The Elafiti Islands in a Day: Koločep, Šipan and Lopud

What it is

The Elafiti are the small archipelago north-west of Dubrovnik. Three of its islands are inhabited and have no visitor cars: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. The day excursion links them by boat from the port of Gruž, with time for swimming on each and lunch served on board as you sail. It is a relaxed plan, without long walks, and works well with children.

Who runs it

Regina Maris, a large white excursion boat based at Gruž. Its sales booth is at Obala Stjepana Radića 14, opposite the port. Look for the boat with its name on the quay.

The day, island by island

1. Koločep. The first stop. It is the closest to Dubrovnik, with dense pine woods and caves on the coast. You have time to swim in the clear water of the bay or snorkel with the tube and goggles the boat lends. Next to the beach there are usually stalls selling local products.
2. On to Šipan. During the crossing lunch is served, Dalmatian-style: fish, chicken or vegetarian, chosen when booking, with local white wine.
3. Šipan. The boat stops at Suđurađ, a harbour village with stone houses and a castle. Near the houses and in the bay there are family stalls of wine and olive oil. It is the largest of the three islands.
4. Lopud. The last and longest stop. The village has shops, cafés and ice-cream parlours by the harbour, the Franciscan monastery and a botanical garden with free entry. In high season the Sunlight Museum opens. Šunj beach, of sand and shallow water, is about 30 minutes' walk across the island; if you don't want to walk, 200 m from the harbour there are local drivers with buggies, paid separately. Bikes are also hired.

At the end of the day you return to Gruž on the same boat.

Duration, price and what is included

About 8 hours. It costs from €55 per person. It includes lunch, water, soft drinks, rakija (local brandy) and white wine with the meal, and use of snorkelling gear. On board there are four toilets, bean bags to lie on and wifi. Pick-up at your accommodation within the city of Dubrovnik is optional; outside the city it can be requested by email. Coffee, tea and extra alcohol on board are paid separately, and whatever you buy on the islands.

Accessibility and children

According to the company, the boat is accessible by wheelchair and with a pushchair and admits assistance animals. Babies go on the lap. It is a comfortable excursion for families: lots of time on the boat in the shade and short stops on quiet beaches, with Šunj the easiest for small children.

Independently by ferry

You can also go on your own on the Jadrolinija line linking Gruž with Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. It leaves from the port of Gruž and on that line you can reserve a place as a foot passenger. It is cheaper, but with fixed timetables, without lunch and, in practice, for seeing one or two islands a day. Check times and prices on the Jadrolinija website.

What to bring

Swimming costume, towel, sun cream, hat and cash for the stalls on the islands. Comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to Šunj.

Getting to Gruž

The port of Gruž is north-west of the old town. You arrive on the Libertas bus from Pile, or with the boat's pick-up if you book it.