Three islands, one easy day. This Luxury Apreamare cruise from Dubrovnik turns a few hours at sea into a simple island-hopping sampler of the Elaphiti Islands. You’ll get time to swim, use snorkeling gear, and sit down for lunch on the way.

I like the mix of short island stops and actual water time, not just “look from the boat.” I especially enjoy the included extras—snorkeling equipment, stand up paddle gear, bottled water, and soda—so you aren’t constantly paying for add-ons.

One thing to plan for: this trip needs good weather, and you’ll be outside most of the day. Bring sun protection and expect some walking and steps, especially if you choose the island paths.

Quick takes before you go

• Apreamare comfort for an all-island day feel: restroom on board, bottled water, soda, and a full service vibe.
• Real swim time built into the route: snorkeling gear plus chances to hop in at the islands.
• Koločep’s mix of caves, cliffs, and a short walk: about 20 minutes to cross parts of the island.
• Lopud gives you beach time: sand, a historic village, and plenty of places to grab a bite or drink.
• Šipan brings the bigger-island energy: bays, caves, and wine plus olive oil tasting.

From Dubrovnik’s Port to the Elaphiti Islands in one smooth run

Dubrovnik is famous for its old walls and postcard views. This cruise is how you see a different side of the area—coastal islands with smaller beaches, quiet village streets, and sea caves you can actually swim near.

You leave from Gruž Port Dubrovnik around 9:00 am and return about 3:00 pm. Even if the title calls it a half-day cruise, the day still feels like a proper outing because you’re spending time moving between islands, changing scenery, and stopping for lunch and swims.

What makes it work well is pacing. Instead of one long island day, you get three different vibes. Koločep leans scenic and walkable. Lopud leans beach and village. Šipan brings the largest footprint and the tastings.

Apreamare cruise basics: pickup, meeting point, and what’s really included

You’ll either be picked up (pickup is offered) or meet at Gruž Market, Obala Stjepana Radića 21. The start point is clearly set, and the end is back at the same meeting point—so you’re not left figuring out the return.

This is set up as a private tour/activity, meaning it’s just your group. That changes the feel. You can keep your own pace, and you’re not stuck with a crowd stampeding from one viewpoint to the next.

Here’s what you get without extra spending:

• Snorkeling equipment (plus the trip is designed for swim and snorkel time)
• Stand up paddle
• Bottled water and soda
• Restroom on board
• All fees and taxes
• Admission tickets are listed as free at the stops

And for food and drink:

• Lunch is part of the experience, served at a local restaurant on the island day
• Alcoholic beverages are only for 18+
• Tip is not included

Now about the price. At $889.37 per person, this is clearly a premium day. The value case isn’t “cheap island hopping.” It’s that you’re buying a service package: boat time, included water activities gear, lunch, and basic drinks, with no separate ticketing for the island stops. If you’re traveling as a group, the group discount factor can make that premium feel less shocking.

Koločep Island: sea caves, cliffs, and a short island walk that pays off

Koločep is first on the island list, and it sets the tone. You’re looking at beautiful bays, sea caves, and cliffs, with two small villages you can explore. The idea here isn’t a marathon hike—it’s a quick, scenic wander.

Expect about 1 hour on Koločep. That includes a nice option: a roughly 20-minute walk across the island. If you’re into seeing how the coastline is shaped—headlands, hidden inlets, and cliff edges—that walk is an efficient way to get variety without eating your whole afternoon.

A practical note: caves and cliffs usually mean uneven ground near viewpoints and slick spots near the water. I’d keep footwear with grip in your bag, even if you think you’ll only stand for photos.

This is also a good stop if you want that “small island day” feeling. Lopud gives you beaches; Šipan gives you size and tastings. Koločep sits right in the middle: scenic enough to feel special, but short enough to stay relaxed.

Lopud Island: sand beaches, village wandering, and the best kind of free time

Lopud is where the cruise loosens up. You get around 3 hours there, which is meaningful because you can actually do more than one thing: beach time, village wandering, and a casual meal if you want.

This island is known for:

• Sand beaches
• A historic village
• Swimming spots
• Restaurants and places to relax

Three hours also means you can choose your style. If you want to swim and snorkel, you can dedicate part of that time to the water. If you’d rather explore, you still have the rest of the window to come back and sit down.

The only caution is simple: if it’s hot and bright, sun wins. Plan your pace so you don’t burn out early. Start with walking or a viewpoint, then shift to shade and water mid-stop.

If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want cave hopping but still wants the island vibe, Lopud is the compromise island. It’s easy to enjoy even if you’re not a big swimmer.

Šipan Island: the biggest Elaphiti stop, plus the Blue Cave and tastings

Šipan is the largest Elaphiti island on this route. You’ll get around 2 hours, which is short—but the island is packed, so it works as a taste of big-island scenery rather than a deep exploration day.

What you can look forward to:

• Amazing bays
• Caves
• A traditional village
• Wine tasting
• And plenty of restaurants around the island area

The cruise description also points to the Blue Cave and time to swim, so you should expect a water-focused moment tied to Šipan’s cave scenery.

Then there’s the food-and-drink side: there’s also a village stop that includes wine and olive oil tasting. This is the kind of “local flavor” add-on that turns a plain sightseeing cruise into a more memorable day. You’re not just moving between islands; you’re learning something you can bring home—what they make, how they taste it, and what locals value.

Because Šipan is the biggest island here, it can feel like the most “active” stop. If you like scenery with a bit of variety—coastline views plus village atmosphere—this is your favorite stop.

Lunch on the last island: what you should expect and how to time it

Lunch happens at the end of the island circuit, on Koločep, at a small local restaurant. This is a smart way to do lunch on a boat day because it breaks up the timeline: swim time, then land time, then a final stretch to explore before the cruise wraps.

Food is described as excellent, with choice options including fish, chicken, or vegetarian. That matters, because boat lunches can be hit-or-miss. Here, the setup is clearly geared toward giving you a real choice rather than a single default plate.

Drinks are also handled thoughtfully:

• Bottled water and soda are included
• Alcoholic beverages are included only if you’re 18+

If you’re planning your day, I’d treat lunch as your reset. Eat earlier rather than waiting until the last minutes of the stop, especially if you want time afterward for walking or shoreline views.

And after lunch, you still have free time to discover the island. That’s what helps the day feel less rushed. You’re not just “processed” through stops; you get a little breathing room.

Making snorkeling, swimming, and paddle time actually enjoyable

This cruise is built around water time. You get snorkeling equipment and access to both swim and snorkel moments during the island stops. You also get stand up paddle, which is the kind of included activity that can turn a calm day into a fun one—especially if the water conditions are friendly.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Bring a small dry bag for your phone and wallet
• Wear swimwear you can tolerate for a few hours on the boat deck
• Pack footwear with grip if you plan to walk near caves and rocks
• If you snorkel, don’t rush. Take a minute to get used to breathing and buoyancy

Also, remember this day depends on weather. Even with good equipment and a nice boat, rougher seas reduce comfort and may limit how long you want to be out in the water. If the cruise is rescheduled or adjusted, it’s usually because conditions matter.

On the comfort side, the boat has a restroom, which sounds small until you’re out for hours.

Value check: is a $889.37 private-feeling cruise worth it?

Value isn’t just the headline price. It’s what the price replaces in your budget and stress level.

This experience bundles:

• Boat transportation and stops across three islands
• Snorkeling equipment and stand up paddle
• Water and soda
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Admission tickets listed as free at stops
• A private setup for your group (not shared chaos)
• Use of restroom on board and included fees/taxes

If you price these separately, you start seeing why it can still make sense as a package. A typical “boat-only” cruise can leave you paying separately for gear, meals, and island logistics. Here, the cruise is structured so you’re not constantly doing math while you’re hungry and sunburned.

Still, it’s premium. If you’re on a strict budget, you’ll likely find cheaper group cruises. But if you care about comfort, included gear, and a smooth day that doesn’t feel like a checklist, the extra cost can be easier to justify.

The group discount is the wildcard. If you have a few people and want privacy without paying “two-person premium,” ask how the price adjusts for your group size.

Should you book this Regina Maris Elaphiti cruise with lunch?

I’d book this if you want a classic Elaphiti day but with a tighter, more comfortable setup: a private-feeling day, included water activities gear, and lunch that’s actually part of the experience—not an afterthought.

I’d think twice if you want a long, slow island immersion. With about 1 hour on Koločep, 3 hours on Lopud, and 2 hours on Šipan, it’s paced for variety. You’ll get highlights, not weeks of island life.

Also, because it requires good weather, treat it like a plan that depends on the sky. If Dubrovnik weather turns ugly, the operator may shift dates or refund, but you’ll still want a flexible mindset.

If your group is excited about swimming, caves, beach time, and a real lunch in the middle of the day, this one fits. The best sign is that the trip is consistently praised for service and food quality—exactly what you want when you’re paying premium prices for a boat day.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and end?

It departs around 9:00 am from Gruž Port Dubrovnik and returns back to the meeting point at about 3:00 pm.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Gruž Market, Obala Stjepana Radića 21, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Do you offer pickup from hotels?

Pickup is offered, but you may also meet at the Gruž Market meeting point depending on the arrangement.

What’s included for water activities?

You get snorkeling equipment and you can use stand up paddle. The day is designed for swim and snorkel time.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat?

Lunch is included and is served at a small local restaurant on Koločep.

Is alcohol included?

Alcoholic beverages are included only for guests aged 18+. Water and soda are included.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.