Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

The best part of this three-island cruise is its easy rhythm. You spend enough time on Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep to swim, walk, eat, and relax, but you also get long stretches on the water with drinks and open views. I especially like the included lunch and the chance to reach Sunj, one of the few sandy beaches near Dubrovnik. The main drawback is simple: this is a full eight-hour day, and the schedule leaves less room for a slow, independent visit on any one island.

I also like that the tour takes care of the awkward bits, with optional pickup in Dubrovnik, an English-speaking guide, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, wine, and brandy. Guide Emily is specifically praised for looking after people throughout the day. Just remember that pickup does not cover the whole Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and you need to be at the bus stop across from the University building at 8:45 if you are meeting the boat yourself.

Key points to know before booking

• Three Elaphiti Islands in one day: Visit Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep without arranging separate boats or ferries.
• Sunj sandy beach: Lopud gives you a proper beach stop, along with time for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and views.
• Lunch and drinks included: Choose from three lunch options when booking, with water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy provided.
• A spacious boat day: The boat Emili has shaded areas, toilets, and views from all seats.
• Flexible island time: You can choose a swim, a walk, a beach break, or simply stay aboard and rest.
• Useful practical warning: Keep a close eye on the departure time at every stop. The boat will not arrive before 8:45 at the starting point.

Leaving Dubrovnik behind at 8:45

This trip begins at the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the large blue boat named Emili, and do not expect it before 8:45. That detail matters because people often wait at the stop, see no boat, and worry they have missed it.

If you choose the pickup option, hotel or accommodation collection is available within the City of Dubrovnik area. Pickup is not offered across the entire county, and transportation is not included from outside Dubrovnik. If your accommodation is less than 1,000 meters from the meeting point, you may still need to walk to the start.

The first stretch is a 45-minute sightseeing cruise. This is not just transport from one point to another. It gives you time to settle into the boat, find a shaded seat, watch Dubrovnik recede, and get used to the pace of the day.

The boat is described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with toilets and good views from all seats. That makes a difference on an eight-hour trip. You are not packed into a short transfer boat with nowhere to stretch out. The shade is also useful, especially during the warmer months.

The crew keeps drinks available throughout the day. Bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy are included. Other alcoholic drinks are not, so do not read open bar as an unlimited selection of every drink.

Lopud and the long stop at Sunj Beach

Lopud is the main stop, with about three hours to work with. That is the most generous island visit of the day, and it gives you the best chance to shape the experience around your own interests.

You can walk, swim, snorkel, take photographs, or simply find a comfortable place to enjoy the coast. The schedule allows guided sightseeing as well as free time, so you are not tied to one activity from the moment you step ashore.

The major draw is Sunj sandy beach. Much of the Croatian coast is known for pebbles and rocky swimming areas, so a sandy beach is a welcome change. It is a good choice if you want to spend the day barefoot, swim without worrying about rough stones, or let children play near the water.

There is a tradeoff. Three hours sounds generous, but it can pass quickly once you include walking, swimming, and returning to the boat on time. Keep track of your departure time rather than relying on the group to gather you up. One person on this tour misunderstood the return time and reached the quay as the boat was leaving. The crew and office helped arrange a ride on another boat so that person could rejoin at the next stop, but that was a rescue, not a service to count on.

Lopud works best for people who want a mix of beach time and light sightseeing. If you prefer to stay on the boat, you can use this long stop to relax aboard, but you will miss the island’s main attraction.

Sipan brings a quieter middle stop

The boat then continues to Sipan for about one hour. This is a shorter, more open-ended visit, with time for photographs, a walk, swimming, snorkeling, and self-guided sightseeing.

Sipan provides a change of pace after Lopud. You are not being asked to fit in a major activity or a long beach session. Instead, you can take a short walk, look around, and enjoy the coastal setting before returning to the boat.

An hour is enough for a quick look and a swim, but it is not enough for an unhurried exploration of the island. I would treat Sipan as a pleasant interlude rather than the main event. Wear shoes suitable for walking and keep your belongings organized so you do not lose half the stop getting ready to leave the boat.

This part of the schedule also shows the tour’s basic character. It is designed to give you a taste of three islands in one day, not to provide a detailed visit to each one. That is good value if variety matters most to you. It may feel rushed if you want to sit in one village café or explore every path at your own speed.

Kolocep closes the island circuit

Kolocep is the final island stop, with roughly one hour for a break, photographs, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and views. By this point, you will have spent much of the day at sea, so the stop can feel like a useful final chance to get in the water or stretch your legs.

The islands are varied enough to keep the day from feeling repetitive. Lopud is the strongest beach stop, Sipan offers a shorter walk and a calmer pause, and Kolocep gives you another chance to swim and enjoy the coast.

A practical tip comes from the final stop: golf buggy taxis can take you toward a larger beach in a calm bay with bars. This costs extra and is not part of the included package, but it may be worth considering if you want a bigger beach experience and do not mind using part of your limited island time on local transport.

Do not assume the buggy ride is necessary. If your priority is swimming, snorkeling, or a quiet hour near the landing point, stay close to the boat. If you want a more substantial beach and a drink at a bar, the taxi can make the final stop more useful.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the $76 price

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near Dubrovnik. It is also more than a simple public ferry ride. The value comes from combining transport, a guide, three island stops, lunch, drinks, swimming time, and optional hotel pickup in one booking.

You can choose between three lunch options when booking. The portions are described as generous, and the food includes choices such as grilled vegetables, potato salad, and fish. If you choose fish, watch for bones. That is a small point, but useful when you are eating on a moving boat.

The included drinks make the price easier to justify. Water and soft drinks are available, along with white wine and brandy. Refreshments are offered regularly, so you do not need to pack a full day’s supply of drinks. Other alcoholic beverages remain your responsibility.

I would compare this price with the cost of booking separate ferries, arranging meals, and paying for beach transport on your own. The tour is particularly good value if you plan to use the lunch and drinks, want a guide, and would otherwise need to arrange several connections.

The value is less clear if you want only a short boat ride or if you dislike organized schedules. You are paying for convenience and variety, not solitude or complete control over your time.

What the crew adds to a long day

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The boat has been described as clean and spacious, with shaded seating and clear views from every seat. Those details matter more as the hours pass.

The service also appears attentive in practical ways. When rain arrived during one outing, the crew lowered the boat’s sides and brought out blankets. That is the kind of response you appreciate when the weather turns and you are far from Dubrovnik.

The crew also helped a late passenger rejoin the trip after a departure-time mix-up. Again, you should not use that as an excuse to ignore the schedule, but it shows the staff can be resourceful when a problem occurs.

Guide Emily is named as someone who looked after the group particularly well. The tour is conducted in English, and information about each island is provided as you visit. You get enough context to understand where you are, without turning the day into a long lecture.

Swimming, snorkeling, and what to pack

Swimming and snorkeling are built into the day, but this is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The emphasis is on seeing three islands, relaxing on the boat, visiting beaches, and choosing water time when it suits you.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a light cover-up. A swimsuit is not included, and personal expenses are your responsibility. You may also want a small dry bag for your phone and wallet, since the day includes repeated movement between boat, shore, beach, and water.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the island stops. Sandals may work for the beach, but a sturdier pair is more useful if you plan to walk around Lopud, Sipan, or Kolocep.

The shaded seating is welcome, but do not assume you will want to stay out of the sun all day. A hat and sunscreen will make the cruise more pleasant. If you are sensitive to motion, choose your seat with care and keep water nearby.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a simple day away from Dubrovnik without spending time planning ferry connections. Couples, families, and small groups can all make good use of it, especially if some people want to swim while others prefer to sit in the shade.

It also suits first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the Elaphiti Islands. You will see three different places and get a sense of the coast in a single day.

The tour is less suitable if you want long, independent visits. One hour on Sipan and one hour on Kolocep leave limited time for wandering. People who want a quiet beach day may prefer to visit one island and stay there instead.

The pace may also be tiring for anyone who does not enjoy being on a boat for much of the day. The benefit is variety. The cost is that you are following a set timetable and moving on before you can fully settle into each island.

Weather, timing, and small details that matter

The tour operates for about eight hours, with start times subject to availability. Check the exact start time when booking, and arrive early at the meeting point. The boat does not arrive before 8:45, so waiting a little is normal.

Keep the departure time in mind at every stop. Do not wander far without checking how long you have left. The crew may help in an emergency, but the safest plan is to return to the quay early.

Rain does not automatically ruin the day. The crew can close the sides of the boat and provide blankets, but conditions can still change how much you enjoy swimming and walking. A light waterproof layer is sensible.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Dubrovnik plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Three Island Boat Tour?

Book it if you want an easy, social day on the water with three islands, lunch, drinks, and swimming included. The spacious boat, shaded seating, toilets, generous meal, and attentive crew make the long day more comfortable than a bare-bones island transfer.

The strongest reason to choose it is convenience. For $76, you get a full day of transport and activities without arranging each part yourself. Sunj Beach adds a proper sandy-beach stop, while Sipan and Kolocep give you extra scenery and swimming options.

Skip it if you want to explore one island in depth or avoid a fixed schedule. Also check the pickup area carefully, bring your swimsuit and sun protection, and set an alarm for every return-to-boat time. If that sounds manageable, this is a solid way to trade Dubrovnik’s crowded streets for a relaxed day along the Dalmatian coast.

FAQ

How long does the Three Island Boat Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including the cruise from Dubrovnik and visits to Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, part of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can choose between three lunch options when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy are included. Other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup and drop-off are available from hotels or accommodations in the City of Dubrovnik area. Pickup is not provided throughout Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the large blue boat named Emili. The stated meeting time is 8:45, and the boat will not arrive before then.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling opportunities are available at Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, along with free time for walking and sightseeing.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.