Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Summary

Elaphiti boat day from Dubrovnik with lunch swimming stops

You’ll step onto three different Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik, swim in clear water off Lopud’s sandy beach, eat fresh lunch on board with wine or juice, and hear stories from your local crew as you cruise between villages and olive groves. It’s a slow day full of laughter, salt air, and those small moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We got to the dock in Dubrovnik a bit too early, honestly — I was worried we’d miss the boat, but it turned out our crew was already joking around and waving us over. The sea looked almost fake, that blue-green you only ever see in postcards. As soon as we set off toward the Elaphiti Islands, someone handed me a glass of cold lemonade (I’m pretty sure I grinned like an idiot). The engine hummed underfoot while everyone settled in — some people upstairs for sun, others hiding below deck. Our guide, Marko, pointed out old stone villas along the coast and told this story about his grandmother on Šipan that made half the group laugh and the other half go quiet for a second.

Lopud was our first stop. There’s this feeling when you step onto an island — everything slows down by default. We wandered past sleepy cafes and tiny shops selling figs and lavender soap. I tried to order coffee in Croatian; the barista smiled so wide I knew I’d butchered it but she gave me an extra cookie anyway. Šunj Beach is just a short walk away, all soft sand and shallow water where little kids were building lopsided castles. I floated on my back for ages, just listening to distant voices and that weirdly soothing sound of pine needles dropping nearby.

Lunch was back on board — grilled fish if you wanted it (I did), plus salad and bread still warm from somewhere local. Wine flowed pretty freely; at one point someone spilled theirs and nobody cared because the sea breeze dried everything instantly. On Šipan, Marko led us through olive groves that smelled sharp and earthy after last night’s rain. He pointed out where his cousin makes rakija but warned us not to try it before swimming (he was right).

Koločep felt almost empty compared to Lopud — just birdsong, old stone houses with green shutters half-open, and these tiny churches tucked behind wild rosemary bushes. Some of us swam again; others just sat at a café watching boats drift past. By then my skin tasted salty and my hair had gone wild from the wind but I didn’t care at all. The ride back was quieter — everyone kind of sunk into their seats watching sunlight flicker off the water. I still think about that view sometimes when things get too noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Elaphiti Islands by boat

• Depart from Dubrovnik
• Visit Lopud Island village
• Explore shops and cafes on Lopud
• Relax at Šunj Beach
• See Franciscan Monastery on Lopud
• Walk through Lopud botanical garden
• Enjoy views of Adriatic Sea
• Visit Šipan Island olive groves and vineyards
• Walk Šipan Island trails
• Swim in Šipan crystal-clear waters
• Explore local cafes and shops on Šipan
• Arrive at Koločep Island
• Stroll Koločep coastal paths and streets
• Swim in Koločep waters
• Relax at local café on Koločep
• Return to Dubrovnik

Top questions

How long does the Elaphiti Islands cruise take?

The cruise is a full-day tour departing from Dubrovnik with stops at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep islands.

Is lunch included on this Dubrovnik island cruise?

Yes, a freshly prepared lunch is served on board with options for meat, fish or vegetarian menus.

Are drinks provided during the boat tour?

The tour includes assorted soft drinks like lemonade and juices; additional drinks such as beer are available for purchase.

Can you swim during the Elaphiti Islands day trip?

Yes, there are swimming opportunities at beaches like Šunj Beach on Lopud Island and around Koločep.

Is hotel pickup included in this Dubrovnik boat tour?

Hotel pickup is available if selected during booking; otherwise guests meet at the departure point.

Are there shaded areas or indoor seating on the boat?

The boat has both an air-conditioned salon (indoor) and open upper deck seating options.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The cruise welcomes all ages; infants can ride in prams or sit on laps during the journey.

Do guides speak English on this Elaphiti Islands cruise?

The crew is friendly and professional; English is spoken throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if you choose it when booking, plus a full-day boat trip from Dubrovnik to Lopud, Šipan & Koločep islands with plenty of time ashore at each stop. You’ll get a freshly cooked lunch on board—meat, fish or vegetarian—alongside unlimited soft drinks like lemonade or juice (and more drinks available to buy), plus water all day long. The crew takes care of everything so you can just relax between swims or village strolls before heading back in the evening.