Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

The best part of this Elaphite Islands cruise is its simple promise: three islands, one boat, and no need to arrange ferries or restaurants yourself. You glide along Dubrovnik’s coast, then have time to swim, walk, sunbathe, and explore at your own pace. Lopud gets a generous three hours, while Šipan and Koločep provide shorter glimpses of island life.

I like the excellent value at about $50 and the warm, attentive crew aboard the RITA. Drinks are served during the day, the boat has clean toilets and an air-conditioned lower salon, and the optional lunch saves you from spending your best island time hunting for food. The main tradeoff is the schedule: Šipan and Koločep each receive only about an hour, so this is a sampler rather than a slow, in-depth visit.

The island cruise in four useful points

• Lopud gets three hours: Use this long stop for Šunj Beach, a swim, a walk, or lunch.
• Three islands in one day: You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep without arranging separate boat connections.
• Drinks are part of the experience: Water, soft drinks, and Croatian wine with lunch are included, with more available to buy.
• Lunch is optional: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate with potato salad, or arrange your own food.
• The RITA is set up for a full day: You have an open upper deck, a lower air-conditioned salon, five crew members, and two onboard toilets.
• Pickup can simplify Dubrovnik: Hotel transport is available in the Dubrovnik area, including a nearby meeting point for pedestrian-only zones.

Start at the harbor, then let the coast set the pace

If you select hotel pickup, a driver collects you at the agreed point in Dubrovnik and takes you to the harbor in an air-conditioned vehicle. If your accommodation sits inside a pedestrian-only area, the operator confirms a nearby pickup point rather than trying to reach your door.

At the pier, look for the boat named RITA and the MARINERO agency name. The meeting arrangement is straightforward, but read the pickup email carefully. One passenger found the early pickup time confusing, so it is worth checking the exact location and time before bed.

Once aboard, you can sit in the open-top area for the best sun and views or retreat to the lower air-conditioned salon. The boat has two onboard toilets, which makes the eight-hour outing easier than a small open-boat trip. Still, bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water-friendly clothing. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not supplied.

The first cruise lasts about 30 minutes. This is a pleasant way to see Dubrovnik from the water, with the old city and coastal cliffs giving way to quieter islands. The boat carries a crew of five, and the tone can shift from calm sightseeing to a more social, music-filled ride if the group is in the mood. You can enjoy the atmosphere without needing to join in.

Guides speak English, Croatian, Italian, and German. Departures have featured guides such as Azhar and Nikoleta, and the guide’s role is mainly practical: explain the stops, keep the group on schedule, and help you understand when to return to the boat.

Lopud gives you the day’s best choice of activities

After roughly 30 minutes at sea, the RITA reaches Lopud. This is the centerpiece of the day, with about three hours for lunch, swimming, walking, shopping, or sightseeing.

Lopud is car-free, which gives the main settlement a relaxed feel. You can stroll along the waterfront, look for old churches and fortifications, or follow paths through the island’s green interior. The Saint Mary Franciscan monastery is one of the notable historic sights, though the exact amount of time available for indoor visits depends on opening hours and your pace.

The big decision is how to spend your three hours. If you want a beach day, head toward Šunj Bay, known for its sandy shore. The beach sits on the other side of the island, so allow time for the walk over and back. The route can include uphill and uneven sections, and the walk takes longer than a quick waterfront stroll.

Some visitors use a golf cart to reach Šunj. That can save energy, but check where the cart leaves you and how long you may wait for a return ride. A practical plan is to go to the beach first, then return toward the port and explore Lopud’s promenade. If you are not planning to swim, the beach trip may not be worth sacrificing much of your limited island time.

This is also the best place to eat if you choose the drinks-only option. Lopud has more food choices than the later stops, though opening hours vary greatly by season. At the end of October and into the cooler months, many shops and restaurants may be closed. In that case, onboard lunch is the safer choice.

Lunch aboard the RITA saves valuable island time

The lunch option includes a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, served with potato salad. Homemade olive oil and homegrown vegetables add a Croatian touch, while wine and water are offered with the meal.

I see the lunch as more than a convenience. Lopud is the only stop long enough to support a proper meal, and sitting down to eat there can take a large part of your three-hour visit. Onboard lunch lets you use Lopud for the beach or walking and still enjoy a full meal without watching the clock.

The food is not presented as a fine-dining event, and the menu is limited. That is sensible on a boat. You pick from three main options, eat with the group, and get back to enjoying the coast.

If you skip lunch, bring food with you or plan to buy it on Lopud. Drinks remain available, and the boat provides water, soft drinks, and other refreshments during the day. The exact selection can include juice, tea, lemonade, and small snacks, while additional drinks are available for purchase. Croatian wine is especially associated with lunch rather than every moment of the cruise.

Šipan offers vineyards, olive groves, and a short walk

From Lopud, the boat cruises for about 20 minutes to Šipan, the largest island in the Elaphite group. You have roughly one hour here.

Šipan’s appeal is quieter and more rural than a beach-focused stop. Vineyards, olive groves, old stone buildings, and small island roads give you a taste of local life. Use the hour for a relaxed walk, photographs, or a quick swim if conditions suit you.

The limitation is clear: one hour is not enough for a serious island exploration. You will not see every village or follow long inland paths. Think of Šipan as a short pause that adds a different character to the day. Lopud supplies the beach time, while Šipan supplies vineyards, olive trees, and a slower village setting.

Keep an eye on the return time. The crew gives arrival and departure information, and the schedule is generally prompt. A late return from a walk or swim affects everyone on the boat.

The cruise from Šipan to Koločep takes about 45 minutes. This is one of the longer stretches at sea, so it is a good time to sit back, dry off, have a drink, and enjoy the view from the upper deck. If the sun is strong, the air-conditioned salon offers a welcome break.

Koločep finishes the day with clear water and pine trees

Koločep is the final island stop, with about an hour to spend before the return to Dubrovnik. It is the smallest and quietest-feeling stop on this route.

The main draw is the water. You can swim or snorkel near the shore, then take a short walk among the pine trees. If you prefer not to get wet, use the time for photographs and a calm stroll.

Again, an hour goes quickly. Koločep is not a place to plan a long hike, and snorkeling equipment is not provided. Bring your own gear if you want to explore the water, but remember that towels are also your responsibility.

After Koločep, the boat cruises for about 30 minutes back toward Dubrovnik. Drop-off is listed at Lapadska obala 5, with a second drop-off point depending on the selected option. Confirm your return arrangement before departure, especially if you selected hotel transport.

What the boat setup means for your comfort

The RITA is larger and more equipped than a basic excursion boat. Its open upper deck gives you the best views and fresh air, while the lower salon has air conditioning for hot weather or rougher conditions.

The open sides also mean you should keep a close eye on very young children. The boat is not described as a poor choice for families, and one family with a 12-year-old had a very good day, but toddlers need constant supervision around open areas and the water.

The two clean onboard toilets are a real advantage on a full-day cruise. You should not assume that island toilets will always be freely available. On Lopud, access may depend on using a restaurant or shop, so the onboard facilities are useful between stops.

This is a shared boat outing, not a private charter. You will spend time with other people, and the mood may be quiet, sociable, or festive. The crew is friendly and often circulates with drinks. If your ideal boat day is silent and private, this may feel lively. If you enjoy meeting people and a relaxed group atmosphere, it should suit you well.

The schedule is well balanced, with one clear weakness

The timing gives Lopud the attention it deserves. Three hours allows you to combine a beach visit with lunch or a walk, which is why this stop feels like the heart of the trip.

Šipan and Koločep are different. Their one-hour visits are enough for a quick look, a swim, or a short walk, but not enough to properly explore. Some people would prefer a longer Lopud stop and only one of the other islands. That is the central choice this cruise asks you to make: see three islands briefly, or see fewer islands in greater detail.

The boat itself takes up several hours, but the sailing is part of the attraction. The coastline, open water, drinks, and changing views make the journey more than simple transport. On a calm day, the time at sea feels restful. In cooler or unsettled weather, you may spend more time in the lower salon and get less swimming time.

Season matters. Summer brings warmer water and more open businesses, but likely more activity at the beaches and on the boat. In late October and November, the islands can feel wonderfully quiet, yet restaurants and shops may be closed. If you visit outside the main season, choose the lunch option or bring your own food.

Is $50 a fair price for a full day?

At about $50 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day on the water and the chance to see several islands. The price includes the boat, crew, drinks, and, with the right option, lunch and hotel pickup. Separate boat connections, meals, and local transport could quickly cost more while requiring far more planning.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You get a beach island, a rural island, and a quiet swimming stop in one eight-hour outing. You are paying for convenience as much as for sightseeing.

The value is less obvious if you dislike fixed schedules. You cannot decide to stay all afternoon on Šipan or return to Lopud after reaching Koločep. The itinerary moves on time, and everyone returns to the boat together.

You can reduce costs further by selecting the drinks-only option and bringing lunch, but that requires more preparation. I would choose onboard lunch for an early or late-season departure, or for anyone who would rather spend Lopud walking and swimming than searching for an open restaurant.

Who will enjoy this Dubrovnik boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A relaxed way to see more of Dalmatia from Dubrovnik
• A combination of swimming, beach time, walking, and coastal views
• A good-value full-day outing with drinks included
• The convenience of visiting three islands without planning ferry connections
• A friendly shared boat with an informal atmosphere
• Enough structure to make the day easy, but free time at each island

I would think twice if you want a private experience, long guided walks, or deep exploration of one island. You should also reconsider it if you cannot comfortably manage uneven paths to Šunj Beach or if you need a completely enclosed boat.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a camera. Pack a towel and snorkeling gear, since neither is included. If you choose not to buy lunch, bring food or plan to eat on Lopud.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

Yes, if you want the most island scenery for your money and are happy with a busy day that mixes sailing with short independent visits. Lopud is the highlight, especially if you make time for Šunj Bay, while Šipan and Koločep add variety rather than long exploration.

Choose lunch if you are visiting late in the season, traveling with children, or want to use Lopud’s three hours well. Choose drinks only if you prefer to bring your own food and keep your plans flexible.

This is a practical, friendly introduction to the Elaphite Islands. It will not replace a slower stay on one island, but it gives you a broad and enjoyable taste of the coast in one day.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The cruise lasts eight hours, including the boat ride from Dubrovnik and visits to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, three islands in the Elaphite archipelago.

How much time do I get on each island?

You have about three hours on Lopud, one hour on Šipan, and one hour on Koločep. Sailing time is included between the stops.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The meal offers fish, chicken, or a vegetarian choice with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Drinks include water and soft drinks. Croatian wine is offered with lunch, and additional drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option, but only within the Dubrovnik area. If your accommodation is in a pedestrian-only zone, you receive a nearby pickup point.

Where do I find the boat?

The boat is called RITA and is docked at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name and crew members waiting to welcome you.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel and snorkeling gear if you plan to swim or snorkel.

What languages are available during the cruise?

Guides may provide the tour in English, Croatian, Italian, or German.