Three islands, one easy day from Dubrovnik. I like how this trip bundles lunch with free local wine and rakija into the cruise price, and you’re traveling aboard the Regina Maris—a comfortable, well-kept boat with lots of shade. It’s a classic “see more coastline without fighting schedules” day.

The trade-off is that your time on the first two islands can feel brisk if you want to wander for hours, especially on Koločep and Šipan. Still, the routing is set up so you get a taste of each island’s vibe: forested coves, a small-village feel, and then a proper beach day on Lopud.

Key points before you go

• Lunch is included, with a real choice: fish, chicken, or vegetarian—select your option when you book
• Free drinks with lunch: local white wine plus rakija, plus still water and soft drinks
• The Regina Maris comfort details matter: lazy bags for lounging, WiFi onboard, and four luxury restrooms
• Three distinct islands in one loop: Koločep (pines and coves), Šipan (Dalmatian village time), Lopud (Šunj Beach and sights)
• You’ll need to watch the clock: departure times are enforced, and you’ll want to be back on time
• Pick-up is included in Dubrovnik city: outside Dubrovnik is possible for an extra fee

Why this Elaphiti cruise is a smart first sea day from Dubrovnik

If you’re basing yourself in Dubrovnik and want the coast—and not just the city walls—this is a straightforward way to do it. The Elaphiti Islands are close enough for a day trip, but different enough that one island never feels like the whole story. You’ll leave with photos of pine-covered hills, different kinds of shoreline, and at least one time block that feels like beach-holiday mode.

I also like that the tour is built for comfort. You’re not constantly organizing ferries, transfers, or last-minute meal plans. Instead, the day revolves around boat travel and planned stop times, with lunch served onboard when you’re already in a good “reset” moment between islands.

One more reason this works: the day is set up for variety. You’re not only hopping from dock to dock; you’re getting a mix of scenery, swim breaks, and small-island strolling. If you like your travel days to have a rhythm, this one tends to deliver.

Regina Maris pick-up and meeting point: don’t miss the big white boat

The start time is 10:00 am, and the meeting point is Lapadska obala 5. Look for the large white boat Regina Maris at the harbor—this matters because you’ll be joining a group at a busy waterfront.

Hotel pick-up is included if you select it within the Dubrovnik city area. If your hotel is outside Dubrovnik, pick-up can be arranged for an extra fee (handled by email). This is one of those small “time-saver” features that you feel immediately once you’re not trying to drag yourself across the city with beach bags and sunscreen.

A practical note: bring your mobile ticket details and keep an eye out for the departure times posted during the island stops. The tour runs on schedule, and the boat leaves on time—so treat your dock return like a train platform, not like a casual stroll.

Koločep: pine forests, hidden caves, and a swim you’ll remember

Koločep is your first island stop, and it’s the one that feels most “natural.” Think dense pine forests, rocky coastline, and coves where you can step into clear Adriatic water. This is also where you’ll want your swimsuit ready, even if you’re not planning to snorkel.

You have a few ways to enjoy the stop:

• Take a refreshing dip and enjoy the water right there at the shoreline
• Use snorkeling gear if you have it (the tour does not include snorkeling equipment)
• Wander near the beach and small stalls for local products

The island’s also a nice option for photos—especially if you enjoy that “small island meets big sea” look with limestone edges and forested slopes.

Possible drawback: if you’re the type who wants long, slow exploring, Koločep may feel short. The experience is designed as an introduction to multiple islands, so your first stop is more of a taste than a full day.

If you’re craving more, there’s an option to book a Blue Cave add-on with the tour. That’s not described as part of the standard flow, so you’d be thinking of it as a separate extra.

Šipan: Dalmatian-style lunch and small-village wandering in Suđurađ

Šipan is where the day shifts into “island life.” You’ll be served a Dalmatian-style lunch onboard during this island segment. The day’s set up so you’re not scrambling for food in the middle of exploring—you get a meal when you’re already settled into the routine.

Lunch is included and you choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian when you book. The fish and chicken options are described as tasty and fresh, served with sides like cabbage slaw and cucumbers. Wine and rakija come with lunch, and you also get water and soft drinks.

Once you’re on the island, you’ll find a village atmosphere, especially around Suđurađ. There are small stands where you can taste local wine and olive oil, often set up near family homes and around places near the castle and bay area. It’s the kind of simple stop that makes a day tour feel more authentic, because you’re not only buying things in a tourist shop cluster.

Then you can do what you like with your free time:

• stroll around the village for traditional architecture
• sit for coffee or gelato near the harbor (optional)
• take it slow with sea views and photos

Possible drawback: like Koločep, this isn’t the longest stop. It’s enough to feel the island and eat well, but not enough to fully “move in” for the day.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: the classic stop for golden sand and easy swimming

Lopud is the payoff. If Koločep is about nature and Šipan is about village life, Lopud is about beach time plus a handful of sights.

The main beach is Šunj Beach, described as golden sand with shallow, family-friendly waters—great for a relaxed swim. The island has a walk option too: Šunj is about a 30-minute walk through natural surroundings from the bay area.

If walking isn’t your thing, there’s an alternate way: a buggy car is offered nearby (about 200 meters from the bay). It’s an extra fee, and payment is made directly to local drivers—so keep that in mind if you hate surprise costs. (I consider this one of the most important “choose your comfort” decisions on the day.)

You can also explore Lopud by bike (rentals are available on the island). That’s a solid way to reach little coves and viewpoints without burning the day on long foot paths.

For history and culture, there are a few options:

• Franciscan Monastery
• Sunlight Museum (open during high season)
• Botanical Garden, with free entry

And if you want the gentle end-of-day feeling, the Lopud harbor village has shops, cafes, and ice cream stands. This is where the day tour finishes with something sweet, not just saltwater sand.

Onboard comfort: shade, restrooms, WiFi, and the drinks that keep it fun

Between islands, this is where the tour really earns its “easy day” label. The boat is described as clean and well maintained, with plenty of seating options. Both decks are shaded, which matters when the sun in the Adriatic is doing its best impression of a spotlight.

You’ll also find:

• Lazy bags for lounging
• WiFi onboard
• 4 luxury restrooms (2 women/2 men)

That’s not a headline feature, but it’s the stuff you’re grateful for halfway through the day. Also, it helps when you’re traveling with kids, older relatives, or anyone who just wants comfort to be part of the vacation.

Drinks are another big plus. With lunch, you get:

• local white wine
• rakija (local brandy)
• still water and soda/soft drinks

Extra alcohol is available for purchase onboard, and coffee/tea can be bought too. In other words: you’re not locked into one beverage, but the included option is enough to keep the mood light.

Small caution: towels and beachwear are not included. You’ll want to bring your own beach basics—especially if you plan to spend time in and out of the water.

The lunch setup: a included meal that’s more than an afterthought

Lunch is one of the best value parts of this cruise, not just because it’s included, but because it’s timed well. You eat onboard while you’re transitioning through the day, which prevents the usual “we’ll eat when we find something” stress.

Your menu choice is important:

• fish
• chicken
• vegetarian

If you choose vegetarian, plan for a lunch that may be simpler than you’re hoping for. I’d treat this as a meal that gets the job done rather than a huge buffet. If you’re sensitive to portions, or you snack frequently on vacation, it doesn’t hurt to bring a small backup snack for the boat or beach.

One more helpful detail: the drinks are part of lunch. That means you can relax without tracking down a bar ticket mid-meal. It’s a small thing that makes the day feel smoother.

Price and value: $78.60 that adds up when you price out the pieces

At $78.60 per person for about 8 hours, the price looks reasonable when you break down what’s included. You’re paying for:

• boat transport around three islands
• hotel pick-up and drop-off within Dubrovnik city (if selected)
• lunch with a selection
• local wine and rakija with lunch
• onboard amenities (restrooms, shade, WiFi, lounging areas)

If you tried to DIY this with separate tickets, a meal, and transfers, costs can stack up quickly—especially in a place like Dubrovnik where getting out to the islands takes planning. Here, you’re paying for convenience and a full day of structure.

So for me, the value equation depends on one thing: how much you like day-trip itineraries. If you enjoy a “see a lot, don’t overthink it” pace, this price makes sense.

If you want a slow island holiday where you stretch each stop for half a day, you may feel like you’re getting too much boat time and not enough wandering. But that’s not a bad deal; it’s just a mismatch in travel style.

What to bring (and what to skip) so the day feels effortless

This is a sea-and-sun day, so pack like you’re going to swim at least once. But don’t overpack—space on boats can be limited.

Bring:

• swimsuit and a change of clothes if you like
• sun protection (cap, sunscreen)
• your own snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel (not included)

Skip expecting:

• towels (not included)
• snorkeling gear (not included)
• beachwear provided for you

Also, bring a little patience for scheduling. The tour is punctual, and island returns are enforced. If you’re the kind of person who strolls slowly and loses track of time, use the clock as your guide.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might prefer another format)

This cruise is a great fit if:

• you’re new to the Elaphiti Islands and want an instant overview
• you want lunch and drinks handled for you
• you like swimming and beach time, not just sightseeing

It’s also good for families and mixed-age groups because the boat includes comfort features (restrooms and shade) and the Lopud waters at Šunj are described as shallow.

I’d steer you toward a different plan if:

• you want long exploration on one island rather than quick introductions to three
• you dislike feeling “time-boxed” by fixed departure schedules
• you want lots of onboard activities while anchored (the day is more about the islands than entertainment)

Should you book this Elaphiti Islands cruise?

I’d book it if you want a smooth, well-run day that trades planning for views. The included lunch with local wine and rakija, the comfortable boat with shade and easy amenities, and the mix of Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud make it a strong value—especially for first-time visitors.

Book with eyes open if you’re hoping for slow, deep exploration on each island. The first stops can feel short, and the experience is structured for variety, not for lingering.

If you want my simple rule: if you like swimming, eating well, and moving through multiple scenery styles in one day, this cruise is likely your kind of Dubrovnik day trip.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Is lunch included, and do I choose a type?

Yes. Lunch is included and you must select fish, chicken, or vegetarian when you book.

What drinks are included?

Still water is included, plus soda/soft drinks. With lunch, you’ll also be served local white wine and rakija. Extra alcohol can be purchased onboard.

Where does the tour meet in Dubrovnik?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 5. You should look for the Regina Maris boat.

Is hotel pick-up included?

Pick-up and drop-off are included if you choose the option within Dubrovnik. Pick-up outside Dubrovnik city area may be arranged for an extra fee via email.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included, and you should plan to bring your own beachwear essentials.