Luxury Elaphite Islands half day Cruise with lunch Apreamare

The best part of this Dubrovnik excursion is the chance to see three Elaphite Islands by private boat, rather than trying to squeeze island visits into a ferry schedule. You get swimming stops, sea caves, a village visit, wine and olive oil tasting, and lunch in one long day on the water. I especially like the clean, well-kept boat and the easygoing crew style associated with Elisa and Robert. The main drawback is the price: at $889.37 per person, this is a very expensive outing unless you are booking for a small private group and placing real value on comfort and personal service.

I also like the mix of activity and downtime. You can snorkel, paddleboard, walk across an island, or simply sit with a drink and watch the coast slide past. Check the final schedule carefully, though: the supplied details differ on the order of the islands, the lunch location, and the exact duration. The overview says 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the tour is also described as lasting about eight hours.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one day: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan each offer a different pace, from short walks and caves to beaches and village life.
• Private group setting: Only your party takes part, which suits families and groups wanting control over the day.
• Swimming gear is included: Snorkels, bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages for adults, and a stand-up paddleboard are provided.
• Lunch is part of the experience: The plan includes a meal at a small local restaurant, with fish, chicken, and vegetarian choices mentioned in the feedback.
• Elisa and Robert are names to note: They are praised for friendly service and attention, though the specific crew should be confirmed when booking.
• Confirm the schedule and cost: The published information contains differing timings and stop orders, and the current price is much higher than older prices described in the feedback.

Three islands, one private boat day

The Elaphite Islands sit just offshore from Dubrovnik, making them an appealing escape from the city’s stone streets and summer crowds. This trip is built around the simple pleasure of moving between islands by boat, stopping for a swim or walk instead of spending the day on one fixed beach.

The private format matters. Your group is not sharing the activity with a large public tour, so the day should feel more relaxed and personal. That does not guarantee unlimited flexibility, since the tour still has planned stops, but it gives you a better setting for questions, conversation, and time together.

The boat is described as an Apreamare, with a restroom on board and equipment for snorkeling and stand-up paddling. Past feedback repeatedly praises its cleanliness and upkeep. Those details count on an eight-hour outing, especially when you are wet from swimming, carrying beach gear, or spending long stretches in the sun.

The crew also receives strong praise for kindness and attention. Elisa is named several times, while Robert is connected with the private boat experience. If a particular crew member matters to you, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming that person will be on every departure.

Starting at Gruž Market at 9 a.m.

The meeting point is Gruž Market, at Obala Stjepana Radića 21 in Dubrovnik. The listed start time is 9 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Gruž is Dubrovnik’s working port area, rather than the Old Town entrance. That makes the starting point useful if you are staying near the harbor, but you should allow time to reach it if you are based elsewhere. Pickup is offered according to the tour details, yet the meeting-point information also directs you to Gruž Market. Confirm whether your booking includes hotel pickup and what time you should be ready.

The schedule deserves a quick check before you pay. One description gives a 9 a.m. departure and 3 p.m. return, which is roughly six hours. Elsewhere, the experience is listed as lasting about eight hours. The stop durations add up to six hours as well, before allowing for travel between islands. Ask for the actual return time, especially if you have a dinner reservation, flight, or another Dubrovnik activity.

Koločep: caves, cliffs, and a short island walk

Koločep is described as a small island of attractive bays, sea caves, cliffs, and two villages. The suggested walk across the island takes about 20 minutes, making this the easiest stop for a quick taste of island life without committing to a long hike.

This is a good place to use the snorkeling equipment or take a swim if conditions are calm. The coastline, caves, and rock formations give you more to look at than a standard beach stop. You can also use the time for photographs or a quiet stroll through the villages.

The listed stop length is one hour. That is enough for a brief walk and a swim, but not enough for a slow exploration of every corner. If Koločep is the island you most want to see, ask whether the route gives it the full hour and whether the boat can stop near the caves.

There is a small inconsistency in the supplied schedule. The main description places the first stop on Šipan and lunch on Koločep, while the detailed stop list places Koločep first and gives it one hour. I would not treat the order as fixed until the operator confirms it.

Lopud: the best choice for beach time

Lopud receives the longest listed stop, at three hours, although the general description says about one and a half hours. That difference is important. Lopud is described as having sandy beaches, a historic village, swimming spots, and restaurants, so extra time here gives you room to do more than step ashore and take a few pictures.

If you want a proper swim and some unhurried time on land, Lopud appears to be the strongest stop. You can choose between beach time, a village walk, and a meal or drink at your own expense if you decide not to wait for the included lunch later.

The beach is a major reason to value this island. Much of the Dubrovnik coast is rocky, so sand changes the feel of the day. Pack footwear that works for both a boat deck and shore, but do not assume every swimming area has soft sand or easy access. The information confirms sandy beaches and swimming spots, not a specific beach arrangement.

The longer stop can also create a tradeoff. If the schedule is closer to six hours than eight, three hours on Lopud leaves less time for the other islands and travel between them. If your priority is seeing all three islands, ask how much free time is allocated to each one.

Šipan: villages, bays, and local tasting

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands. Its appeal here is less about a single famous beach and more about a combination of quiet bays, caves, a traditional village, and local food and drink.

The tour includes wine and olive oil tasting during a village visit. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the day because it connects the boat trip with the islands’ everyday products. You get a reason to step beyond the shoreline and see something of local island life.

The description also points to restaurants on Šipan, while the main overview says lunch takes place on Koločep. That is another detail to confirm. The lunch location may vary with the operating plan, weather, or restaurant availability, but the supplied information does not explain the difference.

If tasting wine is part of your plan, remember that alcoholic drinks are for people aged 18 and over. Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are listed among the inclusions, but the exact selection and whether drinks are available throughout the cruise should be checked before departure.

Lunch at a small local restaurant

Lunch is presented as a key part of the day, not an afterthought. The available choices mentioned include fish, chicken, and vegetarian food, and the meal is paired with wine and water in the descriptions of the experience.

That range is useful for a private group with different tastes. Still, if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or a firm preference, tell the operator in advance. The supplied information confirms a vegetarian option, but it does not give a full menu or describe allergy procedures.

The setting is meant to be a small local restaurant on one of the islands. That can be a pleasant change from eating on board, with a chance to sit down and take a break from the sun. It also means the meal is tied to the day’s route, so the restaurant and island may change if the schedule changes.

The drinks are part of the value calculation. Several descriptions emphasize free or unlimited drinks, but the formal inclusions only state alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda. Ask exactly what is included, especially if you are comparing this trip with a cheaper boat excursion.

What is included on the Apreamare

You receive snorkeling equipment and access to a stand-up paddleboard. These are useful inclusions because renting gear at each island would waste time and add cost. You can decide on the day whether you want an active swim, a short paddle, or a more restful stop.

Bottled water and soft drinks are included, along with alcoholic beverages for adults. A restroom is available on board, and all fees and taxes are covered. Those basics make a long boat day easier.

The private boat is the real reason this tour costs more than a standard island cruise. You are paying for a more exclusive setting, a smaller social environment, and the chance to enjoy the boat with only your own group. You are not simply paying for transport between three points.

At the same time, $889.37 per person is a serious price. Older feedback refers to much lower fares, including a 55-euro adult price with hotel pickup and food. That information may relate to a different season, a different product, or an earlier price structure. Do not use it as a current quote. Instead, compare the total price with the size of your party and the importance of private service.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would consider this tour for a group that values comfort and privacy more than the lowest possible fare. It suits couples, families, and friends who want swimming, scenery, food, and a few short island visits without arranging every ferry and restaurant themselves.

It also works well for people who dislike crowded public excursions. The private format means only your group participates, and the boat provides a quieter base between stops. If you enjoy a little atmosphere, the crew has been associated with a lively, friendly mood, including music and dancing in some of the feedback.

You should think twice if your main goal is a long cultural tour on land. The descriptions promise village visits and a short walk, but this remains a boat and swimming day. You will not receive hours of structured historical guiding at each island.

It may also be a poor match if you want a fixed, tightly timed program. The supplied details do not agree on duration, stop order, or lunch island. Confirming those points is part of making a sensible booking.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a light layer for the boat. Even on a warm day, the ride can feel cooler than time spent on shore. Comfortable shoes will help with the short island walk and village visits.

Keep valuables secure and bring only what you need. A phone or camera is useful for the caves, cliffs, bays, and village scenes, but protect it around the water.

If you are prone to seasickness, ask about the route and conditions before departure. The tour requires good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation results in a different date or a full refund. Changes or cancellations made at least 24 hours before the start time qualify for a full refund; later changes are not accepted.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. The data does not provide detailed information about boarding assistance or accessibility on the boat, so ask directly if you need that support.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a private, polished day on the water and are comfortable paying a premium for that setting. The strongest reasons are the well-maintained boat, included swimming equipment, three-island route, local tasting, lunch, and attentive service linked with Elisa and Robert.

Skip it if $889.37 per person feels out of proportion to what you want. A standard ferry or shared boat trip may give you island scenery for far less, though it will not offer the same private atmosphere, onboard equipment, or arranged meal.

Before committing, ask three questions: Is the day six hours or eight? Which island comes first, and where is lunch served? What food and drinks are included at the current price? If the answers fit your plans, this can be a comfortable way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowds for open water, quiet bays, and a taste of island life.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Gruž Market, Obala Stjepana Radića 21, Dubrovnik.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9 a.m.

Where does the activity finish?

It returns to the meeting point at Gruž Market.

Which islands are included?

The tour includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

How long does the tour last?

It is listed as approximately eight hours, but the schedule also gives a 9 a.m. departure and 3 p.m. return. Confirm the actual duration before booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, although the supplied details differ on which island hosts the meal.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages for people aged 18 and over are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group takes part in the activity.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. A full refund or alternative date is offered if poor weather cancels the tour.