You start late enough to ease into the day. This Dubrovnik cruise takes you across the Elaphite Islands with scheduled stops for swimming, a real lunch on board, and time back in Old Town around sunset. I especially like the mix of quick island sampling and one longer beach-focused stop, plus the food and wine included.

What I like most is how practical it feels. You get a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian for lunch, and the day includes bottled water and wine, so you are not hunting for meals the moment you step on land. The crew also keeps things moving smoothly, and the vibe stays friendly, with hosts such as Ana (and sometimes Annabella on other departures) helping you settle in.

One thing to consider: your last island stop is the one with the most beach planning pressure. Lopud is about 2 hours, so if you want the most famous sandy stretch (Šunj), you may lose some time getting there by foot or golf cart.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel During the Day

• A late 10:45 am departure that keeps the morning stress low
• Three Elaphite islands in one trip, with swimming breaks built in
• Lunch is included and selectable (fish, chicken, or vegetarian)
• Wine and an open bar setup, with a simple cup system mentioned by guests
• Old Town time on the return, timed for sunset views from the port area
• Small-ish group energy for a boat day, max 120 travelers

The Rhythm of a Dubrovnik Boat Day That Doesn’t Waste Time

This is a 7 hour outing from Dubrovnik that balances sailing time with actual time on islands. You board with a mobile ticket, then spend the day in a loop that brings you back to the starting area. The schedule is built around water breaks, not just sightseeing photos.

Also, the itinerary is set up for people who want choice without chaos. You do not need to coordinate ferries, find meeting points, or figure out transport between islands. That is the hidden value here, especially if your Dubrovnik schedule is tight.

Kolocep Island: First Stop Swim Time and Easy Island Walking

Kolocep is your first island, and it works as a warm-up. You get around 45 minutes, enough to swim, grab a coffee if that is your thing, or take a short walk to stretch your legs.

The practical detail that matters: this stop is short and simple on purpose. You are not expected to fully explore, so plan for a quick dip and a calm look around rather than a big hike. The good news is that swimming right away helps you feel like the day is already working, even before lunch.

Admission is included for this stop, so you do not need to budget extra once you are on board. If you are the type who likes to get your best sea moments early, Kolocep hits that sweet spot.

Sipan and Skočibuha: A Longer Island, Short Visit

Sipan is one of the biggest islands in the Elaphite archipelago, but you only spend about 40 minutes here. The focus is a brief visit to the summer house Skočibuha, plus time in the water.

This stop is a nice reality check. You get a taste of island life and a recognizable landmark, but you also keep moving so you are not stuck on the boat for too long later. If you want a full island day, this is not it. If you want a sampler that still includes swimming, it is a solid fit.

Admission is free on this stop, which helps the overall value since Kolocep and Old Town include admission instead.

Lopud: The Main Event and Your Decision Point for Šunj Beach

Lopud is where most of your time goes, about 2 hours. This is the island stop people care about because it gives you enough time to wander, swim, and still chase one of the island’s better-known beaches.

Here’s the key tradeoff: if you want Šunj Beach, you have to plan how you spend that 2 hours. One practical approach mentioned by guests is a short walk (around 15 minutes) followed by a golf cart option that costs about 3 euros each way when paid in cash. That choice can reduce your time on the sand, with only around 45 minutes to an hour at the beach.

So your decision comes down to your style:

• If you want more relaxed swimming close by, you can stay local on Lopud and keep it easy.
• If you want Šunj specifically, set expectations that getting there takes time, and the return back to the boat will be tight.

Either way, Lopud is the stop that can make or break the day for beach lovers. If you are picky about beach time, I would show up ready to make the quickest route choices possible.

Old Town on the Return: Sunset Views Without Fighting for Seats

After the island loop, you return toward Dubrovnik and get about 1 hour 30 minutes in Old Town. The sailing back is timed so you can enjoy sunset views on the way back to the port, which is a big reason this trip feels more than just a boat shuffle.

Old Town time is the buffer that helps you finish strong. It means you are not forced to spend your whole day inside a single tourist zone by the water. You can also line up your evening plans around where you end up after the cruise, since the tour finishes back at the meeting point.

Admission is included here, which is another value boost. It also keeps you from doing last-minute math while the day is already moving fast.

Lunch and Wine: What You Actually Get On Board

The lunch setup is one of the most praised parts of the day, and for good reason. You choose between fish, chicken, and vegetarian meals, and lunch comes as part of the tour package. Bottled water is included too, so you start regulating hydration immediately, not midway through island time.

Guests also mention generous bread, and that the main course comes with seconds. That matters because many “island day” tours feel like you get a token meal and then you are back to buying food piecemeal. Here, lunch is part of the experience, not a checkbox.

On drinks, the tour includes alcoholic beverages, specifically wine. One review detail to know: there may be a cup system where you pay a small fee (about 3 euros) for unlimited drinks, with a refund at the end of the day. If you want that refund, keep the cup until the end. If you do not care, you can treat it as a souvenir, but do not toss it early.

Coffee and tea are not included, so if you love a morning caffeine hit, grab it before you board. WiFi is also not included, so plan on being offline for most of the day.

Boat Comfort, Seasickness Options, and Timing That Helps

Your day starts at 10:45 am and runs about 7 hours total. One guest noted the return into Dubrovnik was on time around 5:45 pm, which gives you a realistic end-of-day reference for planning dinner or an evening walk.

The boat experience is part sightseeing, part transport, and it can feel a little choppy depending on the day. One very practical detail: dramamine was mentioned as being available on board. If you tend to get motion sick, you should plan ahead, especially for any choppier stretches at the start.

Also, the group size is capped at 120 travelers. That usually means you are not trapped with a massive crowd, but you should still expect the usual boat-day close quarters. Bring small essentials like sunscreen and a light layer because sea air can cool you off when the sun drops.

Logistics That Make This Tour Easier Than DIY Ferries

If you like to travel with structure, this works. You avoid the friction of matching ferries, finding the right boats, and timing your return. The tour also offers restroom access on board, which sounds basic until you are stuck on island transfers with no facilities nearby.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity ends back at the meeting point, so you do not have to solve a second transportation puzzle at the end of the day. One review pointed out convenience if you are staying near Sheraton since the boat is right there, so if your hotel is in that zone, your start and finish should feel painless.

One more simple thing: you get a mobile ticket. That usually means less paper handling and fewer last-minute trips to hunt confirmations.

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

I think this tour is a strong match if:

• you are in Dubrovnik for a short stay and want maximum variety without extra booking work
• you like islands but also want a built-in meal and drink situation
• you want a balance of swimming and Old Town time
• you are comfortable with a schedule that moves every day, not a slow “beach and nap” plan

I would be cautious if:

• you mainly care about one perfect beach for a long stretch. Lopud is great, but Šunj timing can be tight if you go farther for sand.
• you strongly prefer coffee or tea during the day, since it is not included.
• you want snorkeling gear provided. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you would need your own (or rentals that you arrange separately).

Value Check: Is $84.66 a Good Deal?

At $84.66 per person, the question is what you are buying beyond the boat ride. In this case, you are also buying lunch, bottled water, wine, and admission tickets for key stops like Kolocep and Old Town. That coverage alone can make the day feel like a package, not a collection of add-ons.

You also get time structured around what most people actually want from a Croatia island day: swimming breaks and a real meal. When lunch is selectable and comes with second helpings as described by guests, it reduces the risk of feeling hungry or stuck paying extra on land.

Your value depends on your personal habits. If you would pay separately for admission and a solid lunch anyway, this is easier to justify. If you bring your own food and only want minimal drinks, you might feel like you are paying more for extras than you need.

But for most first-time Dubrovnik visitors who want to do islands without spreadsheets, the setup feels fair.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Island Hopping Cruise?

Yes, I would book it if you want a straightforward Dubrovnik day that mixes islands, swimming, and Old Town time with food and wine already handled. The late 10:45 am start is a practical bonus, especially if you need a slower morning after travel. The biggest reason to choose it is the way the day is paced: Kolocep to get you wet early, Sipan as a quick landmark and swim, Lopud as the main beach decision point, and Old Town to finish the day with sunset views.

If your dream is a long beach day on one island with minimal logistics, you might prefer a different format with more hours on a single stop. But if you want a “best of” island sampler with lunch included, this is a very good bet.

FAQ

What islands and areas does this tour visit?

The tour stops at Kolocep Island, Sipan, Lopud, and then Old Town in Dubrovnik on the return.

How long is the tour and when does it start?

It runs for about 7 hours and starts at 10:45 am.

Is lunch included, and can I choose what I eat?

Yes. Lunch is included, and you can choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Bottled water is also included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

Are coffee, tea, or WiFi included?

Coffee and/or tea are not included. WiFi on board is also not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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