Reviewed · ELAPHITI ISLANDS BOAT TOURS FROM DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN)

5.0 · 2,074 reviews 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $72 Operated by Boats Tours Dubrovnik · Bookable on Viator
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Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands are best seen from the water, and this trip gives you three islands in one day without arranging separate ferries. You cruise close to shore, pass Trsteno Arboretum, and spend the longest stop on Lopud, home to Šunj Beach, old stone buildings, pine trees, and more than 30 small churches.

I like the generous package: lunch, soft drinks, bottled water, WiFi, and music are included for $72.56. I also like the variety. Lopud gives you time to walk or visit the beach, Šipan offers a quieter local setting and boat swimming, and Koločep brings small coves and a final chance to get in the sea.

The main caution is the boat’s size and mood. With up to 144 people, this can feel crowded, and the music and dance floor suit a social summer outing more than a peaceful sail. Pickup and return transfers have also been uneven on some departures, so confirm your meeting details carefully.

Key points to know before boarding

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Key points to know before boarding

  • Lopud gets about three hours: This is the main island visit and the best place for Šunj Beach, walking, restaurants, and historic buildings.
  • Lunch offers fish, meat, or vegetarian food: The meal is included, but ask early about your choice because one departure ran short of requested meals.
  • TRITON leaves around 10:15 a.m.: Boarding begins at 10:00 a.m. near the Green Market on Obala Stjepana Radića.
  • The boat has music and a dance floor: Some departures have a mellow soundtrack, while others feel like a lively party boat.
  • Bring your own towel and snorkel gear: Neither is included, though there are chances to swim from or near the boat.
  • Allow a full day, but expect timing variation: The advertised duration is about 9 hours 30 minutes, while some outings have ended closer to eight hours.

A full day among Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - A full day among Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Islands

This is a broad, easy way to see the islands west of Dubrovnik. Rather than staying on one beach, you move between Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, with food and drinks handled on board.

The cruise begins with a scenic ride along the coast. The boat keeps close to shore where possible, giving you views of Dubrovnik’s outer coastline and nearby villages. You also pass Trsteno Arboretum, a famous garden and a filming location for Game of Thrones.

The boat itself shapes the day. TRITON carries as many as 144 people, has WiFi, music, a dance floor, and loungers. That means you can move around and find a place to sit, but you should not expect a small, quiet vessel. Seating can become competitive if the boat is full, and wooden benches may feel hard after several hours.

The atmosphere varies. Some departures have soft background music and a relaxed feel. Others become lively, with dancing and a more party-like mood on the return journey. I would choose this trip for company, scenery, food, and swimming, not for silence.

More boat trips and cruises from Dubrovnik:

Boarding at the Green Market

The listed meeting point is on Obala Stjepana Radića, near Dubrovnik’s Green Market. Boarding begins at 10:00 a.m., with departure planned for about 10:15 a.m.

Pickup is offered, but the exact time depends on where you stay. If you are outside central Dubrovnik, such as in Mlini, pickup may be around 8:30 a.m. That early collection makes sense once you allow for transfers and boarding, but it also means this becomes a long day.

Give yourself extra time to locate the correct boat and meeting point. The boat is docked across the street from the Green Market, and transfer arrangements have occasionally caused confusion. One practical lesson is to keep the provider’s phone number handy and confirm the pickup point before the morning begins.

The tour returns to the same general area at Obala Stjepana Radića. Hotel drop-off is included for pickup passengers, but transport capacity has not always matched demand at the end of the day. If you are relying on a return transfer, stay with the group and confirm where your vehicle will leave you.

Lopud: the island that earns the longest stop

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Lopud: the island that earns the longest stop

Lopud is the heart of the trip. You get about three hours here, which is enough to choose between a beach visit, a walk, a meal at your own expense, or a look at the island’s old buildings.

Lopud belongs to the Elaphiti group and is the second-largest island in the itinerary. Its compact settlement has stone houses, ruins, churches, and Mediterranean plants. More than 30 small churches are scattered around the island, and the Temple of Sun museum adds a cultural stop for anyone who wants more than swimming.

The island is also linked with one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens. You do not need to see every sight to enjoy the place. A simple walk through the settlement, followed by time beside the water, may be the best use of your three hours.

Šunj Beach is the big draw. It is one of the area’s notable sandy beaches, and the local legend says couples who bathe there will never part. Treat that as folklore, of course, but the beach gives the stop a clear purpose for anyone who wants sand rather than stone.

The drawback is time. Three hours sounds generous, yet it can pass quickly if you want to walk, reach Šunj Beach, swim, and return to the boat. Several aspects of Lopud compete for your attention, so decide early whether your priority is the beach or exploring.

Lopud also has restaurants and bars, though your included lunch is served on the boat. If you spend your stop ashore, you are paying for atmosphere and freedom rather than another meal. I would bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, and a small bag you can carry easily.

Šipan: olive trees and a quick swim

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Šipan: olive trees and a quick swim

Šipan is the largest island on the route, but your stop is much shorter, around 45 minutes. This is enough for a quick look and a swim, not a full island visit.

The island was once a summer retreat for Dubrovnik’s noble families. You can see late-Gothic buildings and former summer residences, especially around Suđurađ, one of the island’s ports. Šipan is also associated with a Guinness World Record for its number of olive trees.

What makes Šipan useful on this itinerary is its quieter character. Tourism has not taken over the island in the same way as on more developed coastal stops, and fishing remains part of local life. You get a glimpse of an island where people still work and live beyond the needs of day visitors.

The boat may pause here for swimming and jumps into the clear Adriatic water. If you enjoy getting in the sea, this short stop can be fun. If you prefer museums, long walks, or detailed sightseeing, 45 minutes will feel rushed.

Bring your own towel, since towels are not supplied. Snorkeling equipment is also not included. The tour provides bottled water and soda, but you may want to bring personal sun protection for the exposed hours on deck.

More boat trips out to the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik:

Koločep: a small final stop for swimming

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Koločep: a small final stop for swimming

Koločep is the smallest island on the route and the final scheduled stop. You get about an hour, usually enough for a swim, a short walk, or time on the boat’s party deck.

The island has two Mediterranean villages connected by walking routes, with pine and olive trees around them. Its small coves and cliffs give it a more natural feel than the larger islands. You might find a good place for sunbathing or a swim, but the stop is not designed for a long cultural visit.

Koločep is also where the social side of the boat can become most noticeable. The crew may clear space on the deck for dancing, and the music continues as the day moves toward Dubrovnik.

This stop divides opinion because it is short and simple. If you want a final swim, it works well. If you hoped for three equally substantial island tours, Koločep may feel like a brief pause rather than a full destination.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard routine

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Lunch, drinks, and the onboard routine

Lunch is included, with fish, meat, and vegetarian choices. It is a simple boat meal rather than a restaurant tasting menu, but it adds real value to a long day at sea. The food has been described as plentiful and good, with fish receiving particularly warm praise.

I would state your preference early when boarding. There was at least one occasion when the requested meal ran out, so do not wait until service is underway if you need a specific option.

Soda and bottled water are included throughout the cruise. White wine may also be available as part of the onboard service, but the advertised inclusions specifically guarantee soda and water. The food and drinks save you from having to organize lunch between island stops, which is useful when the schedule is tight.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names associated with different departures include Lorenzo, Laura, Ivonne, Jakub, and a captain called Joseph or Jose. Their roles and availability may vary, but the service can be warm, funny, and attentive. Multilingual support in English, French, and Spanish is advertised, while the booking information lists English as the main offered language.

The social setting has a second side. A few departures have had concerns about table cleanliness, toilets, and crowding. Conditions can be more noticeable during the hottest and busiest part of summer. If you need a calm, polished boat setting, this may not be your best match.

How the $72.56 price works out

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - How the $72.56 price works out

At $72.56 per person, the price is reasonable if you value a full-day boat outing with three island stops, lunch, drinks, music, and transport options. Buying separate ferry tickets, arranging food, and planning your own route would take more work, even if the independent option might give you longer on one island.

The strongest value comes from convenience. You get a single departure from Dubrovnik, lunch on board, water and soda, and a planned route through the Elaphiti Islands. You do not need to compare ferry schedules or figure out how to link the islands yourself.

The tradeoff is control. The island stops are fixed, and Lopud receives most of the useful time. Šipan and Koločep are short visits, so the tour works best if you want a sample of all three rather than a deep visit to each one.

The 98 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from more than 2,000 ratings indicate very strong overall demand, and the tour is often booked well ahead, around 38 days in advance. That does not remove the practical concerns about crowding or transfers, but it does suggest you should reserve early during the busy season.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would recommend it to you if you want:

  • A simple way to see three islands from Dubrovnik
  • Swimming opportunities without planning your own boat trip
  • Lunch and drinks included in the price
  • Music, social energy, and the option to dance
  • A flexible Lopud stop with beach and walking choices
  • A full-day outing rather than a short harbor cruise

Families can enjoy the scenery, meal, and swimming, though the boat’s music and crowd level may not suit every child. Couples who want Šunj Beach and a day on the water may like the mix of romance and activity.

You should think twice if you want a quiet sailing trip, a small group, or long, detailed sightseeing at every island. You should also consider another option if hard benches, busy toilets, or a full boat would spoil your day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Book this tour if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes sun, swimming, a filling lunch, island scenery, and music. Lopud is the clear star, and the value is strongest when you treat Šipan and Koločep as short scenic and swimming stops rather than major sightseeing visits.

Skip it if you want peace, personal space, or a carefully paced cultural tour. For many people, the lively TRITON atmosphere will be part of the fun. For others, the large group and occasional transfer problems will be the reason to choose a smaller boat.

My practical choice would be to book it early, confirm pickup in writing, arrive at the Green Market before 10:00 a.m., and bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. With those expectations, this is a useful and good-value way to get beyond Dubrovnik for a day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes. Some departures have lasted closer to eight hours, so allow most of the day but expect the exact schedule to vary.

What time does the boat leave Dubrovnik?

Boarding begins at 10:00 a.m., with scheduled departure at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is near the Green Market on Obala Stjepana Radića, 20000 Dubrovnik. The TRITON is docked across the street and ready for boarding from 10:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the time depends on your location. Stays outside central Dubrovnik, such as Mlini, may have pickup around 8:30 a.m.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. Lopud is scheduled for about three hours, Šipan for about 45 minutes, and Koločep for about one hour.

What food is included?

Lunch includes a fish option, a meat option, and a vegetarian option. Soda and bottled water are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim or snorkel.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If weather or insufficient numbers cancel the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.

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