Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Three islands, one easy sea day.

This Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise is built for a simple goal: see coastal Croatia from the water, then get real time for beaches and snorkeling. I like the mix of stops at Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep because each island feels different, not just a repeat of the same pier. One key caution: if you get seasick easily, this is not the tour for you.

What really sells it is the onboard setup. Lunch is included with choices for meat, fish, or vegetarian, and the drinks portion is handled smoothly so you are not stuck hunting for a refill. The day also runs with a crew that keeps things moving, and I’ve noticed names like Emily show up in the best experiences.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Open bar feel, with lunch included so your day stays relaxed instead of restaurant math
• Three islands, three moods: Lopud’s beach time, Sipan’s port-and-olive vibe, Kolocep’s sea-cave focus
• Free time you control at each stop, from beach lounging to garden wandering
• Good food options including grilled chicken, grilled hake, and a vegetarian grilled plate
• Top-deck views for the ride out along the Adriatic coast
• Not for seasickness risk since this is a full day on the water

Why This Elaphite Cruise Fits a Dubrovnik Day

Dubrovnik is great for walking, but after a couple of hours you might want something that does not involve stairs. This cruise is a straightforward escape: you ride the Adriatic all day, hit three islands, and build in swim time where it makes sense. The pacing is the big trick. You are not rushing through each stop, and you are not stuck on a boat for long stretches either.

I also like how the day is structured around variety. Lopud is where you can go beach-first. Sipan adds a slower, port-style pause with heritage and an olive-tree story. Then Kolocep pushes you toward the sea side of the island with caves/cliffs energy and a chance to snorkel.

Price and Value: $78.60 for a Full Day of Food and Drinks

At $78.60 per person, the price looks reasonable only if you treat it like what it is: a packaged sea day. You get lunch plus bottled water, and you also get drinks with the meal portion running into the rest of the day. Alcohol included is white wine and brandy, and the non-alcohol list includes Coca-cola and other soft drinks, plus water throughout.

That matters because island-hopping can turn expensive fast once you start adding transport, ferry tickets, and a sit-down lunch. Here, lunch is handled on board, and you are not paying for every drink along the way. If you also qualify for pickup in the Dubrovnik city area, that adds extra convenience without you needing to figure out how to get to the dock on your own.

Getting to the Boat: Lapad Meeting Point and Pickup Reality

Your meeting point is Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, Lapadska obala 7, Dubrovnik, starting at 9:00 am. There is pickup only if you select the option, and it is limited to the Dubrovnik city area.

Two practical notes you should not ignore:

• Pickup is not available if you are less than 1 km from the meeting point.
• Pickup timing can shift, usually scheduled between 45 minutes and 5 minutes before departure. You have to contact the operator for the exact time, or you risk missing the transfer.

In plain terms: if pickup is important to you, confirm it early. If you are staying near Lapad, you might be better off just showing up at the meeting point and letting pickup be the bonus.

Lobud Port of Call: Šunj Beach, Gardens, and Island Wandering

Lopud is the first stop, and it tends to be the one people plan around. You get a generous chunk of free time, and the options are clear: go to the sandy Šunj beach, check out the botanical gardens at Djordjic Mayneri Park, and wander through the island’s churches and heritage. This is also a place where the water is inviting, and the day plan is set up for swim-first people and sit-down-with-a-view people.

What I like about this stop is the flexibility. You can do one active thing (beach, swim, snorkel) and one low-effort thing (walk, grab a coffee vibe, browse heritage areas). And because Lopud is your early anchor point, it helps the rest of the day feel like a proper island day instead of a hurried check-off list.

A small reality check: some days are better than others for swimming. If it is not ideal weather, you can still enjoy the scenery and the wandering, but the beach plan might feel less perfect.

Sipan’s Old Fisherman Port: Olive Trees, Pirate-Defense Castle, and Slow Time

Sipan comes after lunch on the boat, and the vibe changes. You get about an hour here, with a focus on the old fisherman’s port and a sense of what Mediterranean life looked like in the past. If you like fun facts, Sipan has an olive-tree claim that’s been listed in Guinness as the island with the biggest number of olive trees.

You also get a reference point for why this island was strategically important: there is a castle built for defense against pirates in the 15th century. Even if you only do a quick look around the port area, that time helps break the day into something more than just beach breaks.

The drawback to keep in mind is simple: one hour can feel short if you want to do both a proper town stroll and a beach moment. If you are the type who likes to linger, you might wish Sipan had a little more time.

Kolocep Island: Snorkeling, Caves and Cliffs, and Sandy Beach Time

Kolocep is the last island stop, and it is where the itinerary leans into sea adventure. This island is known for caves and cliffs, plus snorkeling and swimming at sandy beaches. If you want the most “out on the water” feeling, this is the place to aim your energy.

You get about an hour, which means you want to think fast: do you want a quick walk first, or do you want to get into the water right away? The time is long enough to try snorkeling if you are comfortable with it, but short enough that you should not plan a long detour.

One extra option sometimes comes up on board. Some passengers mention an optional speedboat add-on to the Blue Caves for an extra fee (one account put it around 20 euros). If you care about that kind of stop, ask onboard and check whether it fits the group’s schedule that day.

Lunch on Board Plus the Drink Plan That Keeps Things Easy

This is where the cruise earns its reputation. Lunch is served onboard, and you are not stuck with one sad meal choice. You can select grilled chicken fillet with vegetables, grilled hake with vegetables, or a vegetarian option made with grilled Mediterranean seasonal vegetables from the local area.

The day’s rhythm is built around this: you eat after the first island stop, then head to Sipan, then end with Kolocep and beach/sea time. That order works because it keeps the hottest, most crowded part of the day from turning into a scramble for food.

Drinks are part of the flow too. You can expect alcoholic beverages limited to white wine and brandy, plus soft drinks like Coca-cola and Fanta, along with water. Minimum drinking age is 18. If you are traveling as a group with mixed preferences, this matters: everyone can get a drink without making the meal complicated.

Boat Comfort, Timing Between Islands, and Sea Condition Tips

You are on a boat with a top deck view, and the ride between islands is relatively quick. Some days feel like you spend a lot of time getting from one place to another, but the schedule is designed so the travel time does not fully eat your beach time.

Comfort seems to be consistently mentioned. The boat is described as clean, and the crew keeps the day moving. There are also accounts of staff doing a steady job of checking in and keeping drinks coming.

The biggest practical issue is still the water itself: this tour is not recommended for travelers with seasickness. If you have even mild motion sensitivity, bring your own prevention plan and consider skipping this and choosing a land-based day.

Who Should Book This Dubrovnik Elaphite Cruise

This cruise is a strong fit if you want:

• a full day that feels structured but still gives free time
• beach breaks without needing to coordinate ferries
• included lunch and drinks so you can budget calmly

It is also a nice choice for families and mixed-age groups because each island includes something simple: beach time, short wandering, and a final stop that works for snorkeling or swimming.

Who should think twice? If you hate crowds, this can feel busy because the boat runs with a large group capacity (up to 110 travelers). And if you have seasickness issues, this will likely be miserable.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise?

If you want a one-day island getaway that already includes the big stuff—lunch, drinks, and three island stops—this is easy to recommend. The value comes from not having to plan meals or drink stops, and from the way each island adds a different kind of time: beach at Lopud, heritage-port atmosphere at Sipan, and sea-and-cliff energy at Kolocep.

If you are seasick-prone, skip it. If you are not, this is a solid use of your Dubrovnik time—especially when the weather is on your side.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered only if you select the pickup option. Pickup is for the Dubrovnik city area, and it is not available if you are less than 1 km from the meeting point.

What does the lunch include?

Lunch is provided on board. You choose a meal option at booking: grilled chicken with vegetables, grilled hake with vegetables, or a vegetarian grilled Mediterranean seasonal vegetable option.

What drinks are included during the cruise?

The package includes bottled water and drinks with the meal. Alcoholic beverages included are white wine and brandy, plus soft drinks such as Coca-cola and Fanta.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. Swimsuit is not included.

Is there a minimum drinking age?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

What is the cancellation policy?

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