A private or small-group sailing day through the pearl-string Elaphite archipelago is Dubrovnik's most indulgent experience — car-free islands, hidden coves, crystal-clear swimming bays, and seafood lunches at waterfront konobas that the cruise-ship crowds never reach. This is the Adriatic as it was 30 years ago.
What to expect
Most tours depart from the Old Harbour (Stara Luka) and reach Lopud in around 30 minutes. Lopud's sandy Šunj Beach is one of the only sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area and is perfect for a long swim. Šipan offers a quiet lunch at a family-run restaurant with grilled fish, local wine, and zero tourists. The return journey skims along the city walls for a spectacular final approach.
Cruise lines offer similar island boat tours at USD 140–180 per person with large, less intimate vessels. A direct private speedboat charter delivers a vastly superior experience — fewer passengers, chosen itinerary, and no cattle-boat atmosphere — for comparable or lower per-person cost in a group of 4+.
Good to know
Depart by 9 am to maximize island time before the all-aboard. Pre-book your preferred departure time at least 48 hours ahead in summer — these fill up fast. Bring reef shoes, sunscreen, and a light cover-up. Motion-sickness tablets advised if you're sensitive; the open-sea crossing to Šipan can be choppy in Bora wind conditions.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Dubrovnik — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.