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

Three islands, one relaxed day at sea. This boat trip makes a strong case for leaving Dubrovnik’s stone walls behind, with stops at Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, plus lunch and drinks included. I like the well-paced plan, with about an hour on each of the first two islands and three hours on Lopud. I also like the attentive crew, especially guides such as Natasha, Emily, and Darko, who keep the day moving without making it feel rushed.

The main consideration is that the first two stops are fairly short. An hour is enough for a swim, coffee, or a compact walk, but not enough for a full island exploration. You should also know that jumping directly from the boat into the sea is not allowed, so you will need to swim from the shore at one of the island stops.

Key points to know before you book

• The day visits three very different islands: Koločep is green and quiet, Šipan has olive groves and old aristocratic villas, while Lopud offers the longest break and access to sandy Šunj Beach.
• The timing is simple: expect roughly one hour at Koločep, one hour at Šipan, and three hours at Lopud during an eight to nine-hour outing.
• Lunch is more substantial than a snack: choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, with generous portions and fresh food prepared on board.
• Drinks are included throughout the day: water, soft drinks, white wine, and a local surprise drink are covered. Coffee and beer may cost extra.
• The wooden boat Emili has shade and open-air seating: arrive at 8:45 at the bus stop across from the University building, and look for the blue boat named Emili.
• A Blue Cave speedboat add-on may be offered: past participants paid about €20 extra, but it is not part of the standard tour price.

Why this boat trip works so well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a superb base, but its old town can feel crowded, especially in the warmer months. The Elaphiti Islands offer a useful change of rhythm: open water, small settlements, rocky coves, green hills, and beaches where the day is measured by swim time rather than museum hours.

At $76 per person, this is not the cheapest boat outing around Dubrovnik. But the price includes boat transport, lunch, and an open bar, which changes the calculation. A generous main meal and drinks all day can quickly add up on a separate excursion. Here, the package is clear and easy to budget.

I also like the way the route gives each island a different job. Koločep introduces you to the quieter side of the archipelago. Šipan provides a short pause for swimming and a look at an older island setting. Lopud receives the longest visit because it has the most to do, including a walk, cafés, swimming, and the popular sandy beach at Šunj.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. Emili is described as a clean wooden boat with shaded areas and an upper deck. You can sit up high for wide sea views or find a calmer spot at the front or on the lower level. Music plays during the day, but the mood is generally relaxed rather than formal.

Meeting the blue boat Emili at 8:45

The stated meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. Be there at 8:45, and look for the blue boat Emili. The boat is not expected before that time, so you do not need to arrive absurdly early and stand around wondering if you are in the right place.

Pickup may be available, but the exact location and time are sent one day before departure. If you choose pickup, keep an eye on your messages. If you make your own way to the meeting point, the instructions are direct.

The tour lasts eight to nine hours. That is a full day, but the schedule has enough pauses to stop it from feeling like a race. The crew gives short explanations before each island and suggests things to do. Natasha, Emily, and Darko receive repeated praise for being friendly, attentive, and helpful, but the wider crew also appears closely involved in service.

One practical point: this is a social boat trip, not a private sailing charter. It can fill up, and seating may be shared. That is part of the reason the price works, but it also means you should not expect a quiet, exclusive cruise.

Koločep: your first taste of the islands

Koločep is the first stop, usually for about an hour. It is the smallest of the three inhabited islands visited here, and its appeal is its greenery. The island is known for thick vegetation, walking paths, and a peaceful feel that contrasts with Dubrovnik.

With only an hour, I would keep your plan modest. Take a short walk, sit by the water with a coffee, or use the stop for a first swim if conditions are good. You might find enough time for a little cycling, but renting a bike is not something included in the tour, so do not build your whole visit around it.

The water around the islands is clear, and several people use the first or second stop for swimming and snorkeling. Watch your footing near rocky shorelines. Sea urchins have been spotted around the swimming areas, so goggles and sensible footwear are useful if you have them.

Koločep is not the place to chase a long checklist. Its value is the quiet start, fresh air, and chance to get away from the busiest parts of the coast. If you prefer historic buildings, shopping, or a long beach session, the short stop may feel limited.

Šipan: olive trees, old villas, and a good swim

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and has a different character from Koločep. Olive trees are a defining feature, and the island was once a peaceful retreat for aristocratic families from Dubrovnik. Their country houses and mansions add a layer of local context to what might otherwise be just another pretty coastal stop.

The scheduled break is about an hour. That gives you time to stroll near the settlement, look for old buildings, or swim in the clear water. It does not give you enough time to explore the whole island, so listen to the crew’s suggestions and stay close to the landing area.

This stop also tends to mark the transition into the meal part of the day. Lunch is served on the boat, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian food available. Several diners found the fish particularly good, while the chicken was served with potatoes and tomatoes. Portions are large enough to feel like a proper evening meal, not a token plate between activities.

If you are vegetarian, select that option when booking or follow the provider’s instructions before departure. The supplied information confirms that it is available, but does not give a detailed description of the vegetarian dish.

Lunch on board, with wine and soft drinks included

Food is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The meal is served on board and is included in the $76 price. The fish and chicken portions are repeatedly described as generous, and the food is prepared fresh on the boat.

You choose between fish, chicken, or vegetarian food. The chicken includes potatoes and tomatoes, while fish is a popular choice for anyone wanting a taste of the Adriatic. I would choose fish if that is your preference, but the chicken sounds like the safer option for children or anyone who does not enjoy seafood.

The open bar runs through the day. Included drinks are water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink, usually presented as part of the crew’s local hospitality. Beer and coffee are not listed among the standard included drinks. One past passenger paid €3 for beer, and another paid €5.50 for a cappuccino on Lopud, so ask the price before ordering extras.

The crew is very active with drink service. That sounds like a small detail, but it matters on a long sunny day. You do not need to keep leaving your seat to find water, and the included wine adds real value for adults who plan to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Use some judgment with the alcohol. The boat has music and an upper deck where the atmosphere can become quite festive, but you still have island walks, boat movement, and hot sun to manage.

Lopud: three hours and the best beach option

Lopud is the longest stop, with about three hours to explore. That extra time makes sense. Lopud is the most developed of the three islands, has no cars, and offers the broadest choice of things to do.

You can walk through green areas, sit by the waterfront, stop for ice cream, or swim. The island’s car-free setting helps keep the pace gentle. You will still find cafés and paid services, but the absence of road traffic makes wandering more pleasant.

The headline attraction is Šunj Beach, a sandy beach that is often recommended as the main goal on Lopud. Sand is not guaranteed at every Croatian seaside stop, so this is a welcome change from the usual pebbles and rock platforms.

Šunj is not completely free of costs. Sun beds and umbrellas can be expensive, especially when the sun is intense and shade becomes urgent. Bring a towel and sun protection if you want to avoid paying for a place to sit.

Getting to the beach can take some planning. A golf buggy service crosses the island, and it can save time during the three-hour stop. The ride has been described as lively rather than sedate, so sit in the middle row if you use it. You can also walk, but keep an eye on the clock and allow time to return to the boat.

Three hours sounds generous, but it disappears quickly if you combine the beach, a meal-related delay, a walk, and a café stop. I would choose one main plan: swim at Šunj, walk and explore Lopud, or stay near the waterfront for a slower afternoon.

Swimming, snorkeling, and the Blue Cave option

This tour gives you opportunities to swim from the islands, where the sea is clear and warm during the main season. Koločep and Šipan work well for a quick dip, while Lopud gives you more time for a proper beach visit.

Do not expect to leap from the side of Emili into the water. One passenger specifically noted that the crew did not allow boat jumping. If that is a must-have feature for you, choose a trip designed around swimming directly from the vessel.

Snorkeling is possible, but equipment is not listed as included. Bring your own goggles if you want to look below the surface, especially around rocky areas where sea urchins may be present.

A Blue Cave visit may be available as an optional speedboat add-on for around €20. The fast boat ride is part of the fun, but the cave visit itself may be brief and busy. One account described the time inside as roughly two minutes. I would treat this as a bonus, not the main reason to book the island tour.

The crew and the feel of the day

Service is the clearest strength of this experience. The crew keeps the boat orderly, checks on drink levels, explains the stops, and offers practical suggestions. Natasha is often singled out for her warmth and island advice, while Emily is praised for combining guiding with attentive table service. Darko also receives praise for being professional and helpful.

That care makes a difference on a boat carrying a large number of people. The day could easily become disorganized, with passengers unsure where to go or when to return. Instead, the schedule is kept punctual, and the crew’s reminders help you enjoy the stops without constantly checking the time.

The tone can range from peaceful to lively. Sit at the front for a quieter ride and fine views, or choose the upper deck if you want music and more social energy. Shade is available, but you should still bring sunscreen, a hat, and a cover-up.

Families can use this trip successfully. A three-year-old was welcomed and well cared for during one outing, and the mixture of boat time, swimming, food, and island walks gives children several ways to stay interested. The long day and open water may not suit every young child, so consider your child’s comfort on boats before booking.

Who should book, and who should skip it

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to see several islands without arranging ferries, meals, and transport separately. It suits couples, families, and friends who enjoy a relaxed group outing with swimming and scenery rather than a tightly packed sightseeing tour.

It is also a good choice if you value predictable costs. Lunch and many drinks are included, and the generous portions help make the $76 fare feel fair. The crew’s service adds further value, particularly on a full-day trip.

You may want another option if you need long walks on every island, a private boat, or frequent swimming directly from the deck. Koločep and Šipan receive about an hour each, and Lopud is the only stop with enough time for a substantial beach visit and wider exploring.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility when planning around weather and other Dubrovnik activities.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands tour?

Yes, if you want an easy, good-value day on the Adriatic with three island stops, a real lunch, and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the thoughtful timing, generous food, clean wooden boat, and crew members such as Natasha and Emily who keep the experience friendly and organized.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is not a deep exploration of each island, and the first two stops are short. But as a broad introduction to the Elaphiti Islands, with Šunj Beach and a possible Blue Cave add-on, it offers a lot for one day and makes a welcome break from Dubrovnik’s crowded streets.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphiti Islands boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 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 boat visit?

The tour 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 at Koločep, one hour at Šipan, and three hours at Lopud.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food. Drinks include water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink during the day.

Is the Blue Cave included in the tour price?

No. The Blue Cave is an optional speedboat add-on that has been offered for about €20 extra.