Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Boat Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this day is its easy rhythm: boat, island, swim, lunch, another island, then a slow cruise back along the Dubrovnik coast. You get three different tastes of the Elaphiti Islands without arranging ferries or planning restaurant stops. Fresh fish, potatoes, and salad make up the simple onboard lunch, with chicken and vegetarian choices available too.

I especially like the attentive crew and the generous drinks service. You can sit back, take in the sea views, and let someone else handle the route. The main drawback is that the first two island stops can feel short, with roughly 40 minutes to an hour in some places. This is a scenic day on the water, not a deep island tour.

Key points

• Three island stops: See Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, each with a different pace and feel.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud: Walk to the famous lagoon beach or use the small golf-cart taxi for an extra charge.
• Fresh lunch onboard: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, with potatoes and salad commonly served alongside.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, iced tea, and wine are available during the cruise.
• Seven relaxed hours: The day typically runs from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., depending on the departure time.
• Strong value at $58: The cruise, lunch, and drinks are included, though hotel transport and any entry fees are not.

A seven-hour escape from Dubrovnik’s crowds

Dubrovnik’s old town can keep you busy, but its famous stone streets are only one part of the area. Out on the water, the Elaphiti Islands offer a calmer day of small harbors, wooded paths, clear swimming spots, and open views along the Dalmatian coast.

This cruise is built for ease. You meet the boat at Lapadska Obala 5, where at least one of the two boats, Bobara or Mara, will be docked. The day usually starts around 9 a.m. and returns near 5 p.m., giving you a full outing without requiring an overnight stay or a ferry timetable.

The atmosphere is more relaxed than formal. You can sit with a drink, watch the shore pass by, and listen as the crew explains what you can see at each island. The guides speak Croatian and English. A small group may be available, which is worth checking when you book if you prefer a quieter boat.

Finding Bobara or Mara at Lapadska Obala 5

The meeting point is at Lapadska Obala 5. The boat names are Bobara and Mara, and at least one should be there. That detail matters because the dock area can include several boats and water excursions, so check the name before boarding.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the basic price, but optional pickup may be arranged near your address. The pickup point could be in front of a hotel, bakery, or shop, and the crew will tell you which nearby location to use.

If you arrange pickup, the experience becomes much easier, especially if you are staying outside the immediate harbor area. One practical note from the day’s operation: pickup has been punctual, but you should still arrive with enough time to find the correct boat.

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, with good views from the seating areas. Bring a light jacket. Even on a warm Croatian day, the wind can feel cool once the boat is moving.

Koločep gives you a short first look

Koločep is usually one of the shorter stops, with about 40 to 45 minutes available. That is enough for a quick walk, a look around, and a few photographs, but not enough for a long outing or a relaxed swim.

The value of this stop is contrast. You begin to leave Dubrovnik behind and get a first taste of the smaller island setting. The crew points out what you can see and do before you arrive, which helps you use the short stop well.

Keep your expectations in check. Koločep is not the place to settle in for the whole afternoon. Treat it as an introduction, not the main event. If you want a slow walk or plenty of time in the water, save your energy for Lopud.

Šipan brings a little more time and local color

The second island stop is generally Šipan, with around one hour available. This gives you more breathing room than Koločep, though it is still a compact visit.

You might use the time for a walk, a look at the waterfront, or a quiet break before lunch. The exact order can vary, but lunch is prepared onboard and has been served around the second island stop on some departures.

The meal is not elaborate, and that is part of its appeal. The food is simple Mediterranean cooking: fresh fish with potatoes and salad, or chicken for those who prefer it. A vegetarian choice is also available. The meal is served fresh from the boat rather than sent out from a restaurant, so you get something warm and straightforward without losing more time to a long meal stop.

The food has been one of the strongest parts of the outing. The fish is the natural choice if you want a taste of the coast, while the chicken is a reliable alternative. Portions have been described as plentiful, though this is still a casual boat lunch rather than a special-occasion restaurant meal.

Lopud is where the day opens up

Lopud usually gets the longest stop, often about three hours. This is where the cruise changes from a quick sightseeing trip into a proper island break.

The main draw is Šunj Beach, a well-known lagoon beach. You can walk there or take a small golf-cart taxi. The taxi is not included, so bring a little extra money if you would rather save your legs. If you walk, wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time for the return journey to the boat.

Šunj is the best place in the itinerary for swimming and beach time, assuming the weather cooperates. Bring your beachwear, towel, sunscreen, and a camera. The beach stop also gives you the chance to do nothing for a while, which may be exactly what you want after sightseeing in Dubrovnik.

You can also use the three-hour stop for a walk through the island’s quieter natural areas. The tour description emphasizes untouched nature, but you should think of this as a relaxed visit rather than a guided hiking trip. The crew gives you suggestions, but you are free to set your own pace.

The long Lopud stop is important when deciding if this cruise suits you. If you want to swim, walk, eat, and rest without rushing, it is the most useful part of the day. If you prefer constant sightseeing, the slower pace may feel uneventful.

Lunch, wine, and soft drinks keep the day simple

Lunch and drinks are included in the $58 price. The drink selection has included water, Coke, iced tea, and wine, with service available throughout the cruise. The setup is informal, and you can help yourself rather than paying separately for each drink.

That inclusion makes a real difference to the price. A separate boat trip, island transport, lunch, and several drinks could quickly cost more if arranged independently. You also avoid the hassle of finding food during a short island stop.

At the same time, the value depends on what you want from a boat tour. You are paying for transport between islands, a prepared meal, drinks, and a full day by the sea. You are not paying for long guided walks, museum admissions, or an intimate private charter.

The listed rules prohibit smoking, alcohol, and drugs, while the boat itself provides drinks, including wine. Follow the crew’s instructions about what may be brought onboard. Entry fees are not included, although very few places on the route require a ticket.

The return cruise is part of the experience

After the final island, the boat returns toward Dubrovnik along the coast. The trip back is not just a transfer. It offers a slower view of the shoreline and gives you time to sit down after walking and swimming.

This is also when the boat’s layout matters. The seating is said to provide good views from most places, so you do not need to fight for one perfect position. Still, carrying a jacket is smart because wind can pick up during the ride home.

The return journey suits the overall character of the day. Nothing is forced. You can watch the coast, talk with your group, take photographs, or simply enjoy a drink. If you want a high-energy excursion from start to finish, you may find the final cruise too quiet. I see it as a pleasant closing stretch.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this experience. They handle the boat, prepare and serve lunch, keep drinks available, and explain what you can do at each island.

The service style is friendly and attentive without turning the day into a formal guided tour. You get useful orientation before each stop, but most of your time remains your own. That balance works well for visitors who want help with the practical details but do not want to follow a guide in a tight group all day.

English is available, as is Croatian. A high transport rating also fits the practical side of the trip: the boats are reported to be clean, comfortable, and well organized, with punctual pickup on departures that included it.

No individual guide names are provided, so I would not choose this tour expecting a particular named guide. Choose it for the crew service, island route, meal, and easy planning.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a full day away from Dubrovnik without complicated planning. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like a mixture of boat time, short walks, lunch, and swimming.

It is also a good choice if you value included food and drinks. The $58 price is easier to justify when you would otherwise buy lunch and refreshments separately.

You should think twice if you need step-free access or have significant mobility limitations. The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments, and island landings, beach access, walking routes, and the boat itself may be difficult.

It may also disappoint you if you want a detailed cultural tour of each island. The stops are short except for Lopud, and the crew gives practical facts rather than long historical talks. This is primarily a scenic and social day on the water.

Practical advice before you sail

Wear comfortable clothes and pack beachwear. Bring a camera, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the boat. Comfortable shoes will help if you walk to Šunj Beach or explore beyond the waterfront.

Keep your day bag small enough to manage on the boat. You will need your swim items and personal essentials, but the cruise does not call for heavy gear.

If you want the most time for swimming, plan to use the long Lopud stop. Do not spend too long looking around the first island if you prefer a beach afternoon. On the other hand, if the weather is too cool for swimming, use Lopud for walking and a relaxed break.

The boat departs from Lapadska Obala 5, while optional pickup may be offered at a nearby public spot. Confirm the pickup details and boat name before the morning of departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Dubrovnik plans depend on weather, though a calm day will make the beach and cruise much more enjoyable.

Is the $58 price fair?

For seven hours, three island stops, lunch, and included drinks, I consider $58 a fair price. The strongest value comes from combining transport and meals. You spend the day moving between islands without arranging separate boats or searching for lunch at each stop.

The price is less compelling if you plan to skip the meal, do not drink anything, or prefer to explore one island in depth. The first two stops are brief, and the island time is designed around an overall cruise schedule.

One negative assessment called the tour expensive for what it is. That view is understandable if you compare it with a simple ferry ride. But a ferry does not provide the same onboard lunch, drinks, crew assistance, or planned three-island route. Compare it with a full-day boat outing, not just a ticket across the water.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands cruise?

Book this cruise if you want an uncomplicated coastal day with friendly service, a fresh and simple lunch, drinks included, and enough time for a swim at Šunj Beach. The crew, comfortable boat, and relaxed return along the coast add real value.

Skip it if you want long visits at every island, a serious history tour, or complete control over your schedule. The first two stops are short, and Lopud carries much of the beach and walking time.

For most people who want to see more of the Dubrovnik area without working hard to organize it, this is a sensible choice. Pack a jacket, save your longest break for Lopud, and treat the trip as a day on the Adriatic rather than a checklist of island attractions.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphiti Islands boat cruise last?

The cruise lasts seven hours. Departures commonly run from about 9 a.m. until around 5 p.m., but you should check the available start times when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boats are docked at Lapadska Obala 5 in Dubrovnik. The boats are named Bobara and Mara, and at least one of them will be docked there.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. Time at each island can vary, with roughly 40 to 45 minutes at Koločep, about one hour at Šipan, and around three hours at Lopud.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price and is prepared onboard. Choices include fish, chicken, and a vegetarian meal. Fish is commonly served with potatoes and salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included and have included water, soft drinks, iced tea, and wine. Follow the crew’s onboard rules about bringing drinks or alcohol.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup may be available near your address, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic tour price. The pickup location may be in front of a nearby hotel, bakery, or store, and the crew will provide the exact meeting point.