Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Boat Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this seven-hour cruise is the change of pace: leave Dubrovnik’s busy waterfront behind, spend time on three islands, then take the scenic route back along the coast. Lunch and drinks are included, so you can settle in without keeping a running tab.

I like two things especially: the generous stretch of free time on Lopud, where you can walk to Šunj Beach, and the freshly cooked meal, with fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option. The main consideration is that the shorter island stops can feel brief if you want to explore at length.

At a glance

• Three island stops: The route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with time ashore at each.
• A long pause on Lopud: Plan on roughly three hours there, enough time to visit Šunj Beach or explore at your own pace.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect a simple meal, such as fresh fish with potatoes and salad, with chicken and vegetarian choices also available.
• Drinks come with the fare: Included choices have been described as water, soft drinks, and wine.
• A slow, scenic return: The ride back along the coast is part of the outing, not just a transfer.
• Price is $58 per person: With a seven-hour cruise, lunch, and drinks included, the cost covers more than the boat ride alone.

Three islands, one easy day from Dubrovnik

This is a day for seeing the coast at an unhurried pace, not ticking off sights at speed. You board at Lapadska Obala 5, where at least one of the boats, Bobara or Mara, will be docked. The crew speaks Croatian and English, and before each stop they give you a few facts about the islands and suggestions for what to do ashore.

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The exact order and timing can vary, but a reported schedule gave Lopud about three hours, Šipan one hour, and Koločep 45 minutes. Another trip had a first stop of about 40 minutes, a second of an hour, and a final stop of three hours. Treat those as a useful guide, not a promise of exact timings.

That mix is sensible. Shorter stops let you get a taste of more than one island, while the longer one gives you time to swim, walk, eat, or simply sit by the water. If you prefer deep exploration of a single island, this cruise may feel too compressed. If you want a broad coastal sampler with minimal planning, the format works well.

Lopud and the long walk to Šunj Beach

The longest island stop is usually Lopud, and it is the one to plan around. Šunj is a well-known lagoon beach on the island, reached on foot or by a mini-golf-car taxi. The walk is a good choice if you want to stretch your legs and take in the island’s natural setting; the taxi can save energy for the beach itself.

Bring beachwear if swimming is part of your plan, and comfortable clothes for walking. The beach stop is not a guaranteed swim: weather can change the feel of the day, and one trip took place in conditions that were not suitable for swimming. Even then, the longer shore break leaves room to explore or relax rather than rushing straight back aboard.

Do check the time you have before setting off. Three hours sounds generous, but walking to the beach, swimming, and returning to the boat all use a share of it. If you would rather avoid a brisk walk, ask the crew about the mini-golf-car taxi before you leave the dock.

Šipan and Koločep: shorter tastes of island life

The other stops are shorter, generally around 40 minutes to an hour. They offer a chance to get off the boat, see a little of each island, and enjoy a change of scenery. They are not long enough for an ambitious walk or a full beach day, so keep your plans modest and follow the crew’s advice about what is practical nearby.

That brevity is the trade-off for visiting three islands in one day. You get variety: each stop gives you a different feel for the coast around Dubrovnik, but you will need to choose one or two simple things to do rather than trying to cover everything. A short stroll and a pause by the water may be the right scale.

The crew’s pre-arrival pointers are useful here. Listen for the suggested places and keep an eye on the time. The boat is your transport between islands, and a late return ashore can cut into the next stop.

Fresh lunch on board, with drinks included

Lunch is one of the stronger reasons this trip represents good value. It is prepared on board and served during the day, with fish, chicken, and vegetarian choices described. A typical fish meal has included fresh fish, potatoes, and side salad: straightforward food that suits a day by the sea rather than a long formal meal.

The meal is not elaborate, and that is part of the appeal. You get a filling lunch without having to find a restaurant during a short island stop. Chicken has also been described as tender, and the portions as plentiful. If you have a dietary need, the available information does not spell out how requests are handled, so ask the operator before booking.

Drinks are included and served freely. Options described on board include water, cola, iced tea, and wine. That takes the small but constant decisions out of a long day in the sun: you do not need to budget separately for every drink. Bring your own camera, and consider a jacket too, especially if the forecast is breezy. The ride can feel cooler once you are moving over open water.

A relaxed cruise, not a speedboat dash

The boat ride is a central part of the outing. You spend time travelling between islands, and the return leg has been described as a particularly pleasant, slower cruise along the coast. The boats are reported as clean and comfortable, with good views from the seats, though individual conditions can vary.

The crew’s attentive service is a recurring strength. They offer drinks, help keep the day moving, and give practical guidance before you reach each island. The tone seems friendly rather than formal, which fits a day built around swimming, walking, and taking it easy.

Small-group availability may make the experience feel more personal, but the exact group size is not specified. Nor is there a fixed start time in the information provided, so check the available departure when choosing a date. The day lasts about seven hours; a reported schedule ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but do not assume those hours apply to every departure.

Is $58 good value?

At $58 per person, the price includes the cruise, lunch, and drinks. That is a useful bundle for a seven-hour day, especially if you value having transport between three islands and a meal arranged for you. You also avoid spending the middle of the day searching for food or arranging separate boat connections.

Value depends on how you use the stops. If you want time on the water, a generous break on Lopud, and an easy way to sample several islands, the price makes sense. If your priority is spending a full day at one beach or exploring every island in detail, the fixed route and shorter stops may feel less satisfying. One person found the trip expensive for what it offered, a fair reminder that the value is in convenience and the all-in day, not extensive guided sightseeing.

Entry fees are not included, though only a few places require tickets. No specific ticketed sites are identified, so keep a little flexibility in your budget if you plan to visit somewhere that charges admission. The cruise itself, lunch, and included drinks are covered in the stated fare.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is Lapadska Obala 5. Look for Bobara or Mara, with at least one of those boats expected to be docked there. Hotel pickup is not included as standard, but pickup may be arranged from a nearby point such as a hotel, bakery, or shop. The operator will tell you which location is near your address, so confirm the arrangement rather than assuming a door-to-door transfer.

The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Getting on and off a boat and moving around on the islands can be limiting, and the walk to Šunj may also affect your plans. If mobility is a concern, check directly with the operator before paying.

Pack a camera, comfortable clothes, and beachwear. A light jacket is a sensible extra for a windy day, particularly for the ride home. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if I wanted an uncomplicated day at sea with several island stops, a proper lunch, and time to swim or walk without organizing each piece myself. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a relaxed break from Dubrovnik’s city streets. The longer Lopud pause is the key feature for beach time.

It is less suited to anyone who needs step-free access, wants a strenuous island hike, or expects a detailed guided tour at every stop. The crew shares interesting facts and practical suggestions, but the main draw is the scenery and free time, not a lecture-heavy itinerary.

Should you book it?

Book if you like the idea of three islands in one day and appreciate having lunch and drinks included in the price. Aim your longest stop at Šunj Beach, bring a jacket if the weather is breezy, and keep your plans for the shorter stops simple. If you would rather spend the whole day on one island or need extensive mobility support, look for a slower, more tailored option.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands cruise?

The cruise lasts about seven hours. One reported schedule ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but starting times can vary, so check the available departure for your date.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The exact order and time spent at each island may vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is prepared on board, with fish, chicken, and vegetarian options described.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Drinks are included. Options described on board include water, cola, iced tea, and wine.

Where is the meeting point?

The boats are docked at Lapadska Obala 5. At least one of the boats, Bobara or Mara, will be there.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.