If you like sea days with real downtime, this one fits. A luxury Elaphiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik’s Gruž area blends island hopping with swim breaks, simple comfort onboard, and a proper lunch stop. You’ll rotate through Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with time for caves, sand, and local bites.

What I especially like is the mix of activities and breathing room. You get snorkeling gear plus a board (stand up paddle), and you’re not stuck doing only one thing all day.

One thing to consider: this is a boat day that depends on good weather, so if conditions are poor, your day may shift or plans may be changed.

Key things to know before you go

• A full 8-hour island circuit from Gruž Port, running roughly 9:00–15:00
• Snorkeling gear and stand up paddle included, plus bottled water and soda
• Three islands with different vibes: caves and villages on Koločep, beaches on Lopud, bigger-scene stops on Šipan
• Lunch is part of the day at a small local restaurant (not just snacks)
• Wine and alcohol are 18+ only, while non-alcoholic drinks are available for everyone
• This is a private-style setup where only your group participates

A Luxury Elaphiti Day from Gruž Port: How the 9:00–15:00 timing works

This is built for a classic “get out on the water and actually enjoy it” schedule. You depart from Gruž Port Dubrovnik around 9:00 am and you’re back by about 3:00 pm, which is long enough to visit multiple islands without swallowing your whole day.

I like this timing because it keeps the boat day from turning into a marathon. You get morning light for the first island, then a mid-day flow where you can swim, snorkel, and reset between stops. If you’re in Dubrovnik for only a few days, this also pairs nicely with a sightseeing morning or evening plans afterward.

Koločep Island: Sea caves, two villages, and a short walk you’ll actually enjoy

Your first real taste of the Elaphiti Islands comes at Koločep. The island is known for beautiful bays, sea caves, cliffs, and a couple of small villages, with enough time to slow down and look around.

The practical part: you get about a one-hour stop here, and there’s a nice ~20-minute walk across the island. That’s the sweet spot for most people—short enough that you won’t feel trapped, long enough that you’ll see more than one postcard view.

If you’re the type who likes doing more than lying still, Koločep is a good match. You can bounce between seascapes and village atmosphere, then return to the water for swimming and snorkeling when the conditions are right. The trade-off is simple: it’s a compact stop, so plan to keep moving at an easy pace.

Lopud Island: Beach time and village wandering in about 90 minutes

Next comes Lopud, the island that leans harder into relaxed beach energy. You’ll have roughly 1.5 hours here, which is enough time to find a swimming spot, grab something to eat (only if you want, since lunch is later), and stroll through the historical village area.

I like the Lopud format because it’s not trying to cram activities back-to-back. If your ideal day includes sand time, gentle walking, and a break from boat movement, Lopud gives you that. It’s also a nice counterpoint after Koločep’s cave-and-cliff focus.

One caution: since the stop is limited, you’ll want to think about your priorities fast. If you want the beach most, set your sights early and don’t burn time hunting the perfect spot once you’re already there.

Šipan and the Blue Cave swim: Caves, caves, and a tasting stop

Then you reach Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands on this route. This is where the day turns more scenic and more “wow, we’re really on the islands.”

You’ll visit the Blue Cave and have time to swim. That’s the kind of activity that changes the feel of a boat day. Instead of just looking at the water, you’re in it—snorkel-ready with gear provided, and with the option to use what you bring (or use the included equipment).

Šipan also includes a break from pure sea time: you’ll visit a small village with wine and olive oil tasting. It’s not a long museum-style stop; it’s more of a sensory pause. If you like food and local flavors, this is a solid way to connect the day’s scenery to something you can actually remember later.

Lunch at a small local restaurant on Koločep: More than a snack break

By the time you’re on Koločep again for lunch, the day has enough momentum that the meal feels earned. Lunch is included and served at a small local restaurant on the island, with time afterward to hang out and explore more of Koločep.

What I appreciate about this setup is that lunch isn’t treated like an afterthought. In many boat tours, food is either rushed or basic. Here, the lunch is a defined part of the experience, and you also get free time afterward to discover the island at your own pace.

There’s also a smart rhythm to it: you’re already on the islands, so lunch becomes part of the day’s movement rather than a logistical hurdle back on land.

Onboard comfort on the Apreamare boat: drinks, snorkeling gear, and real restrooms

Your time on the water doesn’t end when the boat stops. A big part of the value here is what you’re given onboard between islands.

You get:

• Snorkeling equipment included (so you don’t have to rent or track it down)
• Stand up paddle included (if you want to do something light and fun between stops)
• Bottled water and soda/pop
• A restroom on board

That restroom detail sounds boring until you’re on a boat with a day that includes multiple swims. It’s the kind of comfort that makes the whole tour feel smoother.

Alcohol is handled in a very clear, adult-friendly way: alcoholic beverages are for 18+ only. That matters because it sets expectations. If you’re traveling with mixed-age people, everyone can plan their day without wondering how the drinks work.

Also, the overall vibe you’ll get from this kind of luxury day is about staying comfortable while the crew handles the moving parts. In past experiences with Regina Maris, the staff energy has been highlighted by name—people specifically mention a crew member named Elisa for being helpful and upbeat.

Price and value: What $889.37 per person is paying for

At $889.37 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement outing. You’re paying for a higher-end format and a full day on the water that includes food and gear.

Here’s what that price is buying you, based on what’s included:

• Lunch at a local restaurant (not just snacks)
• Snorkeling equipment plus stand up paddle
• Bottled water and soda
• Use of onboard facilities like restrooms
• All fees and taxes included in the tour package
• Group/private style setup where only your group participates

For me, the key question isn’t just whether it’s expensive—it’s whether it replaces multiple purchases and logistical headaches. If you’d otherwise rent snorkeling gear, pay for drinks separately, and coordinate a multi-island plan yourself, the “all-in” structure can start to make sense.

Also, the Elaphiti route is a big part of the draw. This itinerary is built around three different island personalities in one day, which is tough to replicate solo without spending real time coordinating boats and times.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This cruise fits best if you want an easy day with your choices already built in. It’s great for couples, small groups, and travelers who like the idea of swim breaks and snack-and-sightsee pacing rather than intense scheduling.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You care about comfort onboard (water, soda, restroom)
• You want snorkeling gear handled for you
• You like the idea of two different beach-and-cave island vibes
• You prefer a guided structure while still getting free time to roam

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates boats and wants a deep, land-based sightseeing day, you might feel the trade-off. This is a sea-forward experience, so you’ll be happiest if the water is a main character for you.

Practical tips to get the most from the day

Bring the basics, because you’ll want to move quickly when you hit swim time. Even though snorkeling gear is provided, you’ll still want to show up ready for water activities.

A few smart moves:

• Pack a light swim layer and plan for going in and out of the water.
• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet if you plan to walk on islands.
• If you want photos, prioritize them at the start of each stop. Once people settle into swimming or relaxing, it’s harder to get clean shots.

Also, think about how you’ll spend your Lopud time. If you want beach relaxation, don’t fill that slot with too many “just one more place” stops.

Finally, because the day is weather-dependent, keep your Dubrovnik schedule flexible if you can. A canceled or adjusted boat day is rare drama, but it’s still a real possibility when conditions aren’t ideal.

Should you book this Elaphiti Islands cruise with lunch on Apreamare?

Book it if you want a high-comfort, island-hopping boat day with snorkeling equipment included, real lunch, and a mix of caves, villages, and beach time. The value is strongest when you want the planning done for you and you’ll actually use the water activities and provided gear.

Skip it (or compare options) if you’re on a tight schedule and can’t risk weather-related changes, or if you prefer land-only sightseeing over a day centered on boats and swims.

If you’re choosing this tour, go in with the mindset that the day’s “wins” are simple: sea time, a couple of island walks, and a good meal at the right moment. That’s what this itinerary is built to deliver.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

It runs about 8 hours. You depart at 9:00 am and return around 3:00 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Gruž Market, Obala Stjepana Radića 21, Dubrovnik. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at a small local restaurant.

What’s included for swimming and water activities?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus stand up paddle is included. Bottled water and soda are also provided onboard.

Are drinks included, and is there an age restriction?

Alcoholic beverages are included only for 18+. Water and soda are available as part of the package.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.