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

Dubrovnik’s Elaphite Islands make a fine escape from the city’s stone streets. This eight-hour boat trip links Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep with swimming stops, island walks, music, and unlimited drinks. You get a full day on the Adriatic without arranging ferries or piecing together a route yourself.

I like the easygoing format and the multilingual crew, especially when Lorenzo is hosting. I also like the three-deck boat, with sunbeds, toilets, Wi-Fi, and room to move around. The main drawback is time: Šipan gets only about 45 minutes, so you cannot properly explore its inland sights.

Key things to know before you book

• Three Elaphite islands in one day: Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep each offer a different mix of beaches, old buildings, greenery, and swimming.
• Unlimited drinks included: Wine, soft drinks, and water are available during the cruise.
• Lopud gets the longest stop: You have about three hours for swimming, free time, food, and a visit.
• Shorter stops need realistic expectations: Šipan lasts around 45 minutes, while Koločep gets about one hour.
• Music is part of the experience: Large speakers at the bow create a lively party-boat mood, though the sound equipment may not satisfy serious music fans.
• Nightlife is built in: The tour includes free entry to a top Dubrovnik nightclub after the boat trip.

An island day built around the Adriatic

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise in the traditional sense. You are joining a social day on a large boat, with music, drinks, swimming, short walks, and changing sea views. The islands provide the setting, but the mood comes from the crew and the people on board.

That combination works well if you want more than a ferry ride. You can stretch out on a sunbed, listen to music at the bow, swim from the boat or near the islands, and chat with people from different countries. The crew hosts the trip in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Croatian, so the commentary is designed for an international group.

The boat has three decks, two toilets, Wi-Fi, sunbeds, and speakers. Those details matter during an eight-hour outing. You are not confined to one seat, and you have places to get out of the sun or find a better view. Still, this is a shared excursion, not a private sailing trip. Expect a lively boat rather than silence and solitude.

The advertised price is $51 per person. That is a reasonable package if you make use of the full day, the drinks, the three island visits, and the return transport. Lunch requires the selected add-on, so check the exact option before booking. If you want a calm boat with a small group and plenty of time ashore, another tour may suit you better.

Leaving Dubrovnik and settling into the cruise

The usual meeting point is Dubrovnik ferry terminal, although hotel pickup and drop-off may be available with the right option. Pickup details should be confirmed at least one day before departure, especially if you are staying outside central Dubrovnik.

The first part of the route is a sightseeing cruise of about 45 minutes. This gives you time to settle in and see the coast from the water before the first island stop. Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Towels are not supplied.

The boat provides welcome refreshments and unlimited wine, soft drinks, and water. That makes the crossing more pleasant, but use some common sense in the sun. Drink water, apply sunscreen again after swimming, and do not treat the free wine as a challenge.

The music is an important part of the atmosphere. It plays over large speakers near the bow, giving the day a party feel. The crew is generally warm and attentive, and Lorenzo has been singled out for being funny, friendly, and helpful with information about the islands. The sound system, however, may be less impressive than the advertising suggests, so keep your expectations modest if music quality matters to you.

Lopud: three hours for the beach and old gardens

Lopud is the centerpiece of the day because you have roughly three hours here. That is enough time to make your own choice: swim, walk, eat, take photos, or simply stay near the water.

The island is known for its long hours of sunshine, Mediterranean plants, citrus groves, and sandy beaches. Šunj Beach is the major draw. Sandy beaches are not as common along the Croatian coast as rocky swimming spots, so Lopud gives you a different kind of Adriatic experience.

The water is clear, and the island works well for a relaxed swim. You can also walk through the settlement and look for old villas, religious buildings, and traces of the island’s earlier importance. Lopud has an old botanical garden described as one of Europe’s oldest, adding a little more interest for people who want something beyond beach time.

The three-hour pause is the strongest part of the schedule. You are not forced to choose between swimming and seeing the island. You can do a little of both, although you should keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat will not wait for a leisurely final stroll.

Lunch may be served on board if you selected that option. Fish, meat, or vegetarian meals are available under the lunch add-on. If you did not choose lunch, plan ahead rather than assuming a full meal is part of the base price.

Lopud is also where the tour feels least rushed. If your main goal is swimming and sun, this stop gives you a fair chance to enjoy the water. If your main goal is detailed sightseeing, keep expectations in check. Three hours sounds generous, but some of that time may be used for eating, changing, walking to the beach, and returning to the boat.

Šipan: beautiful, but only 45 minutes

After Lopud, the boat continues to Šipan. The sightseeing cruise lasts about 20 minutes, followed by a stop of approximately 45 minutes.

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands and has a more agricultural, historical character. Olive trees and old stone buildings give it a slower feel than Dubrovnik. The island was once a retreat for noble families from the Dubrovnik Republic, and villas and other older structures remain part of its appeal.

The important practical point is the short stop. You can take photos, walk a little, see the nearby scenery, and enjoy a quick swim if conditions allow. You cannot sensibly cover the whole island or spend much time hunting for every historic site.

One specific limitation matters: the schedule does not give you enough time to visit the castle on Šipan. If that building is high on your list, you may find this stop frustrating. The tour offers a glimpse rather than a full visit.

I would treat Šipan as a scenic pause, not the main cultural visit. Listen to the guide, enjoy the views, and avoid wandering too far from the boat. This is the point in the day when a watch becomes useful.

Koločep: clear water, small bays, and a final swim

The cruise from Šipan to Koločep takes about 40 minutes. Koločep then receives roughly one hour, followed by another 20-minute cruise before the return portion.

Koločep is the smallest of the three islands on this route, but it is well suited to the water-based side of the trip. Its clear sea, small bays, and caves make it a good place for swimming and simple sightseeing. You may have time for a walk, photographs, and a final swim, but not an extended exploration.

This stop is especially appealing if you prefer natural scenery to historic buildings. The island feels more about coves, water, and coastal views than grand sights. Bring your swimming gear in an easy-to-reach bag rather than burying it under your clothes and other belongings.

The schedule also means you should not picture a full cave expedition. The tour mentions caves and bays as features of Koločep, but the stop is only about an hour. You will get a taste of the setting, not a private exploration of every corner.

What the crew and onboard setup add

A good crew matters on a full-day boat trip, and this one gets strong marks for its friendly service. Lorenzo, in particular, is noted for being entertaining, polite, and informative. The captain and staff help create a comfortable atmosphere, which is important when the boat carries people with different expectations.

The host can provide information in English, French, Spanish, Italian, or Croatian. That makes the trip easier for couples and groups who do not all speak the same language. You should still expect the commentary to be fairly general, since the boat serves an international audience and the island stops are short.

The boat’s three decks are useful. You can sit in the sun, find shade, move toward the bow for music, or step away from the main social area. Two toilets are another practical advantage during a long day at sea.

Wi-Fi is available, but the best reason to join this trip is to look up from your phone. The changing views, swimming breaks, and island approaches are the real entertainment. Use the connection when needed, but do not expect the boat to feel like a floating office.

Food, drinks, and the small details that matter

Unlimited wine, soft drinks, and water are included. That improves the value, particularly if you expect to spend most of the day onboard. It also means you do not need to bring a large supply of drinks, though carrying a reusable water bottle is still sensible.

Lunch is available with the selected add-on and can be fish, meat, or vegetarian. Confirm that it is included in your booking choice. Food served onboard is convenient, but the schedule can be brisk around mealtime. One useful piece of advice is to eat promptly when food is served rather than waiting until the last minute.

Bring some cash with you. The tour information does not set out a specific onboard spending system, but cash is a sensible backup on an island day.

Pack light, but do not forget:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun hat and strong sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes for short island walks
• A dry bag or small waterproof pouch
• Cash and any personal medication

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible. Still, the practical ease of getting ashore can depend on the pier and island conditions, so anyone requiring detailed assistance should confirm the arrangements before booking.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want to combine sightseeing and social fun. It suits couples, groups of friends, solo visitors who like meeting people, and anyone who wants a full day on the water without planning three separate ferry connections.

It is also a good fit if you care about swimming more than extended museum visits. Lopud gives you the best amount of free time, while Koločep adds another chance to enjoy the sea.

Families may appreciate the simple format, onboard toilets, drinks, and clear schedule. The music and nightlife element may appeal more to adults and older children than to families seeking a quiet day.

You should think twice if you want long, unhurried island visits. Šipan is particularly brief, and the whole day follows a fixed timetable. The boat can also feel too lively if you prefer a small sailing group, soft conversation, and no amplified music.

Nightclub entry and the end of the day

The experience includes free entry to a top Dubrovnik nightclub after the boat trip. That turns the outing into more than a daytime excursion and may appeal to anyone planning an evening out anyway.

The nightlife benefit is not equally useful for every booking. If you have an early morning flight, young children, or a preference for quiet evenings, it may not add much value. If you want to meet people and continue the social mood after returning to Dubrovnik, it is a worthwhile extra.

The boat returns to the meeting point, with drop-off locations listed as Dubrovnik, Mlini, Zaton, and Obala Stjepana Radića. Check your selected option carefully, especially if you are relying on hotel transport.

Should you book the Elaphite Islands cruise?

Book it if you want three islands, swimming, drinks, music, and a full day at sea for one straightforward price. The crew, especially Lorenzo, adds warmth, and the boat has the facilities needed for a long outing.

Do not book it expecting a detailed historical tour or generous time on every island. Lopud is the main stop, Koločep is a short natural break, and Šipan is little more than a glimpse. For a lively Adriatic day with good scenery and easy logistics, $51 is fair value. For quiet exploration, choose a smaller and slower island trip instead.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and the operator may offer another date or a refund if poor weather or low numbers cancel the trip. Check availability for the starting time and confirm pickup at least a day ahead.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The standard meeting point is the Dubrovnik ferry terminal. Depending on the option selected, hotel pickup and drop-off may be available.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts eight hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in the Elaphite Islands.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, soft drinks, and water are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is available if you select the lunch add-on. The choices are fish, meat, or vegetarian.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided.