Picture islands from the sea all day.

This 3-island boat trip from Dubrovnik is built around Elaphiti Islands scenery plus a full day on board with food and drinks. You get a coastal cruise close to shore, a chance to spot where Trsteno Arboretum was used for Game of Thrones, and then timed stops that balance walking time with sea time.

I especially like the lunch included approach (fish, meat, or vegetarian), because it removes a big planning headache on a long day. I also like that soda and bottled water are part of the deal, and there is onboard music and WiFi so the ride itself feels like part of the experience.

One possible drawback: the day runs long and can feel rushed at the shorter stops, and a few operational hiccups can happen with boarding or transfers in busy season.

Key things that make this tour work

• Close-to-shore panoramic cruising with views toward Dubrovnik, plus a pass by Trsteno Arboretum (GoT filming area)
• Lopud gets the longest stop with churches, stone lanes, and time for the Šunj beach area
• On-board lunch with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian, plus soda and bottled water included
• A party-deck vibe without requiring party energy (music and a dance floor are there, but not everyone is rowdy)
• Jump-and-swim moments from the boat in clear Adriatic water, especially around Šipan and Koločep
• Large-but-not-huge capacity (max 144 people), which still means you should plan for basic seating and crowded moments

Why This 3-Island Boat Day Feels Like a Dubrovnik Upgrade

Dubrovnik is great, but land time can get heavy fast. This tour gives you a different angle: you see the coast, head out to the Elaphiti Islands, and spend hours floating with a built-in rhythm. The islands are the point, but the ride also matters.

The route starts with a panoramic cruise close to the shore so you get repeated views of the Dubrovnik surroundings instead of a straight shot out to open water. You also pass near Trsteno Arboretum, known for its connection to Game of Thrones filming, which adds a fun “I recognize that” moment if you’re a fan of the series.

Then the day splits into three stops with different vibes: Lopud for island wandering, Šipan for local feel and a quick sea reset, and Koločep for smaller-bay swimming and that energetic deck-atmosphere.

Price and Value: What $72.56 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

At about $72.56 per person, the value is mostly in what the tour takes care of for you. You’re not just paying for a boat ride; you’re paying for a day that includes lunch plus soda/pop and bottled water. For a hot day on the water, that matters more than it sounds.

You also get onboard WiFi and music, which turns the trip from transport into an experience. And since this runs for roughly 9.5 hours, bundling meals and drinks is cheaper than piecing it together yourself.

What you should not expect: towels and snorkeling equipment aren’t included. If you want proper swim comfort, plan to bring your own towel and consider bringing any mask/snorkel setup you prefer.

The Boat Setup: Music, Dance Floor, WiFi, and Real-Life Comfort

The vibe on board is meant to be fun. There is music on board, and space is cleared for a dance floor during the day. At the same time, the mood can be more mixed than the words on the brochure suggest. Some people enjoy it as a lively summer scene, while others are fine with the music in the background.

You may also find it helpful that the boat has loungers, which makes a big difference when you’re spending hours on the water. That said, seating is still a big factor on shared boats. Expect basic comfort rather than cushy luxury, especially during busy moments.

WiFi can be useful if you want to update plans or share photos fast, but don’t count on it being “fast office WiFi.” It’s there mainly to make the day easier.

Getting There Smoothly: Green Market Meeting Point and Pickup Timing

The tour starts at 10:15 AM. Plan to arrive early: the meeting point is at Obala Stjepana Radića near the Green Market, and boarding starts around 10:00 AM with the vessel TRITON docked across the street.

Pickup is offered, and the timing depends on where you’re staying. If you’re outside the city (like Mlini), pickup is earlier, around 8:30 AM. So before you go, double-check your pickup area and the driver’s instructions.

A practical tip: build in buffer time on your end. Even small delays can feel stressful when the boat boards on a schedule and groups move quickly through the line.

Stop One: Lopud Island’s Churches, Temple of Sun, and Šunj Beach Time

Lopud is the star stop, and you can feel it in how long you’re there: about 3 hours. Lopud is part of the Elaphiti Islands group, and it’s known for being the second biggest among them. It also has more than 30 little churches, so your time ashore can be more walking-and-looking than swim-and-go.

There’s also a museum experience tied to the island’s identity: the Temple of Sun. Even if you’re not museum-focused, it’s a neat anchor for what Lopud feels like.

Two more Lopud details that make the stop more interesting than a generic beach break:

• It’s home to what’s described as the oldest botanical garden in Europe.
• Šunj beach is one of the famous sandy beaches here, plus there’s a local legend about bathing with a loved one and staying together.

Lopud also tends to have enough places to eat and drink that you can relax without hunting for options. That’s a big win when you’re doing a long day and you want one “proper island” moment.

Possible drawback: 3 hours can still feel short if you want a long beach hang or want to wander beyond the main areas. Some people love Lopud so much they wish they had more time.

Stop Two: Šipan’s Olive-Grove Record and the Local Summer Home Feel

Then you head to Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, with a shorter stop of about 45 minutes. The quick timing is a trade-off: it’s enough time to enjoy the sea and get a taste of the island, but not enough for a deep inland exploration.

Šipan has a standout claim to fame: Guinness world record for the biggest number of olive trees on one island. It also ties closely to the Dubrovnik Republic’s noble families, who used the island as a summer residence. That history shows up in late-Gothic architecture you can see around the area.

Where you can feel the difference is the port area of Suđurađ. Since Šipan is farther from the mainland, tourism doesn’t dominate the island life in the same way it does closer-in places. That gives the stop a more “local rhythms” feel rather than a theme-park island.

If you’re the type who loves a clear-water break, this is where you may get the best boat-to-water moments, including jumping from the boat into Adriatic water described as crystal clear.

Stop Three: Koločep for Hidden Bays, Village Walks, and Deck Energy

Finally, Koločep is the small island stop, about 1 hour on site. It’s less populated, and the payoff is natural scenery: hidden bays and good spots for swimming. You’ll also notice it has cliffs that work well for quick jumps when the boat crew clears space for it.

Koločep has two typical Mediterranean villages, and you can connect them on foot to see pine and olive trees close up. It’s a nice way to get a bit of land wandering without eating your whole day.

Then there’s the party-deck side of the experience. This is when the deck can be more energetic, with space cleared for dancing. One helpful thing to know: the atmosphere can vary by day and by crowd. If you want action, you can find it. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the view and the music without being forced into it.

Lunch at Sea: Fish, Meat, or Vegetarian Options That Actually Fill You Up

Lunch is one of the biggest reasons this tour is worth considering. You get lunch onboard with fish, meat, or a vegetarian option, plus soda/pop and bottled water included. There is real value in this on a day that’s long and exposed to sun.

In practice, the menu works best when you arrive hungry and stay patient. The cruise includes enough time for a proper meal, but the day’s pacing can still affect how smoothly things feel at lunchtime. If you’re picky about timing or specific items, it’s smart to be early to the serving line once you see food set up.

One more practical note: snorkeling equipment isn’t included. So if you’re planning to swim hard after lunch, bring what you need for comfort. If you want to just cool off and enjoy the water, you’re covered.

Timing and Pace: How the Day Can Feel Longer Than the Schedule

The tour runs about 9 hours 30 minutes on paper. Your experience can feel a bit different depending on boarding rhythm, pickup timing, and how long the captain holds the schedule between islands.

The safest way to think about it: you’re paying for the full day at sea, plus three island “tastes.” Lopud gets the time to feel real. Šipan and Koločep are more like quick resets: sea time, a short stroll or two, then back to the boat.

If you prefer island-only time with fewer stops, this isn’t designed for that. It’s a best-of approach: you leave Dubrovnik and come back with three different island impressions rather than one long deep dive into a single place.

Also plan for heat. Even if the boat ride has breeze, afternoons can be hot, and you’ll want shade where you can find it.

On-Board Drinks and the Summer Social Scene

Included soda/pop and bottled water keep you hydrated without pulling cash out repeatedly. That’s the baseline.

Some people also mention extras like a white wine sampler arriving around the Koločep stop. That’s not the same thing as the core inclusions, so treat it as a bonus if you see it offered rather than a guaranteed part of your meal plan.

The music and dance floor can make the trip feel like a rolling summer party, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want a quieter day, you can still use the loungers and focus on views and swimming.

Potential Downsides to Keep in Mind Before You Go

This tour’s strengths are clear, but I’d rather help you plan than sell you fantasy. Here are the main “watch-outs” that can affect your day:

• Crowding at busy times: The group size can get large, and seating can feel limited on older wooden-boat style arrangements.
• Operational stress points: Boarding and transfers can sometimes be chaotic when multiple groups are moving at once, especially if a boat needs maintenance or if pickup has hiccups.
• Lunchtime and lunch fulfillment: Food is included and generally praised, but some people have had issues when lunch ran out for them. If that would upset you, keep expectations flexible and arrive early for meals.
• Comfort expectations: Benches can be hard on boats. Bring a small pad if you’re sensitive.
• Toilets: There are toilets onboard, but you should treat hygiene expectations as basic rather than spa-level.

If you’re traveling with a relaxed mindset, these issues are usually manageable. If you need everything to be perfectly smooth, choose a different style of tour.

Who This Tour Suits Best in Dubrovnik

I think this tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a full day at sea without having to plan meals
• a mix of one longer island stop plus two shorter hits
• a fun onboard atmosphere with music and a dance floor
• a chance to swim and jump in the Adriatic during island transitions

You might skip it if you:

• want one island for a long, slow exploration
• hate noise and packed boat conditions
• need very dependable transfers every minute with zero waiting

It also helps if you’re comfortable sharing the boat space with other people. The max group size is capped, but boats still feel crowded when everyone tries to be outside at once.

Should You Book This 3-Island Tour?

Yes, if you want a practical Dubrovnik day that combines three islands, included lunch, and the kind of onboard fun that makes time on the water feel worth it. The best reason to book is the balance: Lopud is long enough to feel meaningful, while Šipan and Koločep keep variety high.

No, if your top priority is quiet, slow, and deeply detailed island time. This tour is a good-fit summer plan, not a minimalist retreat.

My decision shortcut: if you’re happy to trade a bit of schedule precision for included food, drinks, and a classic Elaphiti day, book it. If you’re picky about comfort and logistics, consider alternative tours with fewer moving parts.

FAQ

What islands does the tour visit?

You visit the Elaphiti Islands with stops at Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

How long is the Dubrovnik 3-island boat tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 9 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled departure is around 10:15 AM. Boarding starts about 10:00 AM.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $72.56 per person.

Is lunch included, and what choices are available?

Yes. Lunch is included with fish, meat, or vegetarian options.

What drinks are included?

You get soda/pop and bottled water included with your cruise.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi on board is included.

Are towels or snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Does the tour offer pickup from your hotel or area?

Pickup is offered, and the pickup time depends on where you are staying (for example, pickup can be earlier around 8:30 AM if you’re outside the city such as Mlini).

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the Green Market area on Obala Stjepana Radića, Dubrovnik. The boat TRITON is docked across the street.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. The tour also requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled for poor weather.