From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks

The best part of this three-island cruise is the change of pace. Dubrovnik can feel packed and hot, while Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep offer quiet lanes, clear water, old stone houses, and long views across the Adriatic. I like the generous three hours on Lopud, where you can reach Šunj Beach, and I like having lunch and refreshments handled on board.

The price is another strong point. At about $48.39 per person, an eight-hour boat day with lunch, pickup if selected, water, soft drinks, and a professional five-person crew gives you a lot for your money. The main drawback is the pace: three hours on Lopud may feel long if you do not plan to swim or walk, while one hour on Šipan and Koločep can feel rushed.

Key points to know before booking

• Lopud gets three hours: Use the time for Šunj Beach, cafés, the monastery, shops, or a longer walk.
• Lunch is served on board: Choose grilled hake, chicken fillet, or seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread.
• The day lasts about eight hours: Cruising time between stops adds to the time spent ashore.
• Pickup is available in Dubrovnik: Send the exact hotel or accommodation address when booking.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel: Towels and snorkeling equipment are not supplied.
• The boat can carry up to 110 people: Arrive early in peak season if you want a preferred seat.

Why this cruise works as a Dubrovnik day away

Dubrovnik is famous for its walls, stone streets, and crowded Old Town. After a day or two in the city, a boat trip can be a welcome reset. You trade traffic and pavement for sea air, small harbors, and the slower rhythm of island life.

This is not a private sailing trip or a quiet little boat with a handful of passengers. It is a full-day excursion on a larger passenger boat, with an enclosed air-conditioned salon and open upper deck seating. That makes it practical for mixed groups and changeable weather, but less intimate than a small-group sailing tour.

The crew includes five people, and friendly service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Nikoleta is specifically praised for checking that people were comfortable and happy. Drinks may be brought to your seat or collected from the onboard service area, depending on how busy the boat is.

At roughly $48.39, the value is easy to understand. You get transportation to three islands, a freshly prepared meal, water, soft drinks, and plenty of time on the water. If you paid separately for a boat trip, island transport, lunch, and drinks, the total would likely be much higher. The tradeoff is that the schedule is fixed, and you share the boat with a sizable group.

Leaving Dubrovnik with lunch already arranged

The day begins with pickup if you select that option. Pickup is offered only within the Dubrovnik city area, so you should send your hotel or accommodation address in advance. The driver will wait no more than two minutes after the scheduled pickup time, so be ready at the agreed spot.

Once on board, you can choose between the lower closed salon, which is air-conditioned, and the open upper deck. The boat docks at piers on the islands, so you can generally step ashore without wading through the water.

Lunch is freshly prepared on board. The choices are simple:

• Grilled hake with potato salad and bread
• Grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
• Grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread

The food is not intended to be a gourmet restaurant meal. It is a straightforward boat lunch, and portions have been described as generous. Fish is a good choice if you want something that fits the setting, while the chicken and vegetarian dishes make the meal easy for a mixed group.

Wine is included with the meal according to the tour details, and bottled water and assorted soft drinks such as lemonade and juice are available. Coffee, tea, beer, and other drinks may cost extra, so check the exact beverage arrangement at boarding. This matters because the included drinks can vary by package or how the information is explained on the day.

Lopud gives you the most to do

Lopud is the main stop and the place where the schedule gives you room to settle in. You have about three hours, which is enough for more than a quick look around. It is also the stop that needs the most planning.

The village has stone houses, greenery, small cafés, and local shops. You can simply wander near the harbor, sit with a drink, or follow paths toward the island’s sights. The island has a calm feel, with views across the water and a pleasant mix of village life and open coast.

Šunj Beach is the big draw. It sits on the far side of Lopud and has a sandy shore, clear water, loungers, umbrellas, and a marked swimming area. It is one of the few places in the Dubrovnik area where you get a proper sandy beach rather than the pebbly or rocky shoreline found in many coastal spots.

The walk to Šunj Beach takes time and includes an uphill section. Several people recommend using one of the small golf cart taxis if you want to save energy and gain more beach time. This is an extra cost, and the exact fare is not included in the tour price. If you walk both ways, allow enough time to return to the dock.

History and nature are also part of Lopud’s appeal. You can visit the peaceful 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, look for Mediterranean plant species in the botanical garden, and walk toward higher viewpoints. The botanical garden may not be in perfect condition, and some paths or sights may be less rewarding outside the main summer season.

This is why the three-hour stop divides opinion. If you want to swim, visit Šunj, stop for lunch or coffee, and see a few historic sites, the time is useful. If you do not sunbathe, swim, or walk easily, the stop can feel too long. Older visitors or anyone with limited mobility should think carefully about the steep walk and the distance to the beach.

Šipan offers quiet lanes and a slower hour

The boat then continues to Šipan, where you have about one hour ashore. Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, but the stop focuses on its quiet character rather than a packed list of attractions.

Expect olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills, stone houses, and peaceful paths. The shoreline is clear and inviting, so a quick swim may be possible if conditions and timing suit you. Local cafés and small shops provide a glimpse of everyday Dalmatian island life.

One hour is enough for a short walk, a drink, or a quick look around the harbor area. It is not enough for a long hike or a detailed exploration of the island. If you want to make the most of the stop, decide before you leave the boat whether you want coffee, photographs, a short walk, or a swim.

A wine tasting near the dock has also been recommended as a useful way to spend the stop if it is operating. Do not count on every business being open outside the main summer season. In October, some island businesses may close, and the atmosphere can become very quiet.

Koločep is a gentle finish to the day

Koločep is the last island, with about one hour to explore. It is known for its quiet mood, green paths, olive trees, traditional stone houses, and small churches. Compared with Lopud, it has fewer obvious activities, but that is part of its appeal.

The harbor area is a good place to keep things simple. You can walk along the coast, stop at a café, or sit near the water. A sandy beach close to the harbor makes Koločep a practical place for a final swim, especially if you prefer not to spend the morning carrying a beach bag across the island.

This stop works best when you accept that there is no need to fill every minute. You might swim, take a short walk, and enjoy the view before returning to the boat. If you want museums, major monuments, or a busy shopping area, Koločep may feel too quiet.

The order of the stops can make the day feel well balanced. Lopud supplies the longest stretch of beach and sightseeing time, Šipan brings olive groves and island culture, and Koločep finishes with a calm harbor and clear water.

The boat, seating, and group size

The boat has a closed, air-conditioned salon and open upper deck seating. That is useful in strong sun, since you can move indoors for a cooler seat. The upper deck gives you better views and fresh air, but the best seats can go early during peak season.

The listed maximum is 110 people. That is not a small group, and the atmosphere can feel busy when everyone boards, eats, or returns from an island at the same time. Some people find the boat comfortable even when full, while others may prefer more personal space.

Arriving early is sensible if you care about where you sit. You will have a better chance of choosing between shade, sun, indoor air conditioning, and a clear view. The boat docks at each island, which makes boarding and disembarking easier than using a small vessel that lands directly on a beach.

The crew is one of the more dependable features. Service includes lunch setup, drinks, boarding help, and general assistance. Do not expect a constant guided commentary about every island and headland. This is mainly a transport, food, and free-time cruise, not a detailed history tour.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring a swimsuit even if you are not sure you will swim. The sandy beach on Lopud and the water near Koločep are the strongest reasons to pack one.

You should also bring:

• A towel, since towels are not provided
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Some cash for golf cart transport, cafés, or island purchases
• Snorkeling equipment if you want to use it, since it is not supplied
• A light layer for the boat ride back

The tour runs in good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. Even on a sunny day, wind can make the boat ride feel cooler than the island stops, so a light cover-up is useful.

Wear shoes that can handle uneven paths. Lopud’s walk to Šunj Beach includes an uphill section, and the islands are not designed as flat promenades from end to end.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple full-day escape from Dubrovnik and like combining sightseeing with beach time. Families can enjoy the flexible stops, the included meal, and the chance to choose between walking, swimming, or sitting at a café.

It also suits couples and friends who want a relaxed day without arranging several separate ferry tickets. The included lunch and drinks make budgeting easier, and hotel pickup removes the need to navigate back to Dubrovnik after a long day at sea.

You should think twice if you want a small, quiet boat or a detailed guided tour. The group may be large, the lunch is straightforward rather than refined, and the short stops on Šipan and Koločep leave little room for ambitious plans.

The tour is also less suitable if you have difficulty walking uphill or standing for long periods. Lopud is the most rewarding island, but it can require walking or paying for a golf cart taxi to reach Šunj Beach.

Is the $48.39 price worth it?

For an eight-hour outing, the price is strong. You are paying for a full day of transportation, three island stops, a hot lunch, water, soft drinks, and crew service. Pickup within Dubrovnik adds convenience if selected.

The value is highest if you use Lopud well and enjoy the boat ride itself. Swim at Šunj, explore the village, have coffee, and allow time for the return walk or golf cart. If you stay near the dock and do little on each island, the day may feel long.

I would not book this expecting luxury. The boat can be busy, the lunch is modest, and the schedule is shared with a large group. I would book it for the broad experience: sea views, three different islands, an easy meal, and a break from Dubrovnik.

Should you book this cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value island day with very little planning. The strongest combination is Lopud and Šunj Beach, followed by a quick look at Šipan and a peaceful final hour on Koločep.

Before paying, confirm what drinks are included in your chosen package, especially if you expect beer, coffee, or spirits beyond the wine served with lunch. Also check the pickup area, bring your own towel, and arrive early for a better seat.

The cruise is not perfect for everyone. The day is long, the group may be large, and Lopud’s three-hour stop can feel excessive if beaches are not your thing. But if you want a relaxed break from Dubrovnik, enjoy the sea, and value lunch and transport bundled into one affordable day, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

How long does the three-island cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Cruising time between Dubrovnik and the islands is included in the full day, so the time spent ashore is shorter than eight hours.

Which islands does the boat visit?

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

How much time do I get on each island?

You get about three hours on Lopud, one hour on Šipan, and one hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is freshly prepared on board, with a choice of grilled hake, grilled chicken fillet, or grilled seasonal vegetables. All options come with potato salad and bread.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and assorted soft drinks are included. Wine is listed with the lunch service. Coffee, tea, beer, and other drinks may be available for an additional charge, so confirm the details of your package before boarding.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available if you select that option, but only within the Dubrovnik city area. You need to provide the exact address or hotel name so the pickup point can be arranged.

Should I bring a towel and snorkeling gear?

Yes. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.