Elaphiti Islands by Catamaran with snacks and unlimited drinks from Dubrovnik

The best part of this trip is seeing Dubrovnik’s coast from the water, then having time ashore on Šipan and Lopud instead of staying on the boat all day. You get a broad look at the Elaphite Islands in one outing, with the changing views doing much of the work.

I like two practical touches: hotel transfers can spare you the hassle of reaching Gruž port, and snacks plus included drinks make a long day at sea easier. You also get substantial free time on both island stops, so the trip is not just a string of quick photo calls.

The trade-off is that the schedule gives each island a long stay, which can feel slow if you would rather spend more time swimming or sailing. The catamaran can also feel crowded, and you should not book this expecting a sailboat with sails raised.

• Two island stops: Plan for about two hours each on Šipan and Lopud.
• Hotel transfers offered: The day begins with morning hotel pickup and ends with a return transfer.
• Included onboard extras: Wi-Fi, a snack, and unlimited drinks are part of the package.
• A full day out: Expect roughly seven hours, with the boat leaving Gruž at 9:30 a.m. and returning around 5 p.m.
• Swimming is possible, not guaranteed: Bring swim gear, but weather and temperatures can change the plan.
• Group size can be substantial: The stated maximum is 75 people, so this is a group cruise, not a small private outing.

A day at sea, with two island breaks

The Elaphite Islands sit northwest of Dubrovnik, and this trip offers a straightforward way to see some of the archipelago without arranging boats and transfers yourself. You board at Gruž port, leave the city behind, and spend the day moving between open water, island villages, and time for a swim if conditions allow.

The route includes Šipan and Lopud. You also get views of the Dubrovnik coast and the island scenery along the way. The boat is a catamaran, but that does not mean it will sail under canvas. If the romance of a wind-powered sailing trip is your main reason for booking, choose a tour that clearly promises sailing.

This is best thought of as a transport-and-free-time day trip. The crew gets you out to the islands, while you decide how to use the longer stops. That suits independent visitors who like to wander, swim, or sit over a drink more than those who want a guide to lead them through a tightly planned sightseeing program.

From hotel pickup to Gruž port

Pickup is offered, with hotel transfers scheduled between 8 and 9:30 a.m. The stated meeting time is 8:20 a.m., and departure from Gruž port is scheduled for 9:30. Since pickup times vary by hotel, check your confirmation for your own collection time rather than assuming the boat leaves when you are picked up.

Gruž is Dubrovnik’s working harbor, away from the Old Town. A transfer helps if you are staying elsewhere in the city or do not want to work out the port journey first thing in the morning. If you make your own way there, allow time to find the departure point near the green market.

The tour is listed for a maximum of 75 people. That is a sizeable group, and the boat may feel busy, especially on a popular departure day. A large cruise ship in port can add to the sense of crowds, since shore groups may book the same excursion. If you value elbow room, ask the operator about expected numbers before you commit.

Šipan: two hours to make your own plans

The boat is scheduled to sail toward Šipan, with arrival around 10:45 a.m. and about two hours of free time. That is enough for an unhurried look around, a stop for a drink, or a swim if the conditions and your chosen spot suit you. The trip does not specify a guided walk or a particular village route, so treat this as independent time rather than a structured tour.

The benefit of a long stop is choice. You can walk at your own pace and avoid the quick in-and-out feeling of a brief port call. The drawback is that two hours may feel like a lot if you have finished exploring early or hoped to spend more of the day on the water. One criticism of this trip is precisely that the island stop can feel too long when there is not enough planned to fill it.

I would bring a small day bag and decide in advance what matters most: a stroll, a swim, or simply a quiet break. Keep an eye on the time and the group’s return instructions. The boat’s schedule is shared, and missing the departure would be a poor way to extend your island stay.

Lopud: village time and a possible swim

Lopud is the second main stop, scheduled for around 1 p.m., with approximately two hours ashore. You have time to explore the island, enjoy the village, and make use of the swimming opportunity when the weather permits. The operator describes swimming as part of the excursion, but the plan can change if wind, weather, or temperatures make a swim stop unsuitable.

Lopud is often the stop people look forward to most, particularly if they want a beach break as well as a walk. Still, the tour does not promise a guided visit, a particular beach, or a set swimming location. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and whatever you need to be comfortable near the water. The practical advice is simple: be ready to swim, but do not make the whole day depend on it.

Some people would prefer a second swim stop or more cruising time instead of a long stretch ashore. That is a fair point. This tour gives you time to explore, but it is not designed as a nonstop boat-and-swim circuit. If you tire of unstructured free time, you may find the timetable loose.

The schedule shows a return to Gruž at about 5 p.m., followed by hotel transfers. The precise order and timing can shift with conditions, so think of the published times as a plan, not a guarantee.

Snacks, drinks, and the value of the fare

At $97.86 per person, the price is most appealing if you will use the transfers, drinks, and island stops. A full-day boat trip can otherwise involve separate transport costs and the effort of arranging your own route. Here, the basic outing is bundled: catamaran transport, hotel transfers, Wi-Fi, a snack, and unlimited drinks are included.

The snack is light rather than a proper lunch. Food served on different trips has included rolls or baguette-style fare, fruit, or a light salad. Do not count on a specific dish or a substantial meal. If you need a filling lunch, bring extra food or plan to buy something during the island stops.

Drinks are advertised as unlimited, and the onboard selection has been described as generous. The quality and choice may not match everyone’s taste, so value the inclusion as a convenience rather than a drinks package built around premium brands. One useful tip: ask the crew early what is available and how service works. Some people have not found the unlimited-drinks arrangement obvious once aboard.

Wi-Fi is another useful extra on a long day, though it should be treated as a convenience, not a reason to expect a strong connection at every point offshore. The main value remains the boat, transfers, and time on the islands.

What the catamaran day feels like

The day is a mix of transit and unstructured time. You will spend a meaningful part of it aboard, looking back toward Dubrovnik and out across the islands. On a clear day, the changing coastline is a pleasure in itself. But if you expect constant commentary, activities, or entertainment, the quieter stretches may feel uneventful.

The crew has been described as friendly, and onboard service has received positive comments. A guide named Ivana has also been praised. Guide assignments may vary, however, and commentary can be uneven across languages. If you need detailed English explanations, ask which language the guide will use before departure. There has been a report of lengthy French commentary with much shorter English explanations.

The main concerns to weigh are crowding and pacing. The maximum group size is 75, and the boat can feel full. The two-hour island stays provide real freedom, but they also mean less time moving between stops or making extra swim breaks. You should pick this trip for the islands and the convenience, not for a small-group feel or a tightly guided program.

Weather, swimming, and useful booking details

Swimming is weather dependent. Wind and temperature can lead to changes in the program, and the operator may adjust the route or remove a swim opportunity if conditions are unsuitable. Pack swim equipment anyway, but have a backup plan for spending your free time ashore.

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of people. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum is not met, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile. For questions about the excursion, the supplier gives a bookings phone number: +385 0916035117. Calls only, no text messages.

Who should book this trip?

I would book this if you want an easy, full-day look at the islands and prefer having transport arranged. It works well for first-time visitors who want to get beyond Dubrovnik without planning a separate boat day, and for anyone happy to use free time for a walk, swim, or relaxed stop.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, intimate cruise, a guaranteed sailing experience, lots of guided history, or a substantial included lunch. The group may be large, commentary may not be equally detailed in every language, and the island stops leave much of the day up to you.

At this price, the trip offers sensible value when you make use of the two island visits, transfers, and onboard inclusions. Book it for an easy island sampler, not for a small-boat adventure. If you prefer more swimming and less time ashore, look for a tour whose schedule clearly gives priority to swim stops.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

It lasts about seven hours. The scheduled departure from Gruž is 9:30 a.m., with a return around 5 p.m.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The scheduled island stops are Šipan and Lopud. The route also offers views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands.

How much free time is planned on each island?

The schedule allows about two hours on Šipan and about two hours on Lopud.

Is swimming included?

There is free time for swimming, and you are advised to bring suitable equipment. Swimming plans can change because of weather and temperature conditions.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup and return transfers are offered. Pickup is scheduled between 8 and 9:30 a.m.; check your confirmation for your own time.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. A light snack and unlimited drinks are included. The snack is not described as a full lunch.

How many people can join the tour?

The stated maximum is 75 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the excursion?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if the trip is canceled due to poor weather.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.