Dubrovnik Island-Hopping Cruise in the Elaphites with Lunch

We’ve reviewed plenty of shore excursions from Dubrovnik, and this island-hopping cruise stands out for two compelling reasons. First, you get genuine escape from the packed medieval streets of the Old Town—spending eight hours on the water where it’s cooler and quieter while still seeing beautiful scenery. Second, at just $54 per person with lunch and unlimited wine included, the value is genuinely impressive for a full day that would be difficult and expensive to replicate on your own.

The main consideration is that you’ll be sharing the boat with up to 100 other travelers, which means you won’t get an intimate small-group experience. You’ll also want to manage your expectations about the three islands—they’re beautiful for walking, swimming, and relaxing, but they’re not packed with major historical sites or dramatic landscapes that demand hours of exploration.

This tour works best for travelers who want a structured, stress-free day away from Dubrovnik’s crowds, families with kids who need a change of pace, and anyone looking to maximize their time and budget in Croatia.

What You’re Really Getting for Your Money

At $54.42 per person, this tour delivers genuine value in the Dalmatian coast context. You’re getting hotel pickup, a full day on the water with professional crew, lunch with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian options, unlimited wine and soft drinks, and access to three different islands with free time to explore each one. That’s roughly equivalent to what you’d spend on a decent restaurant meal and a couple of drinks in Dubrovnik’s tourist-heavy areas—except you’re getting an entire day and a genuine change of scenery.

The unlimited drinks component matters more than it might initially seem. Many boat tours charge extra for beverages, nickel-and-diming you throughout the day. Here, the crew regularly circulates with cold wine, juice, and water without any additional cost. One traveler noted, “The drinks flowed as did the friendliness of the staff,” which captures how seamlessly this is integrated into the experience rather than feeling like an upsell.

The inclusion of hotel pickup (if you select that option) is also genuinely valuable. Rather than figuring out how to get to the port at Gruž on your own, dealing with taxis, or worrying about timing, the tour handles the logistics. One reviewer specifically mentioned how this was “much cheaper than taking an Uber,” which adds up if you’re traveling as a couple or family.

How the Day Actually Flows

You’ll start with pickup at your centrally located Dubrovnik hotel around 9:00 a.m., then travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the port at Gruž. This transfer typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on where you’re staying. Once you arrive at the boat, you’ll meet your skipper and crew—and this is where the experience quality becomes apparent. Multiple reviewers specifically praised the crew’s friendliness and attentiveness, with one noting that “the team on the boat were brilliant and informative about the local islands.”

The boat itself has both covered indoor seating and open-air deck space, which matters more than you might think. On warm days, the covered areas provide relief from the sun, and you can sit at tables with windows you can open or close. One traveler appreciated this flexibility: “Super comfortable and not too crowded” in the indoor seating. However, expect that on peak days, finding a shaded spot on deck can be competitive—one October visitor noted it was “very windy on the top deck so we found it quite cold” and “there were a lot of passengers so it wasn’t easy to find a seat on the lower deck.”

As you leave the harbor, help yourself to your first glass of wine or soft drink. The sailing itself is part of the appeal—you’re actually sailing, not just motoring around, which gives the day a more authentic maritime feel.

The Three Island Stops: What to Expect

Koločep Island (First Stop – Approximately 1 Hour)

Your first island is Koločep, where you’ll have about an hour to explore independently. The island is known for its lemon and orange gardens, pine forests, and dramatic cliffs. You can walk around the small port area, visit the 15th-century Chapel of St. Anton if you’re interested in historical sites, or simply relax on one of the small beaches.

The reality of this stop, based on traveler feedback, is that it’s a pleasant break from the boat but not dramatically different from the other islands. One reviewer noted that “the 3 islands are pretty similar so after we visited Lopud, the main island, the other 2 were just an opportunity to go for a short walk along the port area.” If you’re hoping for dramatic sightseeing or major attractions, you might find yourself with more free time than you expected. However, if you’re looking to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and breathe in the island air, it’s perfectly pleasant.

Šipan Island (Second Stop – Approximately 1 Hour)

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands, and you’ll have roughly an hour here as well. The island features ruins of 15th-century manor houses and medieval churches, plus citrus groves and fig trees. Again, exploration is self-guided, so you can wander at your own pace or sit at a waterfront café and watch the boats.

One traveler mentioned discovering local wineries and olive oil producers that offered tastings, which suggests there’s more to do than initially apparent if you’re willing to explore beyond the immediate port area. However, another reviewer noted that on their visit, “the few restaurants near the pier, were not very friendly and the beach had a lot of glass on it,” which suggests variable experiences depending on when you visit and where you choose to spend your time.

Lopud Island (Third Stop – Approximately 3 Hours)

Lopud gets the most time—roughly three hours—which makes it the main event of the day. The island is home to Šunj Beach, one of the area’s most famous beaches with white sand and clear water. This is where most travelers spend their time swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the small town.

The important caveat here: based on reviews, the boat doesn’t necessarily dock right at Šunj Beach. One traveler reported having to “walk about 2km from the boat or pay for a golf car to take you there.” This is worth knowing in advance, especially if you have mobility concerns or are wearing flip-flops (several reviewers wished they’d known to wear proper hiking shoes). However, if you’re comfortable with a short walk, you’ll find a genuinely nice beach with clear Adriatic water perfect for swimming.

The three hours here is actually well-paced—it’s enough time to swim, explore the town with its medieval architecture, grab a meal or drink at a local restaurant, and not feel rushed. Multiple travelers specifically praised the timing: “Each island stop was perfectly paced—never rushed, with plenty of time to explore.”

The Lunch Experience

Lunch is served during the sailing from Šipan to Lopud, which means you’re eating while moving between islands and enjoying the water views. You’ll choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian options when you book, and sides typically include items like cabbage salad and potatoes.

Traveler feedback on lunch quality is mixed but generally positive. Several reviewers were pleasantly surprised by the quality: “Lunch was absolutely delicious, better than I expected!” and “A hot lunch was served that was nicer than I expected given the tour price and that it was on a boat.” One reviewer specifically praised the chicken: “The chicken was very flavourful to be fair.”

However, a few travelers found the lunch somewhat basic. One noted that “the lunch was a bit too basic – 2 bits of tomato and lettuce with some sort of sauerkraut with plain bread and meat,” though they acknowledged the chicken itself was good. Another traveler mentioned being disappointed because they’d pre-selected the fish option but were told it had run out and only meat was available, which suggests occasional supply chain issues.

The key here is managing expectations: this is solid, satisfying boat food, not fine dining. It’s meant to be straightforward and filling, which it accomplishes. The accompanying wine (included) elevates the experience, and the fact that you’re eating while sailing with island views makes it feel more special than the food itself might warrant.

Important Practical Details

Group Size and Comfort

The tour accommodates up to 100 travelers, which is larger than many shore excursions. This is worth factoring into your decision if you’re seeking an intimate experience. However, multiple reviewers noted that the boat was “big enough to be able to walk around and be comfortable” and that they didn’t feel “too crowded,” so the larger capacity doesn’t necessarily translate to feeling cramped. Your experience will likely depend on the specific sailing date and season.

Onboard Amenities

The boat includes WiFi, which is genuinely useful if you need to stay connected. There are clean toilet facilities, which reviewers specifically appreciated as a pleasant surprise on a smaller boat. The crew circulates regularly with drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Best Time to Go

Several reviewers took this tour in June, and one specifically called it “the highlight of our trip to Croatia.” Late spring and early summer appear to offer the best combination of warm water, good weather, and manageable crowds. One October visitor noted the morning was “cool and very windy,” suggesting shoulder seasons can feel less comfortable.

What to Bring

Based on traveler feedback, bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking (not just flip-flops), a towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for cooler moments on deck. If you plan to swim, water shoes are recommended because “we saw sea urchins on the rocks during our walk to the beaches.”

The Pickup Situation: A Potential Headache

One significant issue that emerged from the reviews is the hotel pickup process. While pickup is offered and included, one traveler had a frustrating experience: they’d selected the pickup option, it wasn’t accepted by the system (and they weren’t charged), but they didn’t realize until after payment that they’d need to arrange their own transportation to the port. They arrived expecting to be picked up and had to find their own way to Gruž.

This suggests you should confirm your pickup arrangements directly with the tour operator (Super Tours can be reached at +385913776680 or [email protected]) rather than relying solely on the Viator booking confirmation. Get the specific pickup time and location in writing. One traveler had good communication through WhatsApp ahead of the tour, which they specifically praised, so don’t hesitate to reach out directly.

Cancellation and Weather Considerations

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, which provides reasonable flexibility if your plans change. The tour requires good weather and has a minimum number of participants, so poor weather or insufficient bookings could result in cancellation or rescheduling. This is standard for water-based activities but worth noting if you’re planning around specific dates.

The Value Proposition in Context

When you step back and look at what you’re getting—a full day away from Dubrovnik’s crowds, three island visits, lunch, unlimited wine, professional crew, and hotel transport—at $54 per person, this genuinely represents excellent value. A decent restaurant meal with wine in Dubrovnik easily costs $25-40 per person, so you’re spending only moderately more for an entire day experience.

The 94% recommendation rate from travelers (based on the tour’s 4.5-star rating across 533 reviews) reflects this value proposition. The vast majority of people who take this tour walk away satisfied, even if it’s not perfect.

FAQ: Practical Questions Answered

Q: Will I definitely get a seat on the boat?

A: The boat has both covered indoor seating and open-air deck space, so you’ll have somewhere to sit. However, on busy days, finding a shaded spot on deck can be competitive. The covered indoor seating is less crowded and offers window options, so if shade is important to you, head there first.

Q: What if I don’t want lunch?

A: The tour information doesn’t specify whether you can decline the included lunch or opt for a refund if you don’t eat. However, one traveler mentioned opting not to get lunch and instead finding food on Lopud Island, suggesting flexibility. Contact the tour operator directly at [email protected] if you have dietary restrictions or preferences that might require special arrangements.

Q: How much time do I actually get to swim?

A: You have approximately three hours on Lopud Island, which is where most swimming happens. The other two islands offer shorter stops (about one hour each) where some travelers did swim, but you’re not required to. The schedule is designed to give you choices—swim, explore, relax, or eat—rather than forcing any particular activity.

Q: Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

A: Multiple reviews mention families enjoying the tour, and one traveler specifically called it “Great for families with energetic kids!” The three-hour stop on Lopud provides good flexibility for children, and the crew is described as friendly and attentive. However, the boat holds up to 100 people, so it’s not a quiet or intimate experience. Also, be aware that one island involves more walking than beach time, so bring appropriate footwear.

Q: What’s included in the “unlimited drinks”?

A: Wine, juice, and water are included. Alcoholic drinks other than wine are not included and can be purchased separately. The crew circulates regularly offering these beverages throughout the day.

Q: Can I book this tour independently, or do I need to go through Viator?

A: The tour is operated by Super Tours. While this review is based on Viator bookings, you may be able to book directly with the operator at +385913776680 or [email protected]. Booking directly might offer flexibility around pickup arrangements and other details, though pricing might vary.

Final Verdict

This tour delivers genuine value for travelers looking to escape Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town crowds for a full day without the stress of planning their own itinerary. You’ll spend eight hours on the water with good company, decent food, included wine, and three pleasant island stops—all for the price of a couple of restaurant meals. The crew consistently earns praise for attentiveness and friendliness, and the flexibility to swim, explore, or simply relax on each island means you can tailor the day to your preferences. It’s not a luxury experience or a hardcore adventure tour, but it’s an excellent, well-organized way to see a different side of the Dalmatian coast. Book it if you want a structured, affordable day trip that handles all the logistics for you. Just confirm your pickup arrangements directly with the operator, wear proper shoes, and manage your expectations about the islands being intimate or undiscovered—they’re popular for good reason, but they’re also genuinely pleasant places to spend a summer day.