Elaphiti Islands Yacht Charter Guide: Explore Croatia's Southernmost Archipelago

Once a summer refuge for the Dubrovnik upper class, this lush archipelago of Koločep, Lopud, Šipan and uninhabited Jakljan is now a coveted playground for yacht owners and charter guests.

Why the Elaphiti Islands Are Perfect for Luxury Yacht Charter?

Dubrovnik and Cavtat - Iconic Gateways to the Elaphites

Your journey often begins in Dubrovnik, the most visually stunning Croatian city, buzzing with life in the warmer half of the year. Smaller yachts usually moor in ACI Marina Dubrovnik in the Ombla canyon, while larger yachts head to Marina Frapa Dubrovnik in Gruž, one of the most glamorous marinas on the coast.

South of the city, Cavtat offers a lively, typically Mediterranean town that serves as a popular starting point for luxury yachts beginning their Croatian cruising adventure.

Calm Waters of the Koločep Channel

Between the mainland and the islands lies the Koločep channel. Although not fully protected from the wind, the waves here are almost non-existent, breaking on the shores of the islands before they ever reach your yacht. It has long been a peaceful haven for yachtsmen exploring this part of the Adriatic.

Koločep, Lopud and Šipan - Three Faces of the Elaphiti Islands

Koločep - Twin Villages and Turquoise Coves

The closest and smallest island, Koločep, is the quietest spot on the Elaphiti islands cruise. Two villages, Gornje and Donje Čelo, face inviting coves and beaches. Lower Čelo bay, protected from southern winds but exposed to the mistral, is especially charming: drop anchor in front of the long pier and enjoy views of rugged rocks, turquoise sea, cypress trees, palms and the village.

Lopud - Sun, Monastery and the Famous Šunj Beach

Often called the most beautiful Elaphiti island, Lopud blends lush greenery with elegant architecture. The town, lined with sand and palm trees, evokes a subtle Caribbean flair. There are no moorings along the coast, so Lopud Bay attracts confident skippers who don’t mind anchoring, even when the mistral picks up.

Onshore, visit the contemporary Art Pavilion Your Black Horizon or the beautifully restored 15th-century Franciscan Monastery Lopud 1483, now an exclusive retreat. 

On the south-eastern side of the island, Šunj cove hides what many consider the best beach in the Dubrovnik region – a sandy, turquoise bay filled with swimmers, boats and a lively beach bar scene in summer.

Šipan - Gourmet Island with Authentic Fishing Village

The largest inhabited island, Šipan, is a magnet for gastro hedonists. Its two main ports, Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ, offer small marinas where yachts can moor safely. Šipanska Luka is deep-set and calm, with buoys in front of the legendary restaurant Kod Marka, ideal for long, leisurely dinners.
Suđurađ remains an authentic fishing village, supplying much of Dubrovnik’s seafood. The well-protected bay is busy during the day with guests arriving on Elaphiti islands cruises, but evenings settle into a relaxed, local rhythm. Nearby, Bowa restaurant, surrounded by lush greenery and wooden huts, is one of Croatia’s standout fine dining spots to visit by boat.

Jakljan, Slano and Zaton - Quiet Anchorages Off the Beaten Path

Jakljan - A Robinson Crusoe Hideaway

Just next to Šipan lies Jakljan, an uninhabited island beloved by Robinson Crusoe types. While the south-western side is unwelcoming, the north-eastern coast is safely approachable and shaded by pines right down to the waterline. The largest cove, Veli Jakljan, is well protected from southern winds and popular with yachts seeking solitude on their Elaphiti route.

Slano and Zaton - Mainland Bases with a Private Feel

On the mainland, the deep bay of Slano hosts ACI Marina “Veljko Barbieri” Slano, an ideal starting point for an Elaphiti cruise or a trip back to Dubrovnik. This modern marina offers berths for yachts up to 50 meters in a calm setting with wellness and a pool.

Before returning to the city, many yachts detour into Zaton bay, a secluded, intimate spot just twenty minutes by boat from Dubrovnik’s bustle. Sheltered from most conditions and cooled by a local northern wind, Zaton is a favourite among yachts and even mega yachts in search of privacy and peace.

Marinas and Anchorages for an Elaphiti Islands Luxury Yacht Charter

ACI Dubrovnik, Marina Frapa and ACI Slano

In ACI Marina Dubrovnik, settled in the canyon of the shortest river in Europe, there are 380 well-protected berths for yachts up to 45 meters, framed by the historic Sorkočević castle, an outdoor pool and an innovative golf range. Nearby Marina Frapa Dubrovnik offers 220 berths for yachts from 10 to 50 meters and berths for yachts up to 100 meters, with covered piers lit by colour-changing LEDs and convenient tank-emptying at every berth.

ACI Marina Slano adds another premium base, with 193 berths, wellness facilities and a quiet environment ideal for starting or ending your Elaphiti itinerary.

Iconic Anchorages Around the Archipelago

Among the most popular anchorages are Šunj bay on Lopud, Donje Čelo on Koločep, Lopud Bay itself, Šipanska Luka on Šipan and the uninhabited Veli Jakljan. Together, they offer a mix of turquoise bays, safe holding and easy access to charming villages and top restaurants.

Book Your Elaphiti Islands Luxury Yacht Charter

Contact our charter specialists to choose your ideal yacht, design a bespoke Dubrovnik–Elaphiti itinerary and book your Elaphiti Islands yacht charter today.

When choosing a yacht in charter, you first need to decide whether you want to feel the meditative power of silence on board sailing boat and catamaran, or whether you appreciate speed and comfort, with interest to rent a motorboat or luxury yacht. After that, leave all the ‘details’ to us.