Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

The best thing about this cruise is simple: you see three Elaphite Islands in one day without arranging ferries, meals, or beach stops yourself. The route gives you three hours on Lopud, then shorter visits to Šipan and Koločep, with the Adriatic views filling the gaps between them.

I like the generous, attentive crew and the choice between a lunch package and a cheaper drinks-only option. I also like that Lopud gets the time it deserves, especially if you walk to Šunj Bay or explore its car-free roads. The main caution is that Šipan and Koločep receive only about an hour each, so this is a sampler, not a slow island stay.

Key points at a glance

• Three islands, three different moods: Lopud has the longest stop and a sandy beach, Šipan brings vineyards and olive groves, and Koločep offers pine woods and clear swimming water.
• The RITA is set up for a full day: You get an open upper deck, a lower air-conditioned salon, two clean toilets, and a five-person crew.
• Lunch is optional: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate with potato salad, or select the drinks-only option and eat on Lopud or bring food.
• Šunj Bay is the standout stop: Walk or use a local golf-cart ride to reach the sandy beach, allowing extra time for the return journey.
• The crew shapes the day: Guides may speak English, Croatian, Italian, or German. Azhar and Nikoleta are among the guides praised by name.
• The value is strong at about $50: An eight-hour boat trip with drinks and, when selected, lunch costs less than booking several separate transfers and meals.

What this Dubrovnik island cruise is really like

This is a relaxed sightseeing and swimming day rather than a tightly scripted historical tour. You spend part of the day moving along Dubrovnik’s coast, part eating and talking aboard the boat, and part wandering on your own.

That balance suits me. You are not rushed from one guide-led stop to the next, but you do need to keep an eye on the return-to-boat time. The crew gives arrival information and keeps the schedule moving, so being late at an island can affect everyone on board.

The boat is called RITA and is docked at the pier under the MARINERO agency name. It has an open top for sea views and a lower air-conditioned salon when the sun gets strong. Two onboard toilets are provided, and the crew numbers five people.

Hotel pickup and drop-off can be added for stays in the Dubrovnik area. If you are inside a pedestrian-only zone or on a narrow street, the driver will arrange a nearby meeting point rather than attempting to reach your door.

The cruise from Dubrovnik: sea views before the islands

The first sailing section lasts about 30 minutes. This is when you settle in, find a good seat, and enjoy the view back toward Dubrovnik’s coastline.

The upper deck is the natural choice for photographs and fresh air. The lower salon gives you shade and air conditioning, which matters on a long summer outing. If you are prone to motion sickness, choosing a central seat and keeping water nearby is sensible, though the supplied details do not promise calm seas.

Drinks are included. Water, soft drinks, and Croatian wine are part of the offering, with additional drinks available to purchase. Several accounts also describe juice or lemonade, snacks such as wafers, and small servings of local liqueur. Treat those extras as dependent on the day rather than the core promise.

Lopud: three hours for beaches, walking, and lunch

Lopud is the heart of the day. You have around three hours here, which is enough to do more than step off the boat, take a photo, and return.

The island is car-free, with roads and paths suited to walking. You can spend your time by the waterfront, browse small shops, walk toward historic sights, or head across the island to Šunj Bay. Ancient fortifications and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery add interest for anyone who wants more than a swim.

Šunj Bay deserves a plan. It is known for its sandy beach, a welcome change from the pebbly shores common along the Croatian coast. You can walk there, or use a local golf-cart service. One useful warning: the carts may wait until they have enough passengers, may stop short of the harbor, and may leave you with another 10 to 15 minutes of walking. If you use one, leave time for the return.

If you do not plan to swim, the beach may not justify the extra effort. In that case, stay around the harbor and explore Lopud at a more comfortable pace. The island has uneven and uphill sections, so wear proper walking shoes rather than flip-flops alone.

Lunch is served on the boat if you select the lunch option. The choices are fish, chicken, or vegetarian, each with potato salad. This is the easiest choice because it saves your island time and avoids depending on a restaurant being open.

If you select drinks only, Lopud is the practical place to buy food. In the main season, you might find several choices. Outside the busiest months, options can be limited. One useful approach is to bring your own lunch, provided the booking terms allow it, and use the three-hour stop for a meal and a swim.

Šipan: a quieter hour among vineyards and olive groves

After Lopud, the boat sails for about 20 minutes to Šipan, the largest of the Elaphite Islands. You get roughly one hour here.

Šipan is less about one famous beach and more about its rural feel. Vineyards, olive groves, and quiet village scenery give the stop a different character from Lopud. You can walk, take photographs, look around, or swim if conditions suit.

The limitation is time. An hour lets you get a taste of the island, but not conduct a serious exploration. If your main goal is historic buildings, long walks, or a full meal ashore, this itinerary will feel short. The attraction is the variety: after a beach-focused Lopud stop, Šipan gives you a look at the agricultural side of the archipelago.

Bring your own sense of timing. The crew provides information about when to return, but you should not assume the boat will wait for a late arrival.

Koločep: a short final swim stop

The next cruise lasts about 45 minutes before reaching Koločep. The final island stop lasts around one hour.

Koločep is the most restful finish. Pine forests, quiet coves, and clear water make it a good place for a final swim or a short walk. You can also take photographs and browse around the settlement.

As with Šipan, the hour goes quickly. Some people will find enough time for a swim and a little wandering. If you want a long forest walk or a serious snorkeling session, you may wish the itinerary allowed more time.

The order of the stops matters to some people. Lopud is the highlight for many, and visiting it first means you are fresh for the longest walk and beach outing. Others would prefer Šipan first, then Lopud, followed by a brief Koločep stop. The current sequence is efficient, but not designed around giving every island equal time.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the $50 price

At about $50 per person, this is one of the easier Dubrovnik day trips to justify if you want transport and several stops in one package. You receive an eight-hour boat outing, drinks, crew service, and lunch when that option is selected.

The lunch choice affects the value. If you want convenience, select fish, chicken, or vegetarian lunch on the boat. You eat without giving up island time, and the included wine and water fit the relaxed Mediterranean setting.

If you prefer flexibility, the drinks-only option may suit you better. You can eat on Lopud or bring something with you, then spend the lunch period exploring. This can be the smarter budget choice for light eaters, families with specific food needs, or anyone who wants to choose a local meal ashore.

I would not book this mainly for a gourmet meal. The food is practical boat-trip fare, with a grilled fish option and potato salad, rather than a long restaurant lunch. Its value comes from convenience and time saved.

Drinks are offered during the day, not just at one meal. Water and soft drinks are useful in the heat, while Croatian wine adds to lunch. Remember that towels and snorkeling equipment are not included, so pack your own towel and mask if you want to swim.

Crew service and the feel on board

The strongest part of this outing is the crew. They circulate with drinks, explain the island stops, keep to the timing, and help people feel looked after without turning the day into a formal lecture.

Guides may operate in English, Croatian, Italian, or German. Azhar and Nikoleta have been singled out by name for friendly, helpful guiding. The tone can also become lively, especially when a group is celebrating a birthday or singing along to the music.

That atmosphere is worth considering before booking. This is not a silent luxury yacht charter. You share the boat with other people, and the mood may range from calm to sociable and musical depending on the group.

The boat has open sides on parts of the upper level. Keep a close eye on very young children, especially toddlers. The setup is more comfortable for children who can follow basic safety instructions than for little ones who need constant physical supervision.

Who should book this trip

I would choose this cruise if you want to see more of the Dubrovnik area than the old city and prefer a ready-made day at sea. It works particularly well for couples, small groups, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children.

It is also a good fit if you want both swimming and scenery. You can sunbathe, walk, snorkel with your own equipment, and take photographs without committing to a single beach all day.

You may want another type of outing if you prefer a private boat, long guided walks, or a quiet archaeological tour. The island stops are self-directed, and the two shorter visits leave little room for wandering far from the landing point.

The season matters. In late October and other quieter periods, nature remains attractive, but many island shops and restaurants may be closed. If you visit outside the main summer season, book lunch on the boat or carry food with you.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes, not just beach sandals. Lopud can involve hills, uneven surfaces, and a walk to Šunj Bay.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Add a towel and snorkeling gear because neither is supplied. A camera is worthwhile, especially during the coastal sailing sections.

Confirm your pickup details by email if you add hotel transport. Be at the agreed meeting point on time, particularly if your accommodation is in Dubrovnik’s pedestrian center.

For the boat meeting point, look for RITA at the pier and the MARINERO name. The return is to Dubrovnik, with Lapadska obala 5 listed as a drop-off point.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking, since the exact departure depends on the selected option.

Is the Elaphite Islands cruise worth booking?

Yes, for most people who want a good-value full day from Dubrovnik. The crew, clean boat, included drinks, and three-island route make the price attractive, while Lopud gives you enough time for a proper beach and walking stop.

Choose the lunch option if you want the easiest day, especially in the off-season. Choose drinks only if you want to save money, bring food, or eat on Lopud.

Book it with realistic expectations: Lopud is the main event, Šipan and Koločep are short introductions, and the day is shared with a sociable group. If that sounds right, RITA’s island-hopping route is a practical way to trade Dubrovnik’s stone streets for clear water, sandy shore, pine woods, and a taste of island life.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours, including the boat journeys and stops at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Which islands does the boat visit?

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

How much time do you 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?

Water, Croatian wine, and a selection of soft drinks are included. Additional drinks can be purchased on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an optional extra for accommodations in the Dubrovnik area.

Where do I meet the boat?

The boat is named RITA and is docked at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name, where the crew will meet you.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel and snorkeling equipment if you plan to swim or snorkel.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, Croatian, Italian, and German.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.