Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Pickup

The best part of this day is the change of pace: leave Dubrovnik’s busy streets behind and spend several hours moving between small islands, clear water and quiet waterfront villages. I like the freshly cooked lunch and the crew’s attentive service, and I like that you get time to explore instead of simply sailing past the islands.

One point to weigh before booking: the islands are peaceful, not packed with attractions. If the sea is too cool for swimming, or you expect a full schedule of guided sightseeing, the longer stops may feel slow. This is a better fit for a relaxed day outdoors than a tightly programmed tour.

At a glance

• Three Elafiti islands: Visit Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, with time to walk, swim or explore at your own pace.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud: A sandy beach is a highlight for many, though reaching it may mean a long walk or an optional cart ride.
• Lunch cooked on board: Choose fish, meat or a vegetarian meal, and tell the operator your preference when booking.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, wine and grappa are listed as unlimited. The selection may be simple.
• Pickup can save time: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in a set area, with a nearby meeting point arranged for some apartments and hostels.
• A full-day outing: The island visit is described as about eight hours. Pickup and transfer times can make the whole day longer.

A full day at sea, not a quick island hop

This trip gives you a way to see three Elafiti islands without working out ferry schedules or finding lunch between stops. You board in Dubrovnik, spend the day on the water and return to the same meeting point. The boat tour is listed at about eight hours, while the total experience is given as roughly nine to 17 hours, so ask about your specific pickup time and return plan before setting aside the day.

The boat has a maximum group size of 60, though some departures may be much smaller. A smaller group can make the day feel more personal, while a full boat will naturally feel livelier and leave less room to spread out. There are two decks on some boats, according to one account, giving you a choice between sitting out in the sun and finding a more sheltered spot.

This is a leisurely island day, not a guided history tour with a packed schedule. You’ll have time to sightsee, swim and walk, but the amount of formal commentary is not specified. The experience is best approached as a simple, scenic outing: take in the coastline, enjoy a meal on board and choose your own pace at each stop.

Koločep: your first taste of island time

Koločep is the first island on the route. The main draw is the setting: warm, clear water and a chance to swim or relax by the shore. If you’ve spent the first part of your Dubrovnik stay among stone lanes and city walls, this first stop gives you an easy change of scene.

Bring a swimsuit and a towel if swimming is part of your plan. The tour does not list snorkel equipment as included, and you may need to bring your own if you want to explore underwater. One visitor found snorkel gear for sale on an island, but the reported price was €20, so packing your own is the sensible choice.

Koločep may feel quiet if you’re looking for a long list of sights or shops. That is part of the appeal for some people, but it is also a fair warning: the islands offer scenery and a slower rhythm more than a sequence of must-see attractions. If the weather turns cool or wet, a swimming stop can lose much of its charm.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: the day’s beach break

Lopud is often the most memorable stop, particularly if you make your way to Šunj Beach. This popular sandy stretch gives you a chance to swim, sunbathe or pause for a drink by the water. Compared with a rocky shoreline, sand is a welcome change if you want a proper beach break.

Plan for the walk. The beach is on the other side of the island from the main waterfront, and the route can take time. One visitor reported an optional cart ride costing about €3; treat that as a past price, not a guaranteed current fare. If you would rather walk, allow enough time to get there and back before the boat leaves.

The time at Lopud can be generous. Some visitors appreciate having hours to walk, shop, swim and eat; others find the longest stop too long, especially when they have already seen the beach. Restaurants can also be expensive, and one account reported a very high price for a fish meal. Since lunch is included on the boat, you can avoid paying for a full restaurant meal if you prefer, but you’ll still want cash or a card for anything extra.

Facilities are not always as convenient as you might expect. One visitor noted a lack of public toilets in the area they visited, so it is worth asking the crew about facilities before leaving the boat. Keep an eye on the time, too. The boat is your ride back, and a scenic walk can take longer than it looks on a map.

Šipan and Suđurađ: a waterfront village stop

Šipan is the largest of the three islands, and the route includes a visit to Suđurađ, a small waterfront village. Here, the pleasure is less about a major attraction and more about stretching your legs, taking in the harbor and getting a glimpse of a quieter island community.

Expect a relaxed stop rather than a formal tour of historical sites. Entry fees to historical monuments are not included, and the tour does not promise a guided visit inside them. If you want to see a specific monument, check its location and opening details before you go, then use your free time accordingly.

The contrast between the three islands is part of what makes the route worthwhile. You get a swimming-oriented stop, a beach option and a village waterfront, all in one day. Still, the stops are not equally exciting for everyone. If your priority is a nonstop list of sights, you may find parts of the schedule underfilled. If you enjoy unhurried walks and sea views, the quieter pace is a plus.

Lunch on board: a genuine part of the value

The meal is more than a token snack. Fish, meat and vegetarian options are available, and you need to select a meal for each person when booking. Specific dietary needs should also be shared in advance. The food is prepared on board, and the fish in particular has earned praise for being tasty and freshly cooked.

The meal can be a practical advantage on a day when you’re moving between islands. You do not have to pack a picnic or spend valuable beach time searching for a place to eat. The portions have also been described as generous, so this is not a tour where you should assume you’ll need to buy lunch elsewhere.

Drinks are included, with water, soft drinks, wine and grappa listed. The exact selection may be more limited in practice, so think of this as a useful open supply of basic drinks rather than a full bar. If you want a particular drink, or need something beyond the listed options, bring it yourself or ask the operator before departure.

Crew, pickup and the details that shape the day

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The operation has been described as family-run, and the service sounds personal: staff check on drink needs, help with meal service and take care with pickup arrangements. The booking contact, Srdjan Klaic, has helped with changes to travel plans and pickup details. That kind of clear communication can matter when you’re staying in a private apartment rather than a hotel.

Pickup is offered from hotels in Dubrovnik if you select the option that includes it. If you’re staying in an apartment, house, Airbnb or hostel, send the address and the operator will provide a nearby pickup point and time. Pickup is limited to a certain area, so confirm the details rather than assuming every address is covered. The stated start time is 9:00 am, and the meeting point is at Lapadska obala 5.

A few practical points are worth sorting out before the morning of the tour. Confirm the pickup location, choose your meal and mention dietary needs. Bring sun protection, swim gear and a towel if you plan to use the water. The boat’s drinks and lunch reduce the need to pack much food, but they do not replace the small things that make a day outdoors comfortable.

Is $71.35 good value?

At $71.35 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day on the water with transport, lunch and drinks included. The price covers the boat tour, meal and listed beverages, plus hotel pickup and drop-off within the operator’s service area. It saves you the hassle of arranging separate island transport and finding lunch on your own.

The value depends on how you use the day. If you swim, walk on Lopud and enjoy the boat ride, the included meal and drinks make the fare easier to justify. If you mainly want to visit one island for a short time, a ferry may suit you better, though it would not include the same meal and service.

Budget separately for any monument entrance fees, beach transport, restaurant visits or equipment you want to rent. The beach cart price reported previously was around €3, but costs can change. Also remember that the tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If conditions make the trip unsafe, the operator offers another date or a refund.

Who should book this island cruise?

I’d choose this trip if I wanted a low-effort way to see three islands, enjoy a home-cooked meal and spend time swimming or walking without planning every transfer myself. It suits couples, families and anyone who values friendly service and an easy day more than a heavy schedule of guided commentary.

It is less ideal if you need a constant stream of activities, dislike long stops or are unlikely to swim in cooler weather. The islands are scenic and peaceful, but some stretches can feel quiet when the beach is not inviting. Check the weather, ask how the stops are expected to work on your date and decide whether a relaxed pace sounds like a pleasure or a pause too long.

My call: book it for the combination of island scenery, attentive crew, included lunch and drinks, and useful pickup. Go with realistic expectations: this is a pleasant day out, not a high-energy adventure or a deep historical tour. If Šunj Beach and an unhurried boat ride sound like your kind of Dubrovnik day, the price is reasonable.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The island visit is listed as about eight hours. The overall duration is also described as roughly nine to 17 hours, which can include pickup and transfer time. Confirm the expected schedule for your departure.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The tour visits Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. It also includes time to explore Suđurađ, a waterfront village on Šipan.

Is lunch included, and what can I choose?

Yes. Fish, meat and vegetarian meals are available. Select a meal for each person when booking, and share any specific dietary needs in advance.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, soft drinks, wine and grappa are listed. The selection may be simple, so ask the operator if you need to confirm a particular drink.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels within a certain area if you choose the pickup option. If you’re staying in an apartment, house, Airbnb or hostel, send the address to receive a nearby pickup point and time.

Are island monument entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees to historical monuments on the islands are not included in the tour price.