Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Trip with Drinks (FR, ES, IT, EN)

Dubrovnik is great on land, but this 8-hour Elaphite Islands boat day is a different feeling. You get sea time, island breaks, and that easy “no car needed” pace that makes Croatia’s coast click.

Two things I really like: the unlimited drinks on board (wine, soft drinks, and water) and the fact you do real swimming stops in the crystal-clear Adriatic. One thing to consider is time management, especially on Šipan, where your on-island window is fairly short.

Key highlights at a glance

• Unlimited wine, soft drinks, and water served on the boat, all day
• Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in one trip, with multiple island breaks for photos and swims
• Loud speakers at the bow and a fun music vibe while cruising and hanging out on deck
• Lopud’s sandy beach time plus the old Botanical Garden area
• Šipan’s olive-tree claim to fame plus a quick history stop without dragging the day out
• Free entry to a Dubrovnik nightclub to wrap the day

Why This Dubrovnik Boat Trip to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep Works

This is the kind of trip that turns a busy port town into a full day at water level. You leave Dubrovnik behind, cruise along the coast, then spend real time on three islands in the Elaphite group.

I like that the day is built for both relaxation and active moments. You can lie on deck, swim, take quick walks where they fit, and still feel like you actually saw the islands rather than just passing by.

The whole pitch is simple: Adriatic swims, island beauty, and drinks, with enough structure to keep things moving at an easy pace.

Getting on the Boat at Dubrovnik Ferry Terminal, Then Living on Three Decks

Your day starts at the Dubrovnik ferry terminal, and the boat is set up for a long comfortable ride. It has three decks with sunbeds, Wi-Fi, and two toilets, plus speakers so you get music both while cruising and while relaxing.

This matters because you are out for about 8 hours. If the sea is calm, you will want to stay outside. If the breeze picks up, you can shift decks without the “everything is cramped” feeling.

The host on board keeps things understandable, with guiding in English, French, Spanish, and Italian. You also have a Croatian-speaking greeter involved, depending on how that portion runs that day.

How the Day Flows, From Short Cruises to Island Time

The rhythm is what makes this tour feel fun instead of exhausting. After the first boarding and cruise time, you get a longer island break, then a series of shorter sightseeing hops and swim-friendly pauses.

Expect a plan like this:

• A sightseeing cruise segment early (about 45 minutes)
• A full break at Lopud (about 3 hours total with multiple parts)
• Short cruises between islands
• About 45 minutes on Šipan
• About 1 hour on Koločep
• Final cruising back to end near the terminal area, with drop-offs in common spots around Dubrovnik

If you like day trips where you don’t have to think too hard once you step on board, this structure helps. You spend most of your energy on swimming, photos, and the island time that fits each stop.

Lopud Island: Botanical Garden Vibes, Beach Time, and the Right Kind of Walks

Lopud is your main island stop, and it gets the most time for a reason. You are there roughly 3 hours, which is enough to cool off, explore a bit, and still enjoy a slow pace.

This is where you get the classic Lopud feel, with Mediterranean plants and the Botanical Garden, described as one of Europe’s oldest. Even if you don’t do a full walk-through, the garden area is a nice mental break from the boat.

Lopud is also famous for its sandy beaches, and your plan includes swim time and photo stops. There’s even a popular story attached to Šunj beach about a romantic swim, which is the kind of folklore you hear for a reason, people love how it feels there.

Practical note: with a full 3 hours, you can choose your pace. I’d treat it like this, swim first, then do photos and the garden segment, then finish with a relaxed beach moment.

Šipan Island: Olive Trees, Quick History Stops, and Tight Timing for On-Site Extras

Next up is Šipan, the largest of the three islands you visit. You’ll have about 45 minutes on the island, plus scenic views on the way from the boat.

This is a good stop if you like history plus nature in small doses. Šipan is tied to the Dubrovnik Republic past, and you get a sense of those elegant old island homes and buildings without needing a long hike.

The description includes a standout trivia hook: Šipan holds a Guinness World Record for the most olive trees on a single landmass. You don’t need to hunt for the trees in a spreadsheet way, but knowing that makes the olive countryside feel more specific when you look at the hills.

Here is the realistic consideration. With time kept tight, if you are hoping to do deeper on-site exploring like spending a long chunk at a particular building or viewpoint, you may feel rushed. I’d set expectations around quick sightseeing, photos, a swim, and then move on.

Koločep Island: Best Swim Potential, Caves, and a Stroll-Then-Relax Day

Koločep is smaller than Šipan, but it is built for water lovers. You get about 1 hour on the island, plus time before and after for scenic cruising.

What I like about Koločep as a final island stop is how it supports a simple plan: swim, walk a bit, then enjoy the boat ride back with less pressure. The description highlights crystal-clear waters, swim and diving conditions, hidden bays, and even caves you can check out.

That mix works well if you want a little more adventure without making the day physical. You can keep it casual, dip into the water, then take a slow look around the shore.

If you’re traveling with someone who prefers calm over busy sightseeing, Koločep is often the sweet spot. It’s the most “water first” feeling part of the trip.

Drinks, Lunch Options, and the Music Setup on Board

This is not a bare-bones cruise. You get unlimited drinks on board, including wine, soft drinks, and water. That’s a big value driver because drinks on coastal tours add up fast, and here they are part of the experience.

Food is handled in a practical way. Lunch is included if you choose the add-on, and it can be fish, meat, or vegetarian. Since lunch availability is add-on dependent, I suggest checking what is included with your booking before you build your day around it.

Music comes from the boat setup, including speakers at the bow. In good weather, that kind of music makes the cruise feel like a party boat. Just keep your expectations flexible, one review pointed to music equipment that could be better, so if you care about sound quality, don’t assume a club-like audio system.

One thing I take seriously after reading experiences from real people: bring some cash just in case there are small extras or situations that aren’t fully covered. The tour does mention free nightclub entry at the end, but it’s still smart to travel prepared.

Night Plans: Free Entry to a Dubrovnik Nightclub After Island Time

A lot of island tours end when the boat returns to port and everyone disperses. This one adds an after-dark option, with free entry to a top nightclub in Dubrovnik.

That’s great if your trip includes a nightlife night already. It also helps you justify the “full day away from town” schedule, because you still get a plan for evening without hunting down tickets or walking around wondering what is open.

If you do go out, I’d pace the day so you can enjoy it. With swimming and unlimited drinks, you will feel the day. Build in a relaxed boat return and don’t treat the nightclub as a sprint.

Price and Value Around $51, and Who This Tour Is For

At about $51 per person, this tour looks like strong value if you want a lot of boat time without the hassle of planning. You’re paying for several things at once: a full-day boat ride to three islands, unlimited drinks, an on-board host, and multiple island breaks where swimming actually happens.

If you compare this to piecing together a private charter plus food plus transport, the price starts to make sense quickly. Even compared with paying for ferry travel and then figuring out local island access, the all-in feel of this trip is a win.

Who it fits best:

• You want an easy, single-day plan while you base yourself in Dubrovnik
• You care about swim time and deck time, not long museum-style wandering
• You like an upbeat group vibe with music and conversation

Who might want something different:

• You want lots of deep, unhurried sightseeing on each island
• You dislike group schedules and prefer to explore on your own timing

Practical Tips That Make the Day Smoother (Towels, Swimwear, and Weather)

The essentials are clear. Bring sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included, so plan on that or expect you’ll be borrowing or buying one.

Weather matters. This experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, it can be changed to another date or refunded. In practice, that means you should be flexible with your Dubrovnik schedule if possible.

Also note the boat is marked as wheelchair accessible, which is useful if you need that kind of setup. If you have specific needs, it’s still smart to confirm what access looks like on the day you go.

A final small but important mindset tip: you will have short-to-medium island windows. That’s not a flaw, it’s the design. Treat each stop as, swim, see a few highlights, then enjoy the views from the boat again.

Should You Book This Elaphite Islands 3-Islands Boat Trip?

Yes, I think you should book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day looks like water, swimming, and a fun group boat vibe. The combination of three islands, unlimited drinks, and a schedule that keeps you moving without feeling rushed makes it a solid choice for most visitors.

I’d skip it or look closely at alternatives if you are the type who wants long island stays and deep exploration of specific sites. With about 45 minutes on Šipan and about 1 hour on Koločep, the day is tuned for highlights, not for long, slow wandering.

If you like a plan that gives you maximum coastline time with minimal logistics stress, this is one of the easier ways to get out to the Elaphites from Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik 3 Islands boat trip?

The duration is 8 hours.

Which islands does the boat trip visit?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks, including wine, soft drinks, and water.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch add-on. It can be fish, meat, or vegetarian.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Dubrovnik ferry terminal and ends back at the meeting point area, with drop-offs listed for Mlini, Zaton, Dubrovnik, and Obala Stjepana Radića.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is listed as wheelchair accessible.