Luxury Elaphite Islands half day Cruise with lunch Apreamare

The best part of this Dubrovnik cruise is the mix of clear-water swimming, small villages, and local food in one easy day. You are not stuck on a sightseeing boat all day. You get time to swim, walk, taste wine and olive oil, and sit down for lunch on an island.

I like the private format and the useful gear on board, including snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard. I also like the friendly human touch. Elisa is repeatedly praised for her energy and care, while Robert is associated with private trips on a well-kept boat.

The main caution is the price. At $889.37 per person, this is a major splurge, so confirm exactly what your booking includes. The published timing also needs checking: it says 9 am to 3 pm, while the duration is listed as about eight hours.

Key points at a glance

• Three Elaphite Islands in one outing: Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep each offer a different kind of stop.
• Swimming and sea caves: Bring a swimsuit and use the included snorkeling equipment around bays and caves.
• A local lunch is part of the day: The meal is served at a small island restaurant, with fish, chicken, and vegetarian choices noted in the available feedback.
• Private-group setting: Only your party participates, which suits families, couples, and groups wanting a quieter boat day.
• Drinks and water are included: Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages for adults are supplied.
• Departure from Gruž Market: Meet at Obala Stjepana Radića 21 at 9 am, then return to the same meeting point.

Why the Elaphite Islands make a good day from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town can fill quickly, especially during the warmer months. The Elaphite Islands offer a change of pace: less stone underfoot, more open water, small settlements, coves, and time to swim.

The islands are close enough for a day trip but varied enough that the stops do not feel identical. Lopud is the strongest choice for a beach break. Šipan gives you village life and food traditions. Koločep brings sea caves, cliffs, and short walks.

I like this kind of outing because it does not force you to choose between a boat day and a cultural visit. You can spend part of the day in the water, then step ashore for a village, a tasting, or lunch. That balance is more satisfying than a pure transport cruise.

Still, this is not a slow, independent island-hopping holiday. You are working within a planned route and fixed stops. If you want several hours on one beach, the three-island format may feel rushed.

Starting at Gruž Port at 9 am

The meeting point is Gruž Market at Obala Stjepana Radića 21. The listed start time is 9 am, and the boat returns to the same location.

Gruž is Dubrovnik’s working port area, not the Old Town entrance. Give yourself time to reach the meeting point, especially if you are staying uphill or near the historic center. Pickup is offered according to the tour details, but the precise pickup arrangement should be confirmed when you book.

The boat is described as an Apreamare, a name that signals a more polished private-boat experience than a basic ferry transfer. The available feedback repeatedly points to a clean, well-maintained boat and a comfortable atmosphere. A restroom is available on board, which matters during a full day at sea.

This is a private activity, so only your group participates. That gives you more breathing room than a large excursion, although private does not necessarily mean every stop or departure time can be changed. Ask the operator how much flexibility is possible before paying.

Šipan: caves, a village, and island flavors

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands. It is described as a place of wide bays, caves, a traditional village, and restaurants, with wine and olive oil tasting included in the planned experience.

The water stop is a strong reason to bring your swimsuit from the start. You may swim near the Blue Cave and use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The exact conditions depend on the sea and weather, so do not treat the cave visit as guaranteed in rough water.

The village visit gives the day a local focus. Wine and olive oil tasting is not just a snack stop. It connects the scenery to the island’s agricultural traditions and gives you a chance to try products made in the region.

The supplied schedule is not fully consistent. The overview presents Šipan as the first stop, while the detailed stop list places Koločep first, followed by Lopud and Šipan. Confirm the actual order with Regina Maris before departure. The same applies to the duration: the tour is described as about eight hours, but the stated departure and return are 9 am and 3 pm, a six-hour span.

Lopud: the best island for a beach break

Lopud receives the longest stated stop in the detailed itinerary, with three hours listed there, while the overview describes a one-and-a-half-hour stop. That difference is worth clarifying before you book.

The appeal is easy to understand. Lopud has sandy beaches, a historic village, swimming spots, and restaurants. One specific beach is highlighted in the available feedback as a must-see, making this the island where you will likely want to spend your free time in the water.

A longer stop lets you choose your own pace. You can swim, walk through the village, sit by the shore, or find a restaurant if you want something beyond the included lunch. Do not assume every minute is guided. The point of the Lopud stop is free time.

The tradeoff is that a beach stop can feel short if you need time to dry off, change, eat, and explore. If you are hoping for a long, lazy afternoon on the sand, check whether your booking includes the three-hour version or the shorter stop described elsewhere.

Koločep: cliffs, caves, and a local lunch

Koločep is the smallest of the three islands in the detailed route and offers a different mood from Lopud. You will find attractive bays, sea caves, cliffs, and two small villages. A walk across the island takes about 20 minutes, giving you a simple way to see more than just the waterfront.

The overview places lunch at a small local restaurant on Koločep, followed by free time to explore. That combination is practical: you can eat without giving up the chance to wander.

Food is one of the strongest parts of this trip. The available details point to fish, chicken, and vegetarian choices, along with wine and water. Alcoholic drinks are included for adults, and soft drinks and bottled water are also supplied. Ask about the meal selection when you arrive if you have dietary needs, since the published information does not give a full menu.

Koločep works well as a final island stop because it combines a meal with a little walking. The short crossing route is manageable for many people, but the tour is not presented as a demanding hiking excursion. You are going to see villages and cliffs, not complete a major trail.

What is included on the boat

The equipment list is useful rather than decorative. You have access to snorkeling gear and a stand-up paddleboard, so you do not need to bring those items yourself.

You should still pack the basics:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sun protection
• Dry clothes for the boat ride home
• Comfortable footwear for village walks
• A waterproof bag for phones and valuables

Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages for people aged 18 and over are included. A restroom is available on board. All fees and taxes are also included.

Tips are not included. Set aside cash or plan to tip the crew if the service meets your expectations.

How much value do you get for $889.37?

At $889.37 per person, this is priced as a luxury private experience, not as a standard island ferry excursion. The value depends heavily on your group size and the exact boat arrangement.

For a couple, the cost is hard to justify unless privacy, comfort, personal service, and a premium boat are central to your holiday. For a larger private group, the price may make more sense if the total cost is shared, but you should verify whether the listed price is truly per person and what size group it covers.

The inclusions help. You are paying for a private boat, crew, island stops, swimming equipment, drinks, lunch, a restroom, and a full day of service. That is more convenient than arranging separate ferries, meals, and water activities.

There is an important price discrepancy to resolve. Some older feedback refers to a much lower fare of 55 euros for adults, including hotel pickup, return transport, lunch, and drinks. That appears to describe a different or older product, so do not use it as a current price guide. The present listed price is the figure to question before booking.

Ask these questions directly:

• Is $889.37 charged for each person or for the whole private group?
• Is hotel pickup included for your location?
• Is the boat definitely an Apreamare?
• Will the route include the Blue Cave?
• Is lunch served on Koločep?
• Is the stop at Lopud one and a half hours or three hours?
• Does the tour run for six hours or eight?

Clear answers will tell you far more about value than the word luxury.

Service, atmosphere, and the human touch

The strongest praise is aimed at the crew. Elisa is singled out for being helpful, cheerful, and attentive. Her lively personality seems to add a social spark to the day, while Robert is connected with private boat arrangements and a well-maintained vessel.

That matters on a boat trip. A beautiful route can feel flat if the crew is distant or disorganized. Here, the repeated picture is of a friendly team, good food, clean equipment, and an easy atmosphere.

The tone may not suit everyone. If you want a silent, formal luxury cruise, a warm and playful crew may feel more casual than expected. The available feedback includes dancing and a fun onboard mood, so expect hospitality with personality rather than a quiet yacht charter.

The experience is also praised by people who prefer to avoid crowds. Since only your group participates, you have a better chance of enjoying the day without being packed into a large excursion. That does not mean the islands themselves will be empty, especially at popular beaches.

Who should book this island cruise?

I would consider this tour for:

• Families wanting swimming, food, and light sightseeing in one day
• Couples who value privacy and a polished boat
• Small groups celebrating a special occasion
• Visitors who want to see three islands without arranging several ferries
• People who enjoy a friendly, social crew and an unhurried meal

I would hesitate if you are watching your budget, dislike fixed schedules, or want a serious history tour. The focus is the sea, food, villages, and free time, not detailed historical guiding.

It may also be less suitable for anyone who cannot manage boarding a boat or short walks on an island. The information says most people can participate and service animals are allowed, but it does not provide detailed mobility information. Ask Regina Maris about your exact needs.

Booking advice and weather

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is reassuring, but keep a little flexibility in your Dubrovnik schedule if the cruise is important to you.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the schedule and price details need clarification, I would not wait until the morning before departure to ask questions.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want a private, boat-centered day with three islands, swimming, lunch, drinks, and a friendly crew. The best parts are the variety of the stops, the included water equipment, the small-group setting, and the chance to combine island scenery with local food.

Do not book it blindly at $889.37 per person. First confirm the group pricing, boat, route order, total hours, lunch location, and exact time at Lopud. If those details match what you want and you are comfortable with the premium price, this can be a polished and easy way to see the Elaphites from Dubrovnik.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Gruž Market at Obala Stjepana Radića 21 in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9 am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Gruž.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience is listed as approximately eight hours, but the stated departure and return times are 9 am and 3 pm. Confirm the exact duration with Regina Maris.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is planned at a small local restaurant, described in the overview as being on Koločep.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages for people aged 18 and over are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with access to a stand-up paddleboard.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.