Elaphiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik: islands, lunch, swim

Three islands, one boat, the pace you set

A full-day cruise from Dubrovnik visits three Elaphiti Islands—Lopud, Šipan and Koločep—with approximately three hours on Lopud including Šunj Beach, shorter stops on the other two islands, freshly prepared lunch with fish, meat or vegetarian options, complimentary wine and soft drinks, and swimming subject to sea conditions. Hotel pickup is available as an option; the boat departs from Port Gruž with an English-, Spanish- or French-speaking crew.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elaphiti Islands cruise and exploration

• Meet crew at Port Gruž
• Cruise past Trsteno coastline
• Spend three hours on Lopud island
• Visit Botanical Garden area on Lopud
• Relax and swim at Šunj Beach
• Explore Suđurađ village on Šipan
• Spend one hour on Koločep island
• Optional Blue Cave visit
• Cruise back past Daksa Island
• Return to Port Gruž and disembark

The Experience

The boat leaves Port Gruž, Dubrovnik's main harbor, and the city gives way almost immediately to open water and the first views of the Elaphiti archipelago. As you cruise past Trsteno's rugged shoreline, the landscape shifts from urban Dubrovnik to rocky coves and traditional coastal scenery—a visual transition that sets the rhythm for the day. The boat itself becomes part of the experience: comfortable sunbeds, onboard music and a relaxed pace mean the journey between islands is not something to endure but something to enjoy.

Lopud is where the day opens up. You get approximately three hours to decide how the island happens: walk through the car-free village, spend time at Šunj Beach with its sandy shoreline and shallow water, explore the botanical garden area surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, or simply sit by the sea. The flexibility matters—there is no fixed itinerary within those three hours, so swimmers and walkers and people who want to do nothing all fit the same stop. After Lopud, the boat continues to Šipan, where you spend roughly 45 minutes in Suđurađ, a small harbor village of stone buildings and waterfront quiet. Then comes Koločep, an hour on a peaceful island with lush vegetation and clear water, again with the choice to swim, walk or rest depending on the day and the sea.

Lunch arrives onboard—freshly prepared with fish, meat or vegetarian options—and complimentary wine and soft drinks flow throughout the day. The return cruise passes Daksa Island and traces the coastline back toward Dubrovnik, giving you one last view of the Adriatic before disembarkation at Port Gruž. The whole day runs eight to ten hours. If you book the option with pickup, a driver collects you from your Dubrovnik hotel; without it, you meet the crew at the harbor.

What’s included

• Freshly prepared lunch with fish, meat or vegetarian options.
• complimentary white wine and soft drinks throughout the day.
• WiFi onboard.
• multilingual crew in English, Spanish and French.
• hotel pickup (if selected at checkout).
• access to three islands with free time to explore, swim or rest at your own pace.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Boats Tours Dubrovnik

Is this one for you?Spend a full day exploring three islands with three hours on Lopud for real exploration, plus swimming, village time and an onboard lunch—everything coordinated so you just show up and choose what to do at each stop.

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Top questions

How much time do I actually get to swim and relax on the islands?

Lopud gives you approximately three hours, including time at Šunj Beach, which is the main swimming stop; Koločep offers roughly one hour for swimming or walking, and Šipan's Suđurađ village is a 45-minute cultural stop where swimming is also possible depending on conditions. The crew will advise on safe water entry based on sea state on the day.

What is Šunj Beach like compared to other Adriatic beaches?

Šunj Beach is Lopud's sandy shoreline with gently shelving water, which makes it different from the rocky coastline found in many other parts of the Adriatic; it is designed for an easygoing beach experience rather than a formal sightseeing stop, so you can spend as much or as little time there as you want during your three hours on Lopud.

Is the boat suitable for families with young children?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants are required to sit on an adult's lap; the boat is wheelchair accessible, and the experience is rated suitable for all physical fitness levels, so families with varying needs can all participate.

What languages does the crew speak?

The multilingual crew provides service in English, Spanish and French throughout the cruise, so you can communicate comfortably regardless of which language you speak.

Does the price include lunch and drinks?

Yes—freshly prepared lunch with fish, meat or vegetarian options is included, along with complimentary white wine and soft drinks served throughout the day; hotel pickup is included only if you select that option at checkout.

Can I add the Blue Cave to this cruise?

The Blue Cave is available as an optional extra with an additional charge and may involve different timing and access depending on sea conditions on the day; if you choose it, the crew will determine safe access and provide all necessary instructions.