A day on the water beats most shore tours. This Elaphiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik pairs island time with a smooth boat ride on the Regina Maris, plus an included lunch and free local wine. What I like most is how it’s simple: you get scenery, swims, and meals without having to plot a whole day yourself.

Two big wins stand out. First, the lunch is included with your choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and it comes with local drinks at no extra cost. Second, the boat setup is genuinely comfy, with shaded decks, lazy bags, WiFi, and real onboard restrooms.

One thing to consider: this is an island-hopping tasting menu, not a slow, deep stay. If you want hours and structured activities, you might feel the first two stops are a bit short.

4 key reasons this cruise works so well

• Regina Maris comfort: shaded seating, lazy bags, onboard WiFi, and four luxury restrooms
• Lunch + local drinks included: choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian, with rakija and great local white wine
• Island variety in one day: Koločep for pine-and-caves vibes, Šipan for Dalmatian flavors, Lopud for beaches and strolling
• Crew keeps things moving on time: island departures are punctual, so plan to be back early

Entering the Day: What You Really Get for $78.60

At $78.60 per person for an ~8-hour day, this tour is priced like a proper “transport plus meal” experience, not just a boat ticket. You’re paying for the ride between islands, onboard amenities (WiFi, restrooms, shaded comfort), and food plus drinks that would cost real money on your own.

If you already know you want Elaphiti time but don’t want to rent a boat or manage ferries, this is the value play. You show up, you eat, you swim, and you come back with an easy win.

Just be honest with yourself about expectations. This is a lot of coastline in one day, so it’s built for variety and relaxation, not a guided lecture tour or a full-day hike.

Regina Maris: The Boat Comfort That Makes a Difference

The Regina Maris is described as clean, well maintained, and comfortable, with seating on both decks. A standout from the reviews is the shade. On a hot Adriatic day, that matters more than people think, especially if you’re not the type who wants to bake in direct sun for hours.

You’ll also find onboard convenience that makes island stops less annoying. There are four luxury restrooms (two for women, two for men), so you’re not hunting for facilities when you’re between stops. Lazy bags add a low-effort way to lounge, and WiFi on board helps if you want to post photos or keep in touch.

One more practical note: the boat is laid out for hanging out, not for tight crowds. Reviews mention plenty of room to move around, which helps the day feel calmer.

Getting There: Pickup, Lapadska obala 5, and a 10:00 am Start

The cruise starts at 10:00 am, and the meeting point is Lapadska obala 5. Look for the large white boat, Regina Maris, at the harbor.

If you choose it, hotel pick-up in Dubrovnik is included. Pick-up outside the Dubrovnik city area can be arranged for an extra fee, so if you’re staying nearby but not inside the city, check early and confirm pickup details.

My best advice for this kind of timed cruise is simple: plan your morning so you arrive early, not right on the dot. Reviews underline that departures are punctual. If the crew says they leave at a certain time, be back early with your sandals, your sunscreen, and your water.

Koločep Stop: Quick Island Time, Pines, and Crystal Water

Koločep is the first island stop, and it’s all about nature and water time. Expect dense pine forests and coves you can get to with a short wander. The water is described as crystal-clear, and this is where snorkeling can tempt you if you bring your own gear since snorkeling equipment is not included.

There’s also an easy, local-feeling way to pass the time. You can browse small beach-side stalls for local products, then head back to the shore for photos and a swim.

A reality check on timing: reviews suggest about one hour at the first island. That’s enough to get your bearings and do one or two priorities (walk plus swim, or photo stroll plus drink), but it’s not enough for a slow full-day explore.

If you want something more guided on Koločep, the operator mentions a Blue Cave Tour by catamaran that you can book through them. That’s not included in this full-day route, but it’s a sign they understand how to offer add-ons if you want more water drama.

Šipan Stop: Lunch Energy, Village Views, and Island Taste

Then you head to Šipan, and this is where the lunch portion of the day settles in. The day’s included Dalmatian-style lunch is served here for most schedules, with your pre-booked choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

After lunch, you’ll have time around Suđurađ, where you can look for small stands selling local wine and olive oil. These stands are often near family homes or around castle and bay areas, and they’re the kind of casual setup you’d miss if you only cared about big-ticket sights.

This is also a calmer, village-style stop. You can wander traditional architecture, then slow down with coffee or gelato by the harbor if you feel like it. That part is optional and depends on what’s open and what you find.

One caution: reviews describe this as the shortest stop, about 40 minutes. In other words, treat Šipan as your flavor-and-views stop, not your major exploration day.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: Where the Day Slows Down

Finally, you reach Lopud, and this is the stop many people enjoy most. You get time at Šunj Beach, known for its golden sand and shallow, family-friendly waters. This is the best place on the route to plan for a longer swim session, sand time, and casual walking.

Šunj Beach is about a 30-minute walk through the island’s natural surroundings. If you’d rather not do the longer walk, there’s a buggy car option offered by local drivers about 200 meters from the bay, but it’s an extra fee and you pay the drivers directly.

You can also explore Lopud by bike if rentals are available on the island. If you like history, you can check the Franciscan Monastery. There are also two culture or nature add-ons mentioned in the route details: the Sunlight Museum (open during high season) and the Botanical Garden, which is free entry.

This is the payoff stop for many schedules. Reviews suggest around two hours at Lopud, which is enough time to do beach time plus one inland stop, or a decent hike plus a late gelato.

Food and Drinks: What’s Included, What It Tastes Like

This tour is one of the better value setups because the included meal doesn’t feel like a sad afterthought. Lunch is included, and you choose in advance: fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

The included drinks are a big part of why people rate this so highly. You get rakija (local brandy) with lunch plus great local white wine at no extra charge. Still water fountain water and soda are also included on board.

From the reviews, lunch is described as delicious and fairly fresh, with a fish option that people specifically praise. One review notes the fish lunch came with cabbage slaw and cucumbers, which sounds like classic, light coastal sides rather than heavy comfort food.

Two practical reminders. First, coffee and tea are not included, only available for purchase on board. Second, extra alcohol can be purchased if you want to keep the party going after lunch.

The Real Schedule Feel: How the Day Flows Between Stops

Even though the overall duration is listed as around 8 hours, the experience actually feels like a sequence of “enough time” moments. The boat ride links everything, so you’re always moving, but you’re not rushing in a stressful way.

Here’s the tempo you can plan around based on reported stop lengths:

• Koločep is short enough that you’ll likely prioritize one major activity
• Šipan is even shorter, so think lunch plus quick wandering
• Lopud is long enough to do beach time and still see a couple of highlights

This pacing is also why some people love it as a first taste of the Elaphiti Islands. But if you’re the kind of traveler who wants deep, slow time on just one island, you may find the earlier stops feel rushed.

Safety, Comfort, and Motion: What to Expect on the Water

If you’re worried about motion sickness, you’ll be glad to hear the water is described as calming in reviews, with no sea sickness reported for at least some guests. That does not mean you will feel nothing every time. Weather and sea conditions still matter.

Still, compared with bigger, rougher routes, this one generally feels manageable because it’s a short hop chain of islands. Plus, the boat has shaded areas, so you can reduce dehydration and overheating while you watch the coastline drift by.

Also bring practical sun protection. Even with shade on deck, you’ll spend time in the sun at Lopud and during beach stops.

Who Should Book This One, and Who Might Skip It

This cruise is a great fit if you want a relaxed day with real value:

• You’re visiting Dubrovnik and want Elaphiti Islands access without planning a boat route
• You want lunch plus free local wine as part of the package
• You like swimming and beach time, especially at Lopud
• You prefer a comfortable boat with restrooms and lounge space

It may not be your best match if:

• You want lots of guided activities or a packed entertainment schedule
• You hate short stop windows and prefer a single long island stay
• You expect snorkeling equipment to be provided, since it isn’t included

On participation, the tour notes that most travelers can participate and service animals are allowed. If you have mobility concerns, the key is that island experiences depend on walking, plus beach access options at Lopud.

Quick Practical Tips That Save Your Day

A few small moves will make this tour feel smoother:

• Choose your lunch option when booking. Vegetarian and seafood are both available, but you have to tell them your selection.
• Bring your own towels and beachwear since they are not included.
• If you plan to snorkel, bring your own equipment because snorkeling gear is not provided.
• Pack a light layer for the boat ride, even on warm days.
• When you’re on an island, head back early. Reviews stress the crew keeps departure times tight, and the boat is not going to wait.

Should You Book This Elaphiti Islands Cruise?

If you want the easiest way to see three Elaphiti islands from Dubrovnik in one day, I’d say yes. The combination of included lunch, free local wine and rakija, and a comfortable boat on Regina Maris is hard to beat for the money.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re using Dubrovnik as a base and you want variety: pine-and-water vibes at Koločep, a more relaxed island flavor stop at Šipan, and the real beach payoff at Lopud.

Hold off or look for a different option if you want one island with long exploration time or a more structured itinerary with lots of onboard activities. This one is about sun, water, walking, and good food, with just enough time at each stop to leave you wanting more.

FAQ

What time does the Elaphiti Islands cruise start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as about 8 hours.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you must select fish, chicken, or vegetarian when booking.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes for lunch. Local wine and rakija are included with lunch, and still water and soda are also included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup from hotels in the City of Dubrovnik is included if you select that option. Pickup outside the city area can be arranged for an extra fee.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Lapadska obala 5. Look for the large white boat, Regina Maris.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment and towels?

No. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included. Beachwear is also not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.