From Dubrovnik: Hop-On-Hop-Off Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring Croatia’s stunning coastline and hidden island gems without the hassle of rigid schedules, a hop-on-hop-off boat tour to the Elaphiti Islands might catch your eye. We’ve looked into this popular experience to give you a clear picture of what it offers—and what it doesn’t.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the flexibility it provides — you can decide how long to stay on each island — and the amazing value for the price, especially considering the scenic views and laid-back atmosphere you’ll enjoy. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that it’s more of a transport service than a guided tour—so if you’re hoping for in-depth commentary or a structured itinerary, this might not be the best fit.

This experience tends to suit travelers who value independent exploration, enjoy a relaxed pace, and want a simple way to reach the islands without booking multiple ferries or boat transfers. It’s particularly good for those who want the freedom to linger or move at their own pace, rather than following a fixed schedule packed with activities.

Key Points

• Flexibility is key: You can hop on and off the islands as you wish, making the day tailor-made.
• Good value for money: At $38, it offers a scenic way to visit multiple islands with transport included.
• Scenic cruise: The boat ride itself is pleasant with beautiful views of Dubrovnik’s coast.
• Limited guidance on islands: It’s mainly a transport service—don’t expect detailed explanations or guided tours.
• Food options available: Optional, reasonably priced meals and drinks on Lopud Island add to the experience.
• Time on each island varies, but reviews suggest it’s generally enough for a decent exploration without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

We’ll start with the basics. The tour departs from Dubrovnik’s Port of Gruz, where you’ll find the boats docked across from the Gruz Fresh Market—look for the navy blue “Europa Line” or “Arupinum” boats. The total price is around $38 per person, which offers a pretty good deal for a day of island-hopping with transport included.

The journey kicks off with a scenic cruise along Croatia’s coast, smoothly sailing past the shoreline before you arrive at the first stop. You can choose to hop off at Lopud or Koloep Islands, or stay on the boat and enjoy the ride—your choice.

The Islands: Lopud and Koloep

Lopud Island is often considered the highlight. It’s famous for its sandy beaches, especially Sunj Beach, which many reviews describe as stunning and less crowded than other parts of Croatia. We loved the laid-back vibe and the chance to stroll through the charming village, soak up some sun, or grab a bite at the waterside restaurants. Reviewers mention the ample time on Lopud as a real plus—over five hours for some, which is plenty for a leisurely lunch, beach time, and exploring.

Koloep Island (also called Kalamota) offers a different flavor. It’s smaller but equally stunning, with lush greenery and quiet spots for relaxing. You might find it perfect if you’re into peaceful natural surroundings and short walks. Several reviews highlight how much they enjoyed visiting both islands, especially with the flexibility to spend more time on the one they preferred.

The Boat: Comfort and Crew

The boat itself is described as clean and spacious, with some reviewers noting that the wooden seats could be more comfortable. The crew gets consistently high marks for being friendly, helpful, and informative—many mention Boris and the captain by name, praising their welcoming attitude.

Since food isn’t served onboard, many travelers opt for bringing snacks or planning to eat once on the island. However, there is an optional special three-course lunch available on Lopud Island at a restaurant for €25-30, only for those on the Europa Line boats. You’ll need to book this early if interested, paying at the restaurant later.

Timing and Schedule

The schedule is flexible in terms of when you hop on or off, but the actual timing on the boat is fairly structured—reviews note that you’ll have around 1.5 to 2 hours between stops, with some variation. One reviewer pointed out that the trip felt more like a ferry ride than a guided tour, with limited on-board commentary. However, most felt the balance of cruising and exploring was just right.

It’s worth noting that many reviews describe the trip as “well-organized,” with punctual departures and arrivals. Still, some found the initial instructions confusing, so arriving early and paying attention to the meeting point helps.

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The Value and Overall Experience

At $38, this tour offers a good balance between cost and experience. Think of it as a convenient way to reach the islands without the hassle of multiple boat bookings or expensive private tours. Many travelers appreciate the ability to set their own pace—whether they want to relax on the beach, explore village streets, or sample local food.

Multiple reviews highlight how this tour is a great way to see less crowded, authentic spots that are hard to access otherwise. The quiet beaches and greenery are highlights, and the friendly crew enhances the experience. That said, if you’re after a guided tour with detailed history or storytelling, this might fall short.

The optional meal adds a bit to the overall value, turning a simple boat transfer into a more complete day out. Just keep in mind that food is purchased separately at the restaurant, and options on the islands are somewhat limited.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This hop-on-hop-off tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, flexible way to visit the Elaphiti Islands without feeling rushed or packed into a tight schedule. It’s suitable for those who enjoy independent exploration—strolling beaches, wandering small villages, and soaking up the scenery at their own pace.

It’s a good choice if you’re budget-conscious but still want to experience the stunning nature and tranquility of the Croatian islands. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate freedom and scenic travel will find this experience appealing.

If you’re looking for a detailed guided tour with comprehensive commentary, or eager to indulge in onboard meals and drinks, you might want to explore other options. But for a straightforward, scenic day that combines comfort with spontaneity, this trip hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour itself is mainly about transport and exploration, the relaxed pace, beautiful beaches, and open boat environment make it quite family-friendly. Just consider the length of time on the boat and on the islands.

How long am I on each island?
Reviewers mention spending over 5 hours on Lopud, which is enough for a leisurely lunch, beach time, and a stroll. The exact time depends on your preferences, since it’s hop-on-hop-off.

Can I stay longer on one island?
Yes, the flexibility is a key feature. You can hop off and stay as long as you like, then hop back on the next boat.

Is food included?
No, onboard food isn’t provided. There’s an optional three-course meal at a restaurant on Lopud, which you need to book in advance and pay on site.

How reliable is the schedule?
Most reviews say the schedule is smooth, with punctual departures and arrivals, but the experience is more about transport than guided commentary.

What does the boat ride look like?
The ride offers lovely views of the Croatian coast and islands. The boat is described as clean and spacious, though some find the wooden seats uncomfortable for long periods.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at around $38 per person, which many reviewers say offers good value for the duration and convenience.

Can I book this in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for planning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a cost-effective, flexible way to explore the Elaphiti Islands, this hop-on-hop-off boat tour from Dubrovnik hits many of the right notes. It’s a straightforward trip that prioritizes scenic cruising and personal exploration over guided commentary, making it ideal for independent travelers and those who prefer their adventures unstructured.

While it may lack detailed explanations or onboard meals, the stunning views, relaxed pacing, and the chance to linger on beaches or in villages make up for it. Reviews repeatedly praise the friendly crew, good value, and beautiful scenery, which helps build confidence in the experience.

All in all, this tour offers a memorable way to enjoy Croatia’s coastal beauty without overcomplicating your day. It’s best suited for those who want freedom, beautiful natural sights, and a taste of island life at their own pace.

Happy island hopping!

You can check availability for your dates here: