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

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is its variety. In one day, you get three different islands, time for swimming and walking, a generous lunch on board, and broad views of the Adriatic. It is an easy way to see more of Dalmatia without arranging ferries or juggling schedules.

I like the well-spaced itinerary, with about an hour on Koločep and Šipan, followed by three hours on Lopud. I also like the attentive crew, especially hosts such as Natasha, Emily, and Darko, who explain the stops and keep drinks topped up. The main consideration is that the first two island visits can feel short if you want a long swim or a serious walk.

Key points to know before boarding

• Three islands in one day: Visit Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, each with a different feel.
• Lopud gets the longest stop: You have about three hours to reach Šunj Beach, walk, swim, or settle in with an ice cream.
• Lunch is more than a snack: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, with generous portions served on the boat.
• Open-bar drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, white wine, and a local surprise drink are available through the day.
• The boat is Emili: Look for the blue boat at the bus stop across from the University building at 8:45.
• A Blue Cave add-on may be available: Some departures offer a speedboat trip for an additional fee, but it is not part of the standard price.

Why this island cruise works so well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for its walls and old town, but the city can feel crowded and hot during the main season. This full-day trip gives you a change of pace: sea air, small island ports, quiet coves, green paths, and time on a boat with a meal already arranged.

The three Elaphiti islands sit close to Dubrovnik, making them practical for a day trip. You are not spending the whole day at sea. Instead, the boat links several short stops, so you get a taste of the area without needing to choose just one island.

At $76 per person, the price is strong for what is included. Boat transport, lunch, and drinks are part of the fare. You would otherwise pay separately for island transport, a substantial meal, and several drinks, so the package can be good value, especially if you enjoy spending the day on the water.

This is not a small private sailing trip. The boat can fill up, and the atmosphere may become social, with music on board and passengers gathering on the upper deck. If you want quiet, sit toward the front or find a shaded place on the lower deck. If you enjoy a friendly day with a drink in hand, the shared setting works in your favor.

Meeting the blue boat Emili at 8:45

The stated meeting point is the bus stop across from the University building. The boat is blue and named Emili, and the instructions say it will not arrive before 8:45. That detail matters, since arriving very early will not get you onto the boat sooner.

Optional pickup may be available. If you select it, the provider sends the pickup location and time one day before departure. Otherwise, plan to reach the central meeting point on your own and allow enough time to identify the boat and settle in.

The cruise lasts about eight to nine hours. The exact start time can vary, so check the available date and departure information when booking. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make this easier to fit around changing Dubrovnik plans.

Koločep: a quiet first taste of the Elaphiti Islands

Koločep is usually the first island stop, with about one hour ashore. It is the smallest of the three inhabited islands visited on this trip and is known for its green setting, walking paths, and peaceful shoreline.

You should think of Koločep as a short introduction rather than a full island day. There is time to stretch your legs, take photographs, sit beside the water, or have a brief swim if conditions allow. You might also rent or ride a bike independently, but this tour does not state that bicycle rental is included.

The short stop suits you if you want a calm beginning to the day. It is less suitable if you expect a guided walk through every corner of the island. Use the time well: follow the host’s suggestions, walk close to the port, and keep an eye on the departure time.

Several people have used this stop simply to sit with a coffee and enjoy the quiet water. That is a good approach if you are saving your energy for Lopud. The point here is not to check off every sight. It is to slow down and get your first feel for island life.

Šipan: clear water and olive trees

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and has long been associated with olive trees and summer residences built by Dubrovnik’s aristocratic families. The stop is again about one hour, giving you enough time for a short walk, a drink, or a swim.

The water around the islands is often clear enough for snorkeling, though you should bring your own gear if that matters to you. One useful warning: sea urchins have been spotted near the swimming areas, so wear water shoes or at least watch your footing if you enter the sea.

Šipan’s appeal is its slower, more rural character. You may see stone buildings, olive trees, and a shoreline that feels far removed from Dubrovnik’s busy center. Because the stop is brief, do not plan a long inland hike. A short wander and swim are more realistic.

The order of lunch can vary with the day’s operation, but lunch is served on the boat during the cruise. The timing works well because you can enjoy the island without carrying a picnic or searching for a restaurant.

Lunch on board with fish, chicken, or vegetarian choices

Lunch is one of the strongest practical features of this trip. You choose between fish, chicken, and a vegetarian meal, and portions are described as generous enough to feel like a proper evening meal rather than a light excursion lunch.

The chicken is served with potato and tomatoes. The fish is particularly popular, but you should choose according to your own taste rather than assuming it will suit everyone. Vegetarian meals are available, which makes the tour easier for mixed groups.

Meals are served on board, saving valuable island time. You do not have to spend one of your short stops waiting for food, comparing menus, or worrying about finding a table. That is a small detail, but it makes the day feel much more relaxed.

Drinks include water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink. The open bar operates throughout the day. Beer and coffee may cost extra, so do not assume every drink on board is included. Some island cafés also charge noticeably more for coffee, so check the price before ordering.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: the day’s main event

Lopud is the most developed of the three islands and receives about three hours. This longer stop gives you the freedom the first two islands cannot provide. You can walk, swim, eat a small snack, visit a historic building, or simply sit by the sea.

Lopud has no cars, which gives the port area a relaxed feel. The island has broad green areas and a more visitor-ready setup than Koločep or Šipan. You can reach Šunj Beach from the main settlement by walking or by taking a local golf buggy. The buggy ride is a popular option, but hold on and choose your seat carefully if you are not comfortable with lively rides.

Šunj is a sandy beach, a welcome change from the pebbly and rocky shorelines common along the Croatian coast. The sand and shallow water make it appealing for a swim, but shade and loungers can cost extra. If the day is hot, you may decide that an umbrella is worth the price. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and water even though drinks are available on the boat.

Three hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly. If you want Šunj Beach, leave the port with enough time for the journey there and back. If you prefer a slower afternoon, stay near the main village, walk through the green spaces, and stop for ice cream.

You can also snorkel near the shore, though waves may make conditions less comfortable on some days. This is the stop where you have the best chance to shape the afternoon around your own interests. The tradeoff is that you cannot see every part of Lopud in three hours, so choose one or two priorities.

The boat ride, shade, music, and swimming rules

The boat Emili is described as a clean wooden vessel with shaded areas and upper and lower seating. The front can be a peaceful place to sit, while the upper deck offers open views and a more social atmosphere.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Natasha, Emily, and Darko are among the hosts named for their friendly service and island advice. You can expect regular attention with drinks and explanations before each stop. The crew also helps families and gives suggestions about beaches and activities.

Music is played on board, usually in a chilled and fun style. This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. The sound level and atmosphere may suit you if you want a relaxed holiday mood, but it may not be ideal if you want a quiet boat ride from start to finish.

Swimming from the boat is not allowed. You swim from shore during the island stops instead. That rule is easy to miss if you are used to boat trips where passengers jump overboard, so pack with the island swim stops in mind.

The boat can be full, especially during the warmer months. That does not seem to prevent the crew from serving drinks, but you should not expect a private or spacious sailing experience. Arrive at the meeting point on time if you care about choosing a particular seat.

The optional Blue Cave speedboat trip

Some departures offer an optional Blue Cave visit by speedboat for about €20. This is an extra charge, not part of the standard tour price, and availability may depend on the day.

The speedboat ride adds a burst of excitement and gives you another coastal view. The cave itself can be busy, and the actual visit may last only a few minutes. I would choose this add-on if seeing the cave is important to you and you are comfortable paying for a brief extra stop.

I would skip it if you prefer to keep the day slow or want every minute on the three included islands. Lopud already offers the longest free time, and adding another excursion may make the schedule feel more crowded.

Who should book this Dubrovnik island tour?

This trip suits you if you want a full day outside Dubrovnik with transport, food, and drinks handled in one booking. It is especially useful for first-time visitors who want to sample several islands without learning the ferry system.

Families can benefit from the simple structure, provided children are comfortable with a long day on a boat. The crew has been attentive to young children, and Lopud gives you time to move at your own pace. Couples and groups of friends will enjoy the combination of swimming, scenery, music, and included wine.

It is less suitable if you want a private boat, a long guided hike, or several hours at one beach. The first two stops are short, and the boat itself is shared with other passengers. You should also be comfortable with a full eight to nine hours in one outing.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, comfortable walking shoes, and some cash or a card for beach chairs, umbrellas, golf buggy rides, coffee, or other island purchases. If you are sensitive to sun, claim a shaded seat early and use the island stops for swimming rather than expecting to jump from the boat.

Should you book the Emili island cruise?

I would book this tour if you want strong value and a well-organized day at sea. The combination of three islands, a large lunch, open-bar drinks, attentive hosts, and a full eight to nine hours is hard to match at $76.

Choose it with realistic expectations. You will get a taste of Koločep and Šipan, not a full exploration of either island, while Lopud gives you enough time for a beach outing and a relaxed walk. If that balance sounds right, Emili offers an easy and enjoyable way to see the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $76 per person. Boat transportation, lunch, and included drinks are part of the standard price.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about eight to nine hours. Check the available starting time for your chosen date.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The itinerary visits Koločep, Šipan, and Lopud, three inhabited islands in the Elaphiti group near Dubrovnik.

How much time do you get on each island?

You typically get about one hour on Koločep, one hour on Šipan, and three hours on Lopud.

What lunch choices are available?

You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal. Lunch is served on the boat, and portions are described as generous.

Which drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, non-alcoholic beverages, white wine, and a surprise drink. Beer and coffee may require an additional payment.

Where do you meet the boat?

Meet at 8:45 at the bus stop across from the University building. Look for the blue boat named Emili. Optional pickup may be available, with the location and time sent one day before the tour.