Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

Three islands, one relaxed day at sea. This eight-hour cruise from Dubrovnik gives you a simple way to reach Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep without arranging separate ferries or boat trips. I especially like the generous three-hour stop on Lopud, where you can walk to sandy Šunj Bay, swim, or explore the quiet village. I also like the clean boat, attentive five-person crew, onboard toilets, and regular drinks.

The main tradeoff is time. Šipan and Koločep each receive about an hour, so you get a pleasant taste rather than a full visit. At $50 per person, this is strong value, but you should choose it for an easy island sampler, not for a slow, in-depth exploration of every island.

Key details before you book

• Lopud gets the most time: Three hours gives you room for Šunj Bay, a walk, lunch, or a little shopping.
• Šipan and Koločep are shorter stops: Each lasts about an hour, enough for a swim or brief walk.
• The boat is set up for a full day: RITA has an open top deck, a lower air-conditioned saloon, and two onboard toilets.
• Drinks are part of the deal: Water, soft drinks, Croatian wine, and selected refreshments are included, with extra drinks available to buy.
• Lunch is optional: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate with potato salad if you want to save island time.
• Pickup is limited to Dubrovnik: Hotel collection and return are available only in the Dubrovnik area.

Setting out from Dubrovnik on RITA

You board a boat called RITA at the pier. Look for the MARINERO name, rather than trying to identify the boat by appearance alone. If you select hotel pickup, a driver collects you from an agreed point in Dubrovnik, though anyone staying in a pedestrian-only lane may need to walk to a nearby accessible meeting spot.

The boat has an open upper deck for sun and views, plus a lower air-conditioned saloon. That second space matters on a long summer day. You can move out into the breeze when the sea is calm, then retreat from the heat when the sun becomes too strong.

The first cruise along the Dubrovnik coast takes about 30 minutes. It is a pleasant start, with clear water, rocky coves, and the city fading behind you. Keep your camera handy, but also use this time to settle in. An eight-hour boat outing can feel tiring if you stay in direct sun from the first minute.

Five crew members look after the boat. Their role is practical as much as social: they circulate with drinks, explain return times, help keep the day on schedule, and serve lunch when that option is included. Guides may speak English, Croatian, Italian, or German. Guides named in particularly warm feedback include Azhar and Nikoleta, though the assigned guide depends on the departure.

Lopud: the day’s main event

Lopud is where this cruise earns much of its value. You have about three hours here, far more than at the other islands, so you can choose your own pace instead of rushing from one sight to the next.

The island is car-free, which makes walking more pleasant. Along the roads and paths, you might find old churches, traces of fortifications, and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery. The setting combines pine trees, stone buildings, quiet lanes, and open sea views. You do not need to turn this into a serious hike. A simple walk around the settlement can fill your time nicely.

The big draw is Šunj Bay, a sandy beach on the far side of Lopud. Sandy beaches are less common along this rocky stretch of the Adriatic, which explains why Šunj is such a popular stop. You can swim, sunbathe, or walk over for a change of scene.

One useful tip: start with Šunj if swimming is your priority, then return to the waterfront and village area. Some visitors use a golf cart service to reach the beach, but the carts may wait until they fill and may stop short of the harbor. Walking back can involve uphill sections and uneven ground, so wear shoes that can handle more than a smooth promenade.

If you choose the lunch option, the meal is served on the boat, generally after the Lopud stop. That arrangement saves you from spending part of your best island stop searching for a table. If you choose drinks only, Lopud gives you the best chance to buy a meal independently, with enough time for food and a walk.

The limitation is that three hours can still pass quickly. If you want a long beach session, a substantial hike, and a leisurely meal, you may need to pick only two of those. Still, Lopud is the stop where you have the freedom to make the day your own.

Lunch, wine, and the practical value of eating aboard

The optional lunch includes a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, with potato salad. The food is paired with drinks, and wine is available with the meal. Homemade olive oil and homegrown vegetables add a local touch without turning lunch into a formal dining event.

I would seriously consider adding lunch, especially in high season when you want to protect your time on Lopud. It is also useful outside the main summer season, when restaurants and shops on the islands may have limited opening hours. Several departures in late October and November found many island businesses closed, while the onboard meal remained available.

The drinks service is one of the strongest parts of the package. Water, soft drinks, and Croatian wine are included, and the crew may also offer juice, lemonade, tea, or small servings of local liqueur depending on the departure. Additional drinks can be purchased aboard.

Do not read all-inclusive into this. The offering is generous for a $50 boat day, but it is still a casual excursion rather than a luxury cruise. The value comes from transport, scenery, food if selected, and friendly service in one package.

Šipan: vineyards, olive groves, and a short pause

Šipan is the largest of the three Elaphite Islands. The stop lasts about an hour, giving you time for a brief walk, photos, a swim, or a look at the island’s vineyards and olive groves.

This is a quieter stop than Lopud. You should not expect a packed program of sights. Its appeal is the slower rural setting, with stone, greenery, cultivated land, and small coastal views. If you enjoy strolling without a fixed list of monuments, Šipan may be your favorite stop.

The short stay is also the main weakness. An hour leaves little room for a serious walk inland, and you may find yourself watching the clock so you do not miss the return to RITA. The crew provides clear arrival and departure information, but you still need to keep track of time yourself.

If swimming is your goal, Šipan can work well. Bring your own towel, since towels are not supplied. Snorkeling equipment is also not included, so pack your own mask and fins if you want to look below the surface.

Koločep: pine trees and a final swim

The final island stop is Koločep, another one-hour visit. This is a good place to slow down before the return ride. You can swim in clear water, take a short walk through pine woods, browse around the settlement, or simply find a quiet place to sit.

Koločep is not presented as a major sightseeing stop. Its strength is atmosphere. After the longer Lopud visit and the rural feel of Šipan, Koločep offers one last chance to enjoy the sea without a demanding schedule.

Again, the clock matters. If you spend too long getting changed or walking away from the landing area, your swimming time shrinks. Keep your belongings together and note where the boat is waiting. The crew gives return instructions, but it is your responsibility to be back on time.

The cruise back to Dubrovnik includes several stretches of open water. You get roughly 30 minutes after Koločep, along with earlier sailing segments of about 20 and 45 minutes between stops. Those crossings give you time to rest, chat with people aboard, or sit quietly under the sun.

What the boat day feels like

This is a social day, but not necessarily a party cruise. The mood can stay calm and easy, with drinks circulating and music becoming livelier when a group wants to celebrate. The crew has been praised for being welcoming to birthday groups, families, and solo visitors alike.

The clean facilities are a real advantage. RITA has two onboard toilets, including one described as spotless and well equipped. That saves you from depending on beach cafés or island businesses, where restroom access may require a purchase.

The open sides of the boat require sensible supervision. Families with very young children should keep a close eye on them around the edges and stairways. One parent noted that the boat did not feel ideal for a toddler who was constantly moving toward the side. Older children who can follow safety instructions may enjoy the swimming and island stops, but the setting is not a sealed indoor ferry.

Comfort depends heavily on the weather. On a warm, calm day, the upper deck is the place to be. On a windy or rainy day, the lower saloon becomes more important, and the cruise itself may feel less carefree. A light layer is useful even in summer, and sunscreen remains essential because the water reflects the sun.

Is $50 good value?

At $50 per person, this is one of the more efficient ways to see several Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik. You receive the boat trip, crew service, drinks, island stops, and onboard facilities. Add lunch, and you also remove the need to find food during the day.

The price is especially good if you want variety. A single ferry ride to one island may give you more time in one place, but it will not provide the same three-stop overview. Here, you trade depth for convenience.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long beach day. Lopud gives you three hours, but Šipan and Koločep are quick visits. If you already know which island you want to explore, a dedicated ferry or private boat may suit you better, though that would be a different price and planning commitment.

Hotel pickup adds ease for people staying outside the old town or near the coast. It is not available beyond the Dubrovnik area, and early pickup instructions should be checked carefully. One departure had some confusion around the pickup time, although the return transfer worked well.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add flexibility. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when choosing your date.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a low-stress full day, several swim opportunities, and enough free time to explore without a guide leading every step. It suits couples, groups of friends, older children, and anyone staying in Dubrovnik who wants to see more of the coast.

It also works well for visitors with only a few days in the city. You can spend one day inside Dubrovnik’s walls and another on the water, seeing a different side of Dalmatia.

You may want another option if you dislike boat time, need a highly structured historical tour, or prefer to spend an entire day on one beach. The island stops are partly self-directed, so you need to make your own choices and watch the clock.

Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, and a towel. Bring snorkeling gear if you have it. The boat provides the transport and refreshments, but you supply the beach kit.

My verdict: book it for variety and value

I would book this cruise if my goal were to see three attractive islands in one day without arranging every ferry connection myself. Lopud is the clear highlight, especially if you walk to Šunj Bay, while Šipan and Koločep add welcome variety.

Choose the lunch option if you want the smoothest day or are visiting late in the season. Choose drinks only if you prefer to buy food on Lopud or bring your own meal. Either way, $50 buys a friendly, well-run day on the Adriatic, with the honest caveat that the final two island stops are brief.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours, including travel from Dubrovnik and time on Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The boat visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in the Elaphite Islands.

How much time do I get on each island?

You get about three hours on Lopud, one hour on Šipan, and one hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The choices are fish, chicken, or vegetarian, served with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, and Croatian wine are included. Other refreshments may include juice, lemonade, tea, or local liqueur. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik area if you select that option. Pickup is not available outside the Dubrovnik area.

Does the boat have toilets and air conditioning?

Yes. RITA has two onboard toilets, an open upper deck, and a lower air-conditioned saloon.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not provided, so bring your own if needed.