Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise with Drinks/Lunch Options

The best part of this day is the mix of three very different island stops and long stretches on the Adriatic. You can swim, walk, eat lunch at sea, and still return to Dubrovnik the same evening. I especially like the friendly crew, with guides such as Emily, Natasha, and Teo often singled out for warm, personal service, and I like that hotel pickup can remove a large bit of Dubrovnik transport fuss.

The main caution is the three-hour stop on Lopud. Some people love the long beach break, while others run out of things to do before the boat leaves. The Blue Cave is another consideration: it costs extra, but the speedboat ride and swim make it a strong add-on if sea conditions allow.

Key points at a glance

• Three Elaphite Islands in one day: Visit Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud without arranging separate ferries.
• Lunch on the boat: Choose chicken, fish, or a vegetarian meal when the lunch option is included.
• A useful Blue Cave add-on: The extra speedboat trip adds swimming and a striking cave visit near Koločep.
• A relaxed two-deck boat: The Emili has plenty of seating, good views, and two toilets.
• White wine and soft drinks included: The open bar lists white wine, water, juices, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta.
• The pacing is not equal at every stop: Koločep and Šipan are shorter visits, while Lopud gets about three hours.

Why this cruise works well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for its old walls, but the sea is where the city really opens up. This cruise gives you a full day away from the stone lanes and crowded viewpoints, with the chance to see the nearby Elaphite Islands without piecing together ferry schedules.

The trip lasts about eight hours. You leave Dubrovnik by boat, spend time on three islands, stop for swimming, eat lunch onboard, and return to the city in the late afternoon or evening depending on the schedule. The ride itself is part of the attraction. You get broad views of Dubrovnik from the water, fresh air, and time to sit back with a drink.

The boat is named Emili and has two decks. That matters on a full-day outing. You can find a seat in the shade, move upstairs for a better view, or spread out rather than staying in one fixed place. It is not a tiny private sailing trip, so do not expect a quiet boat for just a few people. Still, the extra space and two toilets make the day more comfortable than a basic transfer boat.

Starting at the dock beside Dubrovnik’s bus station

If you do not select pickup, the meeting point is the dock next to the bus station. Look for the Emili. If you cannot find it, the operator asks you to call.

Pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik city area when that option is selected. You must contact the operator by email, phone, or WhatsApp before the tour to get your exact pickup time. The time depends on where you stay, and failing to make contact could mean missing the boat without a refund.

One small limitation matters here: pickup is not included for locations less than 1,000 meters from the starting point. Check the exact option and meeting instructions before you set out. That is much easier than rushing along the waterfront with swim gear and a hotel breakfast still in hand.

The cruise begins with roughly 30 minutes of sightseeing from the city. This opening stretch lets you settle in and see Dubrovnik from a different angle before the island stops begin.

Koločep: swimming, walking, and the optional Blue Cave

Koločep is usually the first island stop. You get about an hour for a photo stop, a short walk, swimming, or snorkeling. The island is a good first pause because you can choose your own pace. You might stay near the water, take a short nature walk, or simply enjoy the view from shore.

The Blue Cave option adds about an hour of swimming and snorkeling near Koločep. It is not included in the basic price, and the extra cost has been listed at around €20 per person in the supplied experiences. The add-on uses a speedboat, which becomes part of the fun. The fast ride gives the excursion more energy than the main cruise and offers a different view of the coast.

The cave itself depends on sea conditions and operating conditions. One guide adjusted the order and brought the group to the cave early because rougher water might have closed it later. That is a useful point: the schedule can change for good practical reasons. If the Blue Cave is high on your list, book the add-on only with the understanding that the sea controls the day.

You should bring swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling is included as an activity at the stops, but the supplied information does not promise that equipment is provided, so ask the operator if you need gear.

Šipan: a shorter look at island life

After Koločep, you spend about an hour cruising before reaching Šipan. The stop lasts around 45 minutes. That is enough for a photo stop, a short guided introduction, and some free time, but it is not a long island exploration.

Šipan gives you a look at the traditional side of the Elaphites. Expect red-roofed stone houses and a quieter setting than Dubrovnik. You can take a short walk or follow the guide’s introduction, then return to the boat for the next sailing stretch.

I would treat this as a taste rather than a full visit. If you want long hikes, museums, or a slow village lunch on Šipan, this cruise will feel too quick. If your goal is to see several islands in one day, the brief stop does its job. It lets you collect a second island without sacrificing the swimming and longer beach time later.

Lopud: the main afternoon stop

Lopud receives about three hours, making it the heart of the shore time. The stop can include lunch, free time, walking, swimming, snorkeling, food tasting, and a visit toward the beach. The exact flow depends on the selected option and the day’s schedule.

The island is known here for traditional houses, pleasant shore views, and a sandy beach. That beach is a major reason the long stop works for some people. You can swim in warm water, take a walk, or spend a lazy hour near the sand. One useful tip from the crew is to use a golf cart to reach the beach and return, rather than assuming you must walk the whole way.

Still, three hours is a lot if you do not want a beach break. There may not be enough sightseeing for everyone to stay busy that long. If you prefer constant movement, Lopud can feel slow during the final hour. If you enjoy swimming, sun, and an unhurried afternoon, the same schedule feels generous.

The long stop also gives you a chance to explore without being rushed. You can take a self-guided walk, look for a quiet place by the water, or stay with the group for recommendations from the guide. Guides including Emily, Natasha, and Teo have been praised for keeping people informed and helping with practical choices during the stops.

Lunch at sea and what the open bar really includes

Lunch is served onboard, with chicken, fish, or vegetarian choices. The food is one of the stronger parts of the trip. Fish portions have been described as fresh, filling, and especially satisfying, although one meal raised a complaint about the potatoes and the use of hake rather than local Croatian fish.

That gives you a fair picture. This is not a fine-dining cruise, but the meal is more substantial than a token sandwich. You can eat while looking across the Adriatic, which turns a necessary break into part of the outing.

The included drinks list covers white wine, water, apple juice, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta. The wine and soft drinks are available throughout the journey. Do not assume every alcoholic drink is included, since the stated open bar does not list spirits, beer, or other alcohol.

The relaxed drink service helps create a social mood onboard. Music has also been part of the atmosphere on some departures. If you prefer a very quiet cruise, this may not be the best match. If you like meeting people, listening to music, and having the crew check in regularly, the setup works well.

Guides and crew make a real difference

A long boat day can feel tiring if the crew is cold or disorganized. Here, personal service is a major strength. Emily, Natasha, Teo, and other crew members are noted for explaining the stops, serving drinks, helping with timing, and keeping the mood friendly.

That personal attention matters most when the schedule changes. One guide found a passenger who had missed the meeting point for the Blue Cave trip and helped arrange a second boat. That kind of practical care is more useful than a long speech about local history.

The guide language is English and Croatian. The tour includes information about the islands, Croatian history, and local culture, but this is not a specialist history tour. You are buying a social sightseeing day with useful commentary, not an academic lecture.

Is $53 good value?

At about $53 per person, the basic cruise offers a lot for a full day. You get the boat ride, three island stops, swimming opportunities, onboard toilets, and the option of lunch and drinks depending on the package you select. Hotel pickup and drop-off can add further value if you are staying outside the easiest walking area.

The price looks particularly strong if you want variety. Booking three separate island visits, arranging transport, and finding lunch would take more planning and might cost more once ferry tickets and meals are added. This cruise puts the day into one simple package.

Check exactly which version you are booking. Lunch, pickup, and possibly other extras depend on the selected option. The Blue Cave costs extra, but many people consider the speedboat ride alone worthwhile. I would add it if you want a more active day and are comfortable with the sea-condition risk.

Who should book this day on the Adriatic?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see several islands but do not want to plan the transport yourself. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and groups who enjoy swimming, easy walks, views, and a sociable boat atmosphere.

It is also a good choice if you want a break from Dubrovnik’s old town. The day gives you water time, island villages, a sandy beach, and a proper lunch without requiring an overnight stay.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat rides, crowded group settings, or flexible sea-based schedules. The three-hour Lopud stop may also be too long if beaches are not your thing. The information supplied about accessibility is inconsistent: the activity is described as wheelchair accessible in one place, but also listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. Contact the operator directly before booking if this affects you.

Practical details before you go

Bring swimwear and a towel. Wear shoes suitable for a short walk and protect yourself from the sun, since the day includes open water, shore time, and swimming.

The tour is subject to sea conditions. The Blue Cave can be affected most clearly, but the overall route and order may also change. Give yourself a little flexibility rather than scheduling an important appointment immediately after the stated return.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour finishes with drop-off in Dubrovnik, including a listed stop at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti.

Should you book the Emili cruise?

Book it if you want the easiest way to combine Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in one day. The best reasons are the friendly crew, filling onboard lunch, steady white wine and soft drinks, and the chance to swim at several points without changing boats all day.

Add the Blue Cave if you want more excitement and a speedboat ride, but do not treat it as guaranteed in poor sea conditions. Skip the tour if you want a quiet private boat, a detailed visit to one island, or a tightly controlled schedule. For most people looking for a full, good-value day from Dubrovnik, the Emili cruise is a practical choice, with Lopud’s long stop being the one detail to weigh carefully.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphite Islands cruise last?

The cruise lasts about eight hours, including sailing, island visits, swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area are included only if you select that option. You must contact the operator before departure to receive the exact pickup time.

Where do I meet the boat without pickup?

The meeting point is the dock next to Dubrovnik’s bus station. Look for the boat named Emili.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only with the selected lunch option. The available choices are chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

What drinks are included?

The listed drinks are white wine, water, apple juice, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta.

Is the Blue Cave included?

The Blue Cave visit is an optional extra and is not included in the basic cruise price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You may also want practical walking shoes for the island stops.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live tour guide service is available in English and Croatian.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

The tour is subject to sea conditions. The Blue Cave and the route order may be affected by the state of the water.