Dubrovnik: 6 hours Blue cave & Elaphiti with optional lunch

The best part of this six-hour cruise is the mix of three very different island stops. You get quiet Koločep, a swim-only visit to the Blue Cave, and a longer break on Lopud, where Šunj Beach gives you a proper stretch of sand and time to slow down.

I like the generous two hours on Lopud and the fact that drinks are included throughout the cruise. I also like the small-group limit of 25 people. One thing to consider: the Blue Cave can only be reached by swimming, and lunch plus hotel pickup cost extra.

• Koločep first: Enjoy 45 minutes for a walk, swim, or quiet look around the pine-covered island.
• Blue Cave by water: The cave stop lasts 45 minutes, with snorkeling masks supplied onboard.
• Two hours on Lopud: Choose Šunj Beach, the village, a walk, or more time in the sea.
• Drinks included: Wine, soda, water, and rakija are available during the cruise.
• Lunch is optional: Fish, chicken, or vegetarian lunch costs €20, payable in cash onboard.
• Small boat setting: The advertised group limit is 25, though one outing ended up feeling like a private cruise.

A six-hour island day from Dubrovnik

This tour is built for people who want a full Adriatic day without arranging several ferries, beach transfers, and swim stops on their own. You leave from the TP LINE ferry dock in Gruž and return to the same place after visiting the Elaphiti Islands.

The rhythm is simple: cruise, stop, swim or walk, then cruise again. You are not spending hours at one museum or historic site. The reward is outdoor time, sea views, and a taste of island life close to Dubrovnik.

The boat holds up to 25 people, which matters in a small coastal setting. It should feel more personal than a large excursion vessel, though the actual number may vary. One particularly quiet departure had only a few people onboard, creating the feel of a private cruise.

The guide language is English. The crew may also provide commentary during the ride. On one outing, the guide information was difficult to hear while the boat was moving, though the volume was raised later by Mario, introduced as Super Mario. That is useful to know if you care about narration more than swimming and scenery.

Leaving from Gruž and settling into the cruise

Your starting point is the large dock at New Port Gruž, beside the TP LINE ferry. Look for the boat named LORENA or KATE. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik area for an additional €5, paid locally.

Once underway, the ride itself becomes part of the experience. The route includes scenic views, photo stops, and refreshments while you move between the islands. Wine, water, soda, and rakija are available without paying separately for each drink.

That open-drink arrangement is a real value if you plan to spend the day swimming in the sun. It also makes the trip feel less rigid. You can settle in with a glass of wine during the cruise, take water after a swim, or try rakija, a strong fruit brandy often served in Croatia.

Do not treat the boat like a restaurant or a luxury yacht. This is a practical day cruise with included refreshments and simple island stops. The main value comes from covering several places in one outing.

Koločep gives you a quiet first stop

The first island stop is Koločep, where you have 45 minutes of free time. The island is known for its calm feel, pine trees, walking paths, and beaches.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a short walk, a quick swim, or time beside the water. It is not enough for a long island hike, so keep your plans modest. If you want photos without rushing, take them early, then use the remaining time for the sea or a short stroll.

Koločep works well as the opening stop because it eases you into the day. You can get your bearings before the more focused Blue Cave visit. The stop also gives you a chance to use your beachwear and test the water before deciding how much swimming you want later.

Bring comfortable shoes for the paths and dock areas. Beach shoes may also help, though the supplied information only specifically calls for comfortable footwear. Keep your belongings organized, since each stop is short and the boat will not wait for a long search through bags.

The Blue Cave is a swim, not a walk-in attraction

The Blue Cave stop lasts 45 minutes and is the most unusual part of the route. You reach the cave by swimming, not by walking directly into it. That makes a swimsuit essential and means this stop is not suitable for anyone who cannot comfortably enter the water.

Snorkeling masks are provided onboard, and life jackets are included. The cave visit is designed for swimming, snorkeling, and looking at the underwater setting rather than for a long guided explanation.

You should treat the 45 minutes as a limited water stop. Allow time to get ready, enter the water, swim to the cave, and return to the boat. If you linger too long taking photos or adjusting equipment, your actual time near the cave will shrink.

This is also where the tour’s physical demands become clearest. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and anyone with mobility or swimming concerns should think carefully before booking. The boat provides safety equipment, but the Blue Cave still requires you to swim.

Lopud provides the longest and easiest break

Lopud gets two hours, making it the most relaxed stop of the day. The island is known for sandy beaches, and the main choice is whether to head toward Šunj Beach, explore the village, walk around, shop, or simply stay near the water.

The extra time matters. You can swim without watching the clock every few minutes, find a place to sit, and still have time for a walk. If you prefer a quiet stop, use the first part of the break for the beach and the second for a short look at the village.

Lopud is also the best place to decide how active you want the afternoon to be. You can make it a beach day, a walking stop, or a mix of both. The schedule leaves room for personal choice, which makes the tour work for couples, friends, and families with different energy levels.

Do not expect the two hours to cover every corner of the island. The time is long enough for a pleasant visit, not a complete island tour. If Šunj Beach is your priority, go there first rather than assuming you will have plenty of time later.

Lunch adds convenience, but changes the price

Lunch is optional and costs €20, payable in cash on the boat. You choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian menu, and your choice is confirmed before departure.

The meal can make the day easier, especially if you do not want to search for food during the Lopud stop. It also lets you keep your two hours free for the beach and village rather than using part of the break to arrange lunch.

At the same time, lunch is not part of the advertised $57 price. With the meal and optional hotel transfer, your total local spending rises. You should also carry cash, since the tour instructions specifically call for €20 cash for lunch and €5 cash for pickup or drop-off.

One past outing allowed card payment, but you should not rely on that. The official instructions ask for cash, so bring enough euros for the meal, transfer, and any personal purchases on Lopud.

What the $57 price really covers

At $57 per person, the tour offers a lot of movement for a half-day outing. You are paying for the boat cruise, three island-related stops, a Blue Cave swim, snorkeling masks, life jackets, and unlimited drinks.

The included drinks strengthen the value. A separate boat trip may charge for every bottle or glass, while here you have wine, soda, water, and rakija available onboard. The small group limit also gives the trip more appeal than a basic large-vessel transfer.

The price does not cover lunch or hotel transportation. If you choose both extras, add €25 in local cash. You should compare the full cost, not just the headline price, especially if you are traveling with several people.

For a visitor who wants beaches and swimming rather than a formal sightseeing tour, the price is reasonable. For someone mainly seeking detailed cultural commentary, the value is less clear because the experience focuses on outdoor stops and the onboard information may be hard to hear while cruising.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a simple island sampler from Dubrovnik. It suits couples looking for a sea day, families who want swimming and beach time, and groups of friends who like a relaxed boat ride with drinks included.

It is especially useful if your schedule does not allow separate trips to Koločep and Lopud. The tour combines them with the Blue Cave, so you see more than one setting without arranging transport between islands.

You should be comfortable with boats, steps, and water access. The Blue Cave requires swimming, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you want a completely dry sightseeing day, choose another excursion.

This is also not the best choice if you want a long, structured tour of Dubrovnik’s island culture. The stops are short at Koločep and the Blue Cave, while Lopud gives you free time rather than a detailed guided walk.

What to pack for the day

Bring beachwear, comfortable shoes, and cash. Your swimsuit is the most important item because the Blue Cave can only be reached by swimming.

A small bag is easier than a large one. You will move between the boat and islands several times, and the short Koločep and Blue Cave stops do not leave much spare time for organizing belongings.

It is also sensible to bring anything you normally need for a day in the sun, but the supplied tour information specifically confirms beachwear, comfortable shoes, and cash. Snorkeling masks and life jackets are provided, so you do not need to arrange those separately.

The tour operator contacts you the day before departure to confirm your lunch choice and hotel pickup details. Answer promptly so the crew knows whether you want fish, chicken, or vegetarian food and where to collect you.

Practical timing and meeting details

The tour lasts six hours, but starting times depend on availability. Check the departure time carefully when booking so it fits your Dubrovnik plans.

You can meet at the TP LINE ferry dock in Gruž, beside the large New Port pier. The boats are named LORENA or KATE. Hotel pickup and return are also offered in the Dubrovnik area for €5, paid on the spot.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point. That makes it easier to plan your return to Dubrovnik, though you should still leave some flexibility around the end of the day rather than scheduling something immediately afterward.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your plans depend on weather or changing Dubrovnik schedules, but you should still confirm all final details the day before.

Small details that improve the experience

If the boat provides commentary, sit where you can hear it. A past departure had trouble hearing the guide while underway, even though the volume improved later. You may care less about this if you mainly want swimming and scenery, but it matters if narration is a priority.

Take advantage of the first Koločep stop without trying to do too much. A short walk and swim will leave you ready for the Blue Cave rather than worn out before the main water stop.

Save your longest beach break for Lopud. Two hours gives you enough room to make the stop feel unhurried, while Koločep and the Blue Cave are better treated as focused visits.

The small group format can vary in practice. The maximum is 25 people, but one outing had only the booking party onboard. That possibility is a pleasant bonus, not something you should assume will happen.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value sea day with three distinct stops, included drinks, and enough time on Lopud to enjoy a beach properly. The Blue Cave adds a memorable swim, while Koločep keeps the morning from feeling like one long beach stop.

Think twice if swimming is difficult for you, if you need wheelchair access, or if you expect a detailed guided tour at every island. Also budget for the €20 lunch and €5 hotel transfer if you choose them.

For most active visitors who want to get beyond Dubrovnik’s city walls for six hours, this is an appealing and practical choice. Bring cash, wear your swimsuit, and treat the day as a relaxed boat outing rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing program.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands tour?

The tour lasts six hours, including the cruise from Dubrovnik and the stops at Koločep, the Blue Cave, and Lopud.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Dubrovnik TP LINE ferry dock in New Port Gruž. Boarding is next to the TP LINE ferry.

Which boat should I look for?

The boat name is LORENA or KATE.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in the Dubrovnik area for an additional €5, paid locally.

How much free time do you get on Koločep?

You get 45 minutes on Koločep for walking, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, or taking photos.

How do you enter the Blue Cave?

The Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming. Snorkeling masks and life jackets are provided onboard.

How long is the Blue Cave stop?

The Blue Cave stop lasts 45 minutes.

How much time do you get on Lopud?

You get two hours on Lopud for the beach, village, walking, shopping, sightseeing, swimming, or snorkeling.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, soda, water, and rakija are included onboard.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is optional and costs €20, payable in cash on the boat. You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian menu.