Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise with Drinks/Lunch Options

The best part of this day is the mix: you get three Elaphite Islands without arranging ferries, restaurants, or beach transfers yourself. The boat gives you open-water views, lunch, drinks, and a simple way to reach Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in one long outing.

I like the friendly onboard service, with hosts such as Emily, Natasha, Teo, and others helping with island tips and drinks. I also like the optional Blue Cave trip, which adds a fast speedboat ride and a memorable swim. The main drawback is the schedule: three hours on Lopud can feel long if you are not swimming or walking.

• Three islands in one day: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud each offer a different pace and setting.
• Lunch on the boat: Choose chicken, fish, or a vegetarian meal when the lunch option is included.
• Blue Cave add-on: A separate speedboat outing adds swimming and a visit to the cave near Koločep.
• Useful transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in Dubrovnik city areas when selected.
• Comfortable boat: The two-deck Emili has plenty of seating, good viewing areas, and two toilets.
• Good value at $53: The price is strongest when you want transport, food, drinks, and several island stops in one booking.

Why This Dubrovnik Boat Day Works So Well

Dubrovnik is famous for its stone walls and crowded old-town lanes. The Elaphite Islands offer a useful change of pace: open sea, small settlements, clear swimming water, and time away from the city.

This is not a quiet private sailing trip. It is a full-day shared cruise with a social feel, music, food, and an onboard drinks service. That makes it a good choice if you want a relaxed day without having to plan every ferry, beach, and meal.

The trip lasts about eight hours. You spend part of that time moving between islands and the rest walking, swimming, eating, or sitting by the water. I like this balance because the boat ride itself is part of the experience, not just transport between stops.

The price begins around $53 per person, though the exact amount depends on the option you choose. Lunch may be optional, and pickup may be an added choice. For a full day that can include hotel transport, a substantial meal, listed drinks, and three island visits, the price is competitive. If you mainly want a short swim and a quick look at one island, a local ferry may suit you better.

Boarding the Emili Near Dubrovnik’s Bus Station

If you do not select hotel pickup, you board at the dock beside the bus station. Look for the boat named Emili. If you cannot find it, contact the operator rather than wandering around the harbor trying to guess.

Pickup is available in Dubrovnik city areas if you choose that option. There is an important catch: you must contact the operator by email, phone, or WhatsApp to get your exact pickup time. Pickup less than 1,000 meters from the starting point is not included.

I would sort this out as soon as you book. The pickup time depends on where you stay, and missing the meeting point without contacting the operator means no refund. This is a small bit of planning that prevents a very unpleasant start to an otherwise easy day.

The Emili has two decks, plenty of seats, and two toilets. You can sit inside or find a better view outside, depending on the weather and how busy the boat is. The vessel is described as comfortable, and the large amount of seating helps keep the day from feeling cramped.

Koločep: Your First Taste of the Islands

After about 30 minutes of cruising, the boat reaches Koločep. You get roughly an hour for a photo stop, a walk, sightseeing, and possibly swimming or snorkeling.

Koločep is a good first stop because it quickly changes the mood from city sightseeing to island time. You can stretch your legs, look for a place to swim, or simply enjoy the clear water and wooded views. The stop is short, so you should not expect a full island tour.

If you choose the Blue Cave option, that excursion is scheduled around Koločep. The details can change with sea conditions, but the outing generally includes a speedboat ride, swimming, and time near or inside the cave.

I think the Blue Cave add-on is worth considering if you enjoy being on the water and want more than a standard island cruise. The speedboat ride adds energy to a day that otherwise moves at a gentle pace. The cave itself is weather dependent, and its appeal depends on your expectations. It is a striking swim stop, not a major historical attraction.

Several people who took the add-on found the speedboat ride nearly as memorable as the cave. That makes sense. You get a faster, more adventurous stretch of the day, along with time in the water. The extra cost has been around €20 in some bookings, but confirm the current price before you go.

Šipan Offers a Quieter Island Stop

The cruise continues toward Šipan, with about 45 minutes on the island. This is a shorter, more guided-feeling stop, with time for photos, a walk, and a look at the local setting.

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands, but this excursion gives you only a brief introduction. You can admire the traditional red-roofed stone houses and get a feel for the island’s small settlements, but you will not cover much ground in 45 minutes.

I would use this stop for a relaxed walk and photographs rather than trying to find every point of interest. The short visit works well as a pause between the water activities, but anyone hoping for a serious history tour will find it limited.

The guide provides information in English and Croatian. Depending on the date, your host may be Emily, Natasha, Teo, or another member of the crew. The best guides keep the instructions clear while adding practical suggestions for each stop, such as where to swim or how to make the most of limited free time.

Lopud Brings Lunch, Beach Time, and the Longest Stop

Lopud is the main stop of the day, with about three hours available. This is where you eat lunch, walk, swim, visit the beach, and settle into the island rhythm.

The island is known for its red-roofed stone buildings, pleasant waterfront, and sandy beach area. You can spend the time in different ways. Swim if the sea is calm, take a walk, sample local food, or find a shaded place to sit. The sandy beach is a major reason this stop works well for people who want a proper swim rather than a quick dip from the boat.

The long stop is also the tour’s most divisive feature. I like having enough time for lunch and a swim without rushing back to the boat. But if you are not interested in the beach, walking, or sitting with a drink, three hours may feel excessive. Some people have found there is not enough to occupy the final hour or two.

A practical tip from the crew is to consider a golf cart ride to the sandy beach and back. That can save time and energy, especially if you want to maximize your swim. Ask your host for current advice when you arrive, since conditions and local transport may vary.

Lunch on the Boat Is Better Than a Mere Boxed Meal

Lunch is served onboard, depending on the option you book. The choices include chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. The fish has received especially strong praise, with several people describing it as fresh, filling, and surprisingly good for a boat meal.

Portions are described as generous. You can pair lunch with the listed drinks, which include white wine, water, apple juice, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta.

Pay attention to the wording of the drinks option. The included list specifically names white wine and soft drinks. Some alcohol beyond the listed wine may cost extra, so do not assume that every alcoholic drink at the bar is included. If lunch matters to you, select the lunch option rather than assuming every fare includes it.

The meal is one of the strongest value points. Buying lunch, drinks, and transport separately on a Croatian island can quickly push up the day’s cost. The boat meal also saves you from spending your best beach hours searching for a restaurant.

The food is not the reason to book this tour by itself, and menus can change. Still, the fish and vegetarian choices make the lunch more useful than a one-size-fits-all meal. If you have dietary needs beyond those choices, ask the operator before departure.

What the Boat Ride Adds to the Day

The cruising time gives you wide views of the Adriatic and Dubrovnik’s coastline. It also lets you rest between island visits. After the first Koločep stop, you have about an hour of sightseeing cruise before Šipan, followed by another 30-minute cruise to Lopud.

The boat has an easygoing, social atmosphere. Music, conversation, and regular drink service make it feel more like a day out than a formal sightseeing lecture. If you prefer silence and complete control over your timetable, a private boat would be a better match, but it would cost much more.

The crew is one of the biggest strengths. Emily, Natasha, Teo, and other hosts have been praised for being attentive, upbeat, and good at keeping people informed. That matters on a day with several transfers. You want clear instructions about where to meet, when to return, and how to join the Blue Cave trip.

Group size can vary. One booking described a group of about 50 people, while another described a smaller group of 12. Ask about the expected group size if personal space is important to you. The two-deck design helps, but the experience will feel different on a lightly filled boat than on a busy departure.

Sea Conditions and Swimming Practicalities

The tour depends on sea conditions. The route, order of stops, and Blue Cave visit can change if the water is rough or access becomes unsafe. The crew may adjust the plan to make the most of the day.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling is part of the possible activity at Koločep and Lopud, but equipment details are not specified, so bring your own mask if you want to be sure you can use one.

This is a day built around water access, yet you do not have to swim. You can walk, take photos, sit on deck, or explore the island stops at your own pace. Still, the tour is less appealing if you dislike boat motion, hot sun, or a long day outdoors.

The accessibility information is inconsistent. The activity details describe the boat as wheelchair accessible, while the restrictions say it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Contact the operator before booking if you need step-free access or assistance.

Who Will Get the Most From This Cruise

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone staying in Dubrovnik for only a few days. It packs several classic island experiences into one booking and removes the need to coordinate ferries.

It is especially good for you if you want:

• A full day away from Dubrovnik
• Swimming and beach time without renting a boat
• A social outing with food and drinks
• Several island views rather than one long stop
• The option to add a more active Blue Cave speedboat trip

I would hesitate if you want a private, quiet day or if you prefer deep exploration of one island. The first two island stops are short, and Lopud takes up a large part of the afternoon. The schedule is efficient, but it is not flexible.

The tour also suits solo visitors better than many boat excursions because the shared setting and attentive hosts make it easy to feel included. If you are traveling with a parent or another older family member, the easy transport and onboard meal are useful, but confirm the mobility situation first.

Booking Advice for Getting the Best Value

Choose hotel pickup if your accommodation is some distance from the dock and you want the simplest morning. Just contact the operator for the exact pickup time.

Choose lunch if you want the full value of the day. The fish is a strong choice based on the experience of many people who selected it, though chicken and vegetarian meals are available.

Consider the Blue Cave option if you want a faster, more active part of the day. I would skip it if you prefer to spend all your time on the three islands or if you are already planning another cave excursion.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Dubrovnik plans depend on weather.

Should You Book the Elaphite Islands Cruise?

Book this tour if you want an easy, well-organized day that combines three islands, lunch, swimming, and an open-water cruise for about $53, depending on the option. The friendly crew, useful hotel transport, and solid fish lunch make the package better than the low headline price might suggest.

Think twice if three hours on Lopud sounds too slow or if you want long walks and detailed sightseeing on each island. For most people looking for a relaxed break from Dubrovnik, though, this is a strong value. Add the Blue Cave trip if the water is calm and you want the day’s most exciting ride.

FAQ

How long does the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours, including boat travel, island stops, lunch, and optional water activities.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. The schedule allows about one hour at Koločep, 45 minutes at Šipan, and three hours at Lopud.

Is the Blue Cave included?

The Blue Cave is an optional part of the experience, not a standard inclusion. It involves swimming, snorkeling, and a separate speedboat outing near Koločep.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is included only when you select the lunch option. Available choices include chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

Which drinks are included?

The listed drinks are white wine, water, apple juice, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta. Other alcoholic drinks may not be included, so confirm the current drink policy when booking.

Where do I board the boat?

Without selected pickup, you board at the dock beside the bus station. Look for the boat named Emili and contact the operator if you cannot find it.

Can I get hotel pickup in Dubrovnik?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik city area when that option is selected. You must contact the operator for the exact pickup time.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour is subject to sea conditions, and the route or water activities may change if conditions are unsuitable.