Dubrovnik is pretty intense. This cruise gives you a slower, salt-air reset across the Elaphiti Islands. Two things I really like: lunch and wine are included, and hotel pickup (within the Dubrovnik city area) keeps the logistics stress-free. The one thing to weigh is timing, you get about 3 hours on Lopud but only around 1 hour each on Šipan and Koločep, so plan your priorities before you go.

If you want a full day that mixes swimming, small-island villages, and a boat ride that actually feels like a vacation, this one fits. You’ll be on a boat with both an air-conditioned salon and an open upper deck, and you’ll have constant access to water and soft drinks, plus extra drinks you can buy onboard.

Key highlights you should care about

• Included meal that actually matters: fresh lunch onboard with fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option
• Drink plan that feels generous: bottled water plus soft drinks, with additional drinks available for purchase
• The Lopud focus: your longest stop is where the beach time and sights are
• Small-island pace: you trade Old Town foot traffic for olive groves, stone houses, and sea views
• Comfort on the water: enclosed cabin for shade or heat, open deck for views
• Manageable group size: capped at 110 people, with crew on hand (5 crew members)

From Dubrovnik traffic to island time on the Elaphiti chain

The best part of this trip is that it changes your rhythm fast. Dubrovnik can be a lot, especially if you’re walking the Old Town ramparts. Here, you’re out on the water for most of the day, with island time built in, so your body knows it’s a vacation day.

I like that the plan is realistic about how islands work. Lopud gets the longer stay because it’s the most mix-and-match island, with the beach and more “do something” options in one place. Then Šipan and Koločep shift the mood toward quieter nature, photo-friendly coastlines, and lighter exploration.

The practical consideration: if you’re the type who wants hours of museum-level sightseeing on every stop, you might feel rushed on the last two islands. If you’re coming for swims, coffee breaks, and wandering without deadlines, that short timing is easier to enjoy.

Price and value: what $48.39 buys in real terms

At about $48.39 per person, this tour isn’t only a boat ride. You’re paying for an entire day structure: transport by boat between three islands, onboard lunch, and drinks on the schedule.

Here’s why that can be good value for your day:

• The itinerary is built around distance and time. Getting to multiple islands efficiently usually costs more when you piece it together yourself.
• Lunch onboard is included, with real meal choices: grilled hake, grilled chicken fillet, or grilled seasonal vegetables.
• Water and soft drinks are included, and wine is part of what’s offered at the table (based on guest experiences).

Still, set your expectations. The included lunch is designed to be simple and easy for a boat day. It’s not meant to replace a top restaurant meal ashore, and on at least some days the lunch may feel more “solid” than “wow.” If your priority is gourmet fine dining, you’ll likely be happier treating the meal as fuel for a beach day rather than the main event.

Boat comfort: air-conditioned salon, open deck, and drink flow

This is a “you’ll have options” setup. There’s a closed, air-conditioned salon for shade and cooler air, plus an open upper deck for sea views. That matters in Croatia, where the weather can swing from comfortable to hot quickly.

I also like how the drink situation is handled for a day like this. You have still bottled water available throughout, and assorted soft drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks and extras like coffee or tea are available for purchase onboard.

One tip that shows up in people’s day-to-day experience: the boat can feel crowded in peak season. If you want a better seat and smoother boarding, arrive early and get settled before you start judging deck space.

Lopud Island: Šunj Beach, a monastery, botanical garden time, and the far-side walk

Lopud is where the tour gives you depth, with about 3 hours on the island. Admission is listed as free, so your “cost” here is mostly your time and energy.

What you’ll find on Lopud:

• A tranquil village vibe with stone houses and lots of greenery
• Plenty of time for small shops and café stops
• The Šunj Beach experience, known for sandy shore and clear water
• A 15th-century Franciscan Monastery for anyone who likes calm historical stops
• A botanical garden setting with Mediterranean plants

Here’s the part I’d plan for: Šunj Beach is often worth the effort. Lopud is big enough that you might want to go beyond the dock area. One practical idea from guest advice is to use the island’s golf cart taxi to reach the beach faster and save time on the uphill walk. If you want a longer beach stretch without turning your day into a hike, that’s a smart move.

A balanced caution: if you’re traveling late in the season, some sights can be quiet or not running at full speed. You might still enjoy the sea and the village atmosphere, but don’t assume every garden or beach setup will look like high-summer peak condition.

Šipan Island in one hour: olive groves, vineyards, and quick sea time

Šipan is your middle stop, with about 1 hour on the island. Think of it as a “taste” stop rather than a “tour-every-corner” stop.

The island vibe is built around:

• Olive groves and vineyards
• Rolling hills and quieter walking trails
• Stone houses and coastal views
• Clear water that invites a quick swim if the timing works

With only an hour, I’d treat Šipan like this: arrive, pick a direction that offers water views, enjoy the refreshment pause, and keep your eyes open for the olive-and-vineyard scenery that makes the Elaphiti islands feel distinct. If you try to do too much walking, you may miss the best part, which is sitting still for a bit and enjoying the island pace.

Also, if you’re the type who loves wine culture, it’s worth knowing that one guest specifically highlighted a wine tasting near the dock on Šipan as a moment worth slowing down for.

Koločep Island: the calm finale and a relaxed swim next to the harbor

Your last island is Koločep, also with about 1 hour. This is the stop that feels most “let’s exhale.” Koločep is described as the most tranquil island on this route, and that shows in the feel of the streets, the small churches, and the greenery around the coast.

What to do in your time:

• Walk slowly past stone houses and small religious sights
• Use the sea time for a swim, since the waters around Koločep are described as crystal clear
• If you want an easy ending, stop by a local café for a drink and just take in the view

One useful piece of advice: if you’re choosing when to swim, many people find it more relaxing to wait until this last stop. It’s often easier to enjoy the water once the day is rolling along and you’re not thinking about what you still need to see.

Lunch onboard: grilled hake, chicken, or vegetables plus included wine

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons people feel good about booking this tour. You’re told it’s freshly prepared on board, with a menu that includes:

• Grilled hake with potato salad and bread
• Grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
• Grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread

The important detail for you: lunch is included in the price, and so is the general drink setup for the day. Some guests note that there’s a bottle of white wine on each table, which helps the meal feel more like a full onboard experience than a token snack.

Where expectations can differ: a few people found the lunch merely average. My take for planning is simple. Treat the lunch as a convenient island-energy meal, not a gourmet destination dining experience. If you’re hungry, it should hit the spot. If you want a food highlight like you’d find at a standout restaurant, you’ll probably still want to plan at least one real meal ashore on another day.

Snorkeling and beach kit: what’s included and what you must bring

Not everything is automatically provided. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and towels are not provided.

That means you should come prepared with:

• A swimsuit (seriously, this day is built for water time)
• Your own towel
• Snorkel gear only if it’s important to you, since the tour lists snorkeling equipment as not included

One more practical thought: pack sunscreen. Even if you spend time in the air-conditioned salon, the upper deck is where you’ll likely spend most of your day.

Pickup, timing, and avoiding the “where is this meeting point?” stress

The day starts in Dubrovnik with optional hotel pickup. If you choose pickup, it’s limited to the city of Dubrovnik area. The driver waits no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

That means this is not the kind of tour where you can stroll down whenever you feel like it. If pickup matters to you, send the exact accommodation address or hotel name as requested so the pickup point is accurate. If you’re outside the city area, you’ll want to plan to meet at the location aligned with the near-public-transport listing.

A few timing realities to keep in mind:

• The tour runs about 8 hours.
• Boarding and cruising time take longer than you expect, then you still have dock time on each island.
• Peak season can feel busy on the boat, so arrive early to get comfortable seating.

Who this three-island cruise is for

This tour fits best when your priorities are simple and beach-forward:

• You want an easy way to see three Elaphiti islands without arranging separate transport
• You’d rather spend money on lunch and island time than on taxis and complicated transfers
• You like a day with freedom at each stop, since you’re given time to explore at your pace

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling as a couple or family and you want a shared activity that doesn’t require constant hiking. The onboard setup and included meal help keep everyone satisfied.

Less ideal if:

• You only want long stops and deep sightseeing on every island
• You’re visiting in a season where you expect every garden and beach facility to be fully operating without any quiet periods

Should you book the Premium Three Island Cruise from Dubrovnik?

I’d book it if you want a classic Dubrovnik “get out of town” day that trades crowds for sea time. The value is strong because the price covers boat travel between islands plus lunch and drinks, and the pickup option helps you avoid the most annoying part of planning a day trip.

You should think twice if you’re the type who needs long stays everywhere. With roughly 3 hours on Lopud and only about 1 hour each on Šipan and Koločep, you’ll be happiest if you treat the middle and last islands as scenic breaks and swim opportunities, not as full-day exploration.

If you’re flexible, pack your swimsuit, and show up a bit early, this tour is a smooth way to see why the Elaphiti Islands are such a go-to escape from Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the Premium Three Island Cruise from Dubrovnik?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.), covering a full day with time on each of the three islands.

Which islands do you visit?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep as part of the full-day tour.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes. Lunch is included and is freshly prepared onboard, with choices of fish (grilled hake), meat (grilled chicken fillet), or vegetarian (grilled seasonal vegetables).

Are drinks included?

Yes for still bottled water and assorted soft drinks. Additional drinks such as coffee, tea, and beer are available for purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included only if you select the pickup option, and it is available within the city of Dubrovnik area.

Do I need a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels included?

No. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included, so you should plan to bring them if you want them.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.