Island Hopping & City Walls Cruise with Food and Open Bar

One day that feels like four different mini getaways. This Dubrovnik cruise hops the Elaphite Islands and gives you lunch plus wine, with a relaxed pace and enough time to actually enjoy the water.

I love that you get a real food break included. Lunch lets you choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and you also get bottled water on board.

The one thing to think about is timing, especially the 2 hours on Lopud. If you want a specific beach far enough away to require extra logistics, it can feel tight.

Quick hits to know before you go

• Real swimming stops on Koločep and Šipan, plus beach time on Lopud
• Lunch is included with a clear choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• Wine and restroom on board make the day easier than a self-planned ferry hop
• Old Town time is built in (and you may catch sunset on the way back)
• Smaller logistics, up to 120 people for the whole boat day

Why this Dubrovnik Elaphite cruise works on a busy day

If your Dubrovnik trip is short, you need a plan that gives payoff fast. This one is built around island time, not endless transit, and it still saves you a chunk of Dubrovnik itself. You’re out for about 7 hours, and it starts at 10:45 am, so you avoid the early-morning scramble.

What makes it especially attractive is the “day package” feel. You get your food sorted, you get drinks covered (wine is included), and you do not have to coordinate island-to-island connections on your own. That matters because the Elaphites are easy to reach, but harder to piece together neatly if you want to avoid waiting around.

Also, this tour caps at 120 travelers. It is not a tiny private boat, but it also does not feel like a floating stadium. The schedule is short at each stop for a reason, so you can keep moving without feeling rushed all day.

Timing and logistics: 10:45 start, four stops, back to Dubrovnik

Here is the rhythm you should expect. You start at 10:45 am and end back where you started. The itinerary is organized into four main parts, with quick island “tastes” first and the longer island time later.

That late-morning start is a hidden win. You get a slower start in Dubrovnik, then you spend the middle of your day on the islands. One review noted the boat being convenient if you are staying near the Sheraton area, since the pickup point can be right by the water. Even if you are not there, it helps you plan your morning around one pickup instead of multiple transfers.

Plan to treat the islands like a sequence of chances, not a full day on one place. You will swim, walk a bit, grab your meal, and then pivot again. If you love that style, you will likely have a smooth day.

Koločep Island: first swim break and an easy early pace

Koločep is your first island stop, with about 45 minutes on the ground. In that chunk of time, you are really choosing between a quick swim and a short walk. The good part is that Koločep is close enough that you can settle quickly and feel the day start working.

This stop is also ideal if you want a low-pressure first taste. You do not need to think too hard about what to do. If the water calls, you can just jump in. If you prefer land time, a short stroll is enough to get your bearings and find a nearby spot to relax.

Admission is included for this stop. So you can focus on spending time enjoying the island rather than worrying about tickets once you are there.

Šipan and the Skočibuha summer house: a quick look at a bigger island

Then you head to Šipan, one of the larger islands in the archipelago. The stop is about 40 minutes, and the itinerary includes a brief visit to the summer house Skočibuha, plus time to swim.

This is the kind of stop where you should set your expectations correctly. Forty minutes is not for deep exploration. It is for seeing a highlight, walking through what you can comfortably, and squeezing in a swim before you move on.

If you are the type who likes variety, this is a good match. You get to say yes to water time without losing the variety that makes island hopping fun in the first place.

Lopud: the longest stop, your best chance at a beach day

Lopud is where the schedule shifts from short tastes to the main event, with about 2 hours. Admission is listed as free, and this is also described as one of the most popular islands in the Elaphites.

During those 2 hours, you can go for a swim, hang out, and still have time for a short walk. If you walk to the other side of the island, you can get to the area associated with the beach called Šunj.

Here is the practical consideration. One review described how reaching Šunj can mean a short walk plus a paid golf cart ride (about 3 euro each way, in cash). That rider cost is not part of the core tour price, so you should treat it as an optional add-on. Because of that extra back-and-forth time, you may find your actual time on Šunj feels more like a late bonus than the main beach block.

If your top priority is one long beach session, you might feel the time crunch here. If your priority is seeing multiple islands and still getting beach time, Lopud hits the right note.

Dubrovnik Old Town stop: orientation time plus sunset on the return

Back in Dubrovnik, you get about 1 hour 30 minutes in Old Town. This is not a full “walls all day” visit, but it is enough to reset, take a breath, and get your bearings in the historic core.

One nice detail is the mention of sunset on the way back to the port. That means you may catch that Dubrovnik light as you are leaving, even if your Old Town time lands earlier.

Use this block in a smart way. If you plan to walk the city walls later in your trip, treat this stop as a warm-up. If you prefer lower-key sightseeing, you can use the time for quick photo stops and a coffee or gelato on foot, then wrap up your day without needing another long commitment.

What you get on board: lunch choices, wine, water, and a restroom

This tour’s onboard perks are one of the biggest reasons the value holds up.

Lunch is included, and you choose

Lunch is included, and you can pick between fish, chicken, or vegetarian. That choice matters when you travel with picky eaters or dietary needs. It also makes the tour feel complete, since you are not scrambling for lunch once you are away from Dubrovnik.

Drinks include wine, and there is typically no coffee/tea

You get alcoholic beverages (wine) and bottled water. You do not get coffee or tea included, so if that is your morning habit, plan to grab it before you head out.

One review also mentioned that there can be a 3 euro cup fee for unlimited drinks, with the option of a refund at the end of the day. Since this is not spelled out in the core inclusions, I would treat it as a possible in-person setup rather than a guarantee. Still, it is useful to know because a small extra charge can affect your budget if you were counting on everything to be fully covered.

Comfort items you will appreciate

The boat has a restroom on board, which sounds basic until you have been stuck on a day tour without one. Also, one review noted that Dramamine was available since the ride can be a little rough on the way out. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is worth keeping that in mind.

What is not provided

Snorkeling equipment is not included, and WiFi on board is not included either. If you care about photos and messaging, plan to rely on your own data.

Price and value: $84.66 includes a lot of what most people pay for anyway

At $84.66 per person, you are paying for the convenience of a full day that already includes the hard parts: lunch, wine, and the structured island stops.

If you try to do this yourself with local ferries, you can potentially pay less on paper. But the trade-off is time and coordination. One practical point from the experience is that stitching together island stops, especially between places like Šipan and other islands, can be tricky without a plan. Waiting around for the “right” connection can eat the day faster than you expect.

This is also where the included meal makes the math easier. You are not just buying transportation and a swim break. You are buying a prepared lunch and the onboard extras that keep the day comfortable.

Is it worth it? For most people doing a first Elaphites day out of Dubrovnik, yes. If you are already an expert ferry rider who loves building your own schedule and you do not care about lunch being included, then it might feel priced for convenience. But for a well-organized day where you avoid logistics, the price is hard to beat.

Who should book this Dubrovnik tour, and who might pass

This tour is a strong fit if you want an organized day that still feels like an adventure. You get multiple islands, planned time to swim, and a built-in Dubrovnik Old Town stop.

I would especially point you toward this if:

• You want a first introduction to the Elaphites without doing homework
• You like a schedule that keeps moving, not a single long stop
• You value lunch plus wine so you can relax instead of shopping and planning

You might want a different option if:

• You want lots of time on one beach, because Lopud’s 2 hours can feel short for a more complicated beach detour
• You expect snorkeling gear to be provided, because it is not included
• You want coffee or tea as part of the day, because it is not included

Should you book this island hopping and Old Town cruise?

I think it is a smart booking for the majority of Dubrovnik visitors who want an efficient, enjoyable Elaphites day. The best reason to book is simple: you get island variety plus an included meal and wine, and the schedule is built so you can actually enjoy each stop.

If your top priority is one long beach day with maximum beach time, you may feel the time limits on the main island stop. But if you want the classic “we saw the islands and had time to swim” experience, this hits that goal without turning your day into a juggling act.

If you can do only one boat day from Dubrovnik, this is the style that usually works best.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What time does it start, and when does it end?

It starts at 10:45 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Which islands and how much time do you get at each stop?

Koločep has about 45 minutes, Šipan about 40 minutes, Lopud about 2 hours, and Old Town about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Bottled water is also included.

Is alcohol included, and is coffee or tea included?

Alcoholic beverages (wine) are included. Coffee and tea are not included.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor weather.