Elafiti Islands: Sea Kayak & Bike Tour Lopud & Šipan

Summary

Sea breeze, island villages, and real Adriatic moments by kayak and bike

You’ll catch the old ferry from Dubrovnik to Lopud Island with your small group and guide, then paddle sea kayaks across clear Adriatic water to Šipan before cycling past olive groves and stone chapels. Lunch is seaside (not included), with time for laughs or just soaking up island light before heading back salty and satisfied.

What’s the experience like?

I started the morning dodging pigeons near Dubrovnik’s ferry terminal, still half-awake, when our guide Marin waved us over — “You’re here for the Elafiti Islands day trip?” He had that sun-worn look locals get out here. The ferry was older than my dad’s record player, but I liked that. We sat on the faded deck benches while the city faded behind us, salt in the air, some kid nearby eating a pastry that smelled like vanilla and yeast. I didn’t expect to relax before we even got moving.

Lopud Island was brighter than I pictured — white stone houses, laundry flapping everywhere. Marin handed out dry bags and gave a quick safety talk (I zoned out until he mimed how not to tip over). The water between Lopud and Šipan was glassy that day; paddling felt easy enough once you got into a rhythm. You could see Šipan just across the blue — it looked close, but my arms disagreed halfway through. Still, drifting along with the group, hearing someone laugh every time their paddle splashed wrong… it felt good not to rush.

On Šipan we swapped kayaks for bikes in Sudurad village. It’s only 6 km across but somehow you pass vineyards, old chapels with crooked bells, olive trees older than anyone I know. There was this one spot where the wind carried a smell of wild herbs — maybe sage? — and I nearly stopped just to breathe it in longer. Lunch wasn’t included but Marin pointed us toward Luka Sipanska’s waterfront place where they served grilled fish so fresh it almost flinched when you squeezed lemon on it (kidding… sort of). The view there: boats bobbing in the bay, Peljesac Peninsula hazy in the distance. I still think about that.

The ride back was quieter; everyone a bit sun-dazed and salty-skinned. We ferried home with tired arms and legs but honestly, I liked feeling used up like that — like you’d actually earned your dinner later. If you want a day trip from Dubrovnik that’s more than just snapping photos, this Elafiti Islands sea kayaking tour is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ferry, kayak, bike, and lunch tour

• Meet guide near ferry terminal
• Ferry ride to Lopud Island
• Safety briefing and kayak instruction
• Kayak from Lopud to Šipan Island
• Swap kayaks for bicycles in Sudurad
• Bike 6 km across Šipan Island
• Lunch at seaside restaurant in Luka Sipanska
• Bike, kayak, and ferry back to Dubrovnik

Top questions

How long is the Elafiti Islands sea kayaking tour?

The full-day tour lasts around 7 hours including all activities.

Is lunch included on the Lopud & Šipan kayak tour?

No, lunch is not included but there’s a recommended seaside restaurant in Luka Sipanska.

Do I need prior kayaking experience for this day trip?

No experience needed; guides provide instruction at Lopud before starting.

What is the distance covered by bike on Šipan Island?

The bike ride covers approximately 6 kilometers across Šipan Island.

Are ferry tickets from Dubrovnik included?

No, ferry tickets are not included in the tour price.

Is this Elafiti Islands tour suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 8+ can join if accompanied by an adult.

How big are the groups on this kayak & bike tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people per booking.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking and biking equipment plus dry bags for your things while paddling; a professional local guide leads you throughout both islands. Public transport options are nearby if needed—just bring some cash for lunch at Luka Sipanska before heading back to Dubrovnik by ferry in the evening.