Dubrovnik’s coast does not do things halfway. This 6-hour Elaphiti Islands cruise pairs time on Kolocep and Lopud with a proper swim stop at the Blue Cave. I especially like the small group feel (up to 25) and the onboard unlimited drinks, which make the boat part of the day feel like the easy win. One thing to keep in mind: the Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming, so you’ll want decent comfort in open water.

You get a real mix of “active” and “hang out” time. Kolocep gives you 45 minutes to explore and snorkel, then Lopud delivers a full 2-hour beach and village break. Still, it’s not a private speedboat day—this is a shared day on a busy Adriatic, and the cave area can be crowded when conditions bring lots of boats together.

Below is how to decide if this tour fits your style, what each stop is actually like, and how to get the most out of your 6 hours in the islands.

Key highlights that matter before you book

• Small group (up to 25) means less waiting around and more personal attention from the crew
• Blue Cave swim time (45 minutes) with snorkeling masks provided, and you’re expected to enter by swimming
• Lopud’s 2 hours gives you enough time to do a beach reset and still wander the village
• Unlimited onboard drinks: wine, soda, water, and rakija
• Lunch is a strong optional add-on (15€ cash) with fish, chicken, or vegetarian choices
• Flexible routing if weather turns so you’re not guaranteed the exact same cave plan every day

How this Elaphiti cruise feels in real time

This is a classic Dubrovnik-to-islands day: a morning start from the Dubrovnik area, boat time that looks like postcard scenery, then a sequence of island breaks that don’t feel rushed. The rhythm is built around three things you’ll care about on a day like this: water time, beach time, and food/drinks onboard.

I like that you’re not stuck on one tiny stop. You actually get to spread your time across Kolocep and Lopud—two islands with very different vibes—before ending back on the boat for lunch and the final sailing stretch.

Meeting up in Dubrovnik: where to find the boat (LORENA or KATE)

Your departure point depends on whether you take hotel pickup. You can do either:

• Pickups and drop-offs from hotels across the Dubrovnik area (an extra 5€ paid in cash on the spot)
• Or meeting at the pier area in Dubrovnik

If you’re meeting the group at the port: you’ll be at New Port Gruž, by the long promenade where the bigger boats dock. The boarding happens along the middle of the promenade. Right across from the address Obala Stjepana Radica 16, you’ll find the boat—named LORENA or KATE.

Tip: wear something you can walk in right away. You’ll want easy shoes for the early walk and then quick access to beachwear once you’re on the islands.

First sailing moments: your Elaphiti warm-up and welcome drinks

The day starts with a cruise that’s meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. You’ll have scenic sailing time along the Elaphiti route, with photo stops and welcome refreshments early on.

This matters because it sets the tone. If you arrive tired or a little frazzled, the boat portion helps you reset. And with the tour’s included unlimited drinks—wine, soda, water, and rakija—you’re not waiting for a “later payoff.” You get it right from the start.

Kolocep Island: 45 minutes of swimming, snorkeling, and calm wandering

Koločep (often spelled Kolocep) is your first main island break, with about 45 minutes to split between exploring and water time. The island is known for its quiet feel, and the timing is long enough to do more than just stand around looking at the shoreline.

What I recommend with your 45 minutes:

• If you enjoy snorkeling, use that time before you feel too relaxed. Swim early while you’re fresh.
• Bring your mask (snorkeling masks are provided onboard) and plan for simple, easy wandering afterward.
• Do a quick walk along the water rather than trying to “tour” the island. This stop works best when you move at island pace.

One practical note: you’ll be on a boat schedule, not a beach-stay schedule. That’s a good thing for people who don’t want a full day of logistics—but it means you should treat this like a taste, not a deep hike.

Blue Cave stop: how the swimming works and what to expect

This is the signature moment, and it has a built-in rule: the Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming. You get around 45 minutes at this stop, which usually sounds generous until you factor in entry, time in the water, and then getting yourself back to the boat.

Here’s how to think about it:

• If you’re a strong swimmer or comfortable floating and moving in open water, you’ll probably love this stop.
• If you’re hesitant in water, you’ll still likely enjoy the viewpoint and the water, but you’ll want to be honest with yourself about what “swim-only access” means.

Snorkeling masks are provided, and the water is the whole point—this is where you go for that pale-blue, light-through-water look. The best way to enjoy it is to focus on being in the water rather than trying to treat it like a timed attraction.

A real caution from past experiences: when sea conditions aren’t friendly, the plan may shift. On at least one day, the cave swim wasn’t possible and the crew took the group to a nearby beach instead. So if you’re booking with high expectations for that exact cave entry, don’t assume every day will line up perfectly.

Also, consider crowding. The cave area can feel busy when lots of boats arrive at once. It’s not the tour operator’s fault—but it’s worth knowing so you don’t judge yourself for not feeling like you have a private moment.

Lopud Island: the best chunk of free time for beaches and village browsing

After the cave stop, you get your longer island break: 2 hours on Lopud. This is where the day turns from sightseeing into “choose your own mood.”

Lopud is famous for its sandy beaches, and one highlight is Šunj Beach. With two hours, you can realistically do a few options:

• Sunbathe and swim at Šunj Beach
• Walk around the small village area at a relaxed pace
• Grab a coffee or snack if you want something extra (you’ll have downtime for it)
• Take photos without feeling like you’re sprinting

I love this part because it’s flexible. Some people want beach-only time. Others like wandering a bit. Two hours is a sweet spot: you get to enjoy Lopud without feeling stuck there when the boat day is still moving along.

If you’re the type who likes souvenirs or little browsing, this is also your moment for quick shopping. You don’t need hours to get what you came for.

Unlimited drinks and optional lunch onboard: the value test

This tour’s value isn’t just the scenery. It’s the fact that the boat experience includes unlimited drinks: wine, soda, water, and rakija. That’s the kind of perk that quietly changes the day. You don’t have to ration how much you drink, and the boat becomes a real hangout.

Then there’s lunch, which is optional. Lunch is not included and costs 15€ per person, paid in cash on the boat. Menu options are fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

From the way people talk about the food, this meal is often the highlight. I’d treat it as part of the booking decision. If you like a proper hot meal after swimming, plan to add it. People describe the lunch as excellent, and several mention fish being a favorite. There are also hints of onboard cooking and grill-style food when the day sets up that way, which fits the island rhythm: swim, relax, eat well, repeat.

If you skip lunch, you can still enjoy the drinks and the sailing, but you’ll want to be fine with stretching your eating plans. The day has enough free time on islands that you can also supplement with your own snacks if you bring them.

Crew energy: what makes the experience feel personal

A big part of why this tour earns strong ratings is how the crew shows up. Names you may hear include Marco and Peter, and on some days Mikael is the skipper. There’s also at least one mention of a guide introduced like Mario (Super Mario).

What that usually means in real life: clear communication, friendly hosting, and a relaxed vibe. The tour doesn’t feel stiff. People describe it as calm, welcoming, and well organized, and that matters because it’s a water day with multiple stops.

Also, I appreciate that the tour stays realistic. There’s a stated chance the itinerary changes in bad weather, and that kind of flexibility is exactly what you want at sea.

Price and logistics: is $68 worth it?

The base price is $68 per person for a 6-hour day. That’s a fair number when you think about what’s included:

• Small-group boat tour
• Snorkeling masks
• Life jackets
• Unlimited drinks onboard (wine, soda, water, rakija)
• Multiple island stops with meaningful time on each (Kolocep and Lopud especially)

Then you have two extras that can change your total:

• Lunch: 15€ cash
• Hotel pickup/drop-off: 5€ cash

So the value equation is simple:

• If you’ll drink and you want the option of a hot lunch, this feels like a good deal.
• If you don’t care about lunch and you’ll meet at the port yourself, you can keep costs down.

Either way, you’re paying for time on water and actual island time, not just a quick photo-and-go.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want an easy day from Dubrovnik that still includes real swimming
• Like island time but don’t want to manage boats or schedules yourself
• Enjoy good food and drinks onboard, not just snacks
• Prefer a small group size

You might not love it if:

• You’re not comfortable swimming to access the Blue Cave
• You need wheelchair access (this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)

Should you book the Blue Cave and Elaphiti day?

I’d book this tour if your priority is a well-paced islands day with real water time, two islands you actually get to enjoy, and included drinks that make the boat part of the day feel fun, not filler.

If you’re the cautious swimmer type, you can still enjoy the islands and the cruise, but go in with clear expectations about the Blue Cave swim requirement. And if you’re traveling in peak season, expect the possibility of busy water around popular stops.

Overall: this is strong value for a compact, scenic 6 hours, especially if you’ll add the onboard lunch and you want a relaxed crew-led day on the Adriatic.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 6 hours.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch costs extra, 15€ per person, paid in cash on the boat. You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks onboard include wine, soda, water, and rakija.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, and life jackets are provided.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

Yes. The Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming, so you’ll want to have your swimsuit with you.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off from hotels are not included. It’s an extra 5€ per person, paid in cash on the spot. You can also meet at the port.

Where is the meeting point?

You can meet at the New Port Gruž promenade near the boats docked in the middle of the promenade, across from Obala Stjepana Radica 16. The boat name is LORENA or KATE.

What if weather is bad?

The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary due to bad weather conditions.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.