Three islands, one day, and free drinks included. This Elaphiti cruise leaves Dubrovnik on the Emili and gives you a smooth run between Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, with an open bar running all day plus lunch served on the boat. It’s an easy way to see a slice of the Adriatic without planning ferry times, car transfers, or restaurant stops.

I also like how the crew keeps the pace human: you get real island time, and the staff are attentive from the start—Natasha handles the island facts, while Emily and Darko keep the day moving (and your cup from staying empty). One thing to know up front is the tradeoff: you’re working with limited time on Koločep and Šipan (about an hour each), so this is best for swimming, beaches, and walking—not for long hikes.

Key things to know before you go

• Open bar all day: water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink
• Three inhabited Elaphiti islands: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan in one day
• Lopud is car-free, so you’ll spend time on foot (plus optional golf buggy rides)
• Lunch is included on board with meal choice: fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• A very hands-on crew: Natasha, Emily, Darko, and others stay engaged all day
• Optional Blue Cave by speedboat is offered for an extra fee (about 20 euro)

Why this Elaphiti boat day works so well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik gets the attention, sure. But the coastline right off it—made up of the Elaphiti Islands—is where you can breathe a little slower. This tour is built around a simple idea: do three islands in one day so you don’t spend your vacation jumping schedules.

The tour runs 8–9 hours and follows a clear rhythm. You’ll hop onto the boat from a fixed meeting point, then settle in for the sea portion, the lunch window, and the island stops. It’s the kind of outing that feels low-effort while still delivering variety: greenery and walking on Koločep, olive-tree atmosphere on Šipan, and beach time on Lopud.

And yes, at $76 per person, the value comes from what’s included. You’re not just paying for a ride—you’re getting boat transportation, lunch, and an open bar that lasts the whole day. That matters in Croatia, where island hopping can turn into a string of paid extras pretty quickly.

Meet the boat: Emili, the 8:45 start, and how the day is organized

Plan to arrive early enough to find the meeting point without rushing. The meeting point is 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building, and the blue boat is called Emili. The boat will not arrive before 8:45, so don’t build your morning around a “sure, they’ll be early” mindset.

From there, the organization is one of the reasons this tour earns repeat praise. People consistently mention smooth timing and a crew that stays aware of everyone’s needs. Natasha is often named for island context, while Emily (and other staff) handle the practical side on board—helping with meals, drinks, and what to do once you arrive at each island.

Pickup is optional. If it’s offered for you, you’ll be told the pickup location and time one day before the tour. If you’re staying in Dubrovnik proper, you’ll likely just use the fixed meeting point.

The crew and open bar: where the real comfort points are

A boat day can be either relaxing or annoying. This one tends to land in the relaxed category because the crew is proactive. Multiple people highlight constant attention—drinks topped up, questions answered, and an easy flow between narration and logistics.

The bar setup is also a big reason the trip feels good. It’s open bar during the whole day, including water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink. That means you can pace yourself—sip something cold on a sunny sea stretch, then switch to non-alcoholic when you want.

On board, the vibe is friendly and organized. You’ll hear music at times, and it’s the kind of environment where both quiet sightseers and more social people can find their spot. Some folks prefer sitting toward the front for a calm ride, while others like being downstairs for shade. If you’re sensitive to sun, aim for the shadier areas early.

Koločep Island: 1-hour walking, swimming, and greenery that feels close

Koločep is one of the Elaphiti islands known for being more than just a postcard stop. The tour frames it as a picturesque island with lots of vegetation—an ideal place for a stroll, a relaxed break, or getting a bike ride in if you want to do more on your own.

The biggest thing you should set your expectations around: you’re not here for a full island day. You’ll get around an hour on Koločep, so it’s a “make it count” stop. In that time, you’ll likely do three things:

• quick walking to get views
• a swim in the clear Adriatic
• some time to reset before the next island

One practical consideration: if you love longer exploration, this is where you might feel the time limit. But if what you want is sea time plus a light taste of island life, Koločep hits the mark.

Šipan (Sipán) Island: olive-tree atmosphere and a calm pause

Šipan is described as the largest Elaphiti island, known as the island of olive trees. It also carries that “big family retreat” feel—historically, aristocratic families built mansions here, which helps explain why parts of the island read more spacious and scenic than packed.

On this tour, Šipan functions as your calm middle stop. You get a break here (often around an hour), and the focus is on nature, sea air, and that in-between feeling before Lopud’s bigger beach block.

If you like taking your time—sitting by the water, walking at an easy pace, or squeezing in a swim—Šipan is a good match. If you prefer active touring (long hikes, lots of inland time), you may find it short. Still, it’s a strong counterbalance to the beach-forward stop on Lopud.

Lopud Island (car-free): Sunj beach, snorkeling spots, and the best time allocation

Lopud is where the schedule gives you the most breathing room. You’ll typically have about 3 hours here, and it’s the most developed island on the Elaphiti group. The standout detail for Lopud is right in the description: it’s an island without cars, so the feel is slower and more walkable.

This is also the island with the famous sandy beach Sunj. If you want a classic day-at-the-beach moment, this is where you aim your time. Sunj is popular, and people note that sun beds and umbrellas cost extra—so if you’re trying to save money, plan to bring your own towel and use shaded areas wisely.

Another reason Lopud gets so much love: movement options. You can use the golf buggy to get around, and one review even included a very practical tip—sit in the middle row for a steadier ride. (That’s not a slogan; it’s a real comfort/safety detail to keep in mind if you’re the kind of person who gets nervous in bumpy transport.)

If you like being in the water, Lopud is also where snorkeling shows up in people’s plans. One commonly mentioned idea is snorkeling under the monastery, though waves can be a factor. And here’s one detail I’m glad is in the feedback: there are sea urchins, so if you snorkel or wade, take care and consider using protective gear if that’s part of your routine.

Lunch on the boat: fish, chicken, or vegetarian, plus drinks included

Lunch is included, and it’s not just a token sandwich moment. People describe it as very good and generous in portion size. You choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian options.

You’ll usually eat after you’ve spent some time at the first part of the island stops, and the food experience ties directly into why this tour feels like value. At sea, lunch and drinks can be expensive on your own. Here, you get both covered in the base price.

A couple of practical notes to help you get the most out of lunch:

• pick what you’ll actually enjoy, not what sounds like the safest option
• use lunch as your reset point; it’s a good time to cool down, then head back out to the next stop feeling steady

If you’re a fish person, you’ll hear a lot of positive comments about the fish lunch specifically. If you’re not, the chicken option seems to land well too, and the vegetarian meal is offered as a real choice (not an afterthought).

Optional Blue Cave speedboat: when it’s worth paying extra

Some departures offer an add-on to the Blue Cave by speedboat for an extra fee—one reference puts it at around 20 euro. This can be a nice add-on if you’re the type who wants one “wow” moment beyond beaches and swimming.

But here’s the balanced take: the Blue Cave visit can be short and busy. One person noted the cave was crowded and the experience lasted only around two minutes. So I’d treat this as a nice bonus if you’re flexible, not as the main goal of the day.

If your priority is the three islands themselves (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) and you’d rather keep your spending controlled, you don’t need the Blue Cave to make the tour worthwhile.

Price and value: what you’re really getting for $76

Let’s do the practical math in plain language. You pay $76 per person, and the tour includes:

• boat transportation
• lunch
• drinks all day (open bar)

That’s the value story. Even if you ignore everything else, a day on the water with included lunch typically costs more when you’re buying it separately. Add alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, and suddenly you’re not thinking about whether you can afford another round or another meal.

Also, the time allocation matters. You get roughly one hour on Koločep and Šipan and about three hours on Lopud. That’s a smart split: Lopud needs more time for beach life, while the other islands work as focused “taste” stops.

Practical tips so you enjoy the whole day

This is where a few small choices make the day feel smoother.

First: plan for sun and sea. You’ll likely spend time outdoors and swimming. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit you’re comfortable wearing more than once.

Second: timing at the dock. Because the boat won’t show up before 8:45, you’ll feel calmer if you show up with a buffer. Once you’re on board, listen for what the crew tells you before each stop.

Third: sea conditions. One snorkeling plan at Lopud mentioned waves can be a factor. If you’re unsure about water comfort, keep it simple—swim where you feel safe and let snorkeling be optional.

Finally: know that a “boat day” can have limits on boarding and hopping in. One person specifically said they weren’t allowed to jump off the boat the way they’d expected. If jumping in is a big part of your fantasy, ask early about how they handle water entry at stops.

Should you book this boat tour to Koločep, Lopud & Šipan?

Book it if you want a simple day from Dubrovnik that mixes swimming, island strolling, and beach time, without turning your day into a logistics project. It’s especially a good fit if you like the idea of lunch plus drinks included, and if you’re happy with about an hour on Koločep and Šipan in exchange for a longer, more beach-focused Lopud stop.

Skip it (or consider a different format) if you’re craving long inland exploration or you want the freedom to spend half-days hiking. This is a “see three islands, enjoy the sea” tour—not a slow, deep island retreat.

If you’re on the fence, think about this: the tour is built to keep you comfortable and moving, with a crew that stays engaged (Natasha, Emily, Darko get named often) and a pacing that usually feels just right. For most people, that combination is exactly what makes it worth booking.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik boat tour to Kolocep, Lopud & Sipan?

The tour lasts 8 to 9 hours.

Where do I meet, and what is the boat called?

Meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The boat is blue and is named Emili.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes. There is an open bar during the whole day, including water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink.

What lunch options are available?

You can choose a lunch meal of fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

How much time do I get on each island?

The plan typically gives about 1 hour on Kolocep and Sipán, and about 3 hours on Lopud.

Is there time for swimming?

Yes. The tour includes swimming opportunities in the Adriatic Sea during the island stops.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is optional. The pickup location and time (if offered) will be shared one day before the tour.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there an add-on to visit the Blue Cave?

There is an optional Blue Cave trip by speedboat for an extra fee (about 20 euro).