Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Boat Day Trip with Lunch & Drinks

Summary

Elaphiti Islands day trip from Dubrovnik with swimming, local food and island villages

You’ll drift from Dubrovnik across bright Adriatic waters to three Elaphiti islands—Lopud’s sandy beach, Šipan’s sleepy village lanes, Koločep’s hidden coves—pausing for swims and stories from your local guide. Lunch is served onboard with unlimited drinks as you soak in views that linger long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before noon. We left Dubrovnik’s Gruž port early — the city still waking up, fishermen shouting softly in Croatian while we found our spot on the boat’s upper deck. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen (and maybe a hint of diesel). Our guide, Ana, switched between English and French without missing a beat, telling us how her grandfather used to fish these waters. I tried to follow along in Spanish too but mostly just smiled at my own confusion. Unlimited wine helped.

Lopud was our first stop — three hours felt like both forever and not enough. I wandered down quiet lanes lined with stone houses, then ended up barefoot on Šunj Beach. The sand here is soft but squeaks underfoot (weirdly satisfying), and the water is so clear you can count your toes even waist-deep. I ate lunch back on board — grilled fish, bread that tasted faintly of olive oil — and watched an older couple argue gently over which island was prettiest. I still think about that view from the deck as we left Lopud behind.

Šipan was smaller than I’d pictured but full of life: old men playing cards outside a café, kids darting between olive trees. Ana pointed out the Skočibuha castle but honestly I was more interested in the smell of fresh figs somewhere nearby. Last stop was Koločep — there’s this tiny cove where the water is cold enough to wake you right up if you dare to swim (I did, briefly). Someone’s dog barked at us from shore; locals waved like they’d seen us yesterday.

The ride back felt slower somehow — maybe it was just the sun or all that wine catching up with me. Passing under Dubrovnik’s big bridge at dusk, everyone got quiet for a minute. Not sure why exactly — something about seeing the city from water makes it feel both familiar and totally new.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elaphiti Islands boat tour from Dubrovnik

• Board boat at Port of Gruž
• Cruise along Dalmatian coast
• Listen to multilingual guide
• Explore Lopud Island for 3 hours
• Relax on Šunj Beach
• Optional lunch onboard
• Visit Šipan Island for 45 minutes
• Explore Suđurađ village
• See Skočibuha Family Castle
• Visit Koločep Island for 1 hour
• Swim and relax on Koločep
• Return to Port of Gruž
• View Dubrovnik Bridge panorama

Top questions

How long does the Elaphiti Islands day trip from Dubrovnik last?

The tour lasts a full day including stops at Lopud (3 hours), Šipan (45 minutes), Koločep, plus travel time by boat.

Is lunch included on this Dubrovnik boat tour?

Yes, if you select the lunch option when booking, a meal is served onboard during your trip.

Are drinks provided during the Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

Unlimited wine, soft drinks, and bottled water are included throughout the day.

Can I swim during this day trip from Dubrovnik?

Yes, there are several opportunities to swim at beaches and coves on Lopud and Koločep islands.

Is this Elaphiti Islands tour suitable for families?

Yes, families with children—even infants—are welcome; prams and specialized infant seats are available.

Is hotel pickup included for this boat trip?

You can choose hotel transfers as an optional extra when booking your tour.

Are guides available in multiple languages?

The local guide speaks English, French, and Spanish during the tour.

Is this Dubrovnik boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for guests who need them.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Port of Gruž in Dubrovnik with a multilingual local guide leading you to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep islands by comfortable boat. Enjoy unlimited wine, soft drinks and bottled water all day; WiFi onboard; access to two decks with sun chairs; onboard restrooms; all fees covered; plus optional hotel pickup or lunch depending on your booking choice.