Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

Island time starts just beyond Dubrovnik. This eight-hour cruise with Marinero takes you along the Dalmatian coast to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with time for swimming, walking, beaches, and quiet coves. I especially like the long three-hour stop on Lopud, which gives you time to reach Šunj Bay instead of merely photographing it from the dock. I also like the friendly service on the boat, where drinks are regularly offered and the crew keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed.

The main thing to consider is that Šipan and Koločep receive only about an hour each. That is enough for a short walk or swim, but not enough for a serious island visit. The trip works best if you want a relaxed overview of the Elaphite Islands, not a slow, in-depth exploration of each one.

Five details that shape the day

• Lopud gets the most time: You have roughly three hours for Šunj Beach, the promenade, swimming, shopping, or a walk toward old churches and fortifications.
• Three islands, three different moods: Lopud offers the best mix of beach and walking, Šipan brings vineyards and olive groves, and Koločep is the quietest stop.
• The boat is called Rita: Look for the MARINERO sign at the pier. Rita has an open upper deck, a lower air-conditioned saloon, and two onboard toilets.
• Lunch is optional: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal with potato salad if you want to save island time. Without lunch, you can eat on Lopud or bring your own food.
• Drinks are part of the experience: Water, soft drinks, Croatian wine, and selected refreshments are served, with extra drinks available to buy.
• Šunj Beach takes planning: You can walk there, but the path includes uphill and uneven sections. Golf carts may save time, though the return point is not right at the port.

Leaving Dubrovnik by boat

The day begins at the harbor, with hotel pickup available in the Dubrovnik area if you select that option. Pickup is useful if you are staying away from the port, but pedestrian-only streets and hard-to-reach addresses require a nearby meeting point arranged in advance.

At the pier, look for the boat named Rita and the MARINERO agency name. The first sailing along Dubrovnik’s coastline lasts about 30 minutes. This is a pleasant way to see the city from a different angle, with the stone walls and coastal hills receding behind you.

Rita has both open-air and indoor seating. The upper deck is the natural choice on a sunny day, while the lower air-conditioned saloon gives you shade and a break from the heat. The boat also has two clean toilets, a useful feature on a full-day outing, and five crew members look after the boat and passengers.

The atmosphere is social rather than formal. The crew serves drinks during the day, and the mood can become quite lively when groups are celebrating birthdays or special occasions. If you prefer a quiet cruise, the lower saloon may be a better place to sit.

Lopud: the day’s main event

Lopud is the first island and the clear centerpiece of the trip. You have around three hours here, enough to do more than take a quick look around the waterfront.

The island is car-free, which makes walking more pleasant. You can stroll along the settlement, browse small shops, visit churches, or follow paths toward older buildings and fortifications. The Saint Mary Franciscan monastery is one of the notable sights mentioned for the island, and the surrounding vegetation gives the walk a calm, rural feel.

The major choice is how to use your time. If you want a swim, head for Šunj Bay, the island’s famous sandy beach. This is one of the strongest reasons to book the cruise, since many boat trips offer only a short stop and leave little time to reach the best beach.

You can walk to Šunj, but the route includes uneven surfaces and some uphill sections. Golf carts operate on the route and can make the journey quicker. They may wait until they have enough passengers, and the drop-off is not directly at the harbor, so you should allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes to walk back. If swimming is your priority, go to Šunj first, then return to the waterfront for a walk and meal.

Bring your own towel, since towels are not supplied. Snorkeling equipment is also not included, although you are welcome to bring your own gear. The water around the islands is clear, and the stop is well suited to a swim when conditions are good.

Lunch on Lopud or lunch on Rita

The lunch decision affects how you spend your time. If you select the lunch option, you can eat on board, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food served with potato salad. Fish is a popular choice, and the meal is paired with drinks such as water and Croatian wine.

Eating on the boat is convenient. You do not need to spend part of your short island visit looking for a restaurant, and the meal fits neatly into the schedule. It also makes sense late in the season, when some island restaurants close or reduce their hours.

If you choose the drinks-only option, Lopud gives you a chance to buy food locally. There are usually options in the settlement, but availability can vary, particularly near the end of the season. You can also bring your own lunch, which keeps the cost down and gives you more control.

At about $50 per person, the basic trip offers strong value if you mainly want transport between islands, drinks, and time to explore independently. The lunch upgrade is worth considering if you dislike hunting for food during a busy day or want to maximize your time at Šunj Bay.

Šipan: vineyards, olive groves, and a short pause

After Lopud, the boat cruises for about 20 minutes to Šipan, the largest of the three islands. The stop lasts roughly one hour.

Šipan feels more rural than Lopud. Vineyards and olive groves are the main visual appeal, and the hour gives you time for a walk, photos, or a quick swim. This is not the place for a long hike or a detailed tour of the island. You are getting a brief taste of its countryside character.

The short stop is both a strength and a limitation. It keeps the full itinerary manageable, but you will need to choose one activity. If you want to walk, swim, and shop, the clock will win. I would treat Šipan as a scenic pause between the larger Lopud visit and the final swim stop.

The boat ride after Šipan lasts about 45 minutes. This is one of the longer stretches of open water, so it is a good time to sit back, take photos, or use the shaded saloon.

Koločep: the final swim

Koločep is the last island and the quietest stop. You have about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, a short walk, or a look around the small settlement.

Pine forests and clear water give Koločep a different feel from Lopud. There is less pressure to sightsee, and the stop works best as a final chance to get in the water. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes, because changing time can eat into an hour-long visit.

Do not expect a long island walk. The schedule allows for a short outing before the boat heads back to Dubrovnik. If you are more interested in beaches and water than churches or shops, Koločep may become one of your favorite stops.

The return sailing takes about 30 minutes, followed by drop-off at Lapadska obala 5 in Dubrovnik. If hotel transfer is included in your booking, the driver returns you to your agreed location in the Dubrovnik area.

Food, drinks, and the onboard mood

The food is designed to be simple and practical rather than elaborate. Fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate comes with potato salad, and homemade olive oil and homegrown vegetables add a local touch. The meal suits a day on the water, particularly when you want something filling before the afternoon swim.

Drinks are one of the better-value features. Water and soft drinks are available, and Croatian wine is served with lunch. The crew also offers refreshments during the day, including juice or lemonade, and some departures include small pours of local liqueur. Additional drinks can be purchased onboard.

The exact selection can vary, so I would not book this as a wine-tasting cruise. Think of the drinks as generous hospitality that keeps you comfortable between island stops.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive and clear about return times. Guides may speak English, Croatian, Italian, or German. Guides such as Azhar and Nikoleta have been singled out for friendly, helpful service, though your exact guide will depend on the departure.

How the schedule feels in practice

The itinerary is well balanced for a single day, but it is not slow travel. You spend about 30 minutes sailing from Dubrovnik, three hours on Lopud, 20 minutes sailing, one hour on Šipan, 45 minutes sailing, one hour on Koločep, and 30 minutes returning.

That makes Lopud the place where you can settle into the day. The other islands are quick visits, so keep an eye on the meeting time. The crew gives clear instructions, but it is still your responsibility to return to Rita promptly.

The boat’s open sides make it pleasant for views, but families with very young children should keep a close watch. One account described a toddler coming close to the edge more than once. The boat is not presented as a child-care setting, and parents need to supervise children carefully.

The trip can also become lively. Music, singing, and group celebrations are part of the atmosphere on some departures. That can be fun for social groups and birthday parties. If you want a silent, private boat ride, this is not the right format.

Best time to take the cruise

Warm months are best for swimming and beach time, but the Elaphite Islands also have appeal outside the peak season. In late October and November, the natural scenery can still be beautiful, while beaches and villages feel much quieter.

The tradeoff is that many restaurants and shops may be closed near the end of the season. If you are traveling in autumn, booking the onboard lunch is sensible, unless you plan to bring food. You should also expect swimming conditions to be less predictable than in summer.

A sunny day gives you the full benefit of the open deck and clear water. Still, the boat has an air-conditioned lower saloon, and the covered facilities make the cruise more manageable if the weather is not perfect.

Who will enjoy this island cruise?

I would recommend this trip if you want to see several islands without arranging ferries, taxis, restaurants, and beach transfers yourself. It is especially useful for a short Dubrovnik stay, since one day gives you a broad look at the nearby islands.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Swimming and beach time more than formal sightseeing
• A relaxed social boat atmosphere
• Independent exploration at each stop
• Simple local food and Croatian wine
• A good-value day away from Dubrovnik’s crowded old streets

You may want another option if you prefer private touring, long walks, serious snorkeling, or extended time on one island. Three islands in one day means sampling rather than staying put.

The cruise also suits mixed groups. One person can swim at Šunj, another can walk around Lopud, and someone else can stay onboard for lunch and coastal views. The main challenge is agreeing on meeting times, especially when the beach is a walk from the port.

Practical tips for getting more from the day

Wear comfortable shoes, not just flip-flops. Lopud’s paths can be uneven, especially on the way to Šunj Bay, and you may want to walk between the beach and the village.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera. Add a towel and snorkeling equipment because neither is supplied.

If you want Šunj Beach, make it your first priority on Lopud. Walking there is possible, but the golf cart can save time. Ask where the return point is before you set off, since it may leave you a short walk from the harbor.

If you do not book lunch, bring food unless you are traveling during the main season and are happy to rely on the restaurants on Lopud. In the quieter months, your choices may be limited.

Finally, keep your own watch or phone handy. The crew gives arrival and departure information, but three islands and several boat rides create plenty of chances to lose track of time.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

I would book it if you want excellent value at about $50, a friendly crew, included drinks, and a simple way to see Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in one day. The long Lopud stop and the chance to reach sandy Šunj Bay give the trip more substance than a cruise that only pauses for photos.

Choose the lunch option if you want convenience, especially outside the main summer season. Choose drinks-only if you prefer to eat independently or bring your own food.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet sailing experience, or several hours on every island. For most people looking for an easy, scenic day from Dubrovnik, though, Rita offers a lot of coastline, swimming, and island time for the money.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours, including sailing time and stops at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in the Elaphite Islands near Dubrovnik.

How much time is available on each island?

You have about three hours on Lopud, one hour on Šipan, and one hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The meal offers fish, chicken, or a vegetarian menu with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

Water, soft drinks, and Croatian wine are available during the cruise. Additional drinks can be purchased onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if selected, but only within the Dubrovnik area. Pickup details are sent by email, and nearby meeting points may be arranged for pedestrian-only or difficult-to-reach locations.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not provided, so bring your own if needed.