Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Pickup

Exploring the Elafiti Islands from Dubrovnik: A Practical & Playful Day on the Water

This 8-hour Elafiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik offers an inviting way to experience some of Croatia’s most picturesque islands. With visits to Koloep, Lopud, and Sipan, plus a chance to relax on beaches, enjoy a tasty meal, and swim in crystal-clear waters, it caters well to those craving a relaxed, scenic day by the sea. The fact that round-trip hotel pickup is included in the package simplifies logistics, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prefer to avoid the hassle of arranging transport themselves.

What really shines about this tour is the combination of sightseeing, leisure, and good value. For just under $78 per person, you get a well-organized day filled with natural beauty, cultural glimpses, and plenty of refreshment options. That said, one thing to consider is the limited time on each island—if you’re hoping for a full day of exploring each spot thoroughly, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those seeking a well-paced overview, it’s a solid, hassle-free choice.

This tour suits travelers who love scenic boat rides, easy island hopping, and a mix of relaxing and sightseeing experiences. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking to soak up the sun while enjoying good food and drinks will find it especially appealing. If you’re someone who appreciates a good balance of guided comfort and free time, this trip could become a highlight of your Dubrovnik visit.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make this trip seamless.
• Natural Beauty: Expect stunning island landscapes, clear waters, and beautiful beaches.
• Culinary Delights: Onboard lunch with unlimited drinks, including wine and grappa, adds a satisfying touch.
• Flexible & Relaxed: Plenty of free time for swimming, strolling, or simply sunbathing.
• Authentic Experience: Visit three islands, each with its unique charm and scenery.
• Value for Money: For roughly $78, you get a full day of activities, transport, and food.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary: Island Hopping with a View

The adventure kicks off early, with hotel pickup around 9:00 am—a real bonus for those who dislike waiting around in busy tourist spots. You’ll board a charming boat, either the Bobara or Mara, and set sail into the Croatian archipelago. The first stop is Koloep, where the main draw is its inviting beaches—perfect for swimming and relaxing on golden sands. Reviewers often mention the warm, clear water as a highlight, and many appreciated the time spent here to just unwind or take a dip.

Next, the boat heads to Lopud, famous for its coastline and the popular unj Beach. Here, visitors have plenty of free time to explore the waterfront, stroll along the beaches, or grab a quick snack at the local cafes. One traveler noted that three hours on Lopud was “sufficient to visit the nice beach on the other side of Lopud,” which is a good indication of the pace. The island’s vibe is laid-back, and with no mention of long queues or crowded spots, it’s clear this is a peaceful escape.

The third stop is Sipan, which offers a mix of sightseeing and leisure. Several reviews praised the scenic waterfronts and the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk. There’s also the chance to visit local attractions or simply kick back with a drink, knowing the onboard lunch and unlimited drinks are taken care of.

The Food & Drinks: A Satisfying Meal at Sea

One of the tour’s standout features is the lunch onboard, which is often described as delicious and generously portioned. The menu options include fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes, catering fairly well to different dietary needs. Reviewers particularly appreciated the well-prepared fish, with one noting it was “beautifully tasty.”

The drinks selection is a real highlight—unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, and grappa—which means you can freely toast with a glass of white or red while enjoying the views. Several guests have expressed how this enhances the relaxed atmosphere, making it feel less like a tour and more like a floating banquet with friends.

The Crew & Overall Atmosphere

Many reviews highlight the friendly, efficient crew, who go out of their way to ensure everyone has a good time. Notably, several guests appreciated the crew’s flexibility—such as making on-the-spot adjustments to maximize time in the sun or helping guests who wanted to take photos or swim. One reviewer even mentioned that the crew let their granddaughters steer the boat, adding a personal touch to the experience.

The boat itself, whether the Bobara or Mara, is described as well-maintained, comfortable, and suitable for groups of up to 60 travelers. The overall vibe is relaxed and friendly, with many travelers mentioning the good vibes and helpful staff as key reasons they’d recommend the tour.

Timing & Group Size: What You Need to Know

Starting at 9:40 am, the tour lasts roughly 8 hours, giving enough time to enjoy all stops at a comfortable pace. Some guests, like one who wished for a slightly longer stay at Donje Celo, noted that the timing could be a little tight—so if you’re keen to explore in depth, plan accordingly.

Group sizes are capped at 60, which strikes a balance between intimacy and social atmosphere—most reviews mention a pleasant, manageable crowd. You’ll be part of a small to medium-sized group, which means easier communication and a more relaxed environment overall.

Practical Considerations & Value

The price of approximately $78 per person is quite reasonable given the inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, a full day of island visits, a hearty lunch with drinks, and a scenic boat ride. While entrance fees to some attractions aren’t included, most travelers found the value was excellent, especially considering the all-inclusive lunch and drinks.

A few reviewers pointed out minor inconveniences—such as not being dropped directly at the hotel or wishing for more time on each island—but these are small trade-offs for the convenience and comfort offered. Also, bring your own snorkel gear if interested, as it isn’t provided but can be purchased on the island for around 20 euros.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy beautiful waters, tasty food, and a laid-back vibe, rather than intense sightseeing or long hikes. Families with kids, couples celebrating a special occasion, or solo travelers who appreciate a social atmosphere will find it a satisfying way to experience the Croatian coast.

If you’re someone who appreciates good value, friendly service, and the chance to soak up the sun with minimal fuss, this tour could easily become one of your highlights in Dubrovnik.

Final Thoughts

This Elafiti Islands cruise delivers a nice mix of scenic beauty, comfortable convenience, and tasty refreshment—making it a popular choice among visitors to Dubrovnik. The inclusion of hotel pickup, an onboard lunch with unlimited drinks, and visits to three beautiful islands makes it a great way to spend a day on the water without overloading your schedule.

While some might find the timing a little tight or wish for more freedom to explore, most guests leave feeling they’ve experienced a peaceful slice of Croatia’s stunning coastline. The friendly crew, delicious food, and gorgeous views combine to create a memorable, value-packed day.

Whether you’re after a relaxing escape, a family-friendly outing, or a scenic introduction to Croatia’s coast, this tour balances fun, comfort, and affordability—making it well worth considering for your Dubrovnik itinerary.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from certain Dubrovnik hotels, making transportation simple and stress-free.

Can I choose specific meal options?
Yes, you can select from fish, meat, or vegetarian options when booking. Be sure to specify any dietary requirements in the special requests.

What drinks are included onboard?
Unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, and grappa are served throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy your time on the boat without worry.

How long do we stay on each island?
The schedule includes enough time on each of the three islands—roughly three hours on Lopud, and shorter stops at Koloep and Sipan—to swim, explore, or relax.

Does the tour include entrance fees to attractions on the islands?
No, entrance fees are not included, so plan accordingly if you wish to visit specific attractions.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. The relaxed pace and friendly crew make it a good choice for families, and children often enjoy swimming and boat rides.

What’s the best time to book this tour?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, as it books up quickly—with many travelers booking 10+ times weekly.

This comprehensive, balanced experience offers a fantastic way to see some of Croatia’s most charming islands while enjoying the comfort of a well-organized boat trip—with plenty of opportunities to relax, eat well, and soak up the views.