Dubrovnik: Best of the Elaphites by Catamaran

The most appealing part of this outing is the combination of two very different Elaphite Islands in one day. Šipan gives you old churches and noble villas to explore, while car-free Lopud offers a sandy beach, swimming, and a slower island afternoon.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes the need to sort out an early taxi to Gruž port. I also like the easygoing onboard setup: fresh fruit, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Wi-Fi are included. The main catch is the group size, which may reach roughly 65 people, and four hours on Lopud can feel long if you are not keen on beach time.

Key points to know before booking

• Šipan comes first, with free time for old churches, villas, and island wandering.
• Lopud takes up most of the afternoon, including time for swimming and the sandy beach.
• Drinks and snacks are included, including beer, red and white wine, soft drinks, and water.
• Hotel transfers are built in, with pickup between 8:00 and 9:30 in the morning.
• Plan for a large-group catamaran, not a small private sailing trip.
• Bring swimwear, sandals, a sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen, but leave large luggage behind.

A full day among the Elaphite Islands

The Elaphites sit just off the coast from Dubrovnik, making them an easy escape from the city’s stone streets and summer crowds. This cruise gives you a broad sample of the island group without asking you to arrange ferries, taxis, or separate beach stops.

You leave Dubrovnik in the morning and return around 17:00. That makes this a full-day commitment, but it also gives you enough time for two island stops rather than a quick photo visit from the boat.

I see this as a boat day with island breaks, not a detailed cultural tour. The catamaran is the main setting. The islands provide short stretches of sightseeing, swimming, and free time. If you want a relaxed day on the water with a loose plan, the format works well. If you prefer a small boat, quiet coves, or a guide walking beside you at every stop, this may feel too broad and too busy.

Getting from your hotel to Gruž port

Hotel pickup runs from about 8:00 to 9:30, depending on where you are staying. The morning transfer takes you to Gruž port, with departure scheduled for 9:30 near the green market.

That transfer is useful in Dubrovnik, where getting around can take more time than the map suggests. You do not need to carry your plans through the city and find the boat on your own. The return transfer to hotels is also included at the end of the day.

The schedule has an early start, so have your sun protection and swim gear ready before pickup. Large bags and luggage are not allowed aboard. Bring only what you need for the day in a small bag.

The excursion is offered in English. A guide is included, but no individual guide name is provided in the available details. Expect general support and information rather than a private guide dedicated only to your group.

Sailing out from Dubrovnik on the catamaran

The catamaran leaves Gruž at 9:30. Its distinctive design gives you a more memorable setting than a standard road transfer, and the open Adriatic views are a big part of the day.

The boat is not simply transport between two points. You can sit back with a drink, watch the coastline, and use the onboard Wi-Fi if you need to stay connected. Snacks and fresh fruit help bridge the gap between breakfast and lunch, while the all-inclusive drinks cover water, soft drinks, beer, and red or white wine.

Keep your expectations sensible about space. This is not described as an intimate sailing trip, and one detailed account puts the passenger load at around 65 people. That number matters. Boarding, finding a comfortable seat, moving around the deck, and getting off at the islands may all feel more organized than personal.

I would choose a seat early if you care about where you sit. You will also want to pace yourself with alcohol, since the day includes sun, sea air, and several hours outside. Water is included, so use it often.

Šipan from 10:45: churches, villas, and island time

The first island stop is Šipan, reached at about 10:45. You have free time to explore rather than being kept on a tight guided walk.

Šipan is known for old churches and noblemen’s villas. That gives the morning a different character from the later beach stop. You can wander through the island setting, look for historic buildings, and enjoy a slower introduction to the Elaphites before the afternoon focuses more on the sea.

Because the exact walking route is not set out, treat this as independent exploration. You will need to manage your own time and make your way back to the catamaran for the next departure. I like that freedom, especially if you would rather look around at your own pace than follow a large group from one stop to the next.

The time at Šipan is not designed as a full historical study. The guide can provide support, but the outing does not promise a long lecture or a detailed architectural tour. Think of it as a chance to see a quieter island with old buildings before returning to the water.

Wear sandals with a secure fit. You are likely to walk between the landing area and the places you want to see, and beach footwear is more practical than anything formal.

Lopud from 13:00: sandy beach and a long afternoon

At about 13:00, the catamaran takes you to Lopud. This is the longer island stop, with free time until the return journey later in the day.

Lopud is car-free and known for lush scenery and sandy beaches. That makes it the natural swimming stop. You can spend the afternoon by the water, swim in the clear Adriatic, or walk around the island at your own pace.

The long stay is both the best feature and the biggest limitation of the day. If you want several hours for swimming, sunbathing, and an unhurried beach break, Lopud gives you room to settle in. You are not rushed back aboard after a quick swim.

If beach time is not your priority, the four-hour stop may feel excessive. One critical account found Lopud crowded and poorly maintained and felt the island did not justify such a long visit. Another assessment also found the beach portion too time-consuming. Those comments point to a useful booking question: Would you be happy spending most of an afternoon on an island beach?

If the answer is yes, bring a towel, swimwear, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen. If you prefer museums, town walks, or frequent changes of scenery, you may run out of things to do before departure.

Swimming in the Adriatic

Swimming time is built into the excursion, but the exact conditions depend on the weather. The program can change if the sea, air temperature, or other conditions are not suitable for swimming.

That flexibility is sensible, but it means you should not book this as a guaranteed swim day. In warm, calm weather, the clear sea and sandy beach can be the highlight. On a cooler or unsettled day, the outing becomes more about island views, boat time, and free exploration.

Bring adequate swimming equipment and do not forget sun protection. A hat matters on an open boat, and biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested. Pack lightly, since large bags are not allowed.

The tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility. The combination of boat boarding, island access, walking, and beach time can make the day difficult if you need step-free or highly assisted movement.

What the included drinks and snacks are worth

At $96 per person, the price needs to be judged as a package rather than as a simple ferry ride. You are paying for hotel transfers, the catamaran, a guide, insurance, onboard Wi-Fi, snacks, fresh fruit, and a broad selection of drinks.

The drinks include beer, red and white wine, soft drinks, and water. That can add real value on a long day at sea, especially if you would otherwise buy several drinks at port or on the islands. Snacks are included, but other food is not. You should not treat the package as a full lunch unless you are comfortable eating lightly.

I would bring a small personal snack if you need a substantial midday meal, while remembering that any food or drink beyond the stated inclusions is your own expense. Keep the bag compact and avoid bringing luggage.

The price is fair for someone who values convenience and wants two islands in one organized day. It is less compelling if you mainly want a place to swim, since a simpler beach outing may give you more time in the water for less money. The cost also feels harder to justify if you dislike large group boats or do not want to spend four hours on Lopud.

Group size, pace, and the feel of the day

This is best understood as a shared excursion. A catamaran carrying around 65 people has a social, organized feel, with set departure times and many people using the same deck, transfers, and island access points.

That setup can be a plus. You have crew support, a guide, a clear route, and no need to make separate transport arrangements. It is also easier for solo bookers or couples who want a simple day without planning every detail.

The tradeoff is personal space. You may not get the quiet, private feel shown in some promotional images. At Lopud, a large group arriving at once can also make the beach area feel busier.

I would choose this trip for convenience and variety, not solitude. For a more peaceful day, a smaller boat would likely suit you better, but that is not what this product promises.

The return to Gruž at 17:00

The boat returns to Gruž at about 17:00, followed by transfers back to hotels. By then, you will have had a long day in the sun, so keep some water and a light layer handy for the ride back.

The schedule is neatly contained within the day. You do not need to arrange an evening ferry or worry about being stranded on an island. The return time also leaves room for dinner in Dubrovnik, although your actual arrival at your hotel depends on the transfer.

Weather can alter the plan. Changes are possible when conditions are not suitable for swimming, and the route or swimming arrangements may be adjusted. That is normal for an Adriatic boat outing, but you should keep your evening plans flexible.

Who should book this catamaran outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A simple full-day escape from Dubrovnik
• Hotel pickup and return included
• A catamaran ride with drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi
• A mix of historic island sights and beach time
• Several hours for swimming and relaxing on Lopud
• A planned route without arranging ferries yourself

I would think twice if you want:

• A quiet, small-group sailing trip
• A detailed guided history tour
• Guaranteed swimming in all weather
• More than a short visit to Šipan
• A packed schedule of sights rather than a long beach stop
• A low-cost way to reach one swimming spot

The biggest decision is how you feel about Lopud. If you enjoy settling into one beach for much of an afternoon, the schedule gives you exactly that. If you get restless after an hour or two by the sea, the long stop may turn the day into a slow wait.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands catamaran?

Book it if you want an easy, all-day island sampler with transport, drinks, snacks, and swimming time handled for you. The strongest parts are the two-island route, the old churches and villas of Šipan, the car-free setting of Lopud, and the convenience of hotel transfers.

Skip it if you are seeking an intimate boat ride or a carefully paced cultural tour. The possible group size of about 65 people and the long Lopud stop are the key compromises. At $96, the outing offers solid value when you use the included transfers and drinks, but it is not the best choice for someone interested only in swimming.

FAQ

How long does the Dubrovnik catamaran tour last?

The day begins with hotel pickup between about 8:00 and 9:30 and departs Gruž port at 9:30. The catamaran returns to Gruž at about 17:00, followed by hotel drop-off.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Šipan and Lopud. Šipan is visited first for sightseeing, followed by free time on Lopud for exploring and swimming.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Transfers from hotels to Gruž port and back to hotels are included.

What drinks are included?

The package includes beer, red and white wine, soft drinks, and water. Other food or drinks are not included.

Is food included?

Snacks and fresh fruit are included. Any other food is not included, so you may want to bring or buy additional food if you need a larger meal.

Can I swim during the excursion?

The excursion includes free time for swimming, especially during the Lopud stop. Swimming plans can change if weather or temperatures are unsuitable.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, and suitable swimming equipment. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.