Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Summary

Elafiti Islands day cruise from Dubrovnik with lunch and drinks

You’ll float between Dubrovnik’s Elafiti Islands with a local guide—swimming at Šunj Beach, wandering pine-scented paths on Koločep, sharing laughs over lunch and unlimited drinks on board. Hotel pickup means no stress getting there or back. It’s one of those days where you forget your phone exists—and remember how good that feels.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the morning laughing at my own clumsy Croatian, but our driver—Marko, I think—grinned and told me “dobro je” anyway. Pickup was right on time outside our apartment in Dubrovnik, which felt like a small win since I’m usually late for everything. The van smelled faintly of sunscreen and sea air; everyone seemed half-awake but excited. When we reached the harbor, the boat was bobbing gently, sunlight already glinting off the water. There was this quiet buzz as people picked spots on deck—some rushing for shade, others stretching out like cats in the sun.

Our guide waved us over and rattled off the plan: Koločep first, then Šipan and Lopud. Honestly, I kept mixing up the names (still do), but he didn’t seem to mind repeating them. On Koločep, pine trees dropped needles onto narrow paths that led down to tiny coves—I remember the sharp smell of resin mixed with saltwater. A local woman sold figs from a basket; I bought some mostly because her smile was contagious. The sea was so clear it almost looked fake. We swam until our fingers wrinkled.

Back on board, lunch came out in big metal trays—fish for me, though there were meat and veggie options too. Someone poured me a glass of white wine (maybe two), and I tried grappa just because everyone else did. It burned in a way that made us all laugh. At Šunj Beach on Lopud, I walked barefoot through warm sand that stuck between my toes—still finding it days later in my shoes—and just floated for a while watching kids play tag at the shoreline.

The islands felt quieter than Dubrovnik itself; even with other boats around, there was this easy hush broken only by gulls or someone’s splash. Our guide told stories about growing up here—how he used to dive off these rocks as a kid—which somehow made it all feel more real than any postcard could show you. By the time we headed back to port, skin salty and hair tangled from wind, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all day. That’s rare for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elafiti Islands boat trip and lunch

• Pickup from accommodation
• Boat ride to Elafiti Islands
• Visit Koločep island
• Visit Lopud island
• Visit Šipan island
• Swim and relax at Šunj beach
• Enjoy lunch on the boat
• Drink unlimited wine and soft drinks
• Return boat ride to Dubrovnik
• Drop off at accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Elafiti Islands cruise?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within a certain area of Dubrovnik.

Which islands are visited during this boat tour?

The cruise visits three Elafiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is lunch provided on board?

Yes, lunch is served on board with fish, meat or vegetarian options available.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Unlimited water, wine (red & white), soft drinks and grappa are included.

Can children join this Elafiti Islands day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams/strollers are allowed.

How much time do we spend on each island?

You’ll have enough time to sightsee, swim or relax on each island during the day trip.

Is Šunj Beach part of this itinerary?

Yes, you can visit famous Šunj Beach during your stop at Lopud Island.

I have dietary requirements—is that okay?

You can request fish, meat or vegetarian meals; specify any dietary needs when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik (within a certain area), a full-day boat tour to Koločep, Lopud and Šipan islands with plenty of time to swim or explore ashore, lunch served onboard with your choice of meal type plus unlimited wine (red or white), soft drinks and water before returning comfortably in the afternoon.