Dubrovnik 3 Island Cruise: Review, Tips & What to Expect

So, you’re thinking of doing the Dubrovnik 3 Island Cruise? That is certainly a popular option when visiting this Croatian gem, and it’s a day trip that pops up on pretty much every tourist’s radar. We decided to check it out ourselves to see what all fuss is concerning, and to provide you like your totally transparent view of the experience, is that right?.

Why Choose a 3 Island Cruise From Dubrovnik?

Croatia is that nation celebrated for its gorgeous coastline, isn’t it?. Places, for instance, Dubrovnik makes that the base to see amazing islands nearby. The 3 Island Cruise is that perfect chance to experience many spots with one tour, which is cool, right? It’s really a relaxed choice to soak up the views without all the trouble of setting up ferries and schedules, for example, that is true.

The appeal comes very often down to simplicity and the ‘doing as the Romans do’ mindset of tourists on their jolly holidays, arguably, the best reasons ever to take a leap of faith, basically, and discover spots you’d thought of yourself visiting! The convenience of all your transport being in the hands of some friendly (maybe) sea dogs is attractive to most visitors and certainly adds to your enjoyment of that coastline and its inviting little Islands.

What’s Included – Lunch, Drinks & More!

Most 3 Island Cruises from Dubrovnik include lunch and drinks, of course, is that correct? Lunch tends to be a grilled fish or chicken meal with salad and bread. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are typically free flowing throughout that day, like you get plenty, for instance. I want to emphasize the words, “tends to be”, for one because all these experiences are in the hands of small businesspeople with very many overheads. That is really the same like your visiting one of your restaurants back home, in that case. Be aware!.

Now, you could see those benefits are just a chance to experience local tastes while sailing between scenic destinations. Food and beverage is an important ingredient for any tour! Very often I observe individuals going back for seconds… and thirds!! I imagine it’s the fresh air!.

Brief History and Cultural Context

Dubrovnik is, of course, steeped in history. It acted as that Republic for centuries, isn’t it?, acting as an important trade and cultural hub. The islands nearby also carry stories of maritime past, monastic traditions and fishing livelihoods, very much, that is to say!. So the 3 Island Cruise provides that little glimpse into this historical mosaic, right? Very, like super neat!.

As your bob merrily across those clear, crystal waters of this, like your beautiful coastline, you’ll spy ancient ruins, quaint villages and you, maybe, catch wind of that, for example, cultural legends that live across those islands that surround that famous, land-based cousin.

Our First Impressions – Setting Sail!

We showed up bright and very early at that harbor, like you would expect!. There were plenty of other eager travelers already assembled. Our boat wasn’t, of course, the fanciest, is that a fair assessment?, but it looked sea-worthy, I guess. The crew greeted us with that friendly “Dobar dan!” and directed us onboard, just, kind of normal stuff really.

The vibe when setting off is pretty awesome!. Everyone’s buzzing with excitement as Dubrovnik’s glorious ancient city wall begins to slip from your view and, just a little, those waves become the norm rather than that quayside hustle and bustle!. That fresh breeze is kind of your perfect accomplice too it’s almost!. So, that anticipation on that bow really gives that adventure proper juice!

The Crowd & Atmosphere

The crowd was like a pretty mixed bag, actually. We saw families, couples, groups of friends, and a handful of solo travelers. I will admit, anyway, some people clearly planned a great day’s worth of drinking, very often getting a little “carried away”, arguably. On our specific trip there existed very many ages and nationalities mixing in unison with the primary intent of viewing those spectacular Islands, right?

The atmosphere was, generally, very social. That combination of sunshine, free drinks and stunning scenery seems to put people into that relaxed mood pretty quickly, actually. Making like your acquaintances aboard is easy enough and the group demographic generally determines whether that tour turns into that rave or some chilled-out affair!.

Stop 1: Koločep – A Tranquil Escape

Koločep, which is sometimes called Kalamota, was like our first stop. This is certainly the smallest of those Elafiti Islands and car-free too, right?. That is really a charming place, known for its pine forests and inviting shorelines. We got an hour or that for swimming and exploring, actually.

Koločep feels so calm after that hubbub of Dubrovnik, clearly. Those shores are almost, you know, pristine and ideal, like super for a swim in those clear waters, basically. I used the time to follow some local walking trail that headed inland. That is basically your great way to witness all that nature the place holds, for example.

Swimming in Clear Waters

That water around Koločep is very crystal clear! So you get to do things like easily spot tiny fish darting about. It’s a perfect spot for a quick dip, like, honestly, very refreshing. Very many people on our tour appreciated that swim to, I suppose, just escape that day’s heat! That really is refreshing stuff.

Very often people use their GoPro’s (other action cameras do that job) and submerge themselves to capture a little under-water footage which, like you appreciate greatly in post-production!. Snorkels and flippers too often feature to very much increase that chance of witnessing underwater species, maybe.

Exploring the Island

Koločep is so manageable, of course, you get to do things like explore without getting lost! That is such a relief, really! Those trails through those pine forests are great, aren’t they? They also offer great glimpses of other tiny shorelines. I ran across that adorable tiny church, for instance, a bit inland too, that’s for sure.

In recent decades cycling has begun to grow, just a little, among those who appreciate going that little further and getting under those skins of these sleepy bolt-holes. Getting about this mode is that superb chance to cover very many areas and see various gems the casual observer could miss otherwise!.

Stop 2: Šipan – History and Charm

Next up was Šipan, that’s really the biggest of that Elafiti Islands. Šipan has, I suppose, a totally distinct vibe from Koločep, doesn’t it? With that touch of proper history visible. Two main settlements, Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ exist there and give glimpses into their past!

With, like your longer amount of time here, we get to actually, do you know, amble about that harborside spot. That also gave me, to be honest, ample time to enjoy some people-watching and to soak in all those authentic feelings! I just, very casually sat at that local café enjoying some iced coffee too, in fact!.

Wandering Around Šipanska Luka

Šipanska Luka is a very sleepy harbor village that offers that proper step back in time. You get to amble about at that waterfront, and witness local fishermen mending their nets there, right?. I very much savored watching daily island life unfold from that café seat!

Don’t feel hurried to see various iconic or notable spots here. Often its just ambling without aim that produces the great photo opportunities or just encounters which stay that distance longer, anyway. Often I find its places I never intended that impress most!.

Exploring Suđurađ

You get to discover Suđurađ too. That’s like a smaller settlement on that other side of that island and that one offers its individual dose of charm. We went by a local bus connecting those places to do so, is that correct? Or that tourist “train”!, anyway.

The must-witness here is that 16th-century castle belonging to that family that had, I suppose, commissioned its creation in the long and distant past, frankly!. Those towers you could discover offers some majestic sights. In reality that village displays, like you some calm feelings of, I should say, days gone, of course!

Stop 3: Lopud – Sandy Beaches and Relaxation

Finally, anyway, it was time for Lopud, for instance. Lopud is well known for its sandy beach at Šunj. That’s certainly that refreshing change from Croatia’s more common pebbly ones. And with very many various walking options! It’s also that 2nd island lacking car access.

You get to do things like grab like your golf cart upon getting here and, very quickly, visit Šunj coast! It exists, honestly, where your sand is fine and you’ve, like your, got shallower water suitable, I guess, to dip inside! Or, like your other option involves simply following a coastal path to wander upon arrival, right?

Šunj Beach – A Must-Visit

Šunj Beach is just, kind of, wow, if you admire the experience of lounging over silky-smooth gold spots. The water appears shallow here. You can actually, walk some great distance from your banks whilst having that sea gently kissing that skin.

During peak periods, and just a little in July and August that place does grow just slightly more hectic than Koločep as I remember it being! Like your watersports choices grow with options, such as kayaks and stand-up paddles open for use! Very often a quick beverage from that beach bars can turn into very many!

The Island’s Monastery

It exists to witness an ancient abandoned monastery upon Lopud besides, right? And very many other trails you might amble about! This island has its individual charm so do afford some freedom discovering various portions prior heading onto your sailing upon leaving, actually.

Those monastic places stand as that testament demonstrating the pasts in this, like your fascinating location offering very many perfect, silent chances which offer awesome spots for photography opportunities. That building displays itself on higher ground looking over towards that bay and does, honestly, demand some stop!.

Food and Drink on the Cruise

Lunch on that cruise was so simple but really quite tasty! It wasn’t that gourmet experience, yet something that’s more akin to good cooking in that place. As previously said those chicken and fish solutions come accompanied through bread including salad.

That included beer, soft drinks and drinking that flow offered, you get to keep, you understand, properly hydrated as that, honestly, scorching Adriatic weather beats along you throughout that sun, anyway. I came upon drinking options becoming of extremely importance once getting towards those last destinations when conversation really opens whilst tourists mix at ease having become acquaintances!.

Was the Dubrovnik 3 Island Cruise Worth It? – Our Verdict

For me, the Dubrovnik 3 Island Cruise gets, to be honest, that solid thumbs-up, of course. Is this some properly outstanding adventure?. Possibly that response could alter given your individual preferences and, therefore, expectations, definitely.

If, basically, your seeking one simple method seeing various islands within some sole trip with lots of relaxing, food options plus beverages then, of course, is the choice to select!. Remember do that choice whilst getting, you know, all those pluses with various drawbacks, as well though! Remember that this boat may often feel overloaded given its popularity throughout peak months!, right? I recommend being aware!, just to be safe!.

Some Extra Information, for example

The operation usually lasts 8-9 hours with sailing from 09:00 returning some 17:00 – 18:00 local instance, right?. Don’t think that precise timeline is fixed always because that will rely very much on varying things from climatic things towards time spent upon that spot. Be aware!

That tour happens on a daily basis over summer months, clearly. Be that as it may tours may go only some days weekly in April / May perhaps and maybe in September/ October at very most, as a matter of fact. And therefore plan what best fit schedule-wise with other expeditions.

Things to Bring

Consider sun-protecting cream!. Take that swimsuit, to be honest. And, basically, definitely wear sunglasses and grab any towel besides those head-covering hats offering greatest guarding towards heat given, that honestly strong Adriatic beams.

Also I commend taking various kuna within some instance as vendors may offer that preference despite widespread usage regarding euros, or basically those bank cards. In reality one charged GoPro action footage camera together some capacity would seem very useful besides enabling getting gorgeous footage within many snorkeling escapades. You might then bring any waterproof satchel also so keeping anything electronically secure plus dry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)