This is one of those Dubrovnik experiences that turns the volume down: you get a full-day cruise to the nearby Elafiti Islands with lunch on board and time to explore at a comfortable pace. I especially like the practical setup on the boat—covered seating, toilets onboard, and music speakers—so the day feels easy even if you’re not in planning mode.

Two things I’d book for right away: the crew and captain keep the vibe friendly and organized, and the lunch is freshly grilled with choices you can pre-select (fish, meat, or vegetarian). One thing to think about first is that you’ll mostly enjoy the islands outdoors—if you’re hoping for lots of scheduled sightseeing inside monuments, you may find the free time a bit more beach-and-walk than “guided tour.”

Key things to notice before you go

• Small-group feel (max 60 travelers): it tends to stay relaxed rather than chaotic.
• Chef-grilled lunch on board: fish, chicken, or vegetarian options served while you’re out on the water.
• Unlimited drinks package: red/white wine plus grappa, soft drinks, and water during the cruise.
• Three island stops on the Elafiti chain: you’ll get Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan time.
• Captain’s short island briefings: you’ll get just enough context to pick what to do on each stop.
• Bring snorkel gear if you want to swim well: pebble beaches are common, and the tour encourages snorkeling.

Getting to the boat: pickup, Gruž Harbor, and a comfortable ship

This tour starts with a morning hotel pickup in Dubrovnik and a transfer to Gruž Harbor, where you board for the day’s cruise. The time rhythm matters here: you start around 9:00 am and you’re back roughly 8 hours later, which is long enough to feel like a proper day out without eating your whole vacation.

Once you’re onboard, the boat is set up for people who want to relax. You’ll find tables and benches, a sun shade area, a toilet, and a grill in action for lunch. There are also speakers for music, so you’re not sitting in silence all day. And the “small boat” impression shows up in real feedback: guests talk about a ship that’s not too big, which helps the day stay social but not crowded.

Practical note: you do have to plan your mindset for a day on the water. Seasickness isn’t mentioned, but if you’re sensitive to motion, pack what you normally use. Also, bring a light layer—open-air boats can feel cool when you’re moving, even in warm months.

A full day on the Elafiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan

The core idea is simple: after you settle in and lunch plans are underway, you spend your day rotating through three Elafiti Islands near Dubrovnik. Each stop has a different feel, but the pattern is consistent: the captain gives a brief intro when you arrive, then you get free time to wander, swim, and decide how you want to spend your hours.

Here’s how I think about each island stop, based on what this tour is set up to highlight.

Koločep: pine-and-carob shade plus pebble beach time

Koločep is presented as a place for outdoors wandering and gentle history atmosphere. Expect scenic stretches of pine and carob trees, plus quiet spots with ancient churches, chapels, and castles in the mix. If you like the idea of walking without a strict schedule, Koločep works well.

The main “do something now” activity is water time. The islands are known for pebble beaches, and this tour explicitly supports swimming and snorkeling (bring your own equipment). If you prefer sandy beaches and easy entries, you might find pebbles take a second to get used to—water shoes help in situations like this, though they’re not required.

Lopud: gardens, strolls, and a calmer island pace

Lopud comes off as the “garden and stroll” stop. You’ll see mentions of idyllic gardens and a relaxed island rhythm. This is a good island if you want a mix of short walks and stopping for a break—rather than trying to tick off everything.

Lopud also makes sense if your group includes people with different energy levels. One person can swim or snorkel while another takes a longer walk. Since the captain’s info is brief and you’re free to choose, you’re not locked into one route.

A consideration: inside-the-building sightseeing isn’t guaranteed by the tour. Entrance fees to local monuments aren’t included, so if you want to go into churches or castles, you’ll likely pay on the spot.

Šipan: history notes plus more time to enjoy the water

Šipan rounds out the trio with a bit more of the “medieval touches” feel. You’ll get those same island-style highlights—ancient churches, chapels, and castles—plus the Mediterranean atmosphere that makes the Elafiti Islands worth a full-day commitment.

If you’re already thinking ahead to what you want from the day, Šipan is often where you’ll decide what kind of traveler you are:

• the “I want to swim, then snack, then swim again” type, or
• the “I’ll walk until I find the view and then I’ll linger” type.

Either way works, because the tour is built around you having time rather than a packed series of fixed activities.

The lunch system: pre-order choices, chef grilling, and eating with the view

Food is a major reason this tour gets such high marks. You select your lunch type when booking—fish meal (grilled hake), meat meal (grilled chicken breasts), or vegetarian option (grilled vegetables)—and each comes with three seasonal salads as sides.

What I like about this structure is that it’s simple. You’re not stuck trying to figure out what’s available once you’re out on the water. Also, since the lunch is freshly prepared during the day and you can see the chef grilling, it feels less like an afterthought.

Lunch is served on the boat while you’re still in cruise mode. That timing matters because you’re not wasting the best daylight window waiting around for a restaurant schedule. If you’re the kind of traveler who gets hungry at predictable times, this helps you stay comfortable.

Unlimited drinks, but in the context of a boat day

The drinks package is straightforward: you’ll have unlimited red and white wine, plus grappa, along with soft drinks and water during the trip. This is a nice touch if you want to toast the day without negotiating drink menus.

At the same time, you’re on a boat. If you’re planning to swim or wander between islands, drink at a pace that still lets you enjoy the water and stairs without rushing. It’s easy to underestimate how tiring a sun-and-salt day can be, especially if you’re hopping on and off.

What the captain and crew do (and why it matters)

The captain’s role is practical rather than dramatic. When you arrive at each island, the captain gives a brief address with pointers on what to see and do. It’s not a long lecture. It’s the kind of info that helps you choose quickly once you’re off the boat.

Crew energy comes through in feedback, including one mention of a guide named Natasha, praised for being good and for working hard alongside the rest of the team. Even when the weather isn’t perfect, guests describe a strong effort to keep the day enjoyable. That matters on boat tours, where you can’t always control wind and waves.

Also, since the boat has a grill, speakers, shade, and a bathroom, the crew doesn’t just shepherd you around. They’re running the day like a floating day club with a meal included—just with a calmer tone.

Swimming, snorkeling, and how to use your free island time well

This tour gives you free time on three islands, so the quality of your day depends on how you spend it. Here’s how I’d do it to avoid the common “we had fun, but we didn’t know where to go” feeling.

First, plan one clear water block per island. With pebble beaches, you’re going to want at least one swim session where you’re not rushing. If snorkeling is on your list, bring your own gear since that’s specifically suggested.

Second, bring a simple walking goal. You don’t need to chase every church or castle from the map. Pick one direction from wherever you disembark, and give yourself time to slow down. The islands are built for gradual exploring—pine shade, garden strolls, and small historical details you notice when you stop moving.

Third, respect the “free time” nature. Entrance fees to monuments aren’t included, and the tour doesn’t promise a line-by-line guided itinerary of indoor stops. If you want a lot of structured history content, you might find the islands feel more like “wander and enjoy” than “museum-style learning.”

One mixed note to keep in mind: not everyone loves island time, especially if they were hoping for constant activities. If your dream day includes nonstop planned entertainment, this may feel too relaxed. But if you like calm, sea air, and choice, the setup fits well.

Price and value: is it worth about $72.59?

At about $72.59 per person for roughly 8 hours, you’re paying for several things together:

• boat transport around Dubrovnik’s coastal area,
• hotel pickup and return,
• time on three islands,
• a fresh lunch with real protein and sides,
• and unlimited drinks onboard.

If you try to match those pieces yourself, it usually turns into a patchwork: transport rentals, ferry tickets, a lunch stop, then buying drinks separately. The value here is that you don’t have to manage multiple bookings while also dealing with island logistics.

The only “hidden” cost category to watch is entrance fees to monuments, since those are not included. Still, the core experience stays covered: food, drinks, boat comfort, and the island stops.

If you’re traveling with a group and splitting logistics, that’s where this kind of set package becomes even more appealing. For solo travelers, it can also be a good way to see more than one island without spending time figuring out schedules.

Who this boat tour suits best (and who might prefer something else)

This is a great match for you if:

• you want a laid-back day out of Dubrovnik without major planning,
• you like having included lunch and drinks so the day stays easy,
• you enjoy outdoor time—short walks, beaches, and water moments,
• you’re okay with a mix of light history and scenery rather than constant museum stops.

It’s also a good “group chemistry” tour. The max 60 travelers cap helps keep it social but manageable. And the boat amenities—shade, seating, toilet—make it practical for most visitors.

You might want to compare alternatives if:

• you’re expecting lots of structured activities at each island,
• you want fully guided history at every stop with indoor access included,
• or you get restless if free time is too open-ended.

Weather reality: what happens when the sea gets moody

This is an experience that depends on conditions. The tour notes it requires good weather, and if poor conditions cancel the outing, you should be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a normal boat-tour reality, and it’s smart to keep one flexible day in your plan around it.

If the day goes ahead, you still might experience wind or waves. The boat is equipped for a comfortable day, but you’ll enjoy it more if you dress for changing conditions and bring sunscreen.

Quick practical tips before you go

• Choose your lunch option ahead of time if you can. The tour works best when you’re pre-selected for fish, meat, or vegetarian.
• If you have dietary needs or allergies, mention them at booking. The tour asks for this, and it helps the kitchen handle you correctly.
• Bring snorkeling equipment if you want the full water experience.
• Pack for pebbles if you plan to swim. Even if you’re not using special gear, consider what makes getting in and out easier for you.
• If you’re drinking wine and grappa, plan to hydrate with water too, and keep some energy for walking between stops.

Should you book this Dubrovnik islands boat tour?

I’d say yes, especially if you want a smooth, good-value day that mixes boat time, three island visits, and a real lunch with unlimited drinks. The best part is how little you have to think about once you’re onboard. You’re not fighting schedules, and you’re not trying to assemble the day piece by piece.

Book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day looks like: morning pickup, a comfortable boat, a chef grilling lunch with wine flowing, then free time to wander and swim on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. It also helps that the vibe tends to be friendly and well-run, with crew support that shows up even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Skip it or look closely at alternatives if your priority is nonstop structured sightseeing. This tour shines when you want a laid-back island day where you choose how to spend the hours.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start and where does it begin?

The start time is 9:00 am. The meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, 20000, Dubrovnik.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes lunch, beverages, unlimited wine and soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

What lunch options are available?

You can choose a fish meal (grilled hake with three seasonal salads), a meat meal (grilled chicken breasts with three seasonal salads), or a vegetarian option (grilled vegetables with three different salads).

Is there an unlimited drinks offer?

Yes. During the trip you can enjoy unlimited red or white wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water.

Do I need snorkeling gear?

The tour mentions swimming and snorkeling on pebble beaches and recommends bringing your own equipment.