Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Summary

Elaphite island cruise from Dubrovnik with beach time, local lunch and citrus walks

You’ll drift from Dubrovnik across clear Adriatic waters on a relaxed Elaphite Islands cruise—with stops for citrus-scented walks on Koločep, exploring Šipan’s old ruins, swimming at Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach, and sharing a fresh-cooked lunch onboard with unlimited drinks. With hotel pickup included and a friendly local crew guiding you along the way, you’ll find yourself slowing down in all the right ways.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at Gruž port just as the morning felt like it was shaking off its sleepiness. Our guide, Matea, handed me a glass of cold white wine—she grinned and said it’s “Dalmatian breakfast.” The water looked almost too blue to be real as we pulled away from Dubrovnik. There was this salty breeze that stuck in my hair, and I kept catching myself just staring at the coastline getting smaller. I’d read about the Elaphite Islands cruise but didn’t expect to feel so far from the city so quickly.

Koločep was first—lemon trees everywhere, their smell mixing with pine needles underfoot. We wandered past a tiny chapel where an old man was sweeping leaves; he nodded but didn’t say much. I tried to ask if he’d lived there long (in my clumsy Croatian), but he just smiled wider. We got maybe an hour before heading back to the boat. I didn’t rush—somehow even walking felt slower here.

Šipan came next. The ruins were half-swallowed by vines and wild figs, and I think I spent more time poking around old stone walls than actually looking for anything specific. Lunch happened as we left—grilled fish that tasted like it had been caught that morning, cabbage salad with a sharp tang, and more wine (maybe too much). Someone spilled juice on their shirt and everyone laughed about it for way too long.

Lopud felt different—busier but still quiet compared to Dubrovnik. Šunj Beach was soft sand instead of pebbles, which surprised me. Swam until my skin wrinkled up, then sat on the shore watching kids build lopsided castles. Three hours went by fast; I barely made it back to the boat in time because I lost track wandering through narrow streets lined with faded shutters. On the way back, people got quieter—sun-tired or maybe just full of that slow island feeling. Even now, sometimes when things get noisy at home, I remember how peaceful that ride back was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elaphite Islands cruise and exploration

• Pickup from Dubrovnik hotel
• Travel to Gruž port
• Board boat and enjoy unlimited drinks
• Stop at Koločep island
• Explore Koločep independently
• Cruise to Šipan island
• Explore Šipan independently
• Enjoy onboard lunch while cruising to Lopud
• Arrive at Lopud island
• Relax at Šunj beach
• Explore Lopud town independently
• Return to boat and cruise back to Dubrovnik
• Drop-off at hotel

Top questions

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

The full-day cruise lasts approximately 8-9 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is lunch included on the Elaphite Islands day trip?

Yes, lunch is served onboard with options for fish, chicken or vegetarian plates plus sides.

Are drinks provided during the island-hopping cruise?

Unlimited wine, juice and water are included throughout the trip.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Dubrovnik?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if selected during booking.

What islands do you visit on this cruise from Dubrovnik?

The tour visits Koločep, Šipan and Lopud islands in the Elaphite archipelago.

How much free time do you get at each island?

You get about one hour each on Koločep and Šipan; three hours on Lopud Island.

Is there WiFi onboard during the boat cruise?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard for guests during the cruise.

Can you swim at Šunj Beach during this tour?

Yes, there’s plenty of free time to swim or relax at Šunj Beach on Lopud Island.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), transport by air-conditioned vehicle to Gruž port where your local crew welcomes you aboard for a relaxed boat cruise around Koločep, Šipan and Lopud islands—with unlimited wine, juice and water throughout. Lunch is served onboard with fish, chicken or vegetarian options plus sides before returning to Dubrovnik in the evening.