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

Three islands, one long sunny day. This boat trip from Dubrovnik gives you a pleasant introduction to the Elaphiti Islands, with time for a swim, a walk, or simply a shaded seat on deck. I especially like the generous lunch and the crew’s steady attention, with Natasha, Emily, and Darko singled out for warm, helpful service. I also like the smart timing: one hour on Koločep, one hour on Šipan, and three hours on Lopud. The trade-off is clear: the first two stops can feel short if you want a serious walk or a long swim.

The $76 price is strong because boat transport, lunch, water, soft drinks, and white wine are included. You should still budget for extras such as coffee, beer, beach chairs, or the optional Blue Cave speedboat trip. The boat cannot be boarded before 8:45, so arrive at the bus stop across from the University building, look for the blue boat named Emili, and avoid turning this relaxed day into a rushed morning.

Key points to know before booking

• A three-island route with useful variety: Koločep is quiet and green, Šipan feels more rural and historic, and Lopud offers the longest stop and the best chance for a beach break.
• Lunch is more than a snack: Choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian food, with portions often described as large enough for an evening meal.
• Drinks are included all day: Water, soft drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink are covered. Beer and coffee cost extra.
• Lopud gets three hours: That is enough time for Sunj Beach, a walk, an ice cream, or a slow coffee without racing back to the boat.
• The crew is a major strength: Natasha, Emily, Darko, Marco, and other staff are praised for friendly service, island advice, and frequent drink refills.
• Swimming is possible from the islands, not from the boat: One passenger specifically noted that jumping directly off Emili was not allowed.

Why the Elaphiti Islands make a good Dubrovnik day trip

Dubrovnik is famous for its stone walls and crowded old-town lanes, but the sea is the city’s other great attraction. The Elaphiti Islands sit close enough for a full-day outing, yet they offer a much quieter setting, with pine, olive trees, small harbors, clear water, and beaches.

This excursion visits the three inhabited islands in the group: Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. Each has a different feel, which matters because an island tour can otherwise become a blur of pretty shorelines and similar swimming stops.

Koločep is the greenest and most peaceful opening act. Šipan is the largest of the three and has a strong connection with olive growing and old aristocratic residences. Lopud is the most developed for visitors, but cars are not allowed, so it remains calm by mainland standards.

I like this mix. You are not simply being ferried to three beaches. You get nature on Koločep, countryside and old villas on Šipan, and the easiest beach day on Lopud.

The tour lasts about eight to nine hours. That sounds long, but the day includes several boat journeys, three stops, lunch, and time to enjoy the upper or shaded lower decks. The schedule feels full without trying to squeeze in every corner of every island.

Meeting Emili at 8:45

The meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. The boat is blue and called Emili, and the instructions are unusually specific: it will not arrive before 8:45.

That detail is useful. You do not need to stand around at dawn, but you also should not arrive at the last second expecting to walk straight aboard. If you choose optional pickup, the operator sends the pickup location and time one day before the trip.

Once aboard, you can settle into the day rather than worry about driving, parking, or finding island ferry connections. The crew speaks English, and the boat has both sunny and shaded areas according to passenger accounts. The upper deck is good for views and music, while the lower section offers a calmer place to sit out of the sun.

The boat is described as wooden, clean, and well cared for. It is not a private yacht, and the trip can fill up, so do not expect complete solitude. Still, the crew’s organization appears to keep the day moving smoothly even when the boat is busy.

Koločep: a quiet green start

The first stop is Koločep, usually for about one hour. This island is known for thick green growth, varied plant life, and a peaceful mood. It is the place to slow down after leaving Dubrovnik behind.

With only an hour, I would keep your plan simple. Walk near the shore, find a quiet café, or use the stop to get your first swim in. One useful approach is to resist the urge to cover the whole island. Koločep rewards a short wander more than a frantic attempt to see everything.

The water is clear, and swimming is one of the main attractions across the route. If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment if you have it. One passenger reported seeing sea urchins around the islands, so water shoes or careful footing are sensible, even though the tour does not list them as required equipment.

Koločep works well as a first stop because it is gentle and scenic. The drawback is timing. An hour goes quickly once you walk away from the landing point, take photographs, order a drink, and find your way back. Treat it as a taste rather than a full island visit.

Šipan: olive trees, old villas, and a swim

Šipan receives another break of about one hour. It is the largest Elaphiti Island and is associated with olive trees, quiet settlements, and stone mansions once used by aristocratic families as summer retreats.

The island’s appeal is less about one famous sight and more about atmosphere. You can look for old buildings, sit beside the sea, or swim in water that is often clear and warm in the summer months. A snorkeling stop here can be rewarding, but watch the time.

This is also where the boat’s lunch is served according to the usual flow described by passengers. You choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal. The chicken has been served with potatoes and tomatoes, while the fish has received especially warm praise. Portions are generous, so do not fill up on snacks before lunch.

The food is a real part of the value. Many boat excursions provide a basic sandwich and call it lunch. Here, the meal is repeatedly described as fresh, tasty, and substantial. That makes a difference during an eight-hour day, particularly if you plan to swim or walk in the heat.

Again, Šipan’s limitation is the one-hour schedule. If you want to investigate its old residences in detail, you would need a separate visit. On this tour, you are getting a compact stop, not a full cultural tour.

Lopud: three hours and the best beach choice

Lopud is the main event because you get about three hours here. It is often described as the most developed Elaphiti Island, with green vegetation, cafés, restaurants, walking routes, and the popular sandy beach of Sunj.

The long stop gives you choices. You can walk through the island, settle into a café, swim, eat an ice cream, or head toward Sunj Beach. Some passengers used a golf buggy to cross the island to the beach, an option that can save time if you want to maximize your swim. The ride has been described as lively, so sit where you feel most comfortable and keep hold of your belongings.

Sunj is a useful contrast to the rocky swimming spots found elsewhere along the Croatian coast. Sandy beaches are not the default here, so the chance to spend time on one is a genuine highlight. The catch is cost: sun beds and umbrellas can be expensive, especially when the day is hot and shade becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.

If you prefer not to pay for a chair, plan around the beach facilities and bring sun protection from Dubrovnik. The tour provides an open bar, but it does not cover your purchases on Lopud. Coffee prices have also been described as high in some cafés, so check the price before ordering a sit-down drink.

Lopud is where the schedule feels most generous. Three hours lets you enjoy the island at a human pace. You can choose one main activity instead of spending the whole stop watching the clock.

Lunch and the open bar

The included lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. You select fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, and the portions are notably large. The chicken option includes potatoes and tomatoes, while fish is a popular choice for people who want something that fits the seaside setting.

The open bar runs throughout the day. Water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink are included. Several passengers appreciated that the crew kept glasses topped up, but remember that unlimited wine can change the mood of a boat trip quickly. Drink at your own pace, especially if you plan to swim or sit in the sun.

Beer is not listed among the included drinks. A recent passenger paid about €3 for one, and coffee also costs extra. Those small charges are reasonable, but the important point is to understand what the package covers before you board.

Music plays on the boat, with some departures leaning toward a light holiday atmosphere. You can sit at the front for open views, choose the upper deck for sun and music, or seek shade below. The experience is social rather than silent, so it suits people who enjoy a friendly group setting.

The crew makes the long day easier

The service receives unusually consistent praise. Natasha is often mentioned for her warmth, island advice, and attention to drinks. Emily is also singled out for explaining the stops and looking after families, while Darko, Marco, and the wider crew are praised for keeping the trip organized.

That matters on a boat with many passengers. A poorly run island cruise can mean confusion at every landing, long waits for food, and empty glasses when the sun is strong. Here, the crew explains what to do at each stop and keeps the schedule moving.

The service is attentive without being the main attraction. You are still free to sit quietly, look out at the water, or enjoy the views. If you need help deciding between a beach visit and a walk, ask before leaving the boat because the crew can point you in the right direction.

Families can also find this manageable. A parent traveling with a three-year-old praised the crew’s kindness and the clear explanations. There is no detailed information about child pricing or special facilities, so check those points before booking if they affect your plans.

The optional Blue Cave trip

Some departures offer a Blue Cave add-on by speedboat for about €20. It is not included in the $76 tour price, and you should treat it as an optional extra rather than part of the core itinerary.

The speedboat ride itself adds a little excitement, and the cave can be worth seeing if you want a quick natural attraction beyond the three islands. One passenger described the cave visit as busy and only about two minutes long, so keep expectations realistic. This is a short photo stop, not a private exploration.

If you already have a packed day or prefer a calm pace, skip the add-on and keep your time for Lopud. If you enjoy fast boats and want one more sight, €20 may be fair, provided the timing works for your departure.

Is $76 good value?

At $76 per person, this is a strong package for a full day near Dubrovnik. Boat transport alone would cost money, and the tour also includes a substantial lunch plus an open bar with wine, soft drinks, and water.

The value is best for you if you want variety without arranging several ferry connections. You get three islands, swimming opportunities, a sandy beach option, a meal, and a full day on the water in one booking.

It is less ideal if you want a private experience, a silent sailing trip, or a detailed historical tour of each island. The stops at Koločep and Šipan are short, and the boat may feel full during high season. You also need to pay extra for some drinks and island activities.

The cancellation policy is practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Dubrovnik schedule depends on weather or other plans.

Who should book this island cruise?

I would choose this tour if you want an easy day away from Dubrovnik’s old town and like having the major details handled for you. It suits couples, families, first-time visitors to the Dalmatian coast, and anyone who wants a mix of swimming, scenery, food, and light sightseeing.

It is especially good for:

• People who value included meals and drinks
• Visitors who want to see three islands in one day
• Swimmers who prefer island beaches to city beaches
• Families wanting a straightforward schedule
• Anyone who enjoys friendly service and a social boat atmosphere

I would look elsewhere if your priority is serious hiking, long snorkeling sessions, or quiet time on an uncrowded boat. You should also avoid booking this as your only chance to properly explore Šipan or Koločep. The tour introduces them, but Lopud receives the time needed for a fuller visit.

Final verdict: book it for a relaxed coast day

I recommend booking this trip if you want a well-organized, good-value day on the Adriatic. The strongest features are the generous lunch, included wine and soft drinks, attentive crew, and sensible three-hour stop on Lopud.

Arrive at the 8:45 meeting point, bring swimwear, sun protection, and perhaps water shoes, and decide in advance whether Sunj Beach or a quieter Lopud walk suits you better. Keep a little cash or card room for coffee, beer, beach chairs, and the optional Blue Cave ride.

You will not experience every corner of the Elaphiti Islands. You will, however, get a pleasant and varied taste of three of them without ferry planning, restaurant hunting, or carrying a picnic. For $76, that is a very fair way to spend a day beyond Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long does the Dubrovnik island boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight to nine hours.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, three inhabited islands in the Elaphiti group near Dubrovnik.

How much time do you get on each island?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink. Beer and coffee are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the blue boat named Emili, which will not arrive before 8:45.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional, and the operator provides the pickup location and time one day before the tour.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.