Island Hopping & City Walls Cruise with Food and Open Bar

Dubrovnik’s best escape from the crowds is out on the water. This seven-hour island cruise visits three Elaphiti Islands, serves lunch with wine, and gives you time to swim, stroll, or simply watch the Adriatic slide by. It is an easy way to see more of the coast without arranging separate ferries.

I like the all-in-one value: for $84.66, you get transport between islands, a meal, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, and a restroom on board. I also like the relaxed shape of the day, with short stops at Koločep and Šipan followed by a longer stay on Lopud. The main drawback is time. Two hours on Lopud can feel rushed if you want to reach Šunj Beach and still enjoy the island itself.

Key points to know before you book

• Three Elaphiti Islands in one day: Visit Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud without working out separate ferry connections.
• Lunch is included: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, with bread and possible second helpings depending on availability.
• Wine and water are provided: An extra cup deposit of about €3 may apply if you want unlimited drinks, and it can be refunded at day’s end.
• Lopud gets the most time: You have about two hours, enough for a swim or a walk, but a visit to Šunj Beach takes planning.
• Hosts can make a difference: Ana and Anabella are specifically noted for being attentive and professional.
• The return is scenic: The boat heads back toward Dubrovnik in time for sunset, with arrival reported around 5:45 pm.

Why this Dubrovnik cruise works well

I see this as a practical introduction to the Elaphiti Islands rather than a deep visit to any one of them. You move between three islands, get a taste of each, and avoid the uncertainty of local ferry schedules. That makes the trip especially useful if your time in Dubrovnik is limited.

The boat holds up to 120 people, so this is not a small private sailing trip. You should expect a shared excursion with a social feel. The upside is a lower price and a fixed plan. The trade-off is less quiet space and less freedom to change the schedule.

The day begins at 10:45 am according to the booking information. There is an important timing detail if you board near the Sheraton: one account says the boat leaves there at about 10 am, while 10:45 am refers to departure from the Old Town area. Confirm your exact boarding time and location with Vivado before setting out.

The route normally brings you back to the starting point, with the return timed for late afternoon. One direct account puts arrival at about 5:45 pm, though weather and sea conditions can affect the schedule.

Koločep: a gentle first stop for swimming

Koločep is the first island and the shortest introduction to the Elaphiti group. The planned stop is about 45 minutes, though the actual time can feel slightly longer depending on the day’s departure arrangements.

You can use the stop for a quick swim, coffee, or a short walk. That choice matters because 45 minutes is not enough for a long exploration. I would arrive ready to make a simple decision: get in the water, find a drink, or stretch your legs on shore.

Koločep works well as a first pause because it breaks up the boat ride before lunch. If you are prone to seasickness, the open-water trip may feel rough at times, particularly on the way out. Dramamine was available on board on at least one outing, but I would not rely on that as your only plan. Bring any medication you normally use.

Do not expect a full island visit here. Koločep is a quick coastal stop, not a place where you can see every path or beach. The value is the chance to get your first swim and see the island setting before returning to the boat.

Šipan and the Skočibuha summer house

The second stop is Šipan, one of the larger islands in the Elaphiti group. The scheduled time is about 40 minutes, with a short visit to the Skočibuha summer house and another chance to swim.

That mix gives you a little more than a standard beach stop. You can see a local historic property, then use the remaining minutes for the water. Still, the time is tight, so I would not plan a long walk or a detailed visit beyond the nearby area.

This stop also helps explain why the cruise is more than a simple boat-and-beach outing. You get small portions of island life, coastal scenery, and local architecture, all without giving up the rest of the route.

The exact pace can vary. One account described roughly an hour at Koločep and an hour at Šipan, which is more generous than the posted 45 and 40 minutes. Treat the listed times as the safe planning guide, but be ready for the operator to adjust the schedule.

Lopud and the race to Šunj Beach

Lopud is the main stop of the day, with about two hours ashore. It is one of the most popular islands in the group, and the longer break gives you a real choice: stay near the landing area, swim, take a short walk, or head toward Šunj Beach on the opposite side.

Šunj is the big draw, but reaching it takes time. The walk takes about 15 minutes each way. You can also pay around €3 each way for a golf cart, using cash. That transfer reduces the walking time, but you still need to account for the ride, the wait, and the return trip.

If you take the golf cart both ways, you may have only 45 minutes to an hour at the beach. That can be enough for a quick swim and a look around, but it is not a leisurely beach day. If you want a relaxed visit to Šunj, a boat trip offering three hours at Lopud would suit you better.

I would choose your plan before you arrive. For the beach, carry cash and move promptly. For a calmer afternoon, stay closer to the main landing area and enjoy the island without spending much of your two hours in transit.

The short Lopud stop is the clearest limitation of this cruise. It is still enough to see the island and get a taste of Šunj, but not enough to do everything comfortably. The later start and included lunch help make the day easier, yet they come with a shorter final stop compared with some other island outings.

Lunch, wine, and the small details on board

Lunch is included, with a choice of fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal. Bread is served, and one account described generous portions with extra main-course servings offered. That makes a difference on a seven-hour outing, since you are not left to find food during each short island stop.

The meal is part of the tour’s value, not just a minor extra. Buying lunch and drinks separately in Dubrovnik or on the islands could quickly narrow the price gap between an organized trip and doing the route independently.

Bottled water is included, as are alcoholic beverages listed as wine. Coffee and tea are not included. WiFi is also not provided, so download anything you need before boarding and enjoy a few hours without an internet connection.

There is a restroom on board, which is useful during a full day at sea. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own only if you have a way to carry it. The supplied details do not promise equipment rental, so do not book this expecting a staffed snorkeling program.

A small cup system is worth knowing about. You may pay about €3 for a cup if you want unlimited drinks, with the fee refundable at the end. You can keep the cup instead, but check the exact arrangement when you board.

The crew and the feel of the day

The human side of this trip seems to be one of its strengths. Ana is specifically praised for keeping the day organized and helping with practical questions. Anabella is also noted for being kind and attentive, and the crew is described as friendly, professional, and safety-conscious.

That matters on a shared boat. A good host keeps boarding clear, explains the schedule, and makes a fixed timetable feel less rigid. The trip is not built around a formal lecture, so do not expect a full guided history of every island. Its focus is transport, food, swimming, and easy sightseeing.

The boat can carry up to 120 people. If you prefer a small group with personal attention from a captain, this is not the right format. If you want the convenience of a set route and the chance to meet other people, the size keeps the cost reasonable.

The sea may be rough on the outward journey. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where movement is least bothersome, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider bringing your usual remedy. The presence of Dramamine on one departure is helpful, but preparation is still your responsibility.

What the $84.66 price really buys

At $84.66 per person, this is good value if you plan to use the included meal and drinks. You are paying for a seven-hour boat outing, three island stops, lunch, bottled water, wine, and transport back to Dubrovnik. The restroom also saves you from planning every stop around shore facilities.

The price is less compelling if you only want to see Šunj Beach. In that case, a local ferry or another direct beach option may give you more time in one place. The organized cruise earns its price by linking Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in one day.

You could try to arrange the islands with local ferries for only a few euros per crossing. The problem is coordination. Moving between Šipan and the other islands can be difficult, and you may spend time waiting rather than swimming or walking. This cruise trades some independence for a ready-made route and a meal.

I also like the later morning start compared with some competing excursions. It gives you more time to reach the port without an early rush. The trade-off is the shorter Lopud visit, so decide if you value a relaxed morning or a longer beach stop.

Who should choose this island-hopping day

I would recommend it for a first look at the Elaphiti Islands, especially if you want a simple day away from Dubrovnik. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who like a mix of swimming, short walks, food, and scenery.

It is also a good fit if you are staying near the Sheraton and can board conveniently there. The boat arrangement may save you the trouble of reaching several separate ferry docks.

You should think twice if your main goal is a quiet beach day. Šunj is attractive, but two hours on Lopud is not generous once you add the walk or golf cart. Strong swimmers and independent beachgoers may prefer a slower trip focused on one island.

This experience also requires reasonable mobility for walking on shore, getting on and off the boat, and reaching different parts of Lopud. The information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, but the precise meeting point should be confirmed before you leave your accommodation.

Should you book the Vivado cruise?

Book it if you want three islands, lunch, drinks, and a sunset return in one organized day. The route is broad rather than slow, and the price makes sense for anyone who would otherwise pay separately for meals and transport.

Skip it if Šunj Beach is your priority and you want several unhurried hours there. For everyone else, this is a well-priced introduction to Dubrovnik’s nearby islands, with capable hosts, useful onboard facilities, and enough free time to make the day feel like more than a boat transfer.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long is the Island Hopping and City Walls Cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours. The listed start time is 10:45 am, and arrival back in Dubrovnik has been around 5:45 pm.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in the Elaphiti archipelago.

How long do you stay on Koločep?

The scheduled stop at Koločep is about 45 minutes. You can use the time for swimming, coffee, or a short walk.

How long do you stay on Šipan?

The scheduled stop at Šipan is about 40 minutes. The visit includes time near the Skočibuha summer house and an opportunity to swim.

How long do you stay on Lopud?

You have about two hours on Lopud, the longest stop of the day.

Can you visit Šunj Beach from Lopud?

Yes. Šunj Beach is on the other side of Lopud. The walk takes about 15 minutes each way, or you can pay around €3 each way for a golf cart in cash.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You can choose a fish, chicken, or vegetarian meal. Bread is included, and additional servings may be available.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and wine are included. Coffee and tea are not included. A cup fee of about €3 may apply for unlimited drinks, with a refund available at the end according to the onboard arrangement.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Full refunds are also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.