A good boat day starts with the water. This Elaphite Islands cruise from Dubrovnik mixes smooth sailing, real island time, and easy comforts like an air-conditioned indoor area and clean onboard toilets. I especially like the long stop on Lopud (with Šunj Beach as a swim option) and the fact that your lunch, if you choose it, comes onboard so you don’t lose precious island hours. One thing to consider: the ship gives you frequent drinks, but some island restaurants and shops may be limited in shoulder/off-season, so planning around lunch timing helps.

You’ll spend about eight hours going island-to-island: a quick scenic cruise along the coast, then real breaks to walk, shop, and swim on Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. The pace is relaxed but not slow. It’s built for seeing a lot without feeling stuck in one place.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Three islands in one day with the longest time on Lopud for beach time and exploring
• Air-conditioned comfort inside plus an open-top feel for sun and sea views
• Drinks included alongside Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks (and more available for purchase)
• Lunch onboard is optional and straightforward: fish, chicken, or vegetarian with potato salad
• Car-free walking on Lopud plus easy access to Šunj Beach for swimming
• Clean onboard toilets on a small crew setup (five crew members)

Why This Dubrovnik Elaphite Cruise Works

Dubrovnik is beautiful, but it can feel intense. This kind of day trip is a pressure-release valve. You trade city streets for moving sea air, then swap the crowds for smaller island towns, coves, and beaches.

The value is the big story. For around $50 per person for an 8-hour outing, you’re not just paying for transport. You’re paying for a timed route, a guide on board, included drinks, and (if you select it) a full lunch at a point that actually saves time.

Also, the “boat day” setup is practical. RITA has an open top and a lower air-conditioned salon, so you can bounce between shade and sun without freezing or baking. If you’re the type who hates being stuck on a bus, you’ll appreciate how much of the day happens on the water.

RITA Boat Comfort: Toilets, Shade, and the Drink Rhythm

The boat you’ll board is called RITA, docked at the pier, and you’ll look for the MARINERO agency name to find your crew quickly. Once you’re aboard, you’re not dealing with “basic means” for a full day. There are two onboard toilets and a lower cabin that’s air-conditioned.

The drinks are part of the experience. Croatian wine is included, plus water and soft drinks. Additional drinks are available to buy onboard, which is useful if you want to keep the party going. A few recent trips also describe regular top-ups of extras like juice and local liqueur shots, but the consistent core is wine, water, and soft drinks.

Safety note, especially for families: the boat has open sides (it’s part of the open-top vibe). Reviews flag that it’s probably not the best choice for very young kids who need constant close supervision. If you’re traveling with small children, plan to hold tight and keep them away from edges.

Getting There Without Stress: Pickup and Finding the Pier

Hotel pickup is optional and only available in the Dubrovnik area. If you choose it, you’ll meet a driver at the pickup point sent by email at the agreed time. If your lodging is in a pedestrian-only zone or hard-to-access area, the operator confirms the nearest possible pickup point.

If you skip pickup, you’ll still keep things simple: go to the pier, find the RITA boat, and look for MARINERO staff. In practice, this reduces the usual “where is the group” chaos that can happen with day tours in older towns.

The First Sail: A Quick Coast Cruise Before Islands

Right after boarding, you’ll get a short sightseeing cruise along Dubrovnik’s coastline. It’s about 30 minutes, which is long enough to settle in, take photos, and get the sea legs (without eating up your island time).

This is also your moment to adjust your plans for the day. You can look at the weather, decide how often you’ll go back into the cabin for shade, and set expectations for what you want most: swimming, walking, or just floating and snacking.

Lopud Island (3 Hours): Šunj Beach, Car-Free Paths, and Monastery Views

Your longest stop is on Lopud, about three hours, and it’s where the tour feels most like a true island day instead of a quick stop-and-go. This is also where the details matter.

Start with the beach option. The highlight is Šunj Bay, known for its sandy beach and swim-friendly setup. If you want a “put your bag down and be happy” moment, this is it.

Next, Lopud rewards walking. The island has car-free roads, so the vibe is calmer than you’ll expect from a place that still has towns and shops. You can explore historical spots like the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery, plus older fortifications and views from higher areas.

There’s also the lunch timing. If you select the lunch option, food is served onboard after the Lopud portion begins (so you’re not racing to find a meal once you disembark). The lunch is a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, with potato salad.

A practical tip from real-world experience: if Šunj Bay is your target, think about how you’ll get back up if you go by golf cart (some people use it there). The return can include waiting for carts to fill and a walk after the drop-off. If you’re traveling with limited mobility or you don’t want to juggle that timing, just choose to walk only one way and plan your beach time accordingly.

Šipan (1 Hour): Vineyards, Olive Groves, and a Short Scenic Reset

Then it’s time to shift to Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti islands. You’ll get around one hour there, which means this stop is more about sensory atmosphere and quick wandering than “major sightseeing.”

You can expect the island’s agriculture to be the theme: vineyards and olive groves. Even if you don’t do a long hike, the views and the smell are the point. This is a good stop if you want photos, a walk, and a dip without committing to a full half-day.

The schedule is built around a break and light exploration: photo stop, free time, a walk, and swimming. If you love swimming, you’ll probably use that hour to hop between viewpoints and sea access, then return to the boat feeling refreshed instead of rushed.

Koločep (1 Hour): Pine Forest Strolls and Another Swim Window

Your final island stop is Koločep, also about one hour. This is the “last chance to get in the water” segment for many people, and it’s a great fit for anyone who wants variety without overthinking the day.

Koločep has a strong nature feel. You can stroll through pine forests and then head for swimming or snorkeling time in clear water. The stop includes a photo stop, some sightseeing, and free time plus shopping.

Because the stop is shorter, you’ll want a simple plan: pick one swim spot, do a slow walk for a few photos, and then come back to the boat on time. The boat doesn’t wait around for long detours, and that’s not a flaw. It’s how the tour keeps the day balanced across three islands.

Lunch, Wine, and Olive Oil: What You’re Actually Eating

If you choose the lunch option, you’ll be eating onboard after the first island. The meal is clear and simple: fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus potato salad. No complicated ordering. No searching for a restaurant you may never find with limited time.

Beyond the main meal, the included food-and-drink story is very Mediterranean. The tour includes Croatian wine, water, soft drinks, and mentions homemade olive oil plus homegrown vegetables. Even if you’re not writing a food review, it’s a big part of why this tour feels like more than “just a boat ride.”

One more reason lunch onboard can be a smart move: in late season or shoulder months, you may find island shops and restaurants operating on reduced hours. Booking lunch through the tour keeps your day smooth.

Drinks Included: How to Make the Most of It

The tour is set up for a relaxed drink rhythm. You’ll get wine, water, and soft drinks throughout the cruise, and crew members circulate. If you drink, it’s a nice bonus that doesn’t require you to keep scanning menus.

If you don’t drink alcohol, you still get water and soft drinks included, so you won’t feel boxed in. And if you do want extra, there are additional drinks available for purchase onboard.

My practical advice: pace yourself. You’ll likely be moving between sun, shade, and water across three islands. Hydration matters, and you’ll enjoy the day more if you treat the drinks as part of the fun, not as the plan.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy)

This is one of those tours where packing smart makes a difference because you’ll be in sun and water all day. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for uneven island paths
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Camera

For snorkeling: you’ll want your snorkeling gear, because snorkeling equipment is not included. Also, towels aren’t included, so pack a towel if you think you’ll swim more than once.

One more small reality check: while the boat has toilets, island restroom options may be limited unless you stop at shops. Plan to use the boat facilities and only rely on island restrooms if you’re willing to buy something.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want a “big day” with minimal decision-making. It’s great for:

• Couples and friends who want beach time plus scenic walking
• People who don’t want to rent a car or coordinate ferries
• Visitors who want to see Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in one go

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate open-boat exposure and prefer fully enclosed settings
• You’re traveling with very young kids who need constant edge-distance supervision
• You’re expecting deep dives into one island town (this is spread out by design)

For off-season timing, I’d still do it, but make the lunch decision carefully. When island services are reduced, the onboard lunch option becomes even more valuable.

Price and Value: Is $50 Really Enough?

At $50 per person for an 8-hour outing, this cruise is priced like a value-first day trip. You’re not only paying for the boat ride. You get:

• A guided experience with a live guide (English, Croatian, Italian, German)
• Included drinks (wine, water, soft drinks)
• A full-day structure with multiple island stops
• Clean onboard toilets and a comfortable cabin
• Optional lunch that saves time on islands

If you pick the lunch option, the “value math” improves quickly. You’re buying convenience, not just food. Instead of spending your Lopud hour hunting for a meal, you eat and keep exploring. Reviews also praise the tour’s overall organization and that the crew look after timing and drinks.

Should You Book the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise With Drinks and Optional Lunch?

If your ideal Dubrovnik day looks like sea views, a couple hours of walking, and real swimming time, book it. The structure is sensible: Lopud gives you the beach and the walking, while Šipan and Koločep add variety without eating your whole day. The onboard comforts and included drinks make it feel like a complete experience, not an expensive ferry ticket.

If you’re the type who wants one island and nothing else, you might prefer a slower plan. But for most people, three islands at one set price is the sweet spot.

My final nudge: choose lunch onboard unless you’re traveling in a time when island restaurants are clearly operating normally. It’s the easiest way to keep the day relaxed and spend your time where you came for it—on the islands and in the sea.

FAQ

FAQ

Which islands does this cruise visit?

It visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with free time to swim, explore, and walk on each island.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The lunch is served onboard.

What does the lunch menu include?

Lunch on the boat is available as a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and it comes with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks. Additional drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik are available as an option, but only within the Dubrovnik area.

What language is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English, Croatian, Italian, and German.

Where do we meet the group and board the boat?

You’ll board the boat called RITA at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Towels are not included, and snorkeling equipment is not included.

How much time do you have on each island?

You’ll have about 3 hours on Lopud, 1 hour on Šipan, and 1 hour on Koločep.

What’s the cancellation and payment flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later (book your spot and pay nothing today).