Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

A day on the Adriatic beats tour-only sightseeing. This full-day cruise circles the Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik, with real time to swim and snorkel, plus an easy lunch onboard. I like that the format is simple: you get island time, then you’re back on the boat for food and drinks. I also like the included open bar paired with a menu that covers meat, fish, and vegetarian. One thing to consider: this is not a quiet, small-boat experience, so if you want peace and low volume all day, you’ll need to pick your spot carefully (especially later in the trip).

You’ll start the morning heading toward Lopud, then you’ll spend hours bouncing between sandy beaches, small ports, and cliffy coastline. Lunch comes after your first island time, served onboard with drinks kept flowing. The day ends with Kolocep, where swimming and snorkeling are the main event before the ride back to Dubrovnik.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Three islands, one smooth route: Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep in one day without ferry juggling
• Time in the water: swimming and snorkeling are built into the stop order, not tacked on at the end
• Lunch that’s actually included: grilled chicken, grilled hake, or a vegetarian grilled plate, plus sides
• Drinks included all day: white wine and brandy, plus soft drinks and bottled water
• A botanical-garden stop option: Lopud gives you the choice of beach time or garden wandering
• Weather matters: route and timing can shift, and poor weather can cancel the day

Why this cruise feels like the smart choice from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is packed with great sights, but the coast is the part that really changes your perspective. This cruise is built for that. You’re not just looking at the islands from a distance. You’re moving through them, with water time scheduled at the most useful moments.

What makes this day trip especially practical is the rhythm. You get an extended first island stop, then you eat in a settled setting onboard, then you do two shorter island segments. That keeps the day from feeling like constant rushing. It’s also a good way to see what each island does best: Lopud for beaches and gardens, Sipan for a smaller-port feel and olive-tree lore, and Kolocep for cliffs and snorkeling-style coastline.

One more plus: the boat-to-island gaps are short on a sailing like this, so you’re not spending hours staring at waves between locations. You stay focused on the fun parts.

Price and what you’re really paying for ($78.60 and the included value)

At $78.60 per person, the biggest question is whether this feels like a deal or just a standard day excursion. Here’s how I’d judge it based on what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• an 8-hour cruise (approx.)
• lunch onboard with meat, fish, and vegetarian options
• a drinks package that includes white wine and brandy, plus soft drinks and water
• pickup/drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area if you select it (and it’s available for your exact location)
• guided hosting plus local guidance during the day
• organized time at three different islands

Once you price that out in your head, it stops being “just a boat ticket.” The included drinks and lunch are doing heavy lifting. Even if you only drink wine or stay with soft drinks, the value still holds because the meal is not an add-on.

If you’re the type who hates spending the whole day counting euros for snacks and drinks, this format is a relief. If you’re the type who wants a lot of independent exploring and quiet time, you may still have a great day, but you’ll want to manage expectations around group energy.

Getting to the boat: start time, meeting point, and pickup reality

The tour starts at 9:00 am. The meeting point is Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, Lapadska obala 7, 20000 Dubrovnik. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered only if you select it, and it’s limited:

• It’s for the Dubrovnik City area only
• Pickup is not available if you’re staying less than 1 km away from the starting point
• Pickup happens before the official departure, typically between 45 minutes and 5 minutes prior
• You’re encouraged to contact them for exact timing, otherwise there’s risk you could miss the transfer with no refunds

If you’re trying to keep your morning painless, I’d plan to arrive early, even if you picked up a hotel transfer option. The tour runs on a boat schedule, and the Adriatic doesn’t care about your sleep.

Onboard vibe before the islands: open bar, crews, and how the day starts

Once you’re on board, the day’s tone gets set quickly. This cruise is known for the onboard hosting: staff circulate and keep drinks moving, and the day has the friendly energy of people settling in for a long coastal outing.

The drinks lineup is clearly defined:

• white wine and brandy
• soda/pop options (Coca-cola, Fanta)
• water included

There’s also a note that the minimum drinking age is 18, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with teens or if you’re a parent.

One thing I’d call out: the boat can be lively, especially toward the end of the itinerary. That shows up in the experience of people who want a calmer mood the whole day. If you’re sensitive to noise, pick your spot early and don’t wait until the final stretch to switch locations.

Lopud Island (first stop): Šunj beach, garden entry, and heritage wandering

Lopud is where the day feels most like a classic island getaway. You start with about 3 hours of free time there, and the options are varied enough that you won’t feel stuck.

You can aim for:

• Šunj beach time for swimming and sun
• Djordjic Mayneri Park botanical gardens (garden entrance is treated as free on this itinerary)
• churches and small heritage areas for a low-effort stroll
• a slow day in warm water, since this stop is set up for soaking

In practice, this is the stop where you decide what kind of person you want to be that day. Beach person, garden wanderer, or “one walk, one swim.” You don’t have to commit fully to just one.

A drawback to keep in mind: because Lopud gives you the longest stretch, it’s also the stop where people who just want to lounge can cluster. If you want less crowd energy, go a bit earlier in the window and keep an eye out for quieter sections of beach.

Sipan Island: small-port charm, olive-tree stories, and pirate-defence walls

After lunch, the cruise continues to Sipan, with about 1 hour on the island. Sipan is slower and more “island town” than beach-resort, which makes the day feel balanced.

This stop includes a look at:

• an old fisherman’s port
• local viewpoints tied to the island’s reputation and character
• olive-tree heritage, including a note about olive trees being prominent enough to appear in a Guinness book reference
• a castle built for defence against pirates in the 15th century

What this means for you: Sipan is more about wandering, snapping pictures, and soaking in the smaller-scale feel than it is about swimming for long hours. If you’re expecting another big beach session, the timing is shorter. Use the hour to walk the harbor edges and find a viewpoint, then return to the boat feeling like you’ve sampled a different side of the archipelago.

A practical tip: because this stop is short, wear shoes you can walk in without babying your feet. Many of the best “wander” moments are along uneven coastal paths and steps.

Kolocep Island: caves, cliffs, snorkeling, and the last swim push

Kolocep is the finale and it’s where the water time gets your attention again. You get about 1 hour there, and the island is known for caves and cliff scenery plus snorkeling and swimming spots near sandy beaches.

If you want one strong reason to book this specific cruise design, it’s this: you’re not ending your day on a dry, sightseeing-only stop. Kolocep is set up for people who came to swim, float, and get their snorkel moments in before the return to Dubrovnik.

Here’s the trade-off: that last stop is not long. You’ll want to have your swim plan ready when you arrive. If you’re bringing your own snorkeling setup, get it sorted quickly. If you’re waiting until the end of the hour, you’ll feel rushed.

People often remember Kolocep as their best water moment because it’s the final burst of sunshine before the ride home.

Lunch at sea: what you get and how it helps the whole day

Lunch is one of the biggest practical wins on this cruise. It’s served onboard after the first island stop, and it’s built to keep everyone fed without breaking your schedule.

Your lunch options:

• Meat: grilled chicken fillet with vegetables
• Fish: grilled hake with vegetables
• Vegetarian: all grilled Mediterranean seasonal vegetables from the local area

Soft drink and water are included, and the alcohol is part of the drink service during the day. That matters because it removes a major Dubrovnik trip hassle: deciding where to eat between island hopping. You already have a plan. Lunch happens automatically.

If you’re traveling with dietary needs, the key is timing. You’re asked to provide your meal type for each traveler in the special requirements at booking. If you’re juggling allergies or restrictions beyond the listed options, make sure you communicate them when booking or via your booking management. The cruise is capable of handling meal choices, but your clarity helps them prepare.

One last point: lunch is also where the group energy usually locks in. If you want quieter conversation, position yourself away from the busiest deck traffic. If you want the social vibe, stay where staff circulate and where people toast and chat.

The reality check: groups, noise, and seasickness

This cruise has a maximum of 110 people, and the experience can feel social. The boat staff often works hard to keep glasses full and the day moving smoothly, but in a group setting, mood can shift.

If you’re sensitive to noise, the itinerary may not suit you perfectly. There can be louder energy toward later stages of the day, so choose your seat and deck location deliberately. A calmer strategy can mean staying closer to the forward areas earlier and saving a quiet corner spot for when you really want to rest.

Also, don’t ignore the seasickness note. This tour is not recommended for travelers with seasickness. The route covers open water between islands, and even if the seas are gentle, it’s still a boat day. If you know you’re prone to nausea on the water, this is one of those cases where you’ll either need strong remedies or a different plan.

Optional Blue Cave speedboat add-on: when it’s worth the extra euros

Some people mention an optional speedboat visit to caves, often tied to the Blue Cave idea, for an added fee (commonly cited as extra 20 euros). The key here is that it sounds like an add-on, not part of the standard package.

If caves are your top priority, this can be a great way to add contrast to the slower island-walk feel. But if you’re already happy with beach time and snorkeling, you might not need it. I’d treat it like a “choose-your-own-adventure” option: only pay if you’re excited by that specific cave experience.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

Book it if you want an efficient, good-value day on the water with lunch and drinks handled for you. This is especially strong for couples, groups, and families who want swimming time at Lopud and Kolocep, plus a taste of Sipan’s quieter island character.

Consider skipping or switching if you:

• get seasick easily
• want a low-noise, slow-paced day
• expect lots of museum-level sightseeing at every stop (the island time is brief, especially at Sipan and Kolocep)

If your ideal Dubrovnik day includes sun, swim breaks, and not thinking about meals, this cruise is a very logical choice.

FAQ

What islands does this cruise visit?

You visit Lopud Island, Sipan, and Kolocep Island during the day.

How long is the full-day cruise?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard.

What drinks are included?

You get bottled water, soft drinks like Coca-cola and Fanta, and alcoholic drinks including white wine and brandy.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, Lapadska obala 7, 20000 Dubrovnik.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available only if you select the option, and it’s for the Dubrovnik city area. Pickup is not available if you are staying less than 1 km from the starting point.

Can I choose between fish, chicken, and vegetarian lunch?

Yes. You’re asked to select a lunch option for each traveler: fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

Is this tour recommended if I get seasick?

No. It is not recommended for travelers with seasickness.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.