REVIEW · DUBROVNIK
From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks
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This is the cure for Dubrovnik rush. From Dubrovnik, you’ll glide to three Elaphiti Islands, with lunch and wine included and enough island time to actually breathe. I especially love the contrast between calm Lopud and the slower, greener feel of Šipan and Koločep, plus the on-board comfort with both an air-conditioned cabin and an open deck. One drawback to plan for: your stop times are short on two islands, so if you want deep exploring or a long beach day everywhere, this route may feel a bit time-compressed.
The value is strong for a full day at sea: fresh lunch choices, bottled water, and soft drinks are part of the deal, and hotel pickup keeps the logistics easy if you’re within Dubrovnik’s city area. If you’re traveling outside that zone, or you arrive late for pickup, you’ll feel it fast—this tour doesn’t wait around.
In This Review
- Key Highlights Worth Your Attention
- From Dubrovnik to Three Islands: What This Day Really Gives You
- Price and Value: Why $48.39 Can Make Sense Here
- Getting There Without Headaches: Pickup and Timing You Should Know
- The Boat Setup: Air-Conditioned Inside, Open-Air Outside
- Lunch on Board: Fish, Chicken, or Vegetarian That Actually Holds Up
- Island Stop 1: Lopud and Šunj Beach (Why This One Deserves Most Your Time)
- Island Stop 2: Šipan in About an Hour (Short, Pretty, and Swim-Friendly)
- Island Stop 3: Koločep for the Calm Finish and Possible Sandy Swim
- Drinks, Extras, and What’s Included vs Purchased
- Timing Tips That Make the Day Feel Easier
- Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Might Want a Different Day)
- Should You Book This Premium Three-Island Cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Premium Three Island Cruise from Dubrovnik?
- Which islands are included?
- Is lunch included, and what are the choices?
- Are drinks included?
- Do I need snorkeling equipment or towels?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What happens if weather is poor?
Key Highlights Worth Your Attention

- Full-day island hopping to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with time to swim and walk
- Lunch on board with choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus wine with lunch
- Lopud’s Šunj Beach: sandy shore and clear water, often the best swimming break
- Built for comfort: an enclosed, air-conditioned salon plus seating on the upper open deck
- Crew support throughout the day, and you can run into a standout like Nikoleta who helps keep the flow smooth
- Extra drinks available for purchase, so you can go from included basics to add-ons without awkward logistics
From Dubrovnik to Three Islands: What This Day Really Gives You

This cruise is a classic Dubrovnik day escape: you get out of town, onto the water, and onto islands that feel like they’re operating on a different clock. The big win is that you don’t just pass by. You get real time to walk village streets, pause for views, and go for a swim more than once.
The route has a simple rhythm. You start with the longest stop on Lopud, then move to Šipan and finish at Koločep. That shape matters, because it means your day is weighted toward the island most associated with easy beach time and a mix of sights.
If you like a slow pace with a bit of structure, it works well. If you want constant guided narration and minute-by-minute plans, you’ll likely want something different.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dubrovnik
Price and Value: Why $48.39 Can Make Sense Here

At about $48.39 per person for roughly 8 hours, this tour can be a bargain—mostly because of what’s included and how Dubrovnik tours often price extras.
Here’s the value math that matters for you:
- Lunch on board is included, and it’s not a sad snack. You get a hot meal with sides (potato salad and bread).
- Bottled water and assorted soft drinks are included.
- Wine is included with lunch (seen as white wine on tables in at least one shared experience).
- You also get the transportation cost of a full-day cruise between islands, plus a crew that runs the day.
You’re also insulated from a common travel hassle: after a day with drinks, you don’t have to figure out how to get yourself back to your hotel area. If you select pickup, you’re handled from start to finish within Dubrovnik’s city area.
The trade-off is you’re not buying a private day. The boat can run busy, and two of the islands are short stops. So this is best when you’re happy to treat it as a “pick a few highlights” day.
Getting There Without Headaches: Pickup and Timing You Should Know
Pickup is offered if you choose it, but it’s limited to the area of Dubrovnik city. If your accommodation is outside that zone, you may need to make your own way to the meeting point.
Two practical tips:
- Send your exact pickup address or hotel name ahead of time so they can choose the best place to collect you.
- The driver waits no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled time. That’s quick. Plan buffer time.
This is a “show up ready” kind of day. The cruise is designed around movement between islands, and the schedule depends on everyone being on board.
The Boat Setup: Air-Conditioned Inside, Open-Air Outside

You’re on a boat that covers both weather moods:
- A closed, air-conditioned salon for shade and comfort.
- An open upper deck seating area for sea breeze and views.
There are five crew members, which helps explain the steady flow of service during lunch and drinks. In busy times, you may feel crowded on deck, so it helps to get settled early.
One thing I’d plan around: the cruise time between stops takes real time. You might feel like you’re constantly moving, even when the island time sounds straightforward on paper. In shared experiences, boarding around 9:00 am and getting back close to 5:30 pm is not unusual, so treat it as a true full-day outing.
Lunch on Board: Fish, Chicken, or Vegetarian That Actually Holds Up

Lunch is served on the boat and comes with a choice:
- Fish menu: grilled hake with potato salad and bread
- Meat menu: grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
- Vegetarian menu: grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread
This matters because you don’t have to hunt for lunch on the islands before things close or before you’re sweaty and hungry. The meal is part of the plan.
In addition, white wine with lunch has been referenced by some guests, and the experience is designed to keep you refreshed with still bottled water and soft drinks throughout the day.
If you’re picky about timing, note this: lunch happens on board, but your best beach moments are still coming later—especially on Lopud. So don’t let a full stomach steal your swim time.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dubrovnik
Island Stop 1: Lopud and Šunj Beach (Why This One Deserves Most Your Time)

Lopud is the anchor stop, with about 3 hours on the island. This is where the day feels most complete: village strolls, historic touches, and beach time in one package.
What you’ll enjoy on Lopud:
- A tranquil village with stone houses surrounded by greenery
- Shops and cafés for an easy break
- Šunj Beach, famous for its sandy shore and clear water
- A 15th-century Franciscan Monastery if you want something calm and historical
- A botanical garden with Mediterranean plant life
Views come with the walking. You’ll keep seeing the Adriatic and the surrounding islands between your stops.
Now for the practical beach tip: Šunj Beach is on the far side of Lopud from parts of town. Some people use golf-cart taxis to avoid a steep uphill walk and save time (one shared tip describes them as costing only a few euros). If you’re traveling with older folks, or you’re not feeling the legs that day, this is a smart way to protect your energy.
Possible consideration: island life can vary by season. One shared experience in October described the island as quieter and noted that Šunj Beach didn’t look its best due to conditions like rubbish. If you’re traveling late in the shoulder season, expect some places to be less active, and always judge the beach when you arrive.
Island Stop 2: Šipan in About an Hour (Short, Pretty, and Swim-Friendly)

Šipan is your middle stop with about 1 hour. That’s not long, so you’ll want to treat it like a “see a little, swim a little, reset” stop.
On Šipan, the vibe is nature and slower walking:
- Olive groves and vineyards
- Rolling hills and quiet trails
- Stone houses and peaceful streets
- Crystal-clear water around the island, good for a refreshing swim
- Small cafés and shops to grab a drink or snack
The upside is that the scenery comes fast. Even with limited time, you can get those postcard moments: green hills, sea views, and little coves.
The downside is obvious: an hour disappears. If you’re the type who wants to fully explore one island center and still make it to a beach, you may feel rushed here. Plan to pick one walk route, then make your swim the priority.
If you enjoy wine-style experiences, there’s mention of a wine tasting opportunity near the dock on Šipan in at least one shared account. That’s not something you should build your entire hour around, but it’s a nice optional add-on if it’s happening when you’re there.
Island Stop 3: Koločep for the Calm Finish and Possible Sandy Swim

Koločep is the last island, with about 1 hour. It’s described as the most tranquil of the three—great if you want to end the day with quiet and water time.
Expect:
- Lush greenery, olive trees, and calm coastal paths
- Traditional stone houses and small churches
- A serene feeling that makes the final stretch of the day feel like a reset
- Swim time in clear water, plus the option to grab a drink at a local café
One practical swimming note from a shared experience: if you want a sandy beach feel without chasing it far, Koločep’s beach near the harbour is often the easiest option.
Timing works in your favor. By the end of the day, you’re usually warmed up and ready for one last dip—without trying to cram in major sightseeing.
Drinks, Extras, and What’s Included vs Purchased
Included across the day:
- Still bottled water
- Assorted soft drinks (lemonade, juices)
Lunch is the point where the included alcohol shows up, with wine included with lunch in the tour highlight description and echoed by shared experiences.
Everything else depends on what you order:
- There are additional drinks available for purchase on board like coffee, tea, and beer.
This setup gives you flexibility. You can stick with the included items and still feel taken care of. Or if you’re a “one more coffee, thanks” person, you can add it without searching for a bar ashore.
Timing Tips That Make the Day Feel Easier
A full-day cruise between islands has a sneaky schedule reality: travel time takes time. So you’re not only deciding how long you’ll spend on each island; you’re also deciding how to handle the hours on the water.
A few tips that help you enjoy it:
- Bring a swimsuit and assume you’ll swim more than once. You’ll have breaks that make it easy.
- If you plan to snorkel, snorkeling equipment is not included, so you’ll need to bring your own if you care.
- Towels are not included, so pack one (or plan to buy/borrow a towel elsewhere if that works for your trip).
- Arrive early during busy periods so you can get a good spot—shared accounts describe crowding on deck in peak season, even if the boat is comfortable overall.
Also, don’t overpack. You want to move through island streets and back onto the boat without turning it into a luggage workout.
Who Should Book This Cruise (And Who Might Want a Different Day)
This is a strong fit if you:
- Want to get out of Dubrovnik traffic and pace your day with the sea
- Like the idea of one big island focus (Lopud) and shorter “taste” stops after
- Want lunch and drinks handled so you can focus on beach time and views
- Prefer hotel pickup to simplify your day
It’s less ideal if you:
- Want long stays on all islands, not just Lopud
- Get cranky when the day includes travel time between stops (you’ll be on the move)
- Have limited mobility and dislike steep walks—some areas on islands may involve hilly terrain, and using a taxi option on Lopud can help
And if you hate crowded spaces in general: you might still feel packed at peak season, though the boat has indoor and outdoor areas to manage it.
Should You Book This Premium Three-Island Cruise?
I’d book it if you want an easy, value-heavy day away from Dubrovnik with real beach time on Lopud, a good lunch on board, and included drinks that make the day feel like a treat rather than a checklist.
You should also book it if you like this simple plan: swim, stroll, snack, repeat—without spending your holiday energy on ferry logistics or hunting down lunch.
Just come prepared. Bring a swimsuit, bring a towel, and don’t assume snorkeling gear is part of the deal. If you’re traveling later in the season, keep expectations flexible for island conditions and opening hours, especially around popular beach areas.
If that sounds like your kind of day, this cruise is an excellent way to spend it.
FAQ
How long is the Premium Three Island Cruise from Dubrovnik?
The tour runs about 8 hours (approx.), with a full day spent cruising and visiting three islands.
Which islands are included?
You’ll visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.
Is lunch included, and what are the choices?
Yes. Lunch is freshly prepared on board with a choice of a fish menu, a meat menu, or a vegetarian menu. The meal is served with potato salad and bread.
Are drinks included?
Bottled still water and assorted soft drinks are included. Wine is included with lunch, and additional drinks like coffee, tea, and beer are available for purchase.
Do I need snorkeling equipment or towels?
Snorkeling equipment is not included, and towels are not included. If you want to snorkel, bring your own gear and a towel.
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup is offered if you select that option. Pickup is only in the Dubrovnik city area, and the driver waits no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.
What happens if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






























