Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise from Dubrovnik: Lunch & Swimming

Three islands, one boat, lunch cooked onboard while you swim

A full-day cruise from Dubrovnik to Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in the Elaphiti Islands, with a guide in English or Spanish, freshly prepared Dalmatian lunch and local wine included, and unscheduled time to swim, snorkel, or explore villages. Pickup from Dubrovnik hotels is available as an add-on option. The boat carries small groups and includes WiFi, lounging areas, and four restrooms onboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Elaphite Islands1h
2. Sveti Jakov Beach

Elaphiti Islands full-day cruise

• Explore Koločep’s pine forests and caves
• Swim or snorkel in Adriatic waters
• Visit local stalls by the beach
• Sail to Šipan for Dalmatian-style lunch
• Visit stands with local wine and olive oil
• Explore Šipan village and harbor
• Arrive at Lopud and relax on Šunj Beach
• Explore Lopud by bike or visit landmarks
• Enjoy shops, cafes, and ice cream in Lopud
• Return to Regina Maris boat to end day

The experience

The boat Regina Maris leaves Dubrovnik and heads first to Koločep, where the island is dense with pine forest and ringed by clear water. You get time to swim, snorkel if you bring gear, or wade in the shallows: no fixed schedule, no guide herding you through a checklist. The Adriatic here is the kind of blue that photographs don't quite capture, and the beaches stay quiet because most tours skip the smaller islands.

By mid-morning you're sailing to Šipan, where the crew serves lunch on deck: Dalmatian-style fish or chicken, or a vegetarian plate, paired with local white wine and unlimited rakija. The village of Suđurađ sits just above the harbor, and if you want to stretch your legs after eating, the narrow streets and small stands selling local olive oil and wine are a short walk. Most people stay aboard or find a café by the water, but the choice is yours.

The final stop is Lopud and Šunj Beach, a long crescent of sand in shallow water: the kind of place families and swimmers actually want to spend time. The beach is a 30-minute walk across the island if you're up for it, or local drivers offer buggy rides for a small fee paid directly to them. The harbor village has shops, cafés, and ice cream stands if you'd rather stay near the boat. You'll have the afternoon here, enough time to do nothing or to rent a bike and hunt for hidden bays and the Franciscan Monastery.

The boat carries small groups instead of the 80-person ferries that run the same route, which means no fighting for deck space and no waiting in a queue to get in the water. WiFi works onboard, there are lounging areas if you want to read or nap between swims, and the four restrooms mean you're not standing in line. Pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel is optional. If you arrange it, the driver collects you and brings you back. If you skip it, you meet the boat at the harbor.

What’s included

• Full-day boat tour of the Elaphiti Islands with stops at Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud.
• Dalmatian-style lunch (fish, chicken, or vegetarian) and local white wine served onboard.
• unlimited local rakija.
• WiFi and lounging areas on the Regina Maris.
• access to four onboard restrooms.
• soda and still water.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik (if selected at checkout).

Options for this experience

2 options

Pickup not includedGuide in English or Spanish · 09:45Lunch options: fish, chicken, or vegetarian; pick your choice at checkout. Meeting point: Obala Stj.Rad. Pickup is not included with this option.

Pickup IncludedGuide in English or Spanish · 09:45Lunch options: fish, chicken, or vegetarian; pick your choice at checkout. Pickup is included with this option.

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 timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 09:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 150

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Regina Maris

Is this one for you?Choose this cruise if you want a full day on the water without the pace of a guided tour. The boat is small enough that you're not herded between stops, and the lunch cooked onboard means you eat while you sail instead of sitting in a restaurant on land. It suits swimmers and people who want to spend real time at each island rather than an hour and a photo.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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.

What's the water like for swimming at the Elaphiti Islands?

The Adriatic around Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud is clear and calm, with shallow entry at most stops. Koločep has dense pine forests backing the beaches, Šipan's harbor is protected, and Šunj Beach on Lopud is specifically known for shallow, family-friendly water. Snorkeling gear is not provided, but you can bring your own.

Is lunch included, and what are the options?

Yes, a freshly prepared Dalmatian-style lunch is served onboard while you're sailing or anchored. You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian at the time of booking. Local white wine and unlimited rakija come with the meal. Additional alcohol is available for purchase.

How much free time do you get at each island?

The itinerary is built around unscheduled time rather than timed stops. You swim and explore at Koločep, then sail to Šipan for lunch and village time, and spend the afternoon at Lopud's Šunj Beach or exploring the island. The full day runs about eight hours from Dubrovnik.

Does the cruise include pickup from my hotel?

Pickup from Dubrovnik hotels is available as an optional add-on at checkout. If you select it, the driver collects you and brings you back after the cruise. If you don't, you meet the boat at the Dubrovnik harbor.

What's included onboard the boat?

The Regina Maris has WiFi, lounging areas and lazy bags for resting between swims, four restrooms (two for women, two for men), and a still water fountain. Soda and pop are available, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

Can you visit the Franciscan Monastery or Šunj Beach on Lopud?

Both are on Lopud and reachable during the afternoon free time. The Franciscan Monastery is a historic landmark within walking distance of the harbor. Šunj Beach is about a 30-minute walk through the island, or you can hire a local buggy driver (extra fee, paid directly) for quicker access. The Sunlight Museum and Botanical Garden are also on the island, the latter with free entry.