Dubrovnik: 3 Islands Fun Boat Trip with Drinks (FR, ES, EN)

The best Dubrovnik escape is offshore. This 8-hour cruise visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, mixing swimming, island walks, music, and a sociable boat-party mood. I like the generous route, which gives you three very different islands in one day, and the included wine, water, and soft drinks help the $64 price feel fair. The main catch is that some departures can be crowded, with limited sunbeds compared with the number of people onboard.

Lopud gets the longest stop, and that is sensible: it has the easiest swimming and the most time for a proper wander. I also like the friendly crew, especially hosts such as Lorenzo and Lila, who have been praised for keeping the day lively and helping people feel included. Just remember that beer, cocktails, towels, and the short golf-cart ride to Šunj Beach cost extra.

What makes this boat trip worth considering

• Three islands in one day: Visit Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep without arranging separate ferries.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, sunbeds, and unlimited soft drinks make this more than a quiet sightseeing cruise.
• Lopud gets 2.5 hours: You have time for swimming, a meal, photographs, and a walk.
• Lunch can be added: Choose fish, meat, or vegetarian food, with several people praising the fresh fish and well-seasoned chicken.
• Multilingual hosting: English, French, Spanish, and Croatian support is available.
• Useful Dubrovnik transport options: Pickup may be arranged, with drop-off points including Dubrovnik, Mlini, Zaton, Mokošica, and Obala Stjepana Radića.

A full day from Dubrovnik, with a party mood

This is not a small, silent yacht outing. The three-deck boat, TRITON, has sunbeds, two toilets, speakers, Wi-Fi, and space for a full-day group cruise. Music plays a large part in the experience, and the mood can shift from relaxed coastal viewing to dancing around the boat.

That atmosphere is a major reason to book. The captain and crew often join in with the fun, refill drinks, explain the stops, and keep the day moving. Lorenzo has earned particular praise for being friendly and informative, while Lila has also been singled out for making the trip feel welcoming.

You should know what sort of day you are choosing. The boat can carry a sizeable group, and one account describes more than 80 people with only around 10 to 12 sunbeds available. If lying on a sunbed all day matters to you, this may not be the right format. If you want scenery, swimming, food, music, and easy company, the group setting works well.

The cruise runs for eight hours, although the listed stop and sailing times add up to less than the full day. The extra time covers boarding, meals, movement between activities, and the return to Dubrovnik. Departure is planned for about 10:15 a.m., with boarding at TRITON across from the Green Market from 10 a.m.

Sailing along the Dubrovnik coast

The opening cruise lasts about 45 minutes. This is your first chance to settle in, find a place on the boat, and look back at the Dubrovnik coastline from the water.

The views are one of the best reasons to take this trip. You get a different sense of the coast from a boat than from the city walls or a road. The sea, rocky shore, small coves, and scattered islands create a pleasant start before the first stop.

The host may share information in English, French, Spanish, or Croatian. The amount of commentary can vary, so do not expect a formal history lecture throughout the day. The captain usually gives short explanations around the stops, while the rest of the cruise leans more toward music and social time.

That balance suits many people. You get enough context to understand where you are, but you are not tied to a guide every minute. If island history is your main goal, you may want to do some reading before departure.

Lopud: the longest stop and the easiest place to swim

Lopud is the highlight for many people, and you get about two and a half hours here. It is the second-largest of the Elaphite Islands and is known for citrus trees, Mediterranean plants, historic buildings, and long stretches of sunny weather.

This is the stop where the schedule feels most generous. You can swim, take photographs, walk through the island village, or simply enjoy the shore before returning to the boat. The stop may also include wine, welcome refreshments, and a meal onboard, depending on the option you choose.

Šunj Beach is Lopud’s major draw. It is known for its sand, which makes it different from many rocky Adriatic swimming spots. A small golf-cart transfer can take you there for an extra fee. The ride saves walking time and adds a little local character, but you should budget for it if the beach is a priority.

Lopud also has an old botanical garden and historic religious and residential buildings. The island is car-free, so the pace feels quieter than Dubrovnik. Do not expect a packed sightseeing program. The appeal is the combination of a pleasant walk, clear water, and time without a vehicle passing every few minutes.

If you want to make the most of Lopud, decide early how you will use the stop. A beach visit can take up much of the time, while a walk and photographs leave less time for swimming. There is no need to force every option into one stop.

Šipan: olive trees, old villas, and a short visit

After Lopud, the boat sails for roughly 20 minutes to Šipan. The island stop lasts about 45 minutes, so this is more of a brief introduction than a full cultural visit.

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite Islands. Its connection with Dubrovnik’s noble families can be seen in old houses, country residences, and religious buildings. The island is also famous for its olive trees and long agricultural tradition.

The short timing matters. You can walk, take photographs, admire the views, and perhaps swim, but you should not expect to see every historic site. One useful warning is that 45 minutes is not enough to visit the castle onsite. If that building is your main reason for stopping, this cruise may leave you wanting more.

Still, Šipan adds something important to the route. Lopud is the strongest stop for beach time, while Šipan gives you a clearer sense of island life and the old Dubrovnik summer retreat tradition. The contrast makes the three-island plan more interesting than visiting three similar beaches.

Koločep: coves, caves, and the final swim

The trip continues for about 40 minutes before reaching Koločep, the smallest of the three islands. You get around one hour here for a walk, photographs, sightseeing, and swimming.

Koločep is the stop for natural beauty. Its clear water, small bays, and caves make it a good place for a final swim. You may also find this the most peaceful stop, especially after the music and social activity onboard.

The one-hour visit is enough for a refreshing break, but it is not a long exploration. Keep your expectations realistic. You are seeing a small section of the island rather than covering it from end to end.

The boat trip back takes about 20 minutes before the return to one of the listed drop-off points. Depending on the option and your location, you may finish in Dubrovnik, Mlini, Zaton, Mokošica, or at Obala Stjepana Radića.

Lunch, wine, and what is really included

The $64 starting price is strong value if you want a full day on the water. It includes the cruise, host, water, soft drinks, and wine, while lunch is available as an add-on. That is worth checking carefully before you book because the advertised price may not include the meal.

Fish, meat, and vegetarian lunch choices are available when selected. The fish has been praised as fresh, and the chicken has received especially warm approval for its seasoning. Portions and service can vary with the group, but the food appears to be more than a basic afterthought.

Wine is served generously, and white wine is part of the relaxed boat atmosphere. Water and soft drinks are available throughout the day. Beer and mixed drinks cost extra, so bring money if you want something beyond the included drinks.

The boat bar is described as reasonably priced, but you should still carry cash. Ice cream, souvenirs, olive oil, other local products, equipment rental, and optional guided visits are also separate expenses.

For the best value, I would add lunch if you want to avoid spending time and money finding food during a short island stop. It also keeps the day moving. If you prefer choosing your own restaurant, skip the meal option, but remember that Lopud and Šipan do not offer unlimited time.

The boat, sunbeds, and group size

TRITON has three decks, toilets, speakers, Wi-Fi, and sunbeds. That makes it practical for a long day, especially because you can change position during the sailing sections.

The sunbeds are the weak point. The promotional images may suggest a full deck of loungers, but one departure had only around 10 to 12 available for a much larger group. People may also leave belongings on them to hold a place. Arrive early if you want the best chance of getting one, and do not assume every passenger can spend the day stretched out.

There is plenty of other seating, and the point of the trip is not simply to lie down. You will probably move between the upper deck, shaded areas, the dining space, and the swim stops. Still, this is an important distinction for anyone seeking a quiet premium cruise.

The music system has been called weak on one departure, while other outings had people singing and dancing for much of the day. The overall atmosphere depends partly on the crew, the group, and the weather. You should expect a fun shared outing, not a private charter.

Practical advice before you go

Bring a towel, even though one is not normally supplied. You will also want swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable clothing, beachwear, and any personal medication.

Wear something easy to move in. You will board a boat, walk on island paths, and possibly take a golf-cart ride to Šunj Beach. Bring a small bag that can handle water spray and keep valuables secure.

The meeting point is the Green Market at 10 a.m. The boat is across the street, and departure is scheduled for about 10:15 a.m. Pickup may be available if you select it, but contact the provider at least one day ahead to confirm the time and place.

Meeting directions have caused confusion for some people who arrived independently. If you are not using pickup, allow extra time, look for TRITON, and contact the operator before departure if you cannot identify the boarding point.

The trip requires suitable weather and a minimum number of bookings. If poor weather or low numbers cancel the departure, you can be offered another date or a refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, so do not leave alterations until the last minute.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but island paths, beaches, and the golf-cart transfer may still present practical limits. Contact the provider ahead if you need specific access help.

Who will enjoy this Elaphite Islands cruise?

I would recommend it most to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children or teenagers who want variety. You get swimming, scenery, short walks, food, music, and a chance to meet people from different countries in one outing.

It is also a smart choice if you have only a few days in Dubrovnik. You see three islands without arranging several transport connections, and the route covers different moods: Lopud for beach time, Šipan for historic buildings and olive trees, and Koločep for coves and clear water.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, private boat, long guided visits, or guaranteed access to a sunbed. The entertainment can be loud, the group may be large, and the stops are introductions rather than deep island tours.

The crew receives the strongest praise. Friendly service, repeated drink refills, good food, and a captain who keeps people involved are central to the experience. There have also been isolated complaints about poor staff behavior and rushed lunch service, so the quality of the day can depend on the working atmosphere onboard.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a lively, good-value day that combines three Elaphite Islands with swimming, food, wine, and music. At $64, it offers a lot, especially with drinks included and optional pickup available.

Choose a different boat if you want privacy, guaranteed loungers, or serious time at historic sites. For most people who see a Dubrovnik boat trip as a social day out rather than a formal island study tour, this is an enjoyable and practical choice. Add lunch, bring a towel, arrive early for a good seat, and keep a little cash ready for beer, cocktails, the Šunj transfer, and small island treats.

FAQ

How long does the Dubrovnik boat trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including the cruise between stops, time on the islands, boarding, meals, and the return to Dubrovnik.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route visits Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep, all part of the Elaphite Islands near Dubrovnik.

What drinks are included?

Wine, water, and soft drinks are included. Beer and mixed drinks from the boat bar cost extra.

Is lunch included in the $64 price?

Lunch is available as an add-on rather than being included in every option. When selected, you can choose fish, meat, or vegetarian food.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is the Green Market at 10 a.m. TRITON is docked across the street, with departure planned for approximately 10:15 a.m.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and any personal medication. Towels are not normally provided.