Three islands, open water, and an early start. This Apreamare cruise from Gruž feels like a luxury day out of Dubrovnik, built around snorkel-and-swim time and on-island village stops. You’ll spend your morning moving between coves, caves, and beaches, then land for a proper meal instead of a rushed snack.

I also love that the lunch is served at a small local restaurant on Koločep, not just something packaged onboard. The crew’s help (and the energy from staff like Elisa) makes it feel easy, from getting on the boat to settling in for the day. One possible drawback: it’s a premium-priced outing, and it depends on good weather for the plan to run as expected.

Key highlights worth aiming for

• Apreamare comfort with a calm pace: a well-run boat day that doesn’t feel chaotic.
• Three distinct islands in one loop: Koločep for caves and villages, Lopud for beach time, Šipan for the Blue Cave and tastings.
• Water gear included: snorkeling equipment plus stand up paddle for time on the sea.
• Lunch on land, local style: served at a small restaurant on Koločep, with choices reported like fish, chicken, or vegetarian.
• Drinks plan that’s clear: bottled water and soda for everyone; alcoholic beverages only for 18+.

How the Gruž departure sets the tone for the day

Your day starts in Dubrovnik at Gruž Market on Obala Stjepana Radića. The schedule runs from 9:00 am to about 3:00 pm, with roughly 8 hours on the clock once you factor in travel time between islands. If you’re staying in Dubrovnik proper, pickup is offered, which matters more than people think. When you’re doing multiple islands, showing up already sorted keeps the day relaxed.

This trip is positioned as a private tour/activity, meaning you won’t have to fight for space with strangers. That also usually helps with timing; the crew can move your group as a unit instead of constantly recalculating for crowd flow. You’ll use a mobile ticket, which keeps things simple—no hunting for paper vouchers at check-in.

The main idea is “sea time, but organized.” You’re not just transported somewhere and told to figure it out. The boat includes practical basics like a restroom on board, bottled water, and soda, so you’re not burning your budget on refreshments every time you step off.

Koločep Island: caves, bays, and a short walk that earns the views

Koločep is a strong first stop because it mixes water features with just enough walking. You get beautiful bays, sea caves, and cliffs, plus time to visit two small villages. If you’re the type who likes a little variety—water now, a stroll next—this is a good match.

You’ll also have a nice 20-minute walk across the island. That’s short enough to keep it comfortable, even if you’re not a big hiker. It’s also long enough to change the scenery. On a boat day, that kind of quick “get your bearings” walk can turn island time from sightseeing-by-photos into something you actually feel on the ground.

The one thing to remember: Koločep works best if you’re ready to switch modes. Start in swim mode—then put on your land-walking shoes for village lanes and viewpoints. If you plan to spend your entire stop only in the water, you’ll miss part of why Koločep is so enjoyable.

One more practical note: the tour timing here is relatively short compared with the beach-heavy Lopud stop. So I’d treat Koločep like your “active warm-up”—snorkel, explore the caves area, grab a slow look at the villages, and then save energy for lunch later.

Lopud’s 1.5-hour beach-style break (the part most people talk about)

Lopud is where the day starts to feel calmer. This is the island stop with the vibe many people want: sand beaches, laid-back swimming spots, and a historical village you can wander through without rushing.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours—according to the tour’s stop length—plus time on either end of that while you get sorted for the beach. Use that window wisely. If you go straight for the water, you’ll probably be happier than if you spend the whole time searching for the perfect chair spot. Lopud rewards momentum.

This stop is also a nice contrast to Koločep’s cave-and-cliff feel. Where Koločep can feel dramatic, Lopud feels more like a “choose your swim spot and relax” island. If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends who want a break from constant movement, Lopud is the easiest stop to love.

If you’re picky about comfort, pay attention to how you manage sunscreen and water. You’re on the Adriatic, and that sun can add up quickly even when the breeze feels good on a boat.

Šipan and the Blue Cave: swimming plus village flavors

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti islands in this loop, and it’s the stop that adds “story” and “taste” beyond scenery. You’ll visit the Blue Cave area and have time for swim. A cave stop is often short, but it can still be memorable when timed with good light and clear water.

You’ll also have time in a small village where you can do wine and olive oil tasting. That’s one of the best parts of the day because it’s not just a viewpoint. It’s a chance to try local products in a way that feels connected to the island, not like a quick shop stop.

The value here is that Šipan doesn’t only serve your phone camera. It serves your palate. You’ll also get plenty of time to soak in the island’s “big island energy,” including traditional village sights and time to explore at a slower island rhythm.

This is the stop I’d recommend if you want the cruise to feel more authentic than scenic sightseeing. The tasting element turns the day from “pretty islands” into a fuller experience.

Lunch at Koločep: local restaurant food and the drinks rhythm

Lunch is one of the defining reasons to book this kind of island cruise. Here, you go to a small local restaurant on Koločep, and that’s a big difference from boat-only dining. Eating on land also lets you stretch your legs and reset between swim periods.

You should expect meal choice options reported like fish, chicken, and vegetarian. Also, plan on a steady supply of drinks: bottled water and soda/pop are included, and alcoholic beverages are included for 18+. That matters because the day involves real sun and saltwater, so you’ll actually drink more than you think.

What’s smart is that the drinks aren’t random or confusing. The tour clearly separates who can have alcohol and who can’t. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this avoids the awkwardness of negotiating what’s included.

If you’re trying to keep your day smooth: treat lunch like a pivot point. You’ll likely arrive at lunch time with some sun buildup and saltwater fatigue. Eat, hydrate, then decide if you want one more swim round or a calmer walk before the cruise back toward Dubrovnik.

Snorkeling, stand up paddle, and how to plan your “water time”

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus stand up paddle. That’s a lot of water access for one day, and it’s why the cruise feels “luxury” beyond just the boat ride. You’re not only looking at the sea; you’re in it.

Here’s the best way to get value from those inclusions:

• Start early with snorkeling when you’re freshest. Midday is great too, but you’ll usually enjoy it more with less heat.
• When you switch to paddle time, use it like a wind-down. Paddle boards can be relaxing if you take it slow.
• If you’re choosing between caves and open-water swim time, don’t overthink it. Pick the one that matches your energy level that hour.

Also, the tour has a clear set of island rhythms: short walks on Koločep, beach time on Lopud, then Šipan for Blue Cave and tastings. That schedule naturally creates multiple “water moments.” You won’t feel like you have only one chance to swim and then it’s over.

One small consideration: water activities depend on conditions. The experience is listed as requiring good weather, and poor weather can change the plan. If you’re someone who cares about clear water for snorkeling, prioritize dates when the forecast looks friendly.

Price and value: what $889+ includes, and what you’re buying

The stated price is $889.37 per person, and that’s a serious number. So the only fair way to judge it is to match it to what you’re actually getting.

You’re buying:

• A premium-style boat experience (Apreamare) plus a private group format
• Round-trip time that gets you across multiple islands
• Snorkeling gear and stand up paddle
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Drinks and basics: bottled water, soda, and for 18+ access to alcoholic beverages
• A crew that handles the “moving parts,” so you’re not wrangling schedules between islands

The best value angle here is not just lunch. It’s that the day is structured to use inclusions repeatedly—snorkel gear at the right moments, paddle time without extra rentals, and a land meal that breaks the sea pattern.

If you want the simplest version of this decision: if your ideal day in Dubrovnik includes swimming, water gear, and a real sit-down lunch, this price can start to make sense. If you mostly want viewpoints and a couple quick photos, you might feel the cost too high for the time on each stop.

Who should book this Elaphiti islands cruise

This works best for people who want a mix of sea and comfort. Think:

• Couples who prefer a quieter, more controlled day than big group tours
• Travelers who like active breaks (snorkel and paddle) but still want a proper meal
• People who enjoy island life beyond Old Town walls, especially with the wine and olive oil tasting element

It’s also a good pick if you value service. The day is set up so you’re not constantly asking where to go next. Even if your day doesn’t include long walks, you still get a sense of island rhythm.

One note: it’s labeled as easy for most travelers to participate. Still, the day includes boat transfers and some walking (like that short 20-minute island crossing on Koločep), so comfortable footwear helps.

If you’re traveling with service animals, the experience allows them, which is a useful detail to know.

What to pack for Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan

Since water time is built in, pack for both sea and lunch:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry layer for moving between boat and beach
• Sunscreen and a hat. The sun can feel relentless on the water
• A light towel or quick-dry wrap, if you like to dry off fast after snorkeling
• Water-friendly sandals or shoes you can walk in around beaches and villages

Also plan your camera behavior. The islands give you plenty of photo chances, but the best memories usually come from leaving the camera alone for a few minutes and just swimming.

Should you book this cruise?

If your dream Dubrovnik day includes swimming, snorkeling gear you don’t have to rent, and lunch on land, I’d say this is a strong book. The stops are well balanced: cave-and-bays on Koločep, beach-and-village calm on Lopud, then Šipan for the Blue Cave and tasting time.

Book it if:

• You want a structured island day without logistics headaches
• You’ll actually use included water activities
• You’re okay paying a premium for a private-group, more “pampered” format

Skip it (or reconsider) if:

• You’re trying to keep costs low and only want scenic views
• You’re booking for a weather-risk week. Since good weather is required, your day needs skies that cooperate

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Gruž Market, Obala Stjepana Radića 21, Dubrovnik.

What time does the cruise run?

It departs at 9:00 am and returns around 3:00 pm.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 8 hours (approximately).

Which islands are visited?

You’ll visit Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at a small local restaurant on Koločep.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and stand up paddle is also included.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and soda/pop are included. Alcoholic beverages are included only for guests 18+.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What should I know about cancellations?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.