Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

What makes this trip interesting is the setup: you get boat time along Dubrovnik’s coast and then real island breaks, not just quick stops. It’s a simple way to see the Elafiti Islands while staying relaxed, with your days organized for you.

I especially love the Lopud time (around 3 hours, usually the longest stop), and I love how the crew keeps the day social and easy, with Croatian wine and soft drinks included. It also helps that the boat has an air-conditioned area to cool down between swims.

One thing to consider: in cooler months, shops and restaurants on the islands may be closed or limited. If you’re visiting outside peak season, the onboard lunch option becomes an even smarter move.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Sunj Bay and the sandy beach on Lopud are the kind of swim-and-sun moment people remember.
• A boat with an air-conditioned saloon plus open deck space means you can pick your comfort level.
• Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks are built in, and the crew keeps topping things up.
• Three islands in one day gives you variety without the hassle of ferry timing.
• Lunch on board, when selected, gives you a proper sit-down meal with potato salad and menu choices.
• Clean onboard toilets matter more than you think when you’re on the water for hours.

Cruising the Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik, without the planning headache

This is the kind of day trip that makes Dubrovnik feel bigger than the city walls. You start on the water, so the first payoff is instant: the coastline slides by, and the sea air does the stress-relieving work for you. Then the day breaks into island time where you can swim, walk, or just sit in the shade and watch boats drift by.

You are not trying to “see everything.” Instead, you’re tasting three different corners of the Elafiti archipelago: Lopud first (often the star of the day), then Šipan, and finally Koločep. The pace is structured, but your time at each island is flexible enough to turn the day into your kind of outing.

Finding your boat, getting oriented, and what the RITA experience feels like

Your boat is called RITA, and it docks at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name, and the crew will be ready for you there. If you choose hotel pickup, you’ll be met by a driver in the Dubrovnik area, then head to the harbor in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Once aboard, the layout is practical. There’s a lower air-conditioned salon for cooling off, and you still get open-air views from the boat’s deck. That mix matters in Croatia, where you might start sunny and end up wanting shade for lunch or after a swim.

Also, this trip is built for comfort on the water. You get two onboard toilets, and the boat is kept very clean. Small detail, big difference, especially if you’re spending most of the day moving between islands.

Drinks on board: how the party stays casual, not chaotic

The drink plan here is one of the biggest reasons people rate this so highly. It’s not just a token glass. Throughout the cruise, you get high-quality Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks. The crew also circulates regularly, and you may see extra rounds of juice and treats, plus shots of a local liqueur on some days.

The tone stays relaxed. You’re not stuck in a strict schedule every five minutes. You can sip while you cruise, cool off in the air-conditioned cabin when you want, and then get back out to enjoy the sea.

If you tend to travel with a light plan and want the day to feel social without needing to do anything fancy, this is a good match.

Dubrovnik to Lopud: the 30 minutes that set the mood

The day starts with a short sightseeing cruise leg that’s designed to settle you in. Expect about 30 minutes of cruising, which is long enough to get your bearings and start appreciating why people come to this stretch of coast.

Then you arrive at Lopud, where the schedule shifts from “travel” to “time on the island.” Lopud gets about 3 hours on the ground, plus some short movement and photo moments that keep the day flowing.

In other words, this is where the trip stops being a ride and starts being a vacation.

Lopud: Sunj Beach, car-free charm, and 3 hours to do your way

If you only had one island on this tour, Lopud would probably be it. This stop is consistently treated as the highlight, and for good reason.

You’re free to explore on your own, which is exactly how you should do it. Use the time to pick your own balance of beach, shade, and walking.

Here are the options that make Lopud feel worth the boat day:

• Sunj Bay and its sandy beach: This is the spot many people talk about first. It’s ideal for a proper swim session.
• A walk around the island: You can wander at your own pace and soak in the slower rhythm.
• Car-free roads and viewpoints: Lopud has paths that feel made for lingering. You may also spot historical touches like an old fortress area and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery.

A practical tip that matters: if you want to move between parts of Lopud efficiently, there are golf carts. They can save your legs on a hot day, but there can be a bit of waiting, and pickup points may not be right at the exact place you’re walking from. If you’re the type who hates delays, plan on some walking too. If you’re less mobile or you want an easier day, the carts are still useful.

The other smart thing about Lopud is timing. Many people choose to start with the beach, swim, then shift to promenade or viewpoints when the sun angle changes.

The Lopud lunch moment: why the onboard meal often wins

If you choose the lunch option, the day is set up so you can eat without losing prime island time. Lunch is served on board after the first island stop, which helps you avoid hunting for food later or waiting around in islands where options may be limited.

The meal itself is straightforward and flexible:

• You can get fish, chicken, or a vegetarian menu
• It comes with potato salad

This is the kind of lunch that works after swimming. You’re not stuck with a light snack that sends you back into the sun searching for dinner. You get a proper meal, and the drinks keep things comfortable while you reset.

One more reason onboard lunch is popular: in the off-season, islands can feel quieter, and some shops may close earlier than you hope. If your trip lands in late fall, choosing lunch onboard can keep the day smooth.

Šipan in one hour: vineyards, olive groves, and a quick look around

After Lopud, the cruise continues with another short sightseeing leg, then you reach Šipan. This is the largest island in the group, but your stop is about 1 hour, including break time and photo moments.

That brief window is enough for a taste, not a deep dive. You’re likely to focus on the scenic parts: vineyards, olive groves, and the feeling of an island that looks worked by generations.

Here’s how to get the most out of the short time:

• Walk slowly and pick one direction you’ll explore
• Stop for photos where the view opens up
• If you want a swim, treat it as a timed mission, since you have to return to the boat

Since the stop is short, don’t plan to do everything. Think of Šipan as the “scenery and atmosphere” island here, the one that rounds out the day between Lopud and Koločep.

Koločep: the pine forests vibe and swim-friendly coves

Your final island stop is Koločep, also about 1 hour on the ground. You get another sightseeing cruise segment before arriving, then it’s time to enjoy the last stretch of sea and island views.

Koločep is known for being calmer and greener in feel, with pine forests nearby and plenty of water access. This is a great stop for:

• A refreshing swim in the clear water
• A short stroll through the island’s quieter areas
• Snorkeling if you brought gear (more on that below)

You also get some free time and a chance to shop, if you find something you like. In practice, this hour works best when you treat it like a cooldown after the earlier walking on Lopud.

Snorkeling and swimming: what you can count on, and what you must bring

Swimming is a big part of why this day trip works. You’ll have time at each island stop to get in the water, and the sea quality in this area is typically the reason people sign up in the first place.

Just note what is not provided. Towels are not included, and snorkeling equipment is not included. If you want your own snorkel mask or fins, bring them. If you don’t have gear, plan to swim and float rather than expect a full snorkeling setup.

If you tend to run cold or sensitive after swimming, pack a quick-dry layer. It’s not listed, but it’s the kind of comfort move that makes the last hour on the boat much nicer.

Lunch, drinks, and onboard comfort: the practical rhythm of the day

The day has a simple rhythm:

1. Cruise and get oriented
2. Spend the longest time on Lopud
3. Short stops on Šipan and Koločep
4. Return to Dubrovnik with a wind-down ride

That structure is valuable because it protects your energy. You’re not doing a full day of ferry hopping plus walking plus meal planning. You’re getting transportation, timing, and meals handled around your choices.

The onboard setup also supports that rhythm. You can sit in the air-conditioned salon when the sun is strong, then head out to the open deck for views when the light looks better.

And yes, toilets onboard are a real win. You do not want to spend your trip thinking about where the nearest bathroom is.

Price and value: what $50 buys you in real terms

At $50 per person, this is priced as a value-heavy day trip. You’re not just paying for the boat ride. You’re paying for:

• Transport between three islands
• Drinks included during the cruise
• Optional lunch on board with actual meal choices
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik area (if you select it)
• A fully equipped boat with air-conditioned shelter and clean facilities

If you tried to DIY this, you’d spend time coordinating ferries, timing meals, and figuring out island transportation or where to swim. Here, the structure is built in. That saves you effort and helps you avoid wasting your limited vacation hours.

So the real question is your style: if you want a straightforward day where the work is done for you, this price feels fair. If you love self-guided travel and you’re fine building a schedule yourself, you might find other options. But for most people, the convenience and included extras make this a strong deal.

What to pack for a day that mixes sun, water, and walking

You’ll be happiest if you pack like you’re going to the beach, because you basically are. Based on what’s recommended, bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you may do uneven walking on islands)
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Swimwear
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• If you plan to snorkel, add your own snorkeling gear

Also, pack a small plan for the heat. You’ll be outside on deck and on islands for extended periods, even if you can duck into the air-conditioned salon.

If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind the boat is open on the sides. One family-sized review noted that young children can be at risk if they move unpredictably. That’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a reminder to supervise closely near open edges.

Who this tour suits best, and who might want an alternate plan

This cruise is a great fit if you want:

• A relaxed day with minimal planning
• Multiple island experiences in one outing
• Real swim time without bringing your own water-transport plan
• Friendly staff and a well-run schedule

It also works well for couples and small groups, since the day is flexible once you’re on the islands.

It may be less ideal if:

• You only want deep time on one island and hate short stops
• You dislike boats with open sides (especially with small children)
• You’re expecting a lot of restaurants and shops to be open on every stop, especially off-season

Final call: should you book the Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep cruise?

If your goal is a high-value day trip that mixes coast views, beach time, and a real meal plus drinks without ferry headaches, I think you’ll be happy with this one.

Book it if:

• Lopud and its sandy swim time appeals to you
• You want the convenience of an organized day with drinks included
• You’ll choose the lunch option if you’re visiting in off-season or you just want an easy win

Skip or consider something else if:

• You hate short island windows and want a slower, single-island plan
• You plan to rely on snorkeling gear you don’t have (since equipment isn’t provided)
• You prefer total self-direction and are comfortable planning your own day around ferries and island logistics

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The trip includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The lunch on board includes potato salad, with choices like fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

What drinks are included?

The cruise includes wine, water, and soft drinks. Additional drinks are available for purchase on board.

What is the meeting point?

The boat is named RITA, docked at the pier. You should look for the MARINERO agency name.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and available in the Dubrovnik area.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel with gear, plan to bring your own.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Will there be onboard toilets?

Yes, the boat has two onboard toilets.

How long are the stops on each island?

The longest stop is Lopud (about 3 hours). Šipan and Koločep are about 1 hour each. There are also short sightseeing cruise segments and photo stops between islands.