The Elaphiti Islands are one of Croatia's best-kept secrets and the most popular boat trip from Dubrovnik for good reason. Just a short ride from the city, this small archipelago of three inhabited islands offers pine forests, hidden caves, sandy beaches, and a pace of life that feels a world away from the Old Town crowds. If you are planning a day on the water from Dubrovnik, an Elaphiti Islands tour should be at the top of your list.
The Elaphiti archipelago sits northwest of Dubrovnik in the southern Adriatic. The name comes from the Greek word for deer, and the islands were already known to ancient seafarers. Today the three main inhabited islands are Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, each with its own distinct character, history, and attractions. All three are car-free, giving them a tranquillity that is increasingly rare in the Mediterranean.
A full-day Elaphiti Islands tour from Dubrovnik visits all three islands, with swimming stops, time to explore the caves and bays along the route, and plenty of opportunities to snorkel in some of the clearest water on the Adriatic coast.
Kolocep, known locally as Kalamota, is the southernmost inhabited island in Croatia and usually the first stop on the tour as it is the closest to Dubrovnik. The island is small and quiet, covered in dense pine and olive forest, with a handful of stone houses clustered around two small bays on either side of the island.
The highlight of Kolocep for most visitors is its sea caves. The Blue Cave and Green Cave on the island's coastline are accessible by boat and offer a spectacular swimming and snorkelling experience. The turquoise water inside the caves, lit by sunlight filtering through the rock, is genuinely stunning and makes for some of the best underwater photos of any trip to Croatia.
Lopud is the most developed of the three Elaphiti Islands and the centrepiece of any day tour. The island has been inhabited since the 6th century and was once one of the most prosperous communities on the Adriatic, home to a thriving shipping and shipbuilding industry. Today it is a peaceful tourist destination with a charming waterfront village, several historic monasteries, and the best beach in the Dubrovnik region.
Sunj Beach, a long sheltered sandy bay on the far side of the island, is one of the very few sandy beaches in this part of Croatia. Reached by a 20-minute walk across the island from the harbour, it is worth every step. The bay is wide and shallow at the edges, making it ideal for families, and the water is calm and crystal clear.
If you want to explore the village, look out for the Dominican and Franciscan monasteries and the Gjorgjic-Mayneri park. The island also has several good restaurants where you can stop for lunch if you want to take a break on shore.
Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and the most unspoiled. Covered in olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards, it has the feel of an island that time has largely passed by, and that is precisely its appeal. The island was a favourite summer retreat for Dubrovnik's aristocracy, and many of the old stone villas and summer houses that dot the coastline date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.
The last stop on the tour is the small coastal village of Sudurad on the eastern tip of the island, where you can visit the ruins of the Gothic-Renaissance Skocibuha castle and the Church of St. Stephen. It is a quiet, atmospheric place that gives you a genuine sense of how these islands have looked for centuries.
Our Elaphiti Islands tour is fully private, which means the itinerary is tailored to your group. Included in the price:
The tour can be booked as a half-day trip (4 hours) or a full-day trip (up to 8 hours). Departure is from Rijeka Dubrovacka, Tenturija, with departure times available from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Book your Elaphiti Islands tour directly through Dubrovnik Boat Club. You can also get in touch by phone, WhatsApp, or Viber if you have any questions or want to discuss a custom itinerary. We offer hotel pickup and drop-off within the Dubrovnik city area, so getting to the boat is taken care of.
We offer a half-day tour of 4 hours and a full-day tour of up to 8 hours. The full-day tour allows you to visit all three islands comfortably with time for swimming, exploring, and a lunch stop.
Yes. All our tours are fully private, meaning the boat is exclusively for your group. There are no strangers joining your trip.
Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking on the islands. Towels and snorkelling equipment are provided on board.
Absolutely. Our experienced skippers are happy to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences, whether that means more time at the caves, a longer lunch stop, or an extra swim in a secluded bay on the way back.
Yes, it is a great trip for families. Life jackets are provided for all ages and the calm, clear waters around the islands are ideal for younger swimmers.
You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours of the tour are non-refundable. If the tour is cancelled due to bad weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
