Dubrovnik Islands Boat Tour with Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Imagine drifting along the shimmering waters near Dubrovnik, visiting three charming islands, enjoying a delicious meal, and sipping wine while soaking up the sun—that’s exactly what this 8-hour boat tour of the Elafiti Islands promises. Based on hundreds of positive reviews, it’s a favorite among travelers looking for a laid-back day with scenic views, good food, and friendly crew.

We love the balanced mix of island hopping, relaxing onboard amenities, and included meals and drinks. It’s a way to experience Croatia’s stunning coastline without the fuss of complicated logistics. The only potential downside? The weather can sometimes throw a curveball, as noted by some travelers, which might mean cancellations or less-than-ideal conditions. Still, for those who enjoy a leisurely cruise with plenty of comfort and opportunity to explore, this tour hits many sweet spots.

This trip suits travelers who value authentic scenic experiences, good value for money, and a relaxed pace—perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends wanting to unwind while discovering local charm. If you’re after a quick, action-packed itinerary, this might not be your best fit. But if slow, scenic, and social days are what you’re after, you’ll find this trip hard to beat.

This experience made our article of 12 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Dubrovnik.

Key Points

• Beautiful island stops with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring small villages.
• Comfortable boat with amenities like sun shades, onboard toilets, and music for a relaxed atmosphere.
• All-inclusive drinks and a freshly prepared lunch—wine, soft drinks, and local food options.
• Flexible itinerary allowing free time on each island to wander, relax, or enjoy the beaches.
• Highly rated guides and crew known for friendliness and helpfulness.
• Good value for around $78 per person considering meals, drinks, transportation, and island visits.

An Honest Look at the Experience

Stepping on the boat in Dubrovnik’s Gru Harbor, you immediately notice the comfortable setup—tables with benches, a sun shade, and a lively crew. The vessel isn’t overly large, which means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and you’ll appreciate the relaxed vibe. The music and friendly crew help set a cheerful tone for the day ahead, and the onboard toilet and kitchen facilities make it easy to stay comfortable.

The itinerary begins with a morning pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel—a convenient start that simplifies logistics. From there, it’s about an hour of cruising to the Elafiti Islands, with the boat’s amenities ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. Many travelers praise the friendly staff and the relaxed atmosphere. As one reviewer, Meryl, noted, “Our guide Natasha was so good and all the crew worked so hard. I would definitely recommend.”

Exploring the Islands: Koloep, Lopud, and Ipan

The three main stops—Koloep, Lopud, and Ipan—each offer their own charm. The islands are known for their ancient pine and carob trees, picturesque gardens, and historical sites like churches, chapels, and castles. The reviews highlight that these visits are well-balanced between sightseeing and free time.

Lopud, for example, is noted as idyllic, with pebble beaches perfect for swimming or just relaxing. The island’s laid-back vibe makes it an excellent place to unwind. According to reviews, many travelers enjoyed exploring at their own pace—whether wandering local streets or lounging on the beaches. Some mention that there isn’t a ton of “things to do” beyond beach time, but that’s exactly what makes it a peaceful escape.

Koloep and Ipan also boast scenic views and quiet corners, ideal for snorkeling or simply soaking in the Mediterranean scenery. Remember to bring your own snorkeling gear if that’s your thing—many reviews mention enjoying the clear waters for a swim, but equipment isn’t provided.

The Lunch and Drinks: A Highlight

One of the standout features of this tour is the included, freshly-made lunch. You get to choose from three options—fish (grilled hake and salads), meat (grilled chicken and salads), or vegetarian (grilled vegetables and salads)—when booking. The meals are generally praised for their quality, with reviews frequently mentioning the “fabulous” food and “plentiful” drinks.

The onboard unlimited wine, soft drinks, grappa, and water are an appreciated perk, especially in the warm Croatian sun. We loved the way this added a social, convivial vibe to the trip. As one reviewer said, “The drinks were plentiful, and the lunch was excellent,” making it clear that the value is quite high.

The Return and Overall Atmosphere

The cruise wraps up with a comfortable return to Dubrovnik, typically around the late afternoon. The small group sizes and laid-back environment are praised in many reviews—many travelers call it a “relaxing day” that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded.

Some travelers, however, noted that weather can impact the experience—a common consideration in outdoor trips. One review shared disappointment over cancellation due to weather, but also appreciated the clear communication from the operator about cancellations and rescheduling options.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: Approximately 8 hours, a full-day from hotel pickup to drop-off.
• Price: Around $78 per person, with meals and drinks included, making it a reasonable value for a day of sightseeing, good food, and drinks.
• Group Size: Up to 60 travelers, but reviews suggest the boat feels intimate due to its size.
• Meeting Point: Lapadska obala 5, Dubrovnik, with pickup at 9:00 am.
• Dress: Casual and comfortable; bring sunscreen, hat, and swimwear if you plan to swim.
• Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available; communicate dietary restrictions when booking.

Why This Tour Works

This boat trip offers much more than just a scenic cruise. The included lunch, unlimited drinks, and friendly crew create a welcoming, social atmosphere. The stops at different islands give a taste of local life and natural beauty, while the onboard comfort allows you to relax and enjoy the journey.

The flexibility of free time on each island means you can choose to lounge on the beach, explore quaint streets, or snorkel in the clear waters. The small group size and knowledgeable guides help you feel well looked-after, and many reviews emphasize the high quality of the food and drinks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day exploring Dubrovnik’s surrounding islands. It’s ideal for those who enjoy casual cruising with simple, authentic experiences—perfect for families, couples, or friends. If you’re craving a fast-paced day with lots of activities, this might not be quite right. However, if you’re after a laid-back, picturesque escape with good food and company, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

For around $78, this boat tour delivers a great value—combining scenic island visits, a delicious lunch, unlimited drinks, and a relaxed cruise atmosphere. Many travelers rave about the friendly crew, comfortable vessel, and peaceful stops, making it a top choice for a day outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

While weather can sometimes be a factor, the overall positive reviews, especially regarding quality food, plentiful drinks, and scenic stops, suggest it’s a reliable and enjoyable experience. It’s especially well-suited for those wanting to unwind, enjoy the sea, and discover some of Croatia’s charming islands without feeling rushed.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, the tour starts at Lapadska obala 5 in Dubrovnik, but there is a convenient pickup from your hotel if you book in advance.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers all taxes, fees, handling charges, beverages (including unlimited wine, soft drinks, and water), and a freshly-prepared lunch with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Entrance fees to local monuments are not included, so if you plan to visit specific sites separately, additional tickets may be required.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and towels if you want to swim or snorkel. Remember to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you plan to explore the waters.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Communication about cancellations is generally clear.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to advise the operator of any allergies or specific dietary needs when booking.

How much free time do we have on the islands?
You’ll have ample free time to explore each island, relax on beaches, or wander small villages—perfect for a leisurely day.

In all, this Dubrovnik Islands boat tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see some of Croatia’s beautiful coastal scenery, enjoy good food and drinks, and relax amidst charming island settings. Whether you’re after a scenic escape or a social day on the water, it promises good value and memorable moments.