BLUE CAVE&GREEN CAVES /ŠUNJ beach Speedboat tour- WITH DRINKS

Dubrovnik’s best swimming spots are offshore, and this four-hour speedboat trip gets you to three of them without the fuss of arranging island transport. The Blue Cave and Green Caves on Kolocep provide the main spectacle, while Šunj Beach gives you time to dry off, eat, and relax.

I like the early 8:30 departure, offered from June 1 through September 15, because it is designed to reach the caves before the larger crowds. I also like the practical extras: snorkel masks, life jackets, pool noodles, and drinks are supplied, so you can travel light.

The main compromise is time. The cave visits are fairly short, and the beach receives about 90 minutes. If you care more about exploring caves than lounging on sand, ask the crew if you can trade some beach time for longer at Kolocep. Also, the ride can feel rough if the sea turns choppy.

Key points to know

• Blue Cave on Kolocep: Sunlight passing through the water creates the famous blue glow, best seen from inside the cave.
• Green Caves for swimming: The second stop offers clear water, underwater passages, and places where confident swimmers can jump from rocks.
• Šunj Beach break: You get about 90 minutes at Lopud’s broad sandy beach, with beach bars and a hillside restaurant.
• Early departure matters: The 8:30 morning option is intended to avoid the busiest cave traffic in summer.
• Shared speedboat setup: This is a group tour, with up to 30 people per booking, rather than a private charter for one party.
• Good value at $77.43: The fee covers the boat, driver-guide, fuel, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and listed drinks, but not lunch.

Why the caves are the real reason to go

The Elafiti Islands sit just off Dubrovnik, and the short boat ride gives you a change of pace from the stone streets and packed waterfront. Instead of spending the day on one organized beach, you get two very different cave stops followed by a longer pause on Lopud.

The Blue Cave is on the south side of Kolocep. Its color comes from sunlight entering the cave, passing through the sea, and reflecting off the sandy bottom. The effect changes with the light and the water, so it is not a painted blue room or a fixed attraction. It is a brief natural display that works best when you are inside the opening and looking back through the water.

The Green Caves have a different character. Their water appears blue-green, and the rock formation creates small passages beneath the surface. You can swim and snorkel around the cave area, and there are spots for jumping from the rocks.

I would treat these as swimming stops with scenery, not long guided cave tours. The boat generally allows about 30 to 35 minutes at each location. That is enough to get in, look around, use the mask, and take in the setting, but it passes quickly if you are waiting your turn or helping children with equipment.

Meeting at Dubrovnik’s West Harbour

The meeting point is at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in the small marina. Your mobile ticket is accepted, and the tour returns to the same place.

Allow enough time to find the pier. The meeting point is in the Lapad area and near public transportation, but the exact boarding spot is a pier rather than a large terminal with obvious signs. The listed start point includes about 30 minutes before the boat portion of the day, so arrive ready to board rather than assuming you can stroll up at the last second.

The boat trip is shared. The stated maximum is 30 people per booking, though some departures may feel smaller, with families or groups paired together. A speedboat makes the island connections quickly, but it also means less room to spread out than on a large sightseeing vessel.

You will receive life jackets for children and adults. Masks and other swimming equipment are provided, and some departures have pool noodles for extra comfort in the water. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and dry clothing. Lunch is not included.

Kolocep’s Blue Cave and Green Caves

After leaving the harbor, the first island stop is Kolocep. The two cave visits are treated as separate stops, though they are close enough to form one swimming section of the tour.

At the Blue Cave, the boat gets you near the opening, and you enter the water to see the color from inside. The attraction is visual, but the swim is part of the fun. If you dislike confined spaces, the cave may feel tight, especially when several boats arrive at once. You do not need to go far inside to appreciate it, but the best view requires some comfort in a narrow water passage.

The Green Caves are better for active swimmers. You can use the mask to look below the surface and explore the underwater passages. The clear water makes this stop more than a quick photo opportunity, though you should be honest about your swimming ability before attempting any rock jump or passage.

The crew provides safety equipment, but you remain responsible for choosing what feels comfortable. Life jackets are available, and the water access is suited to people who want to swim rather than simply remain on the boat.

The biggest practical tip is to take the morning departure when you can. From June 1 through September 15, the 8:30 option is specifically set up to reach the caves before larger groups. That matters here. A cave feels special when you can look around without a line of swimmers and several boats crowding the entrance.

Guides named in the tour feedback include Pavo, Maro, Jacob, and Anthony. Their role varies by departure, but the experience is built around a captain who explains the route, helps organize the stops, and keeps the group moving. Pavo is particularly associated with clear explanations and an easygoing manner, while Maro is praised for being attentive and friendly. Do not expect a long historical lecture. The appeal is the water, the caves, and the time outside.

Šunj Beach gives you a slower hour and a half

After Kolocep, the boat heads to Lopud and Šunj Beach. This is one of the few notably sandy beaches near Dubrovnik, and its shallow lagoon is warmer and easier for relaxed swimming than the rocky cave stops.

You get about 90 minutes here. That is enough time for a swim, a walk along the sand, a drink, or an early meal, but not enough for a full beach day. The beach is attractive, though the cave section is likely to feel more distinctive if you have limited time in the region.

A bar in the wooded area offers a place to cool down, and a hillside bar has views over the beach. There is also a restaurant farther up the steps, which can work well if your group wants something more substantial. Food is not part of the tour price, so budget separately for lunch or drinks bought on shore.

This is where the itinerary can be adjusted in spirit, even if not formally guaranteed. If your priority is swimming in the caves, ask the captain about spending less time at Šunj. Several departures have allowed that sort of preference, but the final decision depends on the group, sea conditions, and schedule.

Families may appreciate the beach because the shallow water is easier for younger swimmers than the cave passages. Adults who want a quiet drink will appreciate the hillside setting. If you dislike beach stops with bars and restaurants, you may find this portion less memorable than Kolocep.

What is included for $77.43

At $77.43 per person, this sits in the reasonable range for a half-day boat outing from Dubrovnik. The value comes from combining three island locations in one trip, with the boat, fuel, driver-guide, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and listed drinks included.

The cost makes more sense if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Kolocep and Lopud. You are paying for the speedboat and the convenience of reaching several swimming spots in a single morning or afternoon.

The drinks include beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcoholic drinks are only for adults aged 18 and older. The wording suggests drinks are available during the trip, but I would not treat this as an unlimited open bar. One departure provided only a single drink, so bring water if you know you will need more than the basic supply.

Lunch is not included. That is not a problem at Šunj, where you can buy food or drinks, but remember that shore purchases add to the day’s cost. Private transportation to the meeting point is also not included, although the marina is near public transportation.

Timing, sea conditions, and comfort

The advertised duration is approximately four hours, and most of the schedule is clear: two cave stops followed by around 90 minutes at Šunj. The boat may return a little early, so do not plan a tight connection immediately after the stated finish.

The speedboat is comfortable for a short island circuit, but comfort depends on the sea. On calm water, the fast ride is part of the pleasure. If the sea becomes choppy, you may get splashed and bounced around. One poor experience involved a driver returning too quickly in rougher conditions, leaving passengers frightened and soaked. That appears to be an exception among the supplied experiences, but it is a useful reminder to speak up if the ride feels too fast.

Children can participate, and life jackets are provided. The tour also works well for teenagers, especially those who enjoy snorkeling and jumping from rocks. Older adults who want a calm boat outing should consider the possibility of a bumpy ride and the need to get in and out of the water at cave stops.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The tour requires good weather. If conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Which guide and departure style suit you

You cannot usually choose your captain, but the named guides give you an idea of the tone. Pavo is associated with a relaxed, friendly approach and useful explanations. Maro is described as a gracious captain who pays attention to the group. Jacob is linked with getting to each stop before it becomes too busy, while Anthony is noted for explaining the route clearly.

The early morning trip is the best choice if you want quieter cave visits and cooler conditions. It begins at 8:30 from June 1 through September 15. An afternoon departure may suit a later start, but the caves can be busier and the beach may feel more crowded.

The group setup can be a plus. You may meet other English-speaking people and share the boat without paying for a private charter. It can also mean less control over how long you spend at each place. The boat holds a maximum of 30 people per booking, so ask about the expected group size if personal space matters to you.

Practical strengths and weak spots

Here is how I would weigh the experience before booking:

• Best feature: The Blue Cave and Green Caves provide two different water experiences in one short outing.
• Most useful inclusion: Masks, life jackets, pool noodles on some boats, fuel, and drinks save you from arranging the basics yourself.
• Best scheduling choice: The 8:30 morning departure is worth choosing in summer.
• Main weakness: Thirty to 35 minutes per cave can feel short, especially if you want to snorkel slowly.
• Most variable part: The speedboat ride depends on the weather and the captain’s pace.
• Beach consideration: Šunj is a pleasant place to rest, but some people will prefer more cave time.

The experience receives a 4.9 rating, with 99 percent of bookings recommended. That high score fits the strongest parts of the outing: the striking water, the friendly named captains, the simple organization, and the chance to combine swimming with a sandy beach.

Should you book this Dubrovnik boat trip?

Book it if you want a compact introduction to the Elafiti Islands and prefer swimming stops to a long sightseeing cruise. It is especially suitable for couples, families with older children, teenagers, and anyone who wants the Blue Cave without spending a full day on the water.

Choose the early 8:30 departure if you can. Bring a towel, sun protection, and extra water, and be ready to spend your cave time in the sea rather than watching from the boat. If you are a strong swimmer, ask about trading some Šunj time for longer at Kolocep.

Skip it if you need a private itinerary, dislike small cave passages, or want a slow, quiet cruise with a long meal. The schedule is active, the group is shared, and the cave visits are short. For most people looking for a four-hour break from Dubrovnik, though, the mix of glowing water, clear swimming spots, and sandy Šunj Beach offers solid value.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, at the last wooden pier in the small marina.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the same meeting point in Dubrovnik.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the morning tour start?

From June 1 through September 15, the morning tour starts at 8:30 AM. This schedule is intended to avoid larger groups at the caves.

Which places does the boat visit?

The tour visits the Blue Cave and Green Caves on Kolocep Island, followed by Šunj Beach on Lopud Island.

How long do you spend at the caves?

The boat stays at each cave location for about 30 to 35 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets for children and adults.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Listed drinks include beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcoholic drinks are only available to adults aged 18 and older.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.