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

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and craving a day of sunshine, sea, and scenic islands, this boat trip to the Elaphite Islands offers a fantastic mix of relaxation, beautiful landscapes, and light adventure. Hosted in English, French, and Spanish, the experience combines the natural beauty of Croatia’s coast with friendly guides, unlimited drinks, and plenty of opportunities to swim and explore.

One thing we particularly love about this tour is how it balances sightseeing with leisure—it’s not just about cruising past islands, but actually stopping to enjoy beaches, historical sites, and nature. The inclusion of free drinks and a tasty lunch makes it excellent value. However, some travelers have mentioned that the limited time on each island might be a drawback if you’re eager to explore in detail.

This trip suits those who want a relaxed yet engaging day on the water, ideal for couples, families, or groups seeking a taste of Croatia’s coast without the hassle of organizing their own boat. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy a combination of scenic views, light swimming, and social vibes.

Key Points

• Beautiful, untouched islands with car-free environments for authentic relaxation
• Unlimited drinks on board, including wine, soft drinks, and water, for a laid-back vibe
• Multiple stops at Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, each offering unique scenery and attractions
• Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories and insights in three languages, enhancing the experience
• Good value for money with food, drinks, and sightseeing included in the price
• Limited island time might be a concern for those wanting longer exploration on each stop

The Itinerary: What to Expect from This Dubrovnik Island Adventure

Setting Sail from Dubrovnik

Your day begins early morning, with hotel pickup (if you choose that option) or meeting directly at the Green Market in Dubrovnik. The boat, named TRITON, docks across the street from the meeting point, ready for boarding at 10:00 AM. From the start, you’re greeted by friendly crew members and a well-equipped boat with sunbeds, Wi-Fi, speakers, and toilets—everything you need for a comfortable day on the water.

The departure around 10:15 AM sets the tone for a relaxed yet lively day, with captivating coastal scenery unfolding as you cruise towards the islands.

First Stop: Lopud Island

Lopud is the second-largest of the Elaphite Islands, famous for its sunshine—over 2,500 hours annually—and lush citrus groves. The highlight here is the ancient Botanical Garden, one of Europe’s oldest, and beautiful sandy beaches, particularly Unj Beach, where many take the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Reviewers mention the time spent here is just enough to relax and take in the scenery, with some feeling it could be longer (“loved having a few hours on the first island but could have done with more at islands 2 and 3”). Still, the peaceful environment, free of cars, makes it a perfect spot for a quick dip or a stroll along the coast.

Second Stop: Sipan Island

As the largest island in the group, Sipan offers a mix of history and nature. It was once a retreat for noble families, and today, you’ll find charming buildings and scenic landscapes. Notably, Sipan boasts a Guinness World Record for the number of olive trees, giving you a sense of the agricultural beauty of the place.

Here, the guides share stories and point out highlights, giving you a deeper appreciation of the island’s past. The limited time (about 45 minutes) means you’ll want to prioritize a quick walk or a swim, as some reviews have noted “you don’t have enough time to visit the castle onsite.”

Final Stop: Kolocep Island

The smaller Kolocep is packed with natural beauty—hidden bays, caves, and crystal waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s a serene spot to unwind and take a refreshing dip. Reviewers have raved about the crystal-clear waters and how the environment feels untouched and peaceful.

This stop also offers options for golf-cab transfer to the sandy beach for just a few euros, making it easier to access the best swimming spots.

Returning to Dubrovnik

As the day winds down, the boat cruises back along the coast, with some reviews mentioning the spectacular sunset at the end of the day, adding a magical finish to your island adventure.

Onboard Experience: Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

One of the standout features of this trip is the unlimited drinks included, ranging from soft drinks to wine and water. Many reviewers highlighted the quality of the fish lunch (with vegetarian and meat options), describing it as tasty and surprisingly generous. The onboard music and lively atmosphere create a fun, social vibe, especially with the crew often engaging guests and sharing stories.

Some guests noted that the wine selection was well-received, and the staff’s friendliness really enhanced the overall experience. A couple of reviews pointed out that drinks like beer weren’t included, and some felt the DJ equipment for music could be improved, but these are minor concerns in what remains a very enjoyable day.

Guides and Crew

The guides, such as Lorenzo, are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendly manner, making the trip not only scenic but educational. Reviewers mention that the crew checked on guests multiple times, ensuring everyone was comfortable and having a good time. However, a few reviews pointed out that at times, the behavior of the captain could be a bit tense, especially when rushing guests or staff, which slightly detracted from the otherwise relaxed atmosphere.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At approximately $53 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions: full-day cruise, unlimited drinks, a tasty lunch, and multiple island stops. For travelers looking for a way to enjoy the coast without extra hassle, this trip delivers a lot for the modest price.

It’s especially good for those who want to combine scenic cruising with swimming, short island explorations, and socializing. The all-in-one package—including hotel pickup (if booked), food, drinks, and a knowledgeable guide—makes it a practical choice.

Some reviewers suggest that smaller boats or private options might improve the experience, especially if you’re after more privacy or longer exploration. Still, for the general traveler, the balance of comfort, scenery, and value is compelling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat trip is ideal for families, couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a fun, relaxed day on the water, soaking up Croatia’s natural beauty. Those interested in light swimming, scenic views, and social vibes will find it particularly engaging. It’s also great if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of the Elaphite Islands.

If you’re a history buff, keep in mind the limited time on each island might restrict in-depth exploration. However, the guides’ stories and briefings add a layer of context that many find enriching.

Travelers who appreciate good value and friendly staff consistently rate this experience highly. Just be prepared for the limited time on each stop, and consider whether you prefer a quieter, more private boat experience—there are options for that as well, but they tend to be pricier.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day even more hassle-free.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear to stay comfortable and protected.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, wine, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the day. Be aware that beer is not included in the free drinks.

How long is each island stop?
Expect around 45 minutes to an hour at each stop, which allows for quick exploration, swimming, and photos but not extensive sightseeing.

Is there an on-board lunch?
A lunch option with fish, meat, or vegetarian dishes can be added for additional cost, and reviews suggest it’s tasty and filling.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the relaxed nature and swimming opportunities make it family-friendly, especially if children enjoy boat days and water activities.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Dubrovnik boat trip to the Elaphite Islands offers a delightful day on the water filled with stunning scenery, swimming in clear waters, and plenty of social fun. The knowledgeable guides, great value, and relaxed atmosphere make it a popular choice for those wanting a laid-back yet scenic adventure.

While the limited time on each island and occasional minor hiccups with staff behavior have been noted, most travelers find the overall experience enriching and enjoyable. The inclusion of unlimited drinks and a tasty lunch heightens the value, especially for those who want to indulge a bit while soaking up Croatia’s coastal charm.

If you’re after a fun-filled day with plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the views, this trip is a fantastic way to experience Dubrovnik’s nearby islands without the hassle of planning your own boat trip. It’s especially perfect for travelers who prioritize social atmosphere, scenic beauty, and good value over lengthy explorations.

Embark on this cruise for a memorable, social day out that captures the essence of Croatia’s beautiful coast, leaving you with plenty of stories and photos to share.