From Dubrovnik: Boat Tour to Kolocep, Lopud, & Sipan Islands

Three green islands, a wooden boat, a generous lunch, and drinks served all day make this more than a simple boat transfer. I especially like the well-spaced itinerary, with quiet Koločep and Šipan followed by three hours on car-free Lopud. I also like that the meal is substantial, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian choices.

The main drawback is the timing: one hour can feel short if you want to explore Koločep or Šipan beyond the waterfront. You also cannot jump directly from the boat into the sea, so plan to swim from shore at one of the island stops.

Key points

• Three islands in one day: Visit Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, each with a different feel.
• Three hours on Lopud: Use the longest stop for Sunj Beach, a walk, swimming, or a golf buggy ride.
• A proper lunch on board: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, with generous portions.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, white wine, and a local surprise drink are available throughout the day.
• Friendly English-speaking crew: Natasha, Emily, Marco, Darko, and other crew members help with island tips and service.
• Optional Blue Cave trip: A speedboat add-on costs extra and gives you a short visit to the cave.

Why this island-hopping day works so well

The Elaphiti Islands sit close to Dubrovnik, but the pace feels far removed from the city walls and summer crowds. This trip gives you a full day on the water without asking you to organize several ferry connections, find lunch, or work out how to split your time between three islands.

The boat is called Emili, a wooden vessel with shaded areas and an upper deck. You can sit up top for broad sea views or choose a lower, cooler spot. The boat itself matters here because the trip includes several hours of sailing, not just short rides between docks.

I like the way the day builds. Koločep begins the outing with greenery and calm coves. Šipan offers a quieter pause and a chance to swim. Lopud gets the longest visit, which gives you enough time to eat, walk, find the beach, and slow down before returning to Dubrovnik.

The crew also plays a large part in the feel of the day. Natasha, Emily, Marco, and Darko are among the hosts praised for being attentive and helpful. You can expect short explanations before the stops, suggestions about what to do, and regular drink service rather than a bare-bones boat ride.

Meeting the Emili near Dubrovnik

The stated meeting time is 8:45 at the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the blue boat named Emili. The boat is not expected before 8:45, so arriving very early will not necessarily get you aboard sooner.

Pickup may be available, but the exact location and time are sent one day before departure. If you use the pickup option, check that message carefully. If you make your own way there, allow time to find the university building and bus stop without rushing.

The outing lasts about eight to nine hours. That is a long day, but the schedule includes sitting, eating, island walks, and time on deck, so it does not feel like eight hours of constant activity. Still, bring sun protection and comfortable footwear. The islands are best enjoyed at an easy pace, not while trying to squeeze in every possible stop.

Koločep: a green opening to the day

Koločep is the first island and usually receives about one hour. It is the smallest of the three inhabited Elaphiti islands visited on this route, and its appeal is its natural setting. Green vegetation, walking paths, and clear water give you a gentle introduction to island life.

With only an hour, I would keep your plan simple. Walk near the waterfront, find a quiet place for a coffee, or take in the views before returning to the boat. You might be able to swim depending on the day’s timing and conditions, but do not count on fitting in a long walk and a swim here.

Koločep suits you if you enjoy a peaceful start rather than a packed sightseeing list. It is also a good place to simply sit and watch the water. The short stop is the one part of the itinerary that can feel rushed, especially if you want to go farther inland.

The island’s green character gives the first stop a different mood from Dubrovnik. You are not visiting a major monument. You are getting a taste of the Adriatic coast through small paths, vegetation, and quiet waterfront views.

Šipan: olive trees, old estates, and clear water

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and the second stop, with about an hour to explore. It is known for olive trees and for old country residences built by Dubrovnik’s aristocratic families. The emphasis here is on peace, nature, and a slower coastal setting.

You can use the stop for a swim, a short walk, or a look at the island’s old buildings. The water is described as clear and warm during the summer months, and snorkeling from shore may be possible. Be careful around sea urchins, which have been spotted in the swimming areas. Water shoes or careful footing are sensible if you enter the sea.

One hour does not allow for a full tour of Šipan. Think of it as a well-chosen pause rather than a complete island visit. I like that the schedule leaves the longer stay for Lopud, but you should know that Šipan is mainly about a quick taste of the setting.

Lunch is generally served after the Šipan stop, according to the reported running order. This works well: you have time to move around before sitting down for a full meal on the boat.

Lunch on board, with more than a snack

Lunch is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this trip. You choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, and the portions are described as generous. The chicken is served with potato and tomatoes, while the fish has received especially warm praise for its flavor and size.

This is not a light sandwich stop. Plan on a proper midday meal, which saves you from spending part of the day searching for a restaurant on Lopud. The food is prepared on board, and the meal is served in a relaxed setting with sea views.

Drinks are included throughout the day. The open bar covers water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise local drink. Beer and coffee may cost extra, so do not assume every drink on the boat is part of the package.

The drink service is frequent, with crew members checking on people during the sailing sections. That can be a real value at a price of $76, especially in hot weather. It also helps explain why the trip feels more like a hosted day cruise than public island transport.

Use a little judgment with the open bar. The boat ride, sun, and warm weather can catch up with you quickly, particularly if you spend the whole day drinking wine. Water is available, and it is wise to keep it in rotation.

Lopud: the longest stop and the main event

Lopud receives about three hours, making it the central stop of the day. It is the most developed of the three islands on this route, but it remains car-free. That gives the waterfront a calmer feel and makes walking part of the experience.

The big attraction is Sunj Beach, a popular sandy beach on the far side of the island. You can walk toward it, or you might find a golf buggy service available to cross the island. The buggy ride has been described as worthwhile, though the ride can feel lively. If you use one, sit in the middle row for a steadier position.

Sunj is a good choice if your main goal is swimming and beach time. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be expensive, especially when the sun is strong, so bring your own shade if you have it. If you need an umbrella on the spot, budget for that extra cost.

You can also stay near the harbor, walk through green areas, stop for ice cream, or look for a place to sit by the water. Some people use the time for snorkeling near the monastery, though waves can make conditions less comfortable. The three-hour stop gives you room to change plans based on the weather.

Lopud is also where the schedule feels most generous. You have time for the beach without turning the visit into a frantic race back to the boat. Still, three hours can pass quickly once you include the journey to Sunj, swimming, a drink or ice cream, and the return to the harbor.

Prices on Lopud can be higher than you expect for simple refreshments. Check the price of coffee before ordering, especially if you are watching your spending. The island stop is included, but beach chairs, umbrellas, coffee, the golf buggy, and other purchases are not.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the Blue Cave option

The tour gives you chances to swim from shore at the island stops. The sea is often clear, and snorkeling can be rewarding near the coast. Bring swimwear, a towel, and goggles if you have them. Goggles are useful not only for seeing fish and rocks but also for spotting sea urchins before you step.

This is not a boat designed for jumping directly into the sea. The crew does not allow passengers to jump from the boat, so anyone hoping for a swim straight off the deck may be disappointed. Plan to enter the water from an island beach instead.

A Blue Cave visit may be offered as an optional speedboat add-on for about 20 euros. The ride itself adds some excitement, but the cave visit is brief, sometimes only a couple of minutes inside, and it can be busy. I would choose it if you particularly want to see the cave and like fast boat rides, but it is not essential to the main island tour.

How much value do you get for $76?

At $76 per person, the price includes boat transportation, lunch, and a broad drinks package. You are also paying for a full day of sightseeing across three islands, which would be difficult to arrange as neatly with separate ferries and restaurant bookings.

The value is strongest if you will make use of the lunch and drinks. A generous main meal, water, soft drinks, and white wine can add up quickly in Dubrovnik. The trip also removes the usual small decisions: where to eat, when to catch the next boat, and how to fit three islands into one day.

The price does not cover every expense. Coffee, beer in some cases, beach chairs, umbrellas, the golf buggy, and the optional Blue Cave trip may cost extra. Carry some money for these choices, but you can also enjoy Lopud without buying them.

I would not book this solely for deep historical sightseeing. The island explanations are useful, but this is mainly a scenery, swimming, food, and relaxation day. If you want museums and long guided walks, spend your time in Dubrovnik instead.

Who should book this boat tour?

I think this trip suits couples, families, and small groups who want an easy day on the water. It also works well for a first visit to Dubrovnik because you get a quick look at three nearby islands without giving up a full day to planning.

Families may appreciate the clear schedule, meal, and attentive crew. A three-year-old has been accommodated comfortably, and the staff are described as kind with children. Keep in mind that boats, docks, beaches, and golf buggies can still require care, especially with very young children.

The tour is a good match for you if you enjoy:

• Swimming and snorkeling from island shores
• Long sea views with time to relax on deck
• A substantial lunch included in the day
• A sociable boat atmosphere with music and drinks
• A mix of quiet nature and a popular sandy beach

It may be less suitable if you dislike group outings, want complete control over your schedule, or need a long time on each island. Koločep and Šipan each get about an hour, so you are sampling them rather than exploring every corner.

Booking details worth knowing

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The host or greeter speaks English.

Choose your lunch preference when booking or as instructed by the operator: fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Since the meal is a major part of the value, make sure your choice is recorded clearly.

The boat is blue and named Emili. The meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building at 8:45. Pickup details, if you use that option, are sent one day before the tour.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want one well-organized day that combines three islands, a real lunch, frequent drinks, swimming time, and a generous final stop on Lopud. The crew service is a major strength, and the route gives you variety without making you change boats or arrange separate meals.

Skip it if your priority is a private boat, long visits on each island, or direct swimming from the deck. For most people who want an easy introduction to the Elaphiti Islands, $76 is a sensible price, especially if you eat lunch, enjoy the drinks, and make good use of Lopud’s three hours.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphiti Islands boat tour last?

The tour lasts about eight to nine hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the blue boat named Emili, which will not arrive before 8:45.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, three inhabited islands in the Elaphiti group near Dubrovnik.

How much time do you get on each island?

The usual schedule provides about one hour on Koločep, one hour on Šipan, and three hours on Lopud.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose a fish, chicken, or vegetarian meal. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Which drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise local drink. Beer and coffee may cost extra.

Is the Blue Cave visit included?

No. The Blue Cave is an optional add-on by speedboat and costs about 20 euros.