Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

The best part of this Elaphite Islands cruise is the chance to see three very different islands in one day without arranging ferries, taxis, and restaurant stops yourself. Lopud gets the long visit, with time for Šunj Bay, walking, swimming, and lunch. Šipan and Koločep are shorter stops that round out the picture.

I like the friendly five-person crew and the generous drinks service, which includes water, soft drinks, and Croatian wine with lunch. I also like the clean boat, air-conditioned lower salon, and two onboard toilets. The trade-off is simple: you get a broad taste of three islands, not a slow, thorough visit to each one.

Key points to know before you book

• Lopud is the main event: Three hours gives you time for the promenade, Šunj Beach, swimming, and a walk toward old churches and fortifications.
• Lunch saves valuable island time: Choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian food with potato salad, or skip it and eat on Lopud or bring your own food.
• The crew keeps drinks moving: Water and soft drinks are included, with Croatian wine and other drinks served during the day.
• Šipan and Koločep are quick tastes: Each stop lasts about an hour, so plan one clear activity rather than trying to see everything.
• The boat works well in changing weather: RITA has an open upper deck, a lower air-conditioned salon, and two clean toilets.
• Šunj Beach takes planning: You can walk there, but the route has uphill and uneven sections. Local golf carts may save time, though return arrangements need care.

Three islands, one easy day from Dubrovnik

The Elaphite Islands sit just northwest of Dubrovnik, close enough for a full-day boat trip and far enough to feel calmer than the city. This outing follows the classic trio of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with scenic sailing between each stop.

The day lasts about eight hours. Depending on the option you select, you can arrange pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik area. If your accommodation sits in a pedestrian-only zone, the operator confirms a nearby pickup point rather than trying to force a vehicle into narrow streets.

At the harbor, look for the boat called RITA and the MARINERO agency name. Once aboard, you can sit in the open air upstairs or use the lower air-conditioned salon. I would choose the upper deck for the coastline views and move below when the sun becomes too strong.

The first cruise lasts about 30 minutes. This gives you time to settle in, meet the crew, and enjoy the changing views of Dubrovnik’s shoreline. The ride is part of the experience, not just transport. The water is clear, the coast is rugged, and the city gradually gives way to quieter islands.

The crew speaks English, Croatian, Italian, and German. Guides including Azhar and Nikoleta have received especially warm praise for keeping the day organized, explaining the stops, and making people feel looked after without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

Lopud gives you the most freedom

Lopud is the longest stop, with roughly three hours for exploring, swimming, shopping, walking, and lunch. That extra time matters because Lopud offers several ways to spend the stop, from an easy waterfront stroll to a more active walk toward Šunj Bay.

The island is car-free, which gives its main settlement a slower feel. You can walk along the promenade, look for old stone buildings, and visit the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery. Ancient fortifications and hillside paths add interest if you want something beyond the beach.

Šunj Bay is the main swimming draw. Its sandy beach is unusual for the Dubrovnik area, where many swimming spots are rocky or reached by ladders from stone platforms. If you want a beach day, make this your priority rather than spending too long browsing near the port.

Getting to Šunj requires a little thought. You can walk, but the path includes uphill sections and uneven ground. Golf carts operate on the route, and they may be useful if you are short on time or carrying beach gear. Do not assume the return ride will drop you right at the port. One practical account noted that carts may wait until they fill and can leave you with another 10 to 15 minutes of walking.

If swimming is not your main aim, use the Lopud stop for a more balanced visit. Walk the waterfront, explore the island’s old religious sites, and take in the pine-covered hills. You will have enough time for a relaxed lunch without rushing back to the boat.

The optional lunch is served on board, and you choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal with potato salad. Fish is a popular choice, but the key benefit is convenience. You can return from the beach or village, sit down, and eat without giving up more of your island time.

If you choose the drinks-only option, Lopud has food options during the main season. You can also bring your own lunch, which some people prefer when they want the lowest possible cost. In late October and into the off-season, many island restaurants and shops may be closed, so the onboard meal becomes a safer choice.

Šipan offers a shorter taste of island life

After Lopud, the boat cruises for about 20 minutes to Šipan, the largest of the Elaphite Islands. You get around an hour here, enough for a walk, photographs, a quick swim, or a look at the island’s vineyards and olive groves.

Šipan is less about one headline beach and more about its rural character. The vineyards and olive trees show a side of Dalmatia that you will not see in Dubrovnik’s busy old streets. The stop is a useful contrast after Lopud, especially if you enjoy quiet paths and local scenery more than organized attractions.

The limitation is time. An hour passes quickly, particularly if you want to swim and walk. I would choose one goal before leaving the boat. If the water looks inviting, swim. If you prefer dry land, take a short walk and enjoy the views rather than trying to cover the island.

Several people who enjoyed the overall route still felt that Šipan and Koločep could use more time. That is fair. This is a sampler trip, designed to show you three islands in one day. If Šipan interests you most, you may want to return on another outing rather than expect a complete visit here.

Koločep closes the day with pine trees and clear water

The cruise from Šipan to Koločep lasts about 45 minutes. Koločep is the final island stop, with about an hour for swimming, a short walk, photographs, or a little shopping.

Koločep is known for its quiet coves and pine-covered paths. The water is a strong reason to bring swimwear, even if you only plan a quick dip. Snorkeling is possible, but equipment is not included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface.

The one-hour visit works best when you keep your plans simple. Walk through the pine trees, find a swimming spot, or sit quietly near the shore. Trying to combine a long walk, shopping, and a swim may leave you watching the crew call everyone back to the boat.

After Koločep, the boat returns toward Dubrovnik in about 30 minutes. Drop-off is listed at Lapadska obala 5, with another drop-off location depending on your selected option. The exact pickup and return details should be checked in the confirmation email.

Lunch and drinks: where the $50 value comes from

At about $50 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day on the water and plan to use the included services. The price covers the cruise, crew, drinks, and, if selected, lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included with the appropriate option.

The food choice is practical rather than elaborate. You can select fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, served with potato salad. Croatian wine is available with lunch, while water and soft drinks help keep you refreshed throughout the day.

The drinks service is one of the more generous parts of the outing. The crew circulates with water, juice, tea, lemonade, and soft drinks. Some departures also include small snacks such as wafers and samples of local liqueur. Additional drinks can be purchased on board.

If you do not choose lunch, the price becomes even more attractive, but you take on more planning. You can eat on Lopud if restaurants are open or bring food with you. In the quieter end-of-season period, onboard lunch is the safer option because island businesses may have reduced hours or be closed.

I would select lunch for convenience unless you have a strong reason not to. The meal does not just feed you. It lets you spend the full Lopud stop on the island instead of searching for a table and waiting for service.

RITA is comfortable, but the open sides need attention

RITA has an open upper deck and a lower air-conditioned salon. This gives you a choice between sun and breeze above, or shade and cooler air below. Two clean toilets are available, a useful detail on an eight-hour trip.

The boat carries a five-person crew. Their job is not limited to steering and serving food. They also keep an eye on timings, explain when to return, and help the day run smoothly. Clear departure instructions matter because each island stop is short, particularly at Šipan and Koločep.

Families should think about the boat layout. The sides are open, and the upper areas may not be ideal for very young children who need constant supervision. The outing can work for older children who enjoy swimming and boats, but parents should stay alert near railings and open edges.

Bring a towel because towels are not provided. Snorkeling equipment is also excluded. You will want comfortable shoes for Lopud’s paths, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera.

How to plan each island without wasting time

A little planning will make this trip much better. Lopud is the stop where you have room to change plans, while Šipan and Koločep reward a single clear choice.

I would organize the day this way:

• Lopud: Head toward Šunj Beach first if you want to swim. Return to the waterfront for food or sightseeing.
• Šipan: Choose a short walk, photographs, or a swim. Do not attempt a full island tour in one hour.
• Koločep: Treat this as your final water stop or a quiet pine-forest walk before the return cruise.

Keep an eye on the time at every island. The crew gives arrival and return information, but you are responsible for getting back to RITA. Comfortable shoes are more useful than fashion footwear, especially if you walk to Šunj.

The best season depends on what you want. In warmer months, the beaches and swimming spots are the obvious draw. In late October and the off-season, the islands may feel nearly empty, and many businesses may be closed. That can be peaceful, but it also means the onboard lunch and drinks matter more.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a good fit for you if you want an easy way to see more of Dalmatia without renting a boat or arranging several ferry rides. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and first-time visitors who want beaches, scenery, food, and a little history in one day.

You will also like it if you prefer free time over a tightly scripted walking tour. The crew handles the transport and timing, but you decide how to use each island stop. You can swim, walk, browse, eat, or simply sit near the water.

It is less suitable if you want a deep visit to one island. The three-stop route is its strength and its weakness. Lopud receives enough time for a satisfying taste, but Šipan and Koločep are brief introductions.

The atmosphere can also vary. Some departures are calm and relaxed, while others become more social, especially when groups are celebrating birthdays or singing along to music. If you want a silent boat ride, this may not always be your ideal day. If you enjoy a friendly shared outing, the social side can add to the fun.

Booking details worth knowing

The tour lasts eight hours, with starting times shown when you check availability. Pickup is available only in the Dubrovnik area and must be selected as part of the booking option.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Dubrovnik plans may shift.

Look for RITA at the pier and confirm the MARINERO name before boarding. If you have difficulty finding the pickup point or meeting location, the operator asks you to contact them. That is especially useful in Dubrovnik, where pedestrian areas and narrow streets can make exact vehicle access confusing.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

I would book this tour if you want excellent sightseeing value at a modest price, with lunch, drinks, and three islands handled in one day. Lopud is the clear highlight, especially if you walk to Šunj Beach or spend time swimming before returning for lunch.

Choose the lunch option if you are visiting outside the main season or do not want to gamble on open restaurants. Choose drinks-only if you prefer bringing your own food and want maximum control over your budget.

Skip it only if you dislike shared boat outings or want several hours on one island. For most people with one free day in Dubrovnik, RITA offers a practical, friendly, and scenic way to get beyond the city walls.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides between Dubrovnik and the islands.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

How much time do you 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 food with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, and other refreshments are available. Croatian wine is served with lunch, and additional drinks can be purchased on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik area if you select that option. If your accommodation is in a pedestrian-only or difficult-to-reach area, a nearby pickup point is confirmed in advance.

What should you 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.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English, Croatian, Italian, and German.