From Dubrovnik: Boat Tour to Kolocep, Lopud, & Sipan Islands

Three islands, one smooth boat day. This tour is interesting because it blends Koločep’s lush walking mood with Lopud’s car-free seaside time, plus a proper lunch and an open bar that keeps the day feeling easy. The one drawback to plan for is that the stops are timed, so the first two islands can feel a little short if you want to go deep on beaches or hikes.

You meet the crew at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building, and the blue boat, Emili, will not arrive before then. Once aboard, hosts like Natasha and Emily (with the rest of the team on hand, including Darko and Marco) help the day run smoothly, with clear guidance before each island stop.

Key points you will actually care about

• Car-free Lopud time with a generous stretch of about 3 hours and access to Sunj beach
• Open bar throughout the day, including water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink
• Lunch is included and comes with real portion size, plus you choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• Balanced island pacing, typically around an hour on Koločep and Šipan, then longer on Lopud
• Good swim opportunities in clear Adriatic water, with time to explore sandy spots like Sunj
• Optional Blue Cave add-on by speed boat for an extra fee, if you want more adventure

Why this Elaphiti day trip is such good value from Dubrovnik

At around $76 per person for an 8 to 9 hour day, the math makes sense only if what you get feels substantial. This one does. You are not just hopping off a boat for photos. You have full boat transportation, lunch on board, and drinks running through the whole trip. That combination matters in Dubrovnik, where island ferries, meals, and drinks can quietly stack up.

You also get variety without changing locations on your own. Koločep brings greenery and calm. Šipan feels bigger and more rural, known for olive trees. Lopud gives you the classic car-free island village vibe, plus a beach option that people specifically talk about: Sunj. In one day, you get the “three different moods” effect, not just three scenic backdrops.

The day is also guided in a practical way. Before each stop, the crew helps you choose what to do with the time you have, whether that is swimming first or wandering for shade.

Getting onto the boat: the Emili meeting point and timing that keeps things calm

Logistics can ruin island days. Here, the start is built to reduce stress. You go to the bus stop across the University building at 8:45, and the blue boat Emili will not arrive before then. That detail sounds small, but it prevents you from wasting time wandering the wrong dock.

If pickup is available for your exact lodging, it is optional and you will be told the pick up location and time one day before. Otherwise, plan to get to the meeting point early enough to walk over calmly. Once you are aboard, you’ll notice a big theme in how the crew works: constant attention. Drinks get topped up, questions get answered quickly, and the team keeps the day moving without making you feel herded.

One more practical note: because this is a full day on the water, bring swimwear even if you think you will only dip your feet. The stops are built around swimming time, and you will likely want to use it.

Koločep: the greener start where a short stop still feels worthwhile

Koločep is one of the Elaphiti islands that feels “walkable and breathable.” It is known for diverse nature and vegetation, and that matters because it gives you options even when your stop is not long. Plan for about an hour here, which is enough time to do one good loop, find a comfortable spot to relax by the water, or enjoy the island’s shaded greenery without rushing.

What I like about this first stop is that it sets the tone for the rest of the day. You arrive from Dubrovnik with city energy. Koločep typically shifts you into island mode fast, where it feels natural to slow down and take in the coastline.

If you want the best experience from that limited time, do this:

• Go swimming early, before you get tempted to keep walking for “just one more viewpoint.”
• Bring water shoes if you think you might step into rocky edges around the shoreline.

Šipan: olive-tree island time for a swim and a quieter pace

Šipan is the largest of the inhabited Elaphiti islands, and it is often described as the island of olive trees. That gives it a different feel than Koločep. Where Koločep reads as lush and varied, Šipan feels more rooted, with a wider “island settlement” presence and a calmer rhythm.

Your time here is typically around an hour. The goal is not a long hike. It is time to enjoy the Adriatic water, possibly snorkel, and then reset before the main island stop.

Swimming is the point. One helpful caution from real-world experience: there are sea urchins. If you plan to snorkel or step into shallows, you’ll feel safer using goggles and taking your time on where you place your feet. Clear water is amazing, but it does not guarantee the bottom is comfortable everywhere.

If you are the type who loves a slow conversation over scenery, Šipan works well. You get enough time to explore a little, then return to the water break that most people end up remembering.

Lopud’s car-free island feeling, plus Sunj beach time you will plan around

Lopud is where the schedule gives you more freedom. You get about 3 hours, and that extra time is what makes Lopud the favorite for many people. The island is car-free, which changes the soundscape immediately. Without traffic, it feels more like strolling through a coastal village than a destination you rush through.

Lopud also gives you choices for how to spend the 3 hours:

• Focus on the water, especially if you want to swim repeatedly.
• Walk to viewpoints and keep your plan flexible around shade.
• Spend time on the sand at Sunj beach, the spot people consistently highlight.

Sunj beach is popular. That popularity comes with reality: sun beds and umbrellas cost extra, and in hot weather you may pay for shade because waiting is painful. If you bring a towel and plan to sit off the expensive setup, do it with your expectations set. You are still there for the water, not the chair.

One small operational detail you may not expect: there can be a buggy option to reach the beach across the island. If you do that, treat it like part of your day planning, not an afterthought. It helps you use your 3 hours on the beach instead of losing time walking in heat.

On-board lunch on Emili: a real meal beats another day of snacks

Lunch is one of the strongest “quietly valuable” parts of this trip. You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian meal options. It is served on board, and the portion size is consistently described as generous, not a token plate.

If you like chicken, you can expect it served with potato and tomatoes. For fish, people often talk about it as one of the best meals of the trip, which tells you the kitchen is aiming for more than survival food. Vegetarian choices are available too, so you are not stuck with bread and fruit.

A practical way to enjoy lunch: eat before your biggest swim window if you can. The day includes multiple water breaks, and you do not want to feel too full when you are trying to move comfortably in the water.

The open bar that actually makes the day easier

This is not a “one drink and goodbye” setup. The open bar runs through the day, with water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink included. The crew stays on top of refills, and that is a big deal when the boat is full.

I like that the drinks are part of the overall experience, not something you have to chase down. It turns the ride into a social, relaxed cruise where you can stay present with the islands instead of thinking about how thirsty you are or where to buy your next drink.

What to keep in mind: the boat includes branded fizzy drinks and soft options. Some extras you might want ashore, like coffee or certain beers, are separate and cost extra.

Blue Cave add-on: worth it if you want a short burst of wow

There is an optional add-on for the Blue Cave by speed boat for an extra fee. If you choose it, you should expect it to be brief and to involve some crowding, because the cave is a popular stop. The benefit is the quick, bright contrast against the sea, which many people find memorable even if it is short.

This add-on makes sense if you already like the idea of sea caves and you do not mind that “most of your day” is still spent on Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. It is not required for this tour to feel complete.

Pacing and group energy: how to get the most from each hour

The schedule works like this: about an hour on Koločep, about an hour on Šipan, and about 3 hours on Lopud. That pacing is designed for variety. It is also designed for people who want to see more than one island without spending the entire day traveling.

The upside is that you finish the day with three different island memories, not one long, repetitive beach session. The downside is that you do not get a lot of time to do everything on the first two islands. So you need to pick one “must-do” per stop.

My simple strategy:

• Koločep: swim or short walk, then back.
• Šipan: swim and take it easy.
• Lopud: beach time, preferably Sunj, and build in shade.

The boat itself helps the pacing. Reviews describe the boat as clean and pleasant, with shade areas, and you can find a comfortable spot while waiting to arrive at the next stop. Music on board also keeps the mood light without taking over the day.

Swimming rules, sea comfort, and what to pack

Swimming is a core part of the experience, but comfort depends on what you bring and how you behave.

Pack the basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Goggles if you plan to snorkel
• Water shoes or protective footwear if you are unsure about rocky edges
• Sunscreen and a hat, because you will likely spend time in open sun at beaches

Also know that the rules around jumping straight into the water can vary. Some experiences note restrictions on jumping. So think in terms of stepping into the sea or using normal boarding options rather than expecting a free-for-all jump.

The water tends to be clear. Clear water looks great and helps with snorkeling, but it does not remove hazards like sea urchins, so treat it as a reason to go prepared, not as a guarantee of soft footing.

Who this trip is best for, and who should think twice

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want a structured full-day island visit from Dubrovnik without planning ferries
• Like swimming and want multiple chances
• Prefer a guided experience with lunch and drinks included
• Enjoy a relaxed day with attentive crew support

It is also a good fit for couples and small groups who want a smooth, social day on the water. The car-free Lopud stop feels especially nice if you are tired of walking in busy Dubrovnik streets and want quieter island time.

Consider thinking twice if you:

• Want long stays on each island, like half-day explorations
• Are very sensitive to sun and heat, since Lopud and Sunj can be exposed
• Are expecting lots of time for deep snorkeling or long hikes, because the schedule is built for variety, not extended training sessions

Should you book the Dubrovnik to Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan boat tour?

If you want an easy, well-fed, drink-included day that still gives you three distinct islands, I would book it. The value is strong because the price includes the parts that are usually the most annoying to coordinate: transport plus lunch plus drinks. The pacing also feels right for most people, especially when Lopud gives you those extra hours on the car-free island.

Book it with one mindset: this is a day of highlights, not a “live like a local for a week” slow travel fantasy. If that matches your style, you’ll love how smoothly the crew runs things, how satisfying the lunch feels, and how memorable Sunj beach can be when you have time to actually relax there.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Dubrovnik boat tour?

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

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for 8 to 9 hours.

What islands are included in the trip?

The tour visits the Elaphiti islands of Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Yes, lunch is included on board, and you can choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

What drinks are included during the day?

There is an open bar throughout the day, including water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink.

Is there an optional Blue Cave experience?

Yes. There is an optional Blue Cave add-on by speed boat for an extra fee (one guest reported it as 20 euro).