Dubrovnik: 3 Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Guide

The best part of this Dubrovnik day trip is the change of pace. Within hours, you leave the city’s stone walls behind and spend the day between three car-free islands, stopping for swimming, short walks, photos, and lunch on the boat. Captain Joe and the crew add a social touch, with music, drinks, and plenty of room to sit in the sun or shade.

I like the all-in-one value: lunch, unlimited wine and soft drinks, the boat ride, and hotel transfer can all be covered for $69. I also like the generous time on Lopud, where you have roughly three hours rather than a rushed shore visit. The main consideration is that the day depends on sea and weather conditions, and the lively onboard mood may suit you better than a quiet sailing trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one day: Visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, each with a different feel and rhythm.
• A proper swim stop: Koločep gives you about an hour for swimming, photos, and free time in clear water.
• Lunch and drinks included: Eat onboard and enjoy unlimited wine, water, and soft drinks.
• Lopud gets the most time: Plan for a walk, a swim, photos, and time to explore without rushing.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, outdoor seating, and friendly crew make this more than a quiet sightseeing cruise.
• Useful onboard comforts: Wi-Fi, two toilets, indoor and outdoor seating, and hotel pickup if you choose that option.

Leaving Dubrovnik for the Elaphiti Islands

The tour begins at Obala Stjepana Radića, the main Dubrovnik ferry port, and returns there at the end of the day. If you select hotel pickup, you can avoid arranging your own way to the port, but check the pickup details carefully. One party had a mix-up about the pickup location, although the crew helped sort it out.

The full outing lasts about eight hours. That is a long day, but the route breaks it into short cruises and island stops, so you are not stuck in one position for the whole trip. You can sit at an outdoor table, use a lawn chair in the sun, or move downstairs to the covered seating area.

The boat has two toilets, Wi-Fi, music, and tables with benches. Those details matter more than they sound. A full day at sea can become uncomfortable without shade, a place to eat, or a toilet that is easy to reach. Bring your own towel, since towels are not supplied, and use sunscreen even when the breeze makes the sun feel mild.

The crew speaks English, Croatian, French, Spanish, and Italian. The experience is wheelchair accessible, though you should still confirm that the selected pickup arrangement works for your needs.

The Trsteno transfer and the first views of the coast

The route includes a 45-minute transfer connected with Trsteno Arboretum before the island portion begins. The supplied schedule identifies this as a transfer rather than a formal arboretum visit, so do not book the boat expecting a full garden tour. Think of it as part of the movement from Dubrovnik toward the islands.

That early stretch gives you a useful view of the coast from another angle. Dubrovnik is dramatic from land, but the city and its surrounding shoreline make more sense from the water. You see how quickly the built-up center gives way to small bays, wooded slopes, and open sea.

The boat’s layout lets you choose your level of activity. Sit outside for the views and breeze, or move indoors if the sun becomes too strong. Since the cruise includes music and a sociable crew, the atmosphere can feel more like a casual day party than a silent nature excursion.

That is a strength for some people and a drawback for others. If you want a calm, low-key sail with long periods of silence, this probably is not the best match. If you enjoy a friendly boat, music, and the option to join in, the setup works well.

Lopud: three hours for beaches, walking, and lunch

Lopud is the main stop of the day, and the schedule gives you about three hours here. That extra time makes a difference. You can swim, walk, take photos, look around the island, and still return for lunch without watching the clock every minute.

Lopud is known for its sunshine, sandy Šunj Beach, and old botanical garden. The tour information does not promise a guided visit to either attraction, so treat them as possible points of interest during your free time rather than included sightseeing stops. The island is car-free, which makes a short walk feel pleasantly removed from Dubrovnik’s traffic and city noise.

The island’s appeal is simple: clear water, Mediterranean plants, quiet paths, and a slower pace. You do not need a packed schedule here. A swim followed by a walk and a drink may be the best use of your time.

The boat provides welcome refreshments and later serves lunch onboard. The meal includes a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option. A bottle of wine was placed at each table on one reported departure, and extra servings were available. Since meal details can vary, confirm any special dietary needs before booking.

Lunch is scheduled for about 30 minutes. That is enough for a straightforward meal, but it is not a long restaurant-style lunch. You are eating as part of the day’s cruise, with the sea and other passengers around you. For $69, the inclusion of a hot or substantial meal plus drinks adds real value, especially in a destination where buying lunch and drinks separately can quickly add up.

Šipan: olive groves and a quieter island stop

After Lopud, the boat makes a sightseeing cruise of about 20 minutes before reaching Šipan. This is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and has a more rural feel, with olive groves and villages connected to Dubrovnik’s past.

The island is associated with historic villas and noble families who used the Elaphiti Islands as retreats. An olive grove on Šipan is also noted for a Guinness World Record, an unusual detail that gives the stop more character than a simple swim break.

You have about 45 minutes here for photos, wine, and swimming. That is enough to get a taste of the island, but not enough for a full walk across Šipan or a detailed visit to its historic sites. Keep your expectations realistic. This is a short stop designed to show you the island from the water and give you time to cool off, not a formal cultural tour.

I would use Šipan as your photo and swim stop. Listen to the crew for the exact return time, then keep your belongings together and avoid wandering too far. The timetable is fairly tight, and the boat must continue to the next island.

The cruise between Šipan and Koločep lasts about 40 minutes. This is one of the day’s longer stretches on the water, giving you time to eat a snack, sit back, or move around the boat. Unlimited water, soft drinks, and wine are included, but drink sensibly. The sun and sea can catch up with you before the day is over.

Koločep: the best hour for a swim

Koločep is the smallest of the three islands, but it may be the most satisfying stop if your priority is swimming. The schedule allows about one hour for photos, free time, a short boat ride, and a swim in clear water.

The island is known for secluded bays and clean Adriatic water. You can jump directly from the boat if conditions allow and if you are comfortable doing so. Bring a towel, sandals or water shoes if you have them, and a secure way to carry your phone. None of these items are supplied onboard.

Koločep is also car-free, so the setting feels quiet and natural. With only an hour, you will not have time to explore every corner. Instead, enjoy the water and the view, then return to the boat promptly.

This stop is particularly good for a family group with confident swimmers, couples who want a scenic swim, or anyone who would rather spend time in the sea than in shops. It is less suited to anyone who needs a long, easy shore walk or a full historical visit.

A final sightseeing cruise of about 25 minutes brings you back to Dubrovnik. The return gives you one last look at the islands before the boat reaches Obala Stjepana Radića.

What lunch, drinks, and the boat setup are really worth

The price is $69 per person. For an eight-hour outing, that is a strong package if you plan to eat, drink, and swim during the day. You are paying for the boat, crew, lunch, unlimited water, soft drinks, and wine, with Wi-Fi, toilets, and music included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose that option.

The meal choices make the tour easier for mixed groups. Fish, chicken, and vegetarian food mean you are not forced into one menu, although you should check ahead if you have allergies or strict dietary requirements.

The boat has enough seating for different moods. You can sit at a table for lunch, use a lawn chair for sunbathing, or move downstairs for a more sheltered place. One especially well-received departure had a lively crew, music, dancing, and even the chance to help navigate with the captain. That kind of interaction is not the same as a formal guided lecture, but it can make the day more memorable.

The mood depends partly on the group and crew on your departure. Captain Joe was singled out as an energetic leader, and the multilingual crew aims to keep the day moving smoothly. Do not expect a private charter. This is a shared boat experience with a social atmosphere.

Who will get the most from this island cruise

I would recommend this trip if you want to see several Elaphiti Islands without arranging ferries, restaurant reservations, and separate swim trips. It works especially well for:

• Couples who want a full day away from Dubrovnik
• Families with swimmers who enjoy a flexible outdoor day
• Solo visitors who like meeting people and joining a friendly group
• Anyone who values included food and drinks
• First-time visitors who want a broad taste of the islands

It may not suit you if you want long, detailed time on one island. The schedule gives you a useful sample of three places, but Šipan and Koločep are short stops. You should also think twice if you dislike music, dancing, or a social boat atmosphere.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not reached. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Dubrovnik plans are still shifting.

Practical tips for a better day at sea

Arrive ready to swim. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, pack a towel and sunscreen, and keep a dry layer for the ride back if you tend to feel cool after swimming.

Keep your phone and camera protected from spray. You will want photos at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, but the best shot is not worth a soaked phone. A small waterproof pouch is useful, though it is not included.

Pay attention to the crew’s instructions at every island. The stops are timed, and the boat cannot wait indefinitely for someone who has walked too far along the shore.

If you are prone to seasickness, choose a steady seat and avoid drinking too much wine before the longer crossings. The boat offers indoor and outdoor seating, so you can move if the sea feels rough.

The tour can be booked with hotel pickup and drop-off, or you can meet at the main ferry port. Since one pickup location caused confusion on a departure, double-check the exact meeting instructions before the morning begins.

Should you book the three-island boat tour?

Book it if you want a convenient, good-value day that mixes swimming, scenery, lunch, and three different islands. The generous Lopud stop, included drinks, comfortable boat, and friendly crew give it more substance than a basic sightseeing ride.

Skip it if your ideal day means quiet sailing, a private boat, or several hours focused on one island’s history. This is a lively shared excursion with short stops and a practical sampler of the Elaphiti Islands.

For most people with one spare day in Dubrovnik, I think the $69 price makes sense. You get a broad view of the archipelago without managing the details yourself, and the day leaves you with both water time and a taste of island life.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The tour starts at Obala Stjepana Radića, the main Dubrovnik ferry port.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the starting point at Obala Stjepana Radića.

How long does the tour last?

The boat tour lasts about eight hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in the Elaphiti Islands.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard, with fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option reported as available.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited wine, soft drinks, and water are included onboard.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Towels are not included, and personal expenses are not covered.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?

The host or greeter and crew can provide service in English, Croatian, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.