Sail time from Dubrovnik is the easy win. This day trip hits the Elaphiti islands near town, with a smooth boat ride on Emili and real time to swim, walk, and chill on three different islands. I like that the crew keeps the pace relaxed while still serving a proper lunch plus a full drinks package.

What I like even more is how the stops fit together. You get a shorter taste of Kolocep and Sipan, then the full payoff on Lopud, including time at the popular sandy beach of Sunj. One thing to know up front: the first two islands are shorter stops, so if your dream is hours of roaming on Koločep or Šipan, you may feel slightly pressed for time.

You will still come away feeling like you did something special, not just sat on a boat. The vibe is friendly, organized, and very social in a good way, especially with hosts like Natasha, Emily, and the crew who keep refilling your glass. If you want a slow, unhurried island day with zero schedule, this might not be your cup of tea, but it is a strong fit for a classic Dubrovnik day out.

Key things to know before you go

• Emili boat experience: A clean, wooden-style boat with plenty of shade, and staff who stay on top of guest needs.
• Pacing that works for most people: About 1 hour on Koločep and Šipan, then about 3 hours on Lopud.
• Lopud is car-free: That matters because it makes Sunj beach and the island feel calmer and easier to enjoy.
• Lunch is a real meal: You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and portions are described as large.
• Open bar throughout: Water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink, with refills kept flowing.
• Blue Cave add-on may be available: Some boats offer an optional speed-boat trip for an extra fee, and people say it is worth considering.

Why the Elaphiti islands beat a Dubrovnik-only day

Dubrovnik is all about walls, old streets, and viewpoints. This tour adds the opposite: salty air, green islands, and water you want to swim in. The Elaphiti islands sit close enough to feel easy, but different enough that the day doesn’t feel like a one-note coastal drive.

The big practical advantage is variety in one outing. You get island nature on Koločep, the more “olive tree” feel on Šipan, and then Lopud’s beach time and car-free rhythm. It is a smart way to spend a day if you only have a limited window in Dubrovnik.

Boarding Emili: crew care and what is included

Meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The boat is Emili, and it will not arrive before 8:45, so you will want to show up on time rather than wander and hope.

Once you are aboard, the tone is set by the crew. Hosts mentioned include Natasha and Emily, with support from staff like Marco and Darko in different roles. The common thread is attention: glasses stay topped up, and they help you plan what to do at each stop.

For value, the included stuff is what you actually use. You get boat transportation, lunch, and drinks all day. The open bar runs the full time, with water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink. People also note that the boat stays well looked after and clean, which you feel when you sit down for lunch or settle in for the ride.

Koločep stop: green island walks, coffee breaks, and calm water

Koločep is the compact island stop, usually around an hour. In that window, you can do a simple walk, grab a coffee, or just enjoy the view from wherever you find the best shade. The island is described as especially green, which is exactly what you want after a city day.

This is also your first real swim chance of the day. The sea looks clear from the boat, and once you are off, it feels like a different world from Dubrovnik’s stone heat. If you want to snorkel, be smart about gear and footing, because the Adriatic has its own quirks, including sea urchins in some areas.

Timing is the tradeoff. Since it is not a long stay, you should pick one plan: either a short walk plus a swim, or a slow sit and absorb the island atmosphere. Trying to do everything can make you feel rushed instead of relaxed.

Šipan break: olive-tree vibes and a slower island mood

Šipan is typically the middle stop, also around an hour. This island is often described as the largest Elaphiti island and tied to olive trees, with an atmosphere that feels more open and scenic than busy.

Use this time like a reset button. Swim if you want, take a few photos, and then look for a quiet spot where you can just watch the water. You are not trying to conquer trails here. You are trying to feel the change of pace.

Because the stop is short, it helps to keep your expectations simple. Think of Šipan as a break in the middle of the day, not your main destination. If you are the type who wants long beach time, you will be happier saving that energy for Lopud.

Lopud and Sunj beach: the car-free island payoff

Lopud is where the schedule turns from quick stops to real island time, with about 3 hours. It is also the island people keep pointing to as the best part of the day, partly because Lopud is car-free. No cars means you feel the island before you even look at it.

Sunj beach is the headline sandy stop. It is popular for a reason: it is easy to relax there, and it pairs well with a day that already includes a swim-focused boat route. One practical tip: if you want to get across the island efficiently, there is an option to use a golf buggy. People recommend it as a worthwhile way to reach the beach area, and they also suggest choosing your seating carefully for a smoother ride.

If you plan to snorkel, you can. Some guests mention snorkeling near points of interest like a monastery area on Lopud, though waves can make conditions feel a bit choppy. Bring or use what you have, but do not pretend it is a calm pool. This is open water, and you will enjoy it more if you stay flexible.

Also plan for heat. On bright days, the shade and your swim windows matter. Sunj can be sunny, so having swim stuff plus a hat and sunscreen is the difference between fun and uncomfortable.

Food and drinks at sea: fish, chicken, vegetarian, and the refill rhythm

Lunch is one of the most consistent reasons people rate this tour so highly. You choose a meal beforehand: fish, chicken, or vegetarian. The chicken is described with sides like potatoes and tomatoes, and multiple people say the portions are big enough to feel like a proper evening meal.

People also highlight the fish as excellent, with one guest calling it the best they had ever tasted. Even if you do not think you care much about boat food, this is the kind that makes you grateful you did not pack a sad sandwich.

Now the drink side: it is not just water waiting at a table. The crew keeps refilling. You get water, non-alcoholic beverages, and white wine, plus a surprise drink. If you like wine, you will appreciate that it stays available through the day rather than being a limited window.

A few extra notes that help you plan:

• If you get hungry between swims, the timing of lunch later in the day after a stop can actually work out well.
• If you want coffee or beer, some extras can have an additional cost, especially on Lopud where prices may run higher than you expect.
• If you prefer staying fully hydrated and not overdoing alcohol, the water access makes it easier.

Boat time itself: views, music, and a comfortable pace

The best part of a boat tour is not only the islands. It is the ride between them, when you can look back at Dubrovnik’s coastline and watch the islands come into focus. This tour moves at a pace that feels full without turning stressful.

Many guests mention good onboard music, plus a relaxed social atmosphere. That matters because some island days are all sightseeing and no downtime. Here, you can settle in, sip drinks, and talk to people while the scenery changes.

Also, seating matters. Some people prefer the upper deck, some like the front for quiet. If you want peace and photos without crowds, aim for spots that let you see the water line and the islands as they slide by.

Blue Cave add-on: when it is worth spending extra

There may be an optional add-on for a speed boat to visit the Blue Cave area. A couple of reviews describe an extra fee around 20 euro, and they say it is worth considering.

Here is how to decide without overthinking it:

• If you love short, photogenic stops and do not mind crowds, this can be a fun add-on.
• If you want the day to stay focused on the three Elaphiti islands, you might skip it and put that time into swimming or chilling at Sunj.

One caution from the experience shared: the cave visit can be brief, and the cave itself can be busy. If you are the kind of person who needs long, slow cave time, plan your expectations around a quick visit.

What to bring for an 8 to 9 hour island day

This is a full-day outing, usually around 8 to 9 hours. That means you should treat it like a beach day with added boat riding.

Pack the usual swim essentials, plus a little extra for comfort:

• Swimsuit and towel (you will want to jump in when the water looks inviting)
• Sunscreen and a hat for Lopud, especially around Sunj
• Snorkel gear if you plan to snorkel, and water shoes if you are cautious about uneven footing
• Light layers for boat time when the wind picks up
• Cash or card for island extras you choose to buy on your own

One small planning note: you may not be able to step straight into the sea the way some other tours allow. If that matters to you, I recommend you ask staff on board where the safest swimming points are for your group and what the crew prefers.

Price and logistics: is $76 good value here?

At $76 per person, this tour is competing against cheaper “no-frills” island cruises. The reason it holds up for a lot of people is that it bundles the stuff that costs time and money elsewhere.

You are paying for three big value drivers:

• Time on water plus real stops: You visit three islands rather than doing one quick loop.
• Lunch included: Fish, chicken, or vegetarian is served onboard and described as generous.
• Open bar included all day: Water, soft drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink, with refills kept going.

It becomes even better if your plan for the day would otherwise include paying for a boat, buying lunch, and figuring out drinks separately. This is one of those tours where the included items feel like part of the experience, not just a box-ticking perk.

If you are traveling as a couple or family, this is also easier budgeting. One price covers a large part of what you would spend on food and drinks during a day out.

Who this Dubrovnik boat tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A straightforward Dubrovnik day that includes swimming
• A balance of scenery and downtime, not nonstop walking
• Car-free Lopud time at Sunj beach
• A meal that does not feel like an afterthought

It is less ideal if you hate boat schedules or if you want long, deep exploration on just one island. The first two stops are shorter, and you cannot treat them like full hikes.

Should you book it or skip it?

Book this tour if you want a classic, good-value Elaphiti day with included lunch and drinks and enough time on Lopud to feel like you actually escaped Dubrovnik for the day. The crew attention, the refill rhythm, and the easy island hopping make it feel like a smooth win.

Skip it if your priority is slow solo exploration and you want hours and hours on one island, especially Koločep or Šipan. In that case, you might prefer a private boat or a slower self-paced plan.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: pick your priorities early. For most people, that means one plan for Koločep, a short reset on Šipan, then commit fully to swimming and beach time on Lopud, with Sunj as your anchor.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what time does the tour start?

The meeting point is at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The boat, named Emili, will not arrive before 8:45.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours.

Which islands are visited on this tour?

This boat tour visits Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan (the Elaphiti islands near Dubrovnik).

How much time will I have on each island?

You will typically have about 1 hour on Kolocep and Sipan, and about 3 hours on Lopud.

What lunch options are available?

Lunch includes a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

What drinks are included during the day?

There is an open bar during the whole day. Included items are water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink.

Can I get pickup, or do I have to reach the meeting point myself?

Pickup is optional. You will be informed about the pickup location and time one day before the tour.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.