Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise with Drinks/Lunch Options

Three islands, one relaxed boat day in Croatia. I like how the tour includes hotel pickup (for Dubrovnik city-area locations), so you do not waste time getting to the dock, and I like that you get an open bar with lunch onboard, which keeps the day feeling effortless. The one consideration is that sea conditions can affect timing, especially if the Blue Cave stop is involved.

You sail from Dubrovnik to the Elaphite Islands for swimming, snorkeling, and short walks through small island settlements. There is also an optional Blue Cave add-on, and the crew may work it into the day when conditions make it most workable.

Key highlights at a glance

• Hotel pickup when you’re in the Dubrovnik city area, then straight to the boat dock
• Emili boat comfort, with two decks and seating plus two toilets
• Unlimited drinks included: white wine, water, juices, and soft drinks during the cruise
• Real time on three islands: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, with chances to swim and snorkel
• Onboard lunch with choices, including fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option
• Blue Cave is optional, and it can be prioritized depending on sea conditions

Elaphite Islands in one day, without the stress

Dubrovnik’s old city can feel intense in peak season. This cruise gives you a quick, practical escape, with open water time built in and islands that feel calmer than the stone streets back on the coast.

You get that classic Adriatic rhythm: boat ride for views, island breaks for swimming and strolling, then back aboard for food and drinks. If your idea of a great day is moving slowly enough to actually enjoy it, this hits the sweet spot.

Getting to the dock, and finding the Emili

Your day starts either with optional pickup in the Dubrovnik city area or with a dock meeting point near the bus station area. If you choose pickup, you are required to contact the provider to get the exact pickup time for your location, and the tour warns that missing pickup or not contacting them can mean no refund.

If you are meeting at the dock, board at the dock next to the bus station. The boat name is Emili. If you have trouble spotting it, you are told to call the activity provider.

Quick practical tip: if you are using pickup, double-check where your pickup pin lands on the map before you wait outside. In Dubrovnik, a “short walk” can still take longer than you think.

Onboard setup: two decks, wind-in-your-hair sailing, and included drinks

This is a full-day cruise, but it is not a stuffy sightseeing bus with a tiny glass of something at the end. The boat runs with two decks, lots of seating, and good sightlines over the sea and coastline.

One of the biggest perks is the included drink list. You get unlimited white wine plus water, apple and orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta throughout the cruise. Reviews also hint that other alcohol might not be included, so if you want a specific spirit, do not assume it is free.

Also, the boat has two toilets, which matters more than people think on an 8-hour day out. And yes, you will feel the wind when you are out on deck, which is half the fun on an Adriatic crossing.

Koločep Island: the easiest landing, best for swimming and a quick nature wander

Koločep is your first island break after the first short sightseeing cruise. You typically get about an hour there, with a mix of photo stops, a visit, and time to wander.

What I like about this stop for you is that it works as a warm-up. You can do a short walk, then pivot to swimming or snorkeling when you feel like it, instead of rushing through everything.

Koločep also tends to reward people who like “small moments.” Think: clear water, coves where you want to jump in, and island viewpoints that look great from the water even if you only spend an hour on land.

Blue Cave option near Koločep: when it’s worth paying extra

During the day, there is an option to visit the Blue Cave. The schedule you get depends on sea conditions, and the tour notes the whole experience is subject to them.

From guest stories, the cave side trip can be prioritized earlier if the sea looks like it might make later access harder. If you see it offered as an add-on, I would treat it as a “plan A if you care about a unique swim stop.”

Some people do pay extra for it, and one couple said they upgraded for €20 each. A few other guests called it the highlight because the cave experience is unlike the shoreline swimming you get at the islands.

The practical trade-off: the cave adds time and can be affected by weather. If you are the type who gets stressed by changes, keep your expectations flexible.

Šipan: guided tour time, then breathing room on a quieter island

Šipan is where the day adds a little structure. You have a guided tour component plus free time, with about 45 minutes on the island.

This stop is often described as more about the island’s feel and built environment. You can look for the red-roofed, stone houses that are traditional here, then mix a walk with downtime in the shade if you want a breather after swimming.

One reason I think this island fits the overall day: it balances the “jump in the water” energy with something slower. It gives you a chance to see island settlement patterns up close, not just beach time.

Lopud Island: your long hangout, lunch with wine, and a real swim window

Lopud is the island with the longest break, about 3 hours. That makes it the easiest stop to shape around your mood: you can snorkel, swim, stroll, or simply sit and watch the water.

Lopud is also where the meal experience lands. You get lunch onboard, and the cruise includes wine plus the rest of the soft drink and juice options. The food is offered in choices like chicken, fish, or vegetarian.

In the real world, the big plus here is timing. A 3-hour block means you can go for a swim, eat without rushing, and still have time to walk off the lunch.

Now the balanced note: a couple of guests felt that 3 hours on the last island was too long, especially if you do not use that time for beach hopping or snorkeling. If you prefer “more stops, less sitting,” you might want to set your expectations that Lopud is the slow, relaxing finale.

Lopud also includes the kind of island details that make Dubrovnik feel like a base, not a cage. Some guests mention sandy beach time and small finds like critters spotted while snorkeling, which is exactly the sort of thing you miss if you only do quick photo stops.

Lunch on the boat: what you should expect from the menu

Lunch onboard is included if your option includes it. You can usually choose between chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes.

A nice detail from guest comments: fish is often described as surprisingly good, with portions that feel satisfying rather than token-sized. The bread-and-butter of this cruise is that you do not have to hunt for food in town mid-day, and you can eat in the same relaxed environment you are sailing in.

There can be small variation in how people rate side items. One guest mentioned potatoes were not their favorite, but overall the lunch gets strong marks for freshness and portion size.

If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian, the data you have here does not spell out alternatives. So if you need something specific, contact the provider before you go.

The day’s pacing: why the schedule usually works

The cruise is about 8 hours total. You move between islands with short sightseeing cruises, and each island break has a structure that encourages you to do at least one key activity on land, usually walking and swimming.

One reason this works well is that it prevents the two extremes of island days. It avoids being too fast, where you barely step off the boat, and it avoids being too slow, where the whole day feels stuck in one place.

Also, the timing around the Blue Cave shows the crew is thinking about sea conditions. In other words, the day is not guaranteed to follow a rigid script if the water changes.

Price and value: what $53 is buying you

At about $53 per person, the value is strongest when you want three things in one package: transport off Dubrovnik’s doorstep, food included, and drinks included.

Here’s how the numbers look in real-life terms:

• Lunch is included if you pick the lunch option, with choices like fish, chicken, and vegetarian.
• Unlimited drinks during the cruise include white wine plus water, juices, and soft drinks.
• The boat experience includes two decks, seating for views, and two toilets.
• A live guide operates in English and Croatian and is there to help you understand what you’re seeing.

The only “watch outs” on value are the things you might want outside what is listed. For example, if you want alcohol beyond the unlimited set, some guests suggest it may not be free. And if you specifically care about the Blue Cave, plan for it to be optional and potentially an extra cost depending on how it is offered.

Still, for an 8-hour day that hits multiple islands, avoids transport hassles, and feeds you, this is priced like a solid day trip, not a luxury charter.

Who this cruise is perfect for

You will probably love this if:

• You want an easy day from Dubrovnik with pickup options and a guided structure
• You like swimming and snorkeling and want multiple chances without planning your own boat
• You want lunch plus unlimited drinks so you can focus on scenery instead of budgeting
• You prefer island breaks that are long enough to actually feel like an escape

It is also a good fit for solo travelers. The vibe tends to be social and light, with crew attention noted repeatedly in guest feedback.

Who should think twice

This tour is not a great match if you need mobility-friendly access. The information you have lists not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users, even though it also states wheelchair accessibility in the same data set. That conflict is a red flag.

If wheelchair use or limited walking is part of your situation, contact the provider before booking and ask how boarding works and whether the activity is genuinely manageable for you.

Also, if you dislike sea days, keep in mind the tour is subject to sea conditions. That does not mean it is always cancelled, but it does mean plans can shift.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Elaphite cruise?

I would book this if you are spending time in Dubrovnik and want a one-day island hit that feels practical and fun. The combination of Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, plus included lunch and the included drink set, is exactly how you turn a day trip into a real highlight.

Skip it or at least question it if you strongly prefer land-based sightseeing only, you hate any uncertainty tied to sea conditions, or you want more active island-to-island hiking and less time sitting back on Lopud.

My decision guide: if you want swimming time, boat views, and a relaxed meal without planning, this is a strong choice for your Dubrovnik schedule. If your priority is deep cultural immersion in one place, you might find a slower, single-island day better fits your style.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

Which islands are included in the trip?

You visit Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. The Blue Cave visit is offered as an optional part of the day.

Is lunch and any drinks included?

Lunch is included if you select the lunch option. Unlimited drinks are included during the cruise, including white wine, water, apple juice, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta.

Do I get hotel pickup in Dubrovnik?

Pickup is optional for Dubrovnik city-area locations, if you choose that option. You must contact the provider before the start of the tour to receive the exact pickup time.

Can I add the Blue Cave during the cruise?

Yes. During the tour, there is an option to visit the Blue Cave, and this part is subject to sea conditions.

What should I bring, and how do sea conditions affect the day?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour is subject to sea conditions, which means timing and whether certain stops are possible can change.