The port of Dubrovnik (Gruž) is situated at the base of a bay on the other side of Lapad, requiring a 5 kilometres (3 miles) journey by boat to the island.

The sea moderates the air temperature considerably keeping the average monthly daytime highs above 10 °C (50 °F) in the winter time and below 27 °C (81 °F) in the summer.

Clear waters surrounding the island range from deep blue to turquoise aqua.

The island has seven pre-Romanesque churches dating back to the times of Croatian kings, from the 9th to the 11th century.

A non-directional beacon used for landing at Dubrovnik Čilipi airport is located on Koločep Island.