Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and drinks

Discover the Charm of Dubrovnik’s Elaphite Islands on a Full-Day Cruise

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Dubrovnik and spend a relaxing day exploring the nearby Elaphite Islands, this full-day cruise offers a great way to do it. With a reputation for excellent reviews and a high recommendation rate, this trip promises scenic sailing, tasty food, and plenty of opportunities to unwind on some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances guided sightseeing with free time for personal exploration—whether you want to lounge on sandy beaches or wander through charming villages. Another highlight is the onboard amenities, especially the included lunch and unlimited drinks, making the day smooth and hassle-free.

A potential drawback? The day is quite full, and if you’re not a fan of seasickness, the boat rides might be less comfortable. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy being on the water, want a laid-back, all-inclusive experience, and appreciate well-organized trips that cover a lot without rushing. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxing, social day with a touch of adventure and cultural sights.

Key Points

• Scenic Sailing: Cruise along the coast with stunning views of the Adriatic and the islands.
• Island Hopping: Visit three unique islands—Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep—each offering distinct charm.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Enjoy a delicious onboard lunch with multiple options and unlimited drinks.
• Flexible Time on Islands: Ample free time to explore beaches, villages, and landmarks.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with opportunities for swimming, relaxing, or walking around.
• Professional Guides: Knowledgeable staff provide helpful insights and keep the day running smoothly.

The Experience in Detail

This cruise is designed to give you a taste of what makes the Elaphite Islands so special—without the hassle of planning multiple transport legs or worrying about meals. The journey starts at 9:00am from Lapadska obala in Dubrovnik, with pickup options available if you’ve booked that add-on. The boat itself is a shared vessel, which tends to mean a comfortable group size that’s not too overwhelming. With a maximum of about 110 travelers, you’ll find it easy to mingle but also have your own space.

The first stop: Lopud Island. This is often the highlight for many travelers. Once docked, you’ll have around three hours to explore. The reviews mention the botanical gardens at Djordjic Mayneri Park, sandy beaches like Sunj—perfect for a swim—and charming churches and heritage sites. One traveler noted, “Each island was beautiful and quaint, with ample opportunities to cool off in the warm sea.” The island’s relaxed pace makes it easy to soak up the atmosphere, whether you prefer wandering through history or lounging on the beach.

Next up is Sipan Island, known for having the most olive trees of any island in the Guinness Book of Records. Here, you’ll visit the old fisherman’s port and marvel at the preserved Mediterranean vibe. The 15th-century castle built to defend against pirates offers a glimpse into the past, and with an hour to explore, you can snap photos and enjoy the tranquil scenery. A reviewer summed it up: “The crew are incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable, making the whole experience easy and enjoyable.”

Finally, the cruise takes you to Kolocep Island, which is famed for its caves, cliffs, and clear waters. With about an hour here, you’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on sandy beaches. It’s a great spot for those who like a bit of water action or just want to soak up the sun on a beautiful beach. One guest described it as “famous for caves and cliffs, snorkeling and swimming on sandy beaches,” which captures its appeal well.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour’s value really shines through in the food and drinks. The onboard lunch features three main options: grilled chicken with vegetables, grilled hake with vegetables, or Mediterranean seasonal vegetables if you prefer vegetarian fare. Many reviews talk about the deliciousness of the meal—“the food was very good,” said one. It’s served with soft drinks, water, wine, and brandy, ensuring you’re well hydrated and even toasting your travels.

Unlimited onboard drinks like soft drinks, Coca-Cola, Fanta, and wine or brandy mean you can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about extra costs. The crew is praised for their friendly, attentive service, with many reviewers mentioning how they kept glasses full and made the experience more enjoyable.

Transportation is straightforward: pickup from Dubrovnik hotels is available if you select that option, making it convenient. The meeting point is centrally located at Lapadska obala, near public transportation, so getting there is simple. The boat ride itself lasts approximately 8 hours, providing plenty of time to relax, take photos, swim, or just enjoy the views.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

Looking at the reviews, it’s clear that this tour hits most marks for many travelers. One person said, “The crew was super helpful all day – they catered for everyone’s needs,” highlighting the attentive service. Guests also love the diverse scenery, with comments like “the islands are all beautiful in different ways,” and praise for the included amenities like “free drinks and a delicious, large lunch.”

Not everyone was completely thrilled—some noted that the first island was a bit messy, with overflowing garbage cans. But these are minor issues compared to the overall positive experiences, which frequently mention the professional guides, the quality of the food, and the friendly atmosphere onboard.

The inclusion of a speedboat option for visiting the Blue Cave is a popular add-on, though it’s not part of the main cruise. Those who’ve done it rave about how stunning that part of the trip is, especially for water lovers.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Seasickness: The tour isn’t recommended for those sensitive to seasickness, but if you’re comfortable on boats, the ride should be smooth.
• Timing: Make sure to arrive on time—late arrivals might miss the trip, and refunds aren’t issued for missed departures.
• Meal choices: When booking, specify whether you prefer fish, chicken, or vegetarian options. This ensures your meal suits your preference.
• What to bring: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. The islands are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Weather: The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather may lead to cancellations or route changes, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Family Travelers: While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the relaxed pace and water activities make it suitable for most ages—just keep an eye on children around water.

Final Thoughts — Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day cruise offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to see some of Croatia’s most charming islands without the stress of planning every detail yourself. If you love coastal scenery, good food, and easygoing boat rides, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. The knowledgeable guides, beautiful stops, and unlimited drinks make it a well-rounded experience that feels both special and accessible.

It’s ideal for travelers wanting a taste of island life, those who enjoy social atmospheres, and anyone who appreciates good food and stunning views. If you’re traveling with others who like a mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural sights, this tour hits most of those marks.

However, if you’re seasick, prefer more active or adventure-heavy days, or want to spend more time exploring each island independently, this might not be your favorite. But for most, it’s a smooth, scenic, and well-organized way to spend a day outside Dubrovnik.

FAQ

• Does the tour include hotel pickup? Yes, if you select the option, pickup from Dubrovnik hotels is available, with the meeting point at Lapadska obala.
• How long is the boat ride? The entire tour lasts about 8 hours, including stops and free time on islands.
• What’s the food like? You’ll get a substantial onboard lunch with options for fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes, all praised for their flavor.
• Are drinks included? Yes, you get unlimited soft drinks, water, wine, and brandy onboard.
• Can I swim at each island? Yes, swimming and snorkeling are popular activities, especially at Kolocep, known for caves and cliffs.
• Is it suitable for families? Most travelers found it family-friendly, but always consider the boat ride length and water activities for young children.
• What should I bring? Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a towel—everything you need for a relaxing beach day.
• Is the route flexible? Weather can affect the schedule or route, but the tour aims to keep things running smoothly.
• What about dietary restrictions? When booking, specify if you have vegetarian, fish, or chicken preferences.
• What’s the maximum group size? About 110 travelers, making it lively but not overcrowded.

In sum, this cruise offers a wonderful way to see the Elaphite Islands comfortably and enjoyably. It’s a good pick for those who love scenic boat rides, good food, and a laid-back day exploring some of Croatia’s prettiest coastal spots.