REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN)

5.0 · 2,074 reviews 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $72 Operated by Boats Tours Dubrovnik · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Dubrovnik boat tour is the chance to see three Elaphiti islands in one long, sunny outing, with Lopud’s Šunj Beach as the main prize. You’ll also pass close to the coast and Trsteno Arboretum, a Game of Thrones filming location, before settling into a day of sea views, swimming, lunch, and music.

I like the simple all-in-one setup: fish, meat, or vegetarian lunch is served on board, with bottled water and soda included. I also like the cheerful crew, with guides such as Lorenzo, Laura, Jakub, and Ivonne praised for friendly service and easy communication in several languages.

The tradeoff is scale. The boat can carry up to 144 people, and some departures feel crowded, noisy, or short on seats. Lopud gets the longest stop, while Šipan and Koločep can feel rushed if you prefer quiet exploring over a social boat party.

Key points to know before booking

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Key points to know before booking

  • Šunj Beach is the star stop: Lopud gets about three hours, enough time for the sandy beach, village lanes, churches, cafés, and Mediterranean plants.
  • Lunch is included: Choose fish, meat, or vegetarian food, with soda and bottled water. Food availability can vary on a busy departure, so confirm your choice early.
  • This is a social cruise: Music, a dance floor, and a party deck are part of the design, although some departures have a softer, calmer soundtrack.
  • You visit three islands in one day: Šipan and Koločep add variety, but their shorter stops leave less time to explore.
  • Bring your own beach gear: Towels and snorkeling equipment are not included.
  • Plan for a large boat: Triton can carry up to 144 people, so comfort depends partly on how full the sailing is.

What kind of day this really is

This is not a small sailboat trip or a quiet nature cruise. It is a full-day island outing on a large wooden boat, with a friendly crew, shared tables, music, lunch, swimming, and plenty of time on deck.

That mix works well if you want an easy way to get out of Dubrovnik without arranging ferries or separate island visits. You can sit back, eat, swim, listen to music, and let the crew manage the schedule.

The boat leaves from Obala Stjepana Radića near the Green Market. Boarding begins around 10:00 a.m., with scheduled departure at about 10:15. If you use hotel pickup, the time depends on your location. From places outside Dubrovnik, such as Mlini, pickup may be around 8:30 a.m.

The day is advertised at roughly nine and a half hours, though the actual duration can vary. Some departures have finished closer to eight hours. Allow most of the day, and do not plan a tight evening appointment.

More Island Tours with Lunch in Croatia

The ride past Dubrovnik and Trsteno

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - The ride past Dubrovnik and Trsteno

The outward journey is part of the experience, not just transport. The boat heads toward the Elaphiti Islands along the coast, staying close enough for views of Dubrovnik and the nearby shore.

You pass Trsteno Arboretum, known to Game of Thrones fans as a filming location. The view from the water gives you a different angle on this famous coastal area, though the focus is on the ride rather than a guided visit inside the arboretum.

The deck gives you several ways to spend the crossing. You can sit with your group, find a place in the sun, or look for a shaded spot. Some departures have loungers, which are useful on a long day at sea. Seats can become scarce when the boat is full, however, so boarding promptly makes sense.

Music plays during the cruise. The tone can range from gentle background music to a lively party atmosphere, depending on the crew and the crowd. If you want a silent, polished yacht experience, this is the wrong choice. If you like a little entertainment between island stops, it adds energy without requiring you to dance.

Lopud gets the time it deserves

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Lopud gets the time it deserves

Lopud is the most rewarding stop and receives about three hours. That is still not enough for every possibility, but it gives you a real chance to choose how you want to spend the visit.

The island is known for its old stone buildings, small churches, ruins, and the Temple of Sun museum. More than 30 little churches are scattered around the island, so even a simple walk through the settlement gives you plenty to notice.

The main decision is Šunj Beach. Lopud has one of the better-known sandy beaches in this part of the Adriatic, and it is the natural choice if you want a swim and some time on the shore. The beach is linked to a local legend about couples who bathe there together and never separate, which gives the stop a bit of local charm.

You might instead stay near the harbor, find a café or restaurant, or walk among the island’s Mediterranean vegetation. Lopud is more developed than the other Elaphiti Islands, so it offers the easiest mix of beach time, food, history, and a short walk.

The main frustration is the clock. Three hours sounds generous, but it disappears quickly if you want to reach Šunj Beach, swim, eat, and look around the village. If Lopud is your main reason for booking, head ashore promptly and decide on one priority. I would choose Šunj Beach or a focused walk rather than trying to cover everything.

Šipan brings a quieter local feel

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Šipan brings a quieter local feel

The next stop is Šipan, the largest of the three islands. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, so treat it as a taste of the island rather than a full exploration.

Šipan was once a favored summer base for Dubrovnik’s noble families. You can see late-Gothic buildings and old summer homes, especially around Suđurađ, one of the island’s ports. The island is also associated with olive growing and has a strong fishing tradition.

What makes Šipan different from Lopud is its lower-key character. Tourism has not reshaped every part of island life, and you may see a more ordinary coastal rhythm rather than a beach-centered stop.

The clear water also makes this a popular moment for swimming. Some visitors use the time for a jump from the boat, while others stay on board or walk near the port. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get in quickly.

Forty-five minutes is short. You will not have time for a long island walk, a detailed look at local buildings, and a leisurely swim. Pick one activity and enjoy it instead of trying to force all three into the stop.

Koločep is small, green, and made for a swim

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Koločep is small, green, and made for a swim

Koločep is the smallest island on the route, with about an hour ashore or in the surrounding water. It has two Mediterranean villages, pine and olive trees, small bays, and places suited to swimming and sunbathing.

The island feels more about nature and water than formal sightseeing. You might walk between the villages, look for a quiet cove, or use the stop for a final swim. Cliffs and rocky edges can appeal to people who enjoy jumping into the sea, but take care and follow any instructions from the crew.

Koločep is also where the party side of the cruise may come back into focus. The crew clears space on the party deck for dancing during the return or between stops. Some departures have a lively soundtrack, while others feel mellow, with soft music in the background.

As with Šipan, an hour is enough for a pleasant pause but not a deep visit. If you need a full day on each island, book separate ferry trips instead. This excursion is about variety and convenience.

Lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

Lunch is one of the strongest practical reasons to choose this trip. You can select fish, meat, or a vegetarian option, and the meal is served during the cruise rather than taking time away from the island visits.

The food is described as simple but plentiful. Fish has been a particular favorite, and some people have also enjoyed the chicken. Soda and bottled water are included, which saves you from buying every drink separately on a hot day.

There is also a social element to the meal. Shared seating and an open boat deck make it easy to chat with people from different countries. Hosts such as Lorenzo, Laura, Jakub, and Ivonne have been praised for keeping an eye on tables, helping with requests, and making the long day feel organized.

Still, I would keep expectations sensible. This is boat-trip lunch, not a restaurant meal. One departure reportedly ran short of a requested lunch choice, so tell the crew your preference early rather than assuming every option will remain available all day.

The entertainment is another matter of taste. Some people love the music and dancing. Others find the noise tiring, especially after several hours in the sun. Recent departures have included both lively party music and a softer background playlist, so the atmosphere is not identical every day.

How the price compares with the effort

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - How the price compares with the effort

At $72.56 per person, the tour offers good value if you want transport, three island stops, lunch, drinks, WiFi, and a full day on the water in one booking.

You are paying for convenience as much as sightseeing. Visiting Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep independently would require checking ferry times, arranging meals, and managing connections. This boat removes that work and keeps the day moving.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and groups who want a relaxed plan. It is also useful if you have limited time in Dubrovnik and want a quick look at several islands rather than a detailed visit to one.

The value drops if you dislike large group outings. A full boat may mean hard benches, limited seating, busy toilets, and more noise than expected. Some departures have felt overcrowded, with people competing for chairs. That is not a minor point on a nine-hour outing.

The boat has WiFi, but I would treat it as a useful extra rather than the reason to book. The real value comes from the route, included meal, drinks, swimming time, and the chance to spend a day away from the city.

Pickup, boarding, and the practical details

Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch & drinks(FR, ES, EN) - Pickup, boarding, and the practical details

The main meeting point is by the Green Market on Obala Stjepana Radića. Triton is docked across the street and is ready for boarding from about 10:00 a.m. The scheduled departure is approximately 10:15.

Pickup is offered, but allow extra patience if you are staying outside central Dubrovnik. Transfers from areas such as Mlini begin earlier, and the timing can depend on vehicle capacity and the day’s transport plan.

Most departures handle pickup smoothly, but transfer problems have occurred. A van has reportedly arrived full, and some passengers have had trouble matching the provided location with the driver’s actual position. Keep the operator’s phone number available and do not wait silently if your pickup is late.

Return transport can also take time. On one difficult departure, some people had to wait for a bus and were dropped short of their hotel. That is not the expected outcome, but it is a reason to keep your evening flexible.

The activity allows service animals, is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to you if you want:

  • A simple way to visit three islands from Dubrovnik
  • A full day with lunch and drinks already arranged
  • Swimming, sun, music, and a social setting
  • A large boat with room to move around the deck
  • A choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian food
  • A lively day that does not require detailed planning

I would be cautious if you want:

  • A quiet sailing with little or no music
  • Long walks and detailed sightseeing on every island
  • Small-group service
  • Guaranteed personal space and a chair
  • A polished fine-dining meal
  • A perfectly fixed schedule from hotel door to hotel door

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. You can use the boat’s swimming opportunities, but towels and snorkeling equipment are not included. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking on village paths and docks, and keep some dry clothing handy.

Should you book the Dubrovnik three-island tour?

Book it if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes sea views, a sandy beach, swimming, lunch, and music rather than quiet museum time. Lopud is the clear highlight, and the other two islands make the outing feel varied even though their stops are brief.

Do not book it expecting a private cruise or a carefully paced island study. The large boat, possible crowding, changing music level, and transfer issues are real considerations.

For many people, the $72.56 price is fair because it bundles the boat, meal, soft drinks, water, and three island visits. I would book this as a fun Croatian summer day, board early, head straight for Šunj Beach on Lopud, and accept the trip for what it is: a sociable island cruise, not a secluded escape.

FAQ

How long does the Dubrovnik three-island boat tour last?

The scheduled duration is approximately nine hours and 30 minutes, though the actual day can vary. Some departures have lasted closer to eight hours.

What time does the boat leave Dubrovnik?

Boarding begins around 10:00 a.m., and the scheduled departure is approximately 10:15 a.m.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Obala Stjepana Radića near the Green Market in Dubrovnik. The boat Triton is docked across the street.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, with the exact time depending on your location. Pickup from places outside Dubrovnik, such as Mlini, may be around 8:30 a.m.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in the Elaphiti Islands.

How long do you spend on each island?

The planned stops are about three hours on Lopud, 45 minutes on Šipan, and one hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a fish option, a meat option, and a vegetarian option.

Are drinks included?

Bottled water and soda are included. Other drinks may be available for purchase, but the provided information does not specify a full bar menu.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment and towels are not included, so bring your own if you need them.

Is the boat tour suitable for most people?

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The boat can carry up to 144 people, so you should expect a large-group setting rather than a small private excursion.

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