Dubrovnik: Morning Blue Cave speedboat tour with drinks

The sea is Dubrovnik’s best shortcut. This five-hour speedboat trip gets you away from the Old Town quickly, with a fine view of the city walls from the water before reaching Koločep Island. I like the mix of cave swimming and snorkeling and the relaxed two-hour stop at sandy Šunj Beach. Drinks, snorkeling gear, a guide, and an instructor are included, which makes the $82 price easier to justify.

I also like the small-group feel described by the operator and the friendly service from guides such as Dorian, Oliver, Zoran, Mario, and captain Mario. The main consideration is that this is an active outing, not a gentle sightseeing cruise. You will spend much of the day in the water or on a fast boat, and the ride is not suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Cave on Koločep: Reach the cave in about 20 to 25 minutes, then swim or snorkel near the entrance with equipment provided.
• Three colored caves nearby: Allow about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and cave exploring around Koločep.
• Šunj Beach gets the longest stop: You have roughly two hours for sandy shallows, lunch, drinks, swimming, and a walk.
• Fast views of Dubrovnik: The speedboat reaches up to about 40 mph and gives you a fresh view of the Old Town walls.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are available during the outing.
• Lokrum is the final splash: The boat pauses for about 15 minutes near the island for swimming, photos, and, on some trips, rock jumping.

Starting near Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor

The meeting point is at Ribarnica ul. 1, by the yellow Sea Safari sign marked Vagabundo. That location is close to the Old Town harbor, so it works well if you are staying inside or near the historic center.

The morning start matters. You get cooler hours for the boat ride and reach the caves before the day feels too hot. The exact departure time depends on availability, so check the schedule when booking. This is a five-hour activity, which leaves you most of the afternoon and evening free for Dubrovnik.

The boat ride itself is part of the sightseeing. Instead of looking up at the city walls from crowded streets, you see their full seaside profile. The route also passes the newer part of Dubrovnik, giving you a useful sense of how the old fortified city fits into the modern town.

The boat can travel up to about 40 mph. That speed cuts down transfer time, but it also means a brisk, open-water ride. Bring sunglasses and a hat, and keep your belongings secure. A dry bag is a smart extra, especially if you plan to take a phone or camera near the caves. One particularly useful tip from the supplied feedback was to bring a GoPro if you own one.

The Blue Cave on Koločep Island

The Blue Cave is the first major stop, reached in roughly 20 to 25 minutes from the harbor. Its color comes from sunlight entering through an opening in the rock and reflecting through the seawater. The effect is strongest inside the cave, where the water takes on a cool blue glow.

Your captain brings the boat close to the entrance, so you do not have to swim a long distance before reaching the cave. That is helpful for children and for anyone who is comfortable in the water but not a strong swimmer. Still, you need to be able to get into the sea and swim or snorkel, since the cave is experienced from the water.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. You can expect time for photos, a guided look at the cave, swimming, and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment and an instructor are included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

I would treat the Blue Cave as a short, focused stop rather than a place for a long swim. The attraction is the changing light and the close view of the rock, not a big beach or a long shore visit. Water conditions and the number of boats in the area may affect how calm the experience feels.

Three Green Caves and an hour in the water

A short speedboat ride, around 10 minutes, brings you to three smaller colored caves on Koločep. Each has different shapes and marks formed by sea movement, warm weather, and erosion of the stone. This part feels more exploratory than the Blue Cave because you move among several openings instead of focusing on one famous chamber.

You have about an hour here for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and a guided look around. The water is a major part of the appeal. Several people who enjoyed this trip particularly liked seeing fish while snorkeling near the caves, and the crew sometimes adds rock jumping for those eager for more excitement.

The activity level is easy to adjust. You can swim and look around at a relaxed pace, or make the stop more energetic with repeated swims and jumps. Do not assume you must jump. If you prefer to stay in the water without the adrenaline, the caves still provide plenty to see.

The names used for these stops can be a little confusing. The schedule describes three Green Caves, while one account of the outing visited two of the three. That may reflect sea conditions, timing, or the guide’s choice on the day. If seeing every cave matters to you, ask the guide at the start.

Šunj Beach gives you time to slow down

After the cave stops, the boat heads to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is the longest pause, about two hours, and it changes the rhythm of the trip. After fast rides and short swims, you have time to dry off, eat, walk, or simply sit by the water.

Šunj is known for its sandy shallows that extend well out from shore. That makes it a better choice for easy wading and casual water games than many of the rocky beaches around Dubrovnik. Families may appreciate the gradual entry, while younger visitors can use the shallow water for ball games.

Pine trees line the beach, creating a pleasant contrast with the open sea. Two restaurants provide places for a drink or meal, but lunch is not included in the tour price. Keep that in mind when comparing the $82 cost. The tour includes drinks, but food at the beach is an extra purchase.

The beach stop is also where you get the most freedom. You are not being moved along every half hour. You can swim, snorkel, take a walk, order a cocktail or coffee, or find a place to sit under an umbrella. The available feedback describes chairs and umbrellas without an extra charge on at least one visit, but I would still confirm current beach arrangements when you arrive.

Lopud is inhabited, and the information provided says electric vehicles can take you across the island to the other side. That is an optional idea for people who want more than the beach, although two hours may not leave much time for a long excursion. For most people, the best use of this stop is to enjoy the sand and water without rushing.

A quick swim near Lokrum Island

The return route includes a short stop near Lokrum, just outside Dubrovnik. The scheduled pause is about 15 minutes for photos and swimming, so think of it as a final splash rather than a full island visit.

Some outings include rock jumping at Lokrum, and several people singled it out as a fun adrenaline hit. Conditions and the guide’s plan determine what happens, so ask before jumping and follow the crew’s instructions. You can also simply swim or take photos from the boat.

Lokrum is a useful final stop because it keeps the return interesting. You are not just heading straight back to the harbor after the beach. The island also gives you one more view of Dubrovnik from the water before the tour turns toward the Old Town.

The return ride and the included drinks

The final boat ride takes around 15 minutes to the harbor, with a scenic view of the Old Town along the way. The listed plan includes wine at the end, while bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are included during the outing.

That drink service adds real value, especially on a hot morning with repeated swimming stops. You should still pace yourself. Alcohol and a fast boat in strong sun are not an ideal combination, particularly if you plan to snorkel or take part in rock jumping.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive and welcoming. Oliver is described as polite and careful about checking that everything was going well. Zoran and Mario are noted for keeping people supplied with water and other drinks. Dorian is praised for guiding the group through the caves and arranging the stops, while another captain named Mario helped create a fun atmosphere on the return ride.

The guide’s manner matters here. Cave swimming can feel uncertain if you do not know where to go, and a good instructor makes the water activities easier to manage. The included English-speaking guide and instructor are useful for both safety and enjoyment.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the islands, but it packs several separate experiences into five hours. You get boat transport from Dubrovnik, the coastal views, Koločep’s Blue Cave, the smaller Green Caves, Šunj Beach, Lokrum, snorkeling equipment, an instructor, and drinks.

The value is strongest if you want an active half-day and would otherwise need to arrange several boat transfers yourself. The speedboat also means less time spent getting from one place to the next. You are paying for access and convenience as much as for the sights.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach day. Šunj Beach is the only stop with a long stretch of free time, and lunch is not included. You also need to be comfortable with a quick pace and repeated transfers.

A high rating of 4.9 from 39 recorded ratings, along with a 94 percent perfect score for transport, points to a consistently strong experience. The most praised elements are the friendly crew, the Blue and Green Caves, the variety of stops, the small-group atmosphere, and the mix of swimming and rock jumping.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would choose this for couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who want a social half-day away from Dubrovnik. It works especially well if you like switching between activities instead of spending the whole day in one place.

You should be comfortable boarding a speedboat, sitting through a fast ride, swimming, and climbing in and out of the sea. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A dry bag and waterproof camera are sensible additions, but they are not listed as included equipment.

Children may benefit from the boat stopping close to the Blue Cave entrance, though every child must be comfortable in open water. The snorkeling instructor can help, but the activity still depends on swimming ability.

The tour is less suited to anyone seeking a detailed visit to Lokrum or Lopud. You see both islands from the boat and spend time in selected areas, but this is not an island history tour. Its focus is water, caves, sand, and speed.

Practical booking details

The tour operates in English and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Dubrovnik plans may shift.

Meet by the yellow Sea Safari sign at Ribarnica ul. 1. Arrive ready for the water, since the first cave stop comes soon after departure. Keep your towel and dry clothes easy to reach, and avoid bringing anything you cannot afford to get wet.

Should you book the Blue Cave speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a busy, active half-day on the water rather than a slow cruise. The best parts are the glowing Blue Cave, the more playful Green Cave stop, the sandy shallows of Šunj, and the crew’s friendly care. You also get a good coastal view of Dubrovnik without committing to a full-day island trip.

Skip it if you dislike speedboats, cannot swim, have back problems, or want a quiet beach day with no fixed schedule. For everyone else, $82 is a reasonable price for four distinct stops, gear, guiding, and drinks, especially when the morning timing leaves the rest of the day open.

FAQ

How long does the Dubrovnik Blue Cave tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the boat rides, cave stops, Šunj Beach, Lokrum, and the return to the Old Town harbor.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Ribarnica ul. 1, by the yellow Sea Safari sign marked Vagabundo.

What languages are available?

The tour is conducted in English with a live English-speaking guide.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and an instructor are included in the tour.

Which drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

Is lunch included at Šunj Beach?

No. The beach has two restaurants where you can buy lunch, drinks, coffee, or cocktails, but food is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. A dry bag or waterproof camera can also be useful, although they are not included.