A boat day beats Dubrovnik heat. This 7-hour Elaphite island hopping cruise pairs swimming and food with a return that catches Dubrovnik Old Town by sunset, plus the convenience of an onboard setup that keeps things moving.

I especially like the included lunch choice (fish, chicken, or vegetarian) and the alcoholic beverages that keep the mood relaxed without you hunting for a bar. The stops are timed for real breaks—water, short walks, and photos—rather than turning your day into a long sprint.

One thing to plan around: your longest stretch is on Lopud, but if you want the popular sandy swim spot (Šunj), getting there takes extra time and can feel a bit rushed with only around two hours on that island. It’s doable, just don’t assume you’ll roam for hours.

Key Highlights

• Kolocep Island swim time first so the day starts with water, not paperwork
• Sipan break with a summer-house visit and quick chance to get in the sea
• Lopud is your main island with access to the famous Šunj area (time check required)
• Old Town return at sunset for big views from the water
• Lunch + wine included (fish, chicken, or vegetarian) with a full onboard restroom setup
• Small-ish group energy with a maximum of 120 people

Why This Elaphite Island Hopping Day Works

Dubrovnik is beautiful, but the real pleasure here is doing it from the sea while you bounce between islands. This tour is built like a relaxed loop: quick orientation moments, real time to swim, and enough structure that you’re not guessing which ferry to take next.

The value is that you’re paying for more than transport. You’re getting a ready-made day: meals, wine, and set stop times at three Elaphite islands, then a scenic glide back toward Dubrovnik. That matters if you only have one full day and you don’t want to spend it timing ferries.

The feel is also practical. The boat leaves on time, the crew is friendly and helpful, and it’s a straightforward day with clear pacing. You’re not stuck standing around; you’re mostly in motion and then given time to enjoy what you reached.

Getting on Board: Timing, Pier Location, and How to Plan Your Morning

The day starts at 10:45 am, and that’s an important detail. One of the nice things about this schedule is that it’s late enough to avoid an early-morning scramble, but early enough that you’re not watching your island time shrink because the day is already halfway gone.

If you’re staying near the Sheraton area, you’ll likely find this route convenient—one big advantage of meeting closer to the port action rather than crossing the city just to catch a boat. Still, do a quick double-check of your exact meeting point the day before. Dubrovnik has multiple piers and pickup areas, and it’s easy to mix up which side you’re supposed to be on.

Also, keep an eye on seasickness. The trip can be a little rough on the way out, and Dramamine is available onboard. If you’re even mildly sensitive, it’s smart to take it before you feel bad.

Stop 1: Kolocep Island for a Fast Swim and a Simple Coffee Break

Kolocep is your first island stop, and it’s a good choice for starting strong. You get about 45 minutes, which might sound short, but it’s timed well: enough for a swim, a quick coffee moment, and a short walk to reset your legs after the ride.

What I like about beginning here is that you’re not waiting hours before you’re in the water. Dubrovnik’s heat can build quickly, so a first stop that’s built for cooling off keeps the day feeling fun instead of tiring.

If you want to maximize this time, arrive ready to move. Bring your swimwear, or at least keep it accessible. On an island stop this brief, “I’ll do it later” becomes “I’m still changing when everyone else is back at the boat.”

Stop 2: Sipan for the Summer House Visit and Sea Time

Sipan is one of the larger islands in the Elaphite group, so your 40-minute stop feels like a chance to get perspective. You’ll visit a summer house called Skočibuha, then you get time to swim.

This stop is the “culture + water” balance. The summer-house visit doesn’t swallow the whole schedule, so you’re not burning your time indoors. At the same time, it adds a sense that you’re not just hopping from beach to beach.

Drawback: because your time is short, don’t plan on a long, wandering route. Think in blocks—see what you can near the house area, then go back out toward the water for your swim. You’ll get a lot more out of the stop by staying efficient.

Stop 3: Lopud Is the Main Event (And Šunj Needs Time Math)

Lopud is where you’ll spend most of your island time—about 2 hours—and it’s the stop most people hope will feel like a real beach day.

There’s a real advantage here: if you take a short walk to the other side, you can reach the popular beach area known as Šunj. For many people, Šunj is the highlight because it’s the place you remember. The catch is the logistics and timing.

Here’s the practical consideration: getting to Šunj can require a detour (a golf cart is sometimes used), and it costs extra in cash each way. That means the more time you spend getting there, the less time you actually have on sand.

If you want to do Šunj, go with a clear plan:

• Decide early whether you’re using the quick ride or walking.
• Aim to arrive with your swim gear already set so you’re not losing minutes to changing.

Also, note the time feeling: with only about two hours on Lopud, you’ll likely get less beach time than you hoped if you treat Šunj as a full exploration project.

Old Town Sunset Return: Sea Views of the Walls From a Moving Boat

After the island stops, the cruise heads back with a sunset angle, and that’s one of the smarter uses of your final hour and a half. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes around Dubrovnik’s Old Town area on the schedule.

From the water, you get a different reading of Dubrovnik than from inside the walls. The coastline and fortifications look more dramatic when the boat glides past. It’s also a relaxing switch: you’ve had swimming, walking, and short hops, and now you get a scenic, lower-effort finale.

This part is especially good if you’re doing island time earlier but still want a proper Old Town connection before dinner. You won’t feel like you missed Dubrovnik entirely, even if your day centered on the islands.

Food and Open Bar: What’s Included (and What You Should Not Expect)

This is where the tour really scores points for value. Lunch is included, and you can choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian. You also get bottled water, and there are alcoholic beverages (wine) included.

That matters because it changes the math of what you’d otherwise pay. Without this setup, a day like this can become: ferry + lunch + drinks + snacks. Here, the lunch choice is planned for you, and the wine portion helps keep the day feeling like a celebration instead of a budget exercise.

Two small expectations to set correctly:

• Coffee and tea are not included.
• WiFi on board is not included.

In other words, don’t count on caffeine mid-day unless you plan ahead. If you’re a coffee person, bring it up in your own timing.

Drinks, Motion Sickness, and Comfortable Sailing Tips

The onboard beverage situation is designed to keep things simple. Wine is included, and the open-bar style of the day makes it easy to relax without constantly asking questions.

One useful heads-up: some boats use a cup system for unlimited pours, and there may be a small cash fee for the cup that can be refunded at the end of the day. If you’re trying to drink more than just one round, hold onto your cup until the final moment so you can get your money back.

For the water part, seas can be a bit choppy, especially early. Dramamine being available is a big comfort factor if you’re unsure how your body handles boat rides. If you know you get motion sickness, take your precaution early rather than late.

Snorkeling Gear and Extras: Bring What You Need

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel, plan to bring it or rent it separately. The same logic applies to coffee—if you want a hot drink, you’ll need to get it elsewhere.

WiFi is also not listed as part of the onboard experience. That’s fine for most people, but if you’re relying on maps or tickets on your phone, download what you need before you board.

This also ties into the island timing. With stops that are measured in tens of minutes, you want to be ready to move. If you’re carrying extra gear, keep it organized so you don’t lose time searching for it at the dock.

Price and Value: Why $84.66 Can Make Sense

At $84.66 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to do Elaphite islands—but it’s not overpriced for what you get. You’re buying:

• Transport between islands on a set schedule
• Lunch with a real choice (fish/chicken/vegetarian)
• Wine and bottled water
• A restroom onboard
• A sunset Old Town return

If you tried to DIY this with local ferries, you could potentially save money on the boat itself. The catch is the coordination. Some routes between islands can be awkward to string together, and it’s easier to end up waiting or missing timing windows. Having it organized saves energy and keeps your day from turning into logistics work.

Another value point: the boat size caps around 120 people. That tends to keep things from feeling like a cattle call. You still get a shared experience, but the pacing feels more manageable.

Who This Tour Suits Best

I think this tour is ideal if you want:

• A one-day introduction to the Elaphite islands without planning ferries
• Swim time plus a clear lunch plan
• A calm, scenic Dubrovnik Old Town connection at sunset
• An onboard day that includes drinks so you don’t constantly budget on the fly

It’s also a good fit if you’re staying near major hotels around the waterfront. That reduces friction on the morning and helps the schedule feel smooth.

If you’re the type who wants a long, lazy beach afternoon with zero time pressure, then Lopud might feel a little tight—especially if Šunj is on your must-do list. In that case, you may prefer a tour with a longer Lopud or a more beach-focused itinerary.

Should You Book This Elaphite + Old Town Sunset Cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re choosing just one organized boat day out of Dubrovnik. The combination is hard to beat for the price: island hopping with set stops, lunch included, wine included, and a sunset return that keeps Dubrovnik’s walls and shoreline in your view.

I would think twice only if your top priority is spending hours on Šunj. With the way time is structured on Lopud, you can still see it, but you may feel a bit rushed if you treat it like a full separate excursion.

If you want a well-paced day that’s easy to execute and feels genuinely fun—this is a strong pick. The best part is that it doesn’t ask you to be a planner. You show up, swim when you can, eat well, and end with sunset back near Old Town.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 7 hours.

What is the starting time?

It starts at 10:45 am.

What does the lunch include?

Lunch is included, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes alcoholic beverages (wine).

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No, snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is coffee or tea included?

No, coffee and/or tea are not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 120 travelers.