Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

The best part of this eight-hour outing is the contrast: Dubrovnik’s busy waterfront gives way to quieter islands, clear swimming spots, and Lopud’s sandy Šunj Bay. I like that you get three distinct island stops in one day, and that the boat provides drinks and a proper onboard lunch option rather than making every meal a shore-side scramble.

The trade-off is time. Lopud gets three hours, but Šipan and Koločep get about an hour each, so this is a sampler, not a slow island stay. In cooler months, some island shops and restaurants may be closed, which makes the lunch option especially useful.

At a glance

• Lopud gets the longest stop: Three hours gives you time to visit Šunj Bay, walk the island, or have lunch.
• Šipan and Koločep are shorter visits: Each gets about an hour, enough for a swim or a short wander, but not a full exploration.
• Lunch is optional: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal with potato salad if you want to eat aboard.
• Drinks are included: Expect Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks during the cruise.
• RITA has practical comforts: There is an open top deck, a lower air-conditioned salon, and two onboard toilets.
• Pickup is an add-on: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik area if you select that option.

From Dubrovnik harbor to the islands

This is a full-day boat trip from Dubrovnik to three islands in the Elaphiti group: Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The boat is called RITA and is operated by MARINERO excursions. It has an open upper area for sea views and a lower air-conditioned salon for a cooler, sheltered ride.

The first stretch along the coast takes about 30 minutes. That gives you a different angle on Dubrovnik before the focus shifts to the islands. Later crossings take about 20, 45, and 30 minutes, so the day includes a fair amount of time aboard, but the boat itself is part of the outing, not just transport between stops.

There are five crew members, and the tour is offered in English, Croatian, Italian, and German. The crew’s friendliness and steady attention are among the strongest reasons this trip works well as an easy, sociable day out. Guides have included Azhar and Nikoleta, though you should not count on a particular person being assigned to your departure.

The posted price is $50 per person, with options affecting what is included. Check the exact package before booking: lunch and Dubrovnik-area hotel pickup are only included if you select them. Drinks are included, and extra drinks can be bought aboard.

Lopud: three hours for a beach, a walk, or both

Lopud is the main event. You have about three hours here, substantially more time than at the other islands, and it is the best place to decide what kind of day you want. You can stay near the waterfront, browse, eat, or set off on foot toward the island’s better-known sights.

Šunj Bay, on the other side of Lopud, is the key beach stop. Its sandy shore makes it a useful change from the rocky swimming spots common along the Adriatic coast. You can spend the time swimming and sunbathing, or combine the beach with a walk on the island’s car-free roads. The island also has historical sights, including the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery and old fortifications.

Be realistic about the distance and the clock. Reaching Šunj Bay on foot means walking across the island, and the route can involve uphill sections and uneven ground. Golf carts may be available, but do not build your plan around catching one at exactly the right moment: waits and drop-off points can add walking time. If the beach is your priority, head there early in the stop and leave enough time to get back to the boat.

Lopud is also where the optional lunch matters most. If you have booked the meal, you can avoid using precious island time to find food. If you have not, the three-hour stop gives you a reasonable window to look for a restaurant, though options can thin out late in the season. In autumn, some businesses may be closed, so bringing food or choosing the boat lunch is the safer plan.

Lunch aboard: a practical choice, not a reason to skip shore time

The onboard meal is served with a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian menu, accompanied by potato salad. Croatian wine and water are included with lunch, and the meal is convenient after the long first island stop.

I would choose the lunch option if you want a predictable meal and would rather spend your Lopud time at the beach or walking. It also helps if you are travelling outside peak summer, when restaurant choices may be limited. If you enjoy finding your own lunch on shore, the no-lunch option leaves that decision to you, but you will need to keep an eye on the boat’s return time.

The meal is not the whole point of the day, and the exact experience can vary with the chosen package. Think of it as a practical convenience that lets you spend less time arranging food and more time on the islands.

Šipan: vineyards, olive groves, and a one-hour pause

Šipan is the largest of the three islands, and the stop lasts about an hour. Its vineyards and olive groves offer a quieter, greener feel than a beach break. You can use the time for a short walk, photos, or a swim if conditions suit.

An hour is enough to get a taste of the place, but not enough to roam far and still feel unhurried. Keep your plans close to where the boat leaves, and treat this as a brief pause rather than a chance to cover the island. The tight timing is the main compromise of fitting three islands into a single day.

Koločep: a final swim before Dubrovnik

Koločep is the last island stop, with about an hour ashore. It is a good place for one more swim or a gentle walk among pine trees. You can also browse or take photographs, but the short stay rewards a simple plan: choose one activity and enjoy it rather than trying to do everything.

Bring your own snorkelling gear if you want to explore underwater. Equipment is not provided, and towels are not included either. The same applies to all three islands, so pack what you need before boarding rather than expecting to find it on the boat.

After Koločep, the return crossing takes about 30 minutes. By then you will have had a full day at sea and on shore, with the last stretch giving you a chance to rest in the salon or take in the coast from the open deck.

Drinks, comfort, and what to pack

The included drinks are a welcome part of the day. The stated offer includes Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks, with additional drinks available for purchase aboard. The crew serves drinks during the cruise, and the relaxed social feel suits people who want a pleasant boat day rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing tour.

The two onboard toilets are a practical plus on an eight-hour trip. So is the air-conditioned lower salon, especially if you want a break from direct sun. The open deck is better for views and fresh air, but bring a hat and sunscreen; there is no reason to assume every seat will stay shaded.

Pack comfortable shoes for walking on the islands, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Add a towel and snorkelling gear, since neither is supplied. If you plan to visit Šunj Bay, footwear that works for both walking and beach time will make the day easier.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This cruise suits you if you want to see several islands without arranging separate boats, meals, and transport. It is also a good fit if you like swimming, short walks, and a social day on the water, and you are comfortable with a timetable that keeps moving.

Families can enjoy the mix of boat time and beach stops, but the boat has open sides. Keep a close watch on very young children, especially while aboard. The crew is attentive, but adult supervision is essential.

If your ideal island holiday means long, quiet hours in one place, this is not the best format. Lopud receives a generous stop, but the other two islands are quick visits. For a first taste of the Elaphiti Islands, though, the three-stop route offers useful variety in one day.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value day from Dubrovnik that combines coastal scenery, swimming, and three island stops. The included drinks, the useful three-hour visit to Lopud, and the option to eat aboard make the $50 starting price attractive, provided you check what your selected package covers.

Choose the lunch option if you want to protect your time on Lopud or are travelling late in the season. Skip it if you prefer to bring food or choose your own restaurant. Either way, arrive prepared for sun, swimming, and a fair amount of time on a boat. If you want a slow, in-depth visit to each island, plan separate stays instead.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts eight hours. The route includes visits of about three hours on Lopud and about one hour each on Šipan and Koločep, with boat crossings between the islands.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, in that order.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is included only if you select an option that includes it. The meal offers a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian menu, with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks are included. Additional drinks are available for purchase aboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an optional service in the Dubrovnik area. If your accommodation is in a pedestrian-only or hard-to-reach area, a nearby pickup point can be confirmed in advance.

Do I need to bring a towel or snorkelling equipment?

Yes, if you want them. Towels and snorkelling equipment are not included, so bring your own.