From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks

The best part of this Elaphiti Islands cruise is its easy rhythm. You leave Dubrovnik’s traffic behind, settle into a boat with lunch and drinks included, then spend the day moving between quiet villages, sandy beaches, and clear Adriatic water. It is less about a guided lecture and more about having time to swim, stroll, eat, and enjoy the ride.

I like the strong value at $48.39 per person, especially with an eight-hour boat trip, lunch, water, soft drinks, and wine included. I also like the useful mix of stops: Lopud gives you the most time and the widest choice of things to do, while Šipan and Koločep offer shorter, quieter breaks.

The main consideration is the schedule. Three hours on Lopud will feel generous if you want Šunj Beach, a café, and a walk through town. If you do not enjoy swimming or independent exploring, it may feel long. The one-hour stops on Šipan and Koločep can feel rushed by comparison.

What makes this boat day worth considering

• Three Elaphiti Islands in one day: Visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep without arranging separate ferries.
• Lunch and drinks included: Choose fish, chicken, or grilled vegetables, with water, soft drinks, and wine available.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud: Reach the famous sandy beach on foot or use a local golf cart taxi to save time.
• Eight hours away from Dubrovnik: This is a full day, not a quick half-day outing.
• Indoor and outdoor seating: The boat has a closed air-conditioned salon and an open upper deck.
• City pickup available: Pickup and return can be arranged within Dubrovnik, if you select that option.

Leaving Dubrovnik for the Elaphiti Islands

This cruise is designed as a simple escape from the city. Dubrovnik’s Old Town can be hot, crowded, and demanding on the feet. A day on the water gives you a change of pace without requiring a complicated plan.

The boat carries up to 110 people, so you should not expect a small private sailing trip. During busy months, arriving early is sensible if you want your preferred seat, especially on the upper deck. There is also a lower enclosed salon with air conditioning, which matters on a hot day or when the wind picks up.

The crew includes five people, and friendly service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Drinks may be brought around to your seat, and you can also get refreshments during the cruise. The included offering covers still water, assorted soft drinks such as lemonade and juices, and wine with the meal. Coffee, tea, beer, and other drinks are available for purchase, so check what is included before ordering from the extra drinks menu.

Pickup is offered from accommodations within Dubrovnik city limits. You need to provide the exact hotel or accommodation address so the operator can arrange the best meeting point. The driver waits no longer than two minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so be ready early rather than making the driver search for you.

Lopud gives you three hours to set your own pace

Lopud is the main stop, and the long stay makes sense. It has the most to do of the three islands, but it also requires you to plan your time.

The village is a pleasant place for a slow walk, with stone houses, greenery, cafés, shops, and views across the Adriatic. You can keep things simple and sit by the water, or use the time for a longer walk to Šunj Beach. The island also has a Franciscan monastery dating from the 15th century and a botanical garden with Mediterranean plants.

The botanical garden may not always be in perfect condition, and some attractions can be closed or poorly maintained late in the season. That is worth keeping in mind if you are expecting a polished sightseeing experience. Lopud works best when you treat it as a relaxed island stop rather than a formal heritage tour.

Getting to Šunj Beach

Šunj Beach is the main reason many people use Lopud’s three-hour window. It is on the far side of the island, so walking there and back takes a meaningful part of your stop. A local golf cart taxi can save roughly 30 minutes each way, according to practical advice from people who used it. The fare is paid separately.

The beach has a sandy shore and clear water, with loungers, umbrellas, and a marked swimming area available for an extra charge. It has more of a classic holiday beach feel than the quiet village side of Lopud. Pack a swimsuit, but remember that towels are not supplied.

If you are not interested in sunbathing, swimming, or a longer walk, three hours may seem excessive. You can fill the time with the village, a café, the monastery, and the beach, but Lopud rewards people who are comfortable exploring independently. The crew does not lead a tightly timed walking tour at every stop.

Lunch on board keeps the day simple

Lunch is freshly prepared on the boat and served during the cruise, generally on the way toward Šipan. 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 gourmet. That is fine for a day at sea, and portions have been described as generous. The fish option, in particular, has received strong praise, while the chicken and vegetarian choices give groups some flexibility.

A bottle of white wine may be placed on the table with lunch, and the included drinks make it easier to avoid a steady stream of small purchases. Still, do not expect every drink on the boat to be free. Coffee, tea, beer, and other items from the additional menu cost extra.

The lunch is also useful for the schedule. You do not need to spend your limited island time searching for a restaurant, and you can eat while the boat is moving. If you prefer local restaurant food, Lopud has cafés and restaurants, but that means giving up some exploring time and paying separately.

Šipan offers olive groves, vineyards, and a quieter hour

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, but this cruise gives you about one hour there. That is enough for a short walk, a café stop, or a quick look around the area near the pier. It is not enough for a long island hike.

The mood is peaceful. You will see stone houses, olive groves, vineyards, and low hills, with walking paths leading through the greenery. The water is clear and inviting, and a short swim can be a good use of the time if conditions allow.

There are cafés and small shops where you can get a taste of everyday Dalmatian island life. A wine tasting near the dock is another possible stop if it is operating and interests you, though it is not part of the included package.

Šipan is attractive because it feels less built up than Dubrovnik, but its short time slot creates a practical limit. You need to keep an eye on the departure time. A coffee and a short stroll work well. A long walk inland does not.

Koločep finishes the day on a calm note

Koločep is the final island, with about one hour to explore. It is known for its quiet streets, olive trees, coastal paths, traditional stone houses, and small churches. The pace here is gentle, which suits the end of a long day on the water.

A small beach close to the harbor can be convenient for a quick swim. Some people prefer saving their swim for Koločep because the beach is close to the boat, leaving less chance of a stressful return at departure time. You can also sit at a local café and enjoy a drink while looking out toward the Adriatic.

Like Šipan, Koločep is better for a short pause than a serious island expedition. The one-hour stop gives you enough time to stretch your legs and enjoy the setting, but not enough to see every corner. This uneven timing is the tour’s clearest weakness: Lopud may feel too long for some people, while the other islands may feel too short.

How the value works at $48.39

At $48.39, the price is strong for a full day that includes transportation between three islands, lunch, water, soft drinks, and wine. You also get a crew of five, indoor air-conditioned seating, an open deck, and the convenience of returning to Dubrovnik without arranging your own boat or bus.

The value becomes even clearer if you would otherwise pay separately for island transport and lunch. Hotel pickup, when selected, removes another small cost and saves you from finding the departure point.

The price does not cover towels, snorkeling equipment, or extra drinks such as coffee, tea, and beer. It also does not include pickup outside Dubrovnik city limits. These are not serious costs for most people, but they matter when you compare the total day budget.

The boat’s size cuts both ways. You get stable transport, plenty of seating, and service from a full crew. On the other hand, the cruise can feel busy in peak season. If you want silence, privacy, or a captain who changes course whenever you ask, choose a small private boat instead.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring a swimsuit and towel. The tour does not provide either, and the islands are best enjoyed with at least one swim.

You should also consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a small bag for dry clothes. If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment because it is not included. Carrying extra gear on a busy boat may be awkward, so pack lightly.

Arrive early if you want a good seat, especially during the high season. The open upper deck is useful for views and fresh air, while the air-conditioned salon is the better refuge from strong sun.

Keep some cash available for a golf cart taxi to Šunj Beach, beach chairs or umbrellas, cafés, wine tasting, and other purchases. These extras are optional, but they can make the day easier.

The best season for this island cruise

Good weather is required for the experience. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Summer gives you the best chance of open cafés, warm swimming water, and a lively beach at Šunj. It also brings the most crowded boat conditions. Arriving early becomes more important, and you should expect the islands to feel busier.

Late-season trips can be peaceful, but some island businesses may be closed. Šunj Beach may also be less carefully maintained after the main summer period. If swimming and open cafés are your priority, choose a warm-season date and keep a flexible attitude about the exact feel of each stop.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would recommend this cruise if you want a low-effort day outside Dubrovnik. It suits couples, families, and anyone who has already walked the Old Town and wants a slower day with swimming, food, and sea views.

It is especially good for you if you:

• Want to see three islands without arranging transport yourself
• Enjoy free time rather than a tightly guided walking tour
• Like combining sightseeing with swimming and cafés
• Want lunch and several drinks included in the price
• Are comfortable spending a full eight hours on a shared boat

I would hesitate if you dislike long days, dislike independent exploring, or expect detailed commentary throughout the cruise. One passenger wanted more information about the islands while underway, and that is a fair expectation to clarify. This is mainly a transport, food, and free-time experience, not a history-focused guided tour.

Older visitors and anyone with limited mobility should think carefully about Lopud. The path toward Šunj can involve a steep walk, and some sights are not close to the pier. The golf cart taxi helps, but it costs extra and may not always be immediately available.

Should you book the Three-Island Cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value change from Dubrovnik’s stone streets and are happy to set your own pace. The strongest parts are the low price, friendly crew, included meal and drinks, sandy Šunj Beach, and the chance to see three different islands in one day.

The key is knowing what you are buying. You are not signing up for a small, private sailing trip or a detailed guided tour. You are buying a comfortable shared boat day with three island stops, a generous amount of free time, and a simple lunch.

For most visitors, I think it is a worthwhile choice. Aim for Lopud’s beach, use the shorter stops for a swim or coffee, arrive early for a good seat, and bring your own towel. If your ideal day is quiet, flexible, and built around the sea, this cruise earns its place in a Dubrovnik itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours and ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in the Elaphiti Islands.

How much time do you get on Lopud?

You have about three hours on Lopud.

How much time do you get on Šipan and Koločep?

You have about one hour on Šipan and about one hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is prepared 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?

Still water and assorted soft drinks are included. Wine is also included with the meal. Coffee, tea, beer, and other additional drinks are available to buy.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is available if you select that option. Pickup is offered only within the Dubrovnik city area.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you need to bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Are towels provided?

No. You should bring your own towel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.