Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Dubrovnik gets better when you leave the shore. This full-day boat trip to the Elafiti Islands trades crowds for a laid-back cruise, three island stops, and a lunch cooked right there on the water. I also like that the boat is set up for comfort with sun shade, a toilet, and plenty of space to relax between island wander time. One thing to consider is the day depends on weather, so plan for possible changes if conditions are rough.

What I really like is the combination of easy island exploring plus meals that feel like a proper break. You choose a fish, meat, or vegetarian lunch in advance, and you get unlimited drinks during the cruise, including wine and grappa. The smaller-boat feel also matters, since the tour caps at 60 travelers, which usually keeps the vibe calmer.

The main drawback is that you should go with the right expectations. If you want lots of big-ticket sights or heavy touring, some islands may feel more like slow walking, viewpoints, and swimming, not nonstop must-sees.

Key Highlights You’ll Notice Fast

• Unlimited wine, grappa, and soft drinks served during the cruise
• Lunch cooked on board after you select fish, meat, or vegetarian in advance
• Three Elafiti Islands with guided tips when you arrive at each one
• Comfort-first boat setup with benches, tables, sun shade, and a toilet
• Pebble beaches for swimming and snorkeling, with your own gear required
• Small group cap of 60 for a more relaxed day on the water

A Full-Day Cruise to the Elafiti Islands, Without the Fuss

This is the kind of Dubrovnik day that works well when you are tired of the old-town shuffle. You start in the morning, get on a boat that is actually comfortable, and then spend hours with built-in rhythm: cruise, arrive, stretch your legs, swim, repeat.

The real value here is not just the islands. It is the way the day is paced. You are not hauling a tight schedule of buses or paying for separate transport. Instead, you get one trip that combines sightseeing, breaks of free time, and a meal, all wrapped into an 8-hour outing.

And because the tour language is English, you can follow along with the captain’s brief introductions when you dock. That matters, because it turns the island time from random wandering into purposeful wandering.

Getting to Gruž Harbor: Pickup, Meeting Point, and What That Means for You

The day begins with a morning pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel, followed by a transfer toward Gruž Harbor, where you board the boat. If you prefer meeting directly, the listed starting point is Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik, with a 9:00am start time.

For me, that pickup piece is the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one. You do not need to solve parking, transit, or timing on your own. Still, I recommend you be ready early. With hotel pickup, a small delay can cascade into missed boarding time, especially on a full-day trip.

Once the day is over, you head back to the harbor and get dropped off near your accommodation, so you are not stuck figuring out your end-of-day logistics while you are tired.

The Boat Experience: Comfortable Seating and a Real Onboard Setup

This boat is not a barebones ferry. It is arranged for a relaxed day with tables and benches, sun shade, and a toilet onboard. There is also music via speakers, plus a grill and kitchen area that supports the lunch.

That onboard comfort affects how you enjoy the day. During the cruise you can actually sit, eat, sip, and talk without feeling cramped or exposed. And when you are between island stops, having shade helps a lot, since boat days can turn hot quickly.

The tour runs with a maximum of 60 travelers, which also helps. It is not a private yacht vibe, but it tends to avoid the chaos of huge group boats. Your day feels more like a shared excursion than a moving crowd.

Lunch on Board: Your Choices, Fresh Cooking, and Real Value

Lunch is one of the reasons this tour gets strong praise. You preselect your meal type during booking, and you give your order to the chef. During the day, you see the chef grilling the food at the island stop.

Here are the options:

• Fish meal: grilled hake with three seasonal salads
• Meat meal: grilled chicken breasts with three seasonal salads
• Vegetarian option: grilled vegetables with three different salads

Lunch is served on the boat, not as a separate stop at a restaurant. That matters because it keeps the day moving. You get food without losing precious island time to travel and queues.

You also get unlimited drinks while lunch is happening and during the cruise. That combo, lunch plus drinks, is where the price can start to feel like a bargain compared with paying for separate meals, drinks, and a private boat or separate transport.

Unlimited Drinks: Wine, Grappa, and Soft Drinks, Managed

This is not a one-cup-and-done situation. You get unlimited white or red wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water.

If you enjoy wine, this part is straightforward fun. If you do not, it still helps because you have plenty of non-alcohol options. The key is to pace yourself for the island time, since you will likely be walking a bit and then swimming at pebble beaches.

Also, since alcohol is included, I treat this as a day to slow down, not a day to sprint around. Island time is meant to be easy, and the boat makes it easy to settle into that mode.

Stop by Stop: Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan in a Way That Feels Human

Each of the three island stops comes with a short introduction from the captain. You also get free time to explore on your own, which is the right mix for me. You get enough context to pick a direction, and then you are not stuck waiting for a strict script.

Across the islands, you are looking at Mediterranean and medieval flavor: pine and carob trees, gardens, ancient churches and chapels, and castles. You also get pebble beaches where swimming and snorkeling are possible. If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment since it is not provided.

Koločep Island Time: Pines, Carob, and Beach Breaks

Koločep is where the day often starts to feel properly island-like. Expect stretches of ancient pine and carob trees and a calmer pace than the Dubrovnik shore.

In practical terms, Koločep is great if you like:

• gentle strolling under trees
• photo stops near historic-looking spots
• spending time near the water, especially if you want a swim break

The big consideration is that the beaches are pebble, not sandy. That is fine, but it is worth thinking about swim footwear if your feet are sensitive.

Lopud Island Time: Gardens and a Slower Coastal Rhythm

Lopud is known in the Elafiti set for its green, garden-like atmosphere. Based on what you are told onboard, you can look for idyllic gardens and historic religious sites like churches and chapels.

This is a good stop if you prefer exploring at an easy walking pace. You will also likely find time to cool off with another swim, since the islands have pebble beach areas that work well for snorkeling.

The drawback to keep in mind is simple: if you are expecting a single perfect viewpoint or a long string of major sites, you might feel like you want more organized activities. But if you enjoy islands for their pace and scenery, Lopud often fits the bill.

Šipan Island Time: Medieval Touches and More Island Slow Time

Šipan rounds out the triangle with a slightly more “medieval” feel, based on the kinds of sights described during the cruise: churches, chapels, and castles.

I like Šipan as a final stop because it gives the day closure. By then, you have already warmed up to the rhythm: boat comfort, island wandering, lunch and drinks in between, and a chance to swim before you head back.

As with the other islands, the experience is more about atmosphere than checklists. There is no guarantee of a full day packed with structured activities, but you do get the freedom to roam and spend time where you feel like lingering.

The Price Question: Is $72.59 Worth It?

At $72.59 per person, this is not the cheapest thing in Dubrovnik. But it can still be good value because several costs are bundled into one ticket: lunch and unlimited drinks, plus the boat time and island hopping.

Here is how I judge value for a day like this:

• You are buying transportation by boat plus three island stops
• Lunch is included, and it is freshly prepared with a chef grilling onboard
• Unlimited drinks reduce the temptation to spend extra money mid-day
• Entrance fees to monuments are not included, so you may still want a little cash if you decide to enter specific sites

So, if you would normally spend on boat transport, lunch, and drinks separately, this price tends to make sense. If you are the type who only wants to swim once and does not care about lunch or drinks, it may feel less justified. Your best match is someone who enjoys a relaxed day, food included, and time on islands with minimal fuss.

Weather Is the Boss: How to Plan Around a Boat Day

This tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

That is the simple rule. Still, I suggest you treat the morning of departure like a day with an asterisk. If conditions look iffy, keep an eye out for updates from the operator and make sure you have their contact details handy. One downside that comes up in real-world situations is that communication can be slow when weather turns, and that can leave you scrambling if you already traveled to the meeting point.

The good news is that many days still run because conditions often improve. When it does sail, it tends to be a very satisfying, low-stress Croatia day.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Feel Unhappy)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a laid-back day outside Dubrovnik
• meaningful time on islands where you can stroll and swim
• lunch and drinks included, without decision fatigue
• a small-to-medium group feel (up to 60 people)

It might feel less satisfying if you are a hardcore “see everything with a tight plan” traveler. One critique you may relate to is the idea that the islands can feel more like beaches and walking rather than a long list of major sights.

My advice: choose this when you want rest, scenery, and a satisfying meal on the water. If that is your style, you will likely come away happy.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Day at Sea

A few practical moves can make your experience smoother:

• Pick your lunch option when booking so the chef can grill without delay
• Bring snorkeling equipment if you want to do any underwater exploring
• Plan for pebble beaches, swim footwear can help comfort
• Bring swimwear, a hat, and sunscreen even if the boat has sun shade
• If you plan to visit monuments, remember entrance fees are not included

If you are sensitive to heat, schedule your strongest walking earlier in the island time, and save swimming for when you want a break.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour?

Book it if you want a simple, enjoyable island day where your main costs are covered upfront: lunch, unlimited drinks, boat transport, and island time. The boat comforts, the fresh grilled lunch, and the relaxed format make it an easy pick for most Dubrovnik visitors.

Skip it or be cautious if you need an intensive sights program, because this day is built around free exploration and swimming. Also factor weather into your planning and stay alert on the day of sailing.

If you are looking for a well-paced cruise with real food and an easygoing vibe, this is a solid choice for the Elafiti Islands.

FAQ

How much does the Dubrovnik Islands boat tour cost?

The price is $72.59 per person.

How long is the tour?

The tour is about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00am.

Where do I meet the tour and how does pickup work?

The activity lists Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik as the meeting point, and it also includes a morning pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel with transfer to Gruž Harbor to board the boat.

What lunch options are included?

Lunch is freshly prepared onboard and you can choose fish (grilled hake with three seasonal salads), meat (grilled chicken breasts with three seasonal salads), or vegetarian (grilled vegetables with three different salads).

What drinks are included during the cruise?

You get unlimited wine (white or red), grappa, soft drinks, and water.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits three Elafiti Islands, including Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. If you plan to snorkel, you should bring your own equipment.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.