Full Day Private Sailing Tour of Cavtat and Dubrovnik

Sand, sails, and Dubrovnik views. I like that the day is built around real water time, with Sunj Beach on Lopud as the main swim break. You also get long-range peeks of Dubrovnik’s old city walls as you head toward the Elaphiti Islands.

I also like the human side, you’re with a licensed guide with 20+ years of sailing, and in this area the skipper often goes by Matthew. The only drawback to plan around is that food is not included, so lunch on Lopud, if you want it, is extra.

Key highlights that make this sailing day worth it

• Private group up to 8: your day, your pace, your swim stops
• Licensed skipper with 20+ years: smooth sailing and smart local talk
• Water plus snorkeling equipment included: easy for first-timers and families
• Sunj Beach is the only sandy break in the area: proper beach time, not just rocks
• Possible Blue Caves stop near Kolocep: short and scenic, if conditions allow
• Dubrovnik city walls from the water: you get the famous look without city crowds

From Cavtat’s Old Port to Elaphiti Islands: a simple, smooth 8 hours

This is a classic “sail, swim, and enjoy” day, starting from the Old city port of Cavtat. You meet next to the waterpolo training field, then you’re straight into the rhythm of a private boat day. The route focuses on the Elaphiti Islands zone, with a few built-in moments where you can actually slow down and look around.

The big win here is pacing. You’re not sprinting from stop to stop. You sail out, enjoy the sea and viewpoints, then you get a proper swimming break on Lopud, plus a possible quick nature stop around Kolocep on the way back.

If you’re the type who wants a flexible day on the water, this works well. If you want nonstop activities or a strict, hour-by-hour sightseeing checklist, you might find it feels more relaxed than you expect.

Dubrovnik’s old city walls from a distance, the relaxed way

One of the smartest parts of this outing is that you see Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls without having to deal with the full Dubrovnik entry experience. As you head toward the Elaphiti Islands, the plan is to spot those old walls from the water at distance.

That matters because the view is easier to take in from a boat. From the sea, you get the scale. The walls feel like a real boundary between the old city and the open Adriatic. It’s also a great opener for people who are planning to spend more time in Dubrovnik later, because it helps you get oriented fast.

It’s not a close-up photo-op stop where you hop out and walk. The walls are a view moment, not a shore visit, so keep expectations aligned.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: why the only sandy stop matters

The main stop is on Lopud Island, with a scheduled swimming break at Sunj Beach. This is called out as the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, and that detail is more important than it sounds. A sandy bottom is simply easier for casual swims. It’s also nicer for families, people who do not want to step into rocky entries, and anyone who just wants a comfortable beach moment.

Sunj is where you can shift gears from sailing to relaxing. You can swim, float, and take your time. If you’re snorkeling, the water visibility is typically great in this region, and the tour provides snorkeling equipment, so you can gear up when you want.

Lunch is optional here. The tour allows for organizing lunch at a nearby restaurant, but lunch itself is not included in the price. Translation: if you want a sit-down meal, plan to spend a bit more, or eat something simple before you go.

Snorkeling gear and water time: what you’re really getting

This tour includes snorkeling equipment and water. That might sound basic, but it changes the whole day. You can show up without worrying about renting gear, and you can spend more of your time actually in the water.

You’ll also appreciate the way the day is framed around “when the sea is calm, you enjoy it.” Past outings highlight that the skipper knows how to hit good spots and how to time things well, so you’re not just drifting around. The boat day feels smoother when the skipper reduces the stress and lets the sailing do its job.

Practical tip for your comfort: bring a towel you’re okay getting damp, and wear swimwear under your clothes. The tour includes water, but it does not say you get a full day of snacks, so plan to bring a small personal snack if that helps you stay happy during the longer swim breaks.

Kolocep and the Blue Cave possibility: flexible, short, and scenic

On the way back, the sail goes close to Kolocep Island. There’s a chance of a short break next to the Blue cave. The key word here is chance. This stop is not guaranteed in the same way Lopud is, so treat it as a bonus if conditions and timing line up.

That flexibility can actually be good. It means the skipper can make a call based on wind and water, instead of forcing a stop that may not feel good in real life. If the Blue Cave break happens, it tends to be the kind of quick stop that adds variety to a day that is already perfect for swimming and views.

If it doesn’t happen, you still get a full sailing day with the Lopud swim and the return sail back along the harbor.

Riding with Matthew: why the skipper matters on a private boat

On a private sailing tour, the skipper is not just background staff. The skipper sets the tone, decides the best angles for views, and helps the day feel easy. This tour runs with a professional licensed guide with more than 20 years of experience, and the tone described in this area often centers on a friendly, confident skipper who enjoys chatting.

In particular, past groups highlighted that Matthew is good company, with a solid grasp of Croatian history and also the everyday side of life in Croatia. That combo matters because you get more than facts. You get context for what you’re seeing, even when you’re only seeing it from distance.

If you care about sailing craft, this is also a plus. When conditions allow, the sailing can feel calm and quiet, and that is when you really notice how much better a good skipper can make the day.

Price and value: how $706 per group up to 8 adds up

The price is $706 per group up to 8, for a total duration of about 8 hours. On paper, it can look like a lot. On the water, the value usually comes down to what you get without adding extra rentals and delays.

Here’s the practical math: if you fill the boat with 8 people, that is about $88 per person. If you have fewer than 8, the per-person cost goes up, but it stays a private experience the whole time.

What’s included helps justify the cost:

• a licensed professional guide
• the best sailing boat in the Dubrovnik area (as advertised)
• water and snorkeling equipment
• the time on the sea with the route’s planned swim moments

What is not included:

• food (you’ll handle lunch on your own, if you want it)

One more value point: private means you are not sharing the boat day with strangers. For families and small groups, that often translates to less friction and more control, especially around swim timing and how long you linger.

What to pack and how to plan your day in Cavtat

This is an 8-hour outing on the water, so plan like you’re spending a big chunk of your day outside. You will be swimming on Lopud, and there may be a quick stop near Blue Cave at Kolocep.

Bring:

• swimwear plus a light layer you can slip on after swimming
• sunscreen and sunglasses (the sea reflects light hard)
• a towel
• a simple bag for wet items

Also think about food timing. Since lunch is optional and not included, decide in advance if you want a restaurant meal on Lopud or if you’d rather snack yourself.

If you want maximum comfort, show up ready to go. Meeting point is next to the waterpolo training field, so you can keep it simple, get onboard, and let the skipper handle the route.

Who this private sailing day is best for

This tour fits best if you want:

• a private day on the sea without the logistics headache
• a planned swim break with Sunj Beach as your anchor
• a skipper who can give both sailing know-how and local context
• snorkeling gear provided so you can try it without extra hassle

It also works for families, especially because Lopud’s sandy beach is easier than rocky entries. For couples, it’s a great choice if you want a quieter, more romantic day than a city-based walking tour. For friend groups, private sailing is one of the few activities where everyone gets a shared win, views plus swim time.

If you prefer constant shore stops and long museum-style breaks, this will probably feel too water-focused.

Should you book Full Day Private Sailing of Cavtat and Dubrovnik?

I’d book it if you want a stress-light, high-comfort day that starts from Cavtat and gives you Dubrovnik on your terms. The winning combo is the private format, the skipper experience, and the fact that you get one standout sandy beach swim plus a bonus chance near Kolocep.

Skip it only if food inclusion is a non-negotiable for you, or if you want rigid, guaranteed land stops every hour. Otherwise, this is the kind of Croatia day that feels easy to remember because it is built around the sea, not checklists.

If you do book, I’d plan to handle lunch on Lopud if you want it, and I’d show up ready to swim, because that sandy break is the moment you’ll likely talk about the most afterward.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts next to the waterpolo training field.

How long is the private sailing tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price, though lunch may be organized at a nearby restaurant on Lopud.

What swimming stops are included?

There is a scheduled swimming break on Lopud at Sunj Beach, and there may be a short break next to the Blue Cave near Kolocep.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a professional licensed guide, water, snorkeling equipment, and the sailing boat.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

This is a private group with a maximum of up to 8 people per group.

Is the tour food-free, or is anything provided?

Water is included. Food is not included.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.