Luxury Elaphite Islands half day Cruise with lunch Apreamare

Dubrovnik looks different from open water. This luxury Elaphiti Islands cruise pairs a smooth Apreamare boat day with real island time, snorkeling gear, and lunch at a local spot. I especially like the mix of stops, with swimming and cave sights on the Elaphiti side, plus the chance to slow down on smaller islands instead of fighting Dubrovnik crowds. I also like the onboard hosting, where names like Elisa pop up in the experience, along with generous drink service for adults. One thing to think about: you are on a boat with multiple swim and transfer moments, so plan for sun and salt, and keep shoes for rocky shore landings in mind.

You start at Gruž Market (Obala Stjepana Radića 21) with departure at 9:00 am and return around 3:00 pm. The route is built around Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with highlights like Šipan’s Blue Cave and Koločep’s lunch, plus time for beaches, short village walks, and taste-focused breaks like wine and olive oil.

If you want a day that feels like luxury without turning into a museum tour, this is a strong fit. It is also described as a private tour for your group, so the pacing tends to feel more relaxed than big-group island hops.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Apreamare comfort on the water, paired with included snorkeling gear and SUP (stand up paddle)
• Three islands in one day: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, so you get variety without long ferry schedules
• Real time for swimming, with cave and beach moments, not just quick photo stops
• Lunch on Koločep with a restaurant-style meal and choices like fish, chicken, or vegetarian reported
• Adult drink service (18+) plus water, soda, and onboard refreshments included

Why This Apreamare Elaphiti Cruise Feels Like a Dubrovnik Upgrade

The Elaphiti Islands are only a short ride from Dubrovnik, but they change the whole mood of your trip. On land, you see stone, steps, and crowds. On the water, you get open sky, long views, and that calm feeling you came to Croatia for in the first place.

What makes this cruise feel upscale is the combination of boat, included extras, and pacing. You are not just cruising past coastlines. You have scheduled stops where you can swim, snorkel, and actually get out on the islands. The included snorkeling equipment matters too, because it means you can spend your energy on the water instead of shopping in Dubrovnik for gear.

Another underrated value point is the drink setup. For adults 18+, alcoholic beverages are included, and from the overall tone of the experience it sounds like the crew keeps refreshments flowing during the day. That is the kind of detail that makes a half-day island plan feel more like a full travel memory.

Timing, Pickup, and What 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Really Means

The day runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, but you should think in terms of a full, well-managed outing. The meet-up is Gruž Market, and pickup is offered, which is helpful if you do not want to coordinate rides or drag beach items across town.

Here is how the time likely breaks down in a way that matters to you:

• Morning departure gives you time to reach the islands before the hottest part of the day.
• Each island stop has a defined window, so you can plan your swimming and photo breaks without worrying about missed departures.
• Lunch lands on one of the islands (Koločep), so you can eat away from the boat instead of grazing quickly onboard.

One practical consideration: you will be moving between islands, then re-entering the water or boarding again. That makes packing smarter than glamorous. Keep it simple: swimwear under dry clothes, a towel you can manage, and something with grip for uneven rocky edges when you step in and out.

Koločep Island: Bays, Sea Caves, Two Villages, and Lunch

Koločep is the island stop that reads like the best all-around mix of scenery and downtime. You get time for beautiful bays, sea caves, cliffs, plus chances to wander the island’s small village areas. The plan also includes a short walk option, described as about 20 minutes across the island, which is perfect if you want a stretch without turning the day into a hike.

What I like about this stop is that it balances views with people time. You are not stuck only on a boat. You can choose to:

• Swim in calmer areas depending on where the crew stops,
• Check out shoreline caves and rocky points from the water,
• Walk between village pockets for a quick change of scenery.

The other big reason Koločep matters is lunch. Lunch is served at a small local restaurant, and the meal experience is reported as well organized, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian. That kind of restaurant-style lunch is a quality upgrade compared with buffet sandwiches, especially when you are working up an appetite after swimming.

One caution for Koločep and the other islands: the shorelines can be rocky and steps can be uneven. Comfortable water shoes or something similar can save you from a mid-trip limp.

Lopud Island: Beaches, Historical Village Stroll, and 1.5 to 3 Hours of Breathing Room

If you picture the Elaphiti day as a sequence of swim opportunities and short village moments, Lopud is the island that gives you the beach vibe.

The plan focuses on sand beaches and swimming spots, plus time to visit a historical village area. The stop length is described as about 1.5 hours in one part of the day plan, and about 3 hours in another part, so what you should take from it is this: you will have enough time to swim, get off the sand or rock, and still wander a bit before heading back onboard.

What makes Lopud valuable for your day is the option to do things at your own speed:

• If you want water time, you have it.
• If you want calm stroll time, you can browse village streets without feeling rushed.
• If you want simple people-watching with sea views, this is a good match.

Also, beaches on Lopud are a great reality check for your packing. You will want sunscreen that does not wash off instantly, and a hat that stays on in wind. Even on a half-day cruise, sun can hit hard when you are reflected off the water.

Šipan Island: Blue Cave Swim, Wine and Olive Oil Tasting, and Big-Island Variety

Šipan (sometimes written Šipan in route materials) is the biggest of the Elaphiti islands covered on this day, and it brings the “wow” factor that makes people book.

The highlights you should plan for include:

• A Blue Cave visit with time to swim,
• Time on a traditional village area,
• A wine and olive oil tasting experience in a small village.

The Blue Cave is exactly the kind of stop that can turn a simple boat day into something you remember years later, because it combines scenery with water access. This is also where snorkeling and swimming time can feel most rewarding, since you are focused on the cave area rather than only cruising by.

The tasting break adds depth beyond the water. You are not just collecting photos. You get a chance to taste local flavors tied to how these islands actually live, with wine and olive oil serving as the story starters.

Two small practical points here:

• Wear swim-friendly clothes you do not mind getting damp again after leaving the water.
• If you want to buy souvenirs, do it after you taste, not before. You will have a better sense of what you liked.

Onboard Inclusions That Actually Change Your Day

This cruise is built around included extras that make the day smoother, not just more expensive.

What is included:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you can snorkel without renting or bringing your own)
• Stand up paddle (SUP)
• Bottled water and soda/pop
• Restroom on board
• All fees and taxes
• Alcoholic beverages for adults 18+ (and other beverages for everyone)

What that means for you: you can spend less time preparing and more time doing. If you show up with basic swim items, you should be set.

From the overall tone of the experience, the crew attention also tends to be a standout. Names like Elisa show up in the way people describe the day, with consistent praise for friendly help and upbeat service. That matters because on a multi-stop cruise, small things like timing the handoffs, keeping people comfortable, and checking in with swimmers are what separate smooth from stressful.

One more practical item: tipping is not included. If service feels great, tip accordingly. It is a small extra cost, but it fits the hands-on, hospitality-driven nature of this kind of day.

Price and Value: Is $889.37 Per Person Worth It?

At $889.37 per person, this is not a budget island cruise. The price makes sense only if you treat the day as a premium activity, not a cheap transport day.

So, where does the value come from?

• You are paying for a luxury boat day style, with an Apreamare vessel and comfort-focused inclusions.
• You get multiple islands in one outing, plus time on land and in the water.
• Snorkeling equipment and SUP are included, which can add up if you would otherwise rent.
• Lunch is included, and reported meal choices include fish, chicken, and vegetarian.

If you are comparing this to a DIY day with ferries, taxis, and rented gear, the cost can feel heavy. But if you value convenience, time, and a hosted day where you do not have to plan the moving parts, this starts to look more reasonable.

My practical rule: if you would otherwise pay separately for boat comfort, lunch, gear, and adult drinks, then the bundle becomes easier to justify. If you only want a quick look and you are fine planning transport yourself, a different style of tour may fit better.

The Group Size Feel: Private Tour Energy

This is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That matters for comfort and flow.

In practice, a private setup often means:

• You can move at a pace that fits your group,
• The crew can focus attention without crowd juggling,
• You can have a calmer day when you want photos, quiet swimming, or slower village strolling.

That private tone also matches why many people describe the day as relaxed and well handled. When the crew can stay organized, it shows in the small moments, like making sure you are ready to board and that lunch time does not feel rushed.

Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Might Skip It)

This cruise fits best if you:

• Want real island time on the Elaphiti islands, not just a ride past the shore,
• Care about comfort and included extras like snorkeling and SUP,
• Prefer fewer planning tasks and a day hosted end to end,
• Like a mix of swimming, short walks, and a good lunch.

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want a pure sightseeing day with minimal water time,
• Get uncomfortable with boat transfers and stepping in and out around rocky shorelines,
• Are trying to keep costs very low.

Should You Book This Luxury Elaphiti Islands Cruise With Lunch?

I would book it if you are aiming for a Dubrovnik day that feels special without being complicated. The combination of Koločep lunch, Lopud beach time, and Šipan highlights like the Blue Cave and tasting experience gives you a well-rounded island day. The included snorkeling gear, SUP, and adult drink service also push it into a true luxury-leaning experience.

I would pause and compare if you are sensitive to weather disruptions or you dislike boat-based days with multiple swims. Since the experience requires good weather, have a plan for how you’ll adjust if conditions are rough.

If you want a host-managed, swim-friendly Elaphiti day with a quality meal and the Apreamare touch, this one is a strong match.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and what time does it depart?

It starts at Gruž Market (Obala Stjepana Radića 21, 20000, Dubrovnik) and departs at 9:00 am.

What time does it end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point, with the return around 3:00 pm.

Which islands are visited during the trip?

The experience includes stops on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is lunch included, and where is it served?

Yes, lunch is included, and it is served at a local restaurant on Koločep.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are included only for guests aged 18+. Bottled water and soda/pop are included as well.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.