Island time starts fast from Dubrovnik. I love the long Lopud stop, especially the chance to hit Šunj’s sandy beach or wander the car-free lanes toward old fortifications and the Franciscan monastery. I also like the air-conditioned ride, with a clean boat, two onboard toilets, and a crew that keeps drinks moving.

One heads-up: timing can feel a bit tight elsewhere if you’re traveling in shoulder or off season, when shops and restaurants on the islands may be closed—so consider the optional on-board lunch or plan ahead for food.

Key things to know

• Longest island time on Lopud: ideal for swimming, hiking, and picking a beach spot without rushing.
• Clean, practical boat setup: open-top cruising plus a lower air-conditioned salon.
• Onboard drinks are part of the deal: Croatian wine plus water and soft drinks.
• Lunch is a smart add-on: fish, chicken, or vegetarian with potato salad (if you choose it).
• Snorkeling is DIY: you get the swimming chances, but towels and snorkeling gear aren’t included.

Meeting RITA at the Marinero pier: the easy start you want in Dubrovnik

This trip runs from Dubrovnik with optional hotel pickup in the Dubrovnik area. If you choose pickup, you’ll meet the driver at the point sent by email, and if you’re in a pedestrian-only or hard-to-reach zone, they’ll confirm the nearest workable spot.

When you arrive at the harbor, look for the boat named RITA docked at the pier. The staff are set up under the Marinero name, so you’ll have a clear target when it’s time to board.

The boat experience: air-conditioned comfort plus two spotless toilets

The boat is set up for real day-trip use, not just sightseeing. You’ve got an open top for sea views and a lower air-conditioned salon when you want a break from sun and wind.

One detail I’m grateful for on a full day: there are two onboard toilets, and the boat is described as very clean. With a group of people, that saves time and keeps the vibe calm.

There are five crew members on board, which usually means you’re not waiting around for service. The biggest “comfort win” is how often drinks get topped up during the day, so you’re not stuck buying everything separately.

Cruise time along Dubrovnik’s coast: when the scenery does the talking

There’s a short sightseeing cruise portion on the water before you reach the island stops. That’s where you get your first long look at Dubrovnik’s coastline from the sea—often the most relaxing angle in a port town where everything else feels busy.

It’s also a good moment to settle in, grab a drink, and decide how hard you want to play the island-hopping schedule once you’re off the boat.

Lopud (about 3 hours): Šunj Bay, car-free lanes, and the monastery climb option

Lopud is the island where you actually have time to breathe. You’ll get a long stay—about three hours—and that’s why this stop usually becomes the anchor of the day.

This is also the place to aim for Šunj Bay’s sandy beach. Even if you don’t do much walking, having proper sand and clear water within a short boat day is a big value.

If you like your days with movement, Lopud is car-free, so you can walk through the island atmosphere without traffic noise. You can also choose a more active route to see historical highlights, including fortification areas and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery.

Practical pacing tip: wear comfortable shoes even if you think you’ll only swim. A beach visit turns into a promenade stroll fast, and some of the paths can be uneven or uphill.

Šipan (about 1 hour): vineyards and olive groves in a quick hit

Šipan is the largest island in the Elaphiti group, but your time there is shorter—about one hour. That means you’re not going to “cover the island,” and that’s okay.

This stop is best for quick scenic wandering and soaking in the island feel: vineyards, olive groves, and that Mediterranean mix of stone, shade, and sun. It’s a great chance to photograph the countryside and do a swim if you want one more water break before the final island.

If you’re the type who likes a lot of structure, you might feel the time is brief here. The upside is you won’t feel trapped either—you’ll still get movement, water, and views without losing the whole day.

Koločep (about 1 hour): pine shade, snorkel chances, and another swim stop

Koločep is your final island and it’s where the day often turns into “cool off and reset.” You get about one hour, including a mix of time to explore and time to swim or snorkel.

You’ll also find pine-forest walking opportunities, which is a nice contrast to full sun beaches. If you’re someone who gets sunburn easily, the shade can help you stretch your energy.

One thing to remember: snorkeling gear and towels aren’t included. So if you’re serious about underwater time, bring your own basic setup.

Drinks and lunch on the boat: where the value really shows

This is a cruise where the food and drinks aren’t an afterthought. Throughout the trip, you’ll have Croatian wine, water, and a mix of soft drinks.

If you pick the lunch option, you’ll eat on the boat after the first island stop (Lopud). The lunch choice is fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and it comes with potato salad.

Food quality can be the difference between a “nice” trip and a “worth it” trip, especially on island days. This one is built so you don’t have to hunt for a meal while you’re on the islands.

Even if you skip lunch, you’re still offered drinks during the cruise. Just be ready to handle your own food on the islands if you travel without the lunch option.

What to pack: swim stuff, shoes, and the no-towel reality

The list is simple and practical, and it matches what you’ll actually use:

• Comfortable shoes for walking around Lopud and moving between boat and shore
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• If you want to snorkel: bring your snorkeling gear
• Towels (not provided)

If you’re planning to spend time in water at each stop, pack for “wet-to-dry” changes. A spare layer or cover-up can also help you cool down between swim sessions.

Timing, crowds, and the off-season reality

The day is designed with multiple stops, and you’ll notice the schedule: the longest time is on Lopud, and the other islands are shorter. That’s a smart format if your goal is variety—three islands in one day—without spending your whole trip in transit.

The tradeoff is that shops and restaurants may be limited on the islands in late season or off season. If you’re visiting when fewer places are open, choosing the onboard lunch can be the easiest way to avoid scrambling for food.

Also keep in mind the boat is open on the sides. If you’re traveling with very young kids, you’ll want to keep a close eye when you’re moving around the open deck areas.

Who should book this Elaphite Islands cruise?

This is a great fit if you want a classic Dubrovnik add-on that feels relaxed but still gives you real variety. I’d especially recommend it for:

• People who want multiple island stops without arranging separate transport
• Swimmers who want several chances to get into the water
• Visitors who like a good mix of beach time and light walking
• Anyone who values drinks and a cooked lunch without hunting for restaurants

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a deep dive into one island only, you may find the shorter stops elsewhere a bit rushed. In that case, you might prefer a slower itinerary focused on one main island.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Elaphite Island Cruise with Drinks and Optional Lunch?

Yes, you should book it if your priority is value-per-hour: a full day, three islands, onboard drinks, and optional lunch that saves you time and decision fatigue. For $50 per person, the biggest reason it works is that it packages the hardest parts of an island day—getting there, staying on schedule, and feeding people—into one smooth operation.

I’d book the lunch option if you’re traveling in late season or if you hate the idea of hunting for food on a small island. I’d skip lunch only if you’re confident you’ll find what you want quickly on the islands and you don’t mind more flexibility.

If you want a simple, swim-friendly day away from Dubrovnik with enough time to actually enjoy the islands, this cruise is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Island cruise?

The total duration is 8 hours.

Which islands are visited?

You’ll visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik are optional, and only available within the Dubrovnik area.

Where do I meet the boat?

Look for the boat named RITA docked at the pier, and find the Marinero agency area where the crew will welcome you.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, and additional drinks can be purchased on board.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the option for lunch on the boat. It includes a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, with potato salad.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment aren’t included.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide speaks English, Croatian, Italian, and German.