Dubrovnik- Full day sailing around Elafity islands&Blue cave

A Full-Day Sailing Journey Around Croatia’s Elafiti Islands & Blue Cave

Imagine swapping your typical hotel stay for the thrill of spending a day aboard a sailboat, gliding effortlessly through the Croatian waters. That’s exactly what this full-day sailing tour from Dubrovnik offers—an authentic, wind-powered escape that replaces the usual cruise with something more personal and dynamic. With two glowing reviews rating it a perfect 5 out of 5, this experience seems to strike the right chord for travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a taste of local life.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to actually steer the boat—a rare chance for even the most landlocked travelers to get a feel for sailing. Second, the free sailing lessons ensure you’re not just observing but actively participating, making the day both fun and educational. However, one consideration is that the tour does not include lunch, so you’ll need to plan accordingly or bring some snacks. This experience is ideal for those who crave a hands-on adventure and are comfortable spending a full day on the water—perfect for active travelers, couples, or small groups wanting something truly different from the usual sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience with the chance to steer and learn sailing skills.
• Flexible cruise tailored to your wishes, with no hidden costs.
• All-inclusive essentials like water, coffee, Wi-Fi, SUP, and diving accessories.
• Ideal for adventure lovers seeking a more personal, active day on the water.
• Weather backup with options for rescheduling or refunds if weather turns bad.
• No lunch included, so plan ahead for food and drinks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Day in the Life of a Sailing Explorer

This full-day tour, lasting approximately 8 hours, begins in Dubrovnik with a clear indication of where to meet—the guide, wearing a white polo with the company logo, signals the start of your maritime adventure. Once aboard the sailboat, you’re greeted not just with a vessel but with an invitation to engage actively in the sailing process. The company emphasizes free sailing lessons, so even beginners can feel confident trying their hand at steering—an unusual and delightful touch that turns a passive sightseeing cruise into a participatory experience.

Starting Point: Dubrovnik

Your day begins in the bustling harbor of Dubrovnik, but you quickly leave behind the crowds as you set sail towards the Elafiti Islands. The boat, described as a fast sailboat, offers a lively ride powered solely by wind—an aspect that appeals to those tired of noisy motorboats. The gentle sounds of breaking waves and the feel of wind on your face create a sense of freedom and connection with nature that motorized tours often lack.

Exploring the Elafiti Islands

The tour includes stops at Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, each with their own charm. The waters here are crystal-clear, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the deck. Many travelers mention the crystal waters as a highlight, ideal for cooling off during the warm Croatian summer. The boat provides free SUP and diving accessories, making water activities accessible without extra fee. As some reviews state, “Enjoy the beauty of the islands with its charming villages and clear water,” making these stops more than just photo ops—they’re opportunities for authentic exploration.

Blue Cave and Additional Stops

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave, known for its shimmering light effects as sunlight passes through underwater openings. While the tour’s description emphasizes the Blue Cave, some similar experiences include optional lunch or drinks, but this particular tour does not—so bring your own snacks or plan to purchase at the islands. The tour’s approach to flexibility shines here; you can customize your time on each stop, depending on your interests and weather conditions.

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What Travelers Can Expect: Practical Details and Impressions

This tour’s pricing at $160 per person reflects a good value, considering it includes fuel, insurance, water, tea, Wi-Fi, SUP, and diving accessories. These extras are a thoughtful touch, enhancing your comfort and activity options without adding to the cost. As one reviewer notes, “You can bring your own alcohol or soft drinks free of charge,” which is great for those wanting to sip something special while enjoying the scenery.

The free sailing lessons are a standout feature, especially for those who’ve never handled a sailboat before. The crew strives to make the experience engaging rather than intimidating, and the opportunity to organize the cruise according to your wishes adds a personal touch that larger group tours often lack.

Timing-wise, you start in the morning and return by evening, giving you a full day of sailing, swimming, and exploring. The absence of a lunch is a potential drawback for some, but it allows for flexibility—many travelers bring their own food or plan a picnic on one of the islands.

Weather Considerations

Weather is a key factor on any sailing trip. Fortunately, the company states they will offer an alternative date or a full refund if weather conditions are poor. This transparency shows a commitment to customer satisfaction and safety, and it’s reassuring for travelers worried about unpredictable weather.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Value

One of the things we love about this tour is how it offers more than just a boat ride—it’s a chance to learn, participate, and truly feel the wind and waves. Unlike conventional sightseeing cruises, you’re encouraged to get involved, which creates a more memorable experience. It’s especially appealing for those who want a break from the typical tourist trail and enjoy actively engaging with their surroundings.

The lack of hidden costs and the option to bring your own drinks mean you won’t face surprises at the end of the day, which is rare in this price range. The small group size and personalized approach make it suitable for couples, friends, or small families who want intimate time on the water.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

The tour emphasizes local Croatian waters and islands, giving travelers a taste of the Dalmatian coast beyond the busy Dubrovnik streets. The stops at villages and the chance to experience crystal-clear water add to the sense of authentic discovery.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At $160, this tour offers a comprehensive package—sailing lessons, use of equipment, water, Wi-Fi, and fuel—all included. For those who enjoy hands-on activities and want to avoid the typical tourist boats, this represents good value. Plus, the chance to sail on a fast sailboat powered by the wind makes it distinctive.

Comparing it with other similar experiences—like cruises with optional drinks or meals—this tour’s all-inclusive approach and flexibility make it stand out. The reviews confirm that many find the experience memorable; one says, “We loved the way we could organize the cruise according to our wishes,” highlighting the personalized nature of the trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers, small groups, or couples looking for something more interactive than a typical cruise. It’s perfect if you want to learn about sailing, enjoy water activities, and explore the islands at your own pace. However, those who prefer a more relaxed, fully catered day might find the lack of lunch or organized activities a drawback.

Plus, travelers comfortable with being on the water and handling some basic sailing will get the most out of this experience. It’s a great option for those who value authenticity, adventure, and flexibility over luxury or large-group tours.

Final Thoughts

This full-day sailing tour from Dubrovnik to the Elafiti Islands and Blue Cave offers a genuinely different perspective on Croatia’s coast. You’re not just observing from a distance—you’re part of the journey, steering the boat and exploring at your own pace. It’s a lively, engaging way to experience the Dalmatian waters that many visitors only glimpse from land.

The combination of sailing, water activities, and island exploration makes this a memorable day out. The focus on participation and personalized planning means you’re likely to leave with stories of that time you actually sailed the boat yourself. It’s best suited for curious, active travelers who want more than just a sightseeing cruise and are prepared for a day on the water.

This experience offers authenticity, value, and adventure—a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of nautical fun to their Croatian holiday.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes free sailing lessons and is designed to be accessible even for those with little or no sailing experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, food, drinks, and beachwear. Since the tour doesn’t include lunch, packing some snacks or a picnic is a good idea.

Can I bring alcohol or soft drinks?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own alcohol or soft drinks free of charge.

What is included in the price?
The $160 fee covers fuel, insurance, bottled water, coffee and tea, Wi-Fi, SUP, diving accessories, and sailing lessons.

What happens in bad weather?
If weather conditions are poor, such as rain, the company offers an alternative date or a full refund.

Is transportation provided?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are optional extras, but the meeting point is clearly marked by the guide in a white polo.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, giving ample time for sailing, swimming, and island exploration.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the organize a cruise according to your wishes, adding flexibility to your day.

What is the group size?
While not specified explicitly, the focus on personalized experience suggests smaller groups or private arrangements.

Are Wi-Fi and water provided onboard?
Yes, free Wi-Fi and bottled water are included, making it easy to stay connected and hydrated.

This sailing adventure around the Elafiti Islands and Blue Cave genuinely blends activity, scenery, and local flavor. It’s suited for travelers who love hands-on experiences and want to see Croatia from a different vantage point—on the water, powered by the wind.

You can check availability for your dates here: