Skip the Dubrovnik traffic and slow down. This premium three-island boat day is built around real island time, with lunch and drinks included, and an easy get-on/get-off schedule.

I particularly like the combination of fresh on-board lunch (fish, meat, or vegetarian) and the steady flow of included water, soft drinks, and wine with meals. You also get a strong first stop on Lopud, with time to wander the village and hit Šunj Beach’s sandy, clear-water vibe.

The one thing to watch: the later stops move fast. You’ll get only about 1 hour on Šipan and Koločep, so come ready to swim and snack, not to plan a full day of touring on those islands.

Key things that make this cruise worth your attention

• Lunch plus wine included so you’re not hunting for food mid-day
• Lopud first, longest stop, with Šunj Beach and landmarks like the Franciscan Monastery
• Easy transfer setup with a pier at each island so you usually stay dry getting on and off
• Indoor and outdoor seating for comfort, even if the sun or temps change
• Five-person crew with an emphasis on keeping drinks and the day running smoothly
• Maximum group size kept to 110, which matters when boats can feel tight in peak season

A full island day that actually feels like a break from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is beautiful, but it can also feel like you’re constantly moving. This cruise is the opposite: you leave the city rhythm behind, get out on the water, and spend the day on islands that run on a slower clock.

What makes it work is the balance. You’re not stuck on the boat all day. You get multiple chances to explore small towns, walk shady paths, and then return for swims and food without stress.

How the boat setup affects your comfort (especially in the sun)

The boat has a closed, air-conditioned salon plus seating up top. That’s more than a nice-to-have. If you’re traveling in hot weather, you’ll want a cool refuge between swims or during longer stretches on the water.

In busy periods, the boat can feel crowded. The practical move is to arrive with a plan: grab a good spot early, and use the indoor space when you need a break from sun and salt air. Also, the crew makes regular rounds with drinks, which helps the whole day feel smoother.

There’s open upper deck seating, so you’ll still get sea views. Just know you’ll likely share them with a lot of elbows when everyone’s out there for the best photos.

Lunch and drinks: what’s included, what you may pay extra for

Here’s the payoff: lunch is provided on board, freshly prepared, with a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian. The fish option is grilled hake with potato salad and bread; the meat option is grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread; the vegetarian option is grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread.

Wine is included with lunch, and many diners find the portions satisfying. On a hot day, food that doesn’t feel like a sad snack makes a big difference.

Included drinks are built in too:

• bottled still water available during the tour
• assorted soft drinks like lemonade and juices

You can also buy additional drinks on board, including coffee, tea, beer, and more. The best way to stay calm is to treat the included options as your baseline, then check the onboard menu if you want something extra.

One practical tip: if you’re picky about alcohol choices, ask early what’s currently being served with lunch so you’re not guessing later.

Lopud Island: Šunj Beach, a 15th-century monastery, and slow village wandering

Lopud is your anchor stop and it gets the most time (about 3 hours). This is the island where you can go from strolling stone streets to beach time without rushing through your day.

Start with village time

On Lopud, you can wander through the tranquil village area with stone houses surrounded by green. There are local shops and cafés, so you can grab something small if you want extra snacks beyond lunch.

If you like history, you’ll have time for the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery. It’s not loud, not frantic—more of a quiet reset than a checklist stop.

Then aim for Šunj Beach

The star of Lopud is Šunj Beach, known for its sandy shoreline and crystal-clear water. If you want the classic beach break, this is where you’ll spend your swimsuit hours.

A common on-the-ground strategy is to plan how you’ll reach the far side of the island. There are golf-cart taxis available, and using one can save you a chunk of walking time if you’d rather spend your legs in the water than on a steep route.

Botanical garden time depends on season and condition

There’s also a botanical garden on Lopud. In late season, you might find some areas less welcoming than you’d expect, so set your expectations accordingly. Even if a garden stop feels less tidy, Lopud still delivers with beach time and village atmosphere.

Šipan Island: one hour of olive groves, vineyards, and sea views

Šipan is shorter—about 1 hour—so think of it as a scenic snack break rather than a full exploration day. You’ll see the kind of landscape that makes the Elaphiti Islands feel distinctly Croatian: olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills, and stone houses scattered through greenery.

There are walking trails and small café or shop opportunities if you want a quick sit-down. The water around the island is clear, so if you’re chasing that swim-and-stay-put feeling, you’ll probably enjoy it here.

Because the stop is brief, your best use of time is simple:

• pick one easy walk route
• pause for photos and views
• if you’re swimming, do it quickly so you’re back before the boat timing pulls you along

Koločep Island: the calm final stop where swimming feels easiest

Koločep rounds out the day with a peaceful vibe. Like Šipan, it’s around 1 hour, but it feels more restful—lush greenery, olive trees, coastal paths, and small churches tucked into the quiet.

The water is clear here too, and it’s a nice place to end your day with a relaxed swim. If you’re thinking about where to recharge your energy, this stop is usually the one that feels most like an unwind session rather than a rush to see everything.

There’s also a chance to stop for a drink at a local café, which is a good way to wrap up without immediately sprinting back to the boat.

Timing that matters: why the day can feel longer than you expect

This is an about 8-hour outing, and most of that isn’t just island time. Travel between islands takes time, so your day will stretch from morning pickup through a full return later in the day.

Here’s what that means for you:

• you’ll likely do one main swim on Lopud
• you’ll do shorter swims or quick breaks on Šipan and Koločep
• you’ll eat lunch on board and possibly still want small extras on the islands

Plan for a long day outdoors. Even if you’re not a sun-worshipper, you’ll be outside enough to want good sunscreen and water discipline.

What to pack so you enjoy every stop

You don’t have to bring the whole beach store, but a few basics make the day better:

• swimsuit (you’ll use it)
• towel (not provided)
• comfortable walking shoes or sandals with grip
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• a light layer for the boat (salt air can feel cooler than expected)

If you want to snorkel, note that snorkeling equipment isn’t included. Bringing your own can be worth it if this is your priority.

Also, if you get motion-sick easily, it’s smart to be mindful on boat days. Nothing in the info guarantees how it will feel on your date, so pack your usual prevention if you need it.

Price and value: is $48.39 a fair deal?

At around $48.39 per person for a full island boat day, the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re paying for:

• a full-day boat tour to three islands
• hotel pickup (if you choose it) within the Dubrovnik city area
• a freshly prepared lunch on board with fish, meat, or vegetarian options
• bottled water plus soft drinks
• included wine with lunch
• indoor and outdoor seating and a crew dedicated to keeping things moving

If you tried to recreate the same day yourself—transport, lunch, and drinks—the cost tends to add up fast. The included lunch and beverages are the real money-saver.

And the best part is that the experience doesn’t require constant navigation. Pickup and drop-off mean you’re not improvising your way home after drinking.

Who this cruise is best for (and who might want a different plan)

This tour fits you if you want:

• an easy break away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town crowds and traffic
• a beach-forward day with one main island (Lopud) plus two calmer add-ons
• included meals so you don’t budget every hour

It may feel less ideal if you want long deep exploration on all three islands. Šipan and Koločep are short stops, so you’ll mainly sample rather than fully tour.

Families often like it because it’s straightforward: swim, eat, walk a bit, repeat. Couples like it for the relaxed pace and the chance to see several islands without planning ferries.

Staff and service: the vibe you’ll notice early

The crew is a big part of why people rate this so highly. They’re described as friendly and professional, with drink service happening regularly during the trip.

Crew member Nicolette is specifically praised for making sure people feel looked after. Even without names, you’ll likely notice the same thing: someone is keeping the rhythm of the day steady, so you’re not stuck waiting for basic needs like water or a cleared table.

Should you book this Premium Three Island Cruise from Dubrovnik?

Yes, book it if you want a low-stress island day with food and drinks handled for you. Lopud gives you the most satisfying payoff: Šunj Beach, monastery time, and a village to wander at a human pace.

Think twice if your dream day is long, detailed touring on multiple islands. This trip is built for a beach-and-sight mix, with shorter island sessions after Lopud.

If you’re going, do yourself a favor: bring swim basics, plan to spend your longest effort on Lopud, and don’t overpack your day with expectations of a museum-style tour on every stop.

FAQ

Which islands does the cruise visit?

You’ll visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep during the full-day boat tour.

How long do I have on each island?

Lopud is about 3 hours. Šipan and Koločep are each about 1 hour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is included if you select that option. Pickup is offered only within the Dubrovnik city area.

What food is included?

Lunch is included and served freshly prepared on board. You can choose fish, meat, or vegetarian options.

Are drinks included or do I pay extra?

Water and assorted soft drinks are included. Wine is included with lunch, and you can purchase additional drinks on board such as coffee, tea, and beer.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment and towels?

Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, and towels aren’t provided, so plan to bring your own if you want them.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How strict is the pickup timing?

The driver will wait no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time and place, so be ready on time.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid won’t be refunded.