From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks

An easy way to trade Dubrovnik’s stone lanes for island paths is a full-day boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands. You get three distinct stops, with three hours on Lopud for a beach visit or an unhurried wander, then an hour each on Šipan and Koločep.

I like the lunch served on board and the chance to spend the day at sea without planning three separate ferry trips. One thing to weigh: the shorter stops can feel brief, while three hours on Lopud may feel long if you are not interested in the beach or walking around.

At a glance

• Lopud gets the longest visit: Three hours gives you time to reach Šunj Beach, browse the village, or take a slower break.
• Šipan and Koločep are quick calls: Each gets about an hour, enough for a short walk, a café stop, or a swim if you manage your time.
• Lunch is served on board: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal when that option is included in your booking.
• Drinks need a closer look: Water and soft drinks are listed as included, but other drinks may cost extra. Check the exact terms of your ticket before you sail.
• Pickup is available in Dubrovnik: You can request a hotel pickup if you select that option and provide your accommodation details.
• The boat can carry up to 110 people: It has an air-conditioned cabin and an open upper deck, but peak-season sailings may feel busy.

Three islands, one relaxed day away from Dubrovnik

This is an island-hopping day with a generous amount of free time, not a tightly guided sightseeing tour. You sail from Dubrovnik, stop at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, then return to the starting point. The crew is there to help, but you choose how to spend most of your time ashore.

That freedom is part of the appeal. You can make Lopud a beach day, keep to the waterfront, or look for the island’s historic sights. On the other hand, if you expect a guide to lead you from one landmark to the next, this format may feel too hands-off.

The trip lasts about eight hours. Sailing between the islands takes time too, so the day is longer than the hours spent ashore. One reported schedule ran from about 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; treat that as an example, not a guaranteed timetable.

Lopud: make the most of your three hours

Lopud is the main event, and the schedule reflects that. You have three hours to explore its village, pause at a café, visit historic sites, or head to Šunj Beach on the other side of the island. This is the best stop for anyone who wants a proper swim and a little breathing room.

Šunj is known for its sandy shore and clear water, a welcome change from the rocky coastline common in this part of Croatia. The walk there can take a while, particularly if you want time to swim and return before the boat leaves. Golf-cart taxis have been reported as an alternative for the trip to the beach, for a few euros, though the price can vary. Leave enough time to get back to the pier.

Lopud also has a 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, local shops and cafés, and a botanical garden. The garden’s condition may vary, and it has been reported as being in disrepair, so don’t build your whole visit around it. The island’s stone houses, greenery, and sea views are a good reason to simply stroll without a checklist.

Three hours is useful if you want to fit in both the beach and some village time. It can feel excessive if you do not swim, walk far, or find much to occupy you. If you have limited mobility or prefer a short, guided visit, consider that the beach is not right beside the main village and the uphill walk may be demanding.

Šipan: a short look at island life

The stop on Šipan lasts about an hour. The island is known for olive groves, vineyards, hills, stone houses, and quiet walking routes. In practice, that short window is best for a modest stroll or a relaxed stop near the harbor rather than a long inland walk.

There are local cafés and shops, and the surrounding water offers the possibility of a swim. A wine-tasting stop near the pier has also been mentioned as an option. With only an hour, check the time before settling in for a drink or setting off down a path; the boat will not wait while you discover one more lane.

Šipan is the kind of place where the pleasure is often in the setting rather than a long list of attractions. If you want a packed program, this stop may seem quiet. If you enjoy a peaceful harbor, a short wander, and a glimpse of daily island life, the pause makes sense.

Koločep: a quiet final stop

Koločep is the last island and another one-hour visit. It is described as the most tranquil of the three, with olive trees, coastal paths, stone houses, small churches, and clear water. It gives the day a gentler ending, though the short stay means you will need to choose between walking, swimming, and sitting down for a drink.

A beach close to the harbor has been noted as a convenient place for a quick swim. Bring your swimsuit if you want to take advantage of it, and keep an eye on the clock so you are back at the boat on time. You can also stop at a local café, but a leisurely meal may use most of your hour.

Together, the last two stops offer a contrast to Lopud’s beach focus. They are scenic, quiet calls, not full-day visits. Some people will appreciate the variety; others may wish the schedule gave more time to Lopud and less to the shorter stops.

Lunch and drinks: useful inclusions, with a detail to confirm

The sample lunch choices are grilled hake with potato salad and bread, grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread, or grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread. The meal is prepared and served on board. It is a simple menu, not a restaurant lunch, and expectations should match that. Reports on the food vary, though the fish and chicken have both been praised, and some people find the portions generous.

The drinks information deserves a close read before booking. Bottled water and assorted soft drinks are listed as included, while coffee, tea, beer, and other drinks are available to buy. Wine is promoted as included in the tour highlights, and some people have described wine on board. Because the information can differ by ticket or option, check what your particular fare covers rather than assuming every drink is free.

If you would rather eat ashore, restaurants are available on the islands, especially around Lopud. That gives you more choice, but your stop time is limited and a restaurant meal can take a sizeable share of it. The included meal is the easier option if you want to keep your island hours for exploring or swimming.

The boat, pickup, and practical details

The boat has an enclosed, air-conditioned salon and an open upper deck. The maximum group size is 110, so this is a sizeable passenger boat, not a small private outing. Some people find it comfortable even when busy; others have found peak-season sailings crowded. Arrive early if getting a preferred seat matters to you.

Pickup is offered if you select it, but only within Dubrovnik city limits. You need to send the operator your hotel name or exact accommodation address so they can arrange a suitable pickup point. The driver will wait no more than two minutes after the scheduled time, so be ready promptly. Pickup outside the city area is not included.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel. A swimsuit, towel, and sun protection are sensible choices for a full day near the water. Public transportation is nearby, and confirmation is provided at booking.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

What the price buys you

At about $48.39 per person, the price is attractive for an eight-hour boat outing that includes transport to three islands, a crew, and lunch when that option is part of your booking. The value improves if you make use of the long Lopud stop and enjoy the boat ride itself. You avoid organizing separate transport and can spend the day moving between islands without returning to Dubrovnik between visits.

The price is less compelling if you expect a guided tour at every stop, extensive commentary, or a long stay on each island. Most of the time ashore is yours to plan, and the two one-hour calls are brief. The meal is practical and convenient, but it is not a reason to expect a fine-dining experience.

Pickup may also add convenience, especially after a long day on the water, but it is an option rather than a service available everywhere. Before paying, compare the ticket’s lunch and drinks details with your own plans. That small check can prevent an awkward argument over what is included once you are on board.

Is this the right island day for you?

I would choose this cruise if I wanted an easy way to see several islands, swim at Šunj Beach, and spend a relaxed day away from Dubrovnik. It suits couples, families, and anyone happy to explore independently. The combination of a long Lopud visit, a meal on board, and two shorter island calls gives the day variety without requiring much advance planning.

I would look elsewhere if you want a small-group guided experience, need a tightly scheduled program, or dislike spending a long day on a boat. The best way to enjoy it is to plan Lopud in advance, pack swim gear and a towel, and treat Šipan and Koločep as short scenic pauses. Check the food and drink inclusions on your selected ticket, then book if that pace sounds right for you.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including sailing between Dubrovnik and the islands and time ashore.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

It visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

How long do you stay on each island?

The planned stops are about three hours on Lopud and one hour each on Šipan and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Freshly prepared lunch is listed as included. The choices are grilled hake, grilled chicken, or grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread. Check your selected ticket for the exact meal option.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and assorted soft drinks are listed as included. Other drinks, including coffee, tea, and beer, may be available to purchase. Check your ticket for details about wine and other drinks.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, if you select the pickup option. Pickup is limited to the Dubrovnik city area, and you need to provide your hotel name or accommodation address.

Are towels or snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included, so bring your own if you need them.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 110 people.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.