From Dubrovnik: Boat Tour to Kolocep, Lopud, & Sipan Islands

The best part of this Dubrovnik day trip is how much the scenery changes over a single boat ride. You get a quiet hour on green Koločep, a pause on olive-growing Šipan, and a longer stretch on car-free Lopud, with its popular sandy beach at Šunj.

I like two things in particular: the three-hour stop on Lopud gives you room to choose your own pace, and lunch plus water, soft drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink are included. The crew, with hosts such as Natasha and Emily, helps with island suggestions and keeps the day moving.

One consideration: Koločep and Šipan each get about an hour, so you will need to choose between a swim, a walk, and lingering over a coffee. The boat also does not allow you to jump directly into the sea, so plan to swim from shore instead.

At a glance

• Three islands, three different moods: Green Koločep, peaceful Šipan, and car-free Lopud make for a varied day.
• A generous Lopud stop: About three hours gives you time to reach Šunj beach, stroll, or simply settle in.
• Lunch is included: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal. Portions are generous, and the meal is served on board.
• Selected drinks are included all day: Water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink are part of the package.
• A Blue Cave trip may be available: It is an optional speedboat add-on, not part of the stated tour price.
• Come ready for a full day: The tour lasts eight to nine hours, with departure scheduled for 8:45.

Three islands, not three copies of the same stop

The Elaphiti Islands lie close to Dubrovnik, but each stop offers a different reason to leave the boat. Koločep is the green one, Šipan the largest and known for olive trees, while Lopud is the most developed and has no cars. The route works well as a sampler: you see a range of island scenery without having to arrange separate ferries or plan each stop yourself.

This is a full-day outing, generally lasting eight to nine hours. Expect a relaxed mix of sailing, time ashore, lunch, and drinks rather than a tightly packed sightseeing schedule. The boat is called Emili, and the departure point is the bus stop across from the University building. Be there for 8:45; the boat is not expected to arrive before then.

The price is $76 per person. That includes boat transport, lunch, and the stated drinks, which makes the cost easier to judge than a fare that covers only the crossing. You are also paying for the convenience of visiting three islands in one day and having a crew on hand to offer practical advice. Extras, such as the Blue Cave speedboat trip, are separate.

Koločep: an hour among trees and quiet coves

Koločep is a gentle first stop. Its green vegetation and calm feel make it a good place to stretch your legs after setting off from Dubrovnik. You can take a walk, find a spot by the sea, or keep things simple with a coffee and a view. The island is also described as suitable for cycling, though the tour information does not say that bike hire is included.

An hour is enough to get a taste of Koločep, but not enough to do everything at a leisurely pace. If swimming is your priority, make that choice early rather than spending most of the stop wandering. This short visit is best treated as an introduction, not a full island day.

The boat does not allow passengers to jump straight into the sea, so you will need to swim from shore at the island stops. Pack swimwear and a towel if you want a dip, and bring goggles if you plan to snorkel. One practical note from the day’s itinerary: sea urchins have been seen in the water, so watch where you step and wear suitable footwear if you have it.

Šipan: olive trees, a slower pause, and a swim

Šipan is the largest of the three islands and is known as the island of olive trees. It also has a different historical character: aristocratic families once used it as a peaceful retreat and built mansions there. The stop is about an hour, giving you a short window to walk, take in the setting, or swim in the clear Adriatic water.

This is likely the least hurried way to get a feel for the island, but it remains a brief visit. You will not have time to explore every corner, so follow the crew’s suggestions and keep an eye on the return time. If you want to swim, bring your gear ashore rather than counting on a dip from the boat.

Lunch is served on board during the day, with the meal reported after the Šipan stop. You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option. Fish and chicken meals are served with sides, and the portions are often substantial enough to feel like a proper meal, not a token snack. If you have dietary needs beyond those choices, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming they can accommodate them.

Lopud: make the most of the three-hour stop

Lopud is the longest stop and the natural centrepiece of the trip. It is the most developed of the three islands, but it is also car-free, which gives the visit a quieter feel. With about three hours ashore, you have time to choose between a beach visit, a walk, a relaxed lunch off the boat if you prefer, or a little of each.

The main draw for many people is Šunj, a popular sandy beach. Reaching it takes time, so do not leave the decision until the final minutes of the stop. Some people use a golf buggy to cross the island to the beach; this is an optional local extra, not part of the boat tour. Sunbeds and umbrellas at Šunj can also cost extra, and they may feel worth it if you need shade on a hot day.

You could instead keep the pace slow: walk through the greenery, stop for ice cream, or find a place by the water. The island’s three-hour window is useful because you do not have to turn every minute into an activity. Still, it is not an entire afternoon, especially if you plan to cross the island, swim, and stop for food or a drink.

Prices ashore can be higher than you might expect, particularly for café drinks. Check the menu before ordering, and decide whether beach equipment or a buggy ride is worth the added cost. The boat’s included lunch and drinks help keep the main tour price predictable, but they do not cover every expense on the islands.

Lunch and drinks: a real part of the value

Food and attentive service are among the strongest reasons this trip feels like good value. You choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, and the boat serves lunch during the outing. The fish and chicken meals have been described as fresh and generous, with sides such as potatoes and tomatoes. If you like a substantial lunch, this is a welcome feature; if you usually eat lightly, you may find the portion more than you need.

Included drinks are water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink, available throughout the day. The crew is attentive about refilling glasses, which makes the long sailing portions feel easy and sociable. The offer is not a reason to drink more than you want, of course, especially on a sunny day. Alternate wine with water and keep a bottle of water handy when you go ashore.

Do not assume every drink is covered. Beer and coffee may cost extra; one account of the trip noted a modest beer charge, while café coffee on Lopud was considerably pricier. The details can change, so ask the crew what is included before ordering anything beyond the listed drinks.

The crew, boat, and optional Blue Cave trip

The boat, Emili, is described as clean and well cared for, with shaded areas and an open-air feel. The exact atmosphere depends on the day and the mix of people on board. Some outings have a full boat, and music may play during the sailing sections, so this is not a silent private cruise. If you prefer a quieter ride, the front of the boat has been a peaceful place to sit when available.

The crew plays an important role in making the schedule work. Hosts including Natasha, Emily, Darko, and Marco have been praised for giving island tips, explaining what to expect, and looking after passengers throughout the day. The host speaks English. As the crew varies, you may not meet every named host, but you can expect staff to help with practical questions and keep the group informed.

A speedboat visit to the Blue Cave may be offered as an optional add-on. It is not included in the $76 price, and the extra cost has been reported at around €20, though you should confirm the current amount before deciding. The cave visit itself can be brief and busy, but the speedboat ride is part of the appeal. Treat it as a bonus, not as the main reason to book the island tour.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for walking on the islands. A snorkel mask can be useful if you want to look below the surface, and water shoes are sensible if you are concerned about sea urchins. Pack a little cash or a payment card for island extras such as coffee, a golf buggy, or beach shade.

The meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building, with the blue boat Emili due at 8:45. The boat will not arrive before that time, so there is no need to turn up extremely early. Pickup is optional; if you arrange it, the provider says the pickup location and time will be sent the day before.

This tour suits you if you want to see several islands without managing the transport yourself, enjoy a day at sea, and value having lunch and selected drinks included. It is also a good fit for people who like a balance of guided structure and free time. Families have taken the trip, including with young children, but remember that it is a long day and the stops have fixed durations.

It is less suitable if you want a private, quiet boat, a long stay on every island, or the freedom to swim directly from the boat. The first two stops are short, and the boat’s schedule determines when you move on. For a relaxed introduction to the Elaphiti Islands, though, that structure is part of the convenience.

Should you book this Dubrovnik island tour?

I would book this trip if you want a straightforward day out that combines three distinct islands, a proper lunch, and drinks without arranging separate transport. The long Lopud stop is the deciding feature: it gives you a chance to spend real time at Šunj or explore at your own pace, rather than making every island a quick photo stop.

Go in knowing that Koločep and Šipan are brief visits, the Blue Cave costs extra, and beach facilities or island cafés can add to your spending. If those trade-offs suit you, $76 buys a full day on the water with a varied route and a crew that helps the outing feel well organised.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts about eight to nine hours. It is a full-day outing from Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the tour visit?

It visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, three of the inhabited Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik.

How much time do I get on each island?

The usual schedule gives you about one hour on Koločep, one hour on Šipan, and three hours on Lopud.

What is included in the price?

Boat transportation, lunch, water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink are included.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the bus stop across from the University building. The blue boat is called Emili, and the scheduled meeting time is 8:45.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you arrange it, the pickup location and time will be sent one day before the tour.

Is the Blue Cave visit included?

No. The Blue Cave is an optional speedboat add-on and is not included in the tour price. Confirm the current extra charge before booking it.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.