Spend the day cruising, not wrangling plans. This Premium Three Island Cruise gives you an easy break from Dubrovnik with Lopud’s Šunj Beach time, plus a boat lunch and drinks so you are not calculating costs all day. I also like the hotel pickup option so you do not end the night trying to figure out rides. The main drawback to consider is that Šipan and Koločep are short stops, so you need to be ready to enjoy each island quickly.

You’ll be on a full-day boat outing, with an air-conditioned salon for shade and an open upper deck for sea views. The cruise runs about 8 hours, with a calm, low-effort pace designed around free time on the islands, not nonstop guided touring.

Key takeaways before you book

• Lopud takes the spotlight with about 3 hours, including Šunj Beach and optional sights like the Franciscan Monastery
• Lunch is on board with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus wine with the meal
• Drinks are mostly covered: bottled water and soft drinks are included, while coffee, tea, and beer are available to buy
• Short island time on Sipan and Kolocep means plan on swimming, short walks, and relaxing, not deep exploration
• Pickup is only in Dubrovnik city area and the driver waits no more than 2 minutes after the scheduled time

Why the Elaphiti Islands Feel Like a Reset From Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is beautiful, but it is also popular. This is a way to swap Old Town crowd energy for something slower, with a boat ride between three smaller islands in the Elaphiti Islands group.

What makes the plan work is the mix of priorities. Lopud is built for beach time and wandering, while Šipan and Koločep are more about scenery, quick stops, and getting in a swim without losing the day to logistics. If you want a vacation rhythm of sit down, eat well, step outside for water views, repeat, this is the right style.

Price and What You Actually Get for $48.39

At around $48.39 per person for about 8 hours, the value comes from what is included, not just the boat ride. You get fresh lunch on board with options (fish, meat, vegetarian). You also get bottled still water and assorted soft drinks during the day.

The biggest value perk is that wine is included with lunch. That turns the meal into more of a proper onboard break rather than a basic snack stop. And when people compare prices on their own time, Lopud can feel more expensive once you are off the boat. So having lunch and drinks handled up front saves you money and mental load.

Boat Comfort and the Real Life Seat Plan

This is set up for people who want options during the day. There is a closed, air-conditioned salon for cooling off, and also seating on the upper deck for photos and sea air. The boat has a crew of five crew members, and the service vibe comes through in the reviews as friendly and attentive.

A practical note: the cruise can be busy at peak times, and you may want to arrive with a plan to find a good viewing seat early. If you prefer shade, aim for the air-conditioned interior. If you are chasing views, take the upper deck whenever weather and sun allow.

One more logistics win: the tour docks at piers at each island, so you are not scrambling through waist-deep water to get on and off. That matters more than you think when you are wearing flip-flops and trying not to drop your lunch.

Stop 1: Lopud Island, the Beach Time Everyone Talks About

Lopud is where the cruise earns its reputation, because you get about 3 hours there. This is the island with the famous Šunj Beach, known for its sandy shore and clear water. It is also the kind of beach where you can sit, swim, and still have time to wander back toward town for a snack or a café stop.

Lopud is also more than beach. You can walk through the tranquil village with stone houses surrounded by greenery, browse local shops, and stop for coffee. If you like history, there is time for the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery, and the botanical garden is another option if you want a slower, calmer walk away from the water.

Lopud tip for saving time on the steep walk

If you want to reach the far side of Šunj Beach faster, look for the golf cart taxis available on the island. One useful review detail: it can save about 30 minutes one way compared with walking up the hill. That is a big deal if you want more beach hours and less steep climbing.

A small seasonal reality check

In late season, some island spots can be quiet or have limited opening hours. If you travel in shoulder months, keep expectations flexible, and treat this as an outdoors day first, shopping day second.

Stop 2: Šipan in One Hour, Quick Walks and a Swim Break

Šipan is gorgeous, with olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills, plus stone houses and walking trails that drift through green landscape. The time here is only about 1 hour, so think of this stop as a reset, not a full exploration.

What you can do in that hour:

• Take a short stroll around the areas near where the boat docks
• Snap photos of the island homes and hills
• Find a spot to refresh with a swim if the water and timing work

The good news is that Šipan feels more rural and low-key than the main Dubrovnik coast. You get that sense of island life without needing a long hike or a car.

Stop 3: Koločep, the Calm Finish and Where to Swim Late

Koločep is the final island, and it is often described as the most tranquil of the three. You’ll see lush greenery, olive trees, coastal paths, and small churches tucked into quiet streets. If you like the slower pace part of island travel, this is the best place for it.

Again, you get about 1 hour. Use that time the way you like:

• Walk the quieter lanes and pause for sea views
• Stop by a local café for a drink
• Swim when the light and water feel best

Smart swim timing for the last island

One helpful practical tip from a review: if you want the best swimming moment, you can plan to wait until the afternoon and aim for Koločep. There is even mention of a sandy beach next to the harbor area, which is ideal if you want a simpler entry to the water and an easy place to relax.

Food on Board: Grilled Hake, Chicken, and Vegetarian Options That Work

Lunch is one of the most praised parts of this cruise, mainly because it is included and it is served fresh on the boat. The sample menu breaks down like this:

• Fish option: grilled hake with potato salad and bread
• Meat option: grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
• Vegetarian option: grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread

Portion sizes come up as a positive theme in reviews, and the wine pairing is part of the onboard rhythm. One review detail that stood out: people reported a bottle of white wine at each table, which makes lunch feel like a real event rather than a quick filler.

A fair caution: lunch quality can still be subjective, especially on busier days or if you compare it to a dedicated restaurant meal off the boat. But overall, the meal seems to hit the mark for a day-trip cruise where the focus is scenery and swimming.

Drinks Included vs Drinks You Buy: Avoid the Confusion

Here is the clean way to think about it:

• Included: bottled still water, assorted soft drinks, and lunch including wine
• Not included: extra drinks like coffee, tea, beer, and similar items can be purchased on board

This matters because one negative review mentions a misunderstanding about which beverages were included. The safest move is to check what the onboard menu says when you board and confirm any drink you are unsure about. If you want wine or soft drinks, you should be covered under the included setup. If you want something else, treat it like a normal pay-as-you-go add-on.

What to Pack So the Day Feels Effortless

This is a boat day, but it is also a beach day. A few items make a noticeable difference:

• Bring your swimsuit (you will likely want to swim more than once)
• Pack a towel, since towels are not included
• Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel, because snorkeling gear is not included

If you hate carrying extra things onto a boat with other people, you can still keep it light by focusing on swimming and relaxing, not snorkeling. But if snorkeling is part of your plan, having your own mask and gear saves time.

Also, wear footwear you can handle on island paths and stone surfaces. You are exploring little stretches of town and walking around beach areas.

Pickup, Timing, and the Logistics That Affect Your Mood

The pickup option can be a big convenience, but it is not unlimited. Pickup is available only within the area of the city of Dubrovnik. If you select it, you’ll need to send the exact address of your accommodation or your hotel name so the pickup point can be arranged.

Two timing details to keep in your back pocket:

• You’ll use a mobile ticket
• The driver waits no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time

Duration runs about 8 hours. One review described a day that effectively stretched from around 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, which makes sense because sailing time between islands adds up. Plan your day around the cruise start, not around a late lunch reservation in Old Town.

Who This Tour Best Fits (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This cruise is a strong fit if you want:

• A relaxed day outside Dubrovnik
• Beach time at Šunj Beach
• Lunch and drinks handled for you
• A choice between shaded comfort and open sea views

It may feel less ideal if you want long, deep exploration on every island. With only about 1 hour on Šipan and Koločep, you have to be the type of traveler who is happy with quick walks, short swims, and photos rather than long museum-style pacing.

For families, it can work well because the day is structured and you are not constantly managing transport. Just pack swimsuits and towels, and expect the schedule to be “island-hopping, not stay-put.”

Should You Book the Premium Three Island Cruise?

If your goal is an affordable, low-stress day that combines Lopud beach time, island village wandering, and an onboard meal with wine, I think this is a smart booking. The value is strongest when you actually use the included lunch and drinks, and when you are happy with the island time being tuned for swimming and short exploring.

I would pass or choose a different option if:

• You want lots of time on every island, not just Lopud
• You are traveling in a month when island services may be limited, and shopping matters a lot to you
• You prefer an all-guided experience with more structured commentary rather than free time on land

If you want the classic Elaphiti Islands day pattern, starting with Lopud and ending calm on Koločep, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Premium Three Island Cruise from Dubrovnik?

The tour runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

Which islands are included on this cruise?

You visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch is included on board, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian. Bottled still water and assorted soft drinks are also included. Wine is included with the lunch, while some extra drinks like coffee, tea, and beer are available for purchase.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered if you select the option. Pickup is available only in the Dubrovnik city area, and you need to send the exact accommodation address or hotel name.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and towels are also not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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