Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

Dubrovnik from the water feels different fast. I really like the crystal-clear sea views as you glide along the coast, and I love that Lopud gives you real time for a proper swim and a beach break instead of a rushed stop.

The one thing to plan around is that Šipan and Koločep are shorter visits. If you want lots of long walks, shopping, and lingering, you may find the pacing a bit too quick on those two islands.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Lopud gets about 3 hours, so you can swim, wander, and still have time to sit down
• Croatian wine and soft drinks are included, plus you can buy more on board
• The RITA boat has an AC lower salon and an open top, so you can choose shade or breeze
• Two onboard toilets make a big difference when you’re out for a full day
• Sunj Bay on Lopud is the standout beach moment for many people
• No towels or snorkeling gear are included, so pack smart

The RITA boat: comfort, toilets, and the real vibe on board

This day trip is built around time on the water, not sitting in a van. The boat you board is called RITA, and you are looking for the MARINERO agency at the pier. The setup is practical: an open top for sun and photos, plus a lower air-conditioned salon if the day gets hot or you just want to cool down.

One of the simplest quality wins is that the boat has two clean, fully equipped toilets. On an 8-hour outing, that matters more than people expect, especially if you’re timing swims and beach breaks.

There’s also a small crew, listed as five crew members. That usually means quicker attention on drinks, guidance during boarding, and fewer long waits. And the drinks part is not just a token pour. Lunch or not, the cruise includes water, soft drinks, and Croatian wine during the day, with extra drinks available to purchase on board.

Price and value for $50: what you get for a full day

$50 per person for an 8-hour cruise is strong value in Dubrovnik, especially because you are not paying extra for the main “day on the sea” elements. You are getting:

• Multiple island stops instead of one beach only
• Included drinks (wine, water, and soft drinks)
• Optional lunch on board (fish, chicken, or vegetarian, with potato salad)

Here’s the catch to think about: if you choose the no-lunch option, you’ll need to find food on the islands. In the off season, some shops and restaurants may be closed, so lunch onboard can be the safer move if you want zero stress during your 3-hour Lopud window.

Getting to the pier: pickup options and where the day starts

Pickup is optional and only available in the Dubrovnik area. If your option includes pickup, you’ll be met by driver at the point sent to you by email and you should go at the agreed time.

If your lodging is in a harder area, like a pedestrian-only zone, you’ll get confirmation for the nearest possible pickup point. If you are not picked up, you’ll meet at the pier and board RITA.

Tip: if you arrive early, take a quick look for the boat docked at the pier and the MARINERO name. This is a straightforward boarding setup, and being early helps you avoid that last-minute scramble with swimwear and sunscreen.

Lopud Island and Šunj Bay: why this stop steals the day

Lopud is where the day trip feels like a real getaway. You get about 3 hours, which is plenty time to choose your own rhythm, from relaxed beach time to walking routes.

A big reason Lopud works is its beach focus. The tour specifically highlights Šunj Bay, known for its sandy beach. If you want that classic “sit, swim, repeat” day, this is your main target.

Things you can do on Lopud during your free time:

• Swim and snorkel in calm water off the shore
• Walk and explore the area on your own
• If you like a bit of effort, there are car-free roads for hiking and wandering
• You may also run into small shops during your time on the island

If you are the type who enjoys views from higher ground, Lopud can deliver. The day includes the chance to see sights like historical churches and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery (and visitors often connect this with the option to explore by foot).

Practical tip from the ground: on Lopud, some people use golf carts to reach the beach area. If you do that, plan around waiting time and make sure you know the return point and window. If you’d rather keep it simple, just budget extra walking time so you are not dependent on the timing of a vehicle.

Šipan Island: vineyards, olive groves, and a slower hour

Šipan is the largest of the Elafiti islands, and it’s more about land than beach hopping. Your time here is about 1 hour, with a short cruise segment before you arrive and break time, a photo stop, and time to walk once you’re there.

The tour theme for Šipan is agriculture and scenery: vineyards and olive groves. In other words, you’re not rushing between beach clubs. You’re strolling through a greener island feel, with views that feel like the Adriatic backcountry rather than a pure resort.

What this means for you:

• If you like light exploring and photos, this stop is a good match.
• If you want hours on a beach, Šipan may feel short.

Still, even with limited time, Šipan can be a nice change of pace after Dubrovnik’s busy energy. It’s that classic island contrast: stone, shade, and quiet paths.

Koločep Island: pine forests, coves, and another swim window

Koločep is your final island stop, also about 1 hour, with time for walking, photos, shopping, and water time. The tour specifically calls out pine forests and the chance to enjoy a swim or snorkel.

This stop tends to work best for people who:

• Like short walks with good air and shade
• Want one more swim before heading back
• Prefer flexible, self-directed free time over a fixed schedule

Since the cruise ends with the return to Dubrovnik, Koločep is your last “reset” stop. If you feel like you want to go full beach mode one more time, it’s a good place to do it.

Lunch, drinks, and what the onboard meal is really like

Food on the water can be hit or miss in some places. Here, it’s handled in a straightforward way with clear choices if you select the lunch option.

Lunch on board is offered as a choice of:

• fish
• chicken
• vegetarian

and it includes potato salad.

Timing-wise, lunch is connected to the first major island stop area, when the boat meal is served after you’ve spent time on Lopud. That means you’re not stuck eating before you’ve enjoyed the beach. It’s also one less thing to worry about if island restaurants are limited.

As for drinks, you can expect Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks included with the cruise. Additional drinks can be purchased on board. One of the repeated reasons people rate this so highly for value is that the crew keeps drinks moving and refills happen during the day, not just at the start.

Also, note what is not included: towels are not provided, and snorkeling equipment is not provided. You’ll want swimwear ready and either your own snorkel gear or plans to enjoy swimming without it.

Timing and pacing: how to get the most from 8 hours

This is a full-day trip, but it is not designed for one island at a slow tourist pace. The structure is built like this:

• Cruise out along the coast
• Longest free time on Lopud
• Shorter visits on Šipan and Koločep
• Return to Dubrovnik

So here’s how I’d think about it when you decide:

• If your top goal is beach time, pick lunch onboard unless you are sure you can eat easily on Lopud.
• If your top goal is scenery and a multi-island sampler, the pacing is a strength. You’ll cover a lot without planning a complicated logistics day yourself.

In off season, some restaurants and shops can close early. If you are traveling around late fall, I’d lean toward the lunch option just to protect your schedule and avoid food hunting between stops.

Who this cruise is perfect for

This tour tends to fit best if you want:

• A low-effort way to see three islands in one day
• Clear, included refreshment without planning a thing
• A mix of beach time and casual walking
• To keep your vacation energy while still ticking major sights

It’s also a good family-friendly format in the sense that there’s plenty of self-paced time at each stop. That said, one caution: the boat can be open on the sides, and with very young kids you’ll want to keep a close eye.

Who should think twice

If you want long stays on islands, this might feel too short on Šipan and Koločep. You are getting quick experiences there, not full-day immersions.

Also, if you show up without your swim stuff and sun protection, you’ll feel it. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera. If you want to snorkel, pack snorkeling gear since it’s not included. And remember no towels are provided.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Elaphite Island Cruise with Drinks and Optional Lunch?

If your plan is to get out on the water and make the most of Dubrovnik without turning the day into a logistical headache, I’d book this. The core value is simple: three islands, included drinks, AC shelter on the boat, and a real chunk of time where beach time matters most.

I especially recommend this if:

• You want Lopud and Šunj Bay time
• You like the idea of optional lunch to avoid island restaurant uncertainty
• You want a relaxed day where the crew is doing the hard work and you choose how you spend your free hours

If, on the other hand, you’re the type who wants two islands with long exploring time instead of three quick ones, you might be happier with a single-island or longer-stay option.

Either way, pack for sun and water, show up ready to swim, and you’ll get a very satisfying island day without overthinking it.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Island Cruise?

The duration is 8 hours.

Which islands are visited?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included if you select the option that includes lunch on the boat. The lunch menu includes fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus potato salad.

What drinks are included?

High quality Croatian wine, water, and a variety of soft drinks are included. Additional drinks are available for purchase on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and available only in the Dubrovnik area.

Where do I meet the boat?

The boat is called RITA and it will be docked at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name, where the crew will welcome you.

Do they provide towels or snorkeling equipment?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included.

What languages is the live guide offered in?

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

What are the cancellation and payment options?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there is a reserve now and pay later option.