Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

The best Dubrovnik escape may be offshore. This eight-hour cruise visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with time for swimming, snorkeling, island walks, and a stop at sandy Sunj Beach. I like the generous pace, since you are not rushed from one photo stop to the next, and I like that lunch, drinks, a guide, and many activities are included.

The main consideration is the long day and fixed boat schedule. You need to be back on board on time at every stop, and the tour is less suitable if you want a quiet, private outing or a full day on one beach. Still, the spacious blue boat Emili, shaded seating, clean toilets, and attentive crew make this a strong-value way to leave Dubrovnik behind.

Why this island day works

• Three different islands in one day: Lopud offers the longest visit, while Šipan and Koločep provide shorter stops for walks, photos, and swimming.
• Sandy Sunj Beach: Lopud gives you a rare chance to enjoy a proper sandy beach, a welcome change from Croatia’s usual pebbled shores.
• Drinks throughout the cruise: Bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy are included, with regular offers from the crew.
• A generous lunch: You choose from three lunch options when booking, and portions are substantial. Fish is available, but watch for bones.
• Comfortable time on the water: The boat has shade, good views from all seats, and clean toilets.
• Helpful crew: Emily is specifically praised for looking after passengers, while the wider crew has shown care in bad weather and when a passenger missed the boat.

Leaving Dubrovnik behind at 8:45

The meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the large blue boat named Emili, and do not expect it to arrive before 8:45. This small timing detail matters, so arrive ready rather than waiting for the boat at the dock long before departure.

Hotel or accommodation pickup can be added if you are staying in the City of Dubrovnik area. It is not available throughout Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and pickup less than 1,000 meters from the starting point is not included. If you are outside the Dubrovnik city area, you will need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Once aboard, the first sightseeing cruise lasts about 45 minutes. This is a useful transition from city sightseeing to island time. You get open water, coastal views, and a chance to settle into the day before the first major stop.

The tour is conducted in English, with a driver or guide and a local guide. Information about the islands is given during the visits, but the overall feel is relaxed rather than lecture-heavy. You can listen, look around, or simply enjoy the ride.

Lopud: three hours for beach time and walking

Lopud receives the longest stop, about three hours, and that is the right choice. It gives you enough time to combine a guided introduction with free time, a walk, swimming, snorkeling, and a visit to Sunj sandy beach.

For many people, Sunj is the main prize. Croatian beaches are often made of smooth stone or pebbles, so a sandy shore feels different underfoot. The bay also gives you an easy setting for a swim and a slower break from Dubrovnik’s packed streets.

Do not treat Lopud as only a quick photo stop. The schedule allows you to choose your own pace. You might follow the guide for some local context, walk through the island setting, then spend the remaining time in the water or on the beach.

The practical tradeoff is that three hours can pass quickly if you want both a proper swim and a walk. Keep an eye on the departure time. One passenger once misunderstood the return time and saw the boat leaving, although the crew and office helped arrange a lift on another boat so she could rejoin at the next stop. That is a generous recovery, but it is much better to avoid the problem.

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but bring your own swimsuit. A swimsuit is not supplied, and personal expenses are also your responsibility. Pack a towel and anything else you need for beach time, since the provided inclusions list does not promise beach equipment.

Šipan: a quieter hour between swims

The stop at Šipan lasts about one hour. It includes a break, sightseeing, free time, a walk, swimming, snorkeling, photos, and a self-guided visit.

The shorter schedule makes Šipan a good middle stop. You can step ashore, take in the views, stretch your legs, and choose between exploring on foot or heading into the water. Because the visit is self-guided, you should not expect the same structured attention as at Lopud.

That freedom is useful, but it also means you need to manage your own time. A one-hour stop is enough for a taste, not an exhaustive visit. If you prefer to linger over lunch or wander without watching the clock, the boat schedule may feel restrictive.

I would use Šipan for a simple reset: take a walk, enjoy the island views, and return to the boat without trying to pack in too much. The cruise itself is part of the experience, so you do not lose by keeping this stop easy.

Koločep and the final chance to swim

Koločep receives another one-hour stop, with free time, sightseeing, photos, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views along the way. Like Šipan, it is a sampler rather than a full island visit.

The island stops are varied enough to keep the day from feeling repetitive. Lopud gives you the longest beach break, Šipan offers a shorter walk and pause, and Koločep provides another chance to swim or enjoy the shore before returning to Dubrovnik.

A useful tip is to consider the golf buggy taxis at the final stop if you want to reach a larger beach in a calm bay with nearby bars. This costs extra, so it belongs in the personal-expenses category, but it may be worthwhile if beach time matters more to you than a slow walk.

You should decide early how to use each island stop. If you swim at every opportunity, you may have little time for walking. If you focus on photos and exploring, you may miss the best water time. The tour gives you flexibility, but it does not give you unlimited time.

Lunch, wine, and the practical meaning of all-inclusive

The $76 price includes lunch, drinks, bottled water, and the listed activities. You choose between three lunch options when booking. One option is fish, and you should be careful of bones if you select it. A grilled vegetable and potato salad meal is available for those who prefer a meat-free choice.

Portions are described as generous, which matters on an eight-hour boat day. You are swimming, walking, and spending much of the day outdoors, so a small snack would not be enough. Lunch also saves you from searching for a restaurant during a short island stop.

Drinks include Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy. Alcohol beyond the included wine and brandy is not covered. The crew regularly offers refreshments, which makes the open-bar element practical rather than merely a line in the description.

I would still bring a small amount of money for personal purchases, such as a beach drink, souvenir, or golf buggy taxi. The tour covers the main costs, but it does not turn every island expense into a free one.

What the boat is like for eight hours

The boat Emili is described as large, spacious, clean, and comfortable, with shade and good views from all seats. That is important because an eight-hour cruise can become tiring if you are trapped in a cramped seat or forced into one viewing area.

The clean toilets are another useful detail. You may not think about them when booking, but a full-day boat trip is much easier when basic facilities are dependable.

The shaded seating gives you a break from the strong coastal sun. You can enjoy the views without spending every minute exposed. If rain arrives, the crew can lower the sides of the boat and bring out blankets. That response was put to the test on one outing, and the crew acted quickly.

Weather remains a real consideration. Swimming and beach time are the heart of the day, so a cloudy or rainy forecast can change the mood. The boat provides shelter, but poor conditions may reduce the appeal of the islands. Check the forecast and pack a light layer, even in warm months.

Is $76 good value?

At $76 per person, this is good value if you want a full day with several costs bundled together. The price includes the boat ride, lunch, drinks, a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off when selected and available, and access to the planned activities.

A comparable self-planned day would require arranging transport to the port, buying boat tickets, finding lunch, and organizing your own route among the islands. The tour removes much of that work. You also get a guide, regular refreshments, and a fixed plan that makes the day easy to follow.

The value is weaker if you only want to sit on one beach. In that case, a direct beach trip may give you more time in one place. The tour is best for people who want variety and enjoy the journey between stops as much as the stops themselves.

It is also not a private boat charter. You share the space with other passengers and follow the group schedule. That keeps the cost down, but it means you cannot change the route or wait for someone who is late.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward day away from Dubrovnik, especially if you like mixing swimming, sightseeing, food, and time on the water. Families, couples, and solo visitors who enjoy a social boat setting should find the format easy to use.

It suits active beach days without demanding serious exertion. You can walk, swim, snorkel, or simply sit in the shade. The tour also works well for anyone who wants to see several Elaphiti Islands but does not want to plan ferry connections or restaurant stops.

You may want another option if you need complete privacy, have limited mobility for boarding or island walks, or dislike fixed departure times. The supplied information does not describe accessibility arrangements, so ask the provider before booking if that is important to you.

Book at least one day ahead if your plans are firm, since cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your schedule flexible. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a light layer, and a watch. Most importantly, listen carefully to the return time at every island.

Should you book the Three Island Boat Tour?

Book it if you want the easiest all-day island sampler from Dubrovnik. The strongest reasons are the comfortable boat, generous lunch, steady drink service, sandy Sunj Beach, and crew that appears willing to help when plans go wrong.

I would skip it only if you want a private experience or a long, unhurried stay on one beach. For $76, the combination of three islands, lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and transport support gives you a practical day out with very little planning. Just respect the schedule, watch for fish bones, and do not forget your swimsuit.

FAQ

How long is the Three Island Boat Tour?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the cruise from Dubrovnik and visits to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Where does the boat depart?

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.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off are available from the City of Dubrovnik area if you select that option. Pickup is not offered throughout Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, all part of the island group off Dubrovnik’s coast.

How long do you stay on Lopud?

The Lopud visit lasts about three hours and includes free time for walking, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and visiting Sunj sandy beach.

Are lunch and drinks included?

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

Can I choose my lunch?

Yes. You can choose between three lunch options when booking. If you select fish, take care with bones.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling and swimming opportunities are included at the island stops. You need to bring your own swimsuit.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide and listed tour language are English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.