Elaphiti Islands by Catamaran with snacks and unlimited drinks from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s best escape from its stone streets is out on the water, and this catamaran trip to Šipan and Lopud gives you a full day of Adriatic views without arranging ferries yourself. You’ll leave Gruž, pass Koločep, and spend several hours on two Elaphiti Islands before returning to the city.

I like the hotel transfer and the fact that snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi are included. I also like the generous swimming time, when weather allows, and the chance to see Lopud’s village and sandy beach rather than simply circling the islands by boat.

The main catch is that this is a catamaran cruise, not a sailing trip. The boat can feel crowded, the guide’s English commentary may be brief compared with French, and two hours on the second island may feel long if you are not swimming or exploring.

Key points to know before booking

• Šipan receives about two hours: You get time to walk around, but some people may find the stop too long if they are not interested in a slow island visit.
• Lopud is the swimming highlight: Bring swimwear, a towel, and suitable equipment because free time in the water is part of the day.
• Drinks and snacks are included: Expect a snack such as rolls, fruit, a baguette, or a light salad, but do not plan on a full restaurant lunch.
• The boat is a catamaran: Choose this for a scenic group cruise, not for traditional sailing under canvas.
• Hotel pickup reduces hassle: Transfers run from Dubrovnik hotels before the 9:30 departure from Gruž port.
• Plan for a large group: The maximum is 75 people, and the boat may feel busy when cruise-ship groups are aboard.

A full day from Gruž to the Elaphiti Islands

This excursion is built for first-time visitors who want to add sea views and island time to a Dubrovnik stay. The Elaphiti Islands sit just northwest of the city, close enough for a day trip but far enough to give you a clear change of pace.

You are not signing up for a private boat or a quiet sailing lesson. You are joining a shared catamaran with a planned route, onboard service, and fixed stops. That makes the day easy to arrange, but it also means less flexibility if one island does not hold your interest.

The published price is about $97.86 per person. I consider that reasonable if you use the hotel transfer, enjoy the included drinks, and make good use of the swimming and island time. It is less appealing if you mainly want a short boat ride or expect a substantial lunch. The value comes from combining transport, sightseeing, refreshments, and a full day on the coast.

Morning pickup and the departure from Gruž

The day begins early. Hotel transfers are scheduled between 8:00 and 9:30, while the listed meeting time is 8:20 a.m. The boat departs from Gruž port near the green market at 9:30.

Because the pickup window is broad, check your exact collection time when booking. You do not want to wait at the wrong place or arrive at the port after boarding has begun. The supplier’s bookings department can be reached at +385 0916035117 for calls, not text messages.

Gruž is Dubrovnik’s working port, not the Old Town harbor. The transfer is useful if you are staying away from the port, and the trip is also near public transportation. If you are making your own way there, allow enough time to find the correct departure point near the green market.

Once aboard, you can settle in for the first stretch along the coast. The views include Dubrovnik from the water and the islands around it. This is one of the strongest reasons to book the trip: the city looks different when you see its walls, harbor, and surrounding coast from offshore.

Cruising past Koločep and toward Šipan

The route includes sailing from the Koločep area toward Lopud, with Šipan listed as the first main island stop. The wording can be confusing because the boat is a catamaran, not a traditional sailboat. You will cruise under motor power, with the pleasure coming from the open water, sea air, and changing views rather than from sails and silence.

That distinction matters. If your ideal day involves a small sailing boat, you may be disappointed. If you want a stable, straightforward boat excursion with room for a larger group, the catamaran makes more sense.

Onboard Wi-Fi is included, along with snacks and drinks. The drink service has been praised for its generous selection, though the exact range can vary. Wine is available, but the quality of the wine itself has not pleased everyone. If you are particular about drinks, treat the unlimited service as a convenience rather than a reason to expect premium pours.

Šipan: two hours for a slow island stop

The boat reaches Šipan at about 10:45, and you get roughly two hours of free time. Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, and this stop gives you a chance to walk through the local setting rather than viewing it only from the water.

You can use the time for a relaxed stroll, a drink, or a swim if conditions allow. The pace is deliberately unhurried. That works well if you like wandering without a strict list of sights, but it may feel excessive if you are looking for several major attractions close together.

I would bring comfortable shoes and keep your expectations modest. This is not presented as a guided historical tour with a long list of monuments. You are being given time to explore independently, take photos, and enjoy the island air.

The length of this stop is one of the most important choices in the booking decision. Some people will appreciate having enough time to settle into island life. Others may feel there is not enough to do after a short walk, especially if swimming is not possible. If you prefer constant activity, the fixed two-hour stop could drag.

Lopud and the best chance to swim

The catamaran reaches Lopud around 1:00 p.m., followed by another two hours of free time. Lopud is generally the more appealing stop for a short island visit because you can explore the village and reach a sandy beach.

This is also the most useful part of the day for swimming. The excursion includes free swimming time, but the exact plan can change with wind, temperatures, and other weather conditions. Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and any basic swimming equipment you need. Do not assume the weather will permit a water stop simply because swimming is advertised.

Lopud gives you a better choice of activities than a quick photo stop. You can walk, sit by the water, swim, or simply enjoy the sea breeze before returning to the boat. If you are traveling with someone who does not want to swim, the village and beach provide an alternative, though the amount of organized sightseeing is limited.

The two-hour stay can still feel long if you have no interest in the beach. I would treat this as a relaxed coastal day rather than a packed sightseeing program. The charm is in the setting and the freedom to choose your own pace.

Snacks, drinks, and what counts as lunch

Food is included, but you should think of it as a snack or light meal. Depending on the service that day, you might receive rolls, fruit, a baguette, or a light salad.

That is enough to take the edge off hunger, especially with drinks available, but it is not a formal lunch. If you need a hearty meal, eat a good breakfast and consider carrying an additional snack if permitted. The exact food offering has not always matched what people expected from the word lunch.

The drinks are a stronger part of the package. The tour is advertised with unlimited drinks, and the onboard service has received positive comments for generosity and choice. Still, the drink inclusion has not always been clearly explained during the cruise. I would confirm the arrangement at boarding so you know what is available and where to request it.

The snack bar and Wi-Fi also make the time on the catamaran easier. You can stay connected, enjoy a drink, and watch the coast without needing to plan every minute. Just remember that Wi-Fi at sea may not perform like a strong hotel connection.

Group size, guide service, and language

The maximum group size is 75 people. That is not a small boat outing, and the atmosphere can become crowded, especially when a cruise ship is in Dubrovnik and a large shore-excursion group joins the catamaran.

Some departures feel comfortable and orderly, while others may have limited personal space. If you want a quiet, intimate day at sea, this is not the right format. If you are comfortable sharing the boat with a sizeable group, the larger capacity helps keep the price below that of a private charter.

Guide service can also vary. Ivana has been singled out as a particularly good guide, and friendly crew members have helped create a safe, pleasant day. At other times, commentary has been much longer in French than in English. If English explanation is important to you, ask about the language arrangement before departure.

This is worth checking because the tour includes free time rather than a long guided walk at each island. The guide’s remarks may be your main source of context during the cruise. The scenery remains enjoyable without constant commentary, but balanced language service can make the day feel more polished.

Weather changes and the right equipment

The route depends on good weather. Wind and temperatures can change the swimming plan, and the company may alter the program when conditions are not suitable. That is sensible for a boat trip, but it means you should not book this as a guaranteed beach day.

Wear practical clothes and bring layers for the ride. The open deck may feel breezy even on a warm morning. Swimwear, a towel, and adequate swimming equipment are essential if you want to take advantage of the water stop.

The tour is suitable for most people, and confirmation arrives when you book. Still, the boat setting, stairs, and free time on the islands may not suit every mobility need. The supplied details do not give a full accessibility breakdown, so contact the operator if you need specific assistance.

Returning to Dubrovnik by late afternoon

The return to Gruž is scheduled for around 5:00 p.m., followed by transfer back to hotels. The boat ride back gives you another chance to enjoy the coastline, though the final stretch may feel long after a full day in the sun.

The timing works well for a single-day outing. You lose most of the daylight to the excursion, but you return in time for an evening meal in Dubrovnik. You will not need to organize a separate ferry schedule or worry about getting back from a distant island.

This fixed schedule is both a strength and a limitation. It gives you a clear start and finish, but you cannot leave an island early if you are ready to move on. Bring patience, especially if the group is large or the weather changes the route.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy overview of the Elaphiti Islands, prefer a planned day to independent ferry logistics, and enjoy swimming, drinks, and coastal scenery. It is especially useful for a first Dubrovnik visit when you want to see beyond the city without spending time arranging several connections.

It suits couples, families, and friends who are happy with a relaxed pace. The hotel pickup is valuable, and the included refreshments help justify the price. Lopud is the strongest stop for many people, particularly if you want a sandy beach and time in the water.

I would hesitate if you expect a traditional sailing experience, a quiet luxury cruise, or a substantial lunch. You may also want a different trip if two hours on each island sounds too slow or if English guiding is a major priority.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the excursion, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a simple, full-day introduction to the islands with hotel transfer, swimming time, snacks, drinks, and a dependable return to Dubrovnik. The coastal views and Lopud stop give the day real appeal.

Skip it if you want a small sailing boat, a tightly packed sightseeing schedule, or a proper restaurant lunch. Before paying, confirm the pickup time, the English-language guiding, and how unlimited drinks are handled onboard. Those three details will have the biggest effect on whether this $97.86 outing feels like good value.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The catamaran departs from Gruž port near the green market in Dubrovnik.

What time does the tour start?

The listed meeting time is 8:20 a.m. Hotel transfers are scheduled between 8:00 and 9:30, and departure from Gruž is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

How long does the excursion last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. The planned return to Gruž is around 5:00 p.m., followed by hotel transfers.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Šipan and Lopud. The route also includes views around Koločep and the Elaphiti Islands.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The excursion includes free time for swimming, although the swimming plan can change because of weather, wind, or temperature conditions.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and unlimited drinks are included. The food may be rolls, fruit, a baguette, or a light salad, so it should not be treated as a full restaurant lunch.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 75 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If the company cancels because of poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings, you can receive a full refund or choose another date or experience.