Elaphite Islands – Full-Day Kayaking and Snorkeling tour

If you’re dreaming of a day packed with adventure, scenic beauty, and a touch of Croatian charm, the Elaphite Islands – Full-Day Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally been on this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty inviting picture of what’s in store. It’s designed for those who love being active, appreciate small group experiences, and want to see three of Croatia’s gorgeous islands without the hassle of planning every detail.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small group size—capped at just eight travelers—ensures you get personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe. Second, the certified guide leads the way, offering not just safety but insights and local tips that make the experience richer. And of course, the chance to snorkel in beautiful bays, explore sea caves, and paddle around three islands sounds pretty hard to beat. One thing to consider is that you’ll be out on the water for quite a few hours, so if you’re not comfortable with kayaking or the sea, it might not be your first pick. This tour seems well-suited for adventure lovers and those who want a fun, active day exploring Dubrovnik’s nearby islands.

Key Points

• Small group experience with a maximum of 8 travelers enhances interaction and safety.
• All equipment and gear like kayaks, snorkeling masks, and dry bags are provided, making it hassle-free.
• Includes ferry rides between islands, offering scenic views of the Dubrovnik coast and islands.
• Highlights include swimming in crystal-clear waters and exploring caves like Green Cave.
• Duration of around 8 hours makes it a full-day adventure, perfect for active travelers.
• Booking in advance (average 43 days ahead) shows it’s popular among visitors looking for well-organized outings.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off at the port of Gruz in Dubrovnik, where your guide will provide ferry tickets and a short briefing. From there, you hop on a ferry for a peaceful 3-hour ride across the waters, taking in the stunning views of Dubrovnik’s coast and its nearby islands. This ferry ride already sets the tone—relaxing but with plenty to see, especially if you enjoy watching the coastline change as you cruise along.

The first island stop is Lopud, where you’ll have about three hours for exploration. While the tour doesn’t specify exactly what to do here, most visitors enjoy wandering around the small streets, maybe grabbing a coffee or just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The highlight isn’t the island itself but what comes next: kayaking.

Kayaking Around Sipan and Ruda

After departing Lopud, your group will paddle around Sipan, roughly a 45-minute kayak trip. It’s a manageable distance, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic views. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was attentive and safety-conscious, which is reassuring when you’re out on the water.

Once you arrive at Sipan, it’s time to snorkel. The highlight here is the chance to explore the Green Cave—a stunning sea cave that’s accessible for snorkeling if the weather conditions permit. As one reviewer put it, “Highlights included swimming through underwater caves,” which sounds pretty memorable.

Next, after a bit of swimming and soaking up the sun, the tour continues with a paddle to Ruda. Here, you get to enjoy more Mediterranean landscapes, with the chance to reconnect with nature and maybe spot some local wildlife or just marvel at the scenery.

The Final Stretch and Return

After exploring Ruda, the group paddles back to Lopud for a well-earned break and lunch (though lunch isn’t included in the price). The total kayaking time across the trip is about four hours, giving you a good workout but not overwhelming. The tour wraps up with a scenic ferry ride back to Dubrovnik, arriving just before sunset—perfect for reflecting on a day well spent.

What’s Included and What’s Not

All your gear—masks, snorkels, dry bags, and kayaking equipment—are provided, so you can just focus on enjoying the adventure. The ferry tickets are included, which is a great plus, since organizing transportation separately can be a hassle on your own. Keep in mind, lunch isn’t part of the package, so plan to bring snacks or buy something on the islands.

On the flip side, you’ll need to pay for personal expenses, such as drinks, souvenirs, or extra snacks. If you’re someone who prefers to keep things simple and want everything taken care of, this setup works well.

The Guide and Group Size

The reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and attentiveness, with one calling the guide “super attentive” and another noting they learned a lot about the islands and Croatia. Having a qualified, friendly guide makes a difference, especially when navigating caves or trying new water activities.

With a maximum of eight travelers, the tour feels intimate and less rushed. It’s perfect if you dislike large tour groups and prefer more personalized interactions. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions or get tips from your guide, which enhances the overall value.

The Price and Its Value

At $98 per person, this tour offers quite a bit of value. You’re paying not only for the kayaking and snorkeling gear but also for the ferry rides, guide expertise, and the chance to explore multiple islands without any stress. If you’ve ever tried organizing similar activities independently—booking transport, renting gear, and figuring out routes—the convenience makes this a solid deal.

Of course, it’s an active day, so be prepared for some physical effort. The duration and inclusions make it a good option for travelers who want a full-day excursion without the hassle of self-organizing every detail.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy water sports and want to see a variety of islands in one trip. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate small-group settings, as the capped group size fosters a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. If you’re traveling with someone who loves kayaking or snorkeling, this could be a perfect shared adventure.

While not explicitly targeted at families with small children, adventurous teens or older kids comfortable in water could enjoy it too. However, those with mobility issues or who prefer more relaxed sightseeing might find it less suitable, given the physical activity involved.

The Elaphite Islands kayaking and snorkeling tour offers a genuine, active way to experience Croatia’s stunning coast and islands. The small group size and knowledgeable guides help make it special, providing both safety and insight into the local scenery. You’ll get a good workout, plenty of time to relax and snorkel in beautiful caves, and the chance to see three different islands without any stress.

While it’s not a lazy day on the beach, it’s perfect for anyone who loves being on the water and discovering new spots. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be comfortable in open water and prepared for an energetic day.

If you’re after a memorable, hands-on adventure that combines natural beauty with some physical activity, this tour is likely to tick those boxes. It’s especially good for travelers who value small groups, expert guides, and the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something on the islands.

What gear is provided?
Snorkeling masks, snorkels, kayaking equipment, and dry bags are included. Everything you need for water activities is taken care of.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Lopud is about 3 hours in total, offering scenic views of the coast and islands.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, which allows for more personalized guidance.

Can I snorkel in the Green Cave?
Yes, snorkel equipment is provided, and snorkelers may explore the Green Cave if weather and sea conditions are favorable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for most travelers, but since it involves kayaking and swimming, it’s best suited for teens or older kids comfortable in the water.

What is the tour start time?
It begins at 9:30 am from the port at Obala Stjepana Radia, Dubrovnik.

How weather-dependent is the tour?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Who operates the tour?
The experience is provided by MY ACTIVE TRAVEL d.o.o., a reputable local operator.

If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and active way to explore Dubrovnik’s nearby islands, this kayaking and snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure!