Island time starts fast after Dubrovnik. I love two things right away: lunch and wine are included, and the day includes proper time to stretch out at Šunj Beach on Lopud. My only caution is that it’s a long full-day format, and the last two islands (Šipan and Koločep) are shorter stops, so you’ll want to prioritize what you care about most.

The boat itself is built for comfort: there’s an enclosed, air-conditioned salon and seating on the upper deck. You still should show up ready for the fact that the islands are the point, not a classroom-style tour.

Key things to know before you go

• Three islands, one slow pace: Lopud gets the big chunk of time, with Šipan and Koločep as quicker, calmer breaks.
• Real included value: freshly prepared lunch on board, bottled water, and wine with lunch.
• You can cool off easily: the schedule is set up for sea time and swims when you’re at the islands.
• Comfort on the water: closed air-conditioned cabin plus an open upper deck.
• Lopud has the best payoff: beach access, shops and cafés, plus a monastery and botanical garden.

Why This Dubrovnik-to-Elaphiti Day Feels Like a Real Reset

Dubrovnik’s old town is stunning, but it can also feel intense: crowds, walking uphill, then more crowds. This cruise is a different kind of day. You trade city streets for open water and island time, with a plan that keeps you moving without rushing you from stop to stop.

The big win is that you’re not doing island logistics on your own. If you choose pickup, you’re collected in Dubrovnik city area and brought back at the end. That matters here because even a short ride can become a hassle after a day that includes wine.

Price and What You Actually Get for $48.39

At $48.39 per person, the price lands in the sweet spot for a full-day boat outing. The value comes from two practical inclusions: you get a lunch on board (fish, meat, or vegetarian) and wine tied to lunch, plus water and soft drinks. That’s a lot of the usual extra spending removed.

A key point: the tour is not pretending to be a luxury private yacht. It’s a passenger boat with real sightseeing time, and the included meals and drinks are meant to keep the day easy. If you want specialty drinks, coffee, or beer, there’s an additional drink menu available for purchase on board.

Bottom line: this is a good deal if you want a straightforward day away from Dubrovnik’s main drag and you’re happy letting the islands do the work.

Boat Comfort and the Full-Day Schedule (Yes, It’s a Big Day)

This is listed as about 8 hours, but plan for more like a full-day outing. In practice, you might be on the boat from roughly late morning to late afternoon because travel between islands adds time.

What helps:

• There’s a closed, air-conditioned salon if the sun gets intense.
• There’s open upper deck seating for views.
• The stops are timed so you’re not stuck with only sightseeing. There’s built-in time for relaxing and swimming.

One small reality check: the boat can feel busy in peak season. The upside is that the setup still gives you access to seating, and crew service keeps things moving. If you want a comfortable spot for the passing hours, go early so you’re not fighting for space.

Lopud Island: Šunj Beach, Monastery Views, and the Best Time on the Route

Lopud is the star of the day and the island most worth building your mindset around. You get about 3 hours there, which gives you time to do a mix of wandering, beach time, and a little history.

Here’s what makes Lopud special:

• A tranquil village vibe: stone houses surrounded by greenery, plus local cafés and shops.
• Šunj Beach: the headline sandy shore with clear water, ideal for a long swim break.
• The monastery: a peaceful 15th-century Franciscan monastery if you like slower, quieter stops.
• Botanical garden: a garden setting with Mediterranean plant variety, good for an easy walk.

Practical note: there’s also the reality of season. In late-season trips (like October), some places can be closed or look less maintained. If you’re traveling at the end of the year, don’t be shocked if the island feels calmer and some sights have limited access. Still, the beach-and-sea rhythm is usually what keeps the stop satisfying.

A smart Lopud tip: use the golf cart taxis if your legs need a break

On Lopud, you can reach different parts of the island by walking, but there are also golf cart taxis. People use them to save time getting to the far side (including the Šunj area). If you’d rather spend effort on swimming than uphill walking, this is worth considering.

Šipan in One Hour: Olive Groves, Viney Trails, and a Quick Culture Snapshot

Šipan (Šipan Island) is shorter: about 1 hour. That means you won’t do a full day of exploring here. Instead, you get a quick hit of what the island feels like.

What you can expect in that time:

• Olive groves and vineyards with rolling hillside scenery.
• Stone houses and walking trails through green areas.
• Cafés and small shops where you can slow down with a drink.
• Enough shoreline views to make you glad you came.

The goal on Šipan isn’t to tick off every sight. It’s to step into island life for a short window—then move on.

Also, if you enjoy wine culture, you might find opportunities near the dock. One review noted a wine tasting near the Sipan dock, but since that’s not listed as a guaranteed part of the tour, treat it as an on-the-spot bonus you can take or skip.

Koločep’s Calm Hour: Coastal Paths, Small Churches, and Easy Swimming

Koločep is the last stop, and it matches the vibe: quieter, greener, and built for relaxation. You get about 1 hour here, which is perfect if you want a simple ending.

This island tends to shine for:

• Peace and space: it’s described as the most tranquil of the Elaphiti islands.
• Greenery and olive trees and easy coastal walking.
• Traditional stone houses and small churches.
• Swim time: crystal-clear water right where you’re docking.

The timing works well because you can treat Koločep as your wind-down: grab a drink at a local café if you want, take a final swim, and enjoy the views before heading back.

If you’re deciding where to spend your energy on swimming, Koločep is often a great place to save it for the end.

Lunch on Board: Fish, Chicken, or Vegetarian (Plus Wine)

Lunch is freshly prepared on board, not a pre-packed box situation. You choose one of three menus:

• Fish menu: grilled hake with potato salad and bread
• Meat menu: grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
• Vegetarian menu: grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread

What makes this part of the day work for real people is the simplicity. You’re fed without having to hunt for food on an island, and you’re not stuck making decisions while the boat is moving.

Wine is included with lunch. Reviews also mention a bottle of white wine on the table, and people appreciate that the meal feels like a real included part of the experience rather than an afterthought. You’ll also have access to bottled water and assorted soft drinks during the day.

If coffee, tea, or beer are your thing, there’s an additional drinks menu for purchase on board.

How to Pack (What You’ll Thank Yourself For Midday)

This is a beach-and-boat day. Pack like it.

Bring:

• Swimsuit: changing time is limited, and the islands are where the water time happens.
• Towels: towels aren’t included.
• Optional snorkeling gear: snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so if you want it, bring your own.
• Beach shoes if you like solid footing on sand and rocky edges.

If you’re sensitive to sun:

• Use the enclosed salon when you need shade.
• Plan your beach time for when the light feels best to you (many people end up swimming more during the later stop).

Who This Cruise Is Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Day Trip)

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want a simple, low-stress way to see the Elaphiti islands without coordinating ferry schedules.
• Like days where you can mix walking with beach time.
• Appreciate included lunch and wine so you can focus on the islands, not budgeting every drink.
• Prefer a smaller crew experience (there are 5 crew members on board) where service stays friendly and frequent.

It may not be ideal if you:

• Want long stays on every island. Šipan and Koločep are shorter stops, so you won’t get hours and hours at each.
• Need a fully flat walking day. Lopud can involve hills, and there’s a long walk up to some viewpoints on the island (people mention steep routes).
• Are traveling with very specific accessibility needs that require a slower, less hilly format. The tour is designed to be doable for most people, but the islands themselves are not flat.

Should You Book This Premium Three-Island Cruise from Dubrovnik?

Book it if you want one day that checks the essentials: sea time, beach time, and included food, with just enough island wandering to feel like a real escape. The value is strong because you’re not paying separately for lunch, water, and wine, and hotel pickup removes one of the most annoying parts of planning.

Skip it (or choose a different option) if you’re expecting equal time on all three islands. Lopud is where you should spend your energy, and the rest of the day is more about scenic breaks than deep exploration.

If you’re okay with a long but relaxed rhythm, this cruise is one of the easiest ways to see why Dubrovnik gets talked about far beyond the old city walls.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Dubrovnik?

The tour is listed at about 8 hours (approx.).

Which islands are visited?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is freshly prepared on board with a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian menu.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and assorted soft drinks are included. Wine is included with lunch, and other drinks like coffee, tea, and beer are available for purchase on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own.

Do you offer hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered if you select the option, and it is only in the area of the city of Dubrovnik. You’ll need to send your exact accommodation address or hotel name so they can arrange pickup.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.