Elaphiti Islands boat tour from Dubrovnik, private half-day (4h).
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan by private boat, with swim stops the ferries can’t reach.
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Our half-day Elaphiti Islands boat tour runs from Dubrovnik to Koločep, Lopud and Šipan in four hours, and twenty minutes out of the harbour, the coast goes quiet. Koločep and Lopud are car-free, Šipan has a single quiet road, and the best beaches face away from the mainland.
Tip. The sea is usually calmer in the morning; the afternoon has softer light for photos.
The route, stop by stop.
Indicative route. Every trip is private, so you can swap, skip or add a stop. You can also plan a completely different day with us, even to places not listed here.
Boarding
Cavtat, Lapad, ACI Marina Komolac or the Old Port. Hotel transfer is included on most boats; we confirm it with the quote.
- 1
Koločep
Swim into the Blue Cave when the sea allows.
- 2
Lopud · Šunj
One of the few sand beaches in southern Dalmatia, shallow and warm.
- 3
Šipan
A quiet cove on the largest of the three islands.
Back to Dubrovnik
Back in Dubrovnik about four hours after boarding.
“Beyond our expectations, boat was amazing, 4 beautiful stops with lots of opportunities to swim and snorkel. Marco was a great skipper, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, safe.”Kirsty C. · Half-day tour · TripAdvisor · Aug 2026
Planning your half day.
The half day works best when you decide in advance what the four hours are for: mostly swimming, or a short walk ashore as well. The archipelago counts more than a dozen islands and islets, but only Koločep, Lopud and Šipan have permanent villages, and the first two lie closest to the city.
What fits into four hours
- Koločep: the nearest island, with two small villages, Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, linked by a path through pine and olive trees. On a half day most guests stay in the water here rather than going ashore.
- Lopud: the 15th-century Franciscan monastery stands at the edge of Lopud village. If you prefer a walk to sailing round, the path over the hill to Šunj takes about 20 to 30 minutes and the boat meets you on the other side.
- Šipan: on a half day this is usually a swim stop only, without time for its two villages, Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ.
If you want to walk all three islands and sit down for a long lunch, the Elaphiti Islands full-day boat tour is the better fit.
Who the half day suits.
The short crossings make this route a good choice for families with young children. It also suits guests with a flight or dinner booked later the same day, and anyone who does not enjoy long legs on open water. Couples often book it as a first outing before deciding on a longer trip.
For two to four people a speedboat keeps the runs between islands short; larger groups are more comfortable on a catamaran with shade, and a luxury motor yacht is the premium choice, even for two. You can compare them on the speedboats and catamarans pages.
Morning or afternoon departure.
From June to September a morning start avoids the hottest hours and gets you to Šunj before the excursion boats fill the bay. In May and October the sea is cooler, so a later start lets the sun warm the day first.
Bring some cash in euros if you plan a coffee or ice cream on Lopud.
Prices are on request because they depend on the boat, group size and date; we send an itemised quote by email or WhatsApp. For more background on each island, read our Elaphiti Islands guide. If you would rather stay on one of the islands, we also run a private boat transfer to Lopud or Šipan.
Questions about the Elaphiti tour.
All FAQsIs 4 hours enough for the Elaphiti Islands?
Which Elaphiti island has the best beach?
Can you visit the Blue Cave on Koločep?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is the Blue Cave swim safe for everyone?
Is it suitable for children?
What should we bring?
How far ahead should we book?
Half day or full day on the Elaphiti Islands?
Are the Elaphiti Islands worth visiting?
Elaphiti Islands or Lokrum?
Is the trip good if we do not care much for beaches?
Other boat tours.
Elaphiti Islands full day
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan in one day, with swim stops in quiet coves and lunch at a konoba ashore.
View the tour
Blue Cave & swim stops
Three of the best swim coves toward Koločep, ending inside the glowing Blue Cave.
View the tour
Dubrovnik sunset cruise
Two hours along the Old Town walls at sunset, with a swim stop and a glass of wine.
View the tourEnquire about the Elaphiti tour.
Send your date and group size. We reply with a plan, the right boat and an itemised quote, with no obligation to book.
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