From Dubrovnik: Boat Tour to Kolocep, Lopud, & Sipan Islands

A boat day to the Elaphiti Islands is one of the easiest ways to change the scenery fast from Dubrovnik. You trade city steps for sea air, then bounce between three islands that each feel like a different mood, with crew like Natasha and Emily making sure you are looked after from start to finish.

I love the balance here. You get real time on Lopud (about three hours), plus a lighter taste of Kolocep and Šipan so you can actually see what makes each island different. I also like that lunch is cooked onboard and comes with choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and the open bar keeps your day from feeling like a constant stop for euros.

One possible drawback to plan for: the pacing is not slow. The first two islands tend to be around an hour each, so if your dream is hours of beach lounging on every stop, you may want a tour that’s more island-only time and less hop-between.

Key points to know before you go

• Three islands, three vibes: Kolocep for greenery and coves, Šipan for olive-tree island calm, Lopud for the car-free hangout energy
• Sunj Beach on Lopud is a top stop, with time to actually enjoy the shoreline
• About three hours on Lopud gives you room for swimming, walks, or getting around the island
• Lunch plus an open bar runs all day, so you’re not budgeting every hour
• Crew attention is consistently praised, including keeping drinks topped up

Why the Elaphiti islands feel like a day away from Dubrovnik

The Elaphiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, close enough for a full day trip without flight, hotel, or complicated transfers. That short distance matters. You feel the “escape” right away because the day is mostly on the water, with only the right amount of moving and waiting.

Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan are all inhabited. That means you get more than empty shoreline photos. You see real island life, trees, small towns, and the kind of coves where people actually go to swim.

And each island has a personality. Koločep tends to feel greener and calmer, good for a walk or a quiet coffee by the sea. Šipan is tied to olive trees and old family estates, so it reads a bit more elegant and historical in feel. Then Lopud changes the atmosphere with its car-free layout and a proper beach scene, especially at Sunj Beach.

Meeting point on Emili, and how the timing works

This tour runs about 8 to 9 hours, and the schedule is built around getting you to the islands without rushing the key swim time.

Your meeting point is 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The blue boat is named Emili. The boat is not going to arrive before 8:45, so do not count on an early drop-in.

Pickup is optional. If you are using pickup, they will tell you the location and time one day before. If you like things simple, go straight to the bus stop.

Once onboard, the day tends to feel smoothly run. Multiple people noted that staff keep the flow moving and that drinks are refilled often, even when the boat is full.

Koločep: greenery, easy strolling, and a quick dose of island life

Koločep (often spelled Kolocep or Koločep) is where this tour starts to feel genuinely different from Dubrovnik. It has lots of green areas and varied vegetation, so even if you only have around an hour, you can do something other than stand in the sun.

In that time, you can pick a simple plan:

• Walk a bit and let the island scenery do the work
• Sit and relax near the peaceful sea
• If you like activity, consider renting or using a bike if available locally (the island is described as a good place for biking)

What makes Koločep a good first stop is the mood. It is not trying to be a beach party. It is more about quiet water views, shade, and letting the day reset.

The tradeoff is that it is not long. If you want a full swim-and-sun marathon on the first island, you will feel the time limit. Still, it’s a solid sampler that sets you up for the better beach time on Lopud.

Šipan: olive-tree island calm and time for a swim

Šipan is described as the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and is known as the island of olive trees. There’s also a sense of old wealth and quiet retreats, because aristocratic families built mansions here in the past.

On this tour, Šipan usually gets about an hour. That means you should treat it like a scenic stop with optional water time, not like a full beach day.

If you’re the type who likes to move your body, you can use the time for a light stroll and then head back toward the water when you’re ready to cool off. If you’re more the sit-and-enjoy type, the island’s slower vibe helps. You’ll get a taste of why this island has long been seen as a place to exhale.

The most important practical point here: make sure you use your swim time. The Adriatic water is repeatedly described as clear, and on a day like this, the swimming is one of the best ways to feel like you actually did an island tour, not just sat on a boat.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: the car-free island with the best hang time

Lopud is where most people end up smiling the most, because it is the most developed island and the one many consider the highlight. It is also without cars, so the island feels calmer the moment you arrive.

You typically get around three hours on Lopud. That longer window changes everything. Now you can choose your pace instead of being forced into a sprint.

Sunj Beach is the stop to aim for

Sunj Beach is repeatedly called out as a must visit. It’s the kind of beach that makes you understand why people come here in summer. You get time to:

• Swim
• Walk along the shoreline
• Find shade and recharge
• Just watch the sea for a while

Getting around: golf buggy to the far beach

One practical tip from the ground: you can take a golf buggy to reach the beach area across the island. It’s described as worthwhile, but also a bit of a ride. If you do it, pick your seat carefully. One reviewer suggested sitting in the middle row as the safest option.

Snorkeling and sea urchins

If you want to snorkel, this is a good island to try it. One person mentioned snorkeling under the monastery area. Do not be careless in the water. Sea urchins are mentioned, so it’s smart to consider goggles and to watch your footing where you enter.

Coffee and ice cream breaks

Lopud has enough of a “real place” feel that you can slow down for a break. People mention ice cream, and at least one person noted a coffee cost on the island, so if you are budgeting, it helps to know that drinks at beach spots can add up.

The onboard lunch and the open bar you’ll be glad you booked

This tour includes lunch and drinks, and that matters more than you think. When food and drinks are built into the day, you stop spending time and energy on decisions.

Lunch with real portions

You choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Lunch is served onboard, and multiple people called it excellent and generous, with portions described like a proper evening meal.

If you care about fish, take the fish option. Several people said their fish lunch was the best they’d tasted, with huge portions. Chicken also gets praise, including a plate with potato and tomatoes.

Open bar all day

The open bar runs the whole day. Included are water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink.

On top of that, some extras may be available for purchase, like beer and coffee, but the key point is you do not have to pay for your basic drinks during the main part of the day. Reviews repeatedly mention glasses staying filled and staff refilling often.

Boat vibe: shade, wood, and music

A detail I appreciate from the experience: the boat is described as clean and lovely, with a wooden style and plenty of shade. Add to that some onboard music, and you get a relaxing rhythm instead of a cramped party atmosphere.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the one entry rule you should confirm

Swimming is a big part of why people book this trip. Water is described as crystal clear and clear enough for snorkeling, and the day is paced so you can get in the ocean without feeling like you missed your chance.

That said, there is one thing worth checking. One person noted they were not allowed to jump off the boat into the sea, even though other boat trips they had done allowed direct entry. I’d treat that as a reminder to ask the crew where entry is permitted. You can usually swim, but rules can vary by boat setup or sea conditions.

If you bring snorkeling gear, great. If you do not, you can still enjoy the water. But take sea urchins seriously. If you hate surprises underfoot, consider water shoes and watch where you step.

Value check: what $76 buys on an 8-9 hour island day

At $76 per person for an all-day boat outing, the value depends on what you would otherwise spend to get similar time and similar comfort.

Here’s what you get for that price:

• Boat transportation to three islands
• Lunch onboard
• Drinks all day, including white wine and non-alcoholic beverages

In the Dubrovnik area, an all-day tour with food and steady drinks included can cost a lot more than you expect, especially once you start paying island-by-island. This package makes the day feel like one price, not a series of micro-transactions.

On top of the basics, people consistently praise the crew care, including staying attentive even on a full boat. That kind of service is not guaranteed on every day trip, and it’s a real part of the value.

There is also an optional add-on for the Blue Cave by speed boat mentioned by some people, around 20 euros extra. If you want that experience, it can turn your day into something more than just swimming and strolling. Just know that the cave can be busy and the stop might be short, based on how people describe it.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is ideal if you want a classic Dubrovnik day on the water without overplanning. If you like:

• Island hopping
• Swimming with minimal effort
• A simple itinerary with built-in meals
• A car-free island beach day

…you’ll probably love the flow.

It is also a good fit for couples and solo travelers who want to socialize a bit but still have freedom during stops. Reviews mention that the crew takes care of families too, including a child onboard, which tells me the staff knows how to keep the day comfortable.

Who might want to look elsewhere:

• People who want long beach time on every island, since Koločep and Šipan are shorter stops
• Anyone who hates boat days and prefers to stay put on one island all day

Should you book this Dubrovnik boat tour to Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan?

Book it if you want an easy win: three Elaphiti islands in one day, with lunch and drinks handled, and with enough time to enjoy the standout island beach at Sunj.

If you are the type who plans your vacation around water time, this is a strong choice. The day is built to get you swimming, not just looking.

One last piece of advice: decide in advance which lunch option you want, and plan to use the longer Lopud window for your main beach time. If you do that, you will come away feeling like you got real island value, not just a quick postcard tour.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik boat tour to Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan?

The duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits three Elaphiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes boat transportation, lunch, and drinks.

What are the lunch options?

Lunch includes a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

Where do we meet the boat?

The meeting point is 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The blue boat is named Emili, and it will not arrive before 8:45.

Is pick-up available?

Pickup is optional. The pickup location and time are shared one day before the tour.