Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

The sea calms everything. This Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands cruise turns a long coastline into a full day of island time, swimming spots, and easygoing boat life on the RITA. You’ll visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with onboard Croatian wine and a live guide in multiple languages.

What I like most is the way the day balances sailing views with real free time. On Lopud, you get the longest stretch to hit Šunj Bay, walk the car-free roads, or hike up toward fortresses and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery. The other win is the food and drinks setup, especially the option for lunch onboard with fish, chicken, or vegetarian plus potato salad, alongside Croatian wine and soft drinks. The one thing to consider is timing in the off-season, since shops and restaurants on the islands may be closed or limited, so onboard lunch can be the smarter move.

Key things to know before you go

• RITA boat comfort: open top deck plus a lower air-conditioned saloon, with two onboard toilets and a crew of five.
• Real beach time on Lopud: up to three hours, including access to Šunj Bay and car-free walking areas.
• Šipan for vineyards and olive groves: one hour that’s more about scenic wandering than set-piece sights.
• Koločep for pine forest strolls and swims: a focused hour for swimming, snorkeling, and shade.
• Food and drinks are part of the value: included Croatian wine, water, soft drinks, and (if selected) lunch onboard.

Getting to the Islands: Boarding the RITA and Reading the Day

This is an 8-hour day trip designed to feel smooth rather than rushed. After you meet the boat named RITA at the pier, you start with a sightseeing cruise along Dubrovnik’s coastline, about 30 minutes of sea views before the first island stop.

The boat itself is built for mixed weather and mixed moods. There’s an open top for sun and photos, and a lower section with air conditioning if you want a break from heat or wind. I also like that the logistics are handled by a small crew of five, and you’re not guessing about basic comfort since the boat has two onboard toilets.

If you choose hotel pickup, it’s only within the Dubrovnik area. If your hotel is in a pedestrian-only zone or a hard-to-reach area, they confirm the nearest practical pickup point. Either way, the day stays straightforward: you get a ride to the harbor, you sail, and you return with drop-off at Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik to Lopud: Why This First Stop Matters Most

Lopud is usually the highlight, and the schedule reflects that. You get roughly three hours on the island, with a mix of photo time, sightseeing, free time, and optional activities like walking and hiking. There’s also time for swimming and snorkeling, plus shopping in the places that are open.

Lopud’s big pull is the contrast between easy beach lounging and walkable scenery. The island is car-free, so you don’t feel like you’re sharing the roads with traffic. You can head toward Šunj Bay for sandy shoreline time, then come back by foot for a more wandering style explore.

If you like taking the scenic route, Lopud is also where you can hike up to historical spots, including ancient fortresses and the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery. That’s a good fit for people who want more than just a quick swim stop, but it still works if you want the low-effort version, like sunbathing, a swim, and a slow stroll.

One practical tip: plan your day on Lopud around whether you’ll swim. If you’re mostly there for beach time, time your walk accordingly so you’re not scrambling between shade and water.

Lunch on the Boat After Lopud: Croation Flavors Without the Restaurant Hunt

If you select the lunch option, lunch is served onboard after the Lopud stop. You can choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and the meal includes potato salad. This is a big value point because it saves you from searching for meals during your limited island windows.

Food isn’t just about filling you up. The experience is built around Mediterranean flavors, including wine and local spices, plus homemade olive oil and homegrown vegetables. Even if you’re not a foodie, it’s nice to feel like the cruise is doing more than serving generic boat snacks.

Timing matters here. In the off-season, some island restaurants and shops may be closed, so having lunch onboard reduces stress. If you’re traveling late in the year, I’d lean toward the lunch option unless you’re confident you’ll find an open spot you like on Lopud.

Šipan Island: Olive Groves, Vineyards, and an Hour That Feels Like a Break

Next you sail to Šipan, the largest of the Elafiti islands. You’ll get about an hour there, including break time, a photo stop, and time for sightseeing, walking, and swimming.

This stop is less about a checklist and more about scenery and simple wandering. You’ll see landscapes shaped by vineyards and olive groves, so it’s a good island if you like quiet pace and “just look around” time. It also tends to work well even if you didn’t hike on Lopud, because the schedule leaves room for casual exploring.

One drawback to know: one hour can fly. If you want deeper town exploring or a specific viewpoint, you may want to keep expectations realistic. For me, this is where the cruise feels like the right kind of mix, because Lopud gives you the main chunk and Šipan adds variety without demanding a full day.

Koločep: Pine Forest Shade and Crystal-Water Swim Time

Your final island stop is Koločep. You’ll have about an hour, with photo time, sightseeing, a bit of free time, and shopping where available. Swimming and snorkeling are built into the plan too, so this is often the most refreshing stop of the day.

Koločep is known here for the feel of its natural spaces, especially the pine forests. If you want a break from sun, you can do an easy stroll with shade instead of burning through beach time. And since you’re coming off the first two islands, this stop can feel like the payoff hour, where you slow down and focus on water and scenery.

As with Šipan, the tradeoff is time. You can absolutely swim and walk a bit, but you won’t do a deep dive exploration in an hour. Still, it’s a strong ending because it wraps the cruise around the clearest, most relaxing moments.

Drinks, Snacks, and the On-Board Rhythm You’ll Actually Enjoy

This cruise isn’t shy about drinks. Throughout the trip, you get Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks. Additional drinks are available for purchase onboard, so you can top up if you want something beyond the included set.

What stands out is the way the drink service keeps moving. Many people note that crew members circulate regularly with drinks, and there are even mentions of extra items like juice rounds and local liqueur shots, plus wafers on board. I’d treat that as a bonus, not a guarantee, but it fits the general vibe: the day feels cared for instead of “here’s a drink, good luck.”

During the lunch portion, wine and water are also offered, which helps the whole meal feel integrated rather than a rushed pause. If you’re traveling with people who enjoy social boat time, this part usually lands well because it makes the cruise feel like a shared experience, not just transportation between islands.

What to Bring for Sun, Steps, and Snorkel Time

You’ll have a lot of outdoor time, and the islands are easiest to enjoy when you’re prepared. Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to walk or hike, plus sunglasses and a sun hat for the deck and beaches. Sunscreen is a must, especially because you’ll spend long stretches on open water and sun-facing stops.

If you want to snorkel, know that snorkeling equipment is not included. Towels aren’t included either, so plan to pack your own swim towel. Swimwear and a camera are both smart because you’ll get plenty of chances for coastline photos and island viewpoints.

Also, keep in mind that onboard toilets are available, and they’re described as clean and well cared for. On the islands, toilet access may depend on what’s open nearby, so it’s worth using the onboard facilities when you’re back on the boat.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands cruise is a great choice if you want variety without the hassle of building your own route. It’s ideal for people who like a mix of sailing views, swimming, and self-guided time on islands, especially if you want the “more than Dubrovnik” feeling in a single day.

It also suits travelers who appreciate value in included basics. For a set price, you’re getting island access across three destinations plus drinks, and possibly lunch onboard depending on your option. That combination is hard to beat if you would otherwise spend on ferry rides and then pay separately for food and drinks.

Who might not love it:

• If you need lots of time on one island, the hour-based structure may feel short. Lopud is the exception with the longest time.
• If you’re traveling with very young kids, the boat is open on the sides, and you’ll want to be extra mindful around deck edges and movement.
• If you’re visiting during late fall or off-season, some shops and restaurants on the islands may be closed, so plan around that by choosing lunch onboard or pre-deciding what you’ll do on free time.

Should You Book the Dubrovnik Elaphite Island Cruise with Drinks and Optional Lunch?

Yes, I’d book it if you want an easy, scenic day that covers the Elafiti Islands with swim time, included drinks, and a realistic amount of island freedom. Lopud is the anchor stop, and the optional onboard lunch is a smart add-on when island services are limited.

I’d skip or reconsider if your top priority is a deep, long exploration of just one island, or if you’re not comfortable with the “fixed schedule” feel of hour-long stops after your longer Lopud window.

If you do book, arrive with sun protection, comfortable shoes, and your own snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel. Then you can focus on what makes this trip work, coastline views on the RITA, sandy beach time on Lopud like Šunj Bay, and a calm end on Koločep with pine shade and a final swim.

FAQ

Which islands does this Dubrovnik Elafiti cruise visit?

It visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

How much time do I get on each island?

You’ll have about 3 hours on Lopud, about 1 hour on Šipan, and about 1 hour on Koločep.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes drinks such as Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks. If you select the lunch option, lunch is included onboard.

Is lunch included, and what are the choices?

Lunch is included only if you choose the lunch option. The onboard lunch choices are fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and it comes with potato salad.

Are towels and snorkeling equipment included?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Where do I meet the boat, and what’s the agency name to look for?

The boat is called RITA and it docks at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and available only in the Dubrovnik area. If you choose pickup, you’ll be told where to meet your driver.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live guide is available in English, Croatian, Italian, and German.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.