From Dubrovnik: Elaphite Islands Day Trip with Lunch

Taking a day trip from Dubrovnik to the Elaphite Islands offers a perfect blend of scenic views, relaxing beach time, and cultural exploration. This tour, operated by Super Tours Travel Agency, is especially popular for its straightforward itinerary, lovely boat ride, and the opportunity to enjoy three different islands without the hassle of planning.

What we love most about this experience is how seamlessly it combines comfort, beautiful scenery, and authentic Croatian island charm—plus, the unlimited drinks and tasty onboard lunch make it feel like a real treat.

Of course, one thing to keep in mind is that the time spent on each island can be somewhat limited—roughly 45 minutes to 3 hours—so if you’re eager for deep exploration or specific activities, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those wanting a relaxed, scenic, and well-organized day, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Dalmatian island life with ease and value.

Key Points

• Beautiful Boat Ride: The tour’s highlight is the scenic sailing along the Dalmatian coast, offering stunning views of the Adriatic.
• Three Diverse Islands: You’ll visit Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud—each with its own unique charm and highlights.
• Inclusive Lunch & Drinks: Tasty onboard lunch with options (fish, meat, vegetarian) and unlimited drinks, including wine, juice, and water.
• Relaxing Beach Time: Particularly on Lopud, with a sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Knowledgeable Guides & Friendly Crew: Many reviews praise the guides for their helpfulness and the crew for creating a friendly atmosphere.
• Good Value for Money: At $59 per person, the experience offers a balanced mix of transportation, sightseeing, food, and drinks.

The Overview: What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour kicks off early in the morning with hotel pickup if you choose that option, making the logistics smooth. Once at the port of Gru, you’ll board a boat, usually a smaller, cozy vessel that’s perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and views. The actual cruise lasts most of the day, giving you a real taste of the Dalmatian coast’s beauty.

The itinerary generally starts with a sail to Kolocep (also called Koloep), followed by visits to Sipan and Lopud. At each island, you’ll get designated free time to explore, relax, or enjoy the beaches. The trip is flexible enough to include recommendations from guides, with reviews mentioning helpful tips on where to walk or how to get to the best beaches.

Lunch is served onboard around midday, with a choice of three menus—fish, meat, or vegetarian. The food gets decent reviews for freshness and taste, and unlimited drinks keep the mood lively and relaxed. The tour wraps up with some free time on Lopud, known for its sandy beach and laid-back vibe, before heading back to Dubrovnik.

The Scenic Boat Ride: A Highlight in Itself

The boat ride offers a fantastic way to see Croatia’s coastline from a different perspective. The calm seas and gentle breeze make for a comfortable journey, even if you’re not usually a boat person. The views of the islands from the water are stunning, especially if the weather is clear.

Multiple reviewers pointed out how much they enjoyed the scenery, with many referring to the boat as cozy and well-equipped, with onboard WIFI and plenty of space to relax. The music playlists—often featuring classics from the 2000s—add a fun touch, creating a lively yet chilled atmosphere.

The Islands: Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud

Kolocep: The Cultural Gem

Your first stop, Kolocep, is a small island with a quiet charm. It’s a perfect spot for a quick walk or a little sightseeing, with the chance to explore some medieval sites. Some reviews mention that the island is a great place to wander, buy souvenirs, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The limited time (around 45 minutes) means you’ll want to prioritize your interests, but even a short stroll can give you a sense of local history.

Sipan: The Pleasant Walk

Next, Sipan is described as a lovely, walkable island. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed stroll, with some reviewers noting the helpful suggestions from guides on where to go. The island’s size allows for a pleasant exploration without feeling rushed, though the time here is also limited—about 45 minutes to an hour.

Lopud: The Sandy Paradise

Lopud is the star of this trip for many, thanks to its sandy beaches and the opportunity for swimming or sunbathing. The beach at Sunj, in particular, gets rave reviews for being a gorgeous spot with warm, clear water. Many people take the small golf buggy (available at an extra cost) to reach the beach, which is a fun addition and makes the walk less steep.

On Lopud, you’ll have around three hours to relax, swim, or walk through the small village, enjoying local cafés and shops. The reviews love how free and unhurried this part of the trip feels, giving you plenty of time to unwind.

Lunch on Board: Tasting the Flavors of Dalmatia

The onboard lunch is a major highlight for many travelers, especially those who appreciate fresh seafood. The menu options—fish, meat, or vegetarian—are designed to suit different tastes, with reviews praising the freshness of the fish and the tasty, well-prepared meals.

Unlimited drinks, including wine, juice, and water, add to the convivial atmosphere. Interestingly, several reviewers noted the quality of the wine, with some describing it as cool, refreshing, and a perfect accompaniment to the meal. One reviewer even called the fish “amazing,” highlighting the freshness and tenderness of the catch.

The Overall Experience: Why Travelers Keep Coming Back

Reviewers consistently mention the helpfulness and friendliness of the guides and crew, with some, like Milos and Melosha, singled out for their attentiveness and engaging manner. They often share useful tips, from the best beaches to visit to local recommendations, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Many guests appreciate the good value for money—the $59 price point includes boat transfers, lunch, drinks, and guided sightseeing. Considering the scenic beauty, the convenience, and the quality of the experience, it’s clear that this tour offers a lot for a modest cost.

However, some travelers mention that the time on each island is somewhat limited, especially on the first two, which might not satisfy those who want to really explore or spend more time in specific spots. Still, the balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and onboard comfort makes it an excellent choice for a straightforward, enjoyable day.

This trip suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic escape from the hustle of Dubrovnik’s old town. If you’re seeking a value-packed day with plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy good food and drinks, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate a comfortable boat journey and don’t mind the limited free time on each island.

Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a casual, friendly environment will find this tour perfect. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer an organized experience with the convenience of hotel pickup, guided commentary, and onboard amenities.

While not suited for travelers aiming for deep cultural or historical exploration—since the time on each island is brief—it’s an excellent way to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands with minimal fuss.

How long is the boat ride?
Most of the day is spent sailing between islands, with the journey starting early and lasting until late afternoon, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, a delicious onboard lunch is part of the package, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes, along with unlimited drinks like wine, juice, and water.

What is the duration of free time on each island?
You’ll generally have about 45 minutes on Kolocep and Sipan, and roughly 3 hours on Lopud, giving enough time to explore, swim, or relax.

Are hotel transfers included?
Yes, if you select the hotel pickup option, transfers are provided, making logistics simple. The pickup point is usually at a central location, like the marina near Sun Gardens Dubrovnik.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly in terms of scenery and relaxed pace, the navigation and onboard environment are best suited for older children and teens.

Can I buy additional drinks onboard?
No, unlimited drinks are included in the tour, but additional beverages are not covered and would need to be purchased separately.

What is the typical group size?
Based on reviews, the boat is not usually overcrowded, with plenty of space to relax, even during peak times.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
The tour is conducted in English, with reviews praising the guides for their helpful and friendly explanations.

This Elaphite Islands day trip from Dubrovnik proves to be a fantastic way to experience Croatia’s stunning coastal scenery without the fuss of planning. The combination of a scenic boat ride, three diverse islands, and a tasty onboard lunch really offers great value for money.

While the limited time on each island might not satisfy those wanting deep exploration, it’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, enjoyable day with plenty of opportunities to swim, soak up the sun, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. The friendly guides, excellent service, and breathtaking views make this tour a memorable addition to any Dubrovnik itinerary.

If you’re after a stress-free, scenic escape that balances comfort, beauty, and good value, this trip is hard to beat. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy a social atmosphere, good food, and stunning seaside vistas—whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family.

Note: Always check the latest details directly with the provider, especially regarding pickup times and inclusions, to ensure your experience matches your expectations.