Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

Three islands make one memorable day. This $50 cruise from Dubrovnik combines a scenic ride along the Dalmatian coast with free time on Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. I like the simple rhythm: plenty of sea views, a long first stop on Lopud, and shorter visits to two quieter islands.

I also like the friendly five-person crew, clean boat, regular drinks, and choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian lunch. The main catch is the schedule. Lopud gets three hours, but Šipan and Koločep each get about an hour, so you will see all three without having time to explore any of them fully.

This is a relaxed, good-value outing rather than a serious sightseeing tour. You will have time to swim, stroll, shop, eat, and sit in the sun, but you must keep an eye on the return time. If you want an easy break from Dubrovnik’s crowds, this cruise makes a strong case for itself.

Key points to know before booking

• Lopud is the star stop: Three hours gives you enough time for Šunj Bay, a walk, lunch, or a little island exploring.
• The boat is called Rita: Look for the MARINERO name at the pier, with an open upper deck and a lower air-conditioned saloon.
• Lunch is optional: Choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian food with potato salad, or arrange your own meal on Lopud.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Water and soft drinks are included, with Croatian wine served alongside lunch and extra drinks available to buy.
• Šipan and Koločep are brief visits: Each receives about an hour, which works well for a swim or short walk but not a full island tour.
• Bring your own beach kit: Towels and snorkeling equipment are not supplied, and the boat does not replace proper sun protection.

Why this cruise works so well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for its walls, old stone lanes, and busy summer streets. The Elaphite Islands offer a useful change of pace. Instead of spending another day in town, you trade traffic and crowds for open water, small settlements, pine woods, old churches, olive groves, and quiet coves.

The route lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides between stops. That sounds long, but the day is broken into manageable pieces. You start with a roughly 30-minute coastal cruise, spend the biggest block of time on Lopud, then continue to Šipan and Koločep before returning to Dubrovnik.

I especially like that the tour does not keep you trapped on the boat all day. You get real time ashore, and each island offers a different reason to step off. Lopud is best for a beach and a longer walk. Šipan gives you a taste of rural island scenery. Koločep is suited to a final swim and a quiet stroll.

The tour is also practical for a first visit to the area. You do not need to plan separate ferries, compare island timetables, or work out how to connect three islands in one day. The crew manages the boat schedule while you keep track of your own time ashore.

Finding the boat and settling in aboard Rita

The boat is named Rita and is docked at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name. The crew will meet you there, which makes the starting point fairly simple to identify.

Hotel pickup and drop-off can be added if you are staying in the Dubrovnik area. The ride uses an air-conditioned vehicle and is especially handy if you are not near the harbor. If your accommodation is inside a pedestrian-only zone or on a hard-to-reach street, the pickup point will be arranged at the nearest practical location.

Rita has an open top deck for sun and views, plus a lower air-conditioned saloon for shade and cooler air. There are two onboard toilets, described as clean and fully equipped. That matters on an eight-hour outing, particularly when you are away from shore for long stretches.

The boat carries five crew members. Their role is not limited to steering and serving food. They circulate with drinks, explain when to return, offer island advice, and help keep the timetable moving. Guides may speak English, Croatian, Italian, or German. Azhar and Nikoleta have been singled out for warm, helpful guiding, though your guide may be different.

The atmosphere can shift with the group. Most of the day is laid-back, but music may become livelier when people sing, dance, or celebrate a birthday. If you want a silent private charter, this is not that sort of trip. If you enjoy a sociable boat ride, the easygoing mood is part of its appeal.

Lopud: give the first island your full attention

After the first coastal cruise, Lopud receives about three hours. This is the most generous stop and, for many people, the highlight of the day.

Lopud gives you several choices. You can remain near the waterfront, walk the car-free roads, browse small shops, visit historic sites, or head across the island to Šunj Bay, known for its sandy beach. The island also has old fortifications and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery for those who want more than a swim.

Šunj Bay is the practical priority if swimming is your main goal. One useful approach is to go there early in the stop, then return toward the waterfront to eat or walk. A golf cart service may be available, but one important detail is worth knowing: carts can wait until they fill and may leave you a 10 to 15-minute walk from the port. Walking to or from the beach gives you more control, though some paths include uphill and uneven sections.

If you choose the lunch option, the meal is served on the boat, with fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate and potato salad. This saves time and means you do not need to search for an open restaurant. The fish lunch has received especially strong praise, and Croatian wine is offered with the meal.

The no-lunch option can also make sense. You can buy food on Lopud, bring your own lunch, or choose a restaurant during the three-hour stop. This gives you more freedom, but it also introduces a seasonal risk. In late October and during the off-season, many restaurants and shops may be closed. If you are visiting outside the main summer period, onboard lunch is the safer choice.

Lopud is not only about the beach. Its car-free paths and old religious buildings give the stop some character, while the surrounding sea provides the main visual reward. Still, three hours can pass quickly if you want to swim, eat, walk to Šunj Bay, and see the town. Pick your priorities before leaving the boat.

Šipan: a short look at island life

The cruise then continues toward Šipan, the largest of the three Elaphite Islands. The boat ride lasts about 20 minutes, followed by roughly one hour ashore.

Šipan is a different experience from Lopud. Instead of focusing on one famous beach, you get a glimpse of island countryside, with vineyards, olive groves, and small coastal settlements. It is a good place for a walk, a photograph, or a quiet break from the water.

The limitation is clear: one hour is not enough for a serious exploration of the island. You will need to stay near the landing point and keep your route simple. Treat Šipan as a brief taste, not a full visit. That is not a fault if your goal is to sample three islands in one day, but it may disappoint you if you prefer slow, detailed exploration.

The schedule also gives you very little room for delays. If you stop for a drink or a long meal, you will have less time to walk. The crew keeps close track of departure times, and you should do the same. Missing the boat is not a charming island story.

Koločep: finish with pine trees and clear water

From Šipan, the next cruise takes about 45 minutes. Koločep then gives you approximately one hour before the return trip to Dubrovnik.

Koločep is the quietest-feeling stop in the planned route. Pine forests, small coves, and clear water make it a natural place for a swim or short walk. If the sea is calm and you have brought swimwear, this may be the best time for a final dip.

You can also shop, take photographs, or stroll near the shore. Snorkeling is possible, but the operator does not provide equipment. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface. You should also pack a towel, since towels are not included.

As with Šipan, the one-hour stop asks you to choose. Koločep works well as a refreshing pause, but it will feel rushed if you want both a long walk through the pines and an unhurried swim. I would favor the water unless you have already had enough beach time on Lopud.

Food and drinks: where the price earns its keep

The $50 price is strong value when lunch is included. You are paying for a full-day boat trip, three island stops, crew service, onboard toilets, drinks, and a hot meal rather than simply a ferry ride.

Lunch comes with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food, served with potato salad. The exact preparation may vary, but the general style is straightforward Mediterranean fare. Local wine, water, and soft drinks are available, and homemade olive oil and homegrown vegetables are part of the food offering.

The drink service is one of the pleasant extras. The crew may bring water, juice, lemonade, tea, and local liqueur shots during the day. The details can vary, but you should not expect a fully stocked open bar. Additional drinks can be purchased onboard.

If you book the cruise without lunch, you save money and gain control over your meal. That option works best if you plan to eat on Lopud or bring food with you. My advice is simple: choose onboard lunch in the off-season, and consider skipping it only when you strongly prefer your own food or want a restaurant meal.

What the timing means for your day

The itinerary gives Lopud three hours, Šipan one hour, and Koločep one hour. The remaining time is spent cruising, which is not dead time. The coastline views are a major part of the experience, and the boat provides a comfortable place to rest between walks and swims.

The order currently begins with Lopud, followed by Šipan and Koločep. Some people would prefer more time on Lopud and less time on the other islands, but the current format gives you a broad introduction to the archipelago.

You should not plan another fixed appointment immediately after the scheduled return. Boat trips depend on sea conditions, loading, and the group staying on schedule. The stated drop-off point is Lapadska obala 5 in Dubrovnik, with hotel return available when that option is selected.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• A simple way to see three islands in one day
• Time for swimming and sunbathing without arranging several ferries
• A relaxed group atmosphere rather than a private excursion
• A good-value boat day with lunch and drinks
• An easy outing for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends
• A break from Dubrovnik’s old town and city crowds

You should think twice if you want a quiet private boat, a serious historical tour, or several hours on each island. The boat has open sides, so parents should watch very young children carefully. One account described a toddler coming close to the edge more than once, which is a useful reminder that the upper deck and open areas require supervision.

The trip also depends heavily on the season. In late October and the off-season, the islands can feel very quiet and many businesses may be closed. That can be lovely if you want peace, but less useful if you are counting on shopping or restaurant choices.

What to pack for the Elaphite Islands

Keep your day bag light, but include the essentials:

• Swimwear and sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A towel
• Your own snorkeling equipment
• A camera or phone
• Water-resistant protection for valuables

Comfortable shoes matter on Lopud, especially if you walk toward Šunj Bay or explore uphill paths. Sunscreen matters even when the boat breeze makes the air feel mild. The sea may look inviting at every stop, so having swimwear ready saves time.

Is the $50 price good value?

Yes, particularly if you select lunch. A full day on the water, three island landings, drinks, crew service, and food for $50 per person is hard to criticize on value.

The price becomes even more useful when you consider the convenience. You are not paying separate fares for three islands, and you do not need to organize a taxi, ferry connection, or restaurant booking at each stop. Hotel pickup adds another layer of ease if your accommodation is outside the immediate harbor area.

The value is less about luxury than about coverage. You see a lot in eight hours, but you do so at a brisk pace. You pay for variety, convenience, and a pleasant day at sea, not for a private or highly personal island experience.

Should you book the Elaphite Island cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, affordable day on the water and like the idea of seeing Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep without handling the transport yourself. Choose lunch if you are visiting late in the season, and make Lopud your priority for Šunj Bay, walking, and the longest free-time block.

Skip it if you want deep exploration of one island, a private setting, or a carefully paced historical tour. For most people with one spare day in Dubrovnik, though, Rita’s three-island route offers a generous amount of scenery, swimming, food, and fresh air for the money.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphite Island cruise?

The cruise lasts about eight hours, including the coastal sailing time and visits to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in the Elaphite Islands near Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only when you select the lunch option. You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Drinks include water and soft drinks. Croatian wine is served with lunch, and additional drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when that option is selected, but only in the Dubrovnik area. If your accommodation is in a pedestrian-only or hard-to-reach area, a nearby pickup point will be arranged.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, a towel, and snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel.

Where do I find the boat?

The boat is called Rita and is docked at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name, where the crew will welcome you.