Wind and blue water make it simple. This Dubrovnik-to-islands cruise pairs easy pickup with an onboard open bar and a real sit-down lunch, all while you hop across Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. You also get the chance to fit in the Blue Cave as an add-on if conditions and timing line up.

I like how the day feels planned without being rushed: you get time to walk, swim, and reset between island stops, plus staff who keep everything running on schedule. One thing to watch is the sea-condition factor. Since the itinerary depends on the water, the Blue Cave stop may shift or be limited when the sea is rough.

Key things I’d bet you’ll care about

• Hotel-area pickup and drop-off (if you choose it) means you start the day already comfortable.
• Unlimited drinks on the open bar include white wine plus soft drinks and juices from the listed menu.
• A lunch option with choices like chicken, fish, or vegetarian keeps this from feeling like snacks and views only.
• Koločep + Lopud + Šipan each bring a different pace—walking time, towns, and swim stops all included.
• Optional Blue Cave time adds a second layer to the day, especially if you want something a bit more dramatic.
• A two-deck boat with plenty of seating helps when you want shade one minute and sun the next.

From your Dubrovnik pickup to the Emili dock: the start that matters

Getting out of Dubrovnik can be the hardest part of island days. Here, you can choose hotel pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area, which saves you the hassle of figuring out transport while you’re hungry, caffeinated, and trying not to stress.

If you don’t pick up service, you’ll board at the dock next to the bus station. The boat name is Emili—and if you can’t spot it, you’re told to call the provider. That little bit of clarity goes a long way when you’re traveling solo or you’re arriving late in the day.

A heads-up you should take seriously: pickup is not included if you’re less than 1000 meters from the start point, and pickup timing varies by where you’re staying. If you choose pickup, you have to contact the operator for the exact pickup time. If you miss that, the policy says no refund.

Open bar drinks and lunch: what you’re really paying for

At about $53 per person for an 8-hour outing, value comes down to what’s included and what you’d otherwise spend on your own. This is one of those tours where the included extras matter.

You get an open bar with unlimited drinks from the listed set: white wine, water, apple juice, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta. One practical implication: if you’re the type who expects hard spirits included, you’ll want to know that the tour only lists the drinks covered by the open bar menu.

Lunch is also a key part of the deal. If you choose the lunch option, you’ll get a sit-down meal onboard with choices such as chicken, fish, or a vegetarian dish. From what’s described, the food is meant to be fresh and filling, and it’s paired naturally with drinks while you’re sailing or after swim time.

You’ll also have two decks and plenty of seating, which makes a difference on a long day. When you’re out on the Adriatic, you’ll rotate between shade, sun, and “I just want to stare at the water” time.

Island stop 1: Koločep’s quick rhythm of photos, walks, and swimming

Koločep is your first taste of the Elaphite Islands, and it’s structured to wake you up without wasting daylight.

After an initial 30-minute sightseeing cruise, you arrive and get about 1 hour on Koločep for a mix of: a photo stop, a visit, free time, and time to walk. You also have the option to swim and snorkel, and the schedule is built around doing that while the boat’s in the right spot.

Why this stop works: Koločep gives you variety fast. You’re not stuck in one mode. You can do a short walk, grab photos of coastline views, and then switch to swimming when you want something hands-on. It’s also a good place to judge how you feel on the water—some people love it from minute one, and some need a calmer start.

One drawback to keep in mind: this island is time-boxed. If you want deep hiking or long beach lounging, you’ll probably wish you had more than an hour. For most people, though, that tight timing is exactly why the rest of the day stays so balanced.

The Blue Cave add-on: the option worth thinking about

The cruise includes an opportunity for the Blue Cave connected to the Koločep area. In the itinerary, that section is set aside for swimming and snorkeling, timed at about 1 hour.

Here’s the reality check: the tour is explicitly subject to sea conditions. That means the Blue Cave experience may be affected by weather and water conditions, even if you’ve planned around it.

Pricing isn’t listed in the tour details you provided, but there are mentions of people upgrading for the Blue Cave side trip (one guest cites around €20 and another around $20). Treat that as a ballpark for planning, not a guaranteed rate.

Should you add it? If you want one “wow” stop beyond island walking and beach time, the Blue Cave is the logical choice. If you’re more focused on town wandering and less on snorkeling, you might still enjoy it, but it won’t feel like the only highlight.

Šipan’s mix of guided info and personal free time

Next comes Sipan, reached after a 1-hour sightseeing cruise. On Šipan you’ll get a combination of structured time and room to roam.

You’ll have about 45 minutes on the island with: a break, photo stop, visit time, a guided tour segment, and then additional free time for self-guided exploring. There’s also sightseeing time that includes walking, plus the chance to take it at your own pace after the guide’s orientation.

One detail I’d expect you to enjoy: the tour includes chances to admire the red-roofed, stone houses that are traditional in the area. Even if you don’t know the island’s history, the guide’s talk gives you context for what you’re seeing while you’re on foot.

The main consideration with Šipan is the same as Koločep: time is limited. You can walk and absorb the atmosphere, but you’re not going to “finish the island.” Think of it as a taste that keeps the day moving to the bigger finale on Lopud.

Lopud’s 3-hour finale: beach time, wine, and a food-focused stop

If there’s one island that feels like the payoff, it’s Lopud. You arrive after a 30-minute sightseeing cruise, and then you get about 3 hours here—long enough to actually slow down.

Lopud includes a lot of what makes a day cruise feel like more than a checklist:

• a break and photo stop
• visit time and sightseeing
• walking and swim/snorkel options
• wine as part of the program
• lunch onboard (if you selected the lunch option earlier, this fits into the day’s rhythm)
• food tasting and a food market visit
• “welcome refreshments” and time for self-guided wandering

You’ll also see more of those traditional island buildings—again, the red-roofed stone houses show up here too—so it feels like you’re building a consistent picture of what the Elaphites look and feel like.

Why the 3-hour timing works: it creates space for two kinds of travelers. If you’re the type who wants swimming first, you can do that. If you’re more into strolling and snacks, you can shift from beach to food-market energy without feeling rushed.

One small drawback: because it’s the longest island block, some people find the final stretch a touch less exciting once they’ve done the “must-dos.” If you like staying busy, plan your time on Lopud around a simple loop: walk/photo first, then swim, then food market, then a relaxed last hour.

After Lopud, you return via a 50-minute sightseeing cruise back toward Dubrovnik.

Timing, sea conditions, and staying comfortable on a full day

This is an 8-hour day on the water, and the comfort factor matters. The boat has two decks, plenty of seating, and two toilets, which is more important than it sounds once you’ve been sailing for hours.

Still, the tour is subject to sea conditions, and that can affect the schedule. The Blue Cave section is the most likely casualty when the water isn’t calm. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is the part to plan around (sea days can be hit or miss even when the itinerary looks fixed on paper).

What to bring is simple and practical: swimwear and a towel. You’ll use them more than once, because swimming and snorkeling appear at multiple points during the day.

Who should book this Elaphite Islands cruise (and who should skip it)

This cruise fits best if you want an efficient, scenery-heavy day without the mental load of planning your own transport and boat connections. I’d also say it’s great if you like a little structure—because you get guided orientation segments—while still having enough free time to choose how you spend it.

You’re likely to enjoy it if you:

• want a mix of island towns + swim breaks
• like the convenience of pickup/drop-off
• want drinks included with real lunch options (not just chips and water)

If you have mobility limitations, you should know the tour’s notes are a bit contradictory: it says wheelchair accessible but also states it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that applies to you, contact the provider before booking and ask how the boat handles boarding and movement.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Islands cruise with drinks and lunch?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a high-value day: multiple Elaphite islands, included drinks, and a proper lunch, all with pickup options. For most people, that’s the sweet spot—less planning, more time enjoying the water and the islands.

I’d think twice before booking if your dream day is mostly dry-land exploring, or if the Blue Cave is the only reason you’re coming and you’re traveling in weather that’s likely to be rough. Since sea conditions can change the experience, it’s smarter to treat Blue Cave as a bonus, not a guaranteed moment.

Final tip: if you choose hotel pickup, do the quick homework right away and contact the operator for the exact pickup time. That one step avoids the kind of travel-day stress that ruins island plans.

FAQ

Which islands are included on this Elaphite cruise from Dubrovnik?

The cruise visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in one day.

Is lunch included, and what options do you get?

Lunch is included if you select the lunch option. The meal options listed are chicken, fish, or vegetarian.

What drinks are included on the onboard open bar?

Unlimited drinks include white wine, water, apple juice, orange juice, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Fanta.

How long is the tour and where do you meet the boat?

The tour runs for 8 hours. You board at the dock next to the bus station, on the boat named Emili.

Is the Blue Cave included or an optional stop?

The Blue Cave is offered as an option during the tour, and there’s a dedicated time window for swimming and snorkeling linked to the Blue Cave segment. Sea conditions can affect what’s possible that day.

What should I bring, and is the tour affected by sea conditions?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour is subject to sea conditions, so some parts of the day may be impacted depending on the water.