Three islands can feel like a whole vacation. This Dubrovnik boat day swings by Elaphiti coastlines close to shore, with a Game of Thrones stop at Trsteno Arboretum en route, then lands you on Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep with lunch and drinks included.

I especially like two things: you get a real lunch choice on board (fish, meat, or vegetarian) and you keep soft drinks plus bottled water coming during the cruise. The onboard music and party-deck atmosphere also make the day feel lively without turning it into only sightseeing.

One thing to consider: this isn’t a quiet, sit-still kind of cruise. If you want calm, you may find the music and dance-deck vibe a bit much, and there have been occasional complaints about crowding and timing.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Trsteno Arboretum panoramic pass on the way out of Dubrovnik (Game of Thrones fans should pay attention)
• Lopud gets the longest stop (about 3 hours), giving you time to actually relax, not just step off the boat
• Šunj beach legend and classic Elaphiti village wandering on Lopud, plus the Temple of Sun museum stop
• Boat-jump opportunities in clear water (especially around Šipan and Koločep)
• Onboard lunch + drinks + WiFi so you stay fueled and connected without paying extra
• A lively deck with music that ranges from party mood to mellow, depending on the day

First impressions: what this Dubrovnik islands cruise feels like

This tour is built for a long summer day that mixes viewpoints, swimming, and eating well. You start with a panoramic ride where the boat comes close to shore so you can see Dubrovnik’s coastline and the green hills beyond it. Then you settle into a rhythm: sail, stop, swim, eat, repeat.

The vibe is intentionally social. There’s music onboard and a dance floor/party deck setup, and that shows up in the mood more than in the itinerary. You can still have a relaxing day, but it will not be the hushed kind.

Logistically, it’s also fairly straightforward as long as you respect the timing. The boat is TRITON, docked across from the meeting area, and you’re staged early enough to board and go on time.

Price and value: $72.56 for three islands with lunch included

At $72.56 per person, you’re paying for a full day that would normally cost more if you piece it together yourself: boat transport between islands, lunch on board, and at least some drinks and water included.

Here’s what you’re actually getting:

• Lunch with fish, meat, or vegetarian options
• Soda/pop plus bottled water
• WiFi onboard
• Music onboard

And what you are not getting:

• Towels
• Snorkeling equipment

When the food is good and the schedule runs cleanly, the value is solid. When it doesn’t (like seats feeling tight or lunch supply issues), that’s when the price starts to feel less fair. So I’d frame it like this: it’s a good deal when you’re flexible and you’re not trying to turn this into a high-precision, minimalist day.

Timing and meeting points so you don’t lose the day

This is the part that can make or break your experience, because the tour starts with a real departure window.

• Start time: 10:15 AM
• Meeting point: Obala Stjepana Radića, 20000 Dubrovnik
• Meeting point on-site: at the Green Market at 10:00 AM
• Boarding: from 10:00 AM (boat TRITON is docked across the street)
• Scheduled departure: around 10:15 AM
• Pickup: offered, with pickup time depending on where you’re staying

If you’re outside the city (for example Mlini), pickup can be earlier, around 8:30 AM.

Also note the real-world timing mismatch some people reported: the day is listed as about 9 hours 30 minutes, but on some outings it’s closer to 8 hours. That doesn’t ruin the trip, but it does mean you should plan your day loosely. Don’t schedule a hard dinner reservation the minute you’re back in Dubrovnik.

The panoramic ride out: close-to-shore views and Trsteno Arboretum

Before you settle into islands time, you get a scenic cruise segment that’s meant to orient you fast. The boat heads close to shore so you can see the Dubrovnik surroundings from the water, which feels different than looking from land.

Game of Thrones fans get a nod too: you pass by Trsteno Arboretum, which was used as a filming location. Even if you’re not a superfan, it helps to see why Dubrovnik’s “green backdrop” matters here. You’ll notice how much of the beauty is not just stone and sea, but also the vegetation-covered slopes.

Stop 1: Lopud Island (about 3 hours) and the Šunj beach payoff

Lopud is the island where the tour finally gives you breathing room. You’ll spend about 3 hours there, which is long enough to wander, find a beach moment, and still feel like you weren’t rushing.

What makes Lopud special on this route:

• It’s the second biggest of the Elaphiti Islands
• You’ll see a cluster of small historic churches (the island is known for having 30+)
• There’s a museum called the Temple of Sun
• The vegetation is a big part of the experience, including the fact that Lopud is home to the oldest botanical garden in Europe
• There’s a rare sandy beach: Šunj beach
• There’s also a local legend tied to Šunj Beach: bathing with your loved one there is said to mean you won’t separate

And importantly for real vacation planning: Lopud tends to be the most economically developed of the Elaphites, so you usually have more restaurant and bar options if you want to top up your day with something extra.

A practical tip: this is the island where you should decide how you want to spend your time. If you want swimming, do it early while you still feel fresh. If you want to wander, give yourself at least a solid chunk without worrying you’ll miss lunch because lunch is already handled on the boat.

Lunch onboard: fish, meat, vegetarian, plus soda and water

Lunch is included, and it’s a meaningful inclusion. This isn’t a “snack and hope” situation. You’ll have a meal served on board with choices:

• Fish
• Meat
• Vegetarian

You’ll also get soda/pop and bottled water. WiFi is on board, which is handy if you want to send photos while the water is still crystal-clear and you’re in that good-summer mood.

One caution from real experience: there have been complaints that lunch can run out for some people, which is usually a supply/coordination problem rather than a cooking one. So if you have strict dietary needs, arrive hungry, and don’t wait until the very end of the lunch window.

Stop 2: Šipan (about 45 minutes) for olive trees, villas, and a more local feel

Next comes Šipan for about 45 minutes. It’s the largest Elaphiti island and a very different energy from Lopud.

What you’re seeing here:

• Šipan has a Guinness world record for the largest number of olive trees on one island
• Historically, it was tied to noble families of the Dubrovnik Republic, and summer residences/villas reflect that
• Many structures sit in a late-Gothic style
• There’s an emphasis on ports like Suđurađ, where fishing traditions still matter

The tour framing for Šipan is “real-life island,” meaning tourism doesn’t dominate in the way it can elsewhere. That’s part of the appeal if you like to feel the difference between a place made for visitors and a place locals actually live.

The best moment here is often the water. You can do boat jumps into clear Adriatic water, and this is one of those stops where you’ll hear people talking about how good the water looks from the deck.

But the time is short. In 45 minutes, you don’t come here to do big sightseeing plans. You come for quick island flavor and a chance to jump into the sea.

Stop 3: Koločep (about 1 hour) for hidden bays and cliff-jump energy

Koločep is smaller and less built up, with about 1 hour on the schedule. It’s a natural stop: hidden bays, swimming spots, and the kind of coastal lines that make you want to take the best possible photos before you start sweating.

What you’ll likely notice:

• It’s good for swimming and diving
• There are hidden bays for quick escapes from the main dock area
• The island has cliffs that people use for jumping and sunbathing setups
• Two Mediterranean villages connect with walkable routes, with lots of pine and olive greenery between them

There’s also a practical “energy” piece to Koločep on this tour. The boat deck is treated like a fun space, and you can feel the party side more here if that’s your thing. Some people love it, some people treat it like background music and focus on the views.

Onboard atmosphere: music, dance deck, and the crew’s personality

This is where the tour can swing from great to merely okay, depending on the crowd mood.

You’ll find:

• Music onboard
• A dance floor/party deck setup
• People naturally grouping together, especially around the water windows when it’s time to move

Some folks describe the day as an all-day summer vibe. Others say it’s lively but not frantic. That difference usually comes down to the specific group you end up with, plus how loud the music gets that day.

Crew personalities show up a lot too. Names that have been mentioned include:

• Joseph or Jose as a captain who brought a lot of laughter aboard
• Lorenzo as a standout host who made guests feel included
• Jakub as someone who helped keep the program running smoothly
• Laura and Ivonne as staff members known for attentive care

So if you like human energy—people joking, chatting, checking if you have what you need—this tour tends to deliver.

Comfort and crowd level: where reviews warn you to stay realistic

A boat tour with 3 island stops can’t be empty or silent. Still, there’s a difference between lively and uncomfortable.

The tour’s maximum group size is 144. That can be totally manageable if the boat layout is generous and the timing stays smooth. But some people have reported overcrowding and tight seating on certain days, plus noise that felt too much for a “cruise” expectation.

There are also a couple of negative notes worth taking seriously:

• Some complaints about toilets and hygiene (including reports they were dirty and unusable)
• A mention that benches can be hard on wooden boats
• Reports that toilets might not have water for washing hands

My practical advice: if hygiene is a priority for you, bring hand sanitizer and be ready to use facilities quickly when you can. And if you’re sensitive to crowd noise, sit toward the quieter edges when possible.

What’s included vs what to bring (so you’re not buying on the go)

Included:

• Lunch (fish/meat/vegetarian)
• Soda/pop and bottled water
• WiFi onboard
• Music onboard

Not included:

• Towels
• Snorkeling equipment

So I’d pack:

• A beach towel (or plan to dry off with a quick-dry option)
• Sun protection (Dubrovnik sun is serious)
• Water-friendly shoes if you like to walk a bit near docks and rocky edges
• A light layer for the boat if you get chilly after time in the sea
• If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment

One more small comfort note: some people mentioned loungers on board, which can help if you want somewhere comfortable to land between stops.

Who this tour suits best (and who should choose differently)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A classic Elaphiti route from Dubrovnik with real time on Lopud
• Lunch handled for you
• A day with swimming chances and quick boat-jump fun
• A social atmosphere with music, not a silent nature cruise

It may not fit if you’re:

• Looking for a quiet, slow, mostly scenery-only cruise
• Very strict about punctuality and strict timing windows
• Sensitive to cramped seating on a larger boat day

If your top priority is Lopud specifically, you’ll still get a good chunk of time there on this itinerary. But you’ll have less time to explore the other islands in depth because the day is split between stops.

Should you book this Dubrovnik 3 Islands Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you’re the type of traveler who wants a full, enjoyable summer day without micromanaging logistics. The combination of Lopud time, included lunch with real choices, and a fun onboard atmosphere is strong value.

I’d think twice if you need a quiet ride, or if you’re highly focused on comfort details like bathroom cleanliness and seating space. The itinerary is well-loved, but not every day runs perfectly for every group.

If you do book, my best advice is simple:

• Arrive early at the Green Market and stay alert to pickup timing if you’re outside central Dubrovnik
• Plan your expectations for a lively boat day
• Bring your towel and small hygiene backup items

FAQ

What islands are included on the Dubrovnik 3 Islands boat tour?

The tour visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep as its main stops around the Elaphiti Islands.

How long do you spend on each island?

Lopud is about 3 hours, Šipan is about 45 minutes, and Koločep is about 1 hour.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included with fish, meat, or vegetarian options. You also get soda/pop and bottled water.

Is WiFi and music included onboard?

Yes. WiFi and music are included onboard.

Are towels or snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Is pickup offered, and where do I meet if I’m on my own?

Pickup is offered depending on your location. If you’re meeting at the port, you meet at the Green Market area at 10:00 AM, with the boat TRITON docked across the street and scheduled departure around 10:15 AM.

What if bad weather affects the tour?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.