Island time plus Dubrovnik views, in one go. This 7-hour Elaphite Islands cruise strings together three islands and Old Town, with lunch included and wine with your meal. It is a solid way to see the coast without playing ferry roulette all day.

I like the way the stops are paced for real breaks: swim time on the first island, a quick cultural stop on Sipan, and a longer beach stretch on Lopud. The only real catch is timing—two hours on Lopud can feel tight if you want to get all the way to Šunj Beach.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Kolocep first (about 45 minutes) for an easy swim and quick reset
• Sipan includes a stop at the Skočibuha summer house (about 40 minutes)
• Lopud gets the most time (about 2 hours), with Šunj Beach within reach
• Lunch choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian plus bottled water and wine
• Snorkeling gear and coffee/tea are not included, so plan your extras

Dubrovnik Island Hopping: What This Trip Really Delivers

This tour is built for one main goal: getting you onto the water fast, then moving you island to island with minimal hassle. You are paying for organization—tickets handled, a set route, and an actual lunch break—so you can spend your energy on swimming, shade, and great views instead of figuring out schedules.

The day runs like a sampler. You get quick nature time on Kolocep, a cultural pause on Sipan, and beach time on Lopud, then you finish with Old Town scenery as the light turns softer. If you want a relaxed introduction to the Elaphite Islands around Dubrovnik, this hits the sweet spot.

10:45 Departure and the Pace of a 7-Hour Day

Start time is 10:45 am, and the whole thing runs about 7 hours. That means you are not stuck waiting all morning, but you also avoid the rush of the earliest departures that can feel like a half-day commitment before your day even starts.

Group size is capped at 120, so the boat is usually busy, but not chaotic. You also get a mobile ticket, which is handy in Dubrovnik where you do not want to hunt for paper confirmations on the walk to the dock.

One scheduling detail worth noting: if you are near the Sheraton area, the boat meeting location can be convenient because the cruise leaves from right by the hotel zone. Just make sure you follow your actual departure time of 10:45, since some listings can confuse the exact moment of departure depending on whether they talk about pickup points versus the moment the boat fully leaves.

Stop 1: Kolocep Island for a Quick Swim and Short Walk

Kolocep is the first stop, with about 45 minutes. This is not a long hangout island, and that is kind of the point. You get just enough time to jump in, cool off, and take a short walk if you want to stretch your legs.

What I like about this stop is the simplicity. You are on a boat coming from Dubrovnik, and within minutes you are at water-level. If you love a fast beach reset—shade, breeze, and a quick swim—Kolocep works.

The drawback is obvious: if you want a slow, meandering island day, 45 minutes won’t cut it. Still, you are banking time for the longer stops later.

Stop 2: Sipan and the Skočibuha Summer House Stop

Next is Sipan (about 40 minutes). This island is one of the largest in the Elaphite archipelago, so even a short visit can feel like you are stepping into a real island world instead of just passing by.

You get time to visit the Skočibuha summer house. That makes Sipan more than a scenery stop—it adds a human history angle to the cruise, and it helps break up the day between swim breaks.

In practice, 40 minutes means you should move with purpose. Look around, get your photos, and then spend the rest of the time where you can actually cool off. There is also time for a swim, and that tends to be where people end up anyway.

Stop 3: Lopud’s 2 Hours and the Real Question About Šunj Beach

Lopud is the main event stop, with about 2 hours. This is the island most people aim for, and it is easy to see why: you get the best mix of strolling and beach time without feeling like you need to plan a whole afternoon.

Here is the practical catch: Šunj Beach is popular, and it is not right next to where you first land. If you want to reach it, you may need a mix of walking and a transport option. One useful heads-up is that reaching Šunj can involve a 15-minute walk and a 3 euro cash golf cart ride each way, which can add up fast if you are counting time tightly.

That is why 2 hours can feel both perfect and stressful. It is enough to enjoy Lopud if you stay close, but it can feel rushed if your priority is specifically Šunj. If you are the type who hates feeling time pressure on vacation, plan to do a local beach or coastline walk and save the big beach quest for another day.

Old Town at Sunset: How the Cruise Ties Back to Dubrovnik

After the island portion, you get about 1 hour 30 minutes in the Old Town area. Even if you are not trying to do a full sightseeing marathon, this window is valuable because Dubrovnik is all about light and walls when the sun drops.

You also get sunset on the way back to the port, which is a nice way to end the day. From the water, you usually get a different feel for Dubrovnik than you do on land, and that last stretch can make the whole cruise feel connected instead of like a separate island day plus a random downtown stop.

If you want a simple plan: use Old Town time to grab views near the walls and do one relaxed loop, not twelve tickets and a sprint. This tour is already a lot of movement.

Lunch, Wine, and On-Board Comfort (Fish, Chicken, or Veg)

The included meal is a big part of the value. You can choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and you also get bottled water. Alcoholic beverages include wine, which helps turn a “boat trip” into a more holiday-feeling day without you needing to plan purchases at each stop.

Portion size matters too. One thing I love about a tour that includes lunch is you do not have to hunt for a place that matches your schedule. Instead, you get a predictable break with the chance to eat, recharge, and still stay on the route.

Room for improvement? If your ideal drink plan is more than wine, you might want to confirm how the boat handles extra pours. One practical tip from real-world experience: there can be a small 3 euro refundable cup fee if you want unlimited drinks, and some people end up paying it and then getting the refund at the end.

Also note what is not included: snorkeling equipment is not part of the package, and coffee/tea is not included either. WiFi is not on board, so treat the day as a chance to unplug.

What You Might Miss If You Want a Full Beach Day

This cruise is excellent for a taste of the islands, but it is not built like a private charter where you can linger anywhere you want.

If your dream is a long, uninterrupted beach afternoon on Šunj, Lopud’s 2 hours might feel short. And because the route is fixed, you cannot simply extend your time on the sand and skip another stop.

That said, the trade is real organization. You are not spending your day waiting for ferries, negotiating schedules, or losing time because of delays. The tour also keeps the island-to-island flow smooth, and that is a big deal on days when you want everything to run on time.

Tips to Make the Day Feel Easy (Not Rushed)

A few practical things can turn this from fine to fantastic.

• Bring swim basics even if you think you will only dip. The itinerary includes swimming time at multiple stops.
• If you get motion sickness easily, plan ahead. One useful note: the crew has had Dramamine available to help with rougher water on the way out, so ask if you need it.
• Pack cash for quick fixes. If you decide to go for Šunj Beach, having some cash can help if the golf cart option is used.
• Dress for sun and wind. Island weather can change fast—clouds or breeze can make it feel cooler even when the sun is strong.

And because snorkeling gear isn’t included, if you care about snorkeling, bring your own mask and snorkel or plan to enjoy the swims without formal gear.

Who This Dubrovnik Cruise Fits Best

This experience fits best if you want a one-day overview of the Elaphite Islands without over-planning. It is also a great pick if you like structure: you show up, the boat runs, and you get lunch and drinks while you move between islands.

You will probably enjoy it most if:

• You want a mix of swimming + beach time + Old Town in one day
• You like getting your bearings around Dubrovnik and the nearby coastline
• You prefer guided timing over ferry schedules

Consider another option if you:

• Want the kind of beach day where you sit for hours and do not want time limits
• Expect coffee/tea on board as part of the deal
• Are traveling with a strict snorkeling plan and need gear provided

Should You Book the Island Hopping and City Walls Day?

I think you should book this cruise if you want a high-value, low-stress day that connects Dubrovnik with its island neighbors. The included lunch (fish/chicken/vegetarian) and wine alone make it easier to justify the price, and the pacing gives you multiple settings in one go: swim-ready islands in the morning, then Old Town time as the light changes.

Skip it only if Lopud and Šunj Beach are your main obsession, because two hours can turn a perfect plan into a rushed one. If you are flexible—happy to enjoy Lopud’s coastline closer to where you dock—this becomes a very smart way to spend a day from Dubrovnik.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the tour duration and start time?

The tour runs about 7 hours and starts at 10:45 am in Dubrovnik.

How many islands are included, and what are they?

You visit Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud, then you also have time in Old Town.

Is lunch included, and what choices are there?

Yes. Lunch is included, with options of fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Bottled water is also included.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages including wine are included. WiFi is not included on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

How much time do you get on each island?

Kolocep is about 45 minutes, Sipan about 40 minutes, Lopud about 2 hours, and Old Town about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik. The start and finish are at the same general location.