Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

A day like this is interesting because it trades Dubrovnik’s busy streets for a smooth run across the Elaphiti Islands. You get a built-in route, time on real beaches, and chances to cool off in the sea, without needing to plan ferries or bus connections.

What I like most is the crew’s hands-on care, plus the way they keep the day feeling relaxed and organized. I also love the included lunch and drinks, because it means you can focus on swimming, photos, and wandering instead of budgeting and queueing.

The main drawback to consider is timing and meeting logistics. You meet at 08:45 at the big blue boat named Emili, and the boat won’t arrive before that, plus pickup is only available within the Dubrovnik city area (so you need to choose your meeting plan carefully).

Key highlights you’ll feel on this cruise

• Elaphiti Islands route, planned for sea time across Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep
• Plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities, not just a quick dip
• Lunch plus drinks included, including soft drinks, bottled water, and wine and brandy
• A long Lopud stop (3 hours) for beaches, photos, and an easy pace
• Final sandy beach time at Sunj, where you can go for a proper swim
• Comfort and quick rain response, with the crew getting sides down and blankets out when needed

Why the Elaphiti Islands cruise feels like a reset from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has that postcard magic, but it also has crowds. This boat tour gives you a way to enjoy the coast without spending your whole day walking among packed streets. Once you’re out on the water, the vibe shifts fast, and you start getting that classic Adriatic feel, open sky, salty air, and island scenery that looks different with every turn.

The route matters. Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep each bring their own tempo, so you’re not stuck watching scenery from the same angle all day. Instead, you get a mix of wandering, short viewing stops, and real beach time. And the day is structured around comfort: you’re on a boat for the travel between islands, rather than doing multiple ticket lines and transfers.

I also appreciate that this is built for people who want a worry-free day. Hotel pickup is optional, but if you choose it, it’s meant to reduce stress. If you don’t, the fixed meeting plan at 08:45 keeps things simple. Either way, the tour is designed so your biggest job is showing up on time and wearing shoes you don’t mind getting a little sandy.

Price and what you actually get for $76 per person

At $76 per person for an 8-hour day, the value comes from the bundle. You’re not paying separately for transport, lunch, soft drinks, and the guided elements across three islands. You also get multiple on-water hours where the cost of doing it yourself would quickly add up once you factor in boat or ferry logistics plus food.

Here’s what the all-in pricing covers:

• Lunch (you choose between three lunch options when booking)
• Drinks including bottled water, Coca-Cola and Fanta, plus wine and brandy
• Snorkeling and swim-friendly time at the islands and beaches
• Driver or guide and local guidance
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the City of Dubrovnik area if you select that option

What isn’t included is also useful to know. You’re not getting extra alcoholic drinks beyond the wine and brandy, and you’ll want your own swimsuit, since that’s listed as not included. If you’re the type who would normally spend money on a beach lunch and a drink, this tour tends to feel like a fair deal because you get to use the day fully.

If you’re deciding between this and a more “free choice” ferry day, I’d frame it like this: ferries can be cheaper, but you trade away the ease of a single operator handling the route and meals. For many people, the saved effort is worth the difference.

Meeting Emili at 08:45, then letting the day flow

You meet at 08:45 at the bus stop across the University building. Look for the big blue boat named Emili. The boat won’t arrive before 08:45, so don’t plan to arrive “close enough.”

This matters more than it sounds. The tour schedule is paced with island time blocks, so once the boat leaves, you can’t just hop on later. If you’re staying in Dubrovnik old town, I’d give yourself extra buffer for walking and finding the correct stop across the university area.

One more logistic point: pickup is optional and limited to the Dubrovnik city area, not the whole Dubrovnik-Neretva county. If you’re outside the city and you’re relying on pickup, you might end up having to make your own way to the meeting point.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll notice the boat setup is geared for a long day. It’s described as large and spacious, with clean toilets and seating that lets you enjoy views without standing the whole time. And there’s shade, which you’ll appreciate if the sun is strong.

Lopud Island, the 3-hour “slow down and swim” stop

Lopud is your longest stop, with about 3 hours on the island. That length gives you breathing room. You can do quick photo time, take a guided portion, then choose how much walking you want. The schedule also includes free time plus swimming and snorkeling opportunities, so you’re not forced into a single activity.

Why Lopud works well for first-timers is simple: it gives you variety without rush. If you want beach time, you can head toward it. If you want to stretch your legs and see how the island feels, there’s time for that too.

A practical tip from the way the day is structured: plan for casual movement. You’re on a sea day, so you’ll be walking near the water and changing your plans between shade and sun. Comfortable shoes and a swimsuit you can rinse quickly are a smart combo.

Also keep in mind that island walking can be weather-dependent. If it’s hot, you’ll likely do more “short strolls and beach breaks.” If it’s cool or rainy, the boat crew’s quick response later in the day is a good sign that you’ll have warmth when you return onboard.

Šipan stop: a short break that still changes the scenery

Next comes Šipan, with about 1 hour on the ground. This isn’t a long explore day, but it’s enough for what the tour is trying to do: vary the coast view and give you time to break up the boating.

You’ll get a mix of photo stop, visit, and free time, with swimming and snorkeling opportunities tied into the break. There’s also a self-guided element, which works well when you’re not trying to conquer a full island itinerary.

The biggest benefit of a shorter stop is you don’t feel locked in. One hour can be just right if you want a quick look and then a return to sea time. The tradeoff is also real: if you’re the type who likes to linger in villages and café-hunt for long stretches, this leg will feel brief.

Koločep break: one more chance to get your feet in the sand

Then you move to Koločep for about 1 hour, again paced as a mix of photo time, visit time, and free time. Like Šipan, it includes swimming and snorkeling opportunities and scenic viewpoints as you approach and travel between points.

This portion tends to work best if you treat it as a sea-day sampler. You get another island feel, another set of coastline views, and another chance to hop in the water. You don’t need a full-time plan to enjoy it.

If you’re thinking, should I do everything offered here? My advice is no. Pick one or two activities per stop. That keeps the day from turning into a checklist, and it lets you actually enjoy the boat ride views, which are part of the fun.

Sunj sandy beach time, plus the golf buggy option

The final “big beach” feeling comes at Sunj sandy beach. This is where you can shift from island-hopping mode into swim-and-relax mode. The tour includes time for swimming here, and it’s described as a sandier, more beach-forward stop compared with the shorter island breaks.

One practical detail that helps on the ground: at the final stop, there’s an option to use golf buggy taxis to reach a bigger beach area in a calm bay, with bars nearby. If you want more space to stretch out, this can be worth considering. If you’re happy with the immediate beach access, you can also just stay where the tour drops you and enjoy it as is.

Either way, bring your swimsuit and be ready to reapply sun protection. Sea days make sun sneakier than you think, even with shade on the boat.

Lunch, drinks, and the comfort details that matter more than you expect

Lunch is a highlight because it’s included and served in a way that keeps the day moving. You choose from three lunch options when booking, and the tour notes that lunch can work for different preferences. One detail worth knowing if you’re choosing the fish option: bones can be an issue, so go slow and watch what you’re eating.

On the drinks side, the tour includes:

• Soft drinks (Coca-Cola and Fanta)
• Bottled water
• Wine and brandy

It’s not described as a full unlimited bar beyond that, so if you’re a heavy spirits drinker, you might want to manage expectations. But the point is the practical one: you’re not stuck spending cash each time you want a drink, and you’ll have refreshment available during the cruise and stops.

Comfort details show up in the small stuff. The boat has clean toilets, and there’s shaded seating so you’re not cooked in direct sun all day. And when rain shows up, the crew is quick about getting the sides down and bringing out blankets. That matters if you travel in shoulder season or if weather shifts suddenly, which it can along the coast.

Snorkeling and swimming, without turning it into a chore

This is a cruise designed for people who want water time. Snorkeling and swimming are part of the plan, with chances across the stops. You’re not expected to be a pro diver. The tour is built around getting you into the water when the schedule allows.

My practical advice is to treat it like this:

• Swim first, then snorkel if conditions feel good.
• If you’re not confident with snorkeling, just go for a swim and enjoy the scenery below the surface.
• Bring a swimsuit that dries fast enough for you to feel comfortable between stops.

Also, remember the day is paced with island blocks. That means you get chances to do water activities, but you still need to be back on schedule. You’ll have the most fun if you move with the timing rather than fighting it.

How the crew sets the tone for the whole day

The vibe here is powered by the people running the boat and guiding the islands. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, and they handle day-to-day issues with calm competence.

One very telling detail: the guide is named Emily, and there was an incident where a passenger misunderstood the departure time at the first stop and arrived after the boat had already sailed. The team worked with the office to get a lift on another boat and rejoin at the next stop. That tells you two things. First, they’re organized. Second, they take care of people, not just schedules.

This matters because on a sea day, small problems can snowball if nobody is paying attention. Here, the energy is about keeping things smooth. You’ll feel that as soon as you’re on board, and it carries into the way stops are handled, the way refreshments appear regularly, and the way they react quickly when weather changes.

Who this tour suits best, and who might feel it’s not for them

This cruise is a strong fit if you want:

• A single-ticket, single-operator day that covers three islands
• Time on sandy beach plus multiple swim and snorkel chances
• Lunch and drinks included, so you can relax and not track every expense
• A guide-led structure, especially if you like knowing what you’re seeing

It’s less ideal if you want total freedom with no set pace. The tour works because it runs on timed island blocks, so you won’t be able to wander for hours without thinking about departure times. And if you’re coming from farther outside Dubrovnik city limits, pickup may not be an option, so you’ll need to rely on the meeting point.

Should you book the Three Island Boat Tour with Lunch?

If you’re choosing between a self-guided day and a guided cruise, I’d lean toward booking this when your priority is comfort, water time, and easy logistics. For $76, the value is less about a bargain and more about not having to build the day yourself.

I think you should book if:

• You want Lopud’s longer stop plus beach time at Sunj
• You care about being looked after, especially if you like having a guide on board
• You’ll use the included lunch and drinks

I’d hold off if:

• You hate fixed schedules and want to stay on islands as long as you want
• You’re outside the Dubrovnik city area and don’t want to coordinate your own transport to the meeting point
• You plan to do lots of alcohol beyond what’s included, since drink options beyond wine and brandy aren’t part of the package

If you do book, here’s the one move that improves your whole day: arrive early, find Emili fast, and keep your plan simple. This is the kind of outing where the best souvenir is a calm afternoon on the water, not a tight checklist.

FAQ

What time is the meeting point?

You meet at 08:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The big blue boat named Emili will not arrive before 08:45.

Where do I meet the boat?

The meeting point is at the bus stop across the University building in Dubrovnik. Look for the big blue boat named Emili.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you choose between three lunch options when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes drinks such as bottled water, soft drinks (Coca-Cola and Fanta), plus white wine and brandy.

Do I get swimming and snorkeling time?

Yes. The itinerary includes snorkeling and swimming opportunities at the islands and during the beach time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional and only available from the City of Dubrovnik area if you select that option. Pickup is not available outside the Dubrovnik city area, and pickup less than 1000 m away from the starting point is not included.

What islands and beach are included in the day?

The stops include Lopud Island, Šipan, Koločep, and time at Sunj sandy beach.