Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Boat Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

The best Dubrovnik escape is by boat. This seven-hour cruise takes you away from the city walls and across the Elaphiti Islands, where you can swim, walk through quiet island nature, or simply stretch out on deck. I like the combination of freshly prepared lunch and unlimited drinks, and I also like the relaxed pace, with time to visit three islands rather than rushing through one short stop.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and punctual. I also appreciate the good value at about $58 per person, since the price includes the cruise, lunch, and drinks. The main consideration is that some island stops are brief, and one French visitor felt the cost was high for what was offered. This is a simple day on the water, not a detailed cultural tour.

Key details to know before you go

• Three island stops: The schedule has included Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with stop lengths ranging from about 40 minutes to three hours.
• Šunj Beach option: On Lopud, you can walk to the famous lagoon beach Šunj or pay for a mini-golf car taxi.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Fish, chicken, and vegetarian meals have been available, with potatoes and salad served alongside some choices.
• Free-flowing drinks: Water, soft drinks, iced tea, and wine are available without a stated limit.
• Two possible boats: Look for Bobara or Mara at Lapadska Obala 5. At least one should be docked there.
• Bring a jacket: The open water can feel windy, even on a warm Croatian day.

Why the Elaphiti Islands make a good day trip

Dubrovnik is beautiful, but its old town can feel crowded and intense, especially in summer. The Elaphiti Islands offer a different side of Dalmatia: open water, small harbors, beaches, and stretches of nature where the main activity is simply walking or swimming.

You are not signing up for a high-speed adventure. The boat trip is meant to be easygoing. You can take in the coast from the rail, chat with the crew, enjoy a drink, and watch the color of the water change as Dubrovnik fades behind you.

The crew gives basic information about the islands before each arrival. This is useful because you are not left to guess where to walk or what is worth seeing. Do not expect a long lecture about island history. The guidance is practical: where you can go, how much time you have, and what to do once ashore.

The boats are Bobara and Mara, and the departure point is at Lapadska Obala 5. The exact boat can depend on the day, so check the name before boarding. Pickup may also be arranged from a nearby hotel, bakery, or store, but this is optional rather than part of the standard price.

The boat ride from Lapadska Obala

The departure area at Lapadska Obala is in the Lapad part of Dubrovnik, away from the busiest old town streets. Arrive with comfortable clothes and beachwear ready. You will want easy access to your swimsuit, towel, camera, and sun protection, although sun protection is not specifically listed among the required items.

The boat itself receives good marks for being clean, comfortable, and designed so that you can get a decent view from most seats. That matters on a full-day cruise. A poor seat can make seven hours feel long, while an open view lets the journey become part of the outing.

The ride back along the coast has been especially enjoyable for some people because it is slower and scenic. That return is not just dead time after the islands. It gives you another look at the Dubrovnik coastline from the water, often when you are relaxed after lunch and a swim.

Wind is the practical issue. Even if Dubrovnik feels hot at street level, the boat can be breezy once it leaves the harbor. A light jacket is a smart addition, particularly outside the warmest summer months.

Smoking is not allowed, and alcohol or drugs brought on board are prohibited. Alcoholic drinks supplied by the crew, including wine, are part of the included beverage service.

First island stop: a short taste of island life

The first island stop has sometimes lasted around 40 to 45 minutes. That is enough for a quick walk, a few photographs, and a look around, but not enough for a major exploration.

One past schedule began with Koločep, while another gave Koločep the shorter stop after Lopud and Šipan. The order and timing can vary, so you should listen carefully when the crew explains the plan. The point of this stop is to give you a first taste of the islands rather than a full afternoon on shore.

Koločep is a good place to slow down immediately. You might find a quiet path, a small settlement, or a pleasant place to sit near the water. With less than an hour, keep your plans modest. Do not wander far from the boat unless the crew clearly indicates how much time remains.

This short stop may feel underwhelming if you want a packed sightseeing program. I see it differently: it works as a gentle introduction before the longer island visit. Still, people who prefer one island with plenty of time may find three separate stops a little fragmented.

Šipan and the middle part of the day

Šipan has been scheduled as a stop of roughly one hour. It gives you more time than the shortest visit, but it is still a compact look at an island rather than a full tour.

The crew can point out where to walk and what is practical within the time available. You may find that the island’s appeal is less about a long list of sights and more about its quieter feel, open views, and slower rhythm. Bring your camera, but do not expect every minute to be filled with organized activities.

Lunch has been served around the second island stop on some departures. One past schedule describes lunch being served as people boarded at the second island. The meal is prepared on board, with choices including fish, chicken, or a vegetarian dish. Fish has been served with potatoes and side salad, while the chicken has been described as tender and tasty.

This is not a fancy restaurant meal, and that is part of its appeal. The food is simple, fresh, and suited to a day at sea. Several people have singled it out as one of the best parts of the outing. Portions have also been described as plentiful.

The drink service adds real value. Water, cola, iced tea, and wine have been available, and the crew regularly checks that people have something to drink. Since drinks are included without a stated restriction, you do not need to keep calculating the cost of every bottle or glass.

Lopud and the walk to Šunj Beach

Lopud is usually the main stop, with about three hours in one reported schedule. This is where you have the best chance to make the day your own.

The headline attraction is Šunj Beach, a famous lagoon beach. You can walk there, or you can pay for a mini-golf car taxi if you would rather save your legs. The taxi is not included, so bring a little cash if you want that option.

The walk gives you a better feel for Lopud than simply arriving at the beach by vehicle. You can take in the island’s untouched nature at a slower pace, though the available information does not give a precise walking time or trail description. Follow the crew’s directions and keep an eye on the time.

At Šunj, the natural plan is simple: swim, sunbathe, or rest. Beachwear is essential if you want to get in the water. If conditions are poor, you can still walk around and enjoy the setting. One June outing had weather that was not suitable for swimming, but the island still provided enough space to explore.

Three hours is enough to avoid feeling hurried. You can walk, spend time at the beach, and return to the boat without turning the stop into a race. It also means you should think about what sort of day you want. If you are happiest with organized sightseeing every few minutes, the long free period may feel empty. If you enjoy choosing your own pace, it is the strongest part of the trip.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the $58 price

At $58 per person, this cruise sits in a useful middle ground. You are paying more than you would for a basic ferry ride, but you are also receiving a prepared lunch, drinks, and a full day of transport between the islands.

The strongest value comes from the combination. A separate boat trip, meal, and several drinks could quickly add up in Dubrovnik. Here, the crew handles the cooking and service while you enjoy the coast. That makes the price easier to justify, especially if you expect to have wine, soft drinks, and water throughout the day.

The food is not designed for people seeking elaborate Croatian cuisine. It is straightforward boat lunch: fish, chicken, or vegetarian food, with simple sides. I would choose this cruise for freshness and convenience, not for a gourmet meal.

The 4.8 rating from 45 bookings supports the sense that the basic package works well. The praise is strongest for the crew, meal, drinks, punctuality, and relaxed pacing. Still, the $58 price may feel less attractive if you do not drink, do not plan to swim, or prefer spending the day on one island.

Entry fees are not included, although very few places on the islands require one. The mini-golf car taxi to Šunj Beach is also an extra cost. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included as standard, though optional pickup can be arranged from a nearby public location.

How the timing affects your day

The advertised duration is seven hours, with one schedule running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the available start time for your date because departure hours can vary.

Expect a pattern of short and long stops rather than equal time on every island. A typical outline might look like this:

• A morning departure from Lapadska Obala
• A short first island stop of around 40 to 45 minutes
• A one-hour visit to another island, with lunch around this part of the day
• A longer Lopud stop of about three hours, often including time for Šunj Beach
• A scenic cruise back toward Dubrovnik

This arrangement works well for variety. You see three different island settings and do not spend the whole day in one place. The tradeoff is that the shorter stops leave little room for wandering far from the harbor.

The crew’s timing appears to be a strength. Pickup, where arranged, has been described as punctual, and the boat schedule has been praised as well organized. That matters in Dubrovnik, where a delayed start can eat into valuable beach time.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy island day without organizing ferries, lunch, and drinks separately. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who want a mixture of swimming, walking, scenery, and downtime.

It is also a good fit if you like being looked after. The crew serves lunch, keeps the drinks available, explains the island options, and maintains the schedule. You can enjoy the day without checking ferry timetables or finding a restaurant at every stop.

The cruise is less suitable for people with mobility impairments. The activity includes boarding a boat, walking on islands, and reaching Šunj Beach either on foot or by an optional mini-golf car taxi. Anyone needing step-free access or extensive assistance should ask the provider before booking.

You may also want a different outing if you are looking for detailed archaeology, local history, or a long guided walk. The information given on board is brief and useful, but the experience is mainly about the sea and the islands.

Booking details and what to pack

Meet at Lapadska Obala 5 and look for Bobara or Mara. At least one of those boats should be docked there. If you arrange pickup, the provider will tell you which nearby hotel, bakery, or shop to use.

Bring:

• Beachwear
• Comfortable clothes
• A camera
• A light jacket for wind
• Money for the optional mini-golf car taxi, if you want to use it

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Dubrovnik plans depend on weather or changing arrival times.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a low-stress full-day boat trip with three island stops, a solid lunch, and drinks included. The attentive crew and good timing add more value than the basic itinerary might suggest.

Skip it if you want a deep cultural tour, a long stay on one beach, or a tightly packed schedule of sights. The stops can be short, the activities are self-directed, and the price may feel high if you do not use the included food and drinks.

For most people seeking a relaxed break from Dubrovnik, I would consider it a good buy. Pack a jacket, keep your beach plans flexible, and treat the shorter island visits as pleasant glimpses rather than full tours.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands boat cruise?

The cruise lasts seven hours. One reported schedule ran from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., but you should check the available start time for your date.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Lapadska Obala 5 in Dubrovnik. The boats are named Bobara and Mara, and at least one should be docked there.

What does the $58 price include?

The price includes the boat cruise, lunch, and drinks. Hotel pickup, drop-off, and entry fees are not included.

What lunch choices are available?

The available choices have included fish, chicken, and vegetarian meals. Fish has been served with potatoes and side salad. The food is prepared on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included and have included water, cola, iced tea, and wine. The service has been described as free flowing without a stated limit.

Can I visit Šunj Beach?

Yes. The cruise includes a stop at Lopud, where you can visit Šunj Beach by walking or by paying for a mini-golf car taxi. The taxi cost is not included.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments because it involves boat access and walking on the islands.