Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & Drinks

Summary

Elaphiti islands boat trip from Dubrovnik with local lunch and swimming stops

You’ll drift from Dubrovnik to three Elaphiti Islands by boat, stopping for swims in clear bays and walks through sleepy villages. Taste fresh-grilled lunch onboard (with veggie options), chat with locals or guides in your language, and feel that warm sea breeze as you relax between stops. This day trip leaves you carrying salt on your skin — and maybe a story or two home.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t start exactly as planned — I almost missed the pickup because I’d mixed up my sandals (long story), but the driver just grinned and waved me in anyway. We wound through Dubrovnik’s old streets before reaching the harbor, where our guide, Marija, switched between French and English like it was nothing. The boat smelled faintly of sunscreen and grilled fish already, which made me realize I’d forgotten to eat breakfast. Oh well — apparently lunch comes early here.

As we skimmed close to the shore, Marija pointed out Trsteno Arboretum — she said something about Game of Thrones filming there, which got everyone’s phones out. But honestly, I was more interested in the way the morning light hit the stone houses along Lopud island. When we docked, I wandered off to find Šunj Beach (the sand is real, not pebbles for once) and watched two old men play cards under a fig tree. The air smelled sweet and green. I tried to ask for directions in Croatian; Li from our group laughed at my accent — fair enough.

Šipan was next. It’s bigger but somehow quieter; olive trees everywhere, even growing through cracks in old walls. Marija told us about noble families summering here centuries ago — hard to picture anyone being that fancy when you’re eating grilled fish with your hands on a plastic plate. Some of us jumped straight from the boat into the water (cold at first but worth it). There’s something about salt drying on your skin while you watch fishermen fixing nets that makes you forget emails exist.

Koločep felt almost empty except for cicadas buzzing in the pines and a couple of kids racing along the pier. A few people danced on deck while others just sprawled out in the sun — I ended up talking to a local who insisted his family had lived here “since forever.” On the ride back, everyone was a little sunburned and quiet; I still think about that slow afternoon light on the water sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elaphiti Islands boat tour

• Panoramic boat ride from Dubrovnik
• Admire Trsteno Arboretum views
• Explore Lopud Island and beaches
• Relax at Šunj sandy beach
• Visit Šipan Island and swim
• Jump from boat in clear sea
• Discover Koločep Island bays
• Swim, dive, and sunbathe
• Enjoy party deck dancing

Top questions

Is lunch included on the Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

Yes, an onboard lunch is included with fish, meat, or vegetarian options available.

Does this Dubrovnik islands tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup is included if you select that option during booking.

Which islands are visited on this Elaphiti Islands tour?

The tour visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep islands near Dubrovnik.

Are drinks provided during the day trip?

Yes, bottled water and soda are provided onboard throughout the trip.

Is this boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Can infants join this Dubrovnik island day trip?

Infants can join; they may sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram/stroller.

Are there guides who speak languages other than English?

Yes, guides speak English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

How long do we spend at each island?

The itinerary allows time to swim or explore each island at a relaxed pace before moving on.

What’s included

Your day includes optional hotel pickup from Dubrovnik, all transportation by boat between Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep islands with plenty of time for swimming or wandering ashore. You’ll get an onboard lunch (fish, meat or vegetarian), plus bottled water and soft drinks throughout — all led by multilingual guides who keep things easygoing from start to finish.