Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

An Elaphiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik is interesting because you get that Adriatic “change of scene every hour” feeling, without the hassle of ferries and planning. I like that it’s built for swimming time and snackable sightseeing, not just staring out at the coast. You’re also fed well and kept hydrated, so you can spend the day outdoors instead of hunting for lunch.

The day runs as a simple loop, with time on three islands, then a return to the same meeting point. I like how the food and drinks are handled onboard, and how hosts like Emily and staff members such as Darko (names that pop up a lot) keep things flowing. One drawback to consider: if you’re sensitive to crowds or noise, this can get lively during the drink part, and it is not a great choice if you get seasick.

Key things I’d clock before you go

• Open bar with lunch included so you’re not budgeting your day island by island
• Three islands with very different vibes (garden and beach on Lopud, harbor stop on Sipan, swim-and-snorkel on Kolocep)
• Frequent drink service means the top deck stays social for a lot of people
• Smaller practical time blocks (about 3 hours on Lopud, then 1 hour each at Sipan and Kolocep)
• Not ideal for seasickness, since you’ll be out on the water for the full day
• Maximum group size of 110, so it feels social, not quiet and private

A fast, fun way to see Elaphiti coast from the water

This cruise is a classic Dubrovnik-area “island day” that trades complicated logistics for a straightforward rhythm. You’re on the Adriatic most of the time, and the views from the boat are part of the point, especially as the shoreline opens up beyond Dubrovnik’s walls.

The overall value comes from how much is bundled into the ticket. For about $78.60 per person, you get the boat ride all day, lunch onboard, bottled water, and drinks included, including white wine and brandy, plus soda options like Coca-Cola and Fanta. You’re paying for convenience, and it’s a big deal in a place where hopping on and off boats can cost you time and money fast.

Just don’t expect a quiet, slow nature walk. This is a full-day group outing, with a strong beach-and-drink atmosphere for many people. If you want serenity above all else, you’ll still have great water time, but you should go in with eyes open.

Price and value: what $78.60 buys you in real time

At $78.60, the math works best if you would otherwise pay for (1) boat transport, (2) lunch, and (3) drinks or snacks. Here, those are all included. That means you can budget once and stop thinking about food logistics for the day.

Lunch is not just a token sandwich. It’s a real onboard meal with choices: grilled chicken with vegetables, grilled hake with vegetables, or a vegetarian option made from grilled Mediterranean seasonal vegetables from the local area. You also get soft drinks, bottled water, and alcohol options as part of the included drinks.

The drinks setup matters too. It’s not an “order at the bar when you remember” situation. The staff regularly circulates, and people note that their cups were kept full. That changes the feel of the day. Instead of pausing your plans to wait for service, you can keep moving between deck time, beach time, and island wandering.

The 8-hour rhythm: three islands, one smooth day loop

The day is structured like a relay. You head out toward Lopud first, then you shift to Sipan, and you finish at Kolocep. The time split is practical: enough time to swim and look around, but not so much time that you start feeling stuck on one island.

Between islands, you get movement time on the water, plus those coastal views that you can’t replicate from land. One realistic note: the gaps are not massive. You’re not crossing huge distances between stops, so the ride feels like island-hopping rather than a long, slow crossing.

Also note that this is a full day at sea, with a length of about 8 hours (approx.). Because of that, it helps to be ready for sun exposure, boat deck time, and getting in and out with a group.

Lopud Island: Šunj beach time plus Djordjic Mayneri Park

Lopud is your first “arrive and exhale” stop, and it’s where the day starts to feel like a beach escape. You get about 3 hours here, and that time is long enough to choose your own pace.

You can head straight for the sandy Šunj beach for a true swim and sunbathing block. If you’d rather mix in culture and calm, there’s time to wander around the island and visit the botanical gardens at Djordjic Mayneri Park. Some people also like fitting in churches and heritage moments when the group is still stretching out and getting settled.

There’s a practical advantage to Lopud as a first stop: it sets expectations for the rest of the day. You quickly learn where you want to spend your energy. Want water time? Lopud gives it to you early. Want a little shade and strolling? The park and heritage pieces work well before the midday sun gets intense.

A small consideration: Lopud is popular for a reason, so it can feel busy once people start landing for beach time. You’ll still have plenty of water to enjoy, but don’t expect an empty shoreline.

Sipan’s old fisherman’s port: a short stop with a strong story

Sipan is shorter, about 1 hour, and it’s more about atmosphere than activities. You land near the old fisherman’s port, so the vibe is traditional and maritime rather than beach-resort.

This is also where the island’s character comes through. Sipan is known for its heavy olive tree presence, and there’s a sense of “old Mediterranean” daily life in the port area. If you enjoy seeing how places defend themselves, you’ll hear about castle history built for protection against pirates in the 15th century.

Here’s the honest drawback: because your time is limited and the harbor area can be small, the stop may feel like a quick look rather than an exploration you’d do for hours. If you’re the type who needs more to do than walk around and admire the water, this is the part of the day you might wish was longer.

Still, it works as a palate cleanser between swimming-focused stops. You get a different view of the archipelago, plus some heritage context that makes the islands feel more real.

Kolocep Island: caves, cliffs, and beach-and-snorkel payoff

Kolocep is the final island, about 1 hour. This stop is focused on water time, with snorkeling and swimming on sandy beaches, plus the island’s famous cliffs and caves.

Even with just an hour, you can get a solid swim block. This is the kind of place where you can spend time right at the shoreline, then head back to the boat when you’ve had enough sun. Many people like Kolocep because it feels active in the best way. It’s not just looking, it’s doing.

One consideration is timing and weather. In calmer conditions, an hour can feel just right. In off-season or cooler months, you may find yourself wishing for a bit more time, especially if the water feels less inviting. On the flip side, the shorter stop can be great if you want to avoid overdoing the sun and still end the day in good shape.

Also, based on how this trip runs in practice, swimming is done when you reach the islands. You typically won’t be jumping in from the moving boat, so plan your swimsuit and towel timing for the landings.

What it feels like on the boat: top deck energy and staff that keeps moving

The boat part of the day is more than transportation. It’s the social hub. People tend to choose spots on deck for the views, then wander for conversations and photos. The pace is friendly and busy, with staff stepping in often.

The drink setup is part of the energy. You can start with included white wine or brandy, plus soda and water. People frequently note that someone is checking in and refilling, sometimes very regularly. If you’re with a group, that makes the day feel like a moving celebration.

A more serious consideration: if you dislike loud group behavior, it’s smart to have a personal plan. Find a quieter spot on the boat if you can. If you’re sensitive to noise, you may not love how the last stretch of the trip can get boisterous for some groups.

And one more note for comfort: if you’re prone to motion sickness, skip this unless you’re confident you can handle it. The trip is not recommended for travelers with seasickness, and the day keeps you out on the water long enough that it can become the whole trip, not just a moment.

Lunch onboard: grilled choices that actually fill you up

Lunch is one of the easiest parts of the day because it’s already handled for you. You’ll get meat and fish options plus vegetarian, and it’s served onboard so you’re not trying to coordinate meals while also hopping between islands.

The included options are:

• Meat: grilled chicken with vegetables
• Fish: grilled hake with vegetables
• Vegetarian: all grilled Mediterranean seasonal vegetables from the local area

That grilled focus matters. It tends to feel satisfying and travel-friendly, especially after you’ve been in the sun and you’ve already swum once or twice.

Drinks are paired with lunch, too, so you don’t have to drink only water if you don’t want to. You’ll have soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Fanta, plus bottled water. Alcohol options include white wine and brandy, with a minimum drinking age of 18 years.

Getting ready: what to bring for comfort and water time

This is a day where you’ll be outside, on deck, then on beaches. Pack for sun and water, not just photos.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and a towel (swimsuit is not included)
• Sun protection, because the day is built around being in the open air and on shore
• Comfortable sandals or shoes you can walk in around ports

If you’re going for snorkeling, make sure you’re ready for cold water changes too, depending on the season. The itinerary is built for swim and snorkel time, but water comfort can vary.

Meeting point and pickup that actually matters

The meeting point is at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, Lapadska obala 7, 20000 Dubrovnik. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered only if you select the option, and it’s limited to the Dubrovnik city area. Pickup is not available if you’re staying less than 1 km from the starting point, so you may need to plan to get to Lapadska obala 7. Pickup timing can vary depending on where you are, usually scheduled between 45 minutes and 5 minutes prior to departure.

One practical tip: if you don’t confirm your pickup details with the operator in advance, you run the risk of missing the transfer, and refunds aren’t issued if the tour is missed due to late arrival or similar issues.

Who this Dubrovnik Elaphiti cruise is best for

This is a great fit if you want a straightforward day at sea with swimming time and included food and drinks. It’s also a good pick for:

• Couples and friends who want easy logistics
• People who want a “best of” feeling across three islands without planning separate ferries
• Travelers who like a social atmosphere on boats

It may be less ideal if:

• You get seasick easily
• You want a super quiet day with no group energy
• You dislike drink-led crowds, since the tone can get lively during service

Should you book this cruise?

If your goal is a high-value island day from Dubrovnik where your lunch and drinks are handled, this is an easy yes. The lineup of Lopud beach time, a different-feeling Sipan port stop, and a satisfying Kolocep swimming and snorkeling finish gives you variety without complexity.

Book it if you want convenience plus time in the water. Skip it if you’re seasick prone, or if you want a mellow, low-people experience the whole day.

If you’re on the fence, choose based on your “non-negotiable” preference: water time and included food, or quiet and slow exploration.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

The tour duration is about 8 hours.

Does the tour include lunch and drinks?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with bottled water and drinks. Alcohol included is white wine and brandy, and soft drinks include Coca-Cola and Fanta.

What islands do you visit, and how much time is there?

You visit Lopud (about 3 hours), Sipan (about 1 hour), and Kolocep (about 1 hour).

Are vegetarian lunch options available?

Yes. You can choose a vegetarian lunch option, described as all grilled Mediterranean seasonal vegetables from the local area.

Where does the tour start, and where does it end?

It starts at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, Lapadska obala 7, 20000 Dubrovnik, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available only if you select the option, and it is for the Dubrovnik city area. Pickup is not available if you are staying less than 1 km from the starting point.

Is there an age limit for alcohol?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Is this tour recommended if I get seasick?

No. It is not recommended for travelers with seasickness.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.