Three islands, one smooth boat day. This full-day Elaphiti Islands cruise gives you lunch included plus local wine with your meal, and you start with convenient hotel pickup in Dubrovnik. The main trade-off is that the first two island stops can feel short if you want deep exploring.

What I like is how the day is built around comfort: the boat is well set up for relaxing (shade, lazy bags, and onboard WiFi) and it keeps you moving in a simple route. Still, you should plan for a sun-and-sea schedule, not a packed sightseeing tour with long walks.

Quick Hit Checklist

• Regina Maris comfort: shaded decks, WiFi onboard, and 4 restrooms (2 women, 2 men)
• Included meal that matters: fish, chicken, or vegetarian lunch, plus rakija and local white wine with lunch
• Three island rhythm: most time goes to Lopud, with shorter stops at Koločep and Šipan
• Real swimming potential: crystal-clear Adriatic water and chances to cool off during the day
• Beach access at Lopud: Šunj Beach is family-friendly, with a 30-minute walk or a buggy ride for an extra fee
• Return to the same meeting spot: you wrap up back at Lapadska obala 5

A Full-Day Elaphiti Islands Break From Dubrovnik

If you want one day that feels like you switched coasts, this is a great way to do it. You’ll cruise from Dubrovnik to three of the Elaphiti Islands—Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud—while the boat handles the logistics and you focus on the views, swimming, and easy island time.

The value here is simple. You’re not just buying transport. You’re getting a full-day water experience with lunch included, soft drinks and water on board, and a real add-on of Croatian spirits and wine with the meal.

Regina Maris Comfort: Shade, Restrooms, and Lazy Bags

This cruise runs on the Regina Maris, a large white boat you find at Lapadska obala 5. The “comfort details” are the kind that quietly make the day better—especially if you’re traveling with kids, older relatives, or anyone who gets tired of hopping around.

On board, you’ll have 4 luxury restrooms (two for women, two for men) which you’ll genuinely appreciate once you’re out on the water for hours. There’s also WiFi onboard, plus lounging options like lazy bags, and shaded decks where you can watch the shoreline roll by without feeling cooked.

One smart thing to note: people do tend to want different spots—sun for swimming recovery, shade for reading, and areas near meals. The boat setup supports that mix, so you won’t feel forced to stay in one corner of the day.

Price and Value: What’s Included, What’s Extra

At about $78.60 per person for an 8-hour outing, this cruise competes well with other day trips because it bundles food and basic drinks. Your lunch choice (fish, chicken, or vegetarian) is included, and so are soft drinks and still water from the on-board fountain.

The big “yes” is the included alcohol with lunch: rakija (local brandy) and local white wine. If you’re coming to Croatia for flavors, this is a nice way to taste without needing to pre-plan every bar stop.

What costs extra is straightforward:

• extra alcohol can be purchased on board
• coffee and tea are available for purchase on board
• towels and beachwear are not provided
• snorkeling equipment is not included
• island transport add-ons like the buggy ride are extra on Lopud

In other words, you’re paying for a lot of the day up front, not just for the boat ride.

Start Time and How the Day Actually Flows

The day begins at 10:00 am, with the tour running about 8 hours in total. You’ll be picked up from your hotel within the City of Dubrovnik if that option is selected, and dropped back at the end. If you’re outside the Dubrovnik city area, pickup can be arranged via email for an extra fee.

The day is paced like a “taste tour,” not a slow travel day. Expect roughly:

• about an hour on the first island (Koločep)
• around 40 minutes on the second island (Šipan)
• about two hours on the final island (Lopud), which is where you’ll feel the most time to breathe

One practical takeaway: the boat keeps an on-time schedule. If they tell you they’re leaving at a specific time, you’ll want to be back early. With island-hopping cruises, even a few minutes can feel like a scramble when the shoreline is easy to lose track of.

Lapadska obala 5: The Boarding Scene and Where to Find Regina Maris

Your meeting point is Lapadska obala 5. Look for the large white boat Regina Maris at the harbor. If you’re doing hotel pickup in Dubrovnik, you’ll get brought to the marina area—so you don’t have to wrestle with directions in the morning.

There’s also a mobile ticket, which makes life easier once you’re there. The morning rhythm is usually: meet, confirm, and get you on board so you can start cruising and settle in.

Stop 2: Koločep for Pines, Hidden Caves, and a Swim-Friendly Pace

Koločep is the “nature-first” stop. The island is known for dense pine forests and hidden caves, so it’s a pleasant shift from the city into something that feels wilder and quieter.

Your time here is built for choice:

• swim in the Adriatic when you want a break from the boat ride
• snorkel if you brought your own gear (snorkeling equipment isn’t included)
• wander near the beach area for small stalls where you might find local products

If you feel like you want more than beach time, there’s also mention of a Blue Cave Tour by catamaran that you can book separately. Even if you don’t take it, Koločep’s setting is the kind that makes you understand why people talk about the caves and coast.

The only “consideration” is time. This stop is usually short, so if you’re the type who wants long walks or a deep look at trails, you’ll want to treat this as a first look rather than a full explore.

Stop 3: Šipan and the Dalmatian Lunch Moment in Suđurađ

Šipan is where the food lands. You’ll be served a Dalmatian-style lunch here, typically in the Suđurađ area. The included meal is part of what makes the schedule work: you get a proper sit-down moment in a scenic setting rather than eating something fast while the boat moves on.

Before or after lunch, look out for small stands where local wine and olive oil are sold. These setups are often near family homes or around the castle and bay area, so you’re not hunting a formal market hall. It’s more casual, local, and easy to browse without needing a checklist.

You can also stroll through the charming village area with its traditional architecture. If you want an optional pause, you may find coffee or gelato by the harbor.

Here’s the reality check: Šipan is the “short stop” island on this itinerary. You’ll get enough time to soak up the vibe and sample something, but it’s not where you should plan your biggest hike.

Stop 4: Lopud, Šunj Beach, and the Best Time for Real Island Life

Lopud is the payoff stop. This is where you get more time to actually enjoy the island rhythm—swimming, wandering, and picking your own pace.

Your beach focus is Šunj Beach, known for its golden sands and shallow, family-friendly water. This is the kind of beach where you don’t need to “commit” to a hardcore water plan. You can float, swim, walk the shoreline, and still feel like you had a real beach day.

How you reach Šunj Beach matters:

• it’s about a 30-minute walk through the island’s natural surroundings
• there’s also a buggy car option offered by local drivers near the bay area (not included), with payment made directly to the driver
• it’s roughly 200 meters from the bay

Once you’re there, you can also:

• explore hidden bays
• move around by bike (rentals are available on the island)
• visit historic sites like the Franciscan Monastery
• check out the Sunlight Museum if it’s open during high season
• visit the Botanical Garden, which offers free entry

Even if you don’t hit every site, Lopud’s harbor village atmosphere is a great place to slow down. Shops and cafés are there, and ice cream stops make sense after time in the sun.

What You Eat: Fish, Chicken, or Vegetarian Plus Rakija and Wine

Lunch is a highlight in its own right, and it’s not just “included” in name. You choose in advance—fish, chicken, or vegetarian—and the lunch comes out as a proper meal on the boat during the day.

You should expect it as a Dalmatian-style lunch for the Šipan portion, served alongside:

• still water
• a selection of soft drinks
• rakija and local white wine with the meal

There’s also still water from a fountain on board, which sounds small but saves time later. When you’re out on the water, you drink more than you think you will.

If you’re a picky eater, choosing vegetarian in advance is the simplest way to avoid surprises. If you’re sensitive to spice or prefer plain flavors, you may want to treat the lunch as hearty and classic rather than gourmet.

And if you want coffee or tea afterward, plan on buying it separately on board.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Beach Logistics You Should Plan For

This cruise makes it easy to cool off, but it does not supply snorkeling gear or towels. If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment. If you want to be towel-comfy at the beach, pack one or plan to use your own gear.

Beachwear is also not included, which means you’ll want to show up ready for water time. The schedule is built around sea time and beach time, so dressing like a beach day is the smart move.

One more practical note: the boat has shaded decks. That’s great for long stretches, but you’ll still spend real time in Croatian sun. Bring sunscreen, and consider a hat. A day on the water can be sunny even when the breeze feels cool.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Should Consider Other Options)

This works especially well if you want an efficient day that still feels like you left Dubrovnik behind. It’s great for:

• first-time visitors who want three islands in one outing
• people who value comfort and don’t want to juggle ferries, schedules, or local transport
• families who want beach access at Lopud with easier water conditions at Šunj

It’s also a good choice if you like structure. The boat schedule keeps things moving, and the included meal means you don’t have to plan lunch.

If you’re the type who wants long island explorations, know this: the itinerary gives shorter island windows at Koločep and Šipan, and more time at Lopud. Think of it as tasting, not a multi-day deep dive on trails and villages.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day on the Water

A few things will make your day feel calmer:

• Wear water-ready shoes or sandals you trust. You’ll move on board and on islands where footing can change.
• Bring your own snorkeling equipment if that’s part of your plan. It’s not provided.
• Bring small cash for the buggy car on Lopud and for any extras like coffee or tea.
• Be back early for departure times. The schedule is tight and the boat won’t wait for a slow return.
• Use the shaded areas when you’re worn out. The decks can be your reset button.

Should You Book the Regina Maris Elaphiti Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a low-stress, high-scenery Croatia day that mixes swimming time with real island flavor. The included lunch with choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus rakija and local white wine, turns it into more than just a scenic ride.

I’d think twice if your top priority is long, slow exploring at multiple islands. This itinerary gives you the best “full feeling” at Lopud, and shorter windows earlier in the day.

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and you want a memorable day on the water without the hassle of planning ferries and meals, this cruise is a very solid bet.

FAQ

Is lunch included, and what meal options do I get?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian when you book.

What drinks are included during the cruise?

You’ll have still water from the on-board fountain, a selection of soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks with lunch, including rakija and local white wine.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Dubrovnik?

Pickup and drop-off from the City of Dubrovnik are included if you select that option. Pickup outside the Dubrovnik city area can be arranged for an extra fee.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Lapadska obala 5. Look for the large white boat named Regina Maris.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment, towels, or beachwear?

Snorkeling equipment, towels, and beachwear are not included. You should bring what you need.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather and minimum traveler requirements can also affect whether the tour runs.