Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Pickup

Dubrovnik’s coast has famous views, but what makes this day trip interesting is the shift from city stone to island water. You hop among Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with real time to swim, walk, and breathe a slower pace.

I love the practical setup: hotel pickup (where available) and an onboard break that keeps the day easy. The lunch and unlimited drinks are handled for you on the boat, so you are not hunting for a meal every time the boat docks.

One drawback to plan around is that this is weather dependent, and the islands are free-time based, with extra island costs not included (like monument entrances). If the day turns gray, your time on deck will feel shorter and the swim plan may change.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup option means you can start the day without wrestling buses or taxis.
• Koločep, Lopud, Šipan gives you variety, not just one beach and a bus ride.
• Onboard lunch plus unlimited drinks is one of the best value parts of the day.
• Šunj Beach on Šipan is a main “why this cruise exists” stop for many people.
• Smaller boat feel compared to big ferries, with a crew that works the day like a system.
• Island entrances cost extra, so you will want to decide what you feel like seeing.

Getting to the Boat: Pickup, Meeting Point, and Start Time

The day starts with a 9:00 am departure from Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik (the meeting point). Most people do not need to figure out transport to the dock, because the tour offers pickup and drop-off within a certain Dubrovnik area. If you are staying in a private apartment, house, Airbnb, or hostel, send your address and you will get the nearest pickup point and time.

A key practical detail: the tour ends back at the meeting point, even though pickup and drop-off are offered in many cases. In plain terms, I would not assume you will always be driven door-to-door at the end. If you are on the edge of the pickup zone, plan for a short walk.

This is also a mobile ticket experience, so you will want your phone battery to be charged. You will be in good shape if you arrive a little early at Lapadska obala, especially if you are waiting on a pickup that depends on your exact location.

Price and Value in Plain Terms: Lunch, Drinks, and What Costs Extra

At $71.35 per person, the value is mostly about what is included. You get a full boat day, plus lunch and unlimited drinks on board (water, soft drinks like cola and ice tea, wine, and grappa). You also get a simple day structure that includes hotel pickup where available.

What is not included is the cost of entrance fees to historical monuments on the islands. That matters because it is easy to assume the cruise covers everything. It does not. If you want to spend time at island sites that have ticketed entrances, you should budget for those separately.

Here is why this price still often feels fair: you are saving the “messy middle” of island days. Without this cruise, you would still need boat transport, you would still be buying lunch, and you would be paying island prices for drinks. On a hot coast day, those small buys add up fast, and the onboard setup keeps you from burning your time and money on constant decision-making.

Koločep First: The Easiest Island Start for Swimming and Relaxing

Koločep is typically the first island stop, and it is a great way to ease into the day. You get time to sightsee at a local pace, then settle into swimming in warm, clear water. If you like beach time but do not want the day to feel like a checklist, Koločep is the kind of stop that works.

This is also the island that tends to set the mood. When the water is calm, people naturally shift into “just relax” mode. When conditions are rough, the walking parts and the sheltered moments matter more, so the early stop can feel like your best swing at getting the day you hoped for.

A practical expectation: island time is real free time. That is great for flexibility, but it also means you might not have a formal guided “see everything” plan on the ground. If you want lots of structured activity, you will have to choose your own path while you are there.

Lopud Island Time: Walkable Views, Beach Payoffs, and a Few Realities

Lopud is where a lot of people slow down for strolling and a more village-like feel. The day keeps moving, but you get enough time to wander and enjoy the coastline, plus the chance for swimming and sun time depending on the weather.

One thing worth knowing is that facilities can be limited. One person specifically noted no toilets on Lopud. I cannot promise what you will find at every stop, but it is smart to handle “basic needs” early so you are not hunting around while the day runs.

Another reality check: Lopud can feel more about walking and beach breaks than about major sights. If that is your style, you will probably love it. If you came hoping for constant structured attractions, set expectations that it is simpler island time.

Šipan and Šunj Beach: Where the Sandy Time Often Happens

Šipan is usually the big beach payoff, especially if you are aiming for Šunj Beach. This is a famous stretch people look forward to because it gives you a classic sandy setting paired with warm water. It is the kind of stop where you can switch from sightseeing mode to “leave your phone in your pocket” mode.

The cruise is set up so you are not just passing by. You get a decent block of free time to walk, swim, and eat if you choose. A key planning detail: if you want Šunj Beach, you will likely want comfortable sandals or shoes with grip. The walk and paths can be more about getting yourself there than about everything being flat and polished.

Timing can shape how this stop feels. Some people want more time earlier in the itinerary, others feel the opposite about the last stop. The simple truth is that boat days move with the sea and with the day’s routing decisions. If you want maximum beach time, prioritize arriving ready with swimwear already on and essentials within easy reach.

Lunch on Board and Unlimited Drinks: Why This Is More Than a Small Meal

The lunch is served onboard during the island-hopping day, and it is not meant to be a tiny snack. You can choose fish, meat, or vegetarian when booking, and the food is prepared for the day onboard.

Based on what people said, the meal tends to be more substantial than you might expect on a boat. One person described the fish as coming whole, and another highlighted grilled hake. The takeaway for you is simple: order what you actually want to eat. The options are there, and the portions can be generous for a day trip.

Drinks are set up as unlimited: water, soft drinks like cola and ice tea, plus wine and grappa. People also noted that crew members checked in regularly, so you are not stuck waiting for service. If you like the idea of pairing island swimming with a cold drink afterward, this is the part that does that for you.

Two small considerations. First, the tour includes the lunch and the drinks, but it does not stop you from buying extra food on shore. Second, if you have dietary requirements, select your meal type during booking and add any specifics in the special requirements field.

Boat Comfort and Crew Style: Small Boat Energy Without Chaos

This is not a big ferry-style experience. The total group size on the tour can be up to 60 travelers, but a number of people described a smaller, more personal boat feel, around twenty people including crew. You get the advantage of a calmer vibe without the “everyone line up at once” energy.

The boat also has more than one deck, which matters for a long day. When you want shade, you can shift. When you want sun and views, you can change levels. It is a small comfort, but it helps when the weather is good and you want to stay on the water.

Crew and captain professionalism are a big part of the praise. One clear example: there is a point of contact named Srdjan Klaic, and he was reported as responsive when weather forecasts looked bad and when pickup details needed adjustment due to a last-minute hotel change. That kind of care matters because your day starts in the logistics, not at the islands.

Also, the crew interaction seems relaxed and human. People mentioned the boat team being friendly and fun, and one family even had granddaughters steering the boat. That is not a reason to book by itself, but it is a sign the crew enjoys what they do and treats the day like more than just a schedule.

Weather and Timing: How to Make This Day Work

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor enough that the operator cancels, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Even when the weather is mostly okay, timing can shift around sea conditions and the order of island stops.

You should also expect a long stretch on the move. The tour is listed at 9 to 17 hours approx, even though individual stop blocks may be shorter. That means you should plan your day around it. Eat a proper breakfast, bring water even though drinks are included, and keep your sun protection ready early.

A key “make it work” tip: pack like you are going to be in and out of the water. When the boat docks, people tend to change clothes, reapply sunscreen, and grab towels fast. If you bring everything in one place, your day feels effortless.

One more timing note from real-world experiences: some people felt the time on certain islands was uneven for what they wanted, like wanting more time earlier or wanting less time at the final stop. I would treat the island schedule as a flexible framework, not a promise of minutes.

What to Pack for Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan

You do not need a suitcase, but you do need smart basics. Think about a day that includes swimming, walking, and sandy beach time.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
• Sun protection, hat, and sunglasses
• Water shoes or sandals with grip for beach paths
• A light layer for wind on the boat
• Your own snorkel if that is a priority for you

One person specifically mentioned that snorkels were not provided and suggested bringing your own or paying an on-island price for a set. You might not need snorkel at all, but if you care about it, bring your own so you are not deciding at the last moment.

Also bring a small bag for essentials that you can keep with you on the boat and on land. The best days are the ones where you do not waste time digging for basics between swim sessions.

Should You Book This Elafiti Islands Cruise?

I think this cruise is a strong pick if you want a low-effort, high-relaxation day. The combination of hotel pickup option, a simple onboard lunch, and unlimited drinks makes it feel like the “thinking work” is handled for you. It is also ideal if you want variety across three islands without planning the route yourself.

Book it if:

• You care more about swimming and beach time than big guided tours
• You want lunch and drinks covered, so you can spend money on memories, not meals
• You like a smaller-feeling boat day rather than a crowded ferry

Skip it or choose another option if:

• You need lots of formal activities on the islands, not just free time
• You are counting on specific island monuments with paid entrances being included
• Your plans can break easily if the weather forces a change

If you want an island-hopping day where the food and drinks are handled, and the schedule gives you real time on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, this is the kind of tour that tends to satisfy.

FAQ

Which islands are included on this cruise?

You visit the Elafiti Islands including Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with time to explore the islands and areas such as Suđurađ and Šunj Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and served onboard during the cruise.

What drinks are included with lunch?

Unlimited drinks are included, including water, soft drinks like cola and ice tea, plus wine and grappa.

Do they offer hotel pickup from Dubrovnik?

Pickup is offered if you choose the option that includes pick-up. Pickup is available within a certain area, and you can contact the operator to confirm for your specific location.

Where is the meeting point and what time does it start?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 9 to 17 hours approximately, with island time that adds up to about 8 hours in the itinerary details.

Can I choose a meal type for lunch?

Yes. Fish, meat, and vegetarian meal options are available. You select the meal type for each traveler during booking and add dietary details in the special requirements section.

Are entrance fees included for historical monuments on the islands?

No. Entrance fees to historical monuments are not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 60 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.