Three islands, one calm boat day. This cruise takes you from Dubrovnik to the Elaphite Islands for beach time, island walks, and a relaxed sail along the coast.

What I like most: the big chunk of time on Lopud (with Sunj Bay and car-free lanes for exploring), and the easy on-board setup where you get Croatian wine, drinks, and optional lunch without hunting for it ashore.

One possible drawback: the islands share a limited day. Lopud is the long stop, while Šipan and Koločep are more of a taste, so plan your expectations around that.

Key Points at a Glance

• Lopud first, with about 3 hours on the island, including time for the famous sandy swim at Sunj Bay
• Air-conditioned comfort below decks plus an open top for sun and sea views
• Drinks included (Croatian wine, water, soft drinks), with additional drinks available onboard
• Lunch option on the boat with fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus potato salad
• Car-free Lopud lanes make walking feel easier and more peaceful than many island towns
• Two toilets onboard, which matters more than you think on an 8-hour sea day

Why This Elaphite Islands Cruise Works So Well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is great for walls, views, and old-stone drama. But if you want a day that feels more like “slow vacation” than “constant sightseeing,” this kind of Elaphite Islands boat trip is the switch your trip needs.

You get the best of both worlds: you cruise along the coastline first, then you actually land on islands with time to swim and wander at your own pace. And because the boat has an air-conditioned interior (plus an open-air top), you can move between sun and shade whenever your body asks for it.

The value comes from the balance. At $50 per person for an 8-hour outing, you’re paying for transport by sea, island time on three different places, and onboard perks like drinks and usually a low-effort lunch option.

Meeting the RITA Boat and Getting Started Smoothly

Your boat is called RITA, and you’ll dock at the pier. Look for the MARINERO agency name, and the crew will be ready when you arrive.

If you chose hotel pickup, you’ll be met by a driver in the Dubrovnik area. Pickup isn’t for every address outside the city center logic, so if you’re staying somewhere awkward or pedestrian-only, you’ll be told the nearest workable spot by email. Either way, the key is simple: show up a little early so you’re not doing last-minute sprinting near the harbor.

Once everyone is collected, you settle in and get moving. The cruise includes short travel stretches between islands, and those ride segments are part of the fun. You see Dubrovnik’s coast in a way you just don’t get from land.

Onboard Comfort: Air-Conditioned Saloon and Clean Toilets

This boat has a lower air-conditioned salon plus an open top deck. Translation: you can sit inside when the sun is too strong, and then step out when you want sea views.

The boat also has two onboard toilets that are described as spotless in feedback. That sounds like a small detail, but on island-hopping days it’s the difference between “relaxed” and “keep track of where the next restroom is.”

There are also five crew members, and that number shows in how smoothly the day tends to run. When you’re moving between stops, having enough hands for safety, drink service, and general crowd management really matters.

Lopud Island: Sunj Bay, Car-Free Lanes, and the Long Stop You Actually Want

Lopud is the star of the itinerary because you get about 3 hours there, and it’s the island where your plans can be as active or as lazy as you like.

Start with the beach mindset

You’ll have the freedom to explore on your own, including time for the sandy beach at Šunj Bay. If swimming is your main goal, this is the stop where you’ll likely feel happiest. The Elaphite water can look almost unreal on a clear day, and you’ll be in the right place at the right time.

Then add walking, not just photos

Lopud is known for having car-free roads, so strolling feels easier and calmer than you might expect on an island. You can hike around for views, or aim for specific landmarks.

One of the notable options is the Saint Mary Franciscan monastery, plus old fortifications you can reach by foot. Even if you don’t do a long hike, the experience of walking these lanes is a real change from Dubrovnik’s stone and crowds.

Practical note about food on Lopud

Lunch is offered on the boat in the lunch option, so you don’t have to plan meals at every stop. If you skip lunch onboard and eat in Lopud instead, just know that in late season some places can be closed. I’d treat Lopud as your “main island for meals” if you’re going without onboard lunch.

Šipan: Vineyards, Olive Groves, and a Scenic Hour

After Lopud, you’ll head to Šipan, which is the largest Elaphite island. Your on-island time here is about 1 hour, so think of this as a scenic wandering stop rather than a full exploration day.

The big focus is what you can sense fast when you’re there: vineyards and olive groves. Even if your walk is short, that mix of agriculture and island terrain gives you the feeling that you’re seeing more than just coast views.

There’s also time for a photo stop and some walking. The goal isn’t to “see everything.” The goal is to get that lived-in island feeling—green slopes, old textures, and a slower pace than the mainland.

If your dream is deep hiking on every island, you’ll likely want more time. But if your dream is to sample three islands efficiently, Šipan is the right middle stop.

Koločep: Pine Forest Walks and Clear-Water Swim Time

Your final island stop is Koločep, with about 1 hour to enjoy it. This one tends to feel quieter and more “nature-first,” with options like swimming and walking through pine forests.

The appeal is simple: you’re on a small island where the water looks clean and the terrain supports short nature walks. If you snorkel, you’ll appreciate the chance to get back in the water before heading home.

You’ll have some free time plus a photo stop, and you can also do a little shopping if you find something you like. Just keep it realistic: with only an hour, you’ll need to choose your priority—water time, shade walks, or quick town browsing.

And a quick reminder: snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so if you want to snorkel (or you’re picky about your gear), bring your own.

Lunch on the Boat: What You Get and Why It’s Convenient

Food can make or break a day like this. The good news is that lunch is built into the plan for the lunch option.

You choose one of these menu styles:

• fish
• chicken
• vegetarian

Lunch also comes with potato salad.

Why this matters: you avoid the classic island problem of limited choices right when you’re hungry. You eat after your first island stop (when the energy level is usually right), and then you’re free to go back to beach and swim time without searching for a place to sit.

In some days, you may also notice that onboard service keeps moving—juices and drinks, plus extra servings during the day depending on the flow. Either way, the structure is what helps you relax.

Drinks Included: Croatian Wine and Nonstop Sea-Day Refreshment

This tour includes drinks on the boat: Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks. Additional drinks are available for purchase onboard if you want to go beyond what’s included.

What I like about this setup is that the drinks aren’t an “event.” They’re part of the cruise rhythm. You’re not stuck making a decision at a bar. You can just enjoy the day and sip as you go.

And because your stops include swim time, having water included is a real practical win. Salt air and sun can sneak up on you.

What to Pack (and the Stuff They Won’t Hand You)

You’ll be happier if you come prepared for a sea day:

• comfortable shoes (some areas can be uneven when you walk)
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• sunscreen
• camera
• snorkeling gear (not provided)

Two things to plan around because they’re not included:

• towels
• snorkeling equipment

Also, wear something you can get wet in without stress. You’ll spend real time near the water, and switching from “walking outfit” to “swim mode” is easier if your clothing already fits the plan.

Price and Value: Is $50 a Good Deal?

For a single $50 ticket, the math is pretty solid because you’re buying multiple things at once:

• a full 8-hour day trip
• sea transport connecting three islands
• onboard drinks
• an air-conditioned interior option
• and, if you select it, lunch onboard

If you opt for lunch, your per-person value climbs further because you’re not paying separately for a sit-down meal while you’re island hopping.

If you skip lunch, you can still make the day work for less—just be ready to eat on Lopud (and remember that late season can mean fewer open restaurants). In either case, this is one of those trips where the included items reduce decision fatigue. That’s not flashy, but it’s worth real money.

Who Should Book This Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands Cruise

This is a strong fit if you want:

• island time without changing hotels or dealing with ferry schedules
• a relaxed day where swimming is part of the plan
• the best of Lopud plus quick samplings of Šipan and Koločep
• an easier food setup with optional lunch onboard

It’s also a good “first-timer” boat excursion if you’re new to Dubrovnik. You get coastal scenery, you step onto islands, and you don’t spend the day commuting in confusing ways.

You might not love it as much if your goal is deep exploration on every island. The schedule is designed for variety and relaxation, not marathon sightseeing.

Should You Book This RITA Elaphite Islands Day Trip?

Yes, if you want a straightforward, good-value Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands cruise with real time to swim—especially because Lopud is the longer stop.

I’d book it confidently if:

• you’re excited about Sunj Bay and being in the water
• you like the idea of drinks onboard during the day
• you’d rather eat lunch easily on the boat than figure it out island to island

I’d think twice if:

• you’re traveling in late season and your plan depends on island shops and restaurants staying open
• you need long stays on every island (because Šipan and Koločep are shorter)

If you match the trip style to your expectations—beach time first, walking second—you’ll likely come away feeling you spent your day well.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Elaphite Island cruise?

The total duration is about 8 hours.

Which islands are included in the tour?

The cruise stops at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the option that offers it. The lunch choice is fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and it comes with potato salad.

What drinks are included?

You get Croatian wine, water, and soft drinks included. Additional drinks can be purchased onboard.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel, bring your own gear.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional and available only in the Dubrovnik area. If your accommodation is in a harder-to-access pedestrian zone, you’ll be confirmed with the nearest possible pickup point.