From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks

Getting off the mainland feels like therapy. This premium three-island boat day trades Dubrovnik crowds for island time, with lunch and wine included and plenty of free hours to swim and wander. You’ll hop between Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep without planning ferries or transfers yourself.

I particularly like the hotel pickup inside Dubrovnik (so you do not have to figure out your ride after you’ve had a few drinks). I also like the onboard setup, with a closed, air-conditioned salon plus open deck seating, so you can choose shade or views.

One thing to consider: the day is long enough that timing matters, and in some seasons some places may be closed or look a bit tired. If you’re very dependent on nonstop beach access or specific sights being open, go with flexibility.

Key things you should know before you go

• Three islands, one day: Most of your time is on Lopud, with shorter island stops on Šipan and Koločep.
• Food and drinks are part of the value: Lunch comes on board with a fish, meat, or vegetarian choice, and wine is included with the meal.
• Comfort on the water: Air-conditioned interior plus an upper deck helps when the sun gets strong.
• Bring the basics yourself: Towels and snorkeling gear are not included, so plan accordingly.
• You’ll likely ride a bit longer than island time: Sailing between stops takes real time, so expect the day to feel full.

Why this Elaphiti cruise works as a Dubrovnik reset

Dubrovnik can be a lot, even when you love it. This kind of trip gives you a cleaner day rhythm: you leave the city, slow down on the water, and spend your time on small islands with beaches, olive trees, and quiet streets.

What makes it feel like good value is that you’re not only paying for boat transport. You’re paying for a structured day that includes a proper meal and included wine, plus water and soft drinks, all while you sit back and watch the Adriatic change color as you travel.

You also get a practical buffer for anyone who does not love logistics. With pickup available in the Dubrovnik city area, you’re not trying to squeeze in taxis or transit right after dinner.

The boat ride: seats, shade, and how the crew keeps things moving

This is a full-day boat tour with a maximum size of 110 travelers, supported by a crew of 5. The boat has a closed, air-conditioned salon and also open upper deck seating, which matters because Dubrovnik weather can flip from mild to hot fast.

In plain terms, you’ll do better if you plan your comfort like this:

• If you want temperature control, spend time inside when it’s warm.
• If you want photos and sea views, move to the upper deck during sailing.

The onboard service is part of the experience. Multiple people highlight how the crew circulates with drinks and stays attentive during the day. That becomes a real benefit when you’re hopping islands and you want your pace to stay easy rather than constantly self-serve hunting.

One more small detail that makes a difference: the boat stops at piers at each island, so getting on and off is generally straightforward. You should still wear practical footwear, because island streets are often uneven, but you’re not dealing with messy transfers through surf.

Lunch on board: fish, chicken, or vegetables, plus wine

Food is one of the biggest quality signals on any island day. Here, you get lunch prepared fresh on board. The menu choices are:

• Fish: grilled hake with potato salad and bread
• Meat: grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
• Vegetarian: grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread

The best part for value is that lunch is included in the price, and wine is included with the meal. People also note that portions are satisfying, not a token snack.

A balanced tip from what I’d do: if you want to keep the day relaxed, treat lunch as your anchor meal. There are definitely food options on the islands, but deciding in advance makes the day smoother, especially when you’re rotating between swimming and exploring.

Also keep in mind that additional drinks like coffee, tea, and beer are available for purchase on board. So you can stick to included soft drinks and water, or top up if you want.

Lopud Island: Šunj Beach, monastery vibes, and using 3 hours well

Lopud is the main event. You get about 3 hours here, and it has the most to do in the group. You’ll see a tranquil village with stone houses and greenery, plus shops and cafés that make it feel like a real place and not just a drop-off point.

Sunj Beach is the big reason people love this stop. It’s known for its sandy stretch and clear water. One practical strategy if you’re aiming to maximize beach time: plan to head to the side of Lopud where Sunj Beach sits, because it takes extra effort to reach on foot.

A common tip is to use the local golf cart taxi to cut the uphill walk. It can save time and keep you from arriving at the beach already exhausted. People say it costs a few euros, and it’s an easy choice if you’re traveling with anyone who has limited stamina.

While you’re there, you can also add small history and nature stops at your own pace:

• A 15th-century Franciscan monastery for a quieter, contemplative visit
• A botanical garden (good for a slow wander if it’s open)

Here’s the consideration: Lopud can look and feel different by season. In late season, some facilities may be closed, and some beaches can be less tidy than peak summer days. If you’re going in shoulder season, adjust your expectations to the bigger picture: islands, swimming, and calm rather than a perfectly operating lineup of every attraction.

Šipan Island in 1 hour: olive groves, swims, and the pocket of quiet

Šipan gets about 1 hour, so this stop is for people who like quick hits: a short walk, a swim, and then back to the boat feeling like you still had time to breathe.

On Šipan, the vibe is greenery and slow rural paths. You’ll see olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills, and stone houses tucked into the island. There are walking trails that let you move at a comfortable pace, and the water around the island is clear enough to make a refreshing dip worth planning for.

The island also has local cafés and shops, which is a smart way to fill a short hour without overcommitting. If you want to buy a small snack or cool drink, this is where it fits.

A side note that can be fun if you enjoy wine: people mention a wine tasting near the dock area on Šipan. Since this is not part of the onboard lunch, you’d treat it as an optional add-on you can choose if you see it while you’re on shore.

The main drawback here is simple timing. With only an hour, you will not see everything. So choose what you want most: a couple of photos plus a swim, or a quick village stroll plus time to sit.

Koločep Island: the quiet finale and where to linger for the beach

Koločep closes the loop with about 1 hour and often feels like the calmest of the three. If Lopud is the lively sandy highlight, Koločep is more about relaxed wandering, olive trees, and coastal paths.

You’ll find traditional stone houses and small churches tucked into quiet streets. It’s a good stop if you want the last part of the day to feel less hurried and more like a slow ending.

Swimming is the point here too. The water is clear, and there are beaches where you can just stay and enjoy the sea. One practical tip from experience of others: Koločep has a sandy beach near the harbor area, which can make it easier to settle quickly without a long walk.

Given you only have an hour, I’d do this:

• Take a short walk for views.
• Spend your remaining time in the water.
• Plan to be back at the meeting spot with enough buffer for boarding.

That buffer matters because island-to-boat transitions eat minutes fast when groups are returning at once.

Drinks and onboard extras: what’s included versus what you buy

The tour includes bottled still water during the day, plus assorted soft drinks like lemonade and juices. Wine is included with the onboard lunch, which is the big drinks perk for most people.

If you crave something else, you’re not stuck. Coffee, tea, and beer are available to purchase on board. So the day can be as simple as water plus wine with lunch, or you can add more if that’s your style.

One reason this works well for value is that the included drinks reduce decision fatigue. You do not have to keep budgeting for snacks and beverages while also trying to enjoy the islands.

Timing, crowds, and where to sit on a busy day

Even with a cap of 110 travelers, the ferry can feel crowded in peak season. That affects comfort more than it affects access, meaning you might not always get your exact favorite seat at every moment.

My advice is to treat the boarding moment like you’re boarding an early show:

• Arrive on time for pickup and assembly.
• When you first get on, choose a seat you’ll be happy with during the sailing.

If you want the best combination of shade and views, you may rotate between interior and deck as conditions change.

Also plan for the day to feel full, not just a couple of short walks and a lunch. Sailing between islands adds time. If you’re trying to fit a dinner plan the same night, I’d keep it simple and allow extra travel buffer.

Price and value: what $48.39 is buying you in real terms

$48.39 sounds like a steal for an all-day boat outing, and the math is strong because you’re packing multiple costs into one ticket. You’re paying for:

• Full-day boat time across three islands
• Lunch on board, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• Included wine with the meal
• Water and soft drinks
• Friendly crew service and comfort spaces on the boat
• Optional hotel pickup within Dubrovnik city limits

If you were to do this independently, you would likely spend money on transport, meals, and then drinks and snacks on top. Even if island ferries are not wildly expensive, it’s the onboard meal and included drinks that turn this into a budget-friendly day without constant spending.

So yes, I’d call it good value, especially if you want a full day away from Old Town without planning your own route.

Who should book this, and who might want a different style

This is a great fit for you if:

• You want an easy, one-ticket day away from Dubrovnik.
• You like beaches and swimming, not just sightseeing.
• You prefer a structured day with lunch included and time to wander.
• You’re traveling with family or mixed ages and want everyone to have options without heavy hiking.

It may be less ideal if:

• You want lots of time on every island. Šipan and Koločep are both short stops.
• You are very sensitive to whether a beach or specific attraction is open and in perfect condition.
• You hate long days on the water. Sailing time matters here.

If you’re trying to pick between doing the Old Town on foot versus an island day, this cruise is the one that lets you reset. Old Town is intense. Islands are slower. This balances your trip.

Should you book this three-island cruise from Dubrovnik?

I think you should book it if your goal is a relaxed, good-value island day where the meal and drinks are handled for you. The big win is the combination of included lunch plus wine and a pace that gives you time to swim at Lopud and still enjoy the calmer feel of Šipan and Koločep.

If your travel style is ultra-scheduled, with strict checklists, you might feel that the shorter island stops are too brief. But if you like breathing room and you want to end Dubrovnik time with clear water and sandy moments, this cruise does the job.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

Which islands are included?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared lunch is included on board with a fish, meat, or vegetarian option.

Are drinks included?

Still bottled water and assorted soft drinks are included. Wine is included with lunch, and additional drinks like coffee, tea, and beer are available for purchase on board.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered if you select that option, and pickup is only in the area of Dubrovnik city. You’ll need to send your accommodation address or hotel name.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment or towels?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How many people can be on the tour?

The maximum group size is 110 travelers.

Will I return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.