You get to trade Dubrovnik crowds for open water views. This full-day boat tour hits three Elaphiti Islands, with time to swim, walk, and relax, plus a real lunch on board. I particularly like the pacing, with about an hour on two islands and three hours on Lopud, and I like that the crew keeps things moving without feeling rushed. One thing to consider is that you may not be able to jump straight off the boat into the sea at every moment, depending on their rules that day.

I also like the way the islands feel different from each other. Kolocep is greener and calmer for strolling, Lopud is the one where you’ll enjoy a car-free island vibe, and Sipan brings a larger scale with lots of olive-tree character. The lunch is a standout too, with big portions and a real choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

The main drawback is practical: you’ll spend a lot of the day outdoors in the sun, and the stops are timed, not open-ended. If you want long, slow beach hours on every island, this format might feel a bit structured. Still, for most people, it’s a smart way to see more coastline in one go.

Key things I’d plan around

• Car-free Lopud gives you a calmer island feel, especially around the main village and beaches
• Sunj Beach is a frequent highlight, and it’s where you’ll want your swimwear ready
• Lunch on board is included, with generous portions and a clear menu choice (fish, chicken, vegetarian)
• Crew attention stands out, with drinks kept topped up most of the day
• Sea time and swimming are central, but you should bring goggles or take care with sea urchins
• Optional Blue Cave add-on may be available for extra cost if you want one more water adventure

Dubrovnik To Elaphiti Islands By Boat, What You Actually Get

This is the kind of Dubrovnik day trip that makes sense when you want the coast without stacking up buses and ferries. You start from the city area, then spend the day cruising among the Elaphiti Islands right off the Dubrovnik shore. The tour is built around three inhabited islands, so you’re not just looking at land from the deck.

You should come in with one mindset: this is a “sea day” first, island sightseeing second. The schedule is tight enough to give variety, but generous enough to swim and wander. And the included food and drinks turn it from a simple boat ride into something more like a moving seaside picnic.

The Boat, The Crew, And Why It Matters More Than You Think

You meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building, and you’re looking for the blue boat named Emili. The boat is not supposed to arrive before 8:45, so don’t show up early expecting it to be waiting.

Once onboard, what people consistently notice is how smoothly the crew manages the whole day. Names that come up again and again include Natasha (as host/guide), Emily (as guide and onboard staff), plus Darko and Marco as part of the team. Even if you never catch every name, you’ll feel the system: they explain what’s coming next, they keep drinks moving, and they’re quick to help with simple questions.

This attention matters because Elaphiti tours can get chaotic if people are left to fend for themselves at every stop. Here, the boat team helps you spend your island time well, not just stand around wondering what to do next.

Price Value: $76 With Lunch And The Drinks Package

At $76 per person, the value is tied to what’s included. You get boat transportation, lunch, and drinks for the whole day. The drink setup includes water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink during the day.

That sounds simple, but it changes the economics. A normal island day often means buying lunch, paying for water, and adding a few drinks here and there. With this tour, you can focus on one thing only: enjoying the stops. Reviews also point out that you might need to pay extra if you want items like coffee or beer, so keep a little cash or card handy for personal extras, but the core costs are covered.

For me, the best “value signal” is portion size. Multiple reviews describe the lunch as large enough to feel like a proper evening meal, not a token sandwich.

The Itinerary, Stop By Stop (And What To Expect)

The tour runs 8 to 9 hours, and the island timing follows a consistent pattern:

• about 1 hour on the first two islands
• about 3 hours on the third and largest stop, Lopud

That split is the sweet spot for most people. You get a taste and a swim on the shorter islands, then you get real breathing room on Lopud.

Stop 1: Kolocep Island, Green Time And Easy Walking

Kolocep is known for being greener, with lots of vegetation. The vibe is more relaxed than the busier day-tour beaches you see near big ports.

With about an hour, your best plan is not to over-plan. Do one of these:

• walk a short loop and look for a good swimming spot
• sit and enjoy the sea view and then jump in for a quick refresh
• rent or use a bike if that’s offered on-site, since the island is suited for riding (you’ll often find bike-friendly paths on Kolocep)

A practical note: this hour goes fast, so arrive ready to move. If you want a long beach lounge, Kolocep may feel short. Still, it’s a great island to stretch your legs and soak up the island air.

Stop 2: Sipan Island, Olive Trees And A Larger Island Feel

Sipan is described as the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and known as the island of olive trees. It’s also linked to past aristocratic families, which helps explain why the island has a sense of old-world quiet compared to small beach islands.

You get about an hour here too. That’s plenty for:

• a swim and a quick exploration
• finding a peaceful corner for coffee or a calm sit, if there’s space where you dock

The Sipan stop is often the one people use to reset. If you’re coming off Dubrovnik heat, it feels like a breather: less pressure, more open water, and that big-island feeling.

Lunch On Board: Fish, Chicken, Or Vegetarian, Plus Real Portion Sizes

Lunch happens on the boat. You get a choice ahead of time between fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

This is a big part of why the reviews sound so excited. Multiple people describe the lunch as freshly made and very filling. One review mentioned fish as the best they’d ever tasted, while another described chicken with potato and tomatoes, with “more than enough” food. Vegetarian options are available too, so you’re not stuck eating a side dish.

The practical win: because lunch is on board, you don’t waste time hunting for a restaurant. You can eat, drink, and get back to the water without turning your schedule into a scavenger hunt.

Stop 3: Lopud Island, Your Main Beach And Car-Free Island Time

Lopud is the standout stop, and the tour gives you about three hours there. This is the island without cars, which is why the feel is calmer and why walking around feels easy.

If you’re hoping for “beach time,” Lopud is where that happens. One named highlight is Sunj Beach, a sandy beach that many people treat like the must-do stop of the day.

You have two sensible ways to enjoy Lopud:

• stay near the main beach area and settle in for swimming and sun
• explore by walking and then use the time for one good swim and one good meal moment

There’s also mention in reviews of a golf buggy option to reach the beach across the island. If you plan to use it, do it with a little sense of humor and caution, since people described the ride as bumpy. Sitting in the middle row was suggested as the safer choice.

One caution if you go snorkeling: waves can be noticeable in places, and there are sea urchins, so snorkeling without goggles is not the move. Take care with where you step in shallow water.

Swimming, Snorkeling, And The Rules You’ll Want To Know

Swimming is built into the day, and the Adriatic water quality is a recurring theme in the reviews. You’ll have chances to jump in from the boat area or beach stops, and people often talk about the clarity.

That said, one review mentioned they were not allowed to jump directly into the sea from the boat. So I’d plan on swimming during the island stops rather than counting on an extra mid-cruise swim. If you want to snorkel, bring your own goggles if you have them, and watch your step for sea urchins.

Also, you’ll be in sun for hours. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and something to protect your shoulders. The included drinks help, but they do not replace water discipline.

Drinks On Board: Unlimited Feel, With One Eye On Extras

The tour includes drinks throughout the day. The official package includes water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink. In practice, the crew keeps glasses topped up, and that makes a big difference to how relaxed the day feels.

Some people mention local liquor shots and fun deck energy, which suggests the atmosphere can be lively depending on the group. Still, the core promise is steady service and plenty to drink, so you’re not constantly waiting in line.

If you’re the type who wants coffee or beer later, have a plan for small extras. One review said beer was 3 euros, and another mentioned coffee pricing on Lopud being a bit high. The included drinks cover most of what you need, but personal add-ons can show up.

Optional Blue Cave Add-On, Worth It If You Care About One More Adventure

If you want more than three islands, there may be an optional add-on for the Blue Cave using a speed boat. Reviews put it around 20 euros extra.

Expect a very short cave experience, and note that it can be busy. The people who valued it most described it as worth the detour even with crowds. If your priority is simply swimming and relaxing on Lopud, you could skip this.

My simple rule: pick Blue Cave only if you’re excited about caves and you’re fine with brief time once you arrive.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great match if you:

• want an easy day from Dubrovnik that combines multiple islands in one outing
• care about swimming time and don’t want to organize it yourself
• value included lunch and drinks so you can focus on the scenery

It might feel less ideal if you:

• want lots of uninterrupted beach hours on every stop
• dislike boat-time schedules and prefer purely walkable islands with long stays
• strongly prefer snorkeling without sea-urchin precautions

Families often do well here too. One review specifically mentions a 3-year-old, and the crew was described as attentive.

Booking Advice: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Day

If you book, do these small things and you’ll thank yourself later:

• Choose your lunch meal in advance (fish, chicken, vegetarian) so you’re not deciding under time pressure.
• Bring swim shoes if you’re cautious about uneven rocky entries, especially if you plan to snorkel.
• Plan to be active on Kolocep and Sipan, plan to slow down on Lopud. That matches the timing.
• If you’re sensitive to sun, carry a hat and light cover, because the day is long.

And when you get the short brief from Natasha or Emily before a stop, listen. They give real, practical suggestions on what to do on each island, and it helps you avoid wandering in the wrong direction with limited time.

Should You Book It?

Yes, if you want a smart, well-run day that mixes scenery, swimming, and a proper lunch, without a complicated plan. The big reasons to book are consistent: attentive crew, good pacing, and value from lunch plus drinks included all day. Lopud’s car-free feel and Sunj Beach time make this more than just a sightseeing cruise.

Skip it or look for a different style if you need long stays on beaches at multiple islands, or if you know you get frustrated by schedules. For most people visiting Dubrovnik, this is one of the easiest ways to experience the Elaphiti Islands without turning your day into logistics.

FAQ

What islands does the tour visit?

You visit three Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik: Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes boat transportation, lunch, and drinks.

What lunch options are available?

Lunch includes a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian. You choose between them in advance.

Where do we meet the day of the tour?

You meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The blue boat is named Emili, and it will not arrive before 8:45.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is optional. You’ll be told the pickup location and time one day before the tour.

Is there an option to add the Blue Cave?

There is an add-on option mentioned for a speed boat visit connected to the Blue Cave, for an extra fee.