Elaphiti Islands boat tour from Dubrovnik: 4 or 8 hours

Swim at Šunj beach and explore hidden caves, then choose how long to linger on each island.

A private boat tour from Dubrovnik explores three Elaphiti Islands (Lopud, Šipan and Koločep) over 4 or 8 hours at a pace you set. The boat carries snorkelling equipment, drinks and a shaded sundeck. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car are included. You choose the duration and how much time to spend on each stop, from swimming at famous beaches to diving into sea caves and walking through olive groves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Elaphiti Islands at your pace

• Visit Lopud Island beaches and forests
• Explore Šunj beach and botanical garden
• Visit Šipan Island and see historic villas
• Stop at Koločep Island for caves and beach

The experience

The boat leaves from Dubrovnik with a private guide who speaks English, heading first to Lopud, the most visited island in the archipelago. Lopud draws people back for its sandy beaches (especially Šunj, where local legend says couples who bathe together never part), and for the old botanical garden, one of Europe's oldest. Rocky paths wind through forests of olives and vines. Depending on whether you book the 4-hour or 8-hour option, you decide how long to stay: an hour swimming, or a full afternoon exploring.

The second stop is Šipan, historically the retreat of Dubrovnik's wealthiest families in the 15th century, who built villas across the island. It's called "the Mediterranean as it used to be": quieter and less developed than the mainland. Again, your tour length determines the pace. You're not rushed between stops. On the way back, the boat pulls in at Koločep, an island thick with sea caves and high cliffs. The water here is clear enough for snorkelling, and the boat carries the gear. Koločep gets roughly 250 sunny days a year, and the combination of pine forests, olive groves and the Adriatic makes it feel removed from anywhere else.

Pickup happens by air-conditioned minivan or car from your Dubrovnik hotel. The boat itself has a shaded sundeck, a fridge stocked with bottled water and soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages if you want them. Snorkelling equipment is on board. You're not on a schedule: the guide adjusts the day to what you want to do, whether that's a long swim at one beach or a quick stop at three.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• alcoholic beverages.
• shaded sundeck.
• hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car or minivan.
• private guide in English.
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

4 Hours TourGuide in English · 10:00 and 15:00Botanical Garden visit lasting 4 hours, with drinks, covering Lopud, Šipan and Koločep; pickup is included

8 Hour TourGuide in English · 10:00Botanical Garden entrance lasting 8 hours, with drinks, covering Lopud, Šipan and Koločep; pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dubrovnik Islands Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the 8-hour option if you want to swim and explore without watching the clock. The longer duration is what makes lingering at a hidden cove or walking the botanical garden possible. The 4-hour tour works if you're short on time but still want to see all three islands and get in one good swim.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

660 verified traveler reviews

5 ★627

4 ★29

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the difference between the 4-hour and 8-hour Elaphiti Islands tour?

The 4-hour tour visits all three islands (Lopud, Šipan and Koločep), but with less time at each stop, while the 8-hour option lets you spend as much time as you want on whichever island appeals to you most, whether that's swimming, exploring caves or walking through the old forests.

Can I snorkel on this Elaphiti Islands tour?

Yes, snorkelling equipment is provided on the boat, and Koločep's clear water is the best spot for it. You can also swim at the sandy beaches on Lopud and Šipan.

What is Šunj beach like on Lopud?

Šunj is Lopud's most famous beach, known for its sandy shore and the local legend that couples who bathe together there never part. It's a popular stop on the tour and worth the time if swimming matters to you.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Dubrovnik?

Yes, an air-conditioned car or minivan picks you up from your Dubrovnik hotel and drops you back after the tour ends.

What's included to drink and eat on the boat?

The boat has bottled water and soft drinks in a fridge, plus alcoholic beverages if you want them. Food is not included, so bring snacks or a light lunch if you're doing the 8-hour tour.

Is there a guide on the Elaphiti Islands tour?

Yes, a live guide who speaks English is with you throughout the tour and can answer questions about the islands' history and help you plan how to spend your time at each stop.