Three islands, one easy boat day. This Elaphiti Islands cruise from Dubrovnik pairs big sea views with real time to enjoy Koločep and Lopud at a relaxed pace in 8 to 9 hours.

I especially like the structure: you get enough time to swim, walk, and just hang out without feeling dragged from stop to stop. And I really like the onboard comfort, with lunch included and an open bar running during the day.

The only drawback to plan around is timing. You’re spending about an hour at the first two islands and roughly three hours at Lopud, so if you’re hoping for long, in-depth exploring or museum-style stops, this isn’t that kind of trip.

Key Points You’ll Actually Care About

• Open bar throughout the day: water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, plus a surprise drink (drinks are kept topped up by the crew).
• Lunch on board is genuinely good and filling: choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian ahead of time.
• Car-free Lopud time is a highlight: think walking, beach time, and a slower island rhythm.
• Sunj beach on Lopud is popular for a reason: it’s the go-to sandy stop during the Lopud portion.
• Optional Blue Cave speed-boat add-on is available for extra cost and can be worth it if you want something special.
• Snorkeling comes with a small reality check: if you go in, watch for sea urchins (goggles help).

Getting Onto Emili and Settling In Fast

This tour is built around one main idea: you don’t need to plan transport between islands. You meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building, and the blue boat, Emili, won’t arrive before that time. If you’re the type who hates scrambling at the last second, arrive a few minutes early and get your bearings.

Once you’re on board, the vibe is casual, not stiff. The crew is active throughout the day, and the boat setup includes shade, which matters in Croatia’s summer heat. The day stays organized even when the boat is full, and the staff keep an eye on timing so you’re not waiting around for long stretches.

You’ll also have an English host on board. Names that come up often include Natasha and Emily (and other crew members like Darko and Marco). That mix of friendly and competent staff is a big reason this tour scores so high.

Price and What You’re Really Paying For

At around $76 per person for an 8 to 9 hour day, you’re mostly paying for three things:

• boat transport between three islands
• a full onboard lunch
• drinks during the day (including wine)

In Dubrovnik, boat days that include food and drinks usually cost more than you’d expect. Here, the math works because you’re not buying your meals on the water or doing the awkward add-ons shuffle every time you get hungry.

Also, the drinks aspect is not a token gesture. The open bar is active through the day, and the crew keeps refilling. That turns the trip into a proper day out, not just a scenic cruise where you politely sip water while everyone else has fun.

Koločep: Green Walking Country and Easy Water Time

Koločep is the smaller, greener start. You’ll get about an hour there, which sounds short until you realize what the stop is meant for: a reset between sailing legs. This is a place for gentle exploring, relaxing, and getting your feet wet.

What I like about Koločep as a first island is the pacing. You don’t arrive jet-lagged and then immediately feel obligated to conquer the island. You can take a slow walk, find a shady spot, and do the simplest version of island life: look at the water, listen to the waves, and go for a swim when the mood hits.

Practical note: if you’re the kind of person who wants a lot of long hikes, you may feel the hour is rushed. But if your goal is “see the coast and swim in clear water,” Koločep does that well without draining your energy before Lopud.

Šipan: A Bigger Island Break with Olive-Grove Atmosphere

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands group, and it has a different feel. The name you’ll hear for it is the island of olive trees, and it comes with that sense of a slower, more established island life.

You’ll also typically have about an hour here. Use this time for a swim and a calm wander. If you’re looking for dramatic beach partying, this isn’t what the island time is designed for. It’s more about water clarity, shade options, and stepping off the boat for a short nature break.

A fun detail to keep in mind: the islands have enough life nearby that wildlife spotting can happen. For example, there’s at least one account of seeing an octopus off one of the islands. You can’t plan on that, but it’s a good reminder to stay present with your eyes on the water.

Lopud: Car-Free Island Time, Monastery Snorkel, and Sunj Beach

Lopud is where the day pays off.

First, it’s car-free, which changes everything. The island moves at human speed. That makes it easier to slow down, walk without traffic noise, and enjoy the simple rhythm of café pauses, beach time, and looking out over the Adriatic.

You typically get around three hours on Lopud, which is the sweet spot for people who want more than one activity. During this stretch, you can:

• go to Sunj beach, the standout sandy spot on the island
• take a stroll and explore around the center area
• swim in calmer coves
• consider snorkeling options, especially if you want to see underwater life close to points like the monastery area

One review noted snorkeling interest under the monastery, with waves making conditions a bit choppy at times. Another practical caution: there are sea urchins, so if you snorkel, wear the right gear and use a cautious approach. Goggles can make a big difference.

Getting to the Beach on Lopud

Sunj beach is reachable with a short ride or walk depending on where you land. One of the clever things about Lopud is that golf buggy transport is available. If you take it and you’re prone to motion sickness, sit toward the middle row for a steadier feel.

Also keep your expectations realistic about beach extras. Sunbeds and umbrellas on popular beaches can be pricey. If you want to control costs, bring your own towel and plan shade breaks smartly.

Lunch on Board: Fish, Chicken, or Vegetarian, Served Hot

Lunch is one of the most consistently praised parts of this tour. The food is served on the boat, and you choose ahead of time between fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Portions are repeatedly described as big, the kind of meal you’ll remember instead of something that just keeps you going.

What makes this lunch valuable is timing. You’re eating while you’re already in transit and in a relaxed environment. No rushing into town for food, no hunting for a place to sit, no waiting for ferries just to fill your stomach.

Based on the menu options and repeated comments about taste, fish and chicken are both solid choices. If you eat vegetarian, you still get a proper meal rather than a sad afterthought.

Open Bar Adds to the Day’s Comfort

The open bar runs throughout the day, with water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink included. The staff also keep drinks topped up, so you’re not stuck standing by a bar waiting for your next refill.

A couple of practical tips for you:

• Pace the wine early if you want a comfortable swim later.
• Stay hydrated even if you’re drinking wine. Croatia sun hits faster than you think.
• If you want coffee or a beer while you’re on Lopud, be ready for the possibility that it costs extra there. The included drinks are the real deal on the boat.

The Crew Makes It Feel Personal (Natasha, Emily, Darko, Marco)

Many day tours feel like a checklist. This one works better because the crew actively manages the day in small ways.

People frequently mention Natasha for being friendly and informative, and Emily for hosting, advising, and keeping things moving. You’ll also hear names like Darko and Marco, often in the context of attentive service and a smoothly run experience.

What you want from a boat day is simple:

• clear directions before each island stop
• quick attention if you need something
• refills without chasing people around
• safety that feels handled

This tour nails that balance. Even when the boat is full, the staff keep engagement high and the trip calm.

Optional Blue Cave Speed-Boat Add-On: Worth It or Skip?

There is an add-on for the Blue Cave by speed boat. It costs extra (one common figure given is about 20 euros).

If you go, here’s what to expect based on accounts: the cave visit is short, and the cave can be busy. Still, multiple people describe it as totally worth it if you want one extra signature moment beyond the three-island loop.

My advice: choose this add-on if you’re chasing variety. If you mainly want beach time and swimming on Lopud, you might decide you already have enough water fun without adding an extra boat segment.

How Long You’ll Spend Where (So You Can Match Your Style)

Based on the pattern used throughout the day, plan for roughly:

• about 1 hour each at Koločep and Šipan
• about 3 hours on Lopud

That timing is intentional. It gives you:

• a quick nature hit at the first stops
• a longer, flexible block on the main car-free island

If you’re the type who likes structure, this works well. If you’re the type who wants to settle into one beach for hours on end, you’ll probably wish the Lopud portion were longer, but three hours is still a meaningful chunk.

Who Should Book This Dubrovnik-to-Islands Boat Day

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• an efficient way to see the Elaphiti Islands without renting a car or stitching together schedules
• a mix of swimming and island strolling
• an easy day with food and drinks already handled
• a car-free island experience on Lopud

It’s also a good match for couples and small groups who want to relax while still seeing more than one island.

You might look elsewhere if:

• you want long hikes or hour-by-hour exploring
• you prefer a day focused on one island only
• you want a heavy dose of guided cultural stops rather than water time and beach breaks

Should You Book This Tour

If you’re choosing between doing islands on your own versus joining a day boat, I’d lean toward booking this one. The value is strong because you get boat hopping plus lunch and drinks included, and the service level stays high all day. The timing is also practical: the first two islands act like a warm-up, then Lopud gives you the real freedom.

Before you book, consider one question: do you want a relaxed swim-and-walk day? If yes, this tour checks your boxes. If your idea of island time is long wandering, museum stops, and slow travel, you may feel the island blocks are short.

If you do book, put Sunj beach on your mental shortlist for Lopud, and think about the Blue Cave add-on only if you want that extra signature stop. Either way, it’s one of the cleaner ways to turn Dubrovnik into a full day on the water without over-planning.

FAQ

What’s included in the Dubrovnik boat tour price?

The tour includes boat transportation, lunch, and drinks. Drinks are provided throughout the day as an open bar.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

Where do I meet the tour, and what time does it start?

You meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The boat named Emili will not arrive before 8:45.

What lunch options are available?

You choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian for lunch.

Are drinks included, and what’s in the open bar?

Yes. The open bar runs during the whole day and includes water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink.

Is pickup available from places outside Dubrovnik?

Pickup is optional. The pickup location and time are shared one day before the tour.

Can I add the Blue Cave, and how much is it?

An optional add-on is available to visit the Blue Cave by speed boat for an extra cost (20 euros is mentioned in the provided information).