Elaphiti Islands by Catamaran with snacks and unlimited drinks from Dubrovnik

The Adriatic looks best from the water. This full-day catamaran trip gives you an easy way to leave Dubrovnik behind and see Šipan, Lopud, and the coast from a new angle, with hotel transfers, snacks, onboard Wi-Fi, and drinks included. I like the simple all-day format and the chance to spend real time on two islands rather than rushing through a string of photo stops. I also like the friendly crew and the generous drink service praised in several accounts. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded, and two hours on Šipan may seem long if you want more swimming or guided sightseeing.

This is not a sailing trip in the traditional sense. You board a motorized catamaran at Gruž Port, and the boat carries up to 75 people. I would choose it for an easy overview of the Elaphiti Islands, not for quiet sailing, a small-group experience, or a carefully guided cultural tour.

Key points before you book

• Two substantial island stops: You get about two hours on Šipan and two hours on Lopud, enough time to walk around rather than simply step ashore for a photograph.
• The boat leaves from Gruž Port: Hotel pickup is offered in the morning, followed by departure from the port near the green market.
• Drinks are included: The package advertises unlimited drinks, with snacks served onboard. Bring realistic expectations about the food, which may be rolls, baguette-style sandwiches, fruit, or a light salad.
• Lopud is the stronger stop for many people: Its sandy beach, swimming opportunity, and pleasant village setting make it the natural highlight of the day.
• Swimming time is weather dependent: Pack suitable swimwear and equipment, but understand that wind, temperature, or sea conditions can change the plan.
• A full boat is possible: The maximum group size is 75, and cruise-ship demand can make the catamaran feel busy.

Why this boat trip makes sense from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is wonderfully walkable, but its old walls and narrow streets can become tiring after a few days. The Elaphiti Islands offer a change of pace. You trade stone lanes for open water, island villages, sea air, and time with no major sightseeing agenda.

At about seven hours, the trip uses most of a day without requiring an overnight stay. That matters because the islands are close enough for a day trip, yet far enough to feel distinct from Dubrovnik. From the catamaran, you can look back toward the city and see its coastal setting from offshore.

The price is about $97.86 per person. That is not a bargain-basement boat ride, but it includes hotel transfer, the boat trip, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and two island visits. If you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Gruž, refreshments, and a boat excursion, the package offers fair value.

The value depends on what you want. I would consider it good value for someone who wants a straightforward day on the water with little planning. I would consider it less attractive for someone seeking a quiet boat, a refined lunch, or detailed guiding at every stop.

Morning pickup and departure from Gruž Port

The day begins with hotel departures between 8:00 and 9:30, with the stated meeting time listed as 8:20 a.m. The precise pickup arrangement matters, so check your confirmation carefully rather than assuming every hotel has the same pickup time.

The transfer takes you to Gruž Port, close to Dubrovnik’s green market. This is useful if you are staying away from the harbor and do not want to arrange a taxi first thing in the morning. The boat is scheduled to leave at 9:30 a.m.

Gruž is Dubrovnik’s working harbor, not the polished postcard center of the Old Town. That makes it a practical starting point. You are joining a day boat, not a private yacht, and the setting gives you a good sense of the city’s everyday port life before the island portion begins.

Allow extra time for boarding. The boat can carry up to 75 people, and a busy sailing may involve a sizable group. A cruise ship in port has previously added a large number of passengers to the excursion, making the boat feel more crowded than expected.

The catamaran ride and onboard service

The catamaran is a motorized vessel, despite the sailing language sometimes associated with this type of trip. One of the clearest practical warnings is that the boat does not normally sail under wind power. If you picture a small sailboat with canvas catching the breeze, adjust that picture before booking.

The advantage is steadiness and capacity. A catamaran can move a larger group efficiently between Dubrovnik and the islands, with room for a snack bar and onboard service. The trade-off is atmosphere. With as many as 75 people, this is a shared excursion rather than a peaceful private outing.

The scenery is the main entertainment while underway. You can watch Dubrovnik recede, study the rocky Croatian coast, and enjoy the changing views as the boat moves between the islands. I would treat the cruise sections as a chance to sit, talk, take photographs, and enjoy the breeze rather than expect a formal narration every minute.

Onboard Wi-Fi is included, which is handy if you want to message someone at home or check information during the day. Still, I would not make Wi-Fi the reason to book. The point of the trip is to look outward, and the connection may be less important than the sea views.

Drinks are advertised as unlimited. Accounts of the service describe a generous selection, with wine, soft drinks, and other refreshments available. One practical weakness is communication: the unlimited-drinks offer was not always clearly explained once onboard. Ask the crew early about what is included and where to get it.

Snacks are also included, but this is not a restaurant cruise. Food has been described as rolls, baguette-style sandwiches, fruit, or a light salad. One person hoped for a more traditional Croatian snack, while another found the salad bland. I would bring a small backup snack if you are particular about lunch, especially with four hours of island time ahead.

Šipan from 10:45 to 12:45

The first major stop is Šipan, reached at about 10:45 a.m. You have roughly two hours of free time. That is generous for a boat excursion, but it creates an important question: how do you want to use it?

There is no detailed guided sightseeing program supplied for this stop. You are free to explore, walk, find a pleasant place to sit, or swim if conditions allow. The island experience is therefore self-directed. I like that freedom, but you should not expect a tightly planned tour with a guide leading you from one landmark to the next.

Two hours can feel just right if you enjoy a slow walk and a relaxed break. It can feel excessive if you want a quick look at the village and then more time at the beach. One of the more consistent criticisms is that Šipan felt too long, with not enough to do for the full stop.

My advice is to treat Šipan as a pause rather than a major attraction. Get off the boat, walk at an easy pace, and use the time to enjoy the island setting without trying to manufacture a long sightseeing list. If swimming is possible, this may make the stop more satisfying.

The schedule may change with weather and sea conditions. The company specifically notes that swimming plans can be altered if the temperature or weather is unsuitable. Pack swimwear, a towel, and any equipment you need, but do not assume the water stop is guaranteed.

Lopud from 1:00 to 3:00

After Šipan, the boat continues to Lopud, with about two hours of free time from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is the stop I would look forward to most.

Lopud is described as the more attractive island stop, with a charming village, a sandy beach, and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, walking, and exploring. The sandy beach is especially useful in a region where many swimming spots are rocky. If you want time in the water, Lopud gives the day a clearer purpose.

You can spend the stop in several ways. Walk through the village, sit by the shore, swim if the conditions are right, or simply enjoy the break from the boat. The free time is long enough to avoid the hurried feeling that affects many island excursions.

Still, Lopud is not a guided historical tour. If you want a full explanation of the island’s past or a scheduled visit to every sight, this format may feel light. You are given time and a place, then left to make your own day.

The second stop also explains why the tour receives mixed reactions. Some people would happily spend two hours swimming and sitting by the beach. Others would prefer a shorter stop and another swimming opportunity. Your satisfaction here depends heavily on whether you enjoy unstructured beach time.

Swimming, weather, and the daily rhythm

The excursion includes free time for swimming, but the itinerary is not a fixed swim cruise. Conditions can lead to changes, particularly if the sea is windy or temperatures are not comfortable.

This point deserves attention because one account questioned why a swim-related plan had been altered on a sunny day when the crew cited wind. Wind can affect boat handling and sea safety even when the sky is clear, so the decision may not always match what you see from shore. You should expect the crew to make the final call.

The day has a relaxed rhythm: transfer, departure, open-water cruising, a two-hour island stop, another boat ride, a second two-hour island stop, and the return to Gruž at about 5:00 p.m. Then the return transfer takes you back to your hotel.

I like this pace for a vacation day. You are not trying to fit five islands into one afternoon. The drawback is that the long stops leave less time for cruising between locations and can feel repetitive if you are not interested in swimming or wandering.

Guiding and language expectations

Guiding quality appears to vary. Ivana received especially warm praise for her work, and the crew has also been described as friendly and safe. Other accounts found the commentary too brief in English and lengthy in French.

That makes the tour a better fit for an independent visitor than for someone who wants constant interpretation. Treat any commentary as an addition rather than the backbone of the experience. If English guidance is important to you, confirm the language arrangements with Gulliver Travel before departure.

The crew’s service is one of the stronger parts of the trip. Friendly staff, safe operation, rolls and fruit, and generous drinks all add comfort. The boat itself has been described as nice, though crowding can reduce that comfort.

Who should book this Elaphiti Islands trip?

I would recommend it to first-time Dubrovnik visitors who want a simple introduction to the nearby islands. It also suits couples, families, and friends who enjoy combining a boat ride with free time for swimming and walking.

The tour works particularly well if you value convenience. Hotel pickup removes one morning task, the drinks are included, and the schedule gets you back to Dubrovnik the same day. You do not need to plan ferry connections or figure out which island to visit first.

I would be more cautious if you want a small group or a traditional sailing experience. The catamaran may carry up to 75 people, and the boat is motorized. I would also hesitate if your main goal is a gourmet lunch, a detailed cultural tour, or constant swimming.

The $97.86 price feels reasonable when you use the included transfer and drinks. It feels less compelling if you do not drink, dislike group tours, or would rather spend the day at one beach. The best value comes from treating the trip as a complete, easy day out rather than pricing it as transportation alone.

Book at least several weeks ahead if your dates are fixed. The experience is booked an average of 38 days in advance, which suggests that popular summer dates may fill well before departure.

Practical details that can change your day

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility specifications, so contact the operator if you have mobility concerns.

For booking questions, Gulliver Travel lists a bookings number, +385 0916035117. It accepts calls only, not text messages. That is the best route for clarifying pickup timing, language, drink service, or weather-related changes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you want a convenient, sociable day with two real island stops, included drinks, and plenty of open-water scenery. Lopud, especially its sandy beach and swimming time, gives the excursion a worthwhile focus.

Skip it if the words motorized catamaran and up to 75 people already sound tiring. You may also be disappointed if you expect a sailing boat, a traditional lunch, or a guide-led tour in clear English throughout the day. For the right visitor, this is a practical way to sample the Elaphiti Islands. Just bring swim gear, keep lunch expectations modest, and remember that the island stops are yours to shape.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphiti Islands catamaran tour last?

The excursion lasts about seven hours. The schedule includes hotel transfer, departure from Gruž Port at about 9:30 a.m., island stops, and a return to the port at about 5:00 p.m., followed by hotel transfer.

Where does the boat leave from?

The catamaran leaves from Gruž Port in Dubrovnik, near the green market.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and return transfer are offered. Morning hotel departures are listed between 8:00 and 9:30, with the meeting time shown as 8:20 a.m. Check your confirmation for the exact pickup details.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The itinerary includes Šipan and Lopud, with free time on each island. The wider Elaphiti Islands are also part of the cruise route and views.

How long do you spend on Šipan?

You have about two hours on Šipan, from approximately 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

How long do you spend on Lopud?

You have about two hours on Lopud, from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The experience advertises unlimited drinks, and onboard refreshments are included. Ask the crew at the start of the trip what is available and where drinks are served.

Is lunch included?

Snacks are included, rather than a full restaurant-style lunch. Food may include rolls, baguette-style sandwiches, fruit, or a light salad.

Can I swim during the excursion?

Yes, the excursion includes free time for swimming. Bring suitable equipment, but remember that swimming plans can change because of weather, wind, sea conditions, or temperature.

What happens if the tour is canceled?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can be offered another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can also be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund.