Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Trip with Drinks (FR, ES, IT, EN)

The best part of this eight-hour Elaphite Islands cruise is the change of pace: leave Dubrovnik’s busy waterfront behind, then spend the day moving between green islands, old stone buildings and swim-ready coves. The route visits Lopud, Šipan and Koločep, with time ashore at each and plenty of Adriatic views from the boat.

I like two practical details: unlimited drinks are included, and Lopud gets a generous three-hour stop, long enough to choose between a swim, a walk or a slow lunch. The main consideration is that Šipan gets only 45 minutes, so there is little time for a substantial visit there. Lunch is included only if you select the add-on.

At a glance: three islands, one full day

• Lopud gets the most time: Spend three hours on the island, with swimming, free time and the option to visit sandy Šunj beach.
• Drinks are included: Wine, soft drinks and water are unlimited on the cruise.
• Šipan is a quick call: Its 45-minute stop suits a short walk and a look around, not an ambitious sightseeing plan.
• Koločep is the last island stop: You’ll have an hour to walk, swim or enjoy the scenery.
• A three-deck boat offers room to spread out: It has sunbeds, two toilets, speakers and Wi-Fi.
• The final club entry is a bonus, not the main event: The tour promotes free entry to a top Dubrovnik nightclub, but gives no further details.

Leaving Dubrovnik for the Elaphites

The trip starts at the Dubrovnik ferry terminal unless you choose an option with hotel pickup. Pickup details depend on the option, so contact the operator at least a day ahead to confirm the time and place. The listed end point is the starting meeting point, though the route also names possible drop-offs in Mlini, Zaton, Dubrovnik and at Obala Stjepana Radića. Check your chosen option before setting your plans.

The first leg is a 45-minute sightseeing cruise. That’s enough time to settle in, get a feel for the boat and watch Dubrovnik recede along the coast. The host speaks English, French, Spanish, Italian or Croatian, though the exact language available may depend on your departure.

The boat has three decks, sunbeds, two toilets and Wi-Fi. That mix matters on a full-day outing: you can seek sun, find a place to sit or use the facilities without making every stop ashore a necessity. Speakers at the bow bring music into the day, too. If you prefer a quiet ride, choose your spot with that in mind; the music equipment has drawn at least one complaint.

Lopud: the day’s main island stop

Lopud is the second-largest of the Elaphite Islands, and the three-hour stop gives you the best chance to enjoy an island at your own pace. The tour allows time for swimming, photos, a meal and free time. It also highlights the island’s old buildings, Mediterranean plant life and sandy beaches.

Šunj is the best-known beach mentioned for Lopud. If you want to swim there, bring a towel, swimwear, a sun hat and sunscreen. Towels are not provided. The tour’s romantic local lore says a swim at Šunj promises lasting love; treat that as island charm, not a booking guarantee.

The long stop is a welcome contrast to the shorter calls later in the day. You can choose a beach visit over a more ambitious walk, or spend time exploring rather than watching the clock. The schedule mentions a meal onboard, but lunch is listed as included only when you select the add-on. Check your chosen fare before assuming food is part of the price.

Lopud is also described as having one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens. If that interests you, ask the host about the time and access available during your stop. The tour does not specify a guided garden visit, so don’t build your whole island plan around one.

Šipan: a brief taste of island life

After a 20-minute cruise from Lopud, you’ll reach Šipan, the largest island in the group. The island is known for olive trees and for its connections to Dubrovnik’s noble families, whose country homes added a layer of history to its rural setting.

You’ll have 45 minutes ashore for a walk, a swim or a quick look at the scenery. That’s enough for a short wander, but not for a long excursion. One especially useful detail: a guest who hoped to see a castle found the stop too short for that visit. If the castle is a priority, ask the host whether it is realistically reachable before setting off.

Šipan’s appeal is partly its contrast with Dubrovnik. It’s a greener, quieter stop, and the tour gives you a glimpse of its island character without claiming to offer a deep exploration. I’d treat it as a scenic pause rather than the day’s main cultural visit.

Koločep: one more chance to swim

A 40-minute cruise brings you to Koločep, the smallest of the three islands on the route. Its clear water, coves and caves make it a natural place to finish the island stops, with an hour for swimming, walking and sightseeing.

The schedule does not promise a specific cave visit or a guided swim, so think of the caves as a feature of the island rather than a guaranteed activity. Bring your own towel and swimwear, and be ready to use the hour as you like. If you have already spent the day in the water, a walk and a look at the coast may be just as satisfying.

From Koločep, the return cruise takes about 20 minutes before the boat reaches its listed drop-off points. The tour also promotes free entry to a top Dubrovnik nightclub as a way to carry on after the boat trip. Since the club and entry arrangements are not specified, confirm the details if nightlife is a key reason you’re booking.

Drinks, food and the $51 price

At $51 per person, the value depends on what you want from a day out. The fare includes the full-day boat trip to all three islands, a multilingual host and unlimited wine, soft drinks and water. You’re also paying for the time and transport between stops, which can be more convenient than arranging separate island visits yourself.

The drinks are a genuine part of the package, not just a welcome glass. If you expect to have several, that can make the price more attractive. Still, there is no need to drink to make the trip worthwhile: the boat, island stops and swim breaks are the main draw.

Lunch is an add-on, not part of every ticket. It is offered with fish, meat or vegetarian choices, but the supplied details do not say what each meal includes or costs. Check before you book. If you do not add lunch, plan accordingly for a full day out. One useful practical tip from the trip: bring cash, especially if you expect to buy anything during the day.

The crew, music and atmosphere

A friendly crew can make a long day at sea feel relaxed, and the crew is one of the most praised parts of this experience. Lorenzo is specifically named as an entertaining, informative host who made people feel welcome. He may not be on every departure, so treat his presence as a possibility rather than a promise.

The overall mood appears social, with music played through speakers at the bow and drinks available throughout the cruise. That will suit you if you like a lively boat day and the chance to meet other people. If you’re looking for a quiet, small-group nature trip, this may not be the right fit.

There is also a note of caution. One account describes a captain rushing lunch and speaking harshly to a staff member in front of the group, which made the atmosphere uncomfortable. That is a serious complaint, though it contrasts with several descriptions of kind, attentive staff. I’d weigh it as a possible concern, not a prediction of how your trip will go.

Who will get the most from this boat trip

This outing suits you if you want a simple way to see three islands in one day, with swimming time, a social atmosphere and drinks included. The boat’s sunbeds and three decks offer some choice in how you spend the cruise, while Lopud’s long stop gives you room to slow down.

It’s less suited to anyone hoping for a detailed tour of every island. The time on Šipan is especially tight, and even three hours on Lopud means choosing what matters most to you. You might also prefer a quieter boat if music and a lively group are not your idea of a restful day.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the details do not explain access arrangements at each island stop. If you need specific assistance, ask the operator what access looks like both on the boat and ashore before booking.

Booking details worth checking

The trip lasts eight hours, and starting times depend on availability. It requires good weather and a minimum number of travelers. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum is not met, you can choose a different date or receive a refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel and sunscreen. Towels are not included, and the day offers several chances to swim. If you select hotel pickup, contact the operator at least one day beforehand to confirm where and when to meet.

Should you book this Dubrovnik island cruise?

Book it if you want a full, easy-going day on the water, with three island stops, unlimited drinks and a generous stretch of free time on Lopud. The $51 price looks strongest if you value the transport and included drinks; compare options carefully if you need lunch, since that costs extra.

Skip it if your priority is spending hours exploring Šipan or having a quiet, highly focused sightseeing tour. For most people who want a relaxed island sampler rather than an in-depth visit to each place, this trip offers a practical mix of swimming, scenery and social time.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The trip lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan and Koločep.

Are drinks included?

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

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is included only if you select the add-on. The listed choices are fish, meat or vegetarian.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. Towels are not provided.

Where does the trip start?

The standard meeting point is Dubrovnik ferry terminal. Hotel pickup is available if you select that option, and you should contact the operator at least one day ahead to confirm pickup details.