From Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Galleon Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this cruise begins before you reach the islands: Dubrovnik’s Old Town looks especially striking from the water, and you see it from the deck of a wooden galleon replica. From there, the route takes you to Lopud and Sipan for time ashore, with lunch served between the island stops.

I like two things in particular: the ship makes the journey feel like more than a transfer, and the package includes lunch and a drink, so you can settle in without paying for every part of the day. You also get free time on both islands, rather than being kept on board from port to port.

One consideration: despite being described as a half-day cruise, this is a long outing, with return times ranging from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. You’ll want to set aside most of the day, and the time ashore may feel uneven between the two islands.

At a glance

• A 16th-century look, modern boat trip: The Galleon Tirena is a replica of a wooden galleon, with toilets and Wi-Fi on board.
• Two island stops: You get free time on Lopud and Sipan, with chances to explore, relax or swim.
• Dubrovnik from the sea: The Old Town’s walls and rooftops make a memorable view as the boat leaves port.
• Lunch included: A traditional meal is served on board, with wine and water included. Additional drinks can be bought at the bar.
• A full day out: Departure is at 9:30 AM, and the seasonal return time falls between 5:00 and 6:30 PM.
• Good value for an all-in outing: At $76 per person, the price covers the cruise, guide, lunch and a drink.

A galleon sets the mood before the islands

The Galleon Tirena is the main character of this trip. It is an exact replica of a famous 16th-century wooden galleon, so boarding feels more atmospheric than stepping onto a standard excursion boat. You still have modern basics such as toilets and Wi-Fi on board, but the old-style ship gives the ride a sense of occasion.

The cruise leaves from the large pier at Dubrovnik Old Town Port. When facing the sea, look for the large pier on the left and the galleon departing at 9:30 AM. Arrive with enough time to find the correct ship and get settled before departure.

As the boat pulls away, you’ll get a different angle on Dubrovnik. The familiar stone walls and terracotta roofs sit above the water, and the view changes as the ship heads out toward the islands. If you’ve spent time walking the Old Town streets, seeing the city from offshore is a useful change of pace.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. You can sit back with the sea breeze, take in the coast and enjoy being on the water without having to plan separate transport between islands. The ship is also a good choice if you want a memorable setting for the journey, not just the quickest way to get from one stop to another.

Lunch with the Adriatic in view

A traditional lunch is served on board, with a drink included. Wine and water are listed as included, and the trip description also mentions a complimentary drink with lunch. Additional drinks are available to buy from the onboard bar, so bring some extra money if you’d like more than what comes with the meal.

The meal is a meaningful part of the value. At $76 per person, you’re paying for the cruise, a guide, lunch, and a drink, not just a seat on a boat. Having food arranged on board also means you don’t need to spend your island time searching for a place to eat.

The fish lunch has been a highlight for many, and a vegetarian option is available. The vegetarian meal may lean heavily on pasta, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s sensible to check with the operator before booking. The meal is described as traditional, but there is no detailed menu, so don’t book expecting a particular dish.

The views add something to an otherwise practical lunch break. You’re eating at sea, with the coast and islands around you, rather than stopping at a restaurant in town. For some, that setting will be as appealing as the food itself.

Lopud: a welcome chance to stretch your legs

Lopud is one of the two islands on the route, and you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. The islands are known for green gardens with orange and lemon trees, small villages, old seafarers’ houses, summer manors and little votive churches. That mix gives you a feel for a quieter side of the Dubrovnik area.

You may also have a short guided walk or introduction on the island. The precise format can vary, but a guide can help you notice architectural details and local history that you might otherwise pass by. Guides named on different trips have included Lorena, Luca and Sara, though you shouldn’t assume a particular guide will be there on your date.

Lopud is also a good place to pause. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want the option of a dip, and pack a hat and sunscreen for time outside. The tour leaves your time on shore open, so you can choose between a relaxed break, a wander around the village or a swim if conditions and your own plans allow.

One practical point: the time on the islands is not necessarily split evenly. Some people find the first stop quieter, with less to see than the second, so you may want to use your time there for a swim or an unhurried stroll rather than expecting a packed schedule. The appeal is a change of scene, not a long list of formal sights.

Sipan: village charm and a slower pace

Sipan is the other island stop, and it adds another look at the Elaphiti archipelago. The scenery is described in terms of green islands, gardens, coastal views and small settlements shaped by their maritime past. It’s the kind of place where a little free time can be more rewarding than a tightly managed tour.

Use your stop to wander, sit by the water or simply enjoy being away from Dubrovnik’s busy streets. There is room to follow your own interests, which is a real advantage of a cruise that includes independent time ashore. If you prefer a guide to explain what you’re seeing, listen in when the crew offers a short introduction.

The stops are not identical, and you should not expect the same amount of activity at each port. The second island may offer more time for sunbathing and exploring, while the first can feel more low-key. That variation is worth knowing before you book: this trip works best if you’re content with a relaxed island visit, rather than needing a tightly scheduled sightseeing program.

Free time is also why the swim kit matters. Take a swimsuit and towel even if you’re not sure you’ll use them. A light jacket is useful too, since a sea breeze can make the ride cooler than the shore.

The timing: plan for most of the day

The boat departs at 9:30 AM and returns to the same Old Town Port. The return time changes with the season: it is 6:00 PM from May 15 to May 31, 6:30 PM from June 1 to August 10, 6:00 PM from August 10 to August 25, 5:30 PM from August 26 to September 10, and 5:00 PM from September 11 to September 30.

The listed periods overlap on August 10, so confirm the return time for your date when booking. In any case, don’t treat this as a quick morning outing. You’ll be away for much of the day, so avoid scheduling a close dinner reservation or another activity that depends on arriving back at a precise time.

A long cruise can be a pleasure if you want a day on the water, but it may not suit you if you’re trying to fit several short activities into one day. The schedule gives you time to reach both islands, enjoy lunch and spend time ashore. It also means the boat ride itself takes up a substantial part of your day.

The tour is suitable for all ages, but everyone should be prepared for a full excursion and time in the sun. Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are sensible essentials. A jacket is also on the recommended packing list, and you’ll want beachwear if swimming is part of your plan.

Is $76 good value?

At $76 per person, this cruise offers a bundle of experiences: a galleon replica, coastal views, a guide, two island stops, lunch and a drink. The price makes the most sense if you want the boat ride and island visits as one organized day, rather than arranging separate transport and meals yourself.

The ship is more than a decorative extra. It gives the journey its character, and the friendly, attentive crew helps make a long day feel easy. Guides have also shared information about Dubrovnik and the islands, adding context to the scenery rather than leaving you to guess what you’re seeing.

Lunch and a drink are useful inclusions, though you should budget for any extra beverages. Wi-Fi and toilets on board are practical comforts on a trip that lasts into the afternoon or early evening. Those details matter more on a long cruise than on a short hop between nearby ports.

The main trade-off is that you’re paying for a full-day format, whether or not you want to spend that long on the water. If your priority is a fast island transfer or hours of independent time on one particular island, a different option may suit you better. If you want an easy day that combines sailing, food and two stops, the price is reasonable.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I’d recommend the trip to anyone who wants to see the coast from the water and visit more than one Elaphiti island without arranging the details themselves. It suits couples, families and groups of friends who like an easygoing day, a scenic boat ride and time to swim or explore at their own pace.

It’s also a good choice if you enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional ship. The galleon replica makes the departure feel special, while lunch and the guide add structure to the day. You can be social on board or simply find a comfortable spot and watch the coastline pass.

This is less suited to anyone who wants a short trip, a guaranteed schedule of specific sights on each island, or a highly active guided itinerary. The free time is a strength, but it means you’ll need to make your own choices once ashore. Go in expecting a leisurely cruise with island breaks, not a tightly packed history tour.

Sea conditions and passenger numbers can affect the trip. If the sea is too dangerous or the minimum number of passengers is not reached, the operator may reschedule or cancel. If the operator cancels, a full refund is issued. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve without paying immediately.

Should you book the Galleon Tirena?

Book this cruise if the idea of sailing on a wooden galleon, eating lunch at sea and having unhurried time on Lopud and Sipan sounds like a good use of a day in Dubrovnik. The strong points are clear: an atmospheric ship, friendly guides, a tasty meal and a relaxed way to see two islands.

Think twice if you only have a few hours to spare or want one island to be the focus. The return can be as late as 6:30 PM, and the stops may not offer equal amounts of activity or time. For a full day out that balances scenery, food and independent island time, though, this is a solid-value choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It departs from the large pier at Dubrovnik Old Town Port. When you are facing the sea, look for the pier on the left and the Galleon Tirena.

What time does the boat depart?

Departure is at 9:30 AM.

When does the cruise return?

Return times vary by season, ranging from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Check the time for your travel date, especially around August 10, when the listed date ranges overlap.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The cruise visits Lopud and Sipan, with free time on both islands.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional lunch is served on board.

Which drinks are included?

Wine and water are listed as served with lunch, and the tour description includes a complimentary drink. Additional drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a jacket and beachwear.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish and English.

What happens if the sea is too rough?

If the sea is too dangerous or the minimum number of passengers is not reached, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled. If the operator cancels, you receive a full refund.