Seven hours, three islands, and lunch with wine. I love the lunch on board with real choice (fish, chicken, or vegetarian), and I appreciate how the crew and host Ana keep the day running on time and clear. It also feels like a practical way to get island swimming without building your own ferry schedule from scratch.

The one thing to watch is timing: two hours on Lopud can feel tight if you want to work your way toward Šunj beach and still have enough time to actually enjoy it.

Key things to know before you go

• A smooth island sampler: short stops at Kolocep, Sipan, then your longer beach-focused window on Lopud
• Lunch is included and flexible: fish, chicken, or vegetarian, served as part of the trip (not something you have to hunt down)
• Wine and drinks are part of the experience: alcoholic beverages (wine) are included, plus water and onboard conveniences
• Sipan includes Skočibuha: a quick visit tied to the summer-house stop, with time to swim
• Old Town gets time too: you’ll have about 1.5 hours in Dubrovnik Old Town, with sunset vibes on the way back
• Seasickness help may be available: one review notes Dramamine on board, which is smart if the sea looks choppy

A day on the Elaphite islands, built for convenience

This is a classic Dubrovnik-to-the-islands day: you start late enough to feel human (10:45am), ride by boat between stops, and come back after sunset-leaning light. The trip runs about 7 hours and caps at 120 travelers, so it’s large enough to be efficient, but not so huge that you lose the day to chaos.

The big win is that everything is handled for you: the timing between islands, the lunch slot, and the fact that you return to your meeting point instead of playing “which dock is which” in a new place. You also get a mobile ticket, which is nice when you’re juggling photos, sunscreen, and the rest of travel life.

Weather matters here. Like all boat days, this one is dependent on good conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered another date or a refund.

Kolocep first: quick swim time and an easy start

Kolocep is your first stop, with about 45 minutes on the island. That’s enough time to reset—cool off with a swim, grab a coffee if you want (coffee/tea isn’t listed as included, so plan on buying it once you’re there), or take a short walk before the boat calls you back.

This stop is best if you’re the type who likes momentum. You’re not trying to do a full hike, you’re squeezing in water time and a quick taste of island life. Since the stop is short, I’d treat Kolocep like your warm-up: swimsuit on, towel accessible, and don’t plan an ambitious route.

Also, Kolocep’s admission ticket is included, which reduces one more small logistical step.

Sipan in 40 minutes: Skočibuha and a swim break

Next comes Sipan (about 40 minutes). This island is one of the larger ones in the Elaphite group, but your time here is still compact—so you’ll want to keep it simple. The stop includes a visit tied to Skočibuha, plus a swim window.

Sipan’s admission is free, which is a small but meaningful value point. It also means you can spend your mental energy on what you came for: sea time, photos, and a calm break from Dubrovnik.

If you’re wondering whether 40 minutes is enough, the honest answer is: it’s just enough to enjoy the water and get a quick look without dragging your day out. This tour is built like that—short stops on purpose, then more time where the beaches matter most.

Lopud is the main event, and the clock is real

Lopud is where you’ll feel the biggest payoff. You get about 2 hours—and that’s where many people aim for Šunj beach, the most popular one on the island.

Here’s the trade-off: getting from your drop-off area to Šunj can take time. One review notes that to reach the sandy beach, you may walk around 15 minutes first and then pay about 3 euro each way for a golf cart, depending on how you move around. If you go this route, your beach time can end up feeling shorter, sometimes around 45–60 minutes.

So how do you handle this without stressing?

• If Šunj is your top priority, start planning the moment you step off the boat. Don’t wander aimlessly.
• If you want a calmer visit, skip the far beach mission and spend your time closer to where you land. You’ll likely be happier with fewer moving parts.

Admission on Lopud is listed as free, which is great. But the real limiter isn’t ticketing—it’s the fixed 2-hour window. If you’re the type who always wants “one more hour for the beach,” you might find this portion a bit rushed. Still, it’s a solid compromise because the rest of the day stays efficient and structured.

Dubrovnik Old Town: about 1.5 hours to enjoy the return light

After the island sequence, you get 1 hour 30 minutes in Dubrovnik Old Town. The schedule is set up so you can do a proper walk and regroup before heading back.

You’re also set to enjoy sunset on the way back to the port, which matters because Dubrovnik’s old streets and viewpoints are the kind of thing you enjoy more when the light gets softer. Even if you don’t try to conquer every landmark, the timing helps you get the mood right.

A practical tip: Old Town time is valuable, so go in knowing you only have 90 minutes. Pick one or two priorities (a viewpoint, a quick wander, a relaxed drink if you want it) rather than trying to “complete” the town.

Lunch, wine, and how the meal fits into the day

This is one of the most appreciated parts of the trip: lunch is included and you get a real choice—fish, chicken, or vegetarian. That takes pressure off you during a boat day, where it’s easy to end up hungry and cranky.

One reason people rate this so highly is how the meal is handled. Reviews mention generous bread and options for seconds on the main course. That may sound like a small detail, but on an all-day tour it directly changes how you feel later—especially if you’re out in the sun and swimming.

What’s also included:

• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages (wine)
• Restroom on board

Not included:

• Coffee and/or tea
• WiFi on board

If you’re planning your drink strategy, note that one review says there may be a 3 euro fee for a refill cup for unlimited drinks, and it could be refundable at the end of the day. That’s not listed as a universal rule in the core features, but it’s worth knowing in case it’s offered on your departure. If you do get asked for the fee, it’s worth checking how refunds are handled.

Also, if you’re sensitive to choppy water, one review notes Dramamine is available on board. It’s not a guarantee for every trip, but it’s a good sign that the crew thinks about comfort.

Getting on board: start time, group size, and the “don’t overthink it” flow

The tour starts at 10:45am, and it ends back at the meeting point. The review feedback also points to a helpful detail for people staying near major hotels: the boat can be convenient to reach if you’re around the big hotel zone (one review specifically mentions staying at Sheraton and finding the boat right there).

Group size is capped at 120 travelers, so you’ll be with other people, but the schedule is tight enough that you won’t spend half the day waiting around. The “mobile ticket” part helps too—no printing, no last-minute confusion over paperwork.

One more practical reality: this tour depends on good weather. If you see the sea looking rough, it can be smart to plan for it, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Price and value: why $84.66 often feels fair

At about $84.66 per person for roughly 7 hours, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re covering:

• Island visits with set time blocks
• Lunch with choice
• Wine and bottled water
• Onboard comfort basics like a restroom

That combination is the value story. If you tried to DIY it, you could theoretically spend less on ferries alone, and one review mentions local ferries for only a few euro. But DIY comes with real friction: you have to line up routes, timing, and transfers between islands. And some island pairings can be harder to do efficiently on your own than they look on paper.

This tour’s price starts making sense when you factor in that you don’t just get transportation—you also get a scheduled meal and drinks. For many people, that turns a stressful day into an easy one.

Where the value can feel weaker is if you personally need more time on Lopud (especially Šunj beach). In that case, you might compare with other operators that offer longer beach windows. Still, for a first pass at the Elaphites without planning, this is a strong deal.

Who should book this cruise, and who might not love it

You’ll probably be happiest if:

• You want an organized first-time island sampler from Dubrovnik
• You care about a scheduled lunch and drinks so your day doesn’t derail
• You like swimming and short island walks rather than marathon exploring
• You want a group tour that feels professional and safety-conscious

It may be less ideal if:

• You want lots of time on Šunj beach without the risk of rushing. Two hours can force trade-offs.
• You’re counting on snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so you’d need to bring your own or arrange separately.
• You rely on onboard WiFi. WiFi isn’t provided, so download what you need before you board.

Should you book this Island Hopping and Old Town cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a smooth, enjoyable day: Kolocep and Sipan for quick island texture, Lopud for the main beach push, and Old Town time so the day ends with the Dubrovnik feeling—not just more water.

I’d think twice if you’re the type who hates tight schedules and you already know you want the full, unhurried Šunj experience. In that case, you might want a different tour with longer Lopud time, or plan your own day with a bit more flexibility.

If you do book, go in with a simple plan for Lopud, and pack like you’re there to swim. The whole day works best when you keep moving and don’t over-schedule.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?

It lasts about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:45am.

Which islands and places are included, and how long are the stops?

You stop at Kolocep (about 45 minutes), Sipan (about 40 minutes), Lopud (about 2 hours), and Dubrovnik Old Town (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

Is lunch included, and what choices do I get?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Bottled water is also included.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages (wine) are included. Coffee and/or tea are not included. One review also notes a possible small fee for a refill cup for unlimited drinks, with refunds discussed at the end.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is WiFi available on board?

No, WiFi on board is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates (and whether you’re staying near Sheraton or somewhere else). I can suggest how to time your priorities for Lopud so Šunj feels worth it, not rushed.