Sailing from Cavtat is a fast way to wow. I like that you get Dubrovnik’s old city walls in view while you’re still out on the water, and I also love the planned swim stop on Lopud’s Sunj beach, the area’s only sandy option. The one thing to consider is that the Blue Caves moment near Kolocep is a possibility, not a guaranteed stop, and lunch is extra.

This is built for a relaxed day at sea with a private group, led by a licensed skipper with 20 plus years of sailing experience. Reviews highlight that the skipper, Matthew (often called Mato), knows Croatian history and everyday life, and he can keep the day feeling social without turning it into a lecture.

You also get practical sailing comforts: water and snorkeling equipment are included, and the boat itself is described as the best sailing option in the Dubrovnik area. For me, that combo is what makes this feel like real value, not just a scenic cruise.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Dubrovnik walls from offshore gives you a calmer, water-level view without committing to a full land visit
• Sunj Beach on Lopud is the planned swim break, and it’s the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area
• Blue Caves near Kolocep, if conditions allow so you can aim for it while staying flexible
• Private sailing with skipper Matthew (Mato) keeps the day personal and conversation-friendly
• Snorkeling gear and water included so you can actually use the clear water during stops

From Cavtat’s harbour to open water, fast

Your day starts back in Cavtat, at the meeting point next to the waterpolo training field. That matters because Cavtat is less hectic than central Dubrovnik, and it usually means an easier start before you hit the big-name views.

Once onboard, you’re not just “on a boat.” You’re sailing along the coastline toward the Elaphiti Islands. The pace feels like the best kind of sightseeing, where the water itself does half the work: you’re traveling while you’re looking.

For a private group, the timing also tends to feel smoother. Instead of waiting on a large tour schedule, you’re in the hands of a professional skipper who can work the route based on the day.

Spot Dubrovnik’s city walls while you’re still on the way

One of the most memorable parts here is what happens en route to the Elaphiti Islands: you’ll see the old city walls of Dubrovnik from a distance. You’re not walking them, not standing in crowds at every corner, and not trying to cram Dubrovnik into a tight timeline.

What I like about this approach is the perspective. From the sea, the city reads as a whole, with walls, shape, and coastline all visible at once. It gives you context, so when you later look at Dubrovnik from land, you understand how the fortifications sit on the water.

There is also a practical benefit: you get the “wow” of Dubrovnik while you’re already moving. It helps a day feel full without turning into a checklist.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: the scheduled swim you will remember

The main stop is on Lopud Island, with a scheduled break for swimming at Sunj beach. This is the only sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, which is a big deal if you’re the type who wants more than ankle-deep dips.

Think about what that means for your day. You’re not hunting for a patch of flat water. You have a real beach moment built into the route, with time to relax, swim, and reset your legs after time onboard.

Sunj is also a good match for mixed groups. Families tend to like the beach feel, and adults usually appreciate the straightforward “go from boat to swim” rhythm. If your group includes non-swimmers, they can stay in the shade and still enjoy the view.

Lunch note: there’s a possibility of organizing lunch at a nearby restaurant on Lopud, but it’s not included in the tour price. In other words, you can plan for a meal, but you should expect to pay separately.

Snorkeling gear and the “engine off” kind of peace

You’re provided with water and snorkeling equipment, which is important because it turns the clear sea into something you can use. Even if you only do a quick snorkel, having the gear handled removes a small hassle that can ruin momentum when you’re on vacation.

One of the reasons this kind of sailing feels special is the contrast between travel and stillness. When the engine goes off, the sea conditions and sound change fast, and the whole boat experience becomes calmer. You get a more natural pace, with time for conversation and just watching the water.

This is where a private setup really pays off. If someone in your group wants to snorkel right away, you can shift the mood. If someone wants to float and rest, you’re not pressured to stick to a rigid group cadence.

Kolocep and the Blue Caves: a possible stop, not a promise

On the way back, you’ll sail close to Kolocep Island. There’s a chance of making a short break next to the famous Blue Caves.

I like that this is framed as a possibility because it keeps expectations grounded. You’re on water, and real conditions affect what’s safe and comfortable. So instead of locking your day to one certainty, you get a planned route that still delivers even if the Blue Caves moment is not feasible.

If the stop happens, it’s typically the kind of scene that feels like a highlight photo but still feels better in person because you’re right there by the water. If it doesn’t, you still spent your day swimming at Sunj beach and enjoying the coastline from the boat, which is the main practical win of this tour.

Back to Cavtat harbour, with superyachts in sight

Tour ends after your return to Cavtat’s harbour. One of the nicest visual bonuses is that you can see many luxurious super yachts docked inside when you come back in.

That’s a small detail, but it helps the day feel complete. You end where you started, and the final view is a reminder that Cavtat is a serious marina stop, not just a convenient starting point.

It’s also a good time to soak in what you did. You’ve seen Dubrovnik’s walls from the sea, you’ve had beach time on Lopud, and you’ve crossed part of the Elaphiti Island area. Even if you come with only a mild interest in sailing, the day tends to land as a full, satisfying experience.

Price and what $706 per group up to 8 actually buys you

At $706 per group (up to 8) for an 8 hour private sailing tour, the price can look steep if you compare it to group tours. But the real comparison is how the day is structured: you’re not sharing a boat with strangers, and you’re hiring a licensed skipper with 20 plus years of experience.

This is also a value situation when you travel as a small group. If you split the cost among multiple people in your party, it starts to look more reasonable, especially because snorkeling equipment and water are included and the itinerary hits multiple “big moments” in one day.

Lunch is not included, so budget extra if you want a sit-down meal on Lopud. Still, the tour experience is designed around swimming time and sailing time, not around meal stops. If you go into it expecting a beach and sea day, you won’t feel like you’re missing essentials.

For me, the biggest value signal is this: the guide is not just a pilot. With Matthew (Mato), the day is described as friendly, conversation-filled, and full of local knowledge about Croatian history and everyday life, plus real sailing skill. That blend is hard to price, but it’s exactly what makes private sailing worth it.

Who this tour suits best

This tour is a strong fit if you want a private, water-based day and you like mixing views with actual time in the sea.

It’s especially good for:

• Families who want a beach swim without the fuss of coordinating multiple transfers
• Couples who want Dubrovnik-level scenery without committing to a full day on foot
• Small friend groups who want a social day with the freedom of a private boat
• People who enjoy simple snorkeling or just want the option with gear provided

If you’re mainly chasing a strict Dubrovnik sightseeing plan, this might feel more sea-focused than land-focused. But if you want the coast, the islands, and the key Dubrovnik view from the water, it matches that perfectly.

Practical tips before you set sail

This is a sailing day, not a short hop. So think about how you want to spend your time on the islands and back on the boat.

A few practical, reality-based pointers:

• Wear swim-ready clothes and bring what you’ll want for Sunj beach downtime
• Plan for lunch costs since it is not included, even though your skipper can help with lunch options on Lopud
• If Blue Caves is a priority for your group, treat it as a bonus, since it’s possible rather than guaranteed

Also, since the tour runs in English with a professional licensed guide, it works well if your group wants clear guidance and easy conversation.

Should you book this Cavtat to Lopud sailing day?

I think you should book it if you want a private sailing day that checks multiple boxes: Dubrovnik walls from the sea, a real sandy beach swim at Sunj on Lopud, and a chance at Blue Caves near Kolocep. The combination of included snorkeling equipment, water onboard, and a long-experienced licensed skipper is the core reason this feels worth it.

Skip it only if your main goal is guaranteed Blue Caves time or if you need food included in the price. With that in mind, this is one of those days where the sea plan is the main event, and the rest just supports it.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts next to the waterpolo training field in Cavtat.

How long is the private sailing tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is this a private group or shared tour?

It is a private group tour, for a group size up to 8.

What is included in the price?

Included are a professional licensed guide with more than 20 years of experience, water, snorkeling equipment, and the best sailing boat in the Dubrovnik area.

Is food included?

No, food is not included. Lunch can be organized at a nearby restaurant on Lopud, but it costs extra.

Where is the main swimming stop?

The scheduled swimming break is on Lopud Island at Sunj beach.

Will you visit the Blue Caves?

There is a possibility of a short break next to the Blue Caves on the way back near Kolocep Island.

What language is the tour guide?

The guide speaks English.