Dubrovnik: Best of the Elaphites by Catamaran

Dubrovnik’s Elaphite Islands make a fine escape from the city, and this catamaran trip gives you two very different stops in one day. Šipan offers old churches and noblemen’s villas, while car-free Lopud gives you sandy beaches, swimming, and time to wander without traffic.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that drinks, snacks, fresh fruit, Wi-Fi, and return transport are included. I also like the mix of sightseeing and sea time. The catch is the size of the boat, with about 65 passengers, and the long four-hour stretch on Lopud may feel excessive if you mainly want a short swim.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands, two moods: Šipan is the sightseeing stop, while Lopud is the beach and swimming stop.
• A full day on the water: The catamaran leaves Gruž at 9:30 and returns around 17:00, plus hotel transfers.
• Expect a large group: The vessel may carry about 65 passengers, so this is not a quiet private cruise.
• Drinks are included: Beer, red and white wine, soft drinks, water, snacks, and fresh fruit are served on board.
• Lopud gets most of your free time: You have about four hours there, which suits a beach day more than a quick island visit.
• Pack light: Bring swimwear, sandals, a hat, and biodegradable sunscreen, but leave large bags behind.

Leaving Dubrovnik for the Elaphite Islands

The day begins with hotel pickup between 8:00 and 9:30. The exact transfer time depends on where you are staying, so keep your morning open. You then meet the catamaran at Gruž port, near the green market, with departure set for 9:30.

I like this arrangement because you do not have to find your own way across Dubrovnik before breakfast. The port is the practical starting point for boat trips, and hotel drop-off is included at the end of the day.

This is a full-day outing rather than a quick half-day add-on. From the 9:30 departure to the planned 17:00 return, you will spend much of the day at sea or on the islands. That makes the tour a good fit if you want a complete break from Dubrovnik’s streets, stairs, and crowds.

The boat is the main setting for the experience. You can relax on board while the crew serves water, soft drinks, beer, red and white wine, snacks, and fresh fruit. Free Wi-Fi is also included, though the real reason to take the trip is to look out at the Adriatic rather than stay connected to your phone.

What the catamaran day feels like

The catamaran is described as a distinctive vessel, but this is not a small sailing boat or an intimate private charter. Plan for a sizeable group, with capacity of around 65 passengers.

That number matters. A larger boat usually means more room for a steady supply of drinks and a professional crew used to day excursions, but it also means less peace and quiet. If you picture a calm, romantic sail with only a handful of people, adjust that picture before booking.

I would treat this as a social boat excursion with free time at each island. You have a guide, but the schedule also gives you room to explore on your own. That balance works well for people who want some structure without being led every minute.

Bring a hat and biodegradable sunscreen. The Adriatic sun can feel strong when you are exposed on deck, and the itinerary includes swimming time. Sandals are more useful than heavy walking shoes, especially if you plan to move between the boat, the shore, and the beach.

Šipan at 10:45, old churches and country villas

The first island stop is Šipan, reached at about 10:45. You have free time to see the island at your own pace.

Šipan is the more historical part of the day. It is known for old churches and villas once connected with Dubrovnik’s noble families. This gives the stop a different character from Lopud. You are not simply arriving for a swim. You are getting a look at the quieter island world that once supported Dubrovnik’s wealthy households and religious life.

The available schedule does not set out a guided walking route or name specific buildings to visit, so you should keep your plans flexible. Use the free time to wander, take in the architecture, and enjoy the slower pace. If you want a tightly planned historical tour with a long explanation at every site, this excursion may feel light on detail.

The timing also means Šipan is a relatively short visit compared with Lopud. That is useful if history is an extra rather than your main reason for booking. You get a taste of the island, then return to the boat for the next stop.

Lopud from 13:00, beaches and a long free afternoon

At about 13:00, the catamaran reaches Lopud. This car-free island is known for its greenery and sandy beaches, a useful contrast to Dubrovnik’s stone streets and Šipan’s old buildings.

Lopud is where the tour shifts into beach-day mode. You can walk around, find a place near the sand, swim in the clear sea, or simply spend time away from the boat. The excursion includes free time for swimming, so bring your swimsuit and anything else you need for the shore.

The schedule gives you roughly four hours on Lopud before the 17:00 return. I see this as the trip’s biggest strength and its main weakness. If you want a proper beach break, four hours means you do not have to rush your swim, lunch, or walk around the island. If you mainly want to see several islands, four hours in one place can feel too long.

Lopud may also feel crowded and less polished at busy times. One particularly poor assessment described the island as overcrowded and unkempt, while another found the beach stop too time-consuming. I would take those concerns seriously if your priority is a secluded swimming spot. This is an organized island excursion, not a search for an empty cove.

Weather can change the plan. If conditions or temperatures are not suitable for swimming, the program may be adjusted. That is sensible for safety, but it also means the day may not match the beach-focused schedule exactly.

Swimming in the clear Adriatic

The chance to swim is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. The water around the Elaphites is described as crystal-clear, and the plan includes time for getting in the sea.

Still, this is not presented as a dedicated snorkeling trip. No snorkeling equipment is included, and there is no promise of a particular swim stop beyond the free time connected with the island visit. Bring your own adequate swimming equipment if you plan to get in.

I recommend packing only what you need for the day: swimwear, sandals, a sun hat, sunscreen, and perhaps a small towel if you have one. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so do not arrive with a full suitcase or bulky beach kit.

The swimming plan is also tied to weather and water temperature. On a warm, calm day, it can turn the trip into a refreshing break from sightseeing. On a cooler or rougher day, the focus may shift more toward walking and relaxing on shore.

Food, drinks, and what the $96 price covers

The listed price is $96 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach the Elaphites, but the cost includes several practical extras: hotel pickup and return, the catamaran cruise, a guide, insurance, snacks, fresh fruit, Wi-Fi, and all-inclusive drinks.

The drinks include beer, red and white wine, soft drinks, and water. That makes the price easier to assess, especially because a full day on an organized boat can otherwise add up through transport, refreshments, and port transfers.

Food is more limited. Snacks and fruit are included, but other meals or drinks are not. You should not assume that a full lunch is part of the package. If you tend to get hungry during a long afternoon, bring a small permitted alternative or plan to purchase food during free time, keeping in mind that large bags are not allowed.

I see the value here in convenience rather than luxury. You pay for a ready-made day from Dubrovnik, with no need to arrange separate transport to Gruž or organize island connections. You are also paying for a large boat operation, not a private sailing experience.

For someone who wants a simple, all-in-one excursion, $96 can be reasonable. For someone who wants a quiet boat, a hidden swimming cove, or a gourmet meal, the same price may feel high.

Who will enjoy this island cruise most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• A complete day away from Dubrovnik
• A mix of island history, beach time, and swimming
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Drinks and light refreshments included
• The ease of a planned schedule
• A large boat with a social, organized feel

It is especially useful if you have already seen Dubrovnik’s main sights and want to spend a day on the water. The two islands offer enough variety to keep the outing from becoming only a beach transfer.

You may want another option if you dislike organized group trips or find four hours at one beach too long. The size of the boat is important. Around 65 passengers can make boarding, disembarking, and beach arrival feel less personal.

The excursion is also not recommended for people with limited mobility. The combination of boat access, island movement, swimming, and unstructured shore time may be difficult if you need step-free access or regular assistance.

Timing, transfers, and practical planning

The early hotel pickup is convenient, but it makes this a long day. Transfers run from 8:00 to 9:30, followed by the 9:30 departure from Gruž. The return to the port is planned for 17:00, with another transfer back to your hotel.

You should allow the whole morning and afternoon for the outing. Do not schedule an important activity in Dubrovnik immediately after the planned return, since sea conditions can affect the program.

The tour operates in English. The guide is part of the included service, but no individual guide name is provided. The schedule gives you plenty of independent time, so you do not need to expect constant commentary.

Since the itinerary may change in unsuitable weather, check the forecast before leaving. Even if the route remains broadly similar, the swimming element can be altered when conditions are poor.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. Those terms help if your Dubrovnik plans depend on weather, though the sea conditions on the day can still affect what actually happens.

Is the Elaphites catamaran trip worth booking?

Book it if you want an easy, full-day sea outing with two island stops, included drinks, and no transport planning. The combination of historic Šipan and beach-oriented Lopud gives you more variety than a simple swim cruise.

Think twice if you want a small-group sailing experience or a quiet, uncrowded beach. The boat may carry about 65 people, Lopud can feel busy, and four hours on the island is a lot of time if swimming is not your main goal.

For most suitable visitors, the best reason to choose this trip is convenience. You get hotel transfers, a guide, refreshments, and a full day outside Dubrovnik for one set price. Just book it as a sociable island day, not as a private escape.

FAQ

How much does the Elaphites catamaran tour cost?

The tour costs $96 per person.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Šipan and Lopud.

What time does the catamaran leave Dubrovnik?

The catamaran departs from Gruž port near the green market at 9:30.

How long is the stop on Šipan?

The schedule allows free time for sightseeing on Šipan after arrival at about 10:45. A specific departure time from Šipan is not provided.

How long do I have on Lopud?

The planned Lopud visit begins at 13:00 and continues until the return journey at 17:00, giving you about four hours.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Included drinks are beer, red and white wine, soft drinks, and water. Snacks and fresh fruit are also included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transfers from and back to your hotel are included. Morning pickup runs between 8:00 and 9:30.

Can I swim during the excursion?

Yes. The excursion includes free time for swimming. Bring swimwear and suitable equipment, but swimming plans may change because of weather and water temperatures.