly vibe, making it easy to ask questions or just relax.

The sailing component is central to the trip, lasting about an hour as you leave Dubrovnik behind. Here, the sound of waves and the feel of the wind create an immersive experience that motorboats simply can’t match. You’ll hear the breaking waves and feel the boat responding to the wind, which is honestly a highlight for anyone craving authentic sailing.

Visiting the Blue Cave and Kolocep Island

One of the big draws is the visit to the Blue Cave at Kolocep Island. This short stop (about 25 minutes) offers sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling opportunities. The Blue Cave’s shimmering waters are a photo-worthy highlight, and being able to jump into the clear water makes it more than just a quick glance.

The crystal-clear waters around Kolocep are perfect for cooling off after the boat’s journey, and the short snorkeling session lets you see marine life up close. While the duration is limited, most travelers seem to appreciate the chance to dip in and explore the underwater world.

Exploring the Elafiti Islands

The Elafiti Islands form the bulk of the tour, with several stops designed to give you a taste of island life and plenty of time to relax. You’ll sail between the islands, enjoying the breeze and views, with a mixture of sightseeing and free time.

Sunj Beach on Lopud Island is a popular stop for a break and photo opportunities. The beach is known for its inviting waters and relaxed vibe. The tour allows for swimming, snorkeling, and simply soaking up the sun—perfect for unwinding or taking memorable photos.

Lopud Island gets a longer stay (about 2.5 hours), giving you enough time to explore, grab lunch, or stroll the charming streets. The tour organizers even include lunch here, which adds value, especially since you’re not stuck with typical tourist fare.

On Lopud, you’ll get to walk around and explore the local sights, which are described as charming and picturesque. Many reviews mention enjoying the flexibility to wander and take photos, making this part of the day more personal.

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The Final Legs and Return

After the longer stop on Lopud, the boat continues to cruise around the islands, giving you more chances to relax and take in the scenery. The last sailing stretch is about 40 minutes, bringing you back to Lapadska obala with plenty of memories and photos to show for it.

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What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes free sailing lessons and the chance to steer the boat, which definitely adds a fun, interactive element. You’re also welcome to bring your own alcohol or soft drinks at no extra cost, so feel free to pack a few drinks or snacks.

You should bring a towel, beachwear, food, and drinks. Given the outdoor setting, comfortable shoes and sun protection are a good idea too. The company’s clear about not allowing smoking onboard, so keep that in mind if you’re a smoker.

The Experience and Overall Value

Most reviews echo a positive experience, with travelers appreciating the personalized feel of a private group and the chance to customize their day. The sailing lessons and the opportunity to steer the boat make this tour stand out from typical sightseeing trips. It’s a great pick for those who enjoy active, hands-on experiences and want more than just a passive boat ride.

On the downside, some travelers note that the weather plays a big role—bad weather can lead to rescheduling or refunds, which can be a bit uncertain if your trip coincides with an unpredictable forecast. The 8-hour duration might also be long for some, especially if you’re not keen on long boat rides or if you’re traveling with very young children.

That said, the value for the price feels solid, considering the full day of activities, the lunch, and the chance to sail and explore multiple islands. Plus, the no hidden costs policy makes it easier to budget and plan.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This is a great choice if you’re after an authentic sailing experience, love being on the water, and want a flexible, personalized day exploring the islands. It’s ideal for those who enjoy adventure, are comfortable with a full day outdoors, and appreciate a more active approach rather than just sitting on a boat.

Travelers who prioritize unique experiences and don’t mind the weather dependency will find this trip meets their expectations. It’s less suited for those with mobility issues or who prefer shorter, more relaxed sightseeing tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting and ending at Lapadska obala.

Can I steer the boat myself?
Yes, the tour offers free sailing lessons and a chance to steer, making it a memorable hands-on experience.

What stops are included?
Stops include the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island, Sunj Beach on Lopud Island, and multiple sailing stretches between the islands.

Is food included?
Yes, lunch is provided during your longer stop on Lopud Island, allowing you to relax and refuel before more exploring.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Absolutely, you’re welcome to bring your own alcohol or soft drinks free of charge.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, beachwear, food, drinks, and sun protection. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?
In case of bad weather like rain, the company will offer an alternative date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour isn’t explicitly labeled as family-friendly, but older kids who enjoy outdoor activities might find it enjoyable. It’s a private group, so it can be tailored to your needs.

How many people are in each group?
Since this is a private group experience, the size depends on your booking but is designed to be intimate and personalized.

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Full Day Sailing to Elafity Islands&Blue cave from Dubrovnik

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Final thoughts

If you’re after a full-day, immersive sailing adventure that combines the thrill of actually steering the boat with the beauty of the Croatian islands, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy hands-on experiences, stunning scenery, and a flexible schedule.

While weather can be a wildcard, the transparent policy and the chance to organize your day as you wish make it a low-stress choice. The inclusion of lunch, the opportunity to snorkel, and the chance to explore charming islands make this trip a well-rounded experience.

This tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about feeling like you’re part of the sailing life, so if that appeals to you, it’s worth considering. For travelers seeking a genuine, active, and scenic day out on the water—without the crowds or cookie-cutter tours—this is a solid option.