Dubrovnik: Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

I’m reviewing this Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise because it hits the sweet spot: three islands in one day, included drinks, and an easy pace for travelers who want scenery without complicated logistics. People consistently mention the guides (including Azhar and Nikoleta) for being clear, friendly, and helpful.

Two things I really like about this tour are the onboard comfort (an air-conditioned cabin plus open-air cruising) and the value: for the price, you get real time on islands, plus Croatian wine and soft drinks during the sailing. One thing to think about: if you’re traveling in late season, shops and restaurants on the islands can be closed, so your lunch plan matters.

Key Points at a Glance

• RITA boat experience: open-top views with a shaded, air-conditioned saloon
• Most time on Lopud (3 hours), including access to Šunj Bay and car-free exploring
• Optional onboard lunch with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian plus potato salad
• Drinks included, with Croatian wine and soft drinks served during the day
• Clean, practical setup: two onboard toilets and a crew of five
• Pickup optional within Dubrovnik area, with help finding the nearest reachable point

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Dubrovnik–Elaphite Islands Cruise Feels Like Good Value

For about $50 for an 8-hour day on the water, you’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying time. The schedule gives you a longer stretch on Lopud, plus shorter but meaningful stops on Šipan and Koločep, with swimming built into each island phase.

If you’re staying in Dubrovnik and want an island day without changing ferries, this is one of the cleanest options. The boat structure also helps: you get a comfortable lower salon when the sun is strong, and you can still enjoy big sea views up top.

Meeting the RITA Boat: Where to Find MARINERO and Crew

This tour boards on a boat called RITA. It docks at the pier, and you’ll want to look for the MARINERO agency name. Your crew will be ready to welcome you, which makes arrival less stressful than many independent island plans.

If you’re unsure where the boat is from the pier area, give yourself a little buffer time. Even with clear signage, Dubrovnik docks can feel like a small maze when you’re on vacation and juggling sunscreen, water, and your phone.

Hotel Pickup in Dubrovnik: When It Helps and When You Might Walk

Hotel pickup is optional and limited to the Dubrovnik area. If your hotel is outside pickup coverage, you’ll meet the boat at the dock.

There’s also a practical twist: if you’re in a pedestrian-only zone or an area that’s hard to reach by car, the operator will confirm the nearest possible pickup point ahead of time. That’s a smart detail. It saves you from the common travel headache of standing in the wrong spot while everyone else loads.

Onboard RITA: Air-Conditioned Comfort Plus Sea Views

RITA is set up for a very Dubrovnik style of day: cruise views on deck, with an air-conditioned place to cool down below. You’ll have an air-conditioned saloon on the lower level, plus open-top cruising space above.

Two other practical onboard details matter more than people think:

• Two toilets, kept clean and easy to access
• A crew of five, which usually translates into smoother timing and quicker help when questions pop up

Where you’ll sit can affect your day. If you like shade, aim for the lower section. If you want maximum sea views, the open-air upper deck is the move, but you’ll be more exposed to wind and sun.

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The Cruise Segment That Makes the Day Feel Like More Than an Island Hopper

You spend time sailing between stops, not just sprinting from shore to shore. There’s a short sightseeing cruise at the start, then additional travel time between islands, plus another sailing stretch on the way back.

That sailing time matters because it gives you that slow “I’m on vacation” feeling. You also get a better look at the Dubrovnik coastline from the water, which is different from seeing it from the promenade.

Lopud: 3 Hours That Can Be the Whole Trip

Lopud is where the day really breathes. You get about 3 hours, which is enough to swim, wander, and enjoy the island at a human pace.

What people love most here is the mix of easy exploration and beach time. Lopud is known for spots like Šunj Bay, and it’s also described as a car-free island, which makes walking around feel calmer and less traffic-y than you might expect in summer.

You’ll also have options beyond the beach:

• Photo stops and time to visit
• Time to walk and even hike for views and quieter nature
• A chance to see historical stops such as the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery and fortress areas

Tip for your timing: if you want the classic beach experience at Šunj Bay, plan to spend your strongest energy in the Lopud portion. The later island stops are shorter, so Lopud is your best bet for a full swim and a proper wander.

Šipan: The Island Stop That Feels Like a Scenic Food Walk

Next up is Šipan, the largest island in the Elaphiti group on this route. You’ll have about 1 hour for a break, photo stop, and sightseeing.

What this stop is best for is scenery and atmosphere rather than deep exploring. The island is described through its agricultural character: vineyards and olive groves. If you enjoy the Mediterranean landscape and want to feel like you’re stepping into a calmer version of Croatia, Šipan delivers that.

A drawback to keep in mind: with only an hour, you’ll want to pick what matters most to you. If you’re chasing beaches, prioritize swim time. If you’re chasing views, prioritize a short walk with a good vantage point.

Koločep: Pine Forest Moods and Quick Swim Time

Your final stop is Koločep, also about 1 hour. Here you get a photo stop, some free time, and more swim-friendly time in crystal-clear water.

Koločep is described with pine forest walks, so it’s a nice counterbalance to the beachy vibe. Think: short, walkable nature time plus time to cool off in the sea.

There’s also shopping time noted in the schedule. That matters because you may want a small souvenir or a snack stop for the ride home. Just don’t treat shopping as guaranteed; island services can vary by season.

Drinks and Wine: What’s Included and How It Changes the Day

This cruise includes drinks during the trip, with high-quality Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks. That’s a big part of the value, because you’d typically pay extra on a lot of similar boat trips.

On top of the standard included drinks, additional drinks can be purchased onboard. So you can keep it relaxed on the included portion or upgrade if you want.

Some travelers have also mentioned extra treats like juice rounds and small alcohol shots, which suggests the onboard service can feel generous during the day. Still, you should treat those as bonuses rather than a promise.

Lunch Option: A Convenient Meal That Keeps You Moving

You can choose a lunch option (if selected). Lunch is onboard and includes a choice of:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Vegetarian
  plus potato salad.

This matters because island time is limited on Šipan and Koločep. If you’re the type who doesn’t want to spend your precious beach hours hunting for food, onboard lunch is a smart trade.

One more helpful note: some travelers reported lunch is served after the first island stop. Either way, choosing lunch is usually the easiest way to avoid the off-season food squeeze.

What to Pack: Small Things That Make Big Comfort Differences

Even on a guided day trip, you’ll feel like you’re in charge of your comfort. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (some walking and uneven ground are possible)
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and sunscreen
• Camera (the coastline views are part of why you’re here)
• If you plan to snorkel: snorkeling gear (towels and snorkeling equipment are not included)

Also consider a light layer if you get chilly on the open deck when the wind picks up.

Off-Season Reality: When Shops and Restaurants Might Be Closed

One of the most honest pieces of practical advice from traveler experiences is that in late fall, some island restaurants and shops may be closed. That doesn’t ruin the day if you’re there for beaches, swimming, and views—but it can affect where you eat if you skip the lunch option.

If you’re visiting in October or November, I’d treat onboard lunch as the safer bet. It prevents your day from turning into an unplanned search mission.

Should Families Book It? One Safety Detail to Consider

This is a fun group day trip, and many travelers mention great onboard care. But there’s one practical consideration if you’re traveling with very young kids: the boat has open sides on parts of the deck.

One traveler flagged that this can be risky for toddlers who move unpredictably near the edge. Not the boat’s fault—just a real safety factor. If you bring kids, keep a close hand near open areas and choose your seating spot carefully.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• Stunning sea views from the boat without complex transportation
• A solid introduction to the Elafiti Islands trio: Lopud, Šipan, Koločep
• A day that mixes beaches, short walks, and relaxing sailing
• Included Croatian wine and soft drinks

It’s also a good choice for solo travelers who want structure but prefer freedom once you’re on the islands. And it works well for couples who want a calm day at sea with time to swim.

Possible Downsides to Know Before You Go

Every boat day has a few tradeoffs, and this one is no exception:

• Island time balance: Lopud gets the most time; Šipan and Koločep are shorter. If you want long beach-only time on every island, you may wish there was more time later in the day.
• Snorkeling gear not included: bring your own if you plan to snorkel.
• Toilets onboard are easy, but island restrooms may vary: you might find facilities limited once you step off the boat.
• Extra drinks cost more: included drinks are good, but upgrades are additional.

If you’re aware of those points, you’ll enjoy the trip more because you won’t feel surprised by how the day is paced.

How to Choose Lunch vs Drinks-Only

Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Choose the lunch option if you want convenience and fewer decisions once you’re on the islands, especially in off-season.
• Choose the drinks-only option if you prefer to eat at your own pace on Lopud and you’re confident you’ll find something open where you stop.

Either way, the included drinks and the sailing time make the cruise itself feel like the main event, not just transportation.

Should You Book This Elaphite Islands Cruise?

If you want an easy, well-organized day out of Dubrovnik with real island time, included Croatian wine, and a boat that’s actually comfortable, I think this is an excellent booking for most travelers.

Book it if you’re:

• Short on time and want three islands in one go
• Beach-and-views focused
• Interested in Mediterranean island flavors without planning every meal

Skip or choose carefully if you:

• Need lots of long stops on every island (Lopud is clearly the big one)
• Forgot snorkeling gear and don’t want to buy or improvise
• Are traveling with very young kids who may struggle near open deck areas

This is one of those Dubrovnik tours that makes the day feel full without turning it into stress. For the price, that’s the real win.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Island cruise?

The duration is 8 hours.

Which islands are visited on this tour?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. The lunch includes a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus potato salad.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes drinks such as Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks.

Can I buy additional drinks onboard?

Yes. Additional drinks are available for purchase on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and available only within the Dubrovnik area. Pickup details are sent to you by email.

Where do I meet the boat?

The boat is called RITA and it is docked at the pier. You should look for the MARINERO agency name.

Are towels or snorkeling equipment included?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included.

What languages are the guides available in?

Live tour guide languages include English, Croatian, Italian, and German.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: