Island Hopping & City Walls Cruise with Food and Open Bar

Dubrovnik looks grand from land, but its city walls from the sea are the real opening act here. You get a wide view of the Old Town, then trade stone ramparts for the green coves and quiet villages of the Elaphite Islands.

I like the simple rhythm: three islands, three different moods, plus a freshly prepared lunch and open bar without hunting for a restaurant between stops. I also like that Lopud gets the longest visit, giving you time for churches, the Your black horizon art installation, or soft sand and shallow water at Šunj Beach.

The catch is that this is a full day on the water, with plenty of sun and possible motion. If you are prone to seasickness, take precautions, and if you do not swim, this may not be the right excursion for you.

Key points to know before you book

• Dubrovnik’s walls look different from the water: The opening cruise gives you a broad coastal view of the Old Town.
• Koločep is the quiet swimming stop: Use the time to swim, stroll, or sit back in a green island setting.
• Šipan offers the slowest island atmosphere: Olive groves, old villas, and village life replace Dubrovnik’s crowds.
• Lopud gets the most time: Choose between the Your black horizon installation, churches, village walks, or Šunj Beach.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Food is prepared on board, and wine, water, and soft drinks are available through the day.
• Pack for sun and swimming: Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and camera. Snorkeling gear is not included.

Dubrovnik’s walls from the water

The tour begins with a panoramic cruise along Dubrovnik’s famous city walls. From the boat, you get the kind of view that walking the ramparts cannot provide: the full sweep of the fortifications, the Old Town rising behind them, and the Adriatic opening out in front of you.

This is a smart way to start the day. You are not simply being ferried away from Dubrovnik. You first get a fresh look at the city before heading toward the islands, which gives the rest of the trip a useful sense of place.

Keep your camera ready at this point. The sea breeze can be strong, and the best views may come when you are not expecting them. A hat with a secure fit and sunscreen are practical choices, not optional extras on a bright day.

The boat ride also sets the pace. This is not a rushed series of land visits. You will spend a good part of the eight-hour tour on the water, with time to sit, talk, eat, and watch the coast pass by.

Koločep, a green first stop

Koločep is the first of the three Elaphite Islands. Its appeal is calm rather than grand sightseeing. You can swim in a turquoise cove, take a walk, or simply enjoy a break from city traffic and stone streets.

I would treat Koločep as a chance to reset. Dubrovnik can be intense, especially around the Old Town, while this stop gives you room to slow down. The island’s green setting and clear water make it well suited to a first swim of the day.

The schedule details for each stop are not specified, so you should be ready to follow the crew’s timing rather than plan a long independent walk. Bring your towel from the start, since towels are not provided, and keep sunscreen handy for the return to the boat.

Non-swimmers should be cautious here and throughout the trip. The experience is built around swimming and coastal stops, so it makes the most sense for people comfortable around water.

Šipan and its quiet village life

Šipan is the largest of the three islands. Its character is less about one headline attraction and more about the feeling of an Adriatic island away from the main city.

Look for olive groves, historic villas, and quiet village life. This is the stop for you if you enjoy seeing how a place feels when it is not arranged around major sightseeing. The pace is gentler, and the surroundings offer a useful contrast with Dubrovnik’s walls and packed lanes.

You may prefer Šipan as a walking stop rather than a swimming stop, though the day’s swimming opportunities are not limited to one island. Take in the old buildings and local setting, but do not expect a long guided history lecture based on the information available for this experience.

That lack of a detailed sightseeing program is worth noting. You get freedom to look around, but you also need to make your own choice about how to use your time. If you prefer a tightly organized tour with a guide explaining every monument, this cruise may feel light on formal commentary.

Lopud gives you the biggest choice

Lopud is the main stop and receives the longest visit. That extra time matters because you can shape the island visit around your own interests instead of squeezing everything into a short photo stop.

You can visit churches, walk through the village, see the Your black horizon art installation, or head for Šunj Beach. Each option gives the stop a different feel, so Lopud works well for mixed groups where one person wants culture and another wants the sea.

The art installation is a particularly unusual reason to choose this excursion. Your black horizon is known for its stark, modern setting, and seeing it on an island day adds a contemporary note to a trip otherwise centered on old walls, villas, churches, and beaches. The supplied details do not give a precise route or distance to the installation, so ask the host or greeter for directions when you arrive.

Šunj Beach is the more relaxed choice. It is known for soft sand and clear, shallow water, making it appealing if you want an easy swim or a barefoot break. Bring your towel and remember that beach time still means direct sun exposure.

Lopud is also where you will most want to watch the clock. With the longest stop, it is tempting to wander farther, but you need to return to the agreed meeting point on time. The exact meeting point can vary by booking option, so check your confirmation carefully before setting off.

Lunch on board keeps the day moving

Lunch is served on the boat, which is one of the practical strengths of this outing. You do not lose island time searching for a restaurant, waiting for a table, or deciding where to eat. The meal becomes part of the cruise, with the coast providing the view.

The food is freshly prepared on board. One detailed account of the day described the meal as abundant and fresh, with unlimited wine, water, and soft drinks. That gives you a clearer idea of the food-and-drink setup than the basic inclusion list alone.

The open bar adds value, especially on a hot day when you want regular water or a cold soft drink without paying separately each time. Wine is also available, but drink sensibly if you plan to swim or are sensitive to motion on the boat.

Do not expect a restaurant-style menu or a choice of several meals, since no menu is provided. The benefit is convenience and steady refreshments, not fine dining. For an eight-hour island cruise priced at $82 per person, having lunch and drinks included makes the cost easier to justify.

What the $82 price really covers

At $82, this sits in the range where the inclusions matter. You are paying for a full eight-hour outing, the cruise along Dubrovnik’s walls, transport between three islands, lunch, and an open bar.

If you tried to arrange separate boat travel, meals, and island visits yourself, the day could become more complicated quickly. This tour bundles the main moving parts into one plan. That is useful if you have limited time in Dubrovnik and want a full coastal day without managing several tickets.

The value is strongest for you if you will swim, use the island stops, and take advantage of the included lunch and drinks. It is weaker if you dislike boat rides, plan to stay dry, or mainly want a short sightseeing cruise around Dubrovnik.

The perfect score currently rests on only three ratings, so I would treat that as encouraging rather than final proof for every type of visitor. The strongest practical praise centers on the crew, the food, and the views. One booking account specifically praised Anabela, the captain, and the crew for professional service, while another singled out the great views and friendly crew.

That combination matters. A long day at sea depends as much on the people running it as on the scenery. The available feedback points to a crew that helps the day feel organized and welcoming.

The crew and languages

The host or greeter operates in English and Spanish. Anabela is named as a standout member of the team, while the captain and crew are also noted for professional service.

That language information is useful when deciding if the trip will be comfortable for your group. If you speak English or Spanish, you have a clear communication option for meeting instructions and general guidance.

The exact group size and boat layout are not provided. That means you should not assume a small private-style cruise. Think of this as an organized shared excursion, with time split between communal meals, open-water cruising, and independent island exploration.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this day to you if you want a broad taste of the Dubrovnik coast rather than a single focused activity. It suits people who like mixing swimming, scenery, village walks, local landmarks, and a relaxed meal.

It is especially good for:

• First-time Dubrovnik visitors who want to see the city from the sea and get beyond the Old Town.
• Couples and friends who prefer a social day with drinks, swimming, and flexible island time.
• Families with confident swimmers who value shallow water at Šunj Beach, though parents should keep close supervision.
• Photographers and casual sightseers who want city walls, coves, old villas, churches, and island views in one day.
• People who dislike planning meals on excursions because lunch is served on board.

I would hesitate to recommend it to you if you are prone to seasickness or uncomfortable on boats. The tour also is not suitable for non-swimmers according to the activity information. Even strong swimmers should bring caution, since water conditions and personal comfort can change during a long day at sea.

Smart packing for eight hours outside

Pack lightly, but pack the right things. You will need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own only if you want to use it and are prepared to carry it between stops.

A towel is easy to forget because the tour includes lunch and drinks, but it is specifically not supplied. Keep it in a small day bag along with sunscreen for reapplication.

Wear something comfortable for walking on the islands. The information does not specify a dress code or a particular type of footwear, so practical casual clothing is the safe choice. Keep valuables limited, especially if you plan to swim.

If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual precautions before departure. The risk is worth considering because the itinerary includes a long period on the water, not just a short transfer to one beach.

Timing, meeting details, and flexibility

The experience lasts eight hours, but the exact departure time depends on availability. The meeting point may also vary by booking option, so check the final instructions rather than relying on a general Dubrovnik location.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Dubrovnik schedule is still changing.

Those policies do not replace good planning. Leave enough time to reach the meeting point, confirm where you need to go, and arrive ready for an outdoor day. Once the boat leaves, you cannot easily correct a missed start.

Should you book this Elaphite Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a full coastal day that mixes Dubrovnik views, three island stops, swimming, lunch, and drinks without arranging the pieces yourself. The strongest reasons are the variety of Lopud, the quiet character of Šipan, Koločep’s swimming break, and the included food and open bar.

Think twice if you want an in-depth guided tour of monuments, a private boat, or a short excursion with little time at sea. You also need to be comfortable swimming or at least spending a long day around the water.

For $82, the package is good value when you use the whole day. Anabela and the crew add reassurance, the food and drinks reduce extra spending, and Lopud gives you enough time to choose between art, churches, village life, and the beach. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, and accept the boat ride as a central part of the experience rather than just transportation.

FAQ

How long does the island hopping cruise last?

The tour lasts eight hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The cruise visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud in the Elaphite Islands.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared lunch is served on board.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes refreshing drinks. The available information also specifies wine, water, and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and precautions are recommended. It is also not suitable for non-swimmers.