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

The best part of this Elaphiti Islands boat tour is its variety. In one day, you get green walking paths on Koločep, quiet coves and old stone buildings on Šipan, and enough time on car-free Lopud to swim, eat ice cream, or reach sandy Šunj Beach. It is a good way to trade Dubrovnik’s stone walls for open water without arranging three separate ferry trips.

I like the generous lunch and open bar, which make the $76 price easier to justify, and I like the careful pacing: about one hour on Koločep, one hour on Šipan, and three hours on Lopud. The main drawback is that the first two stops can feel short if you want a proper walk, swim, and café break at every island.

I also like how the crew keeps the day easy. Hosts including Natasha, Emily, Marco, and Darko have been singled out for friendly service and clear advice. Just remember that swimming is done from the islands, not by jumping from the boat, and drinks such as beer or coffee may cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands, three different moods: Koločep is leafy and peaceful, Šipan has olive trees and aristocratic villas, and Lopud offers the longest stop and the best chance for a beach outing.
• Three hours on Lopud: Use the extra time for Šunj Beach, a walk, swimming, or a slow lunch and coffee in the village.
• Lunch is more than a snack: Choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian food, with portions often large enough to feel like a full evening meal.
• Drinks are included all day: Water, soft drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink are covered. Beer and coffee may require payment.
• Look for the blue boat Emili: Meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across from the University building. The boat is not expected before that time.
• A blue cave add-on may be offered: Some departures have offered a speedboat trip for about €20 extra, but it is not part of the base price.

Why this island day works so well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a superb base, but its old town can feel intense in the summer heat. A boat day gives you fresh air, broad sea views, and a change of pace without asking you to leave the region.

The Elaphiti Islands sit close to Dubrovnik and include several inhabited islands. This tour visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud. They are close enough for a day trip, but each feels distinct enough to make the route worthwhile.

I like the fact that the boat is not simply racing from one swimming stop to another. You get time on land, a meal aboard, and a chance to see how island life differs from Dubrovnik. The day lasts about eight to nine hours, so plan it as your main activity rather than something to squeeze between other appointments.

The price is $76 per person. For that, you receive boat transport, lunch, and drinks, which is strong value if you make use of the included meal and wine. You also avoid paying separate ferry fares and working out connections between three islands.

The tradeoff is structure. This is a shared boat outing with set departure and return times, not a private charter. If you want to linger at one cove for half a day or change the route around the weather, a private boat would give you more control.

Meeting the blue boat Emili at 8:45

The stated meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the blue boat named Emili, and arrive ready to board at 8:45. The boat will not arrive before that time, so you do not need to stand there unusually early waiting for it.

Pickup may be available, but the exact location and time are sent one day before the trip. That is useful if your accommodation is not close to the main meeting point, though you should check the message carefully rather than assume pickup is included automatically.

The crew speaks English. Before each island stop, the hosts explain what you can do and where to go. That small briefing matters because the first two stops are short. A clear plan helps you spend your hour walking or swimming instead of figuring out the shoreline after you arrive.

The boat itself has been described as clean, wooden, and equipped with shaded areas. Seating can fill up, especially in busier periods, so arrive with enough time to settle in. The upper deck offers the best open views, while the lower area gives you more shade and a calmer place to sit.

Koločep: a quiet first taste of island life

Koločep is the first island and usually receives about one hour. It is the greenest-feeling stop, with plenty of plant life and paths suited to a short walk.

You might spend your time strolling near the water, finding a quiet café, or simply sitting beside the sea. One practical approach is to keep this stop gentle. After the early start, Koločep is a good place to get your bearings without trying to cover the entire island.

The limited time is the main issue. One hour is enough for a short walk and a drink, but not for a serious hike or a long swim followed by a leisurely meal. If you want to see every corner of Koločep, this tour will feel too fast.

I would treat it as a calm introduction to the route. Take a few photographs, enjoy the vegetation, and save your longer beach stop for Lopud. The island’s peaceful character is the point, not a checklist of sights.

Šipan: olive trees, old villas, and clear water

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and is often associated with olive trees. It also has a connection with Dubrovnik’s old aristocratic families, who built country residences here.

You get roughly one hour on Šipan, and that gives you a different kind of stop from Koločep. Instead of focusing only on greenery, look for the island’s stone buildings, quiet waterfront, and signs of its past as a retreat for wealthy Dubrovnik families.

This is also a useful swimming stop. The water can be clear and warm in good conditions, and snorkeling is possible from the shore. Take care around sea urchins, which have been spotted in the water, and use goggles if you have them. That is a small but worthwhile safety tip.

Again, the timing asks you to choose. You probably cannot combine a long swim, an extended walk, and a relaxed café visit in one hour. I would pick one main goal before stepping ashore. If the water looks inviting, swim. If you prefer history and scenery, walk along the waterfront.

Lunch is commonly served after the Šipan stop, back on the boat. That works well because you can return hungry, sit down, and let the crew handle the meal while the boat continues through the islands.

Lopud: three hours and a trip to Šunj Beach

Lopud is the main event. You receive about three hours here, which is enough to make choices rather than rush between them.

Lopud is car-free, giving the island a notably quiet feel. You can walk around, sit by the water, visit a café, or make your way toward Šunj Beach. The island has more facilities than the other two stops, so it is the best place to spend unhurried time on land.

Šunj is the sandy beach most people will be looking for. It is a strong choice if you want a traditional beach afternoon, but keep your budget in mind. Sun beds and umbrellas can be expensive, especially when the sun is strong and shade becomes hard to resist.

A golf buggy can take you across the island toward the beach, according to the experience of past participants. It saves walking time, but the ride has been described as lively rather than smooth. If you use one, the middle row may feel more secure than the outer seats.

You can also stay closer to the village and enjoy the waterfront. Three hours passes quickly once you add a swim, a walk, an ice cream, and time to find your way back to the boat. I would set a return alarm on your phone. Missing the departure would ruin an otherwise relaxed afternoon.

Lopud is also where the tour’s pacing makes most sense. One hour on each of the first two islands gives you a taste of both, while three hours on Lopud lets you actually settle into island time.

Lunch, wine, and the practical value of the price

Lunch is one of the strongest features of this trip. You choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, and portions are often described as generous. The chicken has been served with potatoes and tomatoes, while the fish has received especially strong praise for both flavor and size.

This is not a light sandwich between stops. Expect a proper meal, often large enough that you may not finish it. That matters on a full day in the sun, when buying lunch on Lopud could add to the cost and take away from your beach time.

The included drinks are another reason the tour offers good value. The open bar covers water, non-alcoholic drinks, white wine, and a surprise drink throughout the day. The crew regularly checks on people and refills glasses, which keeps the service personal even when the boat is full.

Do not assume every drink is included. Beer and coffee have been available for an extra charge on some departures. Ask before ordering, especially in Lopud cafés, where coffee prices can be higher than you might expect.

At $76, the calculation is simple. If you want a full day on the sea, a substantial lunch, and several included drinks, the cost is attractive. If you do not drink alcohol and prefer to explore independently, the value is still reasonable, but less dramatic because much of the package is built around the meal and drinks.

The crew and the feel aboard Emili

The crew is a major part of this outing. Natasha is often the main point of contact, and Emily has been praised for explaining the stops and looking after families. Marco and Darko have also been noted for attentive service.

The style is friendly rather than formal. You receive practical suggestions for each island, drink service during the day, and help when you are unsure how to use your free time. Music is played aboard, and the upper deck can take on a more social, party-like mood.

That atmosphere will suit you if you enjoy meeting other people and having a drink while watching the coast pass by. It may be less appealing if you want a silent sailing trip or a small private group.

The boat can be full, but the service has generally kept up well. For a more peaceful ride, sitting toward the front or in the shaded lower section may help. The front can offer fine views, while shade becomes valuable during the long return to Dubrovnik.

One point to note: swimming directly from the boat is not allowed. You will need to swim from one of the islands, so do not book this expecting a crew-led jump-off-the-deck stop.

Optional blue cave trip and other extras

Some departures offer a speedboat add-on to a blue cave for about €20. It is not included in the $76 base price, so think of it as an optional extra rather than part of the main route.

The speedboat ride itself can be fun, but the cave visit may be brief and busy. If you have already seen similar caves elsewhere, the extra cost may not be essential. If you like unusual coastal sights and want another burst of speed, it can be worthwhile when offered.

The main tour already includes three islands, a meal, drinks, and a full day on the water. I would decide about the cave only after considering your priorities. Lopud’s beach and free time may matter more to you than adding another short stop.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this day to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to see more of the Dubrovnik area without arranging their own boat and ferry connections.

It also suits you if you like a mix of sightseeing and downtime. You can walk on Koločep, swim at Šipan, and spend a longer beach afternoon on Lopud. Families benefit from the simple format, and the crew has been especially attentive with children.

You should think twice if your main goal is serious hiking, independent island exploration, or a quiet private cruise. The first two stops are brief, and the shared schedule leaves little room for spontaneous changes.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for uneven paths. Carry goggles if you plan to swim near Šipan, and keep some money available for coffee, beer, beach chairs, umbrellas, or the optional blue cave trip.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That makes it easier to hold a place while your Dubrovnik plans are still taking shape.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands boat tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized full day that combines three islands, a proper lunch, included drinks, and plenty of time on Lopud. The strongest reasons are the generous food, attentive crew, and sensible one-hour, one-hour, three-hour schedule.

I would not choose it if you need long, independent visits at every stop or expect to swim from the boat. For most people staying in Dubrovnik, though, $76 buys a lot of coastline, fresh air, and variety in a single day.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphiti Islands boat tour last?

The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours. The usual time on the islands is about one hour on Koločep, one hour on Šipan, and three hours on Lopud.

Where do I meet the boat?

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.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose a fish, chicken, or vegetarian meal. Lunch is included, and portions are generally generous.

Which drinks are included?

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

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. You can swim from the islands, particularly at Šipan or Lopud. Jumping directly from the boat is not allowed.

Is the blue cave included?

No. Some departures offer a speedboat trip to the blue cave for an additional fee of about €20. It is separate from the main tour and is not guaranteed as part of the base booking.