Elaphiti Islands full-day boat tour from Dubrovnik, all three islands (8h).

How the Elaphiti Islands full-day boat tour is paced.

An Elaphiti Islands full-day boat tour from Dubrovnik gives each of the three inhabited islands its own block of time, instead of a quick swim and a turn for home. With eight hours you can walk a village, swim at two or three stops and still sit through lunch without watching the clock.

Time ashore on each island.

• Koločep: a footpath of about half an hour links Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, passing some of the small early medieval churches the island is known for.
• Lopud: the Franciscan monastery stands on the edge of the village. A marked path crosses the island to Šunj, so you can walk one way and meet the boat on the other side.
• Šipan: the largest island has two villages, Šipanska Luka at the head of a long bay and Suđurađ with its fortified 16th-century summer residence of the Skočibuha family. A road runs between them through a valley of olive groves and vineyards.

Lunch options.

Most groups choose a konoba in Šipanska Luka, Suđurađ or Lopud village. Expect fish sold by weight, octopus salad, black risotto and local wine, with grilled meat and vegetable dishes for anyone who does not eat fish. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs before the day so we can pick a suitable place.

If you would rather keep lunch short, the skipper can move it earlier. The afternoon then goes to a longer swim, or a paddle on the SUP if your boat carries one. On a private boat the order of the islands can also be reversed to avoid the busiest hours at Šunj.

Who books the full day.

Groups of friends, families with children of school age and three-generation families tend to prefer the full day, because nobody is rushed back to the boat. Couples who want a slow day with a proper lunch often choose it too. For a long day under the sun, a catamaran gives more shade and space, while a luxury motor yacht is the premium choice, even for two.

If four hours suits you better, see the Elaphiti Islands half-day tour. Our Elaphiti Islands guide covers each island in more detail. To stay on the islands rather than return the same day, book a boat transfer to Lopud or Šipan. Prices are on request, with an itemised quote sent by email or WhatsApp.

Koločep, Lopud or Šipan

Koločep is the closest and smallest, two villages joined by a path through pine woods, with the Blue Cave on its coast. Lopud has the long waterfront, the Franciscan monastery from 1483 and Šunj, one of the few sand beaches near Dubrovnik. Šipan is the largest and quietest, with the summer villas of Dubrovnik’s old families in Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ.

Koločep and Lopud have no cars; Šipan has one road between its two villages.