Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat tour is its easy rhythm: cruise, step ashore, look around, swim if you like, then return to a grilled lunch and a cold drink. You visit Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, three Elafiti Islands with pine and carob trees, old chapels, gardens, beaches, and traces of medieval life.

I like the freshly grilled lunch and the fact that drinks are included without a running tab. I also like the small-boat feel, with tables, shade, a toilet, music, and room for no more than 60 people. The main drawback is simple: free time on the islands may feel too short if you want serious sightseeing, and one disappointed passenger found the stops offered little beyond the beach.

At a glance: what makes this boat day useful

• Three Elafiti Islands in one day: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan give you a broad look at the island group without arranging separate ferries.
• Lunch is cooked during the outing: Pick grilled hake, chicken breast, or grilled vegetables, each served with three seasonal salads.
• Unlimited drinks are included: Red and white wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the trip.
• A relaxed boat setup: Tables, benches, sun shade, toilet, kitchen, grill, and speakers make the ride comfortable for a full day.
• Hotel pickup and return: The day begins at Dubrovnik’s Lapadska obala 5 meeting point, with transfer service back after the cruise.
• A strong overall record: The experience is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 215 reviews, with 95 percent recommending it.

Why this is one of Dubrovnik’s easiest full-day outings

Dubrovnik’s old town can feel intense in summer. Stone streets, crowds, stairs, and strong sun call for a change of pace. This outing gives you one full day on the water, with the sightseeing built around the three Elafiti Islands.

You do not need to plan ferry times or decide which island deserves your limited holiday hours. The boat handles the movement between stops, while the captain gives brief advice about what to see and do when you arrive. That keeps the day simple, though it also means you are accepting the operator’s schedule rather than setting your own.

The boat is designed for relaxation rather than luxury. You get benches and tables, a shaded area, music, a toilet, and a working kitchen with a grill. The maximum group size is 60, so this is not a private cruise, but it is also not described as a huge ship excursion.

At $72.59 per person, the price is fair if you make use of the full package. A boat ride, transfers, lunch, three island stops, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks would cost more if arranged separately. The value is weaker if you mainly want long beach time or detailed historical touring.

Meeting at 9 a.m. and heading out from Dubrovnik

The stated meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, in Dubrovnik, with a 9 a.m. start. Morning pickup from your hotel or apartment is also described, so confirm the exact pickup arrangement when you book. The day ends back at the meeting point, followed by transfer service to your accommodation.

That detail matters. A full day on the islands can be tiring, and not having to find your own way back is useful. It also means you should allow the entire day for the experience. The advertised duration is about eight hours, so do not plan a tightly timed evening activity immediately afterward.

Once aboard, find a spot under the shade if you prefer to stay out of the sun. The boat has benches and tables for lunch, but seating preferences may be easier to manage if you arrive ready for the morning departure. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling equipment if you want to swim or snorkel. Snorkeling gear is not supplied.

Koločep, the first taste of the Elafiti Islands

Koločep is one of the three island stops and helps set the tone for the day. The Elafiti group is known for pine and carob trees, quiet gardens, pebble beaches, and small religious buildings. The captain gives a short introduction before you have time to explore on your own.

Do not expect a long guided walk or a detailed lecture. The format is closer to orientation followed by free time. You can use the stop to stroll, find a beach, take photographs, or look for a place to swim.

This is a good match for you if you enjoy unhurried island time. It is less suitable if you need a packed schedule of named monuments and formal explanations. One of the few negative comments about the outing came from someone who felt the islands offered little beyond the beach. That is a useful warning: the main attraction here is the calm setting and coastal break, not a long list of major sights.

Lopud and the pleasure of doing less

Lopud gives you another chance to step off the boat and set your own pace. The island visits are not presented as guided tours with entrance tickets. Instead, you receive suggestions from the captain and then explore independently.

You might spend your time walking among old churches, chapels, gardens, and stone buildings, or simply find a pebble beach. The free time is also a chance to cool off in the sea, though swimming and snorkeling are dependent on weather and your own comfort.

This stop works well after a busy morning in Dubrovnik. You can wander for a while, then return to the boat for lunch and drinks. The tradeoff is that a short stop can leave you wishing for more time, especially if you want both a swim and a walk.

Keep your expectations in the right place. This is not a deep historical tour of Lopud. It is a scenic island call within a larger day on the water. If you value flexibility more than a guide beside you at every step, that arrangement is appealing.

Šipan, gardens, churches, and old stone traces

Šipan adds another side of the island group. The information for the outing points to ancient churches, chapels, castles, and gardens, along with the natural cover of pine and carob trees. As with the other stops, you get a brief introduction and free time rather than a formal monument tour.

This may be the most rewarding stop for anyone who likes to look beyond the shoreline. You can keep an eye out for old religious buildings and stone architecture, then return to the water if the day’s schedule allows. Entrance fees to local monuments are not included, so check before entering any site.

Because the captain’s explanation is brief, you should treat Šipan as a self-guided visit. Take the provided suggestions, then choose what interests you. The island stop is valuable precisely because it gives you a break from the organized part of the day, but it will not satisfy everyone seeking detailed cultural context.

Lunch on the boat, grilled while you watch

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. You select your meal when booking, and the chef prepares it during the outing. The stated choices are:

• Fish meal: grilled hake with three seasonal salads
• Meat meal: grilled chicken breast with three seasonal salads
• Vegetarian meal: grilled vegetables with three different salads

The food is served on the boat, and the grill is part of the vessel’s kitchen setup. That makes lunch feel connected to the day rather than like a boxed meal handed out during a transfer.

The meal choice is important to arrange in advance. You are asked to provide your preference when booking, and you should also state any food allergies or dietary requirements at that point. A vegetarian option is available, but special requests should not be left until boarding.

Past ratings give the meal unusually strong emphasis. The comments repeatedly praise the food, with special approval for the lunch being freshly prepared and served aboard. That does not make this a restaurant cruise, and the menu is limited, but it is a practical, satisfying meal for a day outside.

Unlimited drinks and the social side of the cruise

Included drinks are red and white wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water. This can add real value to the price, particularly if you enjoy a glass with lunch or want soft drinks available throughout the day.

Use common sense with the alcohol. You are on a boat, walking on islands, and possibly swimming. Unlimited wine and grappa are part of the offer, but the best version of this day is one where you stay comfortable and alert enough to enjoy the stops.

The drinks also help create the outing’s social mood. Music plays through speakers, tables encourage shared meals, and the boat has a friendly, informal setup. If you want quiet time, the music and group atmosphere may not suit you every minute. If you want an easygoing day with a crew and other people around, it is part of the appeal.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew receives some of the clearest praise. Natasha is singled out as an excellent guide in one account, while the wider crew is described as friendly, hardworking, and fun. Another strong point is the boat’s cleanliness.

The captain gives short explanations at each island. That is enough to help you decide how to spend your free time, but not enough to replace a specialist history guide. You should see the crew as hosts who keep the day moving and pleasant, not as museum educators.

That distinction helps you decide if this tour fits. I would choose it for practical service, food, drinks, and scenery. I would choose a dedicated walking tour instead if your main goal is detailed medieval history.

Weather, swimming, and what can go wrong

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is sensible for a full day at sea, but communication matters.

One cancellation caused a serious problem when a passenger reached the meeting point and only learned about the weather issue after contacting the operator. The reported extra transport cost was 60 euros. You can reduce this risk by confirming the departure directly, especially when the forecast looks poor, rather than assuming the boat will sail.

The islands offer pebble beaches and chances for swimming and snorkeling, but sea time is not guaranteed as a separate, fixed activity. Conditions, timing, and your own choice affect how much water time you get. Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want it.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day away from Dubrovnik’s walls, prefer a relaxed schedule, and like having lunch and drinks included. It is also useful for couples, families, and small groups who want to see several islands without managing transport themselves.

It suits people who enjoy a mixture of boat time, short independent walks, beaches, and a social meal. The service-animal policy and proximity to public transportation may help some visitors, and most people can participate according to the supplied tour details.

I would hesitate if you want long, serious hikes, extensive guided history, or a quiet private boat. I would also be cautious if your idea of an island visit requires many formal attractions. The free time is a pleasant pause, but one person found the islands too limited beyond the beach.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. That policy makes it wise to decide early and keep an eye on the forecast.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want value through convenience: three islands, a freshly cooked lunch, unlimited drinks, a shaded boat, and return transport in one day. The 4.8 rating from 215 reviews and 95 percent recommendation rate match the outing’s strongest qualities, especially the food, crew, cleanliness, and relaxed pace.

Skip it if you need a tightly structured cultural tour or hours of uninterrupted beach time. For most people looking for an uncomplicated day on the Adriatic, though, this is a sensible addition to a Dubrovnik visit. Choose your meal in advance, bring swim gear and snorkeling equipment if wanted, confirm the meeting details, and let the islands provide the scenery.

FAQ

Where does the Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour begin?

The stated meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The start time is 9 a.m., and morning pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel or apartment is also described.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including the boat journey, three island stops, lunch, and the return transfer.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The tour visits Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan in the Elafiti Islands near Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is freshly prepared on the boat. You can select grilled hake, grilled chicken breast, or grilled vegetables, with three seasonal salads served with each option.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited red and white wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes, if you want to snorkel. You are advised to bring your own equipment. The islands also offer pebble beaches and opportunities for swimming.

Are entrance fees to monuments included?

No. Entrance fees to local monuments are not included in the tour price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts.