Elaphiti Islands by Catamaran with snacks and unlimited drinks from Dubrovnik

The Adriatic looks best from the water. This seven-hour catamaran trip gives you a broad view of Dubrovnik’s coast, with stops on Šipan and Lopud, onboard snacks, and drinks included. I like the easy hotel transfer and the chance to swim during the day. The main drawback is that two hours on an island can feel long if you want more guided sightseeing or a busier program.

This is a motor catamaran cruise, not a traditional sailing trip, so set your expectations accordingly. I also like the relaxed pace, friendly crew, and generous drink service reported on several departures. Still, the boat can feel crowded, and the English guiding may be brief when the tour is shared with French-speaking groups.

Key points to know before booking

• Šipan gets about two hours: You have time to walk around, but some people may find the stop too long if there is little happening that day.
• Lopud is the scenic highlight: Its village, sandy beach, and swimming opportunities make the second island stop especially appealing.
• Drinks are included onboard: Expect a selection of drinks, plus snacks such as rolls, fruit, baguettes, or a light salad depending on the departure.
• The boat carries up to 75 people: A cruise-ship crowd can make the catamaran feel busy, especially around the port and snack service.
• Hotel transfer is offered: Pickup runs in the morning, with departures from hotels between about 8:00 and 9:30.
• Weather can change the plan: Swimming stops and the route may be adjusted if wind, temperatures, or sea conditions are unsuitable.

Leaving Dubrovnik from Gruž Port

Your morning begins with pickup from your hotel, followed by a transfer to Gruž Port. The stated pickup window runs from 8:00 to 9:30, while the formal meeting time is around 8:20. The boat leaves from the Gruž area near the green market at 9:30.

That transfer matters in Dubrovnik. Gruž is away from the old city, and getting there early by taxi or public transport can be a nuisance during a busy summer morning. If your hotel is included in the pickup area, the included ride removes one small but real travel headache.

Allow extra time at the start. The pickup schedule is a window rather than a single guaranteed hotel departure, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals. You should have your mobile ticket ready and confirm the exact pickup details with Gulliver Travel before the day begins.

The catamaran has a maximum listed capacity of 75 people. That is not a tiny boat outing. On a quiet day, the space may feel comfortable, but a large cruise-ship group can change the mood quickly. One departure was described as crowded after a cruise ship arrived in port, so this tour is best viewed as a shared day cruise rather than a private island escape.

What the catamaran ride is really like

The first reward comes before the islands. From the water, you get changing views of Dubrovnik and the coast, with a steady breeze and a different angle on the city walls and nearby islands. The ride is part of the experience, not merely transport between stops.

Do keep one detail clear: this is a catamaran trip, not a sailing boat excursion. The wording around sailing can lead some people to expect sails, quiet wind-powered travel, or a smaller yacht. A crew member reportedly explained that the boat does not operate that way, so book this for the island route and sea views rather than for a genuine sailing experience.

Onboard Wi-Fi is included, along with a snack bar and drinks. The exact food seems modest. You might receive rolls, fruit, baguette-style sandwiches, or a light salad. One person found the salad bland, while another appreciated the rolls and fruit. I would treat the food as a useful snack rather than a full Croatian lunch.

The drinks are a stronger part of the value. Several accounts describe generous service and a good selection, though the wine quality was not praised by everyone. Since unlimited drinks are not always clearly announced onboard, ask the crew early what is included and where to order. That simple question can prevent disappointment later.

Šipan Island and the two-hour pause

The first main island stop is Šipan, reached at about 10:45. You get roughly two hours of free time for sightseeing. This is not a tightly managed walking tour, so you can set your own pace instead of following a guide through every street.

That freedom suits you if you like a quiet walk, a look around the village, or time away from Dubrovnik’s crowds. You can stretch your legs after the boat ride, take photographs, and enjoy the slower rhythm of island life. The stop also gives you a chance to get a feel for the Elaphiti group rather than seeing the islands only from the deck.

The weakness is the fixed length. Two hours works well if you find a pleasant walk or settle into a café, but it can feel excessive if you are expecting monuments, shopping, or a packed schedule. I would bring a book, swimwear, or a willingness to simply sit and watch the water.

The guiding deserves a note here. Reports from the boat describe French commentary receiving more time than English commentary on at least one departure. Another account praised Ivana as a good guide, so the quality may depend on the guide and the language mix that day. If detailed English interpretation is important to you, this is not the safest choice. The structure is mostly free time, with guiding playing a secondary role.

Lopud, the most rewarding island stop

Around 1:00, the catamaran continues to Lopud for another two-hour break. This is generally the stronger stop because you can combine a village walk with time near the beach. The island is presented as the tour’s final and most attractive island visit, with a sandy beach and good conditions for swimming.

Bring proper swimwear, a towel, and anything you need for time in the water. The excursion includes free time for swimming, but this is not a supervised water-sports session. Weather and sea conditions can alter the swimming plan, so pack walking clothes as well as beach gear.

Lopud works best when you do not try to force too much into the stop. Walk through the village, find the beach, and leave enough time to return to the boat without rushing. The island gives the day its holiday feel, while Šipan provides a quieter sightseeing break.

Still, two hours is not enough for every possible activity, and it may feel repetitive if the day already includes a swimming stop elsewhere. One person felt the second island offered little to do and would have preferred another swim stop. That is useful advice: you will enjoy Lopud most if your ideal island visit includes simple pleasures, not a long list of sights.

Swimming time and the question of the third island

The tour material describes sailing from Kolocep Island toward Lopud, while the timed itinerary names Šipan and Lopud as the main stops. Another part of the schedule refers to the Elaphiti Islands and a swimming opportunity outside the main island visits.

The safest way to understand this is that the route may include a swim stop or a pass near another island, but the exact location and timing can change. Do not book expecting a guaranteed three-island sightseeing program. The two clearly timed stops are Šipan and Lopud.

Swimming is one of the most praised parts of the day. One account called the swim stop excellent, and the coastal setting gives you a welcome break from walking. If you like being in the sea, this is a strong reason to choose the cruise.

Wind can complicate the plan. The crew may decide conditions are not safe or comfortable, even when the day looks sunny from shore. Some people may find that decision frustrating, but the route is explicitly subject to weather, wind, and temperature. Bring a swimsuit, but keep your expectations flexible.

Food, drinks, and the real value of $97.86

At about $97.86 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elaphiti Islands. It can still be fair value if you use the included transfer, drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, boat ride, and full-day schedule.

A similar outing arranged independently would involve getting to Gruž, finding a boat, paying for island transport, and buying drinks and food along the way. The package removes that planning. For a first Dubrovnik visit, I see real value in having the transport and island sequence handled for you.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short boat ride or one beach stop. You are paying for a long shared excursion with fixed timing, and the catamaran may carry as many as 75 people. If you prefer a quiet boat, a private skipper, or a carefully planned food experience, this is not the right product.

Food expectations matter. The included snack is practical, not a traditional Dalmatian meal. You might get a baguette, rolls, fruit, or a simple salad, and the quality can vary. I would eat breakfast before pickup and bring a small extra snack if you tend to get hungry after swimming.

The drinks improve the calculation, especially if you plan to enjoy several soft drinks or alcoholic drinks during the cruise. Ask at the start about the unlimited-drink arrangement, since one person said it was not clearly explained onboard. That is a communication issue, not necessarily a missing inclusion.

Crowds, languages, and the day’s overall mood

This cruise has a social, group-excursion feel. The boat is pleasant and the crew has been described as friendly, but it is not designed for solitude. A large group from a cruise ship can fill the seating and make service feel less personal.

That can be a plus if you like a lively boat and do not want to organize anything yourself. It can be a drawback if you want quiet time, quick disembarkation, or plenty of room on deck. I would arrive promptly at the port and keep your belongings compact.

The guiding is another variable. Ivana received particular praise, and the crew was described as safe and attentive on one departure. On another, the English commentary was short compared with French explanations. Since much of the day is free time, the uneven commentary may not ruin the outing, but it matters if you are booking for detailed local interpretation.

The boat itself received generally favorable comments, though crowding and food quality lowered some ratings. The overall score is 3.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings, which fits the experience well: attractive scenery and good service, with some avoidable weaknesses in communication, pacing, and crowd control.

Who should book this island cruise?

I would recommend this tour to a first-time Dubrovnik visitor who wants to see beyond the city without arranging ferries or transfers. You get a full day on the coast, two island stops, sea views, a possible swim, and refreshments in one booking.

It is also a sensible choice for couples, families, and mixed groups. Free time lets different people choose a walk, beach time, or a quiet drink. Most people can participate, and the tour is near public transportation if you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

You should think twice if you want a true sailing boat, a small group, or a strong food program. The boat is a catamaran, the group may be large, and the snack is not a full traditional lunch. You may also feel frustrated by two-hour island stops if you prefer a tightly packed sightseeing schedule.

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or insufficient numbers, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands catamaran?

Book it if you value easy logistics, sea views, swimming, and included drinks more than intimate guiding or a carefully paced island tour. Lopud is the main payoff, and the boat ride gives you a pleasant break from Dubrovnik’s stone streets.

Skip it if your dream is a quiet sailing yacht, a traditional lunch, or several active island excursions. For the best chance of enjoying the day, eat breakfast first, bring swimming equipment, expect a shared boat, and ask about the drink service when you board.

FAQ

Where does the Elaphiti Islands tour depart from?

The catamaran departs from Gruž Port near the green market in Dubrovnik. The scheduled departure time is 9:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel departure and return transfer are offered. Morning transfers are scheduled between about 8:00 and 9:30, so confirm the exact pickup time for your accommodation.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately seven hours. The stated return to Gruž Port is around 5:00 pm, followed by transfer back to hotels.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The timed itinerary includes Šipan Island and Lopud Island, with about two hours of free time at each. The route may also pass near or stop for swimming around another Elaphiti island, depending on conditions.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The excursion includes free time for swimming. Bring suitable swimwear and other equipment, but understand that swimming plans can change because of wind, temperatures, or other weather conditions.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are included, with unlimited drinks advertised as part of the experience. Food may include rolls, fruit, baguette-style snacks, or a light salad rather than a full meal.

Is this a sailing boat tour?

No. This is a catamaran cruise. You should book it for the coastal ride, island visits, swimming, and views rather than for traditional wind-powered sailing.

How many people can join the tour?

The listed maximum is 75 people. The boat can therefore feel busy, particularly when large groups from cruise ships join the excursion.