Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this day is the simple rhythm: three islands, three different moods, and plenty of time on the water between them. You can swim off Koločep, stroll Šipan’s stone village, and spend the longest break on Lopud, where a beach and small promenade make it the most rewarding stop.

I like the steady flow of drinks, the fresh fish, chicken, or vegetarian lunch, and the crew’s close attention. Guides including Emily and Natasha have been singled out for clear explanations and friendly help. The main drawback is the fixed schedule: three hours on Lopud can feel long in cool weather, especially when shops are shut and swimming is not appealing.

Quick points before you book

• Three islands in one day: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud each offer a different mix of swimming, walking, village views, and beach time.
• The Emili is your base: The boat provides lunch, drinks, open views, and a social setting for most of the day.
• Lopud gets the long stop: Plan your best walk and swim here, but bring a backup plan for cold or wet weather.
• Drinks keep coming: Water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy are included, depending on the selected tour option.
• Hotel pickup is optional: Dubrovnik city-area pickup and drop-off are available on selected options, with the central meeting point beside the bus station.
• Sea conditions matter: The schedule depends on the Adriatic, so allow some flexibility in your plans.

Why this cruise works as a Dubrovnik day out

Dubrovnik’s old town can become tiring after a few hours of stone lanes, steps, and crowds. This cruise gives you a full day away from the city walls without requiring complicated ferry planning. For about $51 per person, you get roughly eight hours out, three island stops, a meal on selected options, and an open bar with water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy.

That price is strong if you want a relaxed day rather than a private sailing trip. You are buying a shared excursion, so the boat has a social feel and the day follows a set route. In return, the crew handles the transport, food, timing, and island connections.

The experience is also more than a boat ride. The views of Dubrovnik from the water give you a fresh sense of the city, while the islands show a quieter side of the Dubrovnik area. You get short walks, swimming chances, village views, and a long break for lunch and beach time without packing all of those activities into separate bookings.

Boarding the Emili beside Dubrovnik’s bus station

If you do not use hotel pickup, look for the boat named Emili at the dock next to the bus station. The tour finishes back at the meeting point, with the listed end location at Lapadska obala 7.

Pickup makes the morning easier if your accommodation is within the Dubrovnik city area and you select that option. Confirm your pickup time by email, phone, or WhatsApp. This matters. The instructions specifically warn that failing to contact the provider about the pickup time or meeting point could mean missing the tour without a refund.

Pickup and drop-off are not automatic for every booking, so check the exact option before paying. Some departures use the central meeting point instead. I would arrive early, especially if you are unfamiliar with the port area or are relying on a shared transfer.

The boat has seating on more than one level. You can choose a quieter or more open position when available, though engine fumes may be noticeable in some parts of the vessel. That is a minor but useful detail for anyone sensitive to smells. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable and keep your eyes on the horizon during the longer crossings.

Koločep: the first chance to swim

The first island stop is Koločep, with about an hour for a photo stop, a short walk, swimming, or snorkeling. It is a good opening stop because you can get off the boat, stretch your legs, and go straight into the water if conditions are right.

You do not need to force a full island tour here. The time is short, so choose one goal. Swimmers should bring their towel and swimwear where they can reach them quickly. If you prefer land, use the hour for a brief walk and a few views before returning to the boat.

Koločep helps set the pace for the day. You are not rushed from one formal sight to another, but you do need to watch the time. The crew will give instructions, yet you are responsible for getting back to the boat before departure.

The water is a major reason to bring swimwear even if you are unsure at breakfast. The tour includes opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, but the sea and weather decide how comfortable those activities will be. Do not treat the swim stop as guaranteed beach weather.

Šipan: stone houses and a shorter village visit

After a longer cruise, Šipan receives about 45 minutes. This is the briefest island stop, so think of it as a compact walk and sightseeing break rather than a complete island visit.

The traditional red-roofed stone houses give Šipan a distinct Dalmatian character. You can take photos, follow a short guided or self-guided walk, and listen to information about local culture and history. The guide may point out details you would otherwise pass without noticing.

Šipan is also the stop most likely to feel limited if you want lots of swimming or shopping. Forty-five minutes does not leave room for wandering far from the landing area. Stay close, keep an eye on the clock, and use this stop for atmosphere rather than trying to cover too much ground.

That shorter visit is not necessarily a flaw. It breaks up the boat time and gives you a taste of another island without taking away from the longer Lopud stop. Still, if your main goal is an extended village walk, this is not the place to expect it.

Lopud: the main event of the afternoon

Lopud gets about three hours, making it the heart of the excursion. This is where you have enough time for a relaxed walk, a swim, a drink, or a look through the small shops and bars along the promenade.

The island has been a favorite part of the day for many people because the schedule finally slows down. You can take a guided walk with a host such as Emily, or explore by yourself. A walk across the island toward the beach is a smart use of the stop if the weather is warm.

The beach is an especially useful feature. It gives you a clear choice: swim and sunbathe, or stay on land and enjoy the village. Pack a towel, but remember that the tour does not promise warm conditions. In shoulder season, some shops may be closed and three hours can feel excessive if it is cold or too rough for swimming.

This is the one part of the itinerary where flexibility would help. On a sunny day, three hours gives you time to enjoy Lopud without hurrying. On a gray day, bring a light layer and plan to walk, eat slowly, and take in the views rather than expecting a full beach afternoon.

Lunch, wine, and the open bar

Lunch is served on selected options, with an additional purchase available for €20 per person on the tour. Check your booking carefully, since the base price does not automatically mean lunch is included in every option.

The meal offers chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes. Fish is a particularly good choice if you want a taste of the coast, and the meal is generally described as freshly cooked and satisfying. Chicken is available for less adventurous eaters, while vegetarians should select the correct meal option in advance.

The meal is served onboard, around the Lopud part of the day. That arrangement saves you from searching for a restaurant during a short island stop and lets you keep enjoying the sea views. It also means this is not a long, restaurant-style meal with a large menu. Think of it as a straightforward excursion lunch.

The drinks are one of the strongest value points. Water and soft drinks are available, along with Croatian white wine and brandy. The crew regularly comes around to offer refills, so you do not need to keep leaving your seat to find the bar.

There are limits to the choice. The included selection is not a full cocktail menu, and some people would prefer more alcoholic options such as cider. Still, for a full day at this price, the steady supply of basic drinks is a useful inclusion.

If you drink alcohol, pace yourself. The boat ride lasts all day, the sun can be strong, and the route includes swimming and walking. A glass of wine with lunch is one thing; treating the open bar as a contest is a poor plan on a moving boat.

The crew makes the shared boat feel personal

The staff receives especially strong praise for being attentive without letting the day feel stiff. Guides such as Emily and Natasha explain what to see on each island, answer questions about Croatian culture and history, and help passengers find viewpoints or walking routes.

Natasha has been especially effective at keeping information clear when the boat is lively. Emily is often mentioned for her warmth, island walks, and care on the upper deck. Captain Brožo is also remembered by name in connection with the smooth running of the trip.

That human element matters on a shared cruise. A boat carrying many people can easily become anonymous, but regular drink service, clear instructions, and friendly conversation make a real difference. The crew also pays attention to families and checks that children are doing well.

The onboard music adds to the casual mood. This is not a silent sightseeing vessel, so you should expect conversation and a social atmosphere. If you want solitude and complete control over the route, a private boat would suit you better. If you enjoy meeting people and sharing a day on the Adriatic, the group setting works well.

Timing, comfort, and what to pack

The full program lasts about eight hours. The cruising sections include roughly 30 minutes at the start, a one-hour crossing between early stops, another 30-minute ride, and a final crossing of about 50 minutes. Those stretches are not wasted time. They are when you get the broadest sea views, relax with a drink, and see Dubrovnik and the islands from offshore.

The day is active in small ways. You may walk on uneven surfaces, climb around the boat, swim, and cross exposed areas in sun or wind. Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sun protection
• A light layer for the boat
• Comfortable shoes for island walks

Only the first two items are specifically required, but the other items make sense for a full day on the water. Keep anything important in a dry bag or protected pouch, since spray and wet swimwear are part of the setting.

The tour runs subject to sea conditions. That can affect comfort and possibly the precise flow of the day. If you have a tightly timed dinner, airport transfer, or another booking, leave room after the stated eight-hour duration.

The accessibility information needs care. The activity details include wheelchair-accessible language, but the additional information also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Because those statements conflict, contact the provider before booking if accessibility is important to you.

Who should book this island day

I would choose this cruise if you want to see several islands without organizing ferries, taxis, meals, and separate swim stops. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and friends who like a social day with a clear schedule.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want a break from Dubrovnik’s old town.
• You like swimming but also want walks and village views.
• You value included food and drinks.
• You prefer a guided framework with free time at each stop.
• You want a full-day activity at a moderate price.

I would think twice if you need a quiet private boat, dislike fixed schedules, or want deep exploration of one island. The stops are introductions, not full island tours. Šipan is brief, and Lopud’s long break can feel slow in poor weather.

The open bar also makes this a better fit for adults who enjoy a relaxed social outing. Families can enjoy it too, with staff attentive to children, but remember that a full day on a boat may be tiring for young ones.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

For $51 per person, this is a strong choice for a well-organized full day beyond Dubrovnik. The combination of three islands, lunch on selected options, drinks, swimming chances, and return transport gives you more than a basic sightseeing boat ride.

Book it if you want variety and value, and if you can accept the fixed timetable. Pick fish for lunch if you want the most coastal-feeling meal, use Koločep for a quick swim, save your main walk and beach time for Lopud, and confirm pickup details before the morning of departure.

Skip it if cold weather would leave you unhappy with three hours on Lopud, or if you want total privacy and freedom. For most visitors seeking an easy Adriatic day with helpful guides, the Emili cruise offers a generous amount of scenery and activity for the price.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including cruising time, island visits, lunch, and the return to Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. Stops include swimming, walking, sightseeing, photo opportunities, and free time.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included with selected booking options. If it is not included in your option, you can purchase it during the tour for €20 per person. Choices include chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy. The tour describes the drinks as unlimited.

Where does the cruise start?

The boat departs from the dock beside the bus station. Look for the boat named Emili. Selected options also provide pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now-and-pay-later options are available on selected bookings.