Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch

Three islands, one easy day at sea. This cruise is a pleasant way to trade Dubrovnik’s busy streets for pine-covered shores, clear swimming water, and small island villages. I especially like the clean, comfortable Regina Maris and the way lunch, soft drinks, water, and local wine are included rather than added one by one.

I also like the friendly crew and simple plan: sail out, visit Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, then return to Dubrovnik. The main drawback is time. The first two island stops can feel short, with roughly an hour or less for each, so you get a taste of several places rather than a slow visit to one.

Key points to know before booking

• Three different islands in one day: Koločep offers pine woods and swimming, Šipan brings village charm and lunch, while Lopud gives you the most time for beaches and walking.
• Regina Maris is part of the appeal: The boat has shaded decks, comfortable lounging bags, WiFi, four restrooms, and plenty of places to sit.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian food when booking. Lunch also comes with local white wine, rakija, water, and popular soft drinks.
• Lopud gets the longest visit: You can walk to sandy Šunj Beach, rent a bike, visit the Franciscan Monastery, or browse the harbor village.
• The schedule is strict: Departure times are posted at each stop, and the boat leaves on time. Arrive early rather than testing the crew’s punctuality.
• Dubrovnik pickup can simplify the morning: Hotel pickup and return are included if you select that option. Pickup outside Dubrovnik may be arranged for an extra fee.

Starting at Lapadska obala 5

The day begins at 10:00 a.m. at Lapadska obala 5. Look for the large white Regina Maris at the harbor. If you select the Dubrovnik pickup option, transportation from your city hotel and the return trip are included, which is useful if you do not want to arrange your own way to the harbor.

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the outing. It is described as clean and well maintained, with two shaded decks and several areas for sitting, eating, or stretching out. Lazy bags provide a comfortable place to relax during the sailing sections, especially on the return to Dubrovnik when the sun and sea air do most of the entertaining.

There are four restrooms on board, two for women and two for men. WiFi is also available. This is not a small open speedboat, so the setup suits a full day on the water better than a quick coastal transfer.

The crew gives a short introduction before each island, including suggestions about what you can do during the stop. One host singled out in the feedback is Elisa, who helped confirm meal choices and pickup details in advance. That kind of contact is useful because your lunch selection needs to be provided when you book.

Koločep: pine woods, coves, and your first swim

Koločep is the first island stop. Its appeal is natural rather than monumental. Dense pine forests frame the shore, and the island has small caves and clear Adriatic water that invite a swim.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to look beneath the surface. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you will need to arrange that yourself. Towels and beachwear are not supplied either, making it wise to arrive dressed for swimming and carry a towel from your hotel.

The stop usually gives you about an hour, sometimes a little more or less depending on the day’s schedule. That is enough for a swim, a short walk along the coast, an ice cream, or a quick look at local products sold near the beach. It is not enough for a long hike or an unhurried tour of the island.

This is an important point when choosing the cruise. Koločep is presented as a peaceful natural stop, but the format is island sampling. You are not settling into one beach for half a day. If your ideal outing means swimming, taking photos, and moving on, the timing works well. If you want to explore every path and cave, it will feel rushed.

Šipan: lunch and village life in Suđurađ

The boat then continues to Šipan, the largest of the three islands visited. The stop centers on Suđurađ, a small harbor village with traditional buildings, a bay, and a more settled local feel.

Lunch is served during this part of the day. You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian food when booking. The fish and chicken meals are served with simple sides such as cabbage slaw and cucumbers, and the meal includes local white wine. Rakija, a local brandy, is also included, along with water and soft drinks.

The food is best understood as straightforward Dalmatian-style fare rather than a restaurant tasting menu. Fish has been praised for being fresh, while chicken is described as simple but tasty. The vegetarian option may be modest, so if you need a larger or more varied meat-free meal, consider bringing a sandwich or small snack. Snacks are not included, but you can buy them at island shops.

After lunch, use your free time to walk around Suđurađ. Small stands near family homes, the castle, and the bay sell local wine and olive oil. These informal stalls offer a more personal taste of island life than a formal shop, and they are a good place to pause if you want to buy a small local product.

You can also stop for coffee or gelato by the harbor, though those purchases cost extra. The visit to Šipan is often around 40 minutes to an hour. That leaves enough time for a short walk and a drink, but not a full island excursion.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: the day’s main stretch of free time

Lopud is the final island and usually the longest stop, often around two hours. This extra time makes a real difference. You can choose between the beach, a walk, historic sights, gardens, or the harbor village instead of trying to squeeze everything into one quick loop.

The main draw is Šunj Beach, known for golden sand and shallow water. The walk from the bay takes about 30 minutes through the island’s natural surroundings, so allow roughly an hour for the round trip if you plan to walk there and back. Local drivers offer buggy rides from a point about 200 meters from the bay, but this is an extra-cost service paid directly to the driver.

At Šunj, you can swim or relax on the sand. The shallow water makes it a practical choice for families, though you still need to bring your own beachwear and towel. The beach is one of the few places on this route where you can spend a meaningful block of time without watching the clock every few minutes.

If you prefer not to go to Šunj, Lopud gives you other choices. Bike rentals are available on the island, and you can look for quieter bays or visit the Franciscan Monastery. The Sunlight Museum opens during the high season, and the Botanical Garden has free entry.

The harbor village offers shops, cafes, and ice cream stands. You can easily make Lopud a beach stop, a walking stop, or a gentle mix of both. I would save the more ambitious plans for this island because it gives you the best chance to stretch your legs and see something beyond the waterfront.

Life on board between the islands

The sailing time is part of the day, not merely transportation. You will have views of the Dubrovnik coast and the open Adriatic, with space to sit in the sun or shade. The shaded decks matter, especially during a full eight-hour outing. On a bright day, you can enjoy the sea without spending the entire trip searching for shelter.

The boat serves water from a fountain and a selection of common soft drinks. Local white wine and rakija are included with lunch. Extra alcohol, coffee, and tea are available for purchase, so do not assume every drink on board is covered.

The atmosphere appears to be social but relaxed. People can sit together for lunch, move around the decks, and chat during the longer sailing stretches. There are no advertised activities on board beyond the island visits, food, drinks, and crew commentary. That is a strength if you want a calm day, but a weakness if you expect games, organized entertainment, or a packed program.

The crew’s punctuality deserves attention. Departure times are given before you leave the boat and displayed on a board at the island stops. The boat leaves on schedule, so return early. A beautiful beach is not worth being left behind at the dock.

What the $78.60 price really covers

At $78.60 per person, this is not simply a boat ride. The price includes an eight-hour outing, lunch, water, soft drinks, local wine with lunch, rakija, use of the boat’s facilities, and Dubrovnik hotel pickup and return if that option is selected.

That makes the price reasonable for you if you value convenience. Arranging separate boat transport, lunch, and island connections could cost more and would require careful timing. Here, the route is organized and the crew handles the movement between islands.

The value is strongest when you use the included food and drinks and want to see three islands in one day. It is less compelling if your goal is a long beach day. A public boat or a stay on one island may give you more time in one place, though it will not provide the same simple package.

Remember that towels, snorkeling equipment, snacks, coffee, tea, extra alcohol, buggy transport to Šunj, and gratuities are not included. The tour description makes the lunch and included drinks clear, but it is still worth budgeting for small purchases at the islands.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the Elaphiti Islands without planning several separate excursions. It also suits families, couples, and anyone who prefers a comfortable boat with restrooms, shade, and a scheduled lunch.

Swimmers will like Koločep and Lopud. Food-focused visitors will appreciate the fresh fish option and local wine. People who enjoy light walking can use Lopud for the Monastery, Botanical Garden, harbor, or Šunj Beach.

This is not the best match if you dislike fixed schedules or want deep exploration. Koločep and Šipan receive limited time, and the boat is not available for lounging while you are ashore. You also need to keep track of departure times throughout the day.

Weather matters. The outing depends on good conditions, and a cloudy or rainy day would reduce the pleasure of swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the views. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Practical tips for making the day easier

Choose your lunch when booking. The available choices are fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and this is not something to leave until boarding.

Wear beach-friendly clothing from the start. Beachwear and towels are not included, and you may want to swim at Koločep before reaching Lopud.

Bring snorkeling gear if you want it. The boat does not provide equipment.

Plan Lopud before you arrive. Two hours can pass quickly if you want both Šunj Beach and the Monastery. Choose one main goal, then add the harbor or an ice cream if time allows.

Keep your return time in mind. The boat is known for leaving promptly, which keeps the tour organized but leaves little room for delays.

If you stay outside central Dubrovnik, contact the provider about pickup. Transfers beyond the Dubrovnik city area may be possible for an additional fee.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and the cutoff uses local time.

FAQ

Where does the Elaphiti Islands cruise depart?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 5 in Dubrovnik. Look for the large white Regina Maris at the harbor.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud before returning to Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food. You need to provide your selection when booking.

Are drinks included?

Still water, popular soft drinks, local white wine with lunch, and rakija are included. Extra alcohol, coffee, and tea cost additional money.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return from hotels within Dubrovnik are included if you select that option. Pickup outside Dubrovnik can be arranged by email for an extra fee.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the cruise, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Regina Maris cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want an easy, well-organized day that combines three islands, a comfortable boat, swimming opportunities, and lunch without handling the logistics yourself. The high 4.8 rating from 5,938 reviews and 98 percent recommendation rate fit the strongest parts of the trip: the boat, crew, food, and smooth organization.

I would skip it if you want a long stay on Koločep or Šipan, or if a full day of scheduled sailing sounds restrictive. For most first visits to Dubrovnik, though, the combination of pine-fringed Koločep, village life on Šipan, and beach time on Lopud gives you a satisfying look beyond the city walls.