Your Dubrovnik day starts on open water. This cruise is built for an easy, sun-and-sea rhythm: you get hotel pickup and a full onboard meal day, plus you’re in the water with almost no planning. I also like the unlimited drinks at lunch, which keeps the day feeling like a true outing instead of a ferry with snacks. One thing to factor in: if the weather turns or it’s too cool for swimming, the islands can feel more like sightseeing walks than an all-day beach party.

You’ll spend time across three Elafiti islands—Koločep, Lopud and Šipan—with a stop that includes the village of Suđurađ. The day starts at 9:00 am, and the overall pace stays laid-back: swim when you want, wander when you want, and let the boat handle the moving part.

Key things I’d circle on your map

• Hotel pickup that reduces friction: get transported to the dock and back, when you choose the pickup option.
• Three islands, one ticket: Koločep, Lopud, Šipan, with time to roam and swim along the way.
• Lunch + unlimited drinks on board: water, soft drinks, wine, and grappa, served with the meal.
• Šunj Beach is the star moment on Lopud: sand time and warm water are the focus here.
• Small-group feel: the tour caps at 60, and it tends to feel manageable rather than like mass transport.

Entering the Elafiti Islands: what kind of day this really is

This isn’t a hard-core island tour with a packed schedule of monuments. It’s closer to a sea-day with stops—move around, pick your pace, and use the boat as your floating base.

That’s why the itinerary makes sense for most people. On Koločep, you get that classic Adriatic feeling: calm water time and beach relaxation. On Lopud, the goal shifts more toward the sandy beach experience at Šunj. Then on Šipan, you lean into strolling and waterfront sightseeing—plus time around Suđurađ.

If you like your days structured but not rushed, this fits.

Price and timing: what you’re paying for (and why it can feel fair)

At $71.35 per person, you’re buying three things that add up fast in Dubrovnik: boat transport, a meal, and drinks—while eliminating the stress of organizing a day-trip yourself.

You should expect a wide window in total duration (listed as about 9 to 17 hours). That range isn’t random. Sea conditions, stop timing, and how long you spend on beaches can stretch the day, especially if the crew adjusts the route to protect your time outdoors.

The best part for value is the included lunch plus unlimited drinks during the meal. Even if you don’t plan to drink much, it usually still feels like a win because you’re not hunting for food between swims.

How the day runs: pickup, dock, and a 9:00 am start

The tour meets at Lapadska obala 5 in Dubrovnik at 9:00 am. If you choose the pickup option, you’ll be picked up from hotels in Dubrovnik (and you can also request the nearest pickup point if you’re staying in an apartment, house, Airbnb, or hostel).

I like tours that remove the “how do we get there” problem. With pickup, you spend more of the morning on the water and less time figuring out local transport or taxi timing.

The practical move: be ready at pickup time even if your hotel address is new to the operator. If your plans are complicated (different accommodation than expected), it helps to confirm details as early as possible. One plus here is that the operator has a reputation for staying responsive and efficient when adjustments are needed.

Stop 1: Koločep island time—swim first, wander second

Koločep is where the day starts to feel like a vacation. You’ll have time to sightsee at an easy pace, but the bigger draw is the chance to swim in warm, clear water and simply relax on the beaches.

What I’d expect on Koločep:

• A “step off the boat into the sea” kind of day, where you choose when to get wet.
• Enough walking to enjoy the island vibe without needing hiking boots.

The drawback to note is seasonal: one review experience pointed out that when it’s too cold to swim, the island hopping becomes more about wandering—and less about beach time. So if you’re traveling in a cooler month, plan your expectations around temperature.

Stop 2: Lopud and Šunj Beach—where the sandy payoff happens

Lopud is the island where many people focus on one key payoff: Šunj Beach. This is a popular sandy stretch, and the whole stop is structured to give you time to reach it and enjoy the water.

A useful detail: some visitors reported that reaching the Šunj area can involve a paid short ride from the docking area (and otherwise a longer walk). If you’re budgeting your energy, check in with the crew on the ground plan once you arrive. If you’re trying to get there fast, bring some cash for that shortcut.

Also, don’t plan on shore meals being cheap. If you end up wanting extra food beyond lunch, you might find restaurant prices can jump quickly compared with what you’re used to in Dubrovnik.

One more comfort note: facilities can be limited in some spots on Lopud. If you’re sensitive to toilet access during day tours, do your planning early and don’t assume amenities will be right where you land.

Stop 3: Šipan and Suđurađ—more local walking, less “beach postcard”

Šipan shifts the mood. Instead of chasing a single beach, you get more time for waterfront sightseeing and village atmosphere. The tour also includes time related to Suđurađ, so you’ll likely have a chance to wander around the village area and get a feel for everyday island life.

What to like here:

• It’s more about strolling and taking in the harbor/waterfront views.
• It can feel calmer than the beach-focused island stop.

What to watch out for: if you’re hoping for constant swim opportunities on every island, Šipan can be more of a walking and scenery stop. It’s still a great change of pace—just plan your swim time around the beach legs.

Lunch on board plus drinks: simple food, real value

Lunch is a major part of why this tour feels like good value. You’ll be served onboard with a choice of meal types—fish, meat, or vegetarian—selected at booking through the meal-type option in special requirements.

This is not a gourmet restaurant experience. But it’s genuinely practical for a day on islands. The crew serves the meal while you’re out on the water, and the included drinks are what make it feel like you’re being looked after instead of self-managing.

Included drinks (during lunch) include:

• Water
• Soft drinks (like coca cola and ice tea)
• Wine
• Grappa

If you’re picky about meals on boats, you’ll still want to choose your option carefully and think about portion size and timing. A common positive theme in feedback is that lunch is cooked onboard and served hot, with good satisfaction from people who usually get nervous about food at sea.

Boat comfort and group size: more personal than the big ferries

The tour holds a maximum of 60 people. Even with that cap, the experience tends to feel more personal than large ferries, which matters when you’re trying to find a quiet moment or grab a spot to enjoy the sea views.

You’ll likely appreciate:

• A layout that supports relaxing rather than racing around.
• A crew that stays attentive during the day, especially around lunch and drinks.

One fun detail: in at least one experience, a crew member let a younger passenger steer the boat. If you’re traveling with kids or teens, that can be a memorable moment that makes the day feel interactive.

Practical tips that will save you hassle

Here are the decisions I’d make before you go, based on what tends to make or break a day like this:

• Bring your own swim gear and a towel you’re okay getting sandy. You’ll want to be ready fast once you’re near the water.
• If snorkeling is on your list, don’t assume gear is included. One practical heads-up from experience: snorkels may not be provided, and you might have to rent or buy them on an island instead.
• Pack a light layer. Even in warm months, boat time can feel cooler once you’re moving.
• Bring small cash for island add-ons. Things like a short ride to Šunj (reported by some visitors) can be easy once you have a few coins/bills.
• Skip the “I’ll find a bargain lunch on the island” plan. Lunch is included for a reason, and shore options can cost more than you expect.

Weather, sea conditions, and when plans adjust

This cruise depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll either get a different date or your money is refunded—so you aren’t stuck.

On rougher water, you might notice small differences in how the crew manages time and safety. For example, one experience noted that the ability to jump off the boat depends on sea conditions. So if you’re imagining a nonstop swim-and-jump party, keep your plan flexible.

The good news: the operator’s communication and responsiveness is a strong theme. If weather changes (or if you need timing adjustments because of travel logistics), expect them to work with you rather than treat it as a hassle.

Is this tour the right fit for you?

I’d book this cruise if you want:

• A low-effort day that still feels like a real outing
• Included food and drinks (especially if you’d otherwise spend extra on boat-day logistics)
• Time across multiple islands so you can mix beach and walking
• A relaxed pace where you decide when to swim

I might hesitate if you:

• Are traveling in cooler conditions where swimming may not feel great
• Need heavy monument stops or long guided history sessions
• Are extremely sensitive to limited facilities on certain island areas

Should you book this Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Cruise?

Yes, if your goal is an enjoyable sea day with three islands, onboard lunch, and easy transport from Dubrovnik. At $71.35, the real value is the combination: boat movement + food + drinks without you handling planning during the day.

Just go in with the right expectations: this is a practical island-hopping cruise, not a concentrated museum tour. If the weather is good, it’s a memorable way to see Koločep, Lopud (especially Šunj Beach), and Šipan with minimal stress. If the weather is iffy, you’ll still get a day out—but you may spend more time walking than swimming, and you’ll want to pack accordingly.

FAQ

Which islands are included in the cruise?

You’ll visit the Elafiti islands of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with time that also includes exploring the village of Suđurađ.

Is lunch included, and are drinks included too?

Yes. You’ll get lunch onboard, with unlimited drinks including water, soft drinks, wine, and grappa (served with the meal).

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup is offered if you select the option that includes pickup. The tour states it picks up from all hotels in Dubrovnik if that option is chosen, and it also can arrange a nearest pickup point for apartment, house, Airbnb, or hostel stays. Drop-off is included back to the meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 9:00 am, and the meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik.

Can I choose a fish, meat, or vegetarian meal?

Yes. At booking you choose a meal type for each traveler (fish, meat, or vegetarian) in the special requirements section.

Are entrance fees to historical monuments included?

No. The tour data says entrance fees to historical monuments on the islands are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.