Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch

A boat day from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands feels like a cheat code. You get three island stops in one trip, plus a lunch that actually counts, served with local wine. It is a very practical way to see more coastline than you would on foot.

I especially liked the comfort details on board the Regina Maris. There is shade on deck, handy lounging spots, onboard WiFi, and clean restrooms for a full day out. Also, the hotel pickup in Dubrovnik makes the start and finish easier than most self-planned ferry days.

One thing to keep in mind is pacing. You get only short windows on the first two islands, so you should treat Kolocep and Šipan as quick tastes, and save your big exploring energy for Lopud.

Key things you will notice on this cruise

• Regina Maris comfort: shaded decks, lazy bags for lounging, and 4 luxury restrooms
• Lunch with local drinks: choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus rakija and local white wine
• Real island time: expect the longest stop on Lopud and shorter stops on the first two islands
• Easy swim options: crystal-clear water on Kolocep and a beach focus on Lopud
• On-the-spot help: the crew gives island tips and keeps departures on time
• Plan for extras: snorkeling gear, towels, and coffee or tea are not included

Lapadska obala 5 and meeting the Regina Maris

Your day starts at 10:00 am at Lapadska obala 5. Go early enough to find the large white boat, Regina Maris. This meeting point matters because the tour is run with real time discipline, and you do not want to be sprinting along the harbor.

The “full-day cruise” feel comes from the way the day is structured. You are not just hopping from dock to dock. You have time cruising between islands, with onboard comfort built in for the travel stretches. That helps a lot if you are traveling with family, or if Dubrovnik heat has already worked you over.

Also, check whether your booking includes city pickup and drop-off. Pickup in Dubrovnik is included, but you need to select the option. If you are outside the city area, pickup can be arranged for an extra fee by email.

Koločep: pines, hidden caves, and a swim-first stop

Koločep is the first island stop, and it sets the tone: nature, pine trees, and water you want to get into. The island is known for dense pine forests and hidden caves, but the main invitation is simpler, swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic or snorkel if you bring gear.

A practical note: snorkeling equipment is not included. If snorkeling is a priority, bring your own mask and fins, or be ready to buy/borrow elsewhere. Either way, this stop is a good place to try the water without committing your whole day to a long hike.

You will have some time to wander near small beach stalls. You might spot local products sold around the shoreline, and it can be a nice way to pick up a small edible souvenir without turning it into a shopping expedition. The time window is not built for deep, long walks, so treat Koločep as a “get the vibe, then get back to the water” island.

If you want something more structured, the operator mentions a Blue Cave add-on, a catamaran experience. That is useful if you know you want caves and not just swim time.

Šipan: a Dalmatian lunch plus village wandering

Next comes Šipan, and this is where the day shifts from “water and views” to “food and island life.” Lunch is served here in a Dalmatian style setup. You choose your meal when you book: fish, chicken, or vegetarian. With lunch, you also get rakija (local brandy) and great local white wine, plus still water and a selection of soft drinks.

This lunch package is a big part of the value. At this price point, many boat tours give you a snack. Here, you get an actual meal plus free local drinks with it.

After lunch, you are in Suđurađ, where you can look for small local stands. Typical items include local wine and olive oil, and they tend to be set up near family homes or around the castle and bay area. Even if you do not buy anything, it is a nice change from the tourist shopping loops in Dubrovnik.

You also get some time to relax, with options like coffee or gelato by the harbor if you want it. Again, do not expect a full day of sightseeing here. Think of it as a chance to taste island pace and eat well, then move on to the beach time.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: where the longer island stretch happens

Lopud is the final island stop, and it tends to be your best chance to slow down. The highlight here is Šunj Beach, with golden sand and shallow, family-friendly water. It is the kind of beach stop where you can do the whole day plan: swim, lie down, walk a bit, repeat.

Šunj is about a 30-minute walk through the island’s natural surroundings. If you want quicker access, local drivers offer a buggy car. It is an extra fee paid directly to the drivers, and the buggy pickup is located around 200 meters from the bay.

You can also explore Lopud by bike, with rentals available on the island. If you like finding coves or small bays, this is one of the easier islands to do it without being super athletic. There are also historic sights you can target if you want a change from beach time, including the Franciscan Monastery.

Two extra options are worth knowing:

• The Sunlight Museum is open during high season.
• The Botanical Garden offers free entry.

Those details matter because they can turn “we have time” into “we have a plan,” especially when the weather is too hot for a long swim session.

Finally, Lopud has a charming harbor village with shops and cafes. If you want something cold and easy after the beach, you will find ice cream stands and other simple breaks there.

On-board comfort: shade, WiFi, restrooms, and lazy bag lounging

Boat days can go two ways: either you feel stuck in the sun, or you feel comfortable enough to enjoy the sailing. The Regina Maris seems built for the second option.

There are shaded decks on both levels, which makes a huge difference in August heat or bright shoulder-season sun. Reviews also mention plenty of seating choices and bean bags or lazy bags, so you can spread out rather than clinging to one spot like a sardine.

Practical stuff is also covered. There are 4 luxury restrooms on board, 2 for women and 2 for men, and the boat has WiFi. That is not a life-changing feature, but it does help if you want to check messages or map your route during free time.

You will also have a still water fountain onboard and soft drinks included. Alcohol with lunch is included, but extra alcohol can be purchased on board. Coffee and tea are available for purchase too, so if caffeine is your religion, plan on buying it.

One more small reality check: towels and beachwear are not included. If you forget, you will need to handle it on the island or buy locally.

Lunch that actually feels like lunch, not a token

This cruise makes lunch a real selling point. You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian in advance, and lunch is served with still water plus a soda selection. For adults, the included alcohol portion is rakija and local white wine with lunch.

What I like about this setup is that it reduces decision fatigue. You are not hunting for a lunch place in a rush. You are not deciding whether the food is worth it. The meal is part of the schedule, so you can focus on enjoying the sea day.

Still, be fair to yourself when planning. One review flagged that the vegetarian lunch can feel minimal. If you are vegetarian and you tend to get hungry after swimming, pack a backup snack like a granola bar or sandwich just in case.

Also note that coffee or tea is not included, and there are no extra snacks listed as included beyond what is provided. Island shops can have snacks, but do not plan on the boat to solve every craving.

Timing and pacing: short tastes, longer beach payoff

The day is designed to introduce you to three islands. That means time management matters.

Based on how people describe their stop durations, expect roughly:

• Koločep: about an hour
• Šipan: around 40 minutes
• Lopud: about two hours

That pattern explains the overall experience. Kolocep and Šipan are good for quick walking, a swim break, and a food stop. Lopud is where you get the payoff, with enough time to reach Šunj Beach, explore a little, and still have time to relax.

The tour also runs on time at each departure. One key tip: do not show up late to re-board. If the boat says it leaves, it leaves. That strict timing keeps the whole loop working and protects the later stops from delays.

If you like slow travel, you might feel the first two stops are brief. But if you see this as an efficient island sampler, it works well. It is also a smart choice if you are only in Dubrovnik for a few days.

Price and value: why $78.60 can make sense

At $78.60 per person for about 8 hours, this is not a budget “just hop on a ferry” option. The value comes from what is bundled together.

You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik (if selected)
• A full day cruise with multiple island stops
• Lunch with choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• Local rakija and local white wine included with lunch
• Still water and soft drinks onboard
• Shaded lounging areas and onboard WiFi
• Restrooms on board (which is a bigger deal than it sounds on long sea days)

Many Dubrovnik tours require you to pay for some combination of transport, meals, and drinks. Here, the “nice parts” are already included, especially the lunch and alcohol with it. That is what makes this tour feel worth it for adults who want a day out without doing mental math all afternoon.

The trade-off is that some things are extra: coffee or tea, snorkeling gear, towels, and extra alcohol. So if you add those, your final cost rises.

Practical tips so your day stays smooth

A few small choices can make this cruise feel effortless rather than frantic.

First, dress for water and sun. Bring swimwear under your clothes, since towels and beachwear are not included. Add sunscreen and something for shade. Even with shaded decks, you will still spend time outdoors.

Second, if you plan to snorkel, pack your own equipment. The tour does not provide snorkeling gear. You can still enjoy the water without it, but it is one of those “don’t assume” details.

Third, plan your energy. The long stretch is on Lopud, so save your walking shoes energy for there. Kolocep and Šipan are more about short exploring and then returning to sea time and lunch.

Fourth, if you are sensitive to small changes in schedule, remember the tour depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the experience may be rescheduled with another date or you may get a full refund.

Lastly, be punctual for island departures. The boat is run like a clock. That is good news for the group, but it means you should treat re-boarding as “no wiggle room.”

Who this Elaphiti Islands cruise fits best

This cruise is a strong match for people who want an easy, well-paced day from Dubrovnik without over-planning. It is especially good if you want:

• A break from Old Town crowds
• A beach stop that works for families
• A meal and drinks included with minimal fuss
• A comfortable boat day with onboard restrooms and shaded seating

If you are the kind of traveler who wants a single island for hours of hiking and deep exploration, you may find the first two stops a bit quick. But if you like island hopping and want to sample multiple coasts in one trip, this is set up perfectly for you.

It is also a decent pick for couples and small groups. The atmosphere described is relaxed, and the onboard setup makes it easy to talk or just hang out.

And if you are traveling with a service animal, service animals are allowed.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands full-day cruise from Dubrovnik?

I would book this if your goal is simple: see Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in one day, eat well, get a proper swim, and come back to Dubrovnik without juggling ferries or lunch searches. The included lunch with local wine, plus pickup, makes it feel like a real day out rather than a rushed photo stop.

I would hesitate if you know you want long time on one island, or if you count on snorkeling gear being provided. Also, go in with the right expectations about time at the first two stops, since Lopud is where you will likely feel the most “vacation payoff.”

If you want an island sampler with comfort and a meal that is part of the plan, this cruise is one of the easiest ways to do it.

FAQ

What islands do you visit on this cruise?

You visit Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud during the day, with stops that include time for exploring and swimming.

Is lunch included?

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

What drinks are included with lunch?

You get local alcoholic drinks including rakija and great local white wine with lunch, plus still water and a selection of soft drinks.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Dubrovnik?

Hotel pickup in Dubrovnik is included. Pickup outside Dubrovnik can be arranged for an extra fee via email.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

It starts at 10:00 am and lasts about 8 hours.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels included?

No. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included.

Is coffee or tea included?

No. Coffee and tea are available for purchase on board.

What is the meeting point?

You meet at Lapadska obala 5, and you should look for the large white boat, Regina Maris.

How does cancellation work?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour may be offered a different date or refunded if canceled due to poor weather or if the minimum number of travelers is not met.