From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks

Escape Dubrovnik by boat. This eight-hour cruise visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, giving you a full day of sea views, beaches, small villages, and free time away from the Old Town. I like the included lunch and the easy hotel pickup, especially after a day that may include swimming and wine. The main thing to consider is the pace: three hours on Lopud may feel generous if you want a beach day, but long if you prefer guided sightseeing.

I also like the boat’s choice of an air-conditioned lower salon and open upper deck. The five-person crew serves lunch and refreshments, and the boat returns to its starting point, so you do not need to work out your own ride home. This is not a tightly led sightseeing tour, though. You are given time ashore and expected to choose how to use it.

Key points to know before booking

• Lopud gets three hours: This is the main stop, with Šunj Beach, cafés, shops, historic buildings, and walking routes.
• Lunch is served on board: Choose grilled hake, chicken fillet, or seasonal vegetables, with potato salad and bread.
• Drinks are part of the package: Bottled water, lemonade, juices, and wine are included according to the tour details. Coffee, tea, beer, and other extra drinks cost more.
• Šipan and Koločep are shorter stops: Each gets about one hour, enough for a walk, coffee, or swim, but not a full island tour.
• Pickup is limited to Dubrovnik: Hotel pickup is available only within the Dubrovnik city area, and the driver waits no more than two minutes.
• The boat can carry up to 110 people: Arrive early in busy season if you want first choice of seats.

A full day beyond Dubrovnik’s walls

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is remarkable, but it can also feel crowded, hot, and packed with sightseeing. This cruise gives you a different side of the coast: low stone houses, olive trees, quiet paths, small harbors, and long stretches of open water.

The Elaphiti Islands sit close enough to Dubrovnik for a practical day trip, but each one has its own feel. Lopud is the most useful stop for a full visit. Šipan is quieter and more rural. Koločep offers a calm final pause before the boat heads back.

The day lasts about eight hours, with cruising time between the islands included. One recent schedule ran from around 9:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon, so plan for a full day rather than a quick outing. That matters if you have dinner reservations, a flight, or a long list of Dubrovnik sights to fit in later.

The boat has five crew members, an enclosed air-conditioned salon, and an open upper deck. The setup gives you a choice: shade and cooling air below, or sun and wider views above. At peak times, the boat may feel busy, so arriving early is sensible if your seat matters.

Lopud: make the most of the three-hour stop

Lopud is where the day earns its keep. You have about three hours here, and that is enough time to combine a walk through the village, a swim, and a visit to Šunj Beach if you plan carefully.

The village has stone houses, greenery, cafés, and small shops. You can also look for the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, visit the botanical garden, or simply walk along the waterfront and enjoy views toward the other islands. The island is easy to appreciate without a formal guide because its pleasures are simple and visible: quiet lanes, sea air, old stone, and a slower daily rhythm.

Šunj Beach lies on the far side of the island and is the main draw for many people. It has a sandy shore and clear water, a welcome change from the pebbly or rocky beaches found across much of the Croatian coast. You may find loungers, umbrellas, and a marked swimming area there, with beach facilities operating during the main season.

The walk to Šunj takes time, and one particularly useful tip is to use one of the local golf-cart taxis if you do not want to spend much of your stop walking uphill and back. The fare is not included, and the exact price can change, so ask locally before setting off. Using a cart gives you more time for swimming and the beach.

Do not assume every attraction will be in perfect condition. Outside the main summer season, the botanical garden and other sights may be closed or less maintained. An October visit can feel very quiet, with shops and cafés closed and beach rubbish more noticeable after the busy months. In summer, Lopud is more active, but it is also likely to be busier.

The three-hour stop works best if you decide what you want before leaving the boat. For a beach-focused visit, head toward Šunj early. For a slower island visit, stay near the village and combine the monastery, cafés, and waterfront. If you walk without a plan, you may find the final hour drags.

Lunch on the boat, with a simple local menu

Lunch is freshly prepared and served on board, usually during the cruise toward the next island. You choose one of three options:

• Grilled hake with potato salad and bread
• Grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
• Grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread

The meal is straightforward rather than fancy. That is appropriate for a day at sea, and several people found the portions generous and the fish particularly good. Chicken and vegetarian meals are available, which makes the cruise easier to book for a mixed group.

Expect a solid boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. Some meals may strike you as excellent, while others may find the food ordinary. The value comes from not having to spend part of your limited island time searching for lunch.

Wine is included in the tour details, and a bottle of white wine has been served at tables on some departures. Bottled water, lemonade, and juices are also available. Coffee, tea, beer, and other drinks can be purchased separately. Because drink arrangements have caused confusion for some passengers, check exactly what is included when you board.

The crew is frequently praised for being friendly and attentive. Nikoleta was singled out for making sure people were comfortable, and the crew has been noted for bringing drinks to seats rather than leaving everyone to manage on their own. That service helps turn a basic boat transfer into a more pleasant day.

Šipan: quiet roads, olive trees, and one hour

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, but this cruise gives you only about an hour there. Think of it as a short taste, not a complete island visit.

The island is known for olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills, stone houses, and walking paths through green countryside. Near the dock, you might find a café or a local wine-tasting opportunity. A short wander can give you a feel for the island’s rural character, but you will not have time for a long inland walk.

The one-hour stop is enough for a coffee, a brief stroll, or a quick swim if the water and timing suit you. Keep an eye on the return time. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and the island’s peaceful atmosphere can make it easy to lose track of the clock.

Šipan may feel less exciting than Lopud, especially if you have already spent the morning at Šunj Beach. That is not a flaw so much as a question of expectations. The stop offers variety and a glimpse of island life, but it is not designed for a major attraction.

Koločep: a gentle last stop

Koločep is the final island and the quietest of the three. It is covered with greenery and olive trees, and coastal paths lead past stone houses and small churches.

The short stop is well suited to a final swim or a relaxed drink near the harbor. A sandy beach close to the harbor has been praised as a convenient place for an afternoon swim, especially if you do not want another long walk. The clear water and peaceful setting make Koločep a pleasant way to finish the island portion of the day.

As with Šipan, one hour goes quickly. You may need to choose between a café, a swim, and a walk rather than trying to do all three. If you want to swim at every island, bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel accessible.

The order of stops or exact timing may change with weather and sea conditions. On one outing, poor weather prevented a visit to one island, although the rest of the day still went ahead. This is a boat trip, so flexibility matters.

Is the $48.39 price good value?

At $48.39 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day on the water. The price covers the boat trip to three islands, lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and the option of hotel pickup if you select it. You would spend a good part of that amount on separate transport, lunch, and drinks if you tried to arrange the day independently.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a simple plan. You do not need to compare boat departures, work out island connections, or find your way back to Dubrovnik after an afternoon drink.

The package is less appealing if you prefer small boats, quiet personal service, or a highly structured guide. The maximum group size is 110, and some departures feel crowded. There is seating in both the lower cabin and upper deck, but the best positions can go quickly.

You should also budget for a few extras. Towels are not provided. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Golf-cart transport to Šunj Beach costs extra, and coffee, tea, beer, and similar drinks are available for purchase. Pickup outside the Dubrovnik city area is not included either.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a relaxed beach and boat day rather than a demanding sightseeing excursion. It works especially well after exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town, when a change of pace sounds appealing.

Families can use the free time for swimming and beach visits. Couples may enjoy the mixture of open water, wine, village walks, and quiet cafés. Independent-minded people will appreciate being given time ashore without a guide leading every step.

It is less suitable for anyone with limited walking ability who may struggle with Lopud’s route to Šunj Beach or steep paths toward higher viewpoints. One complaint focused on the long three-hour stop and the steep walk toward a fort. If you move slowly, use the local golf cart, remain near the village, or treat the stop as a beach and café break.

It is also not ideal if you want detailed commentary during the cruise. The crew provides basic information before stops, but the emphasis is on free time, not continuous narration about the coast.

What to pack for a better day

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. The towel is especially important because one is not supplied, and you may want to swim more than once.

Pack your own snorkeling gear only if you truly plan to use it. The boat can be busy, so bulky equipment may be awkward to carry. A small dry bag can help protect your phone and wallet during beach stops.

Arrive early if you want a particular seat. In high season, the boat can fill quickly even though seating is available for everyone. Choose the upper deck for views and fresh air, or the enclosed salon for shade and air conditioning.

Keep some cash available for the golf-cart taxi, cafés, beach facilities, or extra drinks. Also write down the boat’s return time at each island. You are exploring independently, and the schedule is not flexible for late arrivals.

Should you book the Premium Three Island Cruise?

Book this cruise if you want an affordable, easy day away from Dubrovnik with lunch, drinks, three island stops, and a chance to swim. The crew, food, and overall value receive the strongest praise, and the combination of an air-conditioned cabin and open deck makes the long day more comfortable.

Book with realistic expectations. Lopud is the main attraction, while Šipan and Koločep are shorter scenic pauses. The boat may be busy, the lunch is simple, and the itinerary gives you freedom rather than a detailed guided tour.

For a summer visit, I would consider it a very good way to see the Elaphiti Islands without arranging the day yourself. For late-season travel, check your expectations carefully: quiet islands can be peaceful, but some shops, gardens, and beach services may be closed or less cared for. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately eight hours. A typical day may run from the morning until late afternoon, including the boat rides between islands.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, subject to weather and sea conditions.

How much time do I get on each island?

The scheduled time is about three hours on Lopud, one hour on Šipan, and one hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on board, with a choice of grilled hake, grilled chicken fillet, or grilled seasonal vegetables. Each option comes with potato salad and bread.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water, lemonade, juices, and wine are included according to the tour details. Coffee, tea, beer, and other additional drinks are available to buy on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available if you select that option, but only within the Dubrovnik city area. You need to provide your accommodation address or hotel name.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included, so bring your own if you want to swim or snorkel.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.