Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

Three islands, one easy day at sea. This Elaphiti cruise is a good swap for Dubrovnik’s streets because you get sea time, island walks, and swimming without planning a thing. I love the mix of long and short stops, so you get a real island feel on Lopud, then quicker cool-offs on Sipan and Kolocep. I also like the way the crew handles comfort and pace, with regular drink service and help when weather shifts. One thing to consider: the timetable is fixed, so if you want hours and hours on just one beach, this format may feel fast.

You meet the boat, then you’re off toward calmer water and better views. Hotel pickup is available in the City of Dubrovnik area if you choose that option, and the onboard experience stays easy and social with an English-speaking guide. The biggest potential drawback is simply the timing: Sipan and Kolocep are shorter, so you’ll see a lot, but you won’t go deep in any single place.

Key things I’d circle before booking

• Big blue boat, clear meeting time: arrive at 08:45 for the boat named Emili, so you do not get left behind
• Real swim breaks, not just sightseeing: snorkeling and swimming are part of the plan at island stops
• Lunch plus drinks are built in: water, soft drinks, wine, and brandy are included with your meal
• Lopud gets the longest time: about 3 hours for a village visit, a walk, and beach time
• Kolocep can mean a sandy beach stop: Sunj sandy beach is highlighted, with an option to reach it via golf buggy taxis

Meeting Emili at 08:45, then sailing past Dubrovnik’s crowds

This tour starts early enough to beat the worst cruise-day crush. Your meeting point is at 08:45 at the bus stop across the University building, and you should look for the big blue boat named Emili. The boat will not arrive before 08:45, so plan to be there on time with your swimsuit bag ready.

If you’re staying in the City of Dubrovnik area, you can usually add hotel pickup and drop-off, but it’s not offered for the whole Dubrovnik-Neretva region. If you’re farther out, you’ll need to make your way to the meeting spot yourself. That is normal for island day trips from Dubrovnik, and it helps keep the schedule tight.

Once everyone is aboard, the day shifts fast. You go from concrete and stone streets to wind in your face and open water views. For many people, that alone is the value here: it’s not just an island tour, it’s a break from Dubrovnik’s pace.

What the all-inclusive boat day feels like on deck

An eight-hour sea day works only if the boat experience is comfortable. This one is designed for exactly that. You have bottled water and a drinks setup that includes soft drinks like Coca-cola and Fanta, plus white wine and brandy. Lunch is included, and you also get guided support from a driver/guide and a local guide.

The boat itself is built for group comfort, and the seating tends to be shaded, which matters when the sun decides to show up. Clean toilets are also part of the practical package. It sounds basic, but on long boat days it can make or break the experience.

I also like how the crew runs the day with calm competence. There’s even a clear sign they pay attention to weather: when rain rolled in for one guest, the crew got the sides down quickly and handed out blankets. That kind of flexibility is worth more than you’d think, especially in shoulder seasons.

The 45-minute sightseeing cruise, your quick orientation to the Elaphiti Islands

After departure, you get a 45-minute sightseeing cruise. This is not long enough to feel like filler, and it’s not too short to skip the “wow” factor. You use this stretch to settle in, scan the coast, and get oriented before the island time starts.

Why this matters: island day trips can feel like you’re bouncing from place to place. A short cruise segment helps you understand where you are, so island stops make more sense when you step off. You also get that first taste of why the Elaphiti Islands are such a popular escape from Dubrovnik.

Lopud Island for 3 hours: the main stop with walks, swimming, and snorkeling

Lopud is the big one here, with about 3 hours on the island. Expect a mix of structured and free time: a photo stop, a visit, a guided tour, then room to wander on your own. You’ll also have time for swimming and snorkeling, plus the usual scenic views from the approach.

This is where the tour earns its keep. A 3-hour island block is enough to do something more than pose for photos. You can take a relaxed walk, check out the atmosphere, and then actually cool down. If you only care about beaches, you still benefit from the guided portion because you get context for what you’re seeing, even if you keep it casual.

A practical reality: snorkeling time depends on sea and weather. If conditions are calm, you can make the most of it. If not, you’ll still have swimming breaks. Either way, Lopud is the stop that lets you shift gears from “tour mode” to “island mode.”

Sipan Island for 1 hour: quick hits, photo stops, and a refresh break

Then comes Sipan, with about 1 hour. It’s shorter, so think of this stop as a chance to soak in the island feel without trying to do everything. You’ll have break time plus a photo stop, a visit, and time to walk around. The plan also includes swimming and snorkeling opportunities, along with a self-guided tour component.

Because the time is limited, I’d keep your expectations simple. You’re not coming here for a slow afternoon. You’re coming for quick views, a few photos, and that satisfying reset that comes from getting back in the water.

One smart approach for short stops like this is to pick one priority. If you want sea time, focus on that. If you’d rather explore, keep your walk efficient and save your energy for the next island.

Kolocep Island for 1 hour: scenic views and your best chance for Sunj beach time

Next up is Kolocep, also around 1 hour. You get another photo stop, a visit, free time, and time for walking. Like Lopud, the plan includes swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

This is where Sunj sandy beach enters the picture. It’s highlighted as a key feature, and that’s exactly the kind of beach you want after a swim or short snorkel session. There’s also an extra practical tip that can help: one guest noted you can use golf buggy taxis to get across from the final stop to a bigger beach area in a calm bay, with bars. If Sunj and the beach lounge vibe matter to you, it’s worth asking on-site what’s running and how it works for your timing.

Since your time is short, build your plan around the beach. Don’t try to do a long wander and still get a solid swim. This is one of those stops where speed can actually be a plus, as long as you stay organized.

Lunch on the water: grilled options, portion size, and drink pacing

Lunch is included, and it’s not the sad, afterthought style meal you sometimes get on boat tours. There are three lunch options when booking, which is a big deal for picky eaters and dietary needs.

From the meal feedback, one example included grilled vegetables with potato salad. Another option may include fish, and one guest specifically warned that the fish version can come with small bones. If you’re sensitive to that, choose your lunch option with care when you book.

How it feels during the day matters. Lunch lands right in the flow of sea time, so it’s not “real food” you eat while still thinking about the next stop. It’s food to refuel, then you’re back out for swimming, walking, or just relaxing.

Drinks are part of the package too. You’ll have access to soft drinks like Coca-cola and Fanta, plus white wine and brandy. One guest described the drinks as generous and the portion of food as generous as well. That lines up with the value of an all-inclusive format: you can stay relaxed without doing math every time you want another cup of water or a glass of something cold.

Snorkeling and swimming: how to make the most of the island windows

This tour is built around snorkeling and swimming opportunities, and the stops are timed so you get repeated chances, not just one. Here’s the practical mindset I’d use.

First, pack for water time. A swimsuit is not included, so bring one. Also bring a way to keep your phone safe in spray and splash zones, since you’re on a boat and you’ll be moving between decks and land.

Second, don’t wait until the last minute to jump in. On a tight schedule, the best water time often comes early in your island window, when you’re not rushed.

Third, expect the day to be weather-responsive. The crew has shown they can adjust quickly if rain hits, and that’s a good sign for your comfort and safety. If conditions change, you may still be able to swim even if snorkeling is less active.

Lastly, aim for a mix. Even if snorkeling is your top goal, plan at least one swim break where you just float and take photos. It keeps the day fun, not frantic.

Why the included drinks and pickup options matter for value

At $76 per person for an eight-hour day, this tour can feel like a bargain or a splurge depending on what you would otherwise do. The reason it’s often good value is that the ticket bundles the stuff that typically costs extra in Croatia:

• Lunch is included (and you can choose options when booking)
• Drinks are included, including water, soft drinks, wine, and brandy
• Local guiding is part of the day
• All activities are included, so you are not constantly paying for entry fees

The other value piece is how the day is organized so you do not need to arrange boats, ferries, or island logistics yourself. You’re simply picked up in Dubrovnik when the option is selected, then dropped back at a set location.

Getting on and off the boat: drop-off and timing you can plan around

At the end of the day, the tour includes two drop-off locations, one of which is Knjižnica za društvene znanosti in Dubrovnik. The exact order and which stop you land at will depend on the option you chose and the route that day.

Because this is an eight-hour tour, you’ll want to plan your evening with some breathing room. You’ll be coming back to Dubrovnik after island time, so it’s smart to avoid a tight dinner reservation right on the minute of arrival. Even if everything runs smoothly, you’ll still need time for getting off the boat, grabbing a taxi or walking to your next stop, and letting your sun-time settle.

Also note: if you are joining on your own without pickup, the key is being at the meeting point early. That’s how you protect the day from a stressful scramble.

Who this tour suits best, and who might want to choose differently

This tour is a strong fit if you want an easy day with a proven route. I’d recommend it for couples, friends, and solo travelers who like mixing light structure (guided stops) with free time.

It’s also ideal if you want to escape Dubrovnik without giving up comfort. With hotel pickup in the City of Dubrovnik area (when selected), lunch, drinks, and repeated swim chances, you can keep your planning simple and your energy high.

You might want to think twice if you’re the type who wants to stay longer at one beach or one village. Sipan and Kolocep are short stops, so you will see plenty, but you won’t linger for hours in the way you could on a private or longer charter.

Finally, it’s a good option if you enjoy guided info but you do not want a history lecture. The day is geared toward sea views, island walking, and relaxing time.

Should you book this Three Island Boat Tour with Lunch?

If your goal is a stress-free island day with real water time, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of Lopud’s longer stop, snorkeling and swimming built into multiple islands, plus lunch and drinks makes it feel like a full day rather than a quick hop-and-drop.

I’d book it especially if you:

• want to avoid planning boats and transfers yourself
• care about having food and drinks covered
• enjoy beaches like Sunj and want a chance to get there
• like the idea of having staff support if the weather turns

I’d pause only if your travel style is slow and you hate time limits. In that case, you may prefer a longer stay on one island, where you can settle in and stretch the day.

If you do book, go in ready for water time and be strict about that 08:45 arrival. Then enjoy what this tour is good at: turning Dubrovnik downtime into open-water freedom.

FAQ

How long is the Three Island Boat Tour with Lunch?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

Which islands are included?

The itinerary includes Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included. You can choose between three lunch options when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and drinks are included, including Coca-cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy. Alcoholic drinks other than wine and brandy are not included.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup and drop-off from the City of Dubrovnik area is available if you select the pickup option. Pickup is not provided for the whole Dubrovnik-Neretva county.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at 08:45 at the bus stop across the University building. Look for the big blue boat named Emili.

Does the tour include snorkeling and swimming?

Yes. The schedule includes snorkeling and swimming opportunities at the island stops.

Should I bring a swimsuit?

Yes. Swimsuit is not included.

What language is the tour guide in?

The live tour guide offers English.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.