Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

The best part of this day is the simple rhythm: three islands, one boat, and plenty of time outside. Lopud gets the longest stop, with a chance to reach sandy Šunj Beach, while Šipan and Koločep offer quieter walks, swimming, and sea views. I like the generous drinks service and the chance to choose lunch or bring your own food. One thing to weigh is that the final two stops are only about an hour each, so you get a taste rather than a full visit.

I also like that the boat has an air-conditioned lower salon, open upper space, and clean toilets. Crew members such as Azhar and Nikoleta have received warm praise for keeping the day clear and friendly. The main drawback is seasonal: outside summer, many island shops and restaurants may be closed, and the boat can feel exposed for very young children.

Quick points before you book

• Lopud is the main event: Three hours gives you time for Šunj Beach, a walk, swimming, lunch, or a little shopping.
• Choose lunch for convenience: Fish, chicken, or vegetarian meals come with potato salad and save you from hunting for food on Lopud.
• Drinks are part of the day: Water, soft drinks, Croatian wine with lunch, and selected refreshments are included, with extra drinks available to buy.
• The boat is set up for a full day: RITA has an open top, an air-conditioned salon, two onboard toilets, and a five-person crew.
• Šipan and Koločep are shorter stops: Each gives you roughly an hour, enough for a swim or walk but not a thorough island visit.
• Bring your own swim gear: Towels and snorkeling equipment are not supplied.

A relaxed route from Dubrovnik’s harbor

This is a full eight-hour outing built around the sea rather than formal sightseeing. You board the boat RITA at the pier, where you should look for the MARINERO name and crew members waiting to welcome you.

If you select hotel pickup, a driver collects you from an agreed point in the Dubrovnik area and takes you to the harbor in an air-conditioned vehicle. Staying in a pedestrian-only zone? The operator arranges the nearest practical pickup point in advance. That small detail matters in Dubrovnik, where old-town lanes are not designed for ordinary vehicle access.

Once aboard, you cruise along the Dubrovnik coast for about 30 minutes before reaching Lopud. The boat has an open upper deck for sun and views, plus a lower air-conditioned salon if the heat becomes too strong. I would arrive ready to choose between the two, since the Croatian sun can be pleasant in the morning and intense by afternoon.

The crew speaks English, Croatian, Italian, and German. Guides named Azhar and Nikoleta have been part of particularly well-liked departures, but your guide may differ. Expect practical information about arrival times, meeting back at the boat, and what to do on each island rather than a nonstop lecture.

Lopud gives you three hours to set your own pace

Lopud is where the day earns its keep. You have around three hours here, far more than at the other stops, and that makes it possible to choose your own version of the island.

The easiest plan is to stroll along the waterfront, find a place to eat, and enjoy the calm setting. If you want a beach, make Šunj Bay your target. Its sandy shore is a major attraction, especially because much of the Croatian coast is rocky. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply sit by the water before returning to the port area.

Getting to Šunj requires some planning. You can walk, but the route includes uphill and uneven sections. Golf-cart rides are available on the island, yet one useful warning is that the carts may wait until they fill and may leave you 10 to 15 minutes from the port. I would walk there if you are comfortable with the route, then allow plenty of time to return.

Lopud also suits walkers who want more than a beach. The island is car-free, with old paths, pine trees, historic churches, and remnants of fortifications. Saint Mary Franciscan monastery is one of the named sights, and the higher ground gives you wide views over the sea.

You can also use the time for a swim from the boat or shore, browse small shops, or simply enjoy a slow lunch. That flexibility is valuable. You are not being pushed through a tight series of photo stops, but you do need to watch the meeting time. The crew keeps to a schedule so the boat can reach the remaining islands and return to Dubrovnik on time.

Lunch on RITA or food on Lopud

The lunch choice deserves a little thought. The optional onboard meal includes fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate with potato salad. Fish has been a popular choice, and the meal is served after the Lopud stop according to the planned schedule.

I would choose lunch if you want an easy day and do not want to spend part of your limited island time finding a restaurant. It also avoids the seasonal problem of arriving when many businesses are closed. The meal is paired with drinks, and Croatian wine is available with lunch.

The drinks-only option can be a good value if you prefer independence. You can bring food or buy lunch on Lopud, where the three-hour stop gives you enough time to eat and explore. Just remember that restaurant availability changes sharply outside the main season.

Refreshments include water and soft drinks, with additional drinks available for purchase. Several departures have included repeated servings of juice or lemonade, small snacks such as wafers, and tastes of local liqueur. Exact service can vary, so I would treat those extras as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason to book.

The homemade olive oil and homegrown vegetables are part of the Mediterranean feel of the meal. This is not a restaurant tasting menu. It is a practical boat lunch that lets you stay with the group and keep your day moving.

Šipan is a short look at rural island life

After Lopud, the boat cruises for about 20 minutes to Šipan, the largest of the three Elaphiti Islands. You get around an hour here, enough to stretch your legs, take photographs, walk through the settlement, or look toward vineyards and olive groves.

Šipan feels different from Lopud because the appeal is less about one famous beach and more about the island’s quieter countryside. The combination of stone buildings, cultivated land, and open sea gives you a glimpse of traditional island life.

Still, one hour is not long. You will not have time for an ambitious hike or a detailed visit to every historic site. I would use this stop for a short walk and a swim if conditions suit you. Keep your route modest and stay aware of the time, since the boat will not wait for a late return.

This is also where expectations matter. If you want a full cultural visit to Šipan, you need a separate trip with more time. On this cruise, it works as a pleasant middle stop that breaks up the sailing and gives you another side of the archipelago.

Koločep finishes the day with water and pine trees

The cruise from Šipan to Koločep takes about 45 minutes, giving you more time on the water and another good stretch for coastal views. Koločep is the final island stop, with roughly one hour to swim, snorkel, walk, or browse around the port area.

The island is known here for clear water and pine-covered paths. If swimming is your priority, this may be your favorite stop, particularly after a warm afternoon on deck. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to look beneath the surface, since equipment is not included.

Koločep is not a place to over-plan. With only an hour, choose one goal: a swim, a short stroll, or a few photographs. Trying to do everything will make the stop feel rushed. The boat then makes the return cruise to Dubrovnik, with drop-off at Lapadska obala 5 listed as one of the final points.

What the boat setup means in practice

RITA is designed for a long day at sea rather than a small private outing. The open top gives you the best views and fresh air, while the lower air-conditioned salon provides shade and shelter. I like having both options, especially when a full day in direct sun starts to wear you down.

Two onboard toilets are available, and the boat is described as fully equipped. Clean facilities matter more than they might on a short harbor cruise, since you are away from land for several hours.

The five-person crew handles drinks, lunch, timing, and basic guidance. The strongest feature is the attentive service. Crew members regularly circulate with refreshments, explain when to return, and help keep the day moving without making it feel rigid.

There is no stated group size, so you should not expect a private charter. The social side can be part of the fun, particularly if you enjoy meeting people over lunch and music. If you want silence and complete control of the schedule, a private boat would suit you better.

Families should think about the boat layout. The sides are open, and one parent reported concern about a toddler moving too close to the edge. The operator does not label the trip as unsuitable for children, but very young children require close supervision. Older children who can manage swimming, walking, and a long day outdoors are likely to get more from it.

Is $50 good value for eight hours?

At about $50 per person, this is strong value if you want transport between three islands and a full day on the sea. The price is especially fair when you select the lunch option and make use of the included drinks.

You are not only paying for the boat ride. The package includes the crew, onboard toilets, coastal cruising, three island visits, and the return to Dubrovnik. Hotel transfers add convenience if you do not want to sort out your own way to the harbor.

The lower-cost approach is to choose drinks without lunch and bring food yourself. That can work well if you are happy to use your time on Lopud for a picnic or a local meal. Just factor in possible restaurant closures in late season.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a detailed visit to each island. Two of the stops last about an hour, and sailing time takes up a meaningful part of the day. You are buying a broad sample of the Elaphiti Islands, not three complete island tours.

Timing, seasons, and what to pack

The day runs for eight hours, with about three hours on Lopud and one hour each on Šipan and Koločep. The rest is spent cruising between the islands and along the Dubrovnik coast.

Summer should offer the best conditions for swimming and open-air time, but the exact weather is not provided. In late October and November, the islands can feel very quiet and many businesses may be closed. That peaceful atmosphere suits some people, while others may find it too empty.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for Lopud, especially if you plan to reach Šunj Beach or walk toward higher viewpoints. You also need swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. Bring a towel, since one is not provided, and pack snorkeling equipment if you want it.

The boat provides drinks, but I would still carry personal essentials for a long day outdoors. Keep your belongings compact, since you will move between the boat, beaches, and island paths.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Pickup applies only within the Dubrovnik area.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy way to see several islands without arranging ferries, restaurants, and return times yourself. It is also a good match for swimmers, sun seekers, casual walkers, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys a friendly boat atmosphere.

Choose the lunch option if convenience matters, especially outside the busiest months. Choose drinks only if you want to control your food choices and are comfortable bringing lunch or finding a restaurant on Lopud.

I would hesitate if you need long, quiet visits on every island, dislike shared boat trips, or are traveling with a toddler who cannot stay safely away from open sides. For most visitors with one free day in Dubrovnik, though, the combination of Lopud’s beach time, Šipan’s rural feel, and Koločep’s clear water makes this a sensible and well-priced escape from the city.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphite Island cruise?

The cruise lasts eight hours, including sailing time and visits to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, all in the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik.

How much time do I get on each island?

You get about three hours on Lopud, one hour on Šipan, and one hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The choices are fish, chicken, or vegetarian, served with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Drinks include water and soft drinks. Croatian wine is available with lunch, and extra drinks can be purchased onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik area if you select that option. Pickup from pedestrian-only or difficult-to-reach areas is arranged at the nearest practical point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel. Towels are also not provided.

Where do I find the boat?

Look for the boat named RITA at the pier. The MARINERO name will be displayed, and the crew will be waiting to welcome you.