Elaphiti Islands boat tour from Dubrovnik: Swim & free time

Three islands, three hours on Lopud alone, and the boat waits while you decide what the day becomes.

A full-day boat tour from Dubrovnik's Port of Gruž island-hops across the Elaphiti Islands (Lopud, Šipan and Koločep) with a multilingual guide, included drinks onboard and substantial free time at each stop to swim, walk village streets or simply sit by the sea. You choose how to spend each island visit instead of following a fixed itinerary, and the boat includes water, wine, soda and WiFi between stops. Pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel is available on some options. All tours are wheelchair accessible and suit families, couples and solo travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elaphiti Islands boat tour and exploration

• Board boat at Port of Gruž
• Cruise along Dalmatian coast
• Explore Lopud Island and beaches
• Visit Šipan Island and Suđurađ village
• Enjoy nature and swimming on Koločep Island
• Return to Port of Gruž

The experience

The boat leaves Port of Gruž in the morning with a guide who speaks English, Spanish and French, and the first hours are spent cruising the Dalmatian coast while you settle into the rhythm of the day. Lopud comes first: about three hours of free time to walk the car-free island village, find Šunj Beach (reachable on foot or by optional golf-cart transfer), swim in the Adriatic or simply watch the water from a quiet spot. The point is that you are not herded. You move at the pace that suits you, whether that means a long beach day or a slow walk through Mediterranean stone buildings and local life.

Šipan's Suđurađ village is the next stop, a smaller and quieter pause of roughly 45 minutes to stroll the waterfront, photograph the sheltered harbor or grab a coffee while you take in traditional Dalmatian island atmosphere. Then Koločep, about an hour on one of the most peaceful islands in the archipelago, where you can swim when conditions allow, walk the lush vegetation and small coves, or simply sit and let the day slow down. Between islands the boat keeps you comfortable with sun loungers, and the crew brings around included wine, water and soda so you are not hunting for refreshment.

The tour runs eight to ten hours total, which sounds long until you realize most of that is your own time on the islands, not time spent moving. You return to Port of Gruž by late afternoon. Pickup from your hotel is included on some booking options. All tours are wheelchair accessible, and the boat has a restroom onboard and WiFi if you need it. Families with infants can bring prams or strollers, and the boat suits all fitness levels because the pace is entirely yours.

What’s included

• Multilingual guide in English, Spanish and French.
• bottled water, soda and white wine onboard.
• WiFi on the boat.
• restroom access.
• hotel pickup on select options.
• free time at Lopud (approximately three hours), Šipan's Suđurađ (approximately 45 minutes) and Koločep (approximately one hour).
• lunch on options that include it.

Options for this experience

4 options

Basic option, including drinks and a guideGuide in English, Spanish or French · 10:15Lasts 8 hours. Drinks are served on board. Elaphiti Islands boat: double-decker with lounge chairs, a seating area, a dance floor deck, a sound system and a cover

Basic+ pick upGuide in English, Spanish or French · 10:15Lasts 8 hours: full-day guided boat tour to the Three Elaphiti Islands (included in the basic option and all other options). Unlimited drinks during the boat tour (included in the basic option and all other options). Three Elaphiti Islands pickup van: transportation from your accommodation to the boat and back to your accommodation after the boat trip

Basic + LunchGuide in English, Spanish or French · 10:15Lasts 8 hours: full-day guided boat tour to the Three Elaphiti Islands (included in the basic option and all other options). Lunch and drinks: choose your lunch from the fish, meat or vegetarian menu. Unlimited drinks are served during the tour (included in the basic option and all other options)

Basic option plus lunch and pickupGuide in English, Spanish or French · 10:15Lasts 8 hours: full-day guided boat tour to the Three Elaphiti Islands (included in the basic option and all other options). Lunch and drinks: choose your lunch from the fish, meat or vegetarian menu. Unlimited drinks are served during the boat tour (included in the basic option and all other options). Pickup and drop-off: transportation from your accommodation to the boat and back to your accommodation after the boat tour

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:15Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 144

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Boats Tours Dubrovnik

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to swim and explore beaches without a fixed schedule dictating when you move to the next island: the three-hour stop on Lopud alone means you can actually spend a morning or afternoon on the water instead of watching the clock. If you prefer a guide-led itinerary with set timings at each stop, a structured shore excursion would suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during the Elaphiti Islands tour?

Yes. Koločep is designed for swimming when sea conditions allow, and Lopud's Šunj Beach is also a swimming stop. You can swim at either island during your free time, and the boat crew can advise on water conditions and safe entry points.

How much free time do I actually get on each island?

Lopud gives you approximately three hours, which is enough to walk the village, visit Šunj Beach or spend the afternoon on the water. Šipan's Suđurađ is about 45 minutes for a short walk and a coffee, and Koločep is roughly one hour to swim or explore the peaceful coves and vegetation.

What's included in the boat tour price?

The tour includes a multilingual guide in English, Spanish and French; bottled water, soda and white wine onboard; WiFi on the boat; and restroom access. Lunch is available on some booking options but not on all. Check which option you choose at checkout. Swimsuits, towels and personal expenses are not included.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to get to the port myself?

Hotel pickup from your Dubrovnik accommodation is included on two of the four booking options (Basic + Pickup and Basic + Lunch + Pickup). If you book the Basic or Basic + Lunch option without pickup, you'll meet the boat at Port of Gruž, where public transportation options are nearby.

What is Lopud Island like, and why do you spend so much time there?

Lopud is a car-free island with Mediterranean landscapes, a peaceful village and Šunj Beach, one of the Elaphiti's best-known swimming spots. The three-hour stop lets you experience authentic island life at your own pace instead of a quick photo stop. You can walk, swim, relax or explore without feeling rushed.