Elaphite Islands cruise: 3 islands & lunch from Dubrovnik

Three islands, one boat, eight hours of swimming and exploring in the Adriatic.

A full-day guided boat cruise from Dubrovnik to the Elaphite Islands—Koločep, Lopud and Šipan—with stops for swimming, beach time and village exploration, plus lunch and drinks on board. A local guide leads the route; you choose hotel pickup or meet the boat at the port, and select your meal (grilled hake, chicken or vegetarian) at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elaphite Islands full-day cruise

• Depart from Dubrovnik
• Stop at Koločep for swimming and exploring
• Short break in Suđurađ port
• Free time on Lopud island
• Enjoy lunch on the boat
• Return to Dubrovnik

The Experience

The boat leaves Dubrovnik and heads to Koločep first, where you get about an hour to swim in the clear sea, explore the underwater caves the island is known for, or walk through the villages of Gornje and Donje Celo. The water here is full of fish and seashells. From there it's a short run to Šipan, the largest of the three islands and the one with the most olive trees—a Guinness record. You'll have 45 minutes in the port town of Suđurađ, where fisherman families still live much as they have for centuries; you can grab a coffee at an old port café or walk past the late-Gothic Rector's Palace and the ruins of archbishop's palaces that dot the island.

Lopud gets the longest stop—three hours—and this is where most travelers spend their time. The island has over 30 small churches, old stone houses, olive groves and vineyards. The main draw is Šunj beach, a sandy stretch where locals say couples who swim together never part. There's also one of Europe's oldest botanic gardens if you want to walk inland. Lunch happens on the boat while you're anchored here: you'll have chosen grilled hake, chicken fillet or mixed grilled vegetables with salad before you booked. Wine, brandy, soft drinks and bottled water are included throughout the day.

The guide is a local who speaks English and knows the islands' history—the 15th-century villas built by Dubrovnik's wealthy families, the fishing traditions that have held on, why tourism never fully commercialized Šipan. Hotel pickup is available if you book that option; otherwise you meet the boat at the port. The whole day runs eight hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Professional local guide in English.
• full-day boat cruise to all three islands.
• bottled water.
• white wine and brandy.
• soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Fanta, orange juice, apple juice).
• choice of lunch—grilled hake, chicken fillet or vegetarian with salad (if option selected).
• all activities and swimming stops.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected).

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dubrovnik Islands Tours

Is this one for you?Book with hotel pickup if you're staying in Dubrovnik and want to sleep in before heading to the islands; book without pickup if you prefer to meet the boat at the port on your own schedule. The fixed route and timing mean the three islands, lunch and swimming all fit into one day without you planning the stops or managing the boat schedule.

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Top questions

What can I do during the hour stop on Koločep?

Koločep offers swimming in clear water full of fish, diving and snorkeling in underwater caves, or walking through the villages of Gornje and Donje Celo to see traditional Mediterranean stone houses and olive groves. The island has 250 sunny days a year and rocky cliffs to explore if you prefer to stay dry.

How much free time do I get on Lopud?

Lopud has three hours of free time, the longest stop of the day. That's enough time to swim at Šunj beach, visit one of the old churches or the botanic garden, or explore the shops and restaurants in the port area.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Lunch is included if you book the option that has it; you choose between grilled hake, grilled chicken fillet or mixed grilled vegetables, all served with salad. You select your meal choice at checkout in the special requirements box. Wine, brandy and soft drinks are included all day.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is pickup included?

Pickup is included if you book the option with hotel pickup; the boat meets you at your Dubrovnik accommodation. If you book without pickup, you meet the boat at the port. Both options are available at checkout.

What's the water like for swimming?

The Adriatic water around the Elaphite Islands is clear enough to see fish and seashells. Koločep and Lopud both have established swimming and beach areas. The tour is not recommended for travelers prone to seasickness.

Will the guide speak English?

Yes, the guide is a local who speaks English and leads the full route. The guide may be multilingual depending on the group.