Twelve miles of coast can feel endless in Dubrovnik, so this boat day does the work for you. You get a smart mix of green Elaphiti islands plus real time on the water, with lunch and drinks included for one price. The one thing to keep in mind: you’re not doing a long stay on any single island—this is built for variety, not slow living all day.

The crew is a big part of the appeal. Hosts like Natasha and Emily keep things organized and friendly, while the staff work hard to keep drinks topped up and explain what to do at each stop.

There is also a practical note for your swim plans. Swimming is part of the day, but one guest reported they weren’t allowed to jump from the boat, so don’t assume every boat or every moment works the same way.

Key Things I’d Put on Your Radar

• Three inhabited Elaphiti islands with roughly an hour at Koločep, an hour at Šipan, and about three hours on Lopud
• Car-free Lopud where walking is easy and a golf buggy can help you reach Sunj Beach
• Sunj Beach time with a famous sandy stretch (plus the reality that sunbeds cost extra)
• Open bar for the day including water, non-alcoholic drinks, and white wine
• Lunch on board with fish, chicken, or vegetarian choices and surprisingly generous portions
• Optional Blue Cave add-on by speedboat for an extra fee

Price and Value: What $76 Buys You in Real Terms

At $76 per person for an 8–9 hour outing, you’re not just paying for boat rides. You’re buying convenience, pacing, and—most importantly—meals and drinks that keep the day from feeling like a budget tradeoff.

Here’s what that value means on the ground:

• Boat transportation is included across multiple islands, so you’re not piecing together ferry schedules or renting anything.
• Lunch is included on the boat, and people consistently describe it as substantial. You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian in advance.
• Drinks are included all day, not just at lunch. The open bar covers water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink.

If you’ve been in Dubrovnik during peak season, you already know the math: once you add boat tickets, paid transport, and an all-day food plan, the “cheap” plan usually collapses. This one holds up because the biggest costs are already handled.

Getting on Board: Meeting Time, the Boat Emili, and How the Day Flows

This tour has a clear, early start. The meeting point is 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building, and the blue boat is named Emili. The boat won’t arrive before 8:45, so don’t aim to show up late and hope.

A few practical tips so you can enjoy the day instead of rushing:

• Show up a little early so you can get seated and settle in before departure.
• If you opted for pickup, you’ll get pickup details the day before, so keep an eye on your message or email.

From there, expect a smooth rhythm: each island gets enough time to walk, swim, and eat without feeling like you’re sprinting the whole trip. A lot of the positive energy on board comes from that steady pacing and the staff staying attentive.

Koločep Island: Green Walks, Easy Relaxing, and Quick Swim Time

Koločep is the smaller, greener Elaphiti stop, the kind of place that rewards you for moving slowly. The island is known for vegetation and shaded areas, which matters in the Adriatic sun.

With about an hour there, you’ll want to pick one main activity:

• A short walk to see different viewpoints and coastlines
• Relax time along the water if you just want to breathe and recharge
• A quick swim in the clear sea

This stop is ideal if you like contrast. Koločep feels calm, leafy, and more “nature day” than “town day.” The boat staff also do a useful job of setting expectations before you dock, so you know what to prioritize during your limited time.

Possible drawback: if you’re the type who wants hours of beach lounging, this first stop may feel quick. It’s meant as an appetizer, not the main course.

Šipan Island: Olive Trees, Old Mansions, and a Peaceful Break

Šipan is the largest Elaphiti island on this route, and the vibe is different. It’s known as the island of olive trees, and in the past it was a quiet refuge for aristocratic families who built mansions here. That history shows up more in the feeling than in a single “must-see landmark.”

On this stop you’re mainly there for:

• Nature and coastal views
• A swim break in clear Adriatic water
• A bit of time to slow down after the first island

One real-world thing to plan for: sea life at the edges of the swimming areas. A guest specifically warned about sea urchins and recommended being careful, especially if you aren’t using goggles. That’s a good reminder to treat the shoreline like it belongs to the ocean, not just you.

This island stop is usually shorter than Lopud, so don’t plan it like a full second day. Plan it like a reset.

Lopud Island: Car-Free Freedom, Sunj Beach, and the Best Time Block

Lopud is often where the day clicks. It’s described as the most developed Elaphiti island, but with one major twist: there are no cars. That changes everything. The island feels walkable and calmer, and it makes your free time feel more like exploration than logistics.

On this tour you get about three hours on Lopud, which is the longest stop. That extra time pays off because Lopud gives you options:

• Walk around and enjoy the island atmosphere
• Head to the popular sandy beach Sunj
• Use a golf buggy to reach the beach area faster (people mention it’s worth it)

Sunj Beach is a standout for many visitors. It’s sandy, and it’s the kind of beach where you can actually settle in for a real stretch—if you’re okay with costs. One guest noted sunbeds and umbrellas on Sunj can be pricey, especially if it’s hot and you’re chasing shade. If you want to stay flexible, bring swim gear and accept that comfort might cost extra here.

You might also find people looking for water time beyond swimming. One guest mentioned snorkeling around the area near the monastery, and another mentioned warm, clear water ideal for snorkeling and even cautious exploration. If you plan to snorkel, just remember the urchin note from earlier stops—take it slow near rocks and shallow areas.

Lunch on the Boat: The Food Setup and Why It Matters

This is not a dry “snack and go” day. Lunch is included, and it’s served on board, which is a big deal because it keeps you from chasing meals in the heat across islands.

You choose in advance between:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Vegetarian

People described the portions as large, and multiple guests said the lunch was very good—some even singled out the fish as a standout. The lunch timing also seems to work well with the pacing: you eat after you’ve had some water time and before you hit the next island push.

Why I think this matters for value: when meals are included and actually filling, you spend less time thinking about food costs and more time enjoying the day. And with the open bar running, the whole outing feels like a real vacation day, not a transport day.

Drinks All Day: The Open Bar That Keeps the Mood Up

The tour includes an open bar for the whole day. Included drinks are:

• Water
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• White wine
• A surprise drink

In plain terms, this is the difference between a “see the islands” trip and a “feel like you’re away for the day” trip. Many people pointed out that staff stayed on top of refilling, so glasses weren’t sitting empty.

One extra note from guest reports: a couple of people mentioned beer was an extra purchase (one said it was €3). So if beer is your must-have drink, you may want to expect it as add-on unless the open bar expands beyond what’s listed.

Also, plan for heat. Even if you like wine, keep sipping water through the day. Your future self on the Dubrovnik walk home will thank you.

Optional Blue Cave Add-On: Worth It for Some, Not for Everyone

There’s an optional upgrade to visit the Blue Cave by speedboat. One guest noted it costs extra (they mentioned €20) and said it was totally worth it for the quick experience.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• If you love photo-worthy nature moments and you’re okay with an additional cost, the Blue Cave can add variety.
• If your priorities are beach time, snorkeling, and long island wandering, you might skip it and just enjoy the main stops.

Also, timing and crowding can matter at the cave. The tour doesn’t promise it will be quiet or empty—so if you hate crowds, treat it as an “if it works out, great” add-on rather than the core reason for booking.

Who This Dubrovnik Boat Trip Fits Best

This tour fits best if you want a single-day plan that feels like you did more than you did. It’s a good match for:

• People who want to see multiple islands without dealing with transit schedules
• Couples and small groups who like a laid-back boat day with food and drinks
• Beach-lovers who want actual time at Sunj Beach
• Travelers who prefer a car-free island atmosphere like Lopud

It might not be ideal if you want:

• A long, slow beach day on just one island
• A hardcore hiking or ruins-focused itinerary
• Lots of “do everything” activities at each stop

In other words: it’s a great “mix and relax” choice.

Final Call: Should You Book This Tour?

If your goal is a smooth day from Dubrovnik with clear water, real beach time, included lunch, and an open bar, I’d say book it. The biggest strength here is the balance: you get variety across Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud without turning the day into a logistical headache.

If you hate paying for extras and you’re picky about beach comfort, you’ll want to plan mentally for costs like sunbeds on Sunj and possible add-ons like the Blue Cave. And if you want all-day time on a single island, this route may feel compact.

But for most people—especially first-timers to the Elaphiti area—this is a strong value pick.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik boat tour to Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan?

It runs for about 8–9 hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

You visit three inhabited Elaphiti islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

How much time do I get on each island?

You get about 1 hour on Koločep, about 1 hour on Šipan, and about 3 hours on Lopud.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Boat transportation, lunch, and drinks are included.

What lunch options are available?

You can choose a fish meal, chicken meal, or a vegetarian meal.

Is there an open bar during the day?

Yes. Drinks are included all day, including water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink.

Where do I meet the tour, and when?

The meeting point is 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The boat, Emili, will not arrive before 8:45.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is optional, and you’ll be informed about the pickup location and time one day before the tour.

Is the Blue Cave included?

There is an optional add-on to visit the Blue Cave by speedboat for an extra fee.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.