Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Three islands, one easy Adriatic day. This eight-hour cruise gives you a simple way to see Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud without arranging separate ferries, taxis, or meals. I like the steady supply of drinks and the chance to swim, walk, or explore at your own pace. The attentive crew, especially guides such as Emily and Natasha, also earns strong praise.

The main tradeoff is time. Šipan gets only about 45 minutes, while Lopud gets three hours, which can feel long in cold or rainy weather. Also, ask about pickup and lunch when you book, since those features depend on the option you choose.

Five useful things to know before you book

• The boat is named Emili: Board at the dock beside Dubrovnik’s bus station, and look for the boat called Emili.
• You visit three islands in one day: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud each offer a different mix of swimming, walks, beaches, and village views.
• Drinks keep coming: Water, soft drinks, Croatian white wine, and brandy are included, with crew members regularly offering refills.
• Lopud gets the longest stop: You have three hours there for lunch, a beach visit, a walk, or a swim.
• Hotel pickup may be included: Selected options offer pickup and return in Dubrovnik’s city area, but you must confirm the time with the operator.
• Sea conditions matter: The route depends on the Adriatic weather, so bring swimwear and a towel but keep your plans flexible.

Why this island cruise works so well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s Old Town gets most of the attention, but the Elaphite Islands show you a quieter side of the coast. The islands sit close enough to make a full-day boat trip practical, yet far enough from the city to give you open sea views and a change of pace.

I like this cruise because it removes much of the usual planning. You do not need to compare ferry timetables or hunt for a waterfront restaurant. You board one boat, settle in, and let the day unfold around three stops.

At about $51 per person, the price is strong if you select the option that includes lunch, drinks, and hotel transport. A meal bought separately costs €20 per person, so check the exact booking choice before paying. The value comes from combining transport, a full day on the water, three island visits, food, and drinks in one outing.

This is not a private sailing trip. You share the boat with other people, and the experience has a social, relaxed feel. That can be a plus if you enjoy chatting, music, and meeting people. It is less suited to you if you want a quiet boat, a tightly controlled private itinerary, or hours at one secluded cove.

Boarding Emili beside Dubrovnik’s bus station

The standard meeting point is the dock next to the bus station. Look for the boat named Emili. If you have selected hotel pickup, the operator can collect you in Dubrovnik’s city area and return you afterward.

Pickup needs attention. Contact the provider by email, phone, or WhatsApp to confirm your time or meeting point. If you fail to make contact, you risk missing the boat and losing your refund, so do not leave this until the morning of departure.

The boat has upper and lower deck seating. Arriving early may help you choose where to sit, though no fixed seating arrangement is given. The lower deck can offer shelter, while the upper deck gives you a clearer view and more sun. Engine fumes were unpleasant for one passenger in one part of the boat, so move if you notice the smell.

The crew keeps the boat clean and well maintained. Drinks are served throughout the day, not just with lunch. Water and soft drinks suit families, while white wine and brandy add a distinctly Croatian touch for adults. The range is not extensive, and you should not expect a full bar with every type of beer, wine, or cocktail.

The first cruise and Koločep’s clear water

The first stretch is a sightseeing cruise of about 30 minutes. This is a pleasant way to leave Dubrovnik behind and see the city from the water. Keep your camera ready as the shoreline recedes and the Adriatic opens around you.

Koločep is the first island stop, with about an hour for free time. You can take a short nature walk, pause for photos, swim, or try snorkeling. The island is small enough for a brief visit, but an hour passes quickly if you want both a walk and time in the water.

This stop works best when you treat it as a sampler, not a full island tour. You will have time to stretch your legs and get a taste of island life, but not time for a long hike or a slow café stop. Bring swimwear under your clothes if you want to make the most of the water.

The crew can point you toward places to see, and guides may share background about local culture and the islands along the way. If you prefer to wander alone, the free period lets you set your own pace.

Šipan’s short stop and stone village character

After Koločep, the boat cruises for about an hour before reaching Šipan. The stop lasts roughly 45 minutes, including a short guided element, sightseeing, photos, and free time.

Šipan offers traditional red-roofed stone houses and a more settled village feel. It is a good place for a quick walk and photographs, especially if you want to see architecture beyond Dubrovnik’s fortified center.

The limitation is obvious: 45 minutes is not long. You will need to choose between a relaxed drink, a proper walk, and close attention to the guide. If you try to do everything, you may spend the whole stop watching the clock.

That short visit is not necessarily a flaw. The cruise is designed to give you three different island impressions in one day. Šipan provides variety, while Lopud receives the long, unhurried stop. If Šipan is the island you most want to explore, this cruise may leave you wanting more.

Lunch, open-bar service, and the long Lopud visit

The longest stop is Lopud, where you have about three hours. This is the day’s main break and the place where the schedule finally slows down.

Lunch is served as part of selected options, with chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes available. The fish receives especially warm praise, and the meal is described as fresh, tasty, and filling. Chicken is also available, though one portion was considered heavier than necessary. The meal is served onboard, with timing arranged around the island stop and cruise schedule.

The included drinks add real value. Water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy are available, and crew members regularly walk around offering refills. This is not the sort of cruise where you buy one drink at the start and then pay for every glass. If you want alcohol, pace yourself, since the day lasts eight hours and the sun can make drinks feel stronger.

Lopud gives you room to choose your own afternoon. You can walk along the small promenade, browse shops and bars, go to the beach, swim, snorkel, or join a guided walk across the island. The sandy beach is a highlight for many people, and the combination of a beach break and a village walk makes Lopud feel more complete than the earlier stops.

The three-hour stay is ideal in warm weather. You can eat, walk, and swim without rushing. In shoulder season, it may be too long. Shops can be closed, the water may be cold, and a cloudy day leaves fewer ways to fill the time. Bring a light layer if you are visiting outside the hottest months.

Guides who make the day feel personal

The crew receives unusually strong praise for its friendliness and attention. Emily is often singled out for helping people find interesting viewpoints and explaining what to see on the islands. Natasha is also praised for clear information, a warm manner, and keeping conversations organized so people could hear the guide.

Other crew members, including Emily and Brožo, the captain, are described as approachable and helpful. The staff checks on children, offers drinks often, answers questions about history and culture, and helps keep the day moving without making it feel hurried.

That human element matters. A three-island cruise can become a simple transport service, with passengers dropped off and collected again. Here, the guides add context and practical suggestions, while still leaving you free to explore by yourself.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. Music plays onboard, and it is easy to meet other people. That makes this a good choice if you enjoy a shared excursion. If you dislike group energy or want silence during every crossing, the social mood may not suit you.

What the schedule feels like over eight hours

The full day includes several boat crossings, so you should think of the cruise as part sightseeing tour and part island outing. The early crossings are about 30 minutes and one central crossing lasts roughly an hour. Later, the return cruise takes about 50 minutes.

Those passages give you time to rest, take photos, enjoy the breeze, and have another drink. They also mean you are not walking all day. For many people, that balance is the appeal: a little movement on land, followed by a comfortable ride and open-water views.

The schedule is organized around the three stops:

• Koločep: about one hour for swimming, walking, and photos
• Šipan: about 45 minutes for a short visit and sightseeing
• Lopud: about three hours for lunch, beach time, swimming, and walking

The exact departure time depends on availability. The tour ends back at the meeting point, with the listed return location at Lapadska obala 7 in Dubrovnik. Pickup options may return you to your accommodation instead.

Practical comfort, swimming, and mobility notes

Bring a swimsuit and towel. You will have chances to swim at Koločep and Lopud, and snorkeling is also possible during free time. The information about accessibility is inconsistent: one section describes the activity as wheelchair accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Contact the operator directly before booking if this affects your plans.

Sea conditions can change the experience. Rough water may make the crossings uncomfortable, and the route or timing can be affected. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable and bring any medication you normally use, though no specific seating advice is provided by the operator.

You should also plan for sun exposure. The boat offers open-air views, and much of the appeal comes from sitting outside while the coast passes by. A towel serves both for swimming and for sitting on the beach, while a light layer helps on the return crossing or during cooler weather.

Who will get the most from this $51 cruise

I would choose this trip if you have one free day in Dubrovnik and want to see beyond the city without managing transport yourself. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who like a relaxed schedule with swimming, food, and scenery.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You want three island stops in one day.
• You enjoy a friendly group atmosphere.
• You value unlimited drinks and an included meal.
• You want hotel pickup as part of your package.
• You prefer short walks and beach time to demanding hikes.
• You like having free time rather than following a guide every minute.

I would think twice if your main goal is serious snorkeling, long hikes, or detailed exploration of one island. The stops are designed for variety, not depth. I would also avoid booking the longest Lopud stop in poor weather unless you are happy spending extra time onboard or walking around a quiet village.

The tour has a rating of 4.8 from 1,222 ratings, and the strongest praise centers on the same features: kind crew, regular drink service, tasty fish lunch, clean boat, good organization, and strong value. The few cautions are useful too: engine fumes may affect some seating areas, Šipan is brief, and Lopud can feel overlong when shops are closed and swimming is not appealing.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, full-day escape from Dubrovnik with three islands, lunch, drinks, and swimming time handled in one package. The crew’s care makes the difference, and guides such as Emily and Natasha can turn a basic boat ride into a more enjoyable day.

Before paying, confirm three things: that your chosen price includes lunch, that hotel pickup is included if you need it, and that the pickup time has been agreed. Bring swimwear and a towel, and check the forecast because sea conditions shape the day.

If you want a quiet private boat or deep exploration of a single island, choose something more focused. For an easy first look at the Elaphites, this is a strong value.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule when booking.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud.

How much free time do I get on each island?

You get about one hour on Koločep, 45 minutes on Šipan, and three hours on Lopud.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included with selected options. If your booking does not include lunch, you can purchase it during the tour for €20 per person.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy. The crew serves them throughout the cruise.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The boat departs from the dock next to Dubrovnik’s bus station. Look for the boat named Emili. The activity ends back at the meeting point, with Lapadska obala 7 listed as a drop-off location.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour is subject to sea conditions, and you should confirm pickup details in advance if you choose hotel transportation.