Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Elafiti Islands boat tour is its easygoing rhythm. You leave Dubrovnik in the morning, spend time on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, then return after lunch, swimming possibilities, and plenty of open sea. I like the freshly grilled meal and the simple all-day price, which includes wine, soft drinks, water, and grappa.

I also like that you are not locked into a long guided walk. The captain gives a short orientation at each stop, then you have free time to explore. The main drawback is that the islands may feel too quiet if you want major sights, museums, or a packed schedule. One traveler found there was little to do beyond the beach, so this suits a slow day better than a sightseeing mission.

Key points at a glance

• Three Elafiti Islands in one day: Visit Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, each with its own mix of beaches, trees, gardens, churches, chapels, and older stone buildings.
• Lunch grilled during the trip: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian plate when you book, with three seasonal salads served alongside.
• Unlimited drinks included: Wine, soft drinks, water, and grappa are available during the cruise.
• A small-group feel is possible: The maximum group size is 60, and the boat has tables, benches, shade, a toilet, music, a kitchen, and a grill.
• Hotel transport is part of the plan: Morning pickup is described, with the stated meeting point at Lapadska obala 5 in Dubrovnik.
• Weather matters: The boat may not operate in poor weather, so confirm cancellation notices before setting out.

A full day away from Dubrovnik’s stone walls

Dubrovnik is wonderfully photogenic, but its old town can feel busy and intense, especially during the warmer months. This boat trip gives you a very different day. Instead of moving from one monument to the next, you spend roughly eight hours on the water and on three small islands west of the city.

The boat is set up for comfort rather than luxury. You have benches and tables, a sunshade, onboard speakers, a toilet, a kitchen, and a grill. That combination matters because this is a long outing. You are not expected to sit on a bare deck with nowhere to eat or escape the sun.

The pace is deliberately loose. The captain gives brief information when you reach each island, then you choose how to spend your time. You might walk among pine and carob trees, look for old churches and chapels, browse the village area, or simply find a pebble beach and swim.

I see this as a useful contrast to Dubrovnik’s more structured sightseeing. You get scenery and a taste of island life without committing to a demanding hike or a tightly scripted cultural tour.

Leaving from Lapadska obala at 9 a.m.

The stated meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik, with a 9 a.m. start. The tour information also describes morning pickup from your hotel or apartment, followed by a transfer to Gruž Harbor. Since both arrangements appear in the details, I would confirm your exact pickup point and time when booking.

Gruž is Dubrovnik’s working harbor, so the departure area gives the trip a practical, local feel. You board the boat there and settle in for the day. The return transfer takes you back to the harbor and then to your accommodation, according to the tour arrangements.

The total duration is about eight hours. That makes this a major part of your Dubrovnik schedule, not a quick add-on. I would avoid booking a late-afternoon activity or an important dinner reservation that depends on a precise return time.

The vessel can hold up to 60 people. That is not an intimate private cruise, but it is also not described as a giant ferry experience. Several strong ratings specifically praise the relaxed mood, clean boat, friendly crew, and manageable number of people. Your experience will still depend on the day’s booking level.

Koločep, the greenest-feeling first stop

Koločep is one of the three Elafiti Islands included in the route. The description points to long stretches of pine and carob trees, gardens, chapels, and pebble beaches. The island’s appeal is its calm natural setting rather than a long list of formal attractions.

I would use this stop to slow down. Take the captain’s short introduction, then walk at an unhurried pace or look for a place near the water. If swimming is part of your plan, bring your own snorkeling equipment, since gear is not listed as included.

Koločep may satisfy you if you enjoy small island scenery and simple coastal walks. If you need a large historic center or several ticketed sites, it may feel limited. The tour does not include entrance fees to local monuments, and there is no promise of an extensive guided visit at any stop.

The island stops are also shaped by the boat schedule. You get free time, but this is not an independent island-hopping trip where you can stay as long as you please. Listen carefully when the captain explains when and where to return to the boat.

Lopud for beach time and old stone details

Lopud offers another version of the Elafiti Islands. You might find old churches, chapels, gardens, and traces of medieval island life, along with pebble beaches suited to a swim. The exact mix of walking and beach time is up to you, which makes comfortable shoes and swimwear equally useful.

This is likely the stop that will appeal most to people who want a classic Adriatic pause: a little history, a little greenery, and time near the water. I would not expect a full guided history lesson. The captain’s comments are brief, so you should treat the information as an introduction rather than a formal tour.

The beach focus is also the clearest limitation. One lower-rated assessment found the islands offered little beyond the beach, while the rest of the experience was praised for food and staff. That criticism is fair for anyone hoping for major monuments or a dense program of activities.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and your own mask or snorkel if you want to explore the water. The boat has shade, but you will still spend much of the day outdoors.

Šipan and the slower side of island life

Šipan completes the three-island route. It is presented as a place of gardens, older religious buildings, chapels, castles, trees, and beaches. As with the other stops, the captain provides a short explanation of what you can see and do before you have time on your own.

The value of Šipan is variety. After two earlier stops, you have another chance to walk, take photographs, sit by the water, or explore at a gentle pace. The island visit is less about checking off one famous sight and more about seeing how the coast changes from one small community to another.

I would keep your expectations sensible. The supplied details do not promise entrance to castles or churches, and monument entry fees are not included. Some sites may simply be things you view from outside unless you choose to pay an entrance fee separately.

For me, the best approach is to pick one simple goal at each island. Walk at the first, swim at the second, and take a quieter village or garden stroll at the third. That prevents the day from becoming three versions of the same beach stop.

Grilled lunch, served on the boat

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. You choose your meal when booking, and the chef prepares it during the outing. The food is grilled at the island, and lunch is served on the boat.

Your choices are:

• Fish meal: grilled hake with three seasonal salads
• Meat meal: grilled chicken breasts with three seasonal salads
• Vegetarian meal: grilled vegetables with three different salads

The meal is not a minor snack. It is a proper midday plate, and the cooking setup gives the boat a friendly, informal feel. Several high ratings specifically praise the quality of the lunch, with comments describing it as excellent or delicious.

You must state your choice when booking. The same applies to dietary needs and food allergies. A vegetarian option is available, but do not assume the crew will know your preference unless you provide it in advance.

The boat’s kitchen and grill are useful features on an eight-hour trip. You do not need to search for food during the island stops, and you can eat while enjoying the setting. The tradeoff is that lunch is a set meal choice rather than a broad menu.

Unlimited drinks and the relaxed mood

The price includes unlimited red and white wine, soft drinks, water, and grappa. Alcoholic beverages are included as well. That can make the $72.59 cost attractive, especially if you plan to have wine with lunch and soft drinks or water throughout the day.

I would still treat the alcohol offering sensibly. You are on a moving boat, under the sun, and away from shore for much of the day. Water is included, so make it your main drink and use the wine or grappa as an occasional part of the meal.

The drinks also help explain the social tone of the tour. This is designed as a pleasant shared outing, not a silent sightseeing transfer. Music is played through onboard speakers, and the crew handles lunch and drinks while you enjoy the route.

If you want a peaceful boat with no music and a private table for your own group, this may not be the right format. If you like a casual cruise where the crew takes care of the practical details, it should fit well.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly and hardworking. Natasha is singled out as a very good guide, and the captain gives short explanations at each island. That combination is worth noting because the tour’s success depends less on formal guiding and more on smooth timing, clear instructions, and a pleasant onboard atmosphere.

You should expect brief commentary rather than a detailed lecture on medieval Croatian history. The islands have older churches, chapels, castles, and Mediterranean plant life, but the day leaves much of the discovery to you.

A good crew also matters when the weather is less than ideal. One highly positive account describes enjoying the trip despite poor weather, thanks in part to the meal, drinks, and staff. That does not mean every rainy day will be comfortable, but it suggests the onboard service remains an important part of the experience when swimming and sunbathing are not appealing.

Is $72.59 good value?

At $72.59 per person, the tour bundles transport, an approximately eight-hour cruise, three island stops, lunch, and unlimited drinks. The boat also includes shade, seating, a toilet, music, a kitchen, and a grill. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks, the package is reasonably priced.

The value is strongest for people who want a full day with very little planning. You do not need to arrange a harbor transfer, find a lunch spot, or decide which islands to connect by public boat. The crew sets the broad schedule, while you retain free time at each stop.

The value is weaker if you mainly want intensive sightseeing. Entrance fees are not included, and the captain’s island information is brief. You are paying for a relaxed coastal day, not for a series of guided museum visits.

I would also compare the cost with your personal drinking habits. If you do not drink alcohol and prefer to spend only a few hours on the water, another excursion may suit you better. If you enjoy a long boat day with a cooked meal and included beverages, the price is easier to justify.

Weather, cancellations, and small practical details

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start to receive a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

One important warning concerns communication. A canceled departure caused one customer to spend 60 euros getting to the meeting point before learning the tour would not operate. I would contact the provider, Dubrovnik Boat Tours, before leaving your accommodation if the forecast looks doubtful, and confirm that the boat is running.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience accepts mobile tickets. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. The maximum group size is 60, so ask directly if you need more detail about your own mobility or boarding needs.

Pack light but prepare for a full outdoor day. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and snorkeling equipment if you want it. The tour provides the meal and drinks, but snorkeling gear is not listed among the inclusions.

Who should book this Elafiti Islands cruise?

I recommend this tour most to you if you want a restful break from Dubrovnik’s old town. It works especially well for couples, families, and small groups who like a mix of swimming, scenery, food, and casual island exploration.

It is also a sensible choice if you dislike planning complicated coastal transport. Pickup or transfer arrangements, the boat, lunch, drinks, and return transport are combined in one day.

I would hesitate if your main goal is serious history, long hikes, nightlife, or a private sailing experience. The islands are attractive but quiet, and the program gives you time rather than a packed list of sights.

Should you book it?

Book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes a shaded boat, grilled lunch, wine, sea air, and three gentle island stops. The strongest parts are the food, friendly crew, included drinks, and relaxed schedule. Natasha and the wider crew appear to make a real difference to the mood onboard.

Skip it if you would be disappointed by beaches, trees, short island briefings, and free time without major attractions. Before booking, choose your meal, list any allergies, confirm the pickup details, and check the weather on the morning of departure. With those points clear, this is a well-priced way to see a quieter side of the Dubrovnik coast.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, beginning at 9 a.m. and returning to the harbor before transport takes you back to your accommodation.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, three of the Elafiti Islands near Dubrovnik.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is freshly prepared and served on the boat. You can choose grilled hake, grilled chicken breasts, or grilled vegetables, each served with three seasonal salads.

Do I need to choose my meal in advance?

Yes. You should state your preferred fish, meat, or vegetarian meal when booking. You should also provide any dietary requirements or food allergies at that time.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited red and white wine, soft drinks, water, and grappa are included during the trip.

Where does the tour start?

The stated meeting point is Lapadska obala 5, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, with a 9 a.m. start. Morning hotel or apartment pickup is also described, so confirm your specific arrangement before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No snorkeling equipment is listed as included. Bring your own equipment if you want to snorkel during the island stops.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. For voluntary cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.