Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach small group Speed boat Tour

Swim into glowing caves near Dubrovnik. This four-hour speedboat trip combines several coastal swim stops with time on sandy Šunj Beach, making it a lively half-day escape from the Old Town. I especially like the view of Dubrovnik’s walls from the sea and the chance to reach the Blue Cave without spending hours on a larger excursion boat.

The tour also earns points for its small-group limit of 18 people, included snorkel gear, pool noodles, water, soft drinks and local alcoholic drinks. The main catch is simple: you must swim from the boat to reach the Blue Cave, and rough seas can force the captain to alter the route.

The $84.65 price is fair if you want transport, drinks, equipment and several stops in one package. Just keep your expectations practical. The caves can become crowded, the ride may be rough, and the beach stop may feel long if you want more cave time.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Cave requires a swim: The speedboat anchors about 20 metres away because the entrance is too narrow for the boat.
• Šunj Beach gets the longest stop: You have about one hour there, though some outings have spent closer to two hours at the beach.
• Drinks are included: Expect bottled water, soft drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.
• The caves are weather dependent: Choppy water may make swimming unsafe or lead to substituted stops.
• Captain quality matters: Guides such as Ivan, Marco, Luca, Leo, Mario and Dora have received especially warm praise for being friendly and careful.
• The ride can be lively: Speedboats are fun in calm water, but uncomfortable in strong wind or large swells.

Leaving Dubrovnik with a view of the walls

The trip begins with a fine coastal orientation. As the boat leaves Dubrovnik, you look back toward the Old Town walls from the water, a viewpoint you cannot get from the crowded lanes inside the city. The skipper also points out local legends and facts while the boat passes below Lovrijenac Fortress.

Lovrijenac sits on a steep cliff about 37 metres above the Adriatic. From sea level, its position makes immediate sense: this was a fortress built to guard the western approach to Dubrovnik. You do not get a long visit here, but the pass-by gives the opening minutes a bit of context rather than sending you straight to the first swim.

The meeting area is at a pier near the Old Town, though it can be slightly confusing because several boats may load and unload at the same time. Give yourself enough time to identify the correct crew and boat. Once aboard, the small-group format feels more personal than a large sightseeing cruise, though the maximum capacity is still 18 people.

The boat has some covered space, which helps when the sun is strong. You may also find seating at the front on some boats, but the exact setup can vary. Music has been part of some outings, and one captain played it loudly throughout the ride. If you prefer a quiet trip, this is worth keeping in mind.

Swimming into the Blue Cave near Koločep

The Blue Cave is the visual prize of the trip. Natural light enters through the cave opening and reflects through the water, creating a blue glow that is strongest when the sea and sun cooperate. The effect is short-lived but memorable, especially when you are floating just outside the dark rock entrance.

There is one important detail to understand before you book: the boat cannot enter the cave. It anchors roughly 20 metres away, and you swim to the entrance. The opening is too small for the speedboat. The crew provides masks, breathing tubes and foam noodles, but you are responsible for getting from the boat to the cave and back.

This is not a boat tour where you sit inside each cave. You need to be comfortable in open water and able to manage the short swim. The entrance may require you to duck under or around the rock, depending on the water and the exact route. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a noodle and tell the crew before entering the water.

You get around 40 minutes at this stop, although the actual time in the cave depends on crowding and sea conditions. The Blue Cave is popular, so several boats may gather nearby. That can make the water feel less peaceful and may reduce the time available for a quiet look.

Still, this is usually the most striking stop. The blue color is not a painted effect or artificial light. It comes from the way sunlight reaches the water, which explains why the appearance changes with the weather and the position of the sun.

Exploring the Green Caves and narrow passages

The next stop includes two Green Caves and a canyon-style cave formed between rocky cliffs. Sunlight creates an emerald tone in parts of the water, though the effect is less consistent than the Blue Cave’s glow. The exact cave visited may change if another boat has occupied the preferred spot.

That flexibility is useful for crowd control, but it can also disappoint if you have a particular cave in mind. One outing used a different Green Cave because the main site was busy. The alternate site still offered swimming, but it did not match the expected view as closely.

The Canyon Cave is more active than scenic. You may swim along a narrow natural passage, and some sections require you to pass under rocks to reach another opening. The crew stays on the boat at the cave stops, so you receive instructions and then explore on your own. That gives you freedom, but it also means you should not expect a guided swim through every passage.

The supplied masks are basic but useful for looking beneath the surface. The pool noodles are a thoughtful addition, particularly when the water is moving or you want to float without working constantly. Bring your own towel, since beach towels are not included.

Cold water can shorten the enjoyment, especially for children. On cooler or windy days, some people have spent only a short time swimming. If you are visiting outside the hottest summer period, a light cover-up for the boat ride back may be useful, though no special clothing is specified as part of the tour.

One relaxed hour at Šunj Beach

Šunj Beach on Lopud Island changes the pace completely. After the boat rides and cave swims, you get about an hour to lie on the pale sand, swim from shore or have something to eat and drink. The water stays shallow for roughly 100 metres from the beach, making this the easiest stop for children and less confident swimmers.

That shallow seabed is also why Šunj works well as the final stop. You do not need to leap straight into deep water from a boat. You can take your time, wade in and enjoy a proper beach swim.

The beach is not a major resort centre. There is a small selection of places to buy food and drinks, including a waterfront bar or restaurant, and some people have enjoyed fries and beer there. Beach chairs cost extra, and lunch is not included. The sand and water are the main attractions, so do not expect a full afternoon of shopping or sightseeing.

The amount of time here is worth considering. The stated stop is one hour, but some departures have spent about two hours at the beach. One four-star assessment found this too long because there was little to do beyond the beach and a small bar. If you would rather visit more caves than lounge on sand, ask the crew how the time is planned that day.

Some visitors have also found the beach less clean than expected. Conditions can change, but it is sensible to see Šunj as a pleasant swimming stop rather than a flawless postcard beach.

Drinks, equipment and the real value of $84.65

At $84.65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the islands around Dubrovnik. The value comes from combining several costs and activities into one half-day: speedboat transport, cave access by water, snorkel equipment, pool noodles, drinks and a beach stop.

The included drinks are more generous than a basic bottle of water. You can expect bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa. The exact selection may vary by boat. One outing had beer as the only alcoholic option, so you should not assume every drink listed will always be available in equal amounts.

Lunch is not included. You may buy food at Šunj, but bring a payment method suitable for a beach stop and remember that chair rental costs extra. Beach towels are also excluded. Pack one from your accommodation if possible.

The strongest value is the small-group setup. With up to 18 people, boarding and getting into the water should be simpler than on a large boat. The boat still may feel full at maximum capacity, but it is a better fit for people who want a social trip without a huge crowd.

What rough water can change

This is a sea excursion, not a fixed land tour. Weather affects both comfort and the route. On calm days, the speedboat ride feels exciting and the stops work as planned. On windy days, the hull can hit the water hard, and the ride may be painful for anyone with back problems or motion sensitivity.

The most serious complaint involved a subcontracted boat operating in very rough conditions. A passenger needed a life jacket, another person was thrown onto the boat floor, and the group eventually demanded a return to shore. A full refund was issued, but the incident is a reminder to treat sea conditions seriously.

Most safety-related feedback is more positive. Captains have slowed or substituted sites when conditions made swimming unsafe. One cooler-weather outing could not use the Green Cave and was given an alternative stop instead. Another departure was fully refunded after rough seas prevented the advertised cave route.

Ask about the weather before departure if conditions look poor. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. You should not feel obliged to continue if the sea becomes unsafe. A fast boat is enjoyable only when the captain uses good judgment.

The captains can shape the whole day

The boat, water and caves matter, but the skipper sets the tone. Ivan has been praised for being funny, friendly and attentive, including frequent drink service. Marco is a strong choice if you value a warm personality and clear help around the caves. Luca has received praise for professionalism, while Leo has been described as friendly, dependable and careful.

Dora and Mario have also been praised as a good team, with polite explanations and help getting into and out of the caves. Other positive comments single out Tony and Karuzo for making the trip feel safe and enjoyable.

You should not assume a specific captain will operate your departure unless the company confirms it. The names are useful because they show what good service looks like here: clear instructions, attention to safety, help with the water entry and a relaxed approach to questions.

The opposite is also true. A poor captain can ruin a short trip quickly, particularly when the sea is rough. Pay attention to the safety briefing, ask for a life jacket if you want one and speak up if the ride feels unsafe.

Who will enjoy this half-day trip

I would choose this outing if you want a mix of scenery, swimming and an easy beach break without committing to a full-day island cruise. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors and small groups who like an active outing with drinks included.

It is less suitable if you cannot swim, dislike speedboats or want a quiet, carefully paced sightseeing tour. The caves are reached from the water, and the guides do not accompany you through every passage. Families with young children may appreciate Šunj’s shallow water but should still judge the open-water swim to the Blue Cave carefully.

The tour also works well when you have limited time in Dubrovnik. Four hours is long enough to see several coastal sites but short enough to leave most of the day for the Old Town. Morning and afternoon departures give you some control over your schedule.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Lopud tour?

Book it if you want a lively water outing with several different stops, included drinks and a final sandy beach. The Blue Cave is worth seeing, and the view back toward Dubrovnik’s walls gives the trip a strong start. The small-group format and helpful captains add real value.

Before paying, make sure you understand the swimming requirement. The boat does not enter the Blue Cave, the caves may be crowded, and the route can change in poor weather. If you are comfortable in the water and accept those limits, this is a good-value half-day around Dubrovnik. If you need guaranteed cave access from inside the boat, choose a different type of excursion.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Green Cave and Lopud Beach tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $84.65 per person.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour departs from Dubrovnik and visits the Blue Cave, Green Caves, a canyon-style cave and Šunj Beach on Lopud Island.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The entrance is too small, so the boat anchors about 20 metres away and you swim to the cave.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are provided, along with pool noodles for anyone who wants extra flotation.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks can include bottled water, soft drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though food may be available to buy at Šunj Beach.

Are beach towels provided?

No. Beach towels are not included.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 18 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The route may also be adjusted if the sea is too rough for safe swimming.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.