Dubrovnik’s islands are the perfect escape. This 7 hour boat trip strings together the Elaphite islands with lunch and an open bar, then returns with late-day Old Town time. I love the easy rhythm of swim breaks and the fact that lunch comes with clear choices. I also like that the crew runs a tight schedule and gets you back on time. The main drawback is that Lopud gives you only a couple hours, so a trip to Šunj can feel rushed if you want maximum beach time.

You board at 10:45 am, with a mobile ticket and a return to the same meeting point. With a maximum of 120 travelers, it’s lively and social, not quiet and private.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

• Three island stops plus an Old Town return, so you get variety without extra planning
• Lunch is included (fish, chicken, or vegetarian), and it is not an afterthought
• Open bar style drinks with wine included, plus options that may require a refundable cup on board
• Koločep and Sipan are quick hits for swimming and short walks near the shore
• Lopud is the big one, and how you use your time there determines your beach experience

Why This Day Trip Works So Well Off Dubrovnik’s Coast

This tour is built for people who want ocean time without the hassle of figuring out connections. You’re on a boat for the big-picture experience, and you still get enough land time to feel like you visited places, not just passed by them.

What makes it especially appealing is the combination of islands + included lunch + drinks. Instead of spending your day paying for snacks between ferry rides, you get one solid meal with options, bottled water, and wine included. That matters in Croatia, where a single day can add up fast if you keep buying little things.

You also get a simple day structure: swim, regroup, lunch, swim again, then back to Dubrovnik. The overall plan keeps you moving, which is great when you only have a limited number of days.

Getting on the Boat: Timing and Where It Starts

The sailing day starts at 10:45 am and runs about 7 hours total. That later start (compared with some earlier tours) can feel like a win if you want a slow morning, coffee, and a relaxed checkout from your hotel.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and the tour ends back at the same place it starts. You are also using a mobile ticket, which is one less thing to worry about once you arrive in Dubrovnik.

One practical note from real-world experience: there can be confusion when companies advertise times that look like 10:45 but refer to a different departure point or phase. If you’re staying near the Sheraton area, you’ll likely find the boarding setup convenient because the boat is right there. Still, do yourself a favor and confirm the exact check-in location and the time on your own voucher.

Koločep Island: The Best Starter Stop for a First Swim

Koločep is your first island stop, and it’s a smart choice as an opener. You get a short window that’s long enough to enjoy swimming and still keep the day flowing.

With about 45 minutes listed for Koločep, the goal here is not marathon sightseeing. Think of it as your chance to dip into the Adriatic early, stretch your legs for a short walk, and have a coffee if the schedule allows.

A lot of people use this kind of starter stop to settle in. Once you’ve tasted the water and gotten a feel for the pace, the rest of the day makes more sense.

Sipan and the Skočibuha Summer House Moment

Next up is Sipan, one of the larger islands in the Elaphite group. You get a brief stop, roughly 40 minutes, which is mainly designed for two things: a quick look at the Skočibuha summer house and time for another swim.

This is not the stop where you will do a long hike. Instead, it’s ideal for travelers who like short, meaningful stops where you can still enjoy the coastline without sacrificing time on the bigger island.

One thing I like about this kind of stop is that it gives you variety. You’re not repeating the exact same beach-and-swim pattern three times in a row. Even if your time is short, you still get a sense of what makes Sipan different.

Lopud: Where the Day Turns Into Beach Time (and How to Plan It)

Lopud is the main event. It’s listed at 2 hours, and in real life, that’s enough to enjoy Lopud the way most people want, as long as you don’t get caught in a time trap.

If your priority is the big beach experience at Šunj, plan carefully. Šunj is popular and you may need to walk about 15 minutes to reach it. A golf cart is sometimes used for that route, and a cash fee is mentioned in real-world use, with round-trip costs that can add up.

Here’s the important part: with only two hours on Lopud, you must decide early what you value more. If you want Šunj, you’ll likely spend less time relaxing there because the walk and transfer eat into your window. If you want a simpler beach setup with less logistics, you can stay closer to areas where swims are easy and you can still enjoy the island vibe.

This is the one place where expectations need to match time. The scenery is the reward, but the schedule is the limitation.

Old Town at Sunset: The Return That Feels Like Closure

After the island portion, you head back with time in Old Town that’s listed at 1 hour 30 minutes. You also get the promise of sunset scenery on the way back to the port, which helps the whole day feel complete.

This is a good moment to slow down. Your body has already gotten the movement of walking and swimming, so Old Town time can focus on strolling, photos, and a relaxed stop for snacks if you didn’t go big on lunch.

Even if you’ve been to Dubrovnik already, Old Town late-day works well because the light changes fast. It’s also when you can better see how the city sits against the sea.

Lunch, Open Bar, and the Small Details That Affect Your Comfort

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons this tour earns high marks. You can choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and lunch also includes bottled water. In plain terms, it reduces your spending and removes decision fatigue.

Several practical touches matter more than you’d think:

• There’s a restroom on board, which makes the day tour experience far less stressful.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to gear up, bring your own mask or plan to go without.
• Coffee or tea is not included, so if you’re the kind of person who needs caffeine, grab it before you meet the boat.
• WiFi is not on board, so save messaging for when you’re back on land.

On the drinks side, alcoholic beverages are listed as wine. A real-world detail that may affect you: some boats use a refundable cup fee system for unlimited drinks. If that applies on your departure, it can be worth it if you plan to drink a few times during the day. If you prefer to pace yourself, you may be able to keep costs down by sticking with what’s included.

If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s also worth knowing that Dramamine was available on board in real use. Even if you don’t normally get motion sickness, the ride can feel choppy depending on the day.

Safety and Group Size: What “Up to 120 Travelers” Means for You

With a maximum of 120 travelers, this is not a tiny group. You’ll have more movement at check-in and more people on board than a private boat day. The upside is that it’s organized for volume, which is why on-time departures and friendly staff are such a common theme.

In practical terms, you’ll want to:

• Plan to be flexible with seats on board.
• Expect a little waiting at each stop as people line up for boarding back onto the boat.
• Use your time on islands with purpose, especially on Lopud.

If you hate crowds, you might prefer something smaller. If you’re okay with a lively day trip, the structure usually feels smooth.

Price and Value Check for $84.66

At $84.66 per person, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for on your own. If you go island hopping by local ferries, you can certainly save money on paper, but you take on the coordination work, the extra waiting time, and you may find some island combinations harder to connect.

This tour’s biggest value lever is that it bundles:

• Island time at multiple stops
• Lunch with clear meal options
• Bottled water
• Wine as part of the included drinks
• Restroom access on board

That bundle is especially useful if you want a stress-free day with fewer purchases. You are also buying the schedule. If you have limited time in Dubrovnik and you don’t want to build an island plan from scratch, paying for organization is often worth it.

The price also feels fair because Lopud, your longest stop, still sits inside a full day that runs only about 7 hours. You get the best island time without losing the rest of the itinerary.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Consider Alternatives

This is a great fit for you if:

• You want swim breaks and beach time without building a ferry plan.
• You like a predictable day structure with lunch included.
• You’re happy to spend the morning on a boat and dedicate the late afternoon to Old Town.

It may not be the best fit if:

• Your top priority is a long, unhurried day at Šunj beach on Lopud.
• You strongly dislike crowds, since the cap is 120.

If you want a beach-only day with more flexibility, you might feel frustrated by stop timing. But if you want variety plus a meal plus drinks, this tour is exactly the kind of day trip that delivers.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Island Hopping and Old Town Return?

I’d book it if you’re trying to pack in island beauty while keeping the day simple. The included lunch choices, the winelike drinks setup, and the straightforward sequence of Koločep, Sipan, Lopud, then Old Town make it feel like a well-rounded day, not just a boat ride.

Just go in with one clear mindset: Lopud is where your time goes, and Šunj takes extra logistics. If your plan is to maximize Šunj beach hours, consider whether you want a different style of outing. If you’re happy to split your beach time between swims near town areas and a possible Šunj stop, you’ll likely feel like you got a lot for the money.

If you want a day that feels organized, includes real sustenance, and still lets you enjoy the sea, this one is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience runs about 7 hours.

What time does it start?

It starts at 10:45 am.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point.

Which islands and areas are included?

You visit Koločep Island, Sipan, Lopud, and you also have time in Old Town.

Is lunch included, and can I choose a meal?

Yes. Lunch is included, with choices of fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Bottled water is also included.

Are coffee or tea included?

No. Coffee and/or tea are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

What drinks are included on board?

Alcoholic beverages are included as wine. Bottled water and restroom access are also included.

Is WiFi available on the boat?

No, WiFi on board is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.