Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

Leave Dubrovnik by boat. This 8-hour cruise gives you three islands, swimming time, lunch, and drinks without the daily fuss of planning ferries or restaurants. I especially like the generous time on Lopud, plus the comfortable, shaded boat with clean toilets and views from every seat.

The included meal is another strong point, with three choices available when you book and generous portions served on board. The main thing to consider is the schedule: you get a good taste of several islands, but each stop is fairly short except Lopud, so this is a sampler rather than a slow island holiday.

At a glance: what makes this boat trip worthwhile

• Three different Elaphiti Islands: You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, each with time for walking, photos, swimming, or simply sitting by the water.
• Sunj sandy beach: Lopud gives you access to Sunj, a welcome change from the rocky swimming spots common along the Croatian coast.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, wine, brandy, Coca-Cola, and Fanta are available, making the $76 price easier to justify.
• A spacious boat with shade: You can enjoy the views from all seats, and the covered areas matter when you spend most of the day outside.
• Flexible island time: You can choose how active to be, from snorkeling and swimming to a quiet walk or a drink by the shore.
• Helpful crew: The team has been praised for attentive service, including helping a late passenger rejoin the trip and bringing blankets when rain arrived.

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. The boat is not expected before 8:45, so arriving too early will leave you waiting at the stop rather than boarding immediately.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option, but the service covers the City of Dubrovnik area only. It does not cover the entire Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Pickup less than 1,000 meters from the starting point is also not included, so check your exact pickup details before booking.

The first part of the outing is a sightseeing cruise of about 45 minutes. This is your first chance to settle into the day, find a shaded seat, and watch Dubrovnik recede behind you. The boat offers open views, shaded areas, drinks, and onboard toilets, all of which make a difference on an 8-hour trip.

I would treat the cruise as part of the experience, not just transport. The views are a big reason to choose a boat tour instead of arranging separate island visits. You get to sit back while the crew handles the route, lunch, refreshments, and timing.

Lopud and the sandy appeal of Sunj Beach

Lopud receives the longest stop, about three hours, and that extra time gives the day a proper center. You can join the guided visit, walk around, take photos, swim, snorkel, or spend the stop at the beach.

The island’s biggest draw here is Sunj sandy beach. Much of the Croatian coast is known for pebbly shores and rocky swimming areas, so a sandy beach offers a different feel. It is particularly useful if you prefer an easy entry into the water or want a more traditional beach break.

You should not expect three hours to mean three hours at Sunj itself. The stop includes sightseeing, guided time, walking, and free time, so how you spend it depends on the day’s organization and your own choices. If the beach is your priority, ask the guide early about the best way to use the stop.

Lopud is also the place to make a simple choice: explore or slow down. I like that the trip does not force every person into the same activity. You can take a walk while someone else swims, or sit in the shade while your family heads toward the water.

Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed as provided, so bring your own gear if snorkeling matters to you. A swimsuit is not included either, which sounds obvious but is easy to forget when you are thinking about lunch and pickup. Bring a towel and sun protection as well.

Šipan brings a quieter one-hour pause

The stop at Šipan lasts about one hour. Here you get free time for a walk, photos, swimming, snorkeling, or a self-guided look around.

This is a shorter and less structured visit than Lopud. There is no promise of a long guided tour, so I would use Šipan for one clear purpose rather than trying to do everything. You might choose a short walk, a swim, or a drink near the water.

The benefit of a shorter stop is variety. You get to see another island without giving up the long Lopud visit. The drawback is that one hour passes quickly, especially if you want to walk and swim. Keep an eye on the departure time and return to the quay early.

A useful detail from the day’s organization is that the crew gives information about each island as you visit. That helps turn the stops into more than a series of pretty views, while still leaving you free to explore without a rigid guided program.

Koločep and the final swim

Koločep is the last island stop, with about one hour for a break, photos, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and free time. It gives you another chance to get into the water after the longer Lopud visit.

This final stop may suit you best if you want a calm finish rather than more sightseeing. The islands are described as varied, so Koločep adds another coastal setting to the day instead of repeating the same beach experience.

You may also find golf buggy taxis at the final stop, which can take you toward a larger beach in a calm bay with nearby bars. That possibility is useful if you want a more comfortable way to reach a broader swimming area, but the taxi is not listed as part of the tour price. Bring extra money if you decide to use it.

The timing here deserves attention. One hour is enough for a quick swim or short walk, but not for a leisurely tour of every corner. I would be back near the agreed meeting point before departure. One passenger once misunderstood the return time and arrived as the boat was leaving. The crew and office helped arrange a lift on another boat so that the passenger could rejoin at the next stop, but you should not count on that solution.

What lunch and the open bar really add

Lunch is included, and you choose among three options when booking. The portions are described as generous, and the meal has worked well for different tastes. A grilled vegetable and potato salad option is available, while the fish choice can contain bones, so eat with care.

The meal matters because finding lunch for several people on three separate islands can quickly add cost and planning. Here, you eat as part of the cruise and keep the day moving. For a $76 excursion, that helps the price feel reasonable, especially when drinks and hotel pickup are included in the selected option.

Drinks include bottled water, soft drinks, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy. Refreshments are offered regularly, which is useful in the Croatian sun. Other alcoholic drinks are not included, and personal expenses remain your responsibility.

I would still bring extra water if you prefer to have your own supply, although bottled water is included. You may also want cash or another payment method for purchases on the islands, such as drinks, bars, or a golf buggy taxi. The tour price does not cover those extras.

The open bar is a major reason this trip feels easy. You can spend the day enjoying the sea without repeatedly stopping to buy drinks. It also helps make the boat itself part of the holiday, not merely a way to move between ports.

The boat, the crew, and weather concerns

The boat is large enough to feel spacious, with shade and views from all seats. Clean toilets are available, a small detail that becomes important when you are away from shore for much of the day.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive. Emily is specifically noted as a guide who looked after the group throughout the day. The crew has also been quick to respond when conditions change, lowering the boat sides and bringing out blankets when rain arrived.

That is worth keeping in mind when you check the forecast. A boat day depends on weather, and even a warm morning can turn cooler once you are moving. Pack a light layer, especially if you plan to stay outside during the cruise.

The service style appears friendly rather than formal. You get guidance about the islands, but also plenty of free time. If you prefer a tightly planned sightseeing tour with a guide beside you at every moment, this may feel loose. If you like being shown the basics and then choosing your own pace, it is a better fit.

Is $76 good value?

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach one Croatian beach. It is a reasonable package for a full day when you add together the boat ride, three islands, lunch, drinks, guide service, swimming opportunities, and possible pickup in Dubrovnik.

The value is strongest for you if you would otherwise need to arrange several ferries, buy meals, and pay for drinks separately. The boat also removes much of the timing work. You do not need to compare island connections or worry about finding your way back after a swim.

The value is weaker if you want a quiet, private day or a long stay on one island. This is a shared excursion with a fixed route. You will spend time moving between islands, and the one-hour stops at Šipan and Koločep leave limited room for a slow visit.

A 5/5 rating from 31 recorded bookings supports the idea that the service and overall format work well for many people. Still, the right question is not simply whether the tour is popular. Ask yourself if you want variety, convenience, and an all-inclusive day more than privacy and control.

Who should book this island day?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want to see beyond Dubrovnik without sacrificing a full day to transport planning. It also suits couples, families, and small groups with mixed interests because you can combine walking, swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and rest.

It is a good choice if you enjoy being on the water. The cruise itself takes up a meaningful part of the day, and the views from the boat are part of the attraction. The shade, drinks, and onboard toilet make the long outing easier.

You may want another option if you dislike fixed departure times or cannot comfortably manage a day with several boat transfers. The stops are not private, and the schedule requires you to return to the boat on time.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, a light rain layer, and money for personal expenses. If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment unless the operator confirms otherwise. Most of all, listen carefully to the return time at every island.

Booking details worth knowing

The tour runs for about eight hours and is conducted in English. Pickup is optional and limited to Dubrovnik city areas. If you meet at the main point, go to the bus stop across from the University building and identify the blue boat named Emili.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date before you commit.

The stated return point is at the Library for Social Sciences in Dubrovnik. Confirm your selected drop-off arrangement when booking, particularly if you are using hotel pickup rather than meeting at the central point.

Should you book the Three Island Boat Tour?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value day on the water with three islands, lunch, and drinks handled for you. Lopud gives you the longest and most varied stop, Sunj provides a sandy beach, and Šipan and Koločep add variety without demanding complicated planning.

Skip it if you want to explore one island slowly, avoid group schedules, or spend the whole day on a single beach. For most people looking to escape Dubrovnik’s streets and see more of the Dalmatian coast in one day, the combination of attentive crew, comfortable boat, generous food, and flexible island time makes this a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the Three Island Boat Tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the cruise from Dubrovnik and stops at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, which are part of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can choose among three meal options when booking.

Are drinks included?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off are available when you select that option. The service covers the City of Dubrovnik area, not the whole Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is swimming or snorkeling part of the tour?

Yes. You have opportunities to swim and snorkel at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. A swimsuit is not provided, so bring your own.

Is Sunj Beach included in the route?

Yes. Sunj sandy beach is one of the highlighted places on Lopud. The Lopud stop lasts about three hours and includes free time for walking, swimming, and sightseeing.

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.