Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Day Trip with Lunch

Discovering the Elaphiti Islands: A Practical Guide to the Dubrovnik Day Trip

If you’re eyeing a day out from Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands tour offers a glimpse into Croatia’s stunning archipelago. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to combine scenic boat rides, island hopping, and a relaxed vibe—all in one go. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What we like most are the opportunities to see diverse nature and stunning scenery—from lush green islands to peaceful beaches—and the included lunch onboard, which adds a nice touch to the day. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention that the time spent on each island can feel uneven, especially if you’re eager to explore more thoroughly.

This tour tends to suit those who enjoy a balance of sightseeing, swimming, and easy-going boat trips. If you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water with some cultural and natural highlights, it could be just what you need. But if you’re after a more in-depth exploration of each island or a less touristy experience, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Comfortable boat ride with scenic views and a friendly crew.
• Visit three inhabited islands: Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud—each with its own charm.
• Includes a tasty lunch onboard, with drinks and restroom facilities.
• Swim in the clear waters of the Adriatic on some of the islands’ beaches.
• Time on each island varies; some travelers find it uneven.
• Good for those who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Elaphiti Islands Day Trip

This full-day excursion introduces you to the stunning Elaphiti Islands, a small group near Dubrovnik known for their natural beauty and historic charisma. You’ll hop between Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud, each offering a different flavor of island life—ranging from lush greenery to white sandy beaches.

The tour kicks off early, with a meeting point at 8:45 a.m. at a bus stop across from the University building, where you’ll spot the boat named Emili. From there, a comfortable boat whisks you away into this picture-perfect setting, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What Makes This Tour Special

You’ll love the diverse nature of the islands. Kolocep is known for its greenery and peaceful walking paths, perfect for a gentle stroll or a bike ride. Lopud, often called a “hidden gem,” is celebrated for its sandy Sunj beach—a rare find in Croatia’s rocky coast—and for being free of cars, making it a tranquil escape. Sipan, the largest of the group, has a history as an aristocratic retreat, dotted with old mansions, and is famous for its olive groves.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Your ticket covers the lunch served onboard, which many reviews praise as quite tasty, alongside drinks and the use of the onboard restroom. The boat’s size generally means a social atmosphere, where you’ll mingle with other travelers or simply unwind with the views.

The tour is conducted in English, making communication straightforward. You’ll need to be prepared for a somewhat flexible schedule—some travelers felt they spent too long on the last island or not enough on the others.

The Itinerary in Detail

The trip is straightforward: board the boat in the morning, then set out to explore Kolocep first. Here, the lush scenery invites gentle walks through green spaces, perfect for relaxing or riding a bike if that’s your thing. As one reviewer noted, “Kolocep would have been good to have more than 1 hour as there were beautiful bays but far from the port.”

Next, the boat heads to Sipan, which doesn’t have many touristy attractions but offers a peaceful atmosphere and some basic restaurants. It’s a quieter spot where you can soak in the island’s historic vibe and enjoy the olive groves.

The highlight for many is Lopud, especially its Sunj beach—famous for its soft sands and clear water. You’ll have some free time here to swim, soak up the sun, or explore further. However, some reviews mention that the time allocated might feel a bit short, especially if you want to explore the bays or relax more.

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The Food and Drink Experience

One of the tour’s strong points is the lunch onboard. It’s included in the price and generally well-received, with travelers appreciating the quality and variety, along with unlimited drinks. That said, some reviewers wish for a bit more variety, such as salads or desserts, rather than just a set menu.

For instance, one reviewer noted that the menu “would have been nice to have either a salad or a dessert,” suggesting that the meal is filling but not overly elaborate. Still, it’s a welcome addition to a day mostly spent on the water, turning the experience into a social outing.

The Pros and Cons Based on Real Experiences

Positive feedback is abundant, especially around the friendly crew and the beautiful scenery. One traveler called it a “really great boat trip,” complimenting the hosts’ kindness and the overall vibe.

However, some criticisms are worth considering. A reviewer pointed out that most of the time was spent on Lopud, where they felt the activities or sightseeing options weren’t enough to justify the long stay—“Rip off to the power of 3,” they said. Others felt that the cost of extras like souvenirs or snacks on the islands can be higher than expected, and there’s some mass tourism, especially on Lopud.

Timing can also be a bit uneven: if you’re eager to explore each island more thoroughly, you might find the short stops frustrating. But if you’re after a relaxing day with scenic views, this tour delivers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy easy-paced boat rides, scenic island views, and social atmospheres. It’s well-suited for travelers looking for a relaxed day out rather than in-depth exploration, especially since the visit to each island is limited to a few hours.

It’s also a good option if you value included meals and drinks, or want to combine sightseeing with some swimming in the Adriatic. But if you prefer more time on each island or a less crowded, more authentic experience, you might want to consider other tours.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands Day Trip with Lunch offers a solid balance of scenic beauty, relaxation, and social enjoyment. The friendly crew, delicious onboard meal, and peaceful islands make it a worthwhile outing for many. That said, some might find the schedule tight or the stops too brief, especially if they’re eager for more exploration.

At around $76, the price seems reasonable for what’s included—especially considering the scenic boat ride, the meal, and the chance to swim in clean waters. It’s a good pick for those wanting a fun, laid-back day with great views, but not necessarily the best choice for travelers craving a more in-depth or less touristy experience.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day trip, with the boat departing early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or evening, depending on the schedule.

What is included in the price?
Your cost covers the boat ride, a lunch served onboard, drinks, and restroom access.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
The tour follows a set schedule, but some reviews mention that the amount of time on each island varies, which can be a consideration.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, you’ll have opportunities to swim in the Adriatic Sea, especially around Lopud’s Sunj beach.

Are the islands crowded?
Some islands, particularly Lopud, can be busy during peak season, and the tour can feel a bit crowded on the boat and at the beaches.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed to families, the relaxed, scenic nature of the trip can appeal to travelers of all ages, especially those comfortable on boats and with moderate walking.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, water, and possibly a towel. Comfortable clothing and a camera are also recommended.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible—pay later if you prefer.

If you’re after a beautiful, laid-back day on the water with a friendly crew, tasty food, and lovely island scenery, this tour hits all the right notes. Just keep in mind how much time you’ll want to spend on each stop, and whether the schedule matches your pace. Happy island hopping!

You can check availability for your dates here: