From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks

What makes this day trip from Dubrovnik so interesting is the quick switch from city traffic to an easy, slow paced Elaphiti Islands day on the water. You get a full change of scenery, with time to swim and explore small island villages rather than just staring at a shoreline from a bus window.

I especially like the lunch and wine on board, because it turns the day into a true food and sea break, not a frantic grab-and-go. I also like that you can add hotel pickup and drop-off, so you do not have to worry about navigating back after drinks.

The main consideration is time. Lopud gets the longest stop, while Šipan and Koločep are shorter, so if you want deep dives into every island, you will likely want to return later on your own.

Key highlights at a glance

• Hotel pickup option within Dubrovnik city helps you skip the end-of-day hassle
• Lopud’s Šunj Beach is the signature swimming break, with sandy shoreline and clear water
• Three island mix of vibes: village strolls on Lopud, olive and vineyard scenery on Šipan, quiet coast paths on Koločep
• Lunch is included on board with fish, chicken, or vegetarian plus sides like potato salad and bread
• Comfort in any weather with a closed, air-conditioned salon and an open upper deck
• Small crew, big attention with 5 crew members and frequent drink service reported by passengers

A Day Off the Dubrovnik Roads: Why These Islands Feel Like a Reset

Dubrovnik is photogenic, yes, but it can also feel intense. This cruise is a practical way to step away from the Old Town rhythm and trade it for island time. The boat does the heavy lifting, taking you from one island scene to the next with minimal fuss.

What I like for you is that the day is built around simple, repeatable pleasures: walk a bit, sit down, swim, eat, repeat. Lopud gives you history and a famous beach. Šipan adds a more agricultural feel with olive groves and vineyards. Koločep finishes the day at a calmer pace.

One more smart detail for planning: it is designed for an all-day outing, but the boat ride itself is part of the experience. You are not stuck waiting in long queues, and you are not bouncing between islands with constant boarding stress.

Price and what it really buys you at $48.39

At $48.39 per person for about 8 hours, the value comes from bundling. You are paying for boat transport between three islands, a proper onboard lunch, and a steady set of included drinks.

Here’s how that matters in real terms:

• You are not spending extra time or money figuring out ferries, schedules, and last-mile transport back to your hotel.
• If you choose pickup, you are also protected from the classic vacation problem of trying to get yourself home after a long lunch and a few glasses of wine.
• The included meal is not one-size-fits-all. You can pick fish, meat, or vegetarian, and the menu is specific enough to feel like a real lunch, not just bread and a snack.

You do still have spend-yourself money available on board for items like coffee, tea, or beer, but you do not need it to have a complete day. That is where most of the “good deal” feeling comes from.

Getting on Board in Dubrovnik: Pickup, seats, and timing

This is an English offered tour with a mobile ticket. You can also choose hotel pickup, but only within the Dubrovnik city area. The driver waits no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, so put your shoes on and be ready.

The boat itself is set up for comfort. There is a closed, air-conditioned salon for shade or rain and an open upper deck for sun and sea views. A passenger tip that helps a lot: the ferry-style seating can feel crowded at peak times, so arriving early at the start helps you get better spots.

Expect that the day runs long in a normal way for island hopping. One passenger reported getting on around 9:00 am and not getting off until about 5:30 pm. That tracks with the reality that travel time between islands adds up, even when island time feels generous.

Lopud Island and Šunj Beach: the island that anchors the day

Lopud is where the tour gives you the most freedom, with about 3 hours on the island. This is the stop that most people treat as the highlight, because Lopud mixes village wandering with beach time.

What you can do during those hours:

• Stroll the tranquil village with stone houses and lush greenery
• Browse local shops and cafes at a relaxed pace
• Check out the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery if you like quiet, old-school corners
• Walk through the island’s botanical garden, home to Mediterranean plant species
• Head to Šunj Beach, known for a sandy shoreline and crystal-clear water

A practical detail from fellow passengers: if you want more beach time with less walking, you can use small golf cart taxis to reach Šunj Beach from the main village area. That can save a chunk of uphill effort, which matters if you are traveling with kids, older family members, or anyone who does not enjoy steep routes.

Also plan on bringing a swimsuit. Šunj Beach is the kind of place where the water is so inviting that “just a quick dip” turns into “why is it already time to leave?”

A seasonal reality check for Lopud

Lopud is usually lively, but if you travel in late season, some places can feel quiet or closed. In that case, prioritize the beach and the village strolls rather than counting on every garden area to be fully open.

Šipan in an hour: olives, vineyards, and a fast swim plan

After Lopud, you move to Šipan for about 1 hour. This stop is short, so you need a simple strategy: pick one main goal and build the rest around it.

The island vibe here is more about land and light. You get scenery like olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills. There are also walking trails through green areas and stone-house pockets that make the island feel lived-in rather than staged.

What to aim for in one hour:

• A quick wander to take in the olive and vineyard scenery
• A refresh break at local cafes or shops
• A swim if you want water time more than walking time

Because it is short, do not over-plan. The best use of your hour is usually a mix of something scenic plus something refreshing. Even if your walk is brief, the contrast between island greens and the sea is the payoff.

A bonus for wine lovers: one passenger called out a wine tasting near the dock on Šipan. If you enjoy that style of stop, it can work well with the time limit.

Koločep’s quiet finish: calm streets and a beach by the harbor

The final island is Koločep, also about 1 hour. Compared with the other two stops, Koločep is described as the most tranquil of the set. That matters because your energy level often drops late in the day, and a calmer island is a gift.

You can expect:

• Lush greenery and olive trees
• Coastal paths for easy scenic walking
• Traditional stone houses and small churches
• Crystal-clear water that practically begs for a last swim

A helpful passenger hint: if you want the easiest beach experience later in the day, many people aim for Koločep’s sandy beach close to the harbor. It is a low-effort reward after earlier walking.

This stop tends to work best if you go in with a simple expectation: treat it like your cool-down island. Walk a bit, enjoy the views, swim if you want, then head back to the boat when it is time.

Lunch and drinks on board: fish, chicken, vegetarian, and the wine factor

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience, and for good reason. You are not just offered a menu, you get a real onboard lunch service.

The meal options:

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

Food is served onboard, and passengers describe portions as more than adequate. One review specifically mentioned they even tasted the fish and liked it, even if they ordered chicken. Another noted the meal was good and plentiful, with choices that worked for mixed groups.

What drinks you get versus what you buy

The tour highlights state lunch and wine are included, and passengers reported a bottle of white wine on each table. Beyond that, you also have water and assorted soft drinks included, and you can ask for drink service at your seat.

Not everything is included. Additional drinks, like coffee, tea, and beer, are available to purchase on board. In practice, this means you can keep things simple with the included options and add only if you want.

One nice touch passengers described: the crew regularly brings drinks around, so you are not stuck walking to a bar every time you want a refill.

And for at least one crew member, the name Nicolette came up with praise for making sure everyone was happy. You can take that as a sign that service quality is not an afterthought here.

What to pack so the day feels easy, not rushed

I would pack like you are doing a beach day with walking, because that is basically what it is.

Your essentials:

• Swimsuit. You will have multiple chances to swim, and the islands reward you for being ready.
• Comfortable shoes for uneven paths and stone steps on island streets and viewpoints.
• Your own towels. Towels are not included.
• If you want snorkeling: snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you care about it.

Sunscreen matters too, because even with a closed cabin available, you will likely spend time on the upper deck catching sun and sea views.

Also, plan your clothing with the boat ride in mind. Being on the open deck for long stretches can make wind and sun feel different, so a light layer can help if you get chilly.

Is it crowded? Boat comfort and how to manage peak season

The tour operates with a maximum of 110 travelers, and the crew size is listed at 5 crew members. It is not described as a tiny private yacht, so on busier days, the boat can feel full.

The good news: the boat setup is designed to handle it. There is an air-conditioned salon for breathing room away from the sun, plus an open upper deck for views. Passengers reported that there were seats for everyone even when busy.

My practical advice:

• Arrive early so you can secure a better place to sit.
• Choose where you want to be for each segment. If it is sunny, upper deck is great. If you want comfort, use the cabin.
• During island stops, do not treat the short timing as a reason to sprint. Move at island pace, because the payoff is the experience, not checking off every corner.

Which type of traveler should book this?

This cruise fits best if you want an easy day with clear structure and lots of sea time.

You will likely enjoy it if:

• You want a break from Dubrovnik Old Town stress
• You like the idea of multiple islands in one day without planning ferries
• Your group includes mixed ages or swim preferences, because there is beach time plus walking time
• You care about having lunch included, not chasing it off the clock

It may feel less ideal if:

• You want long stays on every island. Two of the islands are about 1 hour each, so you need to keep expectations realistic.
• You are chasing very specific sights at every stop. In late season, some places can be closed, so treat the beach and general wandering as your main goals.
• You dislike group-style pacing. It is a larger passenger boat, even if the staff attention is a strong point.

Should you book this Premium Three Island Cruise?

I would book it if you want a low-effort, high-reward island day that blends beach time, village wandering, and a real onboard lunch. The value is strongest when you take advantage of the included meal and drinks, and when you choose pickup so your whole day stays smooth.

I would think twice if you are someone who hates short island stops. Lopud gives you time to explore. The other two islands are quick hit experiences. If you want more, you might prefer separate island trips later in your stay.

If you go, go with a beach-first attitude, pack a swimsuit and a towel, and keep your plan flexible. This tour works best when you treat it like a day at sea with three postcard pauses, not a timed museum route.

FAQ

What islands are included on this cruise?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep as part of the full-day boat tour from Dubrovnik.

How long do we spend at each island?

Lopud has about 3 hours. Šipan and Koločep are each about 1 hour.

Is lunch included, and are there different menu options?

Yes. Lunch is freshly prepared on board with a meat, fish, or vegetarian menu. The tour also includes bottled water, still water during the tour, and assorted soft drinks.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels included?

No. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included.

Is hotel pickup available, and where does it operate?

Hotel pickup is offered if you select that option. Pickup is available only in the Dubrovnik city area. You need to send the exact address or hotel name, and the driver waits no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time.

What happens if the tour can’t run due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.