A pirate day at sea, without the hassle. I love the wooden galleon sailing feel and the Lopud and Sipan island breaks for swims and wandering. One thing to consider is that the end time shifts by season, and if seas are rough the cruise can be rescheduled or cancelled.

You’ll also get a proper traditional lunch onboard, with wine and water served during the meal. Plus, there’s Wi-Fi and toilets on the ship, so you’re not stuck figuring out logistics mid-cruise.

Key things to know before you go

• 16th-century wooden galleon replica vibes from Dubrovnik’s Old Town Port
• Free time on both Lopud and Sipan, not just quick photo stops
• Lunch served onboard on Galleon Tirena, with wine and water included
• Views of Dubrovnik Old Town from the water, especially nice as you leave the harbor
• Onboard bar for extra drinks, if you want to go beyond the included wine and water

Setting Sail From Dubrovnik Old Town Port at 09:30

This cruise starts right in Dubrovnik’s Old Town port area. You’ll look for the galleon ship that departs from the large pier in the Dubrovnik Old Town Port, the one on the left when you’re facing the sea. The departure time is 09:30 AM, which is great because it gets you out onto the water before Dubrovnik fully heats up.

The timing matters here. Half-day tours can feel rushed when they cram everything into a short window, but this one keeps a steady pace. You spend real time cruising between islands, then you get free time at each stop, which is where the day starts to feel like a holiday instead of a checklist.

Also, you’re not just doing transport. This is a guided boat tour with a real ship setup, toilets onboard, and Wi-Fi if you need it for maps or messaging. Bring a jacket even in warmer months, because the sea breeze can make the deck feel cooler than you expect.

The 16th-Century Wooden Galleon Replica Experience (Galleon Tirena)

The boat is an exact replica of a famous 16th-century wooden galleon, and that theme shapes the whole trip. You’ll be able to enjoy the ride from the deck in a way that feels different from modern speedboats. When the wind picks up, it’s part of the fun. When the sun is out, it’s part of the charm. Either way, it’s an experience you can feel in your body, not just watch out the window.

I also like that the crew and guides bring an active tone. Names you might hear onboard include Lorena, Luca, and Sara, and they tend to focus on practical info, plus island orientation. Some days include small guided moments on each island, which helps you make better choices once you’re on land.

A practical note: this is a boat ride, so dress for sun and sea air. The good move is to pack light layers. The tour asks you to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, plus swimwear and a towel. That tells you right away that there’s actual swim time, not just sightseeing.

The Onboard Lunch on Galleon Tirena, With Wine and Water Included

The lunch is served onboard, which makes the middle of the day easy. You don’t need to hunt down a restaurant in an unfamiliar place, and you don’t lose your momentum.

You’ll get a traditional lunch, and drinks are included during the meal. Wine and water are served, and there’s also a complimentary drink at lunch mentioned in the tour highlights. If you want more, there’s an onboard bar where you can purchase additional drinks.

Food quality is one of the most repeated positives. The fish lunch tends to get high marks for being good and plentiful, and the vegetarian option can run pasta-heavy, so if you’re expecting something lighter, plan accordingly. If you have dietary needs, it’s worth checking what “traditional” means for your specific meal before you board, but the big picture is clear: you eat onboard, you’re not starving, and you can keep enjoying the sea views.

Dubrovnik Views From the Water, Then Calm Cruising Between Islands

One of the simplest joys here is leaving Dubrovnik from the water. From the deck, Dubrovnik Old Town looks different than it does from street level, with angles and scale that are hard to match anywhere else. You’ll get those views while the ship moves you toward the Elaphiti Islands, so the scenery becomes part of the journey, not an add-on.

The cruise itself is paced for comfort. It’s not an all-day slog, and it’s not a nonstop sprint either. You’re guided, but you still have time to soak in sea views and catch your breath between island stops.

This matters because Dubrovnik can be intense. Stone streets, crowds, and heat add up fast. Being on the water gives your eyes and legs a break, even before you reach the islands.

Lopud Island Free Time: Gardens, Swims, and Village Strolls

Lopud is one of the “slow down” islands in the Elaphiti group. The tour gives you free time there, which is exactly what you want after hours of walking in Dubrovnik. You can head for a swim, relax, or wander around at your own pace.

Lopud is known for a greener feel, with gardens that include oranges and lemons, plus a shoreline that invites an easy coastal walk. The vibe is also shaped by charming villages and summer manor style architecture, along with older seaman houses and small votive churches. In plain terms, it’s a place where you can walk 15 minutes in any direction and keep finding something pleasant to look at.

A realistic consideration: the first island stop can feel lighter than the second, mainly because your time is split across two islands. You might not be able to do everything on Lopud, and you probably won’t want to. Think of Lopud as your “unwind and reset” stop, where swimming and relaxing are front and center.

Sipan Island Free Time: More Island Style, More Time in the Sun

Sipan is the second big stop, and it’s the one where the day often feels most satisfying. The tour gives you free time here too, and this is where you can lean into exploring or sunbathing depending on your mood.

Sipan has that same island character of the Dubrovnik archipelago, but with a strong sense of how the islands were shaped by summer life and older seafaring culture. You’ll see the harmony of villages, plus summer mansions and the kind of architecture that feels built for long afternoons outside.

If you want one strategy, it’s this: use Lopud for a swim and a short walk, then use Sipan for either a longer stroll or a more relaxed beach-focused block. That makes your whole day feel balanced instead of trying to “win” the itinerary.

Price and Value at About $76 Per Person

At around $76 per person, this cruise can be a strong value when you factor in what’s included. You’re paying for a guided boat ride, traditional lunch onboard, and drinks during lunch (wine and water). You’re also paying for access to two islands with substantial free time, which would take a lot more time and effort to replicate on your own.

It helps that the ship is set up for a comfortable half-day outing: Wi-Fi onboard is included, toilets are available, and the tour is suitable for all ages. That’s not a minor detail in Croatia, where “day trip” can sometimes turn into a marathon of stairs and waiting.

The main “cost creep” risk is drinks beyond what’s included. The lunch includes wine and water, but additional drinks are available to purchase from the onboard bar. If you’re watching your budget, you can keep it simple and stick with what’s served at lunch.

What to Bring, What to Wear, and How to Plan Your Day

This is one of those trips where packing smart makes the day feel smoother. The tour recommends bringing sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket. I’d treat those as your baseline list.

Here’s how to use that list in a practical way:

• Wear sunscreen before boarding, and consider extra protection for shoulders and neck. Sun on open water sneaks up.
• Bring a towel you don’t mind getting sandy or wet. If you swim, you’ll be happier drying off properly.
• Pack swimwear underneath what you’re wearing, so you can change quickly when you’re at Lopud or Sipan.
• Bring a light jacket for the deck. Even on sunny days, sea breeze can cool you down.

Also, think about your Dubrovnik plan the same way you think about your energy. This cruise is a strong mid-trip choice if you’ve already been walking a lot in the Old Town. It gives you a reset, plus it changes your perspective.

Return Times Change With the Season, So Keep Your Flexibility

The end time varies with daylight, and that’s good to know before you plan your evening. From May 15 through May 31, the tour ends at 6:00 PM. From June 1 through August 10, it ends at 6:30 PM. From August 10 through August 25, it ends at 6:00 PM. From August 26 through September 10, it ends at 5:30 PM. From September 11 through September 30, it ends at 5:00 PM.

If you’re planning dinner reservations or a second activity, give yourself breathing room. Half-day tours feel easy until you hit the timing edge cases, like sunset shifting or the operator adjusting for conditions.

Should You Book This Elaphiti Islands Galleon Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an island day that feels like more than a quick drive-by. The 16th-century wooden galleon style experience is a real part of the appeal, and the fact that you get free time on both Lopud and Sipan makes it worth your money. The onboard lunch with wine and water also removes a big chunk of “day trip stress.”

Skip it, or at least think twice, if you’re the kind of traveler who hates schedule variables. Return times change by month, and if the sea is too dangerous or there aren’t enough passengers, the operator can reschedule or cancel.

If you’re flexible and you want a classic Adriatic-style day, this one is an easy recommendation. You’ll come back to Dubrovnik with two islands under your belt, a good meal inside you, and a very different set of photos than the Old Town selfie circuit.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart in Dubrovnik?

You’ll depart from the large pier in the Dubrovnik Old Town Port. Look for the galleon ship that leaves from the left side when you are facing the sea.

What time does the tour start?

The tour departs at 09:30 AM.

Which islands are visited?

The cruise visits Lopud and Sipan, with free time on each island.

When does the tour end?

Return times vary by season. From May 15 to May 31 it ends at 6:00 PM, from June 1 to August 10 it ends at 6:30 PM, from August 10 to August 25 it ends at 6:00 PM, from August 26 to September 10 it ends at 5:30 PM, and from September 11 to September 30 it ends at 5:00 PM.

What is included in the price?

Included are the cruise, a guide, traditional lunch, drinks during lunch (wine and water served), Wi-Fi onboard, and toilets onboard.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Wine and water are served during lunch, and there is a complimentary drink mentioned with lunch.

Can I buy additional drinks onboard?

Yes. Additional drinks are available to purchase at the onboard bar.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a jacket, plus beachwear.

What happens if the sea is too dangerous or the minimum number of passengers isn’t met?

If the sea is too dangerous or the minimum number of passengers is not achieved, the tour can be rescheduled or cancelled. If it is cancelled by the provider, you receive a full refund.

What languages do the guides speak?

The tour is available in Spanish and English.