Elaphiti Islands boat tour from Dubrovnik, private half-day (4h).
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan by private boat, with a swim stop the ferries can't reach.
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. Nobody on these islands owns a car, the ferry calls twice a day, 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.
Hotel pick-up
Included on most boats. Boarding at Cavtat, Lapad, ACI Marina Komolac or the Old Port.
- 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 before the afternoon heat.
“Borna and the crew thought of every detail. The Elaphiti tour was the highlight of our whole Croatia trip.”Emily & Mark · United Kingdom · TripAdvisor
Planning an Elaphiti Islands half-day boat tour from Dubrovnik
An Elaphiti Islands half-day boat tour from Dubrovnik 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, 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. 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, and the quote is itemised and sent by email or WhatsApp. For more background on each island, read our Elaphiti Islands guide.
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?
Other boat tours.
Island of Mljet
A full day in Mljet National Park, with the saltwater lakes, the island monastery and swim stops.
View the tour
Korčula by Boat
Marco Polo’s walled island town, with a swim off the boat and lunch ashore.
View the tour
Montenegro by Boat
Into the Bay of Kotor, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and Kotor, all by sea.
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.
