Elaphite Islands Boat Cruise from Dubrovnik with Optional Lunch
Overview
This boat day trip takes you from Dubrovnik to the three inhabited Elaphite Islands, Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan, on a modern boat with an open top deck, an air-conditioned lower salon and toilets on board. Each island has time to swim, walk or relax. Depending on the option you choose, you get hotel pickup, lunch on board and a different starting point, so you can pick the version that fits your plans and budget.
Highlights
- Visit the three Elaphite Islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan in one day
- Free time to swim, sunbathe and walk on each island
- Sail on a modern boat with an open top deck and an air-conditioned salon
- Lunch on board in most options; one option has no lunch
- Hotel pickup in the default option, or choose to start from a pier or marina
- English-speaking guide and boat crew on board
Full Description
Lopud Island
Lopud is the best-known of the Elaphite Islands, a small car-free island with a village of stone houses, a Franciscan monastery and the ruins of an old fortress above the harbour. It was once a wealthy port of sea captains, and walking the quiet lanes gives you a sense of that history.
The main reason for a Lopud day trip from Dubrovnik is the beach: Sunj Bay, on the far side of the island, is one of the few sandy beaches in the region, and the water is shallow and clear. The main stop on this cruise lasts around three hours, so there is time for a swim, a walk and the lunch served on board or in the village.
Sipan Island
Sipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands and a quiet contrast to Lopud. Its two villages lie in sheltered bays, and the interior is a patchwork of olive groves, small orchards and old stone walls. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the nobles of Dubrovnik built summer houses here, and some of them still stand by the water.
The stop is about an hour, enough to step ashore, stroll along the waterfront, take photos and swim. Sipan is the place to visit if you want to see the island's rural side. The trip makes it easy to see all three islands, which is difficult by public ferry in one day.
Kolocep Island
Kolocep is the nearest and smallest of the three inhabited islands, and it is covered in pine forest and Mediterranean scrub. There are two small villages, quiet paths between gardens and coves where the water turns bright turquoise on sunny days.
The stop of about an hour is for swimming and relaxing, and snorkelling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to explore. The island is calm and less visited than Lopud. Many guests say the short walk in the pines is a nice way to finish the day before the return to Dubrovnik.
Choosing your Elaphite Islands option
The default option collects you from your hotel in the Dubrovnik area and includes lunch on board. Other options start from a meeting point on Lapadska Obala or from the Sun Gardens marina, and one option has no lunch, so check the option name in the booking panel.
Every option includes the boat tour, the free time on the islands and the guide and crew. Towels and snorkelling equipment are not included. Trips depart in the morning and last between about seven and a half and eight hours, and the exact meeting details are confirmed after booking.
Itinerary
- Pickup or meeting pointHotel pickup in the Dubrovnik area, or meet at the pier or marina, depending on your option.
- Cruise along the coastAbout thirty minutes on the water with views of the Dubrovnik coastline.
- Lopud IslandAbout three hours for swimming, walking and lunch.
- Sipan IslandAbout an hour to stroll, take photos and swim.
- Kolocep IslandAbout an hour to swim and walk in the pine forest.
- Return to DubrovnikCruise back to the pier and drop-off; drop-off is at your hotel only in the option with pickup.
What's included
- Boat tour of the Elaphite Islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan with free time to swim and explore
- English-speaking guide and boat crew
- Modern boat with an open top deck, an air-conditioned lower salon and toilets on board
Not included
- Towels
- Snorkelling equipment
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not suitable for
- Travellers who get seasick easily and cannot take medication
- People who cannot walk on uneven paths and steps for a short time
- Anyone who wants a guided walking tour with in-depth history on each island
Meeting point
In the default option, hotel pickup is in the Dubrovnik area and the pickup time is confirmed after booking. In the other options, you meet at the pier on Lapadska Obala, or at the Sun Gardens marina, depending on the option. Details are confirmed after booking.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes.
- Towels and snorkelling equipment are not included; bring your own if you want to snorkel.
- Lunch on board is included in most options, but one option has no lunch; check the option name.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only in the option that says so.
- Bad weather can change the route or cause a cancellation for safety, in which case we offer another date or a refund.
- Bring some local cash for extras on the islands.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Elaphite Islands cruise cost?
The price depends on the option you choose: with hotel pickup and lunch, from a meeting point, from the marina, or without lunch. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
Only in the default option, which includes pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik area. In the other options you meet at a pier or a marina.
How long is the Elaphite Islands cruise?
Plan for about seven and a half to eight hours, depending on the option.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, families enjoy it. Children should be comfortable on a boat and near water. Child prices are in the booking panel.
Is lunch included?
Lunch on board is included in most options, but not in the option marked without lunch. Check the option name before you book.
What is the difference between the options?
The route, boat and guide are the same. The differences are the starting point (hotel pickup, pier or marina) and whether lunch is included.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Snorkelling equipment and towels are not provided.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes if there is space. The booking panel shows the dates available, and booking the day before is safest for the pickup option.
Which is the best Elaphite island to swim at?
Lopud has the sandy beach at Sunj Bay, Sipan has calm bays, and Kolocep has quiet coves; the cruise gives you time on all three.
