Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise w/ Drinks, Optional Lunch

If you’re contemplating a day out on the water in Dubrovnik, this Elaphite Islands cruise might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a full-day journey that promises breathtaking views, refreshing swims, and the chance to explore some of Croatia’s most charming islands—all while enjoying unlimited drinks and a tasty onboard lunch. We’ve looked into this experience based on extensive reviews, so whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or group, it’s worth knowing what’s really in store.

What we love about this tour is the focus on comfort and variety. The hotel pickup and drop-off make it super convenient, especially if you’re not keen on navigating Dubrovnik’s busy streets to find a boat. Plus, the friendly guides and attentive crew seem to make a genuine effort to keep everyone engaged and well-cared for. On the flip side, a potential drawback could be the time allocated at each island, which some reviews suggest might feel a little rushed—especially if you’re keen on exploring every nook.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate relaxing in beautiful surroundings, enjoy a good drink or two, and want a taste of Croatian island life without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with friends or a partner who enjoy social atmospheres and scenic boat rides. If you’re looking for an active, overnight adventure, this isn’t it, but for a leisurely day in the sun, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off save you time and effort.
• Value for Money: Unlimited drinks, a good lunch, and multiple island stops make it a comprehensive experience.
• Beautiful Stops: Kolocep, Lopud, Ipan, and optional Blue Cave visits showcase Croatia’s island charm.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Smaller groups and spacious boats mean plenty of room and comfort.
• Great for Social Travelers: Friendly guides and lively onboard drinks create a fun vibe.
• Limited Time at Each Island: Be prepared for somewhat quick visits, especially if you want to explore thoroughly.

The full-day Elaphite Islands cruise offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and social fun. We love the ease of the logistics—being picked up from your accommodation means no stress about finding the right pier or meeting point. The boat itself is described as comfortable and spacious, with two decks that provide fantastic views of the coastline and islands. It’s a good way to see a few islands in one day without feeling exhausted.

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to give you ample time on each island—at least a couple of hours at Lopud, a shorter but sweet visit to Kolocep, and a guided tour at Sipan. The swimming and snorkeling opportunities are highlights, especially with the chance to visit the Blue Cave, which many reviews say is “absolutely astonishing” with its glowing blue waters. The early booking to secure the Blue Cave visit is recommended, as weather or sea conditions can sometimes affect this part of the trip.

A key part of the appeal is the food and drinks. Many reviewers mention the delicious lunch, with options including chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes, served on board. The unlimited white wine and other beverages keep the mood lively and relaxed. One guest even noted that they were pleasantly surprised by the flow of drinks and the quality of the food. It’s a trip that makes you feel pampered without breaking the bank—considering the price point, it’s a lot of value packed into one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Stops: What You Can Expect

Kolocep is often praised as the most peaceful and scenic of the islands. Reviewers describe it as beautiful and quaint, perfect for a quick stroll or a photo stop. The free time here is generally around an hour, giving you a chance to relax and take in the surroundings.

Sipan offers a guided tour and some self-guided exploring, plus the chance to see traditional Croatian stone houses. It’s a slightly longer stop—about 45 minutes—but enough for a quick look around or a visit to local shops.

Lopud seems to be the crowd favorite. With around three hours scheduled, there’s plenty of time for beach lounging, swimming, and enjoying regional food and wine. Sunj Beach on Lopud is a particular highlight for many, with its white sand and shallow waters perfect for a dip. The food options onboard and the scenic views on the way there have earned this stop high praise.

The Blue Cave, available as an optional add-on, is described as “astonishing” with glowing blue waters. Many review the snorkeling and swimming here as some of the best moments of the trip. However, a few mention that time at each island can feel limited, especially if you’re eager to explore more thoroughly or want longer swims.

The Experience on Board

Guests consistently mention the friendly and professional crew, whose knowledgeable guides make the journey both fun and informative. Reviewers frequently highlight guide Emilie and others like Natasha, noting how they keep everyone engaged and ensure everyone’s needs are met.

The boat itself is described as clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with two decks that provide excellent scenic views. The toilets are conveniently located, which is a nice touch given the length of the trip. The group size is kept relatively small—around 12-20 people—creating a more personal and relaxed vibe rather than feeling crowded.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The lunch is a major plus. Many reviews mention delicious, freshly prepared dishes, with some guests opting for the fish or vegetarian options. Portions are generous, and the pairing with unlimited white wine makes for a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Guests appreciated the quality of the beverages, with some even calling it “more than enough” to keep the mood fun throughout the day.

The onboard open bar is a big hit, especially among those who enjoy socializing over drinks. While alcohol is unlimited, other beverages like water, juices, and sodas are also available at no extra charge. Some guests note that only white wine is included, with beer and other drinks costing extra.

Value for Money

Considering the price of approximately $42 per person, many reviewers find this excellent value. The included lunch, unlimited drinks, hotel pickup, and multiple island visits pack a lot into the eight hours. The feedback suggests that for the price, it’s hard to find a more satisfying way to see multiple islands, enjoy good food, and relax at sea.

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Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who want a hassle-free day of exploration and relaxation. If you’re a fan of scenic boat rides, local food, and a lively atmosphere, you’ll likely enjoy this cruise immensely. The small group size and friendly guides make it suitable for travelers who prefer a more personal touch over crowded tours.

The Blue Cave option is ideal if you’re looking for a visual highlight, but it’s also fine to skip it if you prefer more time on the islands. Keep in mind, if limited mobility is a concern, this tour isn’t suitable due to sea conditions and walking requirements.

Final Thoughts

The Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Cruise is a fantastic way to get a taste of Croatia’s stunning coastlines and charming islands without the hassle of organizing transportation or activities yourself. It’s especially suited for relaxed travelers, social groups, and food lovers who appreciate good value and a friendly atmosphere.

While the limited time on each island might leave some craving more exploration, the scenic stops, delicious lunch, and unlimited drinks generally make for a memorable day on the water. With high praise from past guests, it’s clear this tour consistently delivers a fun, comfortable, and well-organized experience.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your Dubrovnik accommodation, making it very convenient.

Can I visit the Blue Cave?
Yes, visiting the Blue Cave is an optional add-on. Many guests say it’s “absolutely astonishing,” but check availability as sea conditions can affect this.

How long do we stay on each island?
Typically, the stops are around 1 to 3 hours, with the longest time on Lopud. Some reviews mention the time at some islands feels a bit rushed.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. The tour is weather-dependent, so check the forecast.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, the open bar includes unlimited white wine, water, juices, and sodas. Additional drinks like beer or spirits may cost extra.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly aimed at families, the relaxed atmosphere and small groups are generally suitable. However, because of sea conditions and walking involved, check with the provider if traveling with young children or mobility concerns.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup/drop-off (if selected), a full-day cruise, the onboard lunch (if booked), unlimited white wine and drinks, and access to toilets on the boat.

Is the lunch vegetarian?
Yes, vegetarian options are available. Guests can choose chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes.

How is the group size?
The tour keeps groups small—around 12 guests—which fosters a more intimate and comfortable experience.

Would I recommend this?
Based on reviews, yes! It’s praised for friendly guides, beautiful scenery, good food, and overall value. Ideal if you want a relaxed, social day on the water.

This cruise offers a genuine, well-rounded experience of Dubrovnik’s nearby islands, blending scenic beauty with comfort and fun. Whether you’re after a relaxing day in lovely surroundings or an active swim-filled adventure, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: