From Dubrovnik: Premium Three Island Cruise with lunch and drinks

Three islands, one laid-back boat day. This Dubrovnik cruise is built for slow island life, with included lunch and drinks so your day does not turn into a budgeting exercise.

I love that the pacing gives you real freedom, including a longer stay on Lopud for beaches, shops, and a bit of history. I also love the value feel, because the onboard meal, bottled water, and wine keep the experience comfortable all day.

One consideration: two of the islands are short stops, so you should plan to focus on swimming, easy wandering, and picking one or two sights rather than trying to do everything.

Key things to know before you go

• Lopud gets the long stop, so you can actually do a beach day and explore the village at an unhurried pace.
• Lunch and wine are included, plus bottled water and soft drinks, which makes the cost feel fair for a full day.
• Boat comfort is split-level, with a closed air-conditioned salon and an open upper deck for sea views.
• Short time on Šipan and Koločep, so come with a swimsuit mindset and simple goals.
• You can buy extra drinks onboard, but the essentials are already part of your ticket.
• Max group size is capped at 110, which helps keep the day from turning chaotic.

A smooth day away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town pace

If your Dubrovnik trip includes crowds, hills, and long walks through the Old City, this is a great counterbalance. Instead of squeezing in another museum or another fort, you get a full day at sea, with islands that feel quieter and more local.

What makes this cruise appealing is that it is not just a sightseeing ride. The schedule is designed around time on the islands, with swimming as a core activity and food and drinks handled for you. That means less decision fatigue and more time to actually enjoy the Adriatic.

Getting picked up and onto the boat in Dubrovnik

This tour can include hotel pickup, but only within the Dubrovnik city area. If you want it, you send your exact accommodation address or hotel name so the operator can choose the best pickup spot. Also note the driver will wait no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Once you’re gathered, you join a day trip that runs about 8 hours total. You also end back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to solve the “how do we get home?” problem after a day that includes wine.

Boat comfort, drinks flow, and how the day feels

The boat setup gives you options depending on the weather and your mood. There’s a closed, air-conditioned salon for shade and comfort, plus an open upper deck if you want sun and sea views. Reviews also highlight that there’s enough seating for everyone even when the boat is busy, though it helps to arrive early in peak season to grab the best spots.

Drinks are a key part of the experience. You’ll have water onboard during the day, and there are also assorted soft drinks. Many people appreciate that drinks service is regular, so you are not always stuck standing in line.

On top of what’s included, you can purchase additional drinks like coffee, tea, and beer. That is useful if you want something specific, but the main point is that you should not feel pressured to add extras just to enjoy the ride.

Lopud Island: beach time, village wandering, and history on a 3-hour window

Lopud is the island that sets the tone for the whole cruise. You get about 3 hours there, which is the difference between “quick look” and “actually settle in.”

Start with Šunj Beach and plan your swimming

Lopud is famous for Šunj Beach, with sandy shoreline and clear water. You’ll likely spend time here one way or another, either stretching out on the sand or taking a swim when the water is calm and inviting.

A practical tip from real experience: Šunj Beach sits around the far side of Lopud, and the walk can take longer than you expect because you’re dealing with terrain. If you do not want to hike uphill, there are golf cart taxis on Lopud that can save you time on the transfer.

Then add village strolling without rushing

The rest of your Lopud time is perfect for slow exploring. Think stone houses, local cafés, and small shops, plus viewpoints over the Adriatic. If you like history, Lopud has a 15th-century Franciscan monastery you can visit if the area is open when you go. There’s also a botanical garden option if you want a quieter, low-effort nature break.

One more practical reality: island life shifts with the season. In shoulder season or later in the year, some places may have reduced hours or closures. Even then, Lopud’s core appeal remains the beach, the sea, and the relaxed pace.

Šipan Island: olive groves and a quick taste of island life

Šipan is shorter, about 1 hour on the ground. So you need to treat it like a snapshot, not a deep exploration day.

The island’s vibe is tied to olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills, with stone houses tucked into the greenery. In the time you have, you can do an easy walk, grab a drink or snack, and enjoy the views without feeling like you’re trying to win a race against the clock.

Because the stop is brief, your best strategy is simple:

• Pick one area to wander
• Stop for a refreshment
• Swim if the timing and dock access work for your schedule

Koločep Island: the quiet coastal paths and a beach near the harbor

Koločep is the calm closer to the day, also about 1 hour. If you want peace and fewer crowds, this is often the island that feels most like a breather.

You’ll see greenery, olive trees, small churches, and traditional stone buildings as you stroll along the coastal paths. The sea is the main event again, and you’ll have the chance to swim.

A useful tip: many people prefer saving their most relaxed swim for Koločep, because the end-of-day timing can make it feel extra laid-back. There’s also a sandy beach area right next to the harbor that’s convenient if you do not want to trek for a swim.

Lunch and wine onboard: what’s included and why it matters

The included lunch is one of the biggest reasons this tour feels like a deal. You eat onboard with a freshly prepared meal and then keep moving, which helps you avoid hunting for lunch once you’re on the islands.

Your lunch choice is typically one of three menus:

• Fish: grilled hake with potato salad and bread
• Meat: grilled chicken fillet with potato salad and bread
• Vegetarian: grilled seasonal vegetables with potato salad and bread

Many people specifically call out the fish and the overall quality. Portions also tend to satisfy, and you do not have to awkwardly order a meal in a new place just to keep the day on schedule.

On the drinks side, wine is included along with bottled still water and soft drinks. There’s also additional drink purchasing available if you want coffee or beer after lunch. This setup is great for groups and couples because it removes the constant “how much does this cost?” question.

Time management reality: why 8 hours can feel longer than you expect

Even though you spend hours on the islands, the full day includes the sailing time between stops. So when your schedule says “about 8 hours,” it’s more accurate to think “most of the day is accounted for.”

The good news is that the boat ride itself is part of the experience. You get a comfortable place to rest, eat, and drink, and you can move between indoor shade and deck seating depending on the sun.

Also remember: the dock situation is designed to make getting off and back on easier. Each stop docks at a pier, so you are not constantly dealing with wet steps when you disembark.

What to pack so the day feels easy

This cruise is simple, but you’ll enjoy it more if you prepare for water time and island walking.

Bring:

• A swimsuit (you will want it)
• A change of clothes for later
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes for island paths and uneven ground
• Towels, if you prefer to stay comfortable after your swim
• If you plan to snorkel, consider bringing your own snorkeling equipment, since it is not included

Also, if you get motion sickness easily, it might be smart to take precautions. The schedule includes several stretches of open water travel, and while the day is usually calm and scenic, you still should plan for how your body handles boats.

Who this tour fits best (and who should choose another day)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A break from Dubrovnik’s Old City crowds
• A mix of beaches and scenic strolling
• A full-day plan that includes lunch and wine so you can relax
• Enough structure to feel easy, plus enough freedom to wander at your own pace

It might be less ideal if you’re the type who wants long, detailed time on each location. With only 1 hour each on Šipan and Koločep, you’ll need to focus on a swim and a short walk rather than a deep dive into sights.

If weather changes plans, the core idea still works: you’re basically paying for a boat day with multiple islands and included food. In bad conditions, you could get a different route or adjustments, depending on what’s safest and available.

Should you book this Dubrovnik three-island cruise?

I’d book it if you want an easy, high-value day that feels like a real getaway. The standout advantages are the included lunch and wine, plus the fact that Lopud gives you enough time to do both beach and village exploring without rushing.

I’d think twice if you dislike short island stops or if you expect every sight to be fully open at every time of year. Seasonality can change how lively the islands feel, and the best parts often come down to water time and simple strolling rather than big guided attractions.

For most first-timers, this is a smart way to see more of Croatia’s coast without adding extra transportation stress. Book it, pack your swimsuit, and plan to let the islands set the pace.

FAQ

What islands are included on this cruise?

You visit Lopud Island, Šipan Island, and Koločep Island.

How long do you spend on each island?

You spend about 3 hours on Lopud, about 1 hour on Šipan, and about 1 hour on Koločep.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian. Bottled still water is also included, along with assorted soft drinks.

Are drinks included, and is wine included?

Yes. Wine is included, along with water and soft drinks. Additional drinks like coffee, tea, and beer are available for purchase onboard.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered if you select the option, and it is only within the city area of Dubrovnik. You’ll need to send your accommodation address or hotel name to arrange the best pickup location.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.