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

Three islands, one easy day. You get the Adriatic, the greenery, and real time to enjoy it, not just pose and move on. On the wooden boat Emili, with hosts like Natasha and Emily onboard, the day feels organized and friendly, with stops that actually match what you want to do: walk, swim, snack, and relax.

What I love most is the balance: unlimited drinks all day paired with a proper lunch onboard (fish, chicken, or vegetarian). My only caution is pacing. You typically get about an hour on Kolocep and Sipan, so if you want long beach lounging on every island, you may feel slightly rushed early in the day. Also, plan on swimming from the island stops rather than expecting to jump freely from the boat whenever you want.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Unlimited drinks all day, including white wine and soft drinks, with staff constantly refilling
• Lopud gets about 3 hours, plus car-free wandering and time for Sunj Beach
• Sipan is the olive-island stop, known for olive trees and older aristocratic-era mansions
• Kolocep is the green-walk island, ideal for gentle strolls, relaxing, and a quick swim
• Lunch onboard is a real meal, with big portions and a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian
• Optional Blue Cave add-on by speedboat, for anyone who wants one more water adventure

Elaphiti Islands From Dubrovnik: The Good Kind of Change

If you’re already spending time in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, this is the escape that makes the whole trip feel complete. The Elaphiti Islands sit offshore as a green contrast to the city. You trade long museum lines and stone streets for boats, sea air, and island rhythms.

The best part is how the day is built around enjoyment. You’re not stuck doing one activity nonstop. You can take a slow walk, find a shaded spot, swim when the timing works, and then eat without hunting down a restaurant. That’s exactly what you want from a full-day tour: enough structure to be effortless, enough freedom to enjoy yourself.

Meeting at 8:45 and the Emili Setup

This trip starts early, and that’s a gift. Meeting point is 8:45 at the bus stop across the University building. The boat is a blue boat called Emili, and it will not arrive before 8:45. If you selected pickup, you’ll learn the pickup location and time the day before.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll quickly feel the vibe is “look after people.” Several people noted the staff’s attentiveness, and it shows in small things like drinks kept ready and clear explanations before you reach each island. If you like to start your day without stress, this is the kind of schedule that works.

Timing matters too. A smooth morning helps the afternoon on Lopud land when you want it most, because Lopud is the main island stop with the longest stay.

Kolocep: Green Island Walking and a Peaceful Swim Break

Kolocep is the island where you slow down. It’s known for dense greenery and plant life, so it feels more natural and less built-up than some of the other stops. Expect a relaxed island pace where your free time can be as simple as a shoreline stroll, a quiet coffee moment, or a bit of walking in shaded areas.

You typically have about one hour on Kolocep, so I’d treat it like a sampler. Decide early: do you want a short walk and photo spots, or do you want to focus on the water? There’s enough time to do both lightly, but not enough time to turn it into a full hike.

Practical tip: if you love beach time, prioritize getting your swim in during the Kolocep stop rather than counting on a later change of plans. The day flows quickly, and the best swims usually happen when you’re ready.

Sipan: Olive Trees, Island Mansions, and a Quiet Pause

Sipan is the largest Elaphiti Island on this route, and it has a very different feel. It’s known as the island of olive trees, and it also carries an older story tied to aristocratic families who built mansions here. Even if you do not have time for deep exploring, that identity comes through in the scenery and the calmer mood.

You’ll usually get about one hour on Sipan. That’s enough time to soak up the views, take a break, and enjoy a swim if conditions are good. Think of Sipan as your reset stop. You’ve moved from Dubrovnik out onto the sea, now you get a moment that feels slightly more “island quiet” than “tourist sprint.”

One small drawback of this format: because the stop is short, you may want to keep your plans simple. Don’t over-program your Sipan time expecting a full loop tour.

Lopud for 3 Hours: Car-Free Walking, Sunj Beach, and Snorkel Time

If Lopud is the island you most want to enjoy, you’re in luck. You get about three hours there, which is a real chunk of time. Lopud is also car-free, so the island experience is calmer. You’re free to move on foot without that constant interruption of traffic.

Sunj Beach is the big name here. It’s a popular sandy stretch, and it’s often what people remember most. It can be hot, so plan your timing with the sun in mind. If you’re the type who wants shade and convenience, you may find that beach extras (like sunbeds and umbrellas) come at a cost.

There’s also a practical reason Lopud is fun: the island is easy to wander. Some visitors even used a golf buggy to cross over to beach areas. That can save energy, but it’s not always for everyone, especially if you’re sensitive to rides. If you do it, sit where you feel safest and be ready for a bumpy ride.

Water lovers also have options. People mentioned snorkeling opportunities, including going near the monastery area. If waves are up, keep your expectations flexible. Also watch for sea urchins in the water, so bring swim gear you can feel confident in and consider goggles if you snorkel.

Lunch Onboard: Fish, Chicken, or Vegetarian, and Big Portions

Lunch is served on the boat, and it’s not a sad “tour sandwich” situation. You choose ahead of time between fish, chicken, or vegetarian, and the food is repeatedly described as excellent, fresh, and generous.

The fish is a common favorite. One guest even called out that it was among the best fish they’d tasted, and multiple people mentioned the portion size is evening-meal sized. Chicken was also praised, described as served with potatoes and tomatoes. Vegetarian options get a mention too, so you’re not stuck on the usual plain pasta fallback.

The smartest move is to eat like it’s midday and your island time depends on it. After lunch, you’ll head into your best stop of the day on Lopud, so keep hydrated and save energy for walking and beach time.

Open Bar All Day: White Wine, Soft Drinks, and Staff That Keep Refilling

This tour stands out for the drink setup. The open bar runs throughout the whole day, including water, non-alcoholic beverages, and white wine, plus what they call a surprise drink. Multiple people highlighted that glasses never seemed to run dry, and the staff checked in constantly.

A bonus for the “we want the day to feel like vacation” crowd: there’s an upbeat atmosphere at times, with music mentioned and people celebrating on the upper deck. You can keep it low-key if you want too. Either way, the refilling part matters because it makes the whole day easier. You’re not constantly calculating costs or searching for a bar.

One practical note: beer pricing is not stated as included in the basic drink package data you provided, and at least one review suggests beer was a paid extra. If beer matters to you, treat it as possible add-on rather than assuming it’s included.

Optional Blue Cave Speedboat Add-On: Short, Busy, and Often Worth It

There is an optional add-on for a Blue Cave visit by speedboat. One review mentioned it costs 20 euros extra. The cave itself can be busy, and the experience was described as brief, around a couple of minutes.

So is it worth it? If your brain is wired for photo ops and you want one extra highlight beyond the three main islands, it can be a fun add-on. If you prefer slow island time and fewer transitions, you might skip it. Either choice keeps the main day intact.

If you do add it, bring patience. It’s not a private cave tour. It’s more like a quick stop to catch the look of it.

What to Pack for Swimming and Sun (Without Overthinking It)

This is a boat day with beach and water time, so pack like you plan to actually use the water stops. Here are the items that will make your day smoother:

• Swimwear you feel comfortable in right away
• Water shoes if you want comfort around rocky spots
• Goggles if you plan to snorkel, especially because sea urchins were mentioned
• Sunscreen, hat, and a light layer for shade when you need it
• A small bag for valuables, since you’ll hop between boat and island time

Also, think about cash for small purchases. One review mentioned coffee prices on Lopud were around 5.50 euros for a sit-down cappuccino. Even if drinks are included on the boat, you might still want coffee or extra snacks on the island.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong choice if you want a full day at sea without handling logistics yourself. It works especially well for:

• Couples who want variety, views, and a relaxed rhythm
• Solo travelers who like a guided day with attentive hosts
• Families who want a simple plan with food and drinks covered
• People who want swimming time but do not want to rent a boat

Where it may not fit as well: if you want long, deep exploration on every island, the hour stops on Kolocep and Sipan can feel short. This is more about sampling each island’s personality than doing a detailed island-by-island hike.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Boat Tour to Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan?

I’d book it if you want one day that mixes nature, sea time, and comfort. For the price you listed, what makes it feel like a good value is the combo: lunch plus open bar plus meaningful time on Lopud. That’s the part that keeps the day from feeling like a checklist.

I’d think twice if you hate boats, drink-free days, or tight stop times. But if you’re comfortable with a paced day, and you want the Elaphiti Islands without extra planning, this tour is an easy yes.

If you’re choosing between options, look closely at what you want most: Kolocep is for green quiet, Sipan is for olive-and-mansion scenery, and Lopud is where you spend enough time to truly enjoy beach and walk time.