Islands Tour on Luxurious Jeanneau Sun Odyssey

Wind-powered days off Dubrovnik feel like a secret. I love the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey comfort for a full half-day at sea, and I love how Captain Frano brings the trip to life with history and a relaxed, friendly vibe. One thing to plan for: lunch is not included, so you will want to budget time and money for it at the beach stops.

This is a small-group islands sail, capped at 10 people, which changes the feel fast. You get time on Kolocep’s bays and caves, a beach break at Sunj, then a real look at Elaphiti island life on Sipan, all while drinks and snorkeling gear are covered.

Key Highlights You Will Care About

• Small group size (max 10) means you stay flexible and the boat does not feel crowded.
• Snorkeling gear included helps you make the most of Kolocep’s natural caves and clear water.
• Captain Frano’s sailing style blends experience with stories, plus snacks and wine service.
• A true day on the water with sailing time, not just a stop-and-go ferry shuffle.
• Sipan’s 15th-century castle gives you a solid cultural anchor between swim time and sailing.

Why a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey Day Sail Beats a Bus Tour

If your Dubrovnik days are already packed, a sail like this is a smart reset. You get that rare combo of polished comfort and real island scenery, without spending your time fighting traffic or crowds.

The boat matters here. A Jeanneau Sun Odyssey is built for comfortable cruising, with space to spread out topside and below, so your day does not feel cramped when you are not in the water. And because sailing is the main event, the ride has that slow, scenic rhythm you just do not get on land tours.

Finding the Boat at Lapadska obala 4 (and What the 10:00 am Timing Means)

The tour meets at Lapadska obala 4, right in Dubrovnik’s waterfront area. It runs with a 10:00 am start, and you return to the same meeting point at the end, which makes planning easier.

This is also a practical tour length for many schedules: about 8 hours total, including travel time. That is long enough to actually enjoy the islands, but not so long you spend the whole day in transit. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you can usually move around without long lines for water, snacks, or the snorkel gear.

Tip: arrive a little early and give yourself time to get oriented before departure. In the morning light, the water and coastline look best for photos, but you want that calm start, not a rush.

Kolocep Island: Caves, Two Villages, and Protected Bays for Snorkel Time

Kolocep is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. You get about 2 hours here, and it is not just one viewpoint and done. The island is described as having two villages, plus protected bays on the north side, then beautiful natural caves on the other side.

That mix matters because it gives you options:

• For a calmer swim, look toward the protected bays where the water can feel more sheltered.
• For something more adventurous, aim for the cave area where you can swim and/or snorkel.

Snorkeling is a big part of why this stop is worth the time. Since snorkeling equipment is included, you can step into the water quickly without hunting gear before you go. You will likely get the best results if you spend your first stretch arriving, getting fitted, then heading straight for the area you most want to explore.

Possible drawback to keep in mind: 2 hours goes fast once you are in the water. If you are the type who wants to do one long swim session, plan to commit to it early rather than splitting time between every single cove.

Sunj Beach: Fine Sand, a Small East-Side Bay, and Easy Meal Options

After Kolocep’s coves and caves, Sunj feels like your reward. This stop runs about 1 hour, and the focus is beach time: natural fine sea sand and crystal clear waters in a small bay on the east side of the island.

There are also a couple of restaurants on the beach, so you have a straightforward place to grab lunch or a snack. Lunch is not included on the tour, but this is one of the easiest moments to feed yourself without extra travel.

How to use your hour well:

• If you want to swim, do it early. Beach light shifts quickly.
• If you want a meal, pick your spot quickly and order. A single hour disappears faster than you think once you factor in towel time and getting settled.

If you are planning your day like a chess match, treat Sunj as your planned recharge. You will feel it later on Sipan if you do not.

Sipan Island and Its 15th-Century Castle of the Dubrovnik Republic

Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti islands, and that size shows in how it feels. You get about 1 hour here, with the day shifting from swim and sand to a more local, island-life perspective.

What makes Sipan especially interesting is the combination of:

• Secluded bays and clear waters for a quieter feel
• A sense of how people live on a smaller island community
• A major historic anchor in the middle: a large castle connected to the noble Dubrovnik Republic family, built in the 15th century

Even if you are not a museum person, the castle matters because it gives the island a clear story. You are not just looking at views, you are standing somewhere with an actual place in regional history.

Practical consideration: 1 hour is enough to see the highlights, but not enough to wander endlessly. If you care most about the castle and views, go first for the historic area. If you care most about water, set expectations for a shorter beach moment and keep moving.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Wind-Off-Engine Magic

This is one of those tours where the extras quietly make the day better. You get bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and soda/pop included. There is a minimum drinking age of 18, so plan accordingly if you are traveling with younger adults.

And the sailing experience itself gets high praise. When the conditions line up, it becomes something special: shutting off the engine and letting the wind do the work changes the whole feel. The boat runs more quietly, and you start noticing how the coastline and water look when you are not focused on propulsion.

Also, this is not a dry, no-nonsense trip. Captain Frano is known for being personable and for preparing an excellent tray of snacks and wine. That little touch turns the sailing into a proper experience, not just transportation between stops.

Price and What Actually Makes It Good Value at $156.53

At $156.53 per person, you might wonder what you are paying for beyond the view. The honest answer is that the price stacks up well because several day-trip costs are already handled.

Here is what you effectively get included:

• Fuel surcharge
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages (where age applies)
• Soda/pop
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• The boat itself, with a small group max

Then the big “not included” item is lunch. So the value equation mostly becomes: can you handle buying lunch on-site, or do you prefer all-inclusive meal planning?

If you are the type who would normally pay separately for drinks and snorkeling gear, this tour starts looking more reasonable. And since the day is built around real stops on islands, you are not just buying a short swim and a photo moment.

Bottom line: this is good value if you want a true sailing day with gear and drinks handled. It is less of a deal if you require lunch included, or if your priority is spending many hours ashore rather than enjoying the sailing.

How to Plan Your Day So You Enjoy the Water

This trip rewards basic preparation. Nothing fancy, just smart.

• Wear shoes you can handle on uneven surfaces when you step off the boat, then switch to sandals or bare feet if that is your style.
• Bring swimwear under your clothes so you can get in quickly at Kolocep and Sunj.
• Use sunscreen early, especially if you plan to snorkel. Water glare can be intense.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing something you already trust. You will be on open water, and wind days can still feel choppy depending on the day.

One more thing: the tour requires good weather. That is not a guarantee of calm seas, but it does mean you are planning for a day that runs when conditions are right.

Who This Elaphiti Sail Is Best For

This is ideal for couples and small groups who want a high-comfort day that still feels local. The small group size, the chance to snorkel, and the mix of beach time with an island historic highlight make it a good fit for travelers who like variety.

It also works well if you want a lighter schedule than a bus-based island hop. You get multiple stops with sailing as part of the experience, not just the commute.

If you are traveling with kids, this might be workable depending on your group needs, but the tour includes alcoholic beverages and has an 18+ drinking age, so think through how your family wants to handle that dynamic.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Islands Tour?

Yes, you should strongly consider booking if you want:

• A small-group day on the water out of Dubrovnik
• Jeanneau sailing comfort rather than cramped ferry vibes
• Included snorkeling gear and real swim opportunities
• A captain who treats the trip like more than a schedule, especially with Captain Frano’s stories and snacks

Skip it or adjust expectations if:

• You need lunch fully included, because you will be buying food during the island breaks
• You want lots of long, unstructured time onshore, because the stops are timed to balance sailing and swimming

If you want a memorable Elaphiti day that feels relaxed, scenic, and well paced, this one fits. Just bring your swimsuit mindset, budget for lunch, and be ready to enjoy the wind when the engine goes quiet.

FAQ

What time does the Dubrovnik islands sailing tour start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am and it runs for about 8 hours total, including travel time. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. It also ends back at this meeting point.

What islands and stops are included in the day?

You visit Kolocep Island, Sunj Beach, and Sipan Island. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the Kolocep time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment use is included.

What drinks and other items are included?

The tour includes bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and soda/pop. Fuel surcharge is also included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time.