From Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Day Trip with Lunch

Exploring the Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik: A Practical Review

If you’re eyeing a way to experience Croatia beyond Dubrovnik’s old town walls, a day trip to the Elaphite Islands might be just what you’re looking for. These islands have long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to their beautiful scenery, charming villages, and relaxing beaches. Based on countless reviews, this tour offers a nice balance between sightseeing, leisure, and good food—although it’s not without its quirks.

What we really like about this trip is how relaxed and flexible it feels. You get to hop from island to island, enjoy some swimming, and soak up the sun, all while being taken care of by friendly crew members who seem genuinely attentive. Plus, the lunch included on the boat, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes, adds real value, especially since drinks are unlimited. On the flip side, you might find the timing on some islands a bit tight, particularly if you want to explore more thoroughly or take longer baths in the sea.

This tour is well suited for those looking for a laid-back day out, especially if you’re happy with quick stops rather than in-depth exploration. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of the islands without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple tickets. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo, it’s a straightforward way to see some of Croatia’s most picturesque spots without overcommitting.

Key Points

• Beautiful boat ride and scenery along the Adriatic coast
• Flexible island stops for swimming, exploring, or relaxing
• All-inclusive lunch and unlimited drinks on board
• Informative guides who share helpful insights about each island
• Good value for the price compared to arranging similar experiences independently
• Timing on each island may feel brief if you want to explore in depth

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A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Booking and Meeting Point

Starting early at around 8:30 am, the tour begins with hotel pickup if you choose that option, which is a definite perk for convenience. The designated meeting point is at the marina, just east of the MARINA FRAPA gate, by the ship IVANA. This setup keeps things simple, with a guide ready to escort you to the boat, easing the stress of navigating Dubrovnik’s busy streets.

The Boat Ride: Comfort and Views

The boat itself is described as comfortable, with enough space for everyone, and not overcrowded—a nice change from often packed tourist boats. During the ride, you’ll enjoy views of the coastline and islands, often accompanied by music. Many reviewers appreciated the friendly crew who kept drinks flowing and shared stories about the islands, making the journey feel personal.

The First Stop: Koločep Island

Your first island stop is Koločep, known for its quaint villages and scenic views. You’ll have about 45 minutes here—enough time for a quick walk around and some sightseeing. Several reviews mentioned that the timing was just right for a brief exploration, but if you’re someone who loves to explore every nook, this might feel a little rushed.

One traveler said, “The first island you have over 2 hours and prepare to walk to the other side of the island to get to the sandy beach or you can jump on a golf buggy (extra cost) and the other 2 islands were brief but enough.” So, be prepared for a quick visit, and consider the extra cost if you want to explore more leisurely.

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The Second Stop: Sipan Island

Next, the boat heads to Sipan, a small island with a friendly vibe. Here, you get a short walk and can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The reviews highlight that this island is “beautiful,” and it’s a good chance to stretch your legs after the boat ride. It’s a brief stop, but enough for a snapshot or a quick drink in a local bar.

The Main Event: Lopud Island

Lopud is where most people spend their longest stretch—about 3 hours. This is what many reviews praise as the highlight: a sandy beach, warm waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking up the scenery.

Reviewers loved the beach at Lopud, describing the sea as “clear and warm,” with one saying, “we went swimming on Lopud Island on a great sandy beach.” If you’re a beach lover, this is the place to be, especially since the sand offers a different experience than the pebble beaches of other Dalmatian spots.

The Lunch Experience

Lunch is served onboard, with a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian options. Multiple reviews called the lunch “delicious,” with some travelers raving about the fish and noting the good quality of the food. The inclusive drinks—wine, juice, and water—are a big plus, making the meal feel generous and relaxed.

However, a few reviewers mentioned that the vegetarian option was somewhat basic, consisting mainly of cold vegetables and plain bread. Still, most found the meal satisfying and a good value, especially given the overall package price of around $59.

Additional Comments on Food and Drinks

“Unlimited drinks” seem to be a highlight, with many reviews mentioning wine, soft drinks, and water served throughout the day. The drinks flow freely, and the crew makes an effort to keep everyone refreshed, which adds to the carefree vibe of the trip.

Final Stop: Lopud Beach

After lunch, you have some free time at Lopud to swim, relax, or explore further. Many reviews mention that this is the best part of the trip—a gorgeous sandy lagoon with bars and restaurants. Be aware that if you want to get to the “Sunj Beach,” you might need to pay extra for a golf buggy, but the walk isn’t too steep if you’re up for it.

Return and Drop-off

The return trip is smooth, with the boat heading back to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon. The tour typically ends back at the original meeting point, making it convenient for those staying nearby.

What We Think About the Tour

This trip offers a fantastic snapshot of the Elaphite Islands—perfect for travelers who want a relaxed day with minimal planning. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy beautiful scenery, beach time, and good food. The inclusion of unlimited drinks and lunch makes it great value, and the friendly guides and crew seem to go the extra mile to ensure everyone has a good time.

That said, if you’re someone who loves exploring islands in depth or is curious about detailed history or local stories, this may feel a little rushed. The quick stops are designed for leisure rather than in-depth sightseeing, so don’t expect long visits or detailed commentary beyond basic descriptions.

The timing on some islands—especially the first one—can be quite tight, which might frustrate travelers looking to wander extensively or spend more time swimming. Still, for a half-day adventure that balances relaxation and sightseeing, it’s a solid choice.

Overall Value

At $59, the experience feels very good value when you consider the boat ride, lunch, drinks, and guided support. For many, it’s an easy way to tick off multiple islands, enjoy some swimming, and take in the views without breaking the bank.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with easy organization, this tour is a strong pick. It’s ideal if you want a taste of the islands, some time at the beach, and a good meal without extra costs. Families or groups who enjoy light activity and social vibes will likely enjoy it, especially since many reviews mention the friendly crew and fun atmosphere.

However, travelers seeking detailed historical insights or longer exploration times might find this experience a bit limited. It’s best suited for those wanting a straightforward, enjoyable cruise with plenty of options to unwind or swim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select that option, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics much easier.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride takes you between islands with scenic views along the way. It’s comfortable and not overcrowded, and many reviews mention the pleasant atmosphere onboard.

What meals are available?
Lunch is included and offers a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian options. Most travelers find the food tasty, though some note the vegetarian choice can be simple.

How much time do I have on each island?
You get approximately 45 minutes on Koločep, a short walk on Sipan, and about 3 hours on Lopud. Time on the first two islands might feel a bit rushed if you want to explore more thoroughly.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited wine, juice, and water are served throughout the day, which many reviews highlight as a favorite part.

Is it suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the relaxed nature and safety of the boat make it appropriate for most ages, but keep in mind the limited time on each stop.

What’s the weather typically like?
The tour runs rain or shine, and some reviews mention that even on rainy days, the islands still look beautiful.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This Elaphite Islands day trip from Dubrovnik delivers a solid dose of scenic beauty, relaxing beaches, and good food at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see multiple islands without committing an entire day or planning every detail themselves.

While it’s not the best option if you’re eager for in-depth exploration or detailed commentary, it excels in providing a laid-back, enjoyable experience with friendly crew, tasty meals, and plenty of opportunities to swim and unwind.

If you’re after a light, scenic escape that offers good value, this tour is likely to leave you with happy memories and plenty of photos to show for it.

You can check availability for your dates here: