A boat day out of Dubrovnik changes your whole perspective fast. This full-day cruise to the Elafiti Islands is built for a laid-back rhythm, with hotel pickup, island time, and lunch served on board while you drink at your own pace.

I especially like two things: the freshly grilled lunch (you choose fish, meat, or vegetarian) and the steady flow of unlimited wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water during the trip. It’s the kind of value where you feel taken care of without turning into a rushed tour.

One consideration: the day depends on weather, and if conditions are rough the trip can be delayed, changed, or canceled.

Quick take: what I think you’ll remember

• Lunch cooked on the day with a real chef setup, served right on board
• Unlimited drinks (red or white wine plus grappa, soft drinks, and water)
• Three island stops with free time for beach time, photos, and slow wandering
• A comfortable boat with shade, tables, benches, a grill area, and an onboard toilet
• Captain orientation at each island, so you know what to look for when you step off

From Dubrovnik hotel pickup to Gruž Harbor: the start of the day

Your day starts with a morning pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel. If you’re near Lapadska obala 5, you’ll see that area listed as the main meeting point, and tours begin at 9:00 am. From there, you transfer to Gruž Harbor to board the boat for your Elafiti Islands cruise.

This early start matters because you’re not spending the day trapped in transit. You’re out on the water, settled into your seat or shade, and already thinking about your first island stop. And because the cruise is planned as one continuous outing, you don’t have to coordinate separate tickets or schedules later.

The boat setup: comfortable enough to enjoy, not just survive

This isn’t a tiny “squeeze in” dayboat, and it isn’t a huge party ship either. The boat has tables and benches, sun shade, and speakers for music, so you can actually relax instead of constantly adjusting. There’s also a toilet onboard, plus a kitchen and grill area.

For me, that balance is the point. On a trip like this, the magic happens between island stops, not only while you’re walking around. With shade and seating, you can cool down after time ashore and still stay part of the day without feeling like you have to rush back for your stuff.

One more detail worth noting: the group size is capped at 60 travelers. That’s big enough to feel social, small enough that you’re not constantly shoulder-to-shoulder.

Koločep time: pebble beaches and island wandering at your pace

Your cruise includes stops at Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, and you get free time on each island rather than a nonstop march. When you arrive at Koločep, the captain gives brief info on what to see and do before you head off on your own.

Here’s what you should plan for on these Elafiti islands, in general: shaded areas with pine and carob tree stretches, small garden-like spaces, and lots of chances to unwind near pebble beaches. The tour also notes you can swim and snorkel, as long as you bring your own snorkeling equipment.

The best part of free time is control. If you want photos, walk slowly and pick your viewpoints. If you want a quick dip, go straight to the water. The drawback is that you’re responsible for finding your own groove, since the stops are not a guided walk through every site.

Lopud: where your “free time” becomes the activity

Lopud is one of the islands where the day can feel especially easy. Like the other stops, you step off, get a short captain orientation, and then you spend your time exploring whatever interests you most.

Across the three islands, you can expect things like ancient churches and chapels, plus castles and historic details that reward a slower stroll. Lopud’s appeal is the way it lets you mix light history spotting with straight-up relaxation. If you’re traveling with people who enjoy different styles of sightseeing, this stop tends to work because you can do either: a calm beach break or a wander through older-looking corners.

The practical thing to remember: you’re on an islands schedule. That means when you return to the boat, you’re done with the stop. So I’d time your “maybe I’ll swim later” plan early, not at the last second.

Šipan: more ancient details, more chances to slow down

Šipan is your third island stop, and by this point you’ve usually figured out what kind of day you’re having. If you liked the first two islands, you’ll likely appreciate Šipan because the tour’s highlights include more of those older elements such as churches, chapels, and castle-like ruins or structures you can look for around the island.

The free-time format stays the same: brief captain notes, then your own pace. This is where the trip can turn into your personal best moments, like finding a quiet spot for a photo, relaxing under shade, or fitting in one last swim before the boat heads back toward Dubrovnik.

If you’re not a fan of walking, don’t panic. You can still enjoy Šipan just by planning your shore time carefully, choosing a small area to focus on, and keeping your pace gentle.

Lunch on board: grilled hake, chicken, or vegetarian with seasonal salads

Lunch is one of the biggest reasons this cruise feels like more than a simple sightseeing outing. When you book, you choose your meal option:

• Fish: grilled hake with three seasonal salads
• Meat: grilled chicken breasts with three seasonal salads
• Vegetarian: grilled vegetables with three different salads

What I like is that it’s described as freshly prepared during the tour. The chef grills the lunch during the cruise, and lunch is served on board while you’re also enjoying unlimited drinks.

This is one of those details that makes the day smoother. You’re not hunting for a restaurant that might have a long wait or a menu you can’t predict. Instead, you’re eating as part of the trip, right where you’re already settled.

If you have dietary needs or allergies, the tour asks you to advise them during booking. That’s important here because the meal is planned in advance and prepared as part of the day.

Unlimited drinks: the social part of the cruise, without the pressure

During the trip, you can help yourself to unlimited drinks, including red and white wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water. Lunch happens alongside these drinks, so the vibe can range from family-friendly casual to a slightly more celebratory mood.

My practical advice: treat it like a perk, not a requirement. If you want to stay fully alert for island exploring, stick to water or soft drinks and save the wine for meal time. If you do drink, keep an eye on your comfort level. You’ll be in and out of the boat during the day, and you still want to enjoy the time ashore.

Also, speakers play music onboard. If you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to pick your spot early, near shade but not directly in the loudest area.

Swimming and snorkeling: bring your own gear for the pebble beaches

The cruise notes that swimming and snorkeling are available, especially around the pebbly shorelines. The key detail is that you should bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Pebble beaches can feel different than sandy ones. You might want water-friendly footwear for easier steps, especially if you plan to spend time in the water. And if you like snorkeling, don’t rely on finding gear on arrival, because the tour specifically places the responsibility on you.

This is also a good day for a simple swim kit. Pack sunscreen you’re okay reapplying, a towel, and a dry bag for your phone or camera if you have one.

Price and value: about $72.59 for a full-day, all-in vibe

At $72.59 per person, this tour lands in the “reasonable splurge” category for Dubrovnik. The value comes from stacking several things together that would cost extra if purchased separately: boat time between three islands, hotel pickup and the return transfer back to your accommodation area, and a lunch that includes your choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian.

Then there’s the part that tourists often remember even after they forget details: unlimited drinks. The tour includes both alcoholic beverages (wine and grappa) and non-alcoholic options (soft drinks and water), which can meaningfully reduce what you spend during the day.

One thing to budget separately: entrance fees to local monuments are not included. If you’re planning to enter churches or other sites, it helps to have some spending cash or a payment option ready.

Weather is the hidden variable in any Elafiti cruise

The tour requires good weather. When conditions aren’t right, you may face changes, including cancellation with an alternative date or a full refund. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t book. It means you should plan your Dubrovnik days with flexibility.

If your schedule is tight, try not to place this as the only day you can’t move. And once you’re on your trip, keep an eye on communication from the operator so you’re not standing around wondering what’s happening.

Who should book this Dubrovnik islands boat tour, and who might not love it

I’d steer you toward this cruise if you want a classic Dubrovnik-adjacent day: boat ride, three island stops, time to swim, and a real lunch served during the outing with unlimited drinks. It works well for couples, friends, and groups who want a relaxed structure where you decide how much you wander.

You might want to rethink it if your idea of an island day is nonstop guided sightseeing or if you get frustrated when free time is mostly your own plan. Because the stops include independent exploring, some people end up feeling like they wanted more organized things to do on land.

It also helps to know what kind of tour guide you’ll get. On some departures, guides like Natasha are called out for being particularly good at giving clear island explanations, which can genuinely improve your day because you’ll know what to look for while you’re on your own.

Should you book this tour? My decision guide

Book it if you want the easiest way to enjoy the Elafiti Islands without extra planning, and you like the idea of paying once for transport plus lunch plus unlimited drinks. The boat comfort, the smallish group size (up to 60), and the fact that lunch is prepared during the cruise are big wins.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you’re chasing major museum-style sightseeing or you know you dislike beaches and downtime. This trip is more about moving through three islands at a calm pace, swimming when you feel like it, and eating and drinking while the day unfolds.

If you do book, my simple prep list is: pack swim gear and your snorkeling equipment, wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and budget a little for any monument entrances you choose to visit.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the boat tour?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

How long is the Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

Which islands are visited during the cruise?

The tour stops at Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is lunch included, and what are the meal options?

Lunch is included. You can choose fish (grilled hake with three seasonal salads), meat (grilled chicken breasts with three seasonal salads), or vegetarian (grilled vegetables with three different salads).

Are beverages included, and are drinks unlimited?

Yes. The tour includes beverages, including unlimited red or white wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The tour notes that you should bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Are entrance fees to monuments included?

No. Entrance fees to local monuments are not included.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

It requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.