Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the headline, but this day trip gives you a different kind of Dubrovnik: sea air, small-island stops, and free time that feels unhurried. You cruise out to the Elafiti Islands and spend the day moving between Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with the captain giving quick pointers as you arrive.

What I like most is the on-the-water lunch setup (freshly grilled, then served on the boat) and the unlimited drinks that keep things social without turning into a party bus. One thing to keep in mind: it’s very weather-dependent, and the island time is more about beaches, walks, and views than big museum-style stops.

Key things to know before you go

• Three Elafiti Islands in one day: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with brief captain info at each stop
• Fresh lunch choices on board, grilled during the cruise, plus a vegetarian option if you book it
• Unlimited drinks during the trip, including red or white wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water
• Relaxed boat comfort: tables and benches, sun shade, a toilet, and speakers for music
• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you plan to swim and snorkel
• Max group size 60, so it stays fairly manageable

Why the Elafiti Islands feel like a break from Dubrovnik

The Elafiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, close enough to do in a full day, but far enough that the mood changes fast. Instead of stone lanes and crowds, you get water views, pine and carob trees, and little pockets of island life.

You also get a practical mix of experiences. Each island has its own pace: Koločep leans into nature and quiet, Lopud is well known for its relaxed feel and walking around, and Šipan gives you another angle on the medieval island world. The tour description also calls out ancient churches, chapels, castles, and gardens, so you have plenty to look at even if you just wander and pause often.

If you’re the type who likes to do one iconic activity and then slow down for the day, this fits. It’s a cruise day, not a tight checklist.

Getting on the boat: hotel pickup, Gruž Harbor, and ship comfort

The day starts with a morning pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel. From there, you head to Gruž Harbor to board the boat for the 9:00 am start. The ride time is long enough that you’ll feel like you actually left the city behind, but the pace stays easy because you’re not constantly changing modes.

On board, the boat is described as well set up for comfort:

• Tables and benches for eating and hanging out
• Sun shade so you’re not baking all day
• A toilet (hugely helpful on a full-day cruise)
• Speakers for music so the mood stays light
• Kitchen and grill, which matters because your lunch is prepared fresh

This is one of those trips where comfort affects how much you enjoy the day. If you want to snack, sip, and relax between island stops, you’ll actually have the space and shade to do it.

One more practical point: the tour is offered in English, and you’ll get brief captain commentary when you arrive at each island. It’s not a deep lecture. It’s enough to help you choose where to walk and what to look for.

Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan: how the free island time works

Your cruise stops at three islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. At each one, the pattern stays similar. You arrive, you get a short introduction from the captain on what’s worth seeing, then you get time to explore on your own.

That free time is a big part of the value. Dubrovnik can be intense. Here, the day becomes yours. Want to swim first and sightsee later? You can. Prefer a longer stroll to an ancient church or a chapel? That’s doable too.

Here’s what you can realistically expect from each island experience, based on what’s described:

Koločep

You’ll find a lot of the island atmosphere fast: stretches of pine and carob trees and the feeling of an older Mediterranean world. If you like gentle walking and photo stops, this is a good place to slow down and just look.

Lopud

The tour highlights gardens and classic island sights like churches, chapels, and castles. Lopud is also a place where you can reasonably mix a beach break with a wander. If your ideal day includes sandals, sun, and a slow stroll, you’ll probably enjoy it.

Šipan

Šipan rounds out the trio with more of that medieval island flavor. Expect another set of historical structures in the mix of gardens and stone, plus pebble beaches if you want to swim or snorkel.

Practical tip: bring comfortable walking shoes even if you plan to swim, because island surfaces can change from pebble to steps to uneven paths.

Lunch on board: grilled options, salads, and unlimited drinks

This is where the tour earns serious loyalty. Lunch is not an afterthought. You order ahead when booking, and the chef grills as part of the day’s flow.

You can choose from three meal options:

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

Freshly made matters here. The lunch is described as freshly prepared during the tour, and you can see the grilling happening. That small detail makes the meal feel like part of the island day rather than a boxed convenience stop.

Timing is also set up well. Lunch is served on the boat while you have unlimited drinks. That includes white and red wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water. If you don’t drink alcohol, you’re still covered with water and soft drinks, so you’re not forced into a wine-centric day.

One more thing I appreciate: the boat has speakers and a relaxed seating layout, so lunch doesn’t feel like a rushed checkpoint. You can eat, chat, and still stay ready for the next island stop.

If you have dietary requirements or allergies, the tour asks you to advise them when booking. That’s your best move to avoid surprises.

Swimming, snorkeling, and beach time without extra gear hassles

The tour specifically mentions pebble beaches for swimming and snorkeling. That’s great, but it also means you should plan like a beach day is part of the itinerary.

You’re asked to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Don’t count on being able to borrow gear at the islands, since the instruction is for you to bring it.

If you want the easiest day on your feet, pack:

• Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel
• Snorkeling mask and gear (your own)
• Sun protection
• Water shoes or footwear that works on pebbles (not required, but often a comfort upgrade)

Even if you’re not snorkeling, pebble beaches can be lovely for swimming and floating. The islands are close enough that a short swim can break up the day without soaking up hours.

Price and logistics: what $72.59 buys you, and what it doesn’t

At $72.59 per person, you’re paying for a full-day island loop, boat comfort, two major “included” items (lunch plus unlimited drinks), and transportation around Dubrovnik.

What makes the price feel fair is how much is bundled:

• Morning pickup and return transfer
• Boat ride all day with seating and shade
• Lunch with a chef-grilled main and salads
• Unlimited wine or grappa plus soft drinks and water
• English-speaking captain info at each island stop

What isn’t included is also clearly stated: entrance fees to local monuments. So if you plan to go into churches or castles that charge tickets, expect to pay on the ground. The good news is you can still enjoy a lot of the island experience without paying for every entry.

Group size is capped at 60 travelers. That usually means less crowding than big ferry style day trips, and based on how the boat is set up, it should feel like a manageable group.

Finally, this tour tends to be booked ahead. The average booking window is about 31 days. If you’re traveling in peak season or on a tight schedule, I’d book early rather than hoping for last-minute space.

When this Dubrovnik islands boat tour is the right match

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A laid-back full day at sea with free time to explore
• Included lunch and drinks, so you’re not doing money math all day
• A break from Dubrovnik’s stone streets, without giving up the chance to see historic island sites
• An English-speaking guide style that explains what to look for at each stop

It may not be the best fit if you’re chasing lots of organized activities on land. The island time is free, and the biggest “things to do” are walking, viewpoints, beaches, and any sights you choose to enter with your own ticket. If you’re looking for constant entertainment and scheduled stops every hour, you might find the day calmer than you expect.

A quick, realistic packing list

This trip is simple, but a few items make it dramatically easier:

• Swimsuit and a change of shirt
• Snorkeling equipment you bring yourself
• Sun protection, including sunscreen and a hat
• Light layers, in case the sea breeze cools things down
• Water shoes for pebble beaches (optional, but smart)
• Dietary notes at booking time if you have allergies

Should you book this Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour with lunch and unlimited drinks?

I think this one is worth it if you want a classic Dubrovnik add-on that trades crowds for sea time. The combo of fresh grilled lunch, unlimited drinks, and a three-island loop is exactly how you get value out of a single booked day.

Book it if your ideal travel day includes wandering at your own pace, stopping for swims, and enjoying a comfortable boat ride. Skip it if you only enjoy structured attractions and you need nonstop activities.

If the weather looks iffy during your visit window, plan to be flexible. This tour needs good conditions, and that single factor can change everything.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Islands boat tour?

The experience runs for approximately 8 hours.

Which islands are included in the tour?

You visit three Elafiti Islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is lunch included, and what are the meal options?

Yes. Lunch is included and you choose in advance between a fish meal (grilled hake with three seasonal salads), a meat meal (grilled chicken breasts with three seasonal salads), or a vegetarian option (grilled vegetables with three different salads).

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes. Drinks are included, with unlimited wine (red or white), grappa, soft drinks, and water.

Do I need to pay for monument or attraction entrance fees?

Entrance fees to local monuments are not included.

What time does the tour start, and how do I get there?

The start time is 9:00 am. You’ll receive a morning pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel and then be transferred to Gruž Harbor to board.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The tour asks you to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 60 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.