Reviewed · DUBROVNIK TOURS

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

★ 5.0 · 31 reviews 8 hours From $76 Operated by Dubrovnik Local Guide · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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The best part of this three-island cruise is the change of pace. Within minutes of leaving Dubrovnik, you trade crowded stone streets for open water, small island ports, swimming stops, and a shaded boat where lunch and drinks are handled for you. Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep each offer a different kind of stop, so the day does not feel like three copies of the same beach visit.

I like the generous time on Lopud, which gives you room for a walk, a swim, or a visit to Sunj sandy beach. I also like the practical all-inclusive setup: lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, wine, and brandy are included, with hotel pickup available in Dubrovnik if you select that option. The main thing to consider is the long eight-hour schedule. You need to be comfortable with sun, sea time, and a full day built around fixed boat departures.

Key points to know before you book

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Key points to know before you book

  • Three islands in one day: Visit Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, with free time for walks, swimming, snorkeling, and photographs.
  • Sunj sandy beach: Lopud gives you the best chance to seek out a proper sandy beach rather than spending the whole day on rocky Croatian shorelines.
  • A comfortable boat day: The blue boat Emili has shade, clean toilets, and views from all seats, according to the details provided.
  • Food and drinks included: Choose your lunch when booking, then expect regular offers of water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy.
  • Helpful crew: Guide Emily is specifically noted for looking after passengers throughout the day.
  • Plan around the meeting time: The boat is at the bus stop across from the University building at 8:45 a.m. and does not arrive before then.

Why this boat day works well from Dubrovnik

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Why this boat day works well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik can fill your senses quickly. The walls, polished limestone, steep lanes, and busy public spaces are memorable, but they can also make a quiet day feel out of reach. This cruise gives you a simple escape without asking you to arrange ferries, restaurants, beach stops, or return transport separately.

The route explores the Elaphiti Islands, a group of islands off Dubrovnik’s coast. You are not spending the day rushing through museums or following a dense historical script. Instead, the pleasure comes from the sea itself, the changing views from the deck, and the chance to decide how active you want to be at each stop.

I see this as a good choice for people who want an easy day with some structure. You have a set route and a guide, but the island stops leave room for your own pace. You can swim, snorkel, walk, take photographs, or simply sit in the shade with a drink.

The activity costs $76 per person. That is a fair price if you would otherwise pay separately for boat transport, lunch, drinks, and several short excursions. It is less compelling if you mainly want to lie on one beach all day, since the boat moves between three islands and the schedule includes several departures.

Boarding the blue boat Emili at 8:45

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Boarding the blue boat Emili at 8:45

The stated meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the large blue boat named Emili. The boat is not expected before 8:45 a.m., so arriving early is sensible, but do not assume you need to board an earlier vessel.

Pickup from hotels and accommodation in the City of Dubrovnik area is available only if you choose that option. It does not cover the entire Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and pickup is not provided for locations less than 1,000 meters from the starting point. Check the selected option carefully before paying, since private transportation is not included.

The cruise begins with about 45 minutes of sightseeing from the water. This opening stretch is useful because it lets you settle into the boat before the island stops begin. Find a place with a good view, learn where the shaded areas and toilets are, and listen for the guide’s instructions about departure times.

The boat is described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with shade and good views from all seats. That matters on a full-day trip. You are not limited to one short transfer between islands, so a cramped or poorly shaded boat would make the day tiring. Here, the boat itself is part of the experience.

Lopud gives you three hours to choose your own pace

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Lopud gives you three hours to choose your own pace

Lopud is the longest stop, at roughly three hours, and that is the heart of the day. You have time for a guided visit, photographs, a walk, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views without needing to squeeze everything into a short break.

The island is also the place to focus on Sunj sandy beach. Much of the Croatian coast is known for clear water and pebbly or rocky edges, so a sandy beach can be a welcome change. If you want a proper swim and some time on the shore, Lopud is the stop to prioritize.

I would not try to do every activity here. Three hours sounds generous, but it can pass quickly once you include walking, finding the beach, swimming, and returning to the boat. If you want a relaxed day, choose one main goal. Swim and sit by the water, or walk and take photographs before cooling off.

Snorkeling is available, but the provided details do not specify equipment rental or guarantee particular marine life. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it and want to make the most of the water. A swimsuit is not included, so pack one, along with a towel and sun protection.

The main practical warning is the departure time. The boat will not wait for a late return. One passenger, Kate, misread the departure time at the first stop and saw the boat leaving the quay. The crew and office helped arrange a ride on another boat so she could rejoin the group later, but that was an exceptional rescue, not something to count on. Write down the return time and set an alarm.

Sipan offers a quieter one-hour pause

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Sipan offers a quieter one-hour pause

Sipan follows with about one hour of free time. This stop is shorter and more self-guided, so you should treat it as a chance to stretch your legs, take photographs, walk a little, or swim if the conditions suit you.

Sipan helps break up the day. After the longer Lopud visit, you can enjoy a change of setting without needing to plan a major outing. The route includes scenic views on the way, and the island stop gives you another angle on the Elaphiti group rather than sending you straight back to Dubrovnik.

One hour is enough for a short look, but not enough for a slow, ambitious exploration. Keep an eye on the clock, especially if you walk away from the quay. I would use this stop for a brief wander and photographs, then return to the boat with time to spare.

The exact character of your stop will depend on the day’s conditions and the group schedule. The important point is that Sipan is not presented as a long beach session. It is a compact island break within a larger day on the water.

A few more Dubrovnik half-days to weigh up

Kolocep closes the island route

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Kolocep closes the island route

The final island stop is Kolocep, also scheduled for about one hour. Like Sipan, it includes free time, photographs, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views.

Kolocep gives you one last chance to get into the water or enjoy the shore before the return journey. If you have already spent most of your energy on Lopud, this can be a gentle final stop. If the sea has been your main reason for booking, use the time for a last swim, while remembering that the boat’s departure controls the schedule.

A useful tip concerns local golf buggy taxis. Dan specifically points out that taking one across the final stop can lead to a larger beach in a calm bay with bars. The supplied details do not say that this ride is included, so treat it as an optional personal expense and confirm the price and return timing before setting off.

This is a good example of how to use the itinerary wisely. The cruise gives you the basic island route, while a small optional expense can help you reach a broader beach area if that matters more to you than a slow walk.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of an all-inclusive day

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Lunch, drinks, and the value of an all-inclusive day

Lunch is included, and you choose among three options when booking. The precise menu is not provided, but the food is described as tasty and served in generous portions. A grilled vegetable and potato salad option worked well for one passenger, while the fish choice came with a practical warning: watch for bones.

That detail tells you to choose lunch based on comfort, not just curiosity. Fish may suit you perfectly, but eat it carefully, especially if you are trying to finish quickly before an island stop. A vegetarian option is available, which makes the tour easier for people who do not want a fish or meat meal.

Drinks are offered throughout the day. Included choices cover bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy. Other alcoholic drinks are not included, so do not read open drinks as a full bar. The inclusion of soft drinks, water, wine, and brandy still removes much of the small spending that can add up on a full-day excursion.

I like this setup because you can focus on the islands rather than searching for a café at every stop. It also makes the $76 price easier to assess. Your value depends on how much you eat and drink, but the cost covers the main transport, a full lunch, a guide, and several hours of stops.

Personal expenses remain your responsibility. That includes anything outside the included food and drinks, such as optional golf buggy transport or purchases on the islands.

The crew makes a difference on a long day

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - The crew makes a difference on a long day

A boat trip lasting eight hours depends heavily on the crew. The available information points to friendly, attentive service, with regular drink offers and quick practical help when conditions change.

Guide Emily is singled out for looking after the group throughout the day. The tour includes an English-speaking live guide, a driver or boat guide, and a local guide. Information about each island is provided as you visit, but the day is not designed as a nonstop lecture. You get useful orientation, then time to enjoy the place.

The crew also handled a rainy spell well by lowering the boat sides and bringing out blankets. That is worth noting because sea weather can shift, and an open boat becomes uncomfortable quickly when rain arrives. It does not make the trip weatherproof, but it shows that the staff can respond to a change in conditions.

Still, pack for both sun and rain. The boat has shade, but the tour remains outdoors for most of the day. A light layer, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag for valuables are sensible choices. The activity information specifically notes that a swimsuit is not supplied.

Who will get the most from this tour

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Who will get the most from this tour

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a low-stress day away from Dubrovnik and like having transport, lunch, drinks, and island stops bundled together. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who do not all want the same activity every hour.

It is also useful for people with limited time in the region. Instead of choosing one Elaphiti Island and arranging the day yourself, you see three in one outing. The tradeoff is that Sipan and Kolocep receive only about an hour each, so you get variety rather than a deep visit.

Swimmers and beach fans will appreciate the water access and Sunj sandy beach. Walkers and photographers will enjoy the changing views and island streets, though the schedule is not built around long hikes.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike boats, need a very quiet private outing, or want complete control over your timetable. The boat has space and shade, but you still follow a group route and must return on time at every stop. It is also a weaker fit for anyone expecting a full open bar or a private transfer outside Dubrovnik.

Booking details worth checking

Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch - Booking details worth checking

The language is English, and the activity lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability, with the regular meeting information pointing to 8:45 a.m. at the bus stop across from the University building.

Hotel pickup and drop-off in the City of Dubrovnik area can be included when you select the correct option. Pickup is not available outside the Dubrovnik city area, and the activity does not provide private transportation.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful if your Dubrovnik plans may shift.

The tour has a listed rating of 5 from 31 reviews, but I would treat the score as only one part of the decision. The more useful clues are the practical ones: spacious seating, shade, clean toilets, generous food, regular drinks, and a crew that pays attention when weather or timing causes trouble.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Book it if you want to see Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep in one comfortable day without managing ferries and meals yourself. The strongest reasons are the three-hour Lopud stop, the chance to visit Sunj sandy beach, and the included lunch and drinks.

Before booking, make sure you are happy with an eight-hour group schedule and a strict return time at each island. Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a light rain layer. If you keep your eye on the clock and choose your lunch carefully, this is a well-priced way to replace Dubrovnik’s crowded streets with a full day of sea views and island time.

FAQ

How long does the Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the cruise, island visits, meal, drinks, and return to Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep in the Elaphiti Islands.

Is Sunj sandy beach included in the route?

Yes. Sunj sandy beach is listed as one of the tour highlights on Lopud.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, with three lunch choices available when booking. Included drinks include bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy. Other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at 8:45 a.m. at the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the large blue boat named Emili, which will not arrive before 8:45.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off are available in the City of Dubrovnik area if you select that option. Pickup is not offered outside the Dubrovnik city area.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.

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