Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

Dubrovnik’s old town can feel packed in summer, so I like the simple escape offered here: board the blue boat Emili and spend the day moving between Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep. I especially like the included lunch and drinks, plus the freedom to swim, snorkel, walk, or simply sit in the shade and watch the coast slide by. The main drawback is that each island stop is fairly short, apart from Lopud, so you will not explore every corner.

This is also a good-value day if you want your transport, food, refreshments, and island visits handled in one booking. Just remember that hotel pickup is limited to Dubrovnik proper, and you need to arrive at the bus stop across from the University building at 8:45. The boat will not arrive before then, so there is no reason to wait around early.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands in one day: Visit Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep without arranging separate boats or ferries.
• Sunj sandy beach: Build swimming and beach time into your stop on Lopud.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect bottled water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy, with three lunch choices available when booking.
• Comfortable boat setup: The boat has shade, clean toilets, and views from all seats according to the practical details shared by the crew.
• A flexible day outdoors: You can choose between swimming, snorkeling, walking, sightseeing, or relaxing onboard.
• Helpful crew: Emily is one guide specifically noted for looking after passengers throughout the day.

Why this boat day works well from Dubrovnik

The appeal is not a packed schedule of monuments. It is the change of pace. You leave Dubrovnik’s stone streets behind, settle into a shaded seat, and let the sea become the main attraction.

The first sightseeing cruise lasts about 45 minutes. That opening run gives you time to settle in, order a drink, and take in the coastal views before the first island stop. I like this gentle start because the day does not begin with a rushed transfer or a long speech. You are already on holiday once the boat pulls away.

The tour lasts eight hours, so you should treat it as a full-day outing rather than a quick sightseeing cruise. The price is $76 per person. That includes the boat trip, lunch, drinks, guide services, and the island stops. If you paid separately for transport, a meal, refreshments, and boat connections, the price would be harder to control. Here, the main value is convenience.

You should still keep your expectations in check. This is a shared boat excursion, not a private charter. The schedule gives you a broad taste of three islands, not a slow, in-depth visit to each one. If you want to spend a whole day on one quiet beach, take a private boat instead.

Finding the blue boat Emili at 8:45

The stated meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building in Dubrovnik. Look for the large blue boat named Emili. The boat is not expected before 8:45, so arriving at that time is enough.

Some booking options include pickup and drop-off from hotels or accommodations within the City of Dubrovnik area. This does not cover the whole Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and pickup less than 1,000 meters from the starting point is not included. Private transportation is also not part of the standard package.

That detail matters because the tour is easiest for people staying in Dubrovnik itself. If you are based farther out, you will need to reach the meeting point on your own. Check your selected option carefully instead of assuming every hotel in the wider area qualifies.

The boat has shaded seating, clean toilets, and views from all seats. Those are small details until you spend eight hours at sea. Shade makes a real difference, and a usable toilet keeps the day more comfortable for families and anyone who does not fancy relying on island facilities.

The 45-minute cruise out from Dubrovnik

The opening cruise is a chance to settle into the rhythm of the day. There is no need to rush from one sight to the next. You can sit back, take photographs, and begin using the included drinks service.

The crew serves bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy. Other alcoholic drinks cost extra, so do not read open bar as every drink being free. The included choices are enough for a relaxed day, especially when combined with water and soft drinks.

The cruise is also a useful buffer between city time and island time. Dubrovnik’s old town is built for walking and sightseeing, while this tour asks very little of you at first. If your ideal day includes sea air, a shaded seat, and a view that keeps changing, this part will likely suit you.

Lopud and the long three-hour stop

Lopud receives the longest stop, about three hours, and that is the right choice. It gives you enough time to combine a short walk with swimming or beach time instead of forcing you to pick only one activity.

The island portion includes a guided visit, sightseeing, free time, scenic views, swimming, and snorkeling. The exact balance is up to you. You can follow the guide for an overview, take photographs, walk around, or head toward the water.

Sunj sandy beach is one of the main reasons to look forward to this stop. Sandy beaches are not the default along Croatia’s coast, where pebbles and rock are common, so Sunj offers a different kind of swimming break. Bring suitable footwear for the rest of the day, though, because the tour also includes boat access and walks where a swimsuit alone is not enough.

Three hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you include the walk, changing time, swimming, and getting back to the boat. Keep an eye on the departure time. One passenger missed the boat after misunderstanding the return time, and the crew and office worked out a way for that person to rejoin at the next stop. That was a kind rescue, but you should not count on being lucky.

Lopud is the best stop for anyone who wants the most choice. You have time for a proper beach visit, but you can also stay on board or explore on foot. Families and mixed groups may find this especially useful because not everyone needs to spend the afternoon in the same way.

Sipan for one hour of quieter island time

The Sipan stop lasts about one hour. That is enough for a short walk, photographs, a swim, snorkeling, or a simple break ashore. It is not enough for a leisurely island tour, so decide what you want to do before you leave the boat.

Sipan is handled as a more independent visit. You receive information along the way, then have free time for your own pace. I like that balance because it avoids turning every minute into a guided march. You can listen to the local guide, then set off for a look around or stay close to the water.

The limitation is clear: one hour creates a quick impression rather than a full understanding of the island. If you are keen on local culture, village life, or long walks, Sipan may leave you wanting more. On a three-island day, though, the short visit lets you see another part of the Elaphiti group without giving up the longer Lopud stop.

Use this hour wisely. If you want to swim, change before you leave the boat. If you want photographs, head ashore early. If you prefer a drink and a quiet view, stay near the waterfront and avoid spending the whole stop searching for something that is not part of the schedule.

Kolocep and the final island break

Kolocep receives another hour. Like Sipan, the stop includes free time, sightseeing, walking, swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and views along the way.

This final island visit works well as a last chance to get in the water. You may be ready for a slower break by this point, so do not feel obliged to cover ground. A short walk and a swim can be a better use of the hour than trying to see everything.

The three islands are not presented as identical beach stops. Lopud gives you the longest pause and the sandy beach appeal. Sipan and Kolocep add shorter visits and a change of scenery. That variety is the point, but it also means you should not expect a deep visit on each island.

The tour returns to Dubrovnik with drop-off listed at the social sciences library, along with the selected pickup arrangements. Confirm your return details when booking, especially if you have an evening dinner reservation or another timed activity.

Lunch, drinks, and the small practical details

Lunch is included, and you choose from three options when booking. The exact dishes are not specified in advance here, so check the choices before paying. One useful point is that the fish option may contain bones. If you want an easier meal, consider one of the other choices.

The food portions are generous. One meal specifically praised was grilled vegetables with potato salad, which shows that the menu is not limited to a single meat or fish plate. That is helpful if you are vegetarian, though you should select the appropriate option when booking rather than assume a change can be made onboard.

The drink service is frequent and generous. Water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy are included. Other alcoholic drinks and personal purchases are not.

Pack a swimsuit, since one is not provided, along with a towel and sun protection. The tour description mentions swimming and snorkeling, but it does not promise that snorkeling equipment is supplied, so ask before departure if you need gear. Bring something dry to wear after swimming, too.

Weather can affect comfort. On one wet day, the crew lowered the boat sides and brought out blankets. That is a good sign for basic care, but you should still check the forecast and pack a light layer. The boat is designed for a day at sea, not for pretending bad weather does not exist.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew and guides are an important part of this experience because the schedule involves several stops and a fair amount of moving around. English is the tour language, and both a driver or boat guide and a local guide are included.

Emily is specifically noted for looking after passengers throughout the day. The crew also handled a missed departure with considerable effort, helping the passenger find a way to rejoin the group. That does not remove the need to watch the clock, but it suggests the staff take the human side of the trip seriously.

The guiding style appears to mix practical information with free time. You get background on each island as you arrive, then decide how much organized sightseeing you want. This will suit you if you like a little context without spending the whole day in a tight group.

It may not suit you if you want a silent, private cruise. There is a guide, a shared boat, and a set route. The tradeoff is that you do not need to organize the transport or worry about where to go next.

Who should book this $76 excursion?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a simple full-day break from Dubrovnik and like having the main costs settled ahead of time. The combination of three islands, lunch, drinks, and swimming time makes the $76 price reasonable for an all-day shared excursion.

It is a particularly good fit for:

• Couples who want sea views and a relaxed day outside the city
• Families who need shade, toilets, food, and flexible free time
• First-time visitors who want a quick introduction to the Elaphiti Islands
• Anyone who enjoys swimming and beaches but also wants some walking and sightseeing
• People who prefer a planned day instead of arranging separate ferries and meals

You may want another option if you dislike group tours, need a fully private schedule, or want long visits on every island. The one-hour stops are introductions, not full island explorations. Also remember that the wider county is not covered by pickup, and extra alcoholic drinks cost more.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Dubrovnik plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Three Island Boat Tour?

Book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day means less city, more sea, with a sandy beach, three island stops, a proper lunch, and drinks served along the way. The strongest points are the comfortable shaded boat, generous refreshments, flexible island time, and the care shown by the crew.

Skip it if you want to explore one island slowly or avoid fixed departure times. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep without turning the day into a transport puzzle. Watch the clock at every stop, bring your swimsuit, and you should get a pleasant, well-rounded day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the Three Island Boat Tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the cruise from Dubrovnik and visits to Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep in the Elaphiti Islands.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $76 per person.

Is lunch included?

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

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy. Other alcoholic drinks are not included.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across from the University building in Dubrovnik. Look for the large blue boat named Emili.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels or accommodations in the City of Dubrovnik area when that option is selected. Pickup is not available throughout Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.