Three Island Boat Tour With Lunch

The best part of this day is the change of pace. After Dubrovnik’s stone lanes and busy waterfront, you’re out on open water, moving between three very different islands with time to swim, walk, eat, and simply sit in the shade. I like the comfortable boat with clean toilets and views from all seats, and I like that lunch and regular drinks are included rather than sold one item at a time. The one catch is that this is a full eight-hour outing, so you need to be happy giving most of the day to a set cruise schedule.

I also like the generous island stops. Lopud gets about three hours, while Sipan and Kolocep each receive about an hour, giving you more than quick photo stops. Keep your eye on the clock, though. One passenger nearly missed the boat after misreading the departure time, and the crew had to help arrange a way to rejoin the group.

Key points to know before you book

• Lopud gets the longest visit: You have about three hours for the island, beach time, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling.
• Sunj Beach is the sandy highlight: This is a useful choice if you want a proper beach break rather than only rocky swimming spots.
• The blue boat Emili is easy to identify: Meet at 08:45 at the bus stop across from the University building. The boat does not arrive before that time.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the day: You choose from three lunch options when booking, with water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy included.
• Emily is one guide praised for attentive care: Guides provide information about the islands and help keep the day running smoothly.
• Pickup has limits: Hotel pickup and drop-off can be selected for addresses in Dubrovnik, but not outside the city area or for locations less than 1,000 meters from the meeting point.

A full day at sea for $76

At $76 per person, this tour earns its price mainly through the amount of time it covers. You get an eight-hour day, boat transport between the islands, lunch, drinks, a guide, and the chance to swim and snorkel without arranging separate ferries or restaurants.

That matters in Dubrovnik, where island visits can become expensive once you add transport, meals, beach costs, and drinks. Here, the basic day is bundled together. I especially like that the boat serves refreshments throughout the trip, not just with lunch. Water, soft drinks, white wine, and brandy are included, though other alcoholic drinks cost extra.

The price will make less sense if you want a private boat, a very small group, or a detailed historical tour at every stop. This is a shared cruise built around scenery and free time. You are paying for an easy day on the water, not a luxury charter.

The trip also works best for people who enjoy variety. You can walk one stop, swim at another, and spend part of the cruise relaxing under shade. If you want to visit only one island in depth, a local ferry and a self-planned beach day may suit you better.

Finding the blue boat Emili at 08:45

The main meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. Be there at 08:45 and look for the large blue boat named Emili. The boat is not expected before 08:45, so arriving early is sensible, but there is no need to worry if it has not appeared before then.

Hotel or accommodation pickup is available only if you choose that option, and only within the City of Dubrovnik area. Pickup is not provided throughout Dubrovnik-Neretva County. An address less than 1,000 meters from the starting point may also require you to make your own way to the meeting place.

The exact return point includes two drop-off locations, one of them listed as Knjižnica za društvene znanosti in Dubrovnik. Check your selected option carefully, especially if you have an evening reservation or a bus to catch. An eight-hour activity has some built-in uncertainty because boat conditions and loading times can affect the final return.

The first 45 minutes: Dubrovnik fades behind you

The day begins with a sightseeing cruise of about 45 minutes. This is not wasted transport. It gives you time to settle into the boat, find a shaded seat, and watch Dubrovnik recede while the islands come into view.

The boat is described as spacious and comfortable, with clean toilets and good views from all seats. That makes a real difference on a long outing. You are not confined to a narrow bench for the whole day, and you can move between sitting quietly, looking out at the coast, and joining the group near the guide.

The crew also appears to pay attention to changing conditions. When rain arrived during one outing, the sides of the boat were lowered and blankets were brought out quickly. Pack a light layer anyway. Even a warm day can feel cooler on the water, and a wet deck can change your plans for the next stop.

Lopud and Sunj Beach: your longest island break

Lopud is the main event because you have roughly three hours here. The stop includes a guided visit, free time, scenic walks, photo opportunities, swimming, and snorkeling. That generous block gives you room to choose your own rhythm instead of rushing from one sight to the next.

The island’s big draw on this tour is Sunj, a sandy beach. Sand is a useful change from the stone and pebbles common along the Adriatic coast. If you want to spend time in the water without immediately hunting for a towel-friendly patch of shore, Sunj is likely to be your favorite stop.

Do not assume the entire three hours will be spent at the beach. There is also time for walking and sightseeing, and the guide provides information about Lopud as you visit. You can make the stop active, with a swim and a walk, or keep it easy with a slow meal and a stretch of beach time.

Snorkeling is included as an activity opportunity, but the supplied details do not promise equipment rental or specific marine life. Bring your own gear if snorkeling is important to you. The same practical rule applies to swimming: pack a swimsuit, since a swimsuit is not included.

The drawback is simple. Three hours can feel long if you are not interested in beaches, swimming, or walking in the heat. On the other hand, that same length is a major advantage if you dislike the usual rushed island stop. You have time to cool off, dry out, and still see something beyond the beach.

Sipan: a quieter hour between swims

Sipan receives about one hour. The stop is less structured than Lopud, with free time, a walk, sightseeing, photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and a self-guided element.

I would use this hour to keep things simple. Take a short walk, look around, and save enough time to return to the boat without hurrying. Since this is a shorter stop, it is not the place for an ambitious exploration. The value is in seeing a second island with a different feel and breaking up the day on board.

The guide provides scenic information along the way, but Sipan is also a chance to set your own pace. You do not have to stay beside the group for every minute. If the water looks inviting, swim. If you prefer dry land, enjoy the views and take a few photographs.

Because the stop is only about an hour, pay attention when the crew announces the departure time. Do not wander off assuming the boat will wait. The tour team may be helpful in an emergency, but you should not count on another boat being available to reconnect you with the group.

Kolocep: finish with calm water and beach options

Kolocep is the final island stop and lasts about one hour. Like Sipan, it combines free time, a photo stop, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and views on the way.

A useful tip is to consider the local golf buggy taxis if you want to reach a larger beach in a calm bay with bars. This can make the final stop more rewarding for anyone who wants a proper swim and a drink near the water. The extra ride is not listed as included, so treat it as an optional personal expense.

The golf buggy idea also shows why you should not try to do everything. With only an hour, a beach transfer, swim, drink, and return to the boat may use nearly the whole stop. Pick one main goal. If you stay close to the landing point, you will have more relaxed time and less chance of watching the clock.

Kolocep works well as the closing island because you already know how the day functions. You understand the boat routine, the lunch service, and the departure signals. That leaves you free to enjoy the final swim or sit back and take in the coast before the return journey.

Lunch, drinks, and the practical comfort of the boat

Three lunch options are available when you book. The exact choices are not specified in the supplied details, so check the booking page before you select. A grilled vegetable dish with potato salad has been available for at least one menu choice, and the fish option may contain bones.

The portions are described as generous, which is helpful on a day with swimming and walking. Lunch is included, and drinks are offered regularly. Bottled water, Coca-Cola, Fanta, white wine, and brandy are included. Other alcoholic drinks are not.

The drink service is one of the stronger parts of the value. You can enjoy the cruise without repeatedly opening your wallet, but do not read open bar as every drink being free. The included list is specific, and personal purchases remain your responsibility.

The boat’s shade is another practical plus. You can sit out of direct sun between stops, and there are views from all seats. Clean toilets are especially welcome on an eight-hour outing, when a small boat with limited facilities would quickly become uncomfortable.

The guides and the pace of the day

The tour operates in English with a live guide. A driver or boat guide and a local guide are included, and information is given as you visit the islands.

Emily is one guide specifically praised for taking care of passengers throughout the day. The crew also handled a difficult moment when a passenger missed the departure from the first island. They worked with the office to arrange transport on another boat so that the passenger could rejoin at the next stop.

That is reassuring, but it is not a reason to be careless. Island boats run on a schedule, and you should note the meeting place and departure time at every stop. Ask the guide if you are unsure, then set a phone alarm. A pleasant island walk can quickly become stressful if you return to an empty quay.

The guiding style seems suited to people who want useful island information without a nonstop lecture. You receive orientation and local context, then plenty of free time. If you want a formal historical tour with detailed commentary from start to finish, this cruise may feel light.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this day to you if you want a simple way to see the Elaphiti Islands without planning several ferry connections. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who like a mixture of swimming, short walks, food, and relaxed time on a boat.

It is also a good escape from Dubrovnik’s crowded center. The city is beautiful, but eight hours on the water gives you a very different view of the region. You trade packed lanes for open sea, island coves, and a slower routine.

You should think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or get restless during boat rides. The cruise includes several hours of transport and shared time on board. It also may not suit someone seeking a quiet private outing, since this is a group experience with set stops.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a light layer, and shoes you can walk in. Bring snorkeling equipment if you have your own and want to be sure of using it. Keep personal spending money for optional purchases, such as drinks not included in the package or a golf buggy taxi at Kolocep.

Should you book the Three Island Boat Tour?

Book it if you want the easiest all-day introduction to Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, with lunch, drinks, swimming, and beach time already arranged. At $76, the combination of transport, food, refreshments, and a full day on the water is strong value for an active sightseeing day.

The deciding factor is the pace. You need to follow the boat’s schedule and accept a shared cruise. If that sounds fine, the spacious boat, shaded seating, clean toilet, attentive crew, and generous Lopud stop make this a practical break from Dubrovnik.

I would choose it especially for Sunj Beach, the included meal and drinks, and the chance to see three islands without juggling connections. Just arrive at the blue boat Emili on time, listen carefully for departure instructions, and treat each island stop as a choice between swimming, walking, and relaxing rather than a race to do everything.

FAQ

How long does the Three Island Boat Tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the boat journey, island visits, lunch, and return to Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep in the Elaphiti Islands.

How much time do I get on Lopud?

You get about three hours on Lopud for guided sightseeing, free time, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and views.

Does the tour visit Sunj Beach?

Sunj Beach is listed as one of the tour highlights on Lopud. It is the sandy beach option included in the island program.

How long are the stops on Sipan and Kolocep?

The scheduled stop on Sipan lasts about one hour, and the scheduled stop on Kolocep also lasts about one hour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can choose between three lunch options when booking. A grilled vegetable and potato salad option has been available, while the fish option may contain bones.

Which drinks are included?

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

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at 08:45 at the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the large blue boat named Emili. The boat will not arrive before 08:45.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off are available from the City of Dubrovnik area if you select that option. Pickup is not available outside Dubrovnik city or throughout the wider Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, according to the booking conditions.