Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this Elaphite Islands cruise is the change of pace. Dubrovnik can feel crowded and busy, but within a short time on the Adriatic you are looking at quiet harbors, sandy beaches, old stone churches, and pine-covered hills from the water. The three stops give you a useful taste of island life without the work of arranging ferries.

I like the generous grilled lunch and the easy, social setup onboard. I also like that each island offers something different: Šunj Beach on Lopud, a small old harbor on Šipan, and swimming and snorkeling around Koločep. The main caution is the size of the boat, which can carry up to 110 people, and the open bar can make the return trip loud if you prefer peace and quiet.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands, three different moods: Lopud offers the best mix of beach, gardens, and heritage; Šipan is a quiet harbor stop; Koločep is the place for swimming and snorkeling.
• Lunch is a real part of the value: Choose grilled chicken, grilled hake, or local seasonal vegetables, with potatoes, vegetables, and bread served onboard.
• Drinks are included: White wine, brandy, water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and other soft drinks are available. Other alcoholic drinks cost extra.
• Šunj Beach is the standout swim stop: Bring your swimsuit, since swimming from the boat itself is not offered.
• Pickup needs attention: Hotel pickup is available only when selected and only within the Dubrovnik city area. You must confirm the exact time by email, phone, or WhatsApp.
• This suits social groups best: The boat is comfortable and well run, but it can feel crowded and noisy, especially on the way back.

Why this island cruise makes sense from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town is the star of most visits, but it is only one part of the region. The Elaphite Islands sit just offshore and offer a softer, slower day: small ports, warm seawater, sandy beaches, and little need to follow a strict sightseeing plan.

At $78.60 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. But the price includes transport by boat, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, wine, brandy, a guide, and the activities arranged during the day. If you would otherwise pay separately for a ferry, lunch, and drinks, the package gives you solid value.

I would not book this as a quiet private sailing trip. It is a shared excursion, with up to 110 people and a social atmosphere. You are paying for convenience and a full day of island hopping, not solitude.

The day begins at 9:00 a.m. at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti on Lapadska obala 7. If you choose pickup, the vehicle collects you at your hotel or a nearby bus stop, usually between 45 minutes and five minutes before departure. Confirm the pickup time before the day itself. If you do not make contact, you risk missing the transfer, with no refund.

Lopud: gardens, churches, and Šunj Beach

Lopud is the most varied stop and usually the easiest place to settle into island time. You have about three hours to choose your own plan, rather than being led from one sight to the next.

The big draw is Šunj Beach, one of the area’s sandy beaches. That matters in Croatia, where many shorelines are made of pebbles or stone. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply sit near the water. Bring your own towel and swimsuit, since a swimsuit is not supplied.

If you prefer walking, Lopud gives you more to see than just the beach. You can visit Djordjic Mayneri Park and its botanical garden, look around the local churches, or wander through the older parts of the settlement. The island’s churches and heritage buildings add some substance to what could otherwise be only a beach stop.

The free time is a strength, but it also means you are responsible for your own schedule. There is no detailed guided tour of every sight. I like that arrangement because you can spend the whole stop swimming, but anyone expecting a formal cultural tour should adjust their expectations.

Some departures may make Lopud the main beach stop, while Koločep can also offer sandy shore time. Keep an eye on the guide’s return instructions. The boat will not wait for a late wanderer.

Lunch on the boat, with practical meal choices

Lunch is served onboard after the Lopud visit. You choose a meal type for each person when booking, and you should specify it clearly in the special requirements box. The choices are:

• Grilled chicken fillet with vegetables
• Grilled hake with vegetables
• Grilled seasonal Mediterranean vegetables for a vegetarian meal

The portions are described as generous, and the meal is more substantial than a basic sandwich or snack. The food may include potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables, and bread. For a day centered on beaches and swimming, that makes a real difference.

Vegetarians are catered for, but you should still provide the requirement in advance. The same applies to allergies, gluten-free needs, and lactose-free diets. The information provided says to advise the operator of dietary needs when booking or afterward through the booking management page.

Lunch is not a restaurant-style stop. You eat on the boat, which keeps the schedule moving and means you do not lose island time searching for a table. The tradeoff is that the meal setting is shared and informal.

Šipan: a quiet harbor and a short walk

Šipan is the calmest and least activity-packed part of the day. The boat visits a small old fisherman’s port, giving you about an hour for a self-guided shore excursion.

The appeal here is atmosphere rather than a long list of sights. Šipan is presented as a place where the Mediterranean feels as it used to, with an old harbor and a slower pace. It is also known for its large number of olive trees. A castle built for defense against pirates in the 15th century adds a glimpse of the island’s past.

Do not expect a major beach or a full afternoon of sightseeing. The stop is short, and the port itself is small. You might finish looking around well before the boat leaves. That is not necessarily a problem, since it gives you a chance to sit by the harbor, browse, or simply enjoy a quieter hour between the more active stops.

This is the weakest stop for anyone wanting nonstop swimming or a packed cultural program. It is the best stop for people who appreciate a brief look at an old island settlement without a long walking route.

Koločep: the day’s best water time

Koločep is known for caves, cliffs, sandy beaches, swimming, and snorkeling. It is the stop to prioritize if your main goal is time in the sea.

The schedule gives you roughly an hour here in the stated itinerary, though the actual day can vary and some departures allow a much longer final beach break. Listen carefully for the guide’s instructions, especially if you walk away from the port in search of a beach.

Koločep’s shore is more about natural scenery than monuments. You may find small coves, rocky edges, and clear water suited to a swim. The boat does not offer swimming directly from its side, so you need to wait until the island stop and use the beach or designated shore access.

An optional speedboat trip to the Blue Cave may be offered for an additional €20. This is not part of the base price, so ask the crew about availability and timing if it interests you. It can be a good add-on for anyone who wants a more active final stop, but it will reduce your free time on Koločep.

What the boat atmosphere is really like

The crew is a major part of the experience. Emily is one of the hosts associated with this trip, and Darko has also been praised for staying involved with the group. The crew handles lunch, drinks, stop information, and return times, often with a friendly, energetic style.

Drinks include white wine and brandy, along with bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and other soft drinks. The brandy is local and strong, so try it carefully. Other alcoholic drinks are not included.

The open bar is excellent value if you want a relaxed day with wine and soft drinks. It can also shape the mood of the boat. Some departures feel like a cheerful social outing, with passengers raising glasses on the return. Other people may find the noise tiring, particularly after several hours in the sun.

One isolated but important concern is customer service. A serious complaint describes crew members allowing the return trip to become an overly loud drinking party and responding poorly when asked to lower the noise. Most of the available feedback is strongly positive, but this is still worth keeping in mind if you want a calm, polished sailing experience.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, with a top deck that gives you better views and sun. Arrive early enough to choose your preferred seating if that matters to you. A spot on the upper deck can be sunny and exposed, while a lower area may offer more shelter and less noise.

Timing, pickup, and weather details

The excursion lasts about eight hours and ends back at the original meeting point. Transfers from hotels are available only if you select that option and only within the Dubrovnik city area.

Pickup is not provided for accommodation less than one kilometer from Lapadska obala 7, so you may need to walk to the meeting point. Pickup outside Dubrovnik is not included, and private transportation is not part of the standard tour.

Give the operator your exact phone number with the international code. Also send your hotel or accommodation details and confirm the pickup time through email, phone, or WhatsApp. The pickup schedule changes by location, traffic, and the number of collections.

The route and timing can change because of weather or other demanding conditions. This is a sea excursion, so do not choose it if you are prone to seasickness. The operator may offer another date or a refund if poor weather forces cancellation, but personal plans such as a delayed flight, cruise ship, bus, or taxi do not qualify for a refund if you miss the departure.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this day most

This trip works well for couples, families with older children, friends, and solo visitors who like meeting people during a shared outing. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can take part.

I would especially recommend it if you want:

• A simple way to see three islands in one day
• A beach stop without arranging several ferries
• Lunch and drinks handled in advance
• Time for swimming, snorkeling, and sun
• A social boat atmosphere
• Flexible free time instead of a tightly guided walking tour

I would think twice if you want a small boat, silence, private attention, or a detailed history tour at every stop. The boat can be busy, and the free time means you will need to make your own plan on each island.

The swimming conditions also depend on the season. In cooler or rainy weather, the beaches may be beautiful but less useful for swimming. In hot summer weather, the longer beach periods make more sense, while in late season you may find the final stop longer than you need.

Is the Elaphite Islands cruise worth booking?

Yes, if you want an easy, good-value day away from Dubrovnik and you enjoy a friendly group setting. The combination of three islands, a filling lunch, and included drinks saves planning time and gives you a full day on the water for a reasonable package price.

Book it for the beaches and scenery first, with the food and open bar as useful extras. Lopud and Koločep provide the strongest stops, while Šipan is a quieter one-hour pause. If you dislike crowds or loud group outings, choose a smaller private boat instead.

For the best experience, confirm pickup, submit every meal and dietary request, bring swimwear and a towel, and arrive ready for sun, wind, and changing sea conditions. If Emily or another lively host is leading the boat, expect plenty of interaction rather than a silent cruise.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours. It starts at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the original meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The schedule may change because of weather or other demanding conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area are available only if you select that option. Pickup is not available for accommodation less than one kilometer from the meeting point, and locations outside the Dubrovnik city area are not included.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, Lapadska obala 7, 20000 Dubrovnik. The activity ends back at this meeting point.

What food is served for lunch?

You can request grilled chicken fillet with vegetables, grilled hake with vegetables, or grilled seasonal Mediterranean vegetables. You should select the meal type for each person when booking.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy are included. Other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Can I swim from the boat?

No. Swimming is done from the islands and beaches rather than directly from the boat. Lopud and Koločep are the main stops for beach time, swimming, and snorkeling.

Is the tour suitable for people with seasickness?

The tour is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. The experience requires good weather, and the route or schedule may change if conditions are poor.