Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands Cruise & Dalmatian Lunch

Summary

Island hopping from Dubrovnik with lunch, wine and time to swim

You’ll float between pine-scented Koločep, rustic Šipan with its homemade wine and lunch, and sandy Lopud where you can swim or just wander slowly. With pickup included and local guides who don’t rush things, this cruise lets you slip into real island life—even if only for a day.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel so lazy so fast. The moment we left Dubrovnik’s harbor on that big white boat (Regina Maris, if you’re looking for it), I just sort of melted into the salty air and sun. Our guide—can’t remember his name now, but he had that dry Croatian humor—pointed out Koločep coming up and said something about pine forests. He was right; you could actually smell them before we docked. We wandered off for a swim, water cold enough to wake you up but not freeze your bones. There were a couple of locals selling figs by the beach—sticky sweet, probably picked that morning.

Šipan was next. Lunch happened here—Dalmatian-style fish for me, chicken for my partner (you pick when you book). They poured us this local white wine that tasted way better than anything I’ve had at home. Some folks went off to try olive oil at a stand near the bay. I just sat by the harbor wall watching a fisherman fix his nets. It felt like nothing much was happening and that was kind of perfect. If you want coffee or gelato, there’s a little spot right by the boats.

Lopud was our last stop—by then I’d lost track of time. Šunj Beach is a walk (30 minutes maybe?), or you can hop in one of those buggy cars driven by these guys who seem to know everyone on the island. We took the walk and ended up at this wide stretch of sand where families were splashing around and some old ladies were gossiping under striped umbrellas. Sunlight Museum was closed (off-season), but honestly I didn’t mind; sometimes it’s nice not ticking boxes. On the way back to Regina Maris, I realized my skin smelled like sea salt and sunscreen—and I still think about that view across the water as we sailed back toward Dubrovnik.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elaphiti Islands full-day cruise

• Pick-up from accommodation
• Depart from Lapadska Obala 5
• Free time on Koločep island
• Enjoy Dalmatian lunch onboard
• Free time on Šipan island
• Free time on Lopud island
• Return to Lapadska Obala 5

Top questions

How long is the Elaphiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik?

The full-day cruise lasts approximately 8 hours, including stops at Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud islands.

Is lunch included on the Elaphiti Islands day trip?

Yes, a Dalmatian-style lunch with local white wine is served onboard during the stop at Šipan.

Are there swimming opportunities during the tour?

Yes, you can swim at Koločep and Lopud islands in clear Adriatic waters.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Dubrovnik?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select this option when booking.

Can I choose my lunch option in advance?

You need to select your meal preference (fish, chicken or vegetarian) when booking.

Is the Elaphiti Islands cruise suitable for children?

The tour is family-friendly; infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap.

Are there extra costs during the day trip?

If you take a buggy car on Lopud or buy local products at stalls, these are paid directly to locals.

Is WiFi available onboard during the cruise?

Yes, free WiFi is available on board Regina Maris throughout the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes optional hotel pickup from Dubrovnik city hotels, all boat transport between Koločep, Šipan and Lopud islands aboard Regina Maris with plenty of space to lounge around (even lazy bags if you want them), a freshly cooked Dalmatian lunch with your choice of fish, chicken or vegetarian plus local white wine and soft drinks served onboard, WiFi access throughout the journey, plus four restrooms split for men and women so there’s rarely a wait before heading back out into island sun.