Dubrovnik: 6 hours Blue cave & Elaphiti with optional lunch

The most memorable part of this six-hour boat trip is the Blue Cave, reached by swimming from the boat. You get time to snorkel, float in the cool water, and see the cave from inside rather than simply photographing it from offshore.

I like the mix of stops: quiet Koločep gives you a short island walk, while Lopud offers two full hours for Šunj Beach and village exploring. I also like the small-group limit of 25 and the open bar of wine, soda, water, and rakija. The main consideration is that the Blue Cave requires you to swim, and the optional lunch costs an extra €20 in cash.

Key points at a glance

• Swim into the Blue Cave: You need to enter the cave from the water, and snorkeling masks are supplied.
• Two very different islands: Koločep is the short, peaceful stop, while Lopud gives you the longest break and access to sandy Šunj Beach.
• Small boat group: The advertised maximum is 25 people, though the actual number can be smaller.
• Drinks are included: Wine, soda, water, and rakija are available throughout the cruise.
• Lunch is optional: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, then pay €20 cash on the boat.
• Easy Dubrovnik departure: Meet beside the TP LINE ferry at Gruž New Port, or arrange hotel pickup for €5 cash.

A six-hour route through Dubrovnik’s island chain

This tour is a good way to see more of the Adriatic without planning several separate ferry trips. You leave from Dubrovnik’s Gruž harbor, cruise through the Elaphiti Islands, stop at Koločep, swim at the Blue Cave, and finish with a longer break on Lopud before returning to the city.

The timing gives you a pleasant balance of boat travel and free time ashore. You are not rushed from one attraction to the next, but this is still a compact outing. The island stops are measured in minutes, not hours, so you should think of the experience as a scenic boat day with short island visits rather than a thorough tour of each island.

The group size can reach 25 people. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large excursion boat, but it is not a private cruise unless the booking happens to be unusually quiet. One booking reportedly became a private trip because only that group joined, but you should treat that as a lucky possibility, not a promise.

Leaving from Gruž New Port

The meeting point is beside the TP LINE ferry at Dubrovnik’s New Port in Gruž. Look for the boat named LORENA or KATE. The tour also offers hotel pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik area for an additional €5, paid in cash on the spot.

Give yourself enough time to find the correct dock. Gruž is Dubrovnik’s working harbor, not the Old Town waterfront, and the ferry area can be busy with different boats and departures. If you arrange pickup, the operator contacts you the day before to confirm your hotel.

Once aboard, the cruise begins with views of the Elaphiti Islands and welcome refreshments. The scenic sailing sections are part of the experience, not just transportation between stops. Wine, soda, water, and rakija are available, so you can settle into the ride without buying every drink separately.

One practical point: information from the onboard speaker may not always be easy to hear while the boat is moving. A previous passenger found the guide’s commentary clearer when the boat stopped, and noted that Mario, introduced as Super Mario, turned up the volume later in the trip. If you want the history or geography explained, sit where you can hear the guide and do not hesitate to ask for details.

Koločep gives you a quiet first stop

The first main island stop is Koločep, with about 45 minutes to explore. This is a short visit, but it helps break up the boat ride and gives you a first taste of the Elaphiti Islands.

Koločep is known for pine-covered scenery, quiet paths, and small beaches. You can walk, take photos, swim, or simply sit near the water. The stop is flexible enough for different travel styles, although 45 minutes is not long enough for an ambitious walk.

I would use this time to get your bearings rather than chase a distant viewpoint. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk, but also bring beachwear because swimming is part of the stop. You may prefer to save your main swim for the Blue Cave, particularly if you want to keep dry before boarding again.

The appeal of Koločep is its calm pace. There is no long list of sights to check off. You get a small island pause, some fresh air, and a chance to see how different the quieter Elaphiti Islands feel from central Dubrovnik.

The Blue Cave requires a swim

The Blue Cave stop lasts about 45 minutes and is the most unusual part of the trip. The boat cannot simply take you inside. You must swim from the boat into the cave, so bring a swimsuit and be comfortable entering the water.

Snorkeling masks are provided, and life jackets are included. The clear water makes this a good place to look below the surface, though the experience depends on sea conditions, your swimming comfort, and how busy the stop is.

This is not the right excursion if you want to stay completely dry or avoid getting into open water. The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users, and the cave’s swimming access is an important reason. If you are unsure about your swimming ability, ask the crew about the available safety equipment before entering the water.

You get 45 minutes here, which allows time to swim to the cave, look around, snorkel, and return to the boat. It is enough for a focused stop, but not a long beach break. Keep your belongings organized onboard, and bring only what you need to the water.

The Blue Cave works best as a shared adventure rather than a formal sightseeing visit. You will not spend a long time listening to an explanation. Instead, you see the cave by entering it yourself, then return to the boat for the next scenic cruise.

Lopud is the day’s main island stop

Lopud receives the longest break, with two hours of free time. This is where the tour changes from boat excursion to beach afternoon.

Lopud is known for sandy beaches, and the main draw is Šunj Beach. You can spend the time swimming and sunbathing, walk through the village, browse for a few items, or simply enjoy being on land after several hours at sea.

Two hours gives you enough room to choose your own pace. You can head toward the beach and still have time to return, or stay closer to the village and explore without worrying about a quick turnaround. The exact pace will depend on how you spend the stop, so keep an eye on the meeting time.

The sandy beach is a useful contrast to the rocky coastline found in many Adriatic spots. If you value a proper beach break more than sightseeing, Lopud is likely to be the strongest part of the route. If you prefer historic buildings or guided tours, the free time may feel less structured than you expect.

There is also time for a swim or snorkel at Lopud, along with shopping and a walk. The tour does not promise a private beach area or a guided village visit, so you should plan to explore independently.

Drinks and the optional €20 lunch

The price is $57 per person, which is reasonable for a six-hour small-group boat trip that includes the cruise, snorkeling masks, life jackets, and unlimited drinks. You are also paying for access to three distinct stops, not just a short coastal ride.

The included drinks improve the value, especially on a warm day. Wine, soda, water, and rakija are available onboard. Water is the sensible choice before swimming, while the alcoholic drinks are better saved for the cruising sections and after you are back from the water.

Lunch is not included in the advertised price. You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal for €20, paid in cash on the boat. The crew contacts you the day before to confirm your choice, so decide in advance if you want the meal.

I like that lunch remains optional. You can avoid the extra cost if you prefer to eat later in Dubrovnik or bring your own plan, though the information provided does not state that outside food is supplied or arranged. If you choose lunch, carry the required cash and tell the operator your preference when contacted.

You should also carry cash for the €5 hotel pickup and drop-off fee if you use that service. The lunch payment is specifically stated as cash on the boat. One passenger noted being able to pay by card, but the official instructions still tell you to bring cash, so cash is the safer choice.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack for both a beach stop and a boat ride. The basic list is simple:

• Beachwear and a towel
• Comfortable shoes
• Cash for lunch or pickup
• Sun protection and personal water
• A small dry bag or waterproof pouch for valuables

The supplied snorkeling masks and life jackets reduce the amount of equipment you need to carry. You should still bring your own mask if fit and comfort matter to you, but that is not required by the tour.

Comfortable shoes are useful on Koločep and Lopud, especially if you plan to walk away from the waterfront. Beachwear matters most at the Blue Cave because swimming is the only way to enter.

Weather and sea conditions can affect how pleasant the ride feels. The schedule includes open-water cruising, several swims, and time outside, so this is best for you if you enjoy being exposed to the sun and sea for much of the day.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

This outing suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want a simple day on the water. The combination of included drinks, three island stops, and a small group keeps the day social without making it feel like a large party boat.

It is especially useful if you have limited time in Dubrovnik. In six hours, you see Koločep, the Blue Cave, and Lopud without arranging separate transport. The hotel pickup option also helps if reaching Gruž is inconvenient, although it adds a small fee.

Families should consider the swimming requirement at the Blue Cave. Children and adults need to be comfortable in the water, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. If one person in your group does not swim, that person may need to remain on the boat during the cave stop.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a full guided tour of island culture or a quiet private experience guaranteed from the start. The focus is swimming, scenery, drinks, and free time. Commentary is available in English, but it may not be continuous or easy to hear while cruising.

Booking and cancellation details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Dubrovnik schedule is still shifting.

Check the available start times before booking because the tour lasts six hours and returns to the same meeting point at Gruž. The operator contacts you the day before to confirm pickup details and your lunch choice.

The tour is operated in English. At the dock, confirm that you are boarding LORENA or KATE and that the boat is beside the TP LINE ferry. Those details matter because Gruž has several boats and ferry movements.

Should you book the Elaphiti Islands tour?

Book this tour if you want a well-priced island day with swimming, a sandy beach, and drinks included. The Blue Cave gives the trip its most distinctive moment, while Lopud provides enough free time to make the day feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Think twice if you do not swim, dislike open-water boats, or want a fully guided cultural tour. Also budget the extra €20 for lunch and €5 for hotel pickup if you choose those options.

For most visitors with one free day in Dubrovnik, the combination is appealing: a short stop on peaceful Koločep, a swim into the Blue Cave, and two hours on Lopud. Bring cash, wear your swimsuit, and listen for the meeting time. If the group is small, you may even get the friendly, personal feel of a private cruise.

FAQ

How long does the Elaphiti Islands tour last?

The tour lasts six hours, including the cruise from Dubrovnik, the island stops, the Blue Cave visit, and the return to Gruž New Port.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at Dubrovnik’s New Port in Gruž, beside the TP LINE ferry. The boat is named LORENA or KATE.

Can I get picked up from my hotel?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in the Dubrovnik area for an additional €5, paid in cash on the spot.

Do I need to swim to enter the Blue Cave?

Yes. The Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming, so bring beachwear and be comfortable entering the water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and life jackets are included.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. Lunch is optional and costs €20. You can choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, with payment made in cash on the boat.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited wine, soda, water, and rakija are included onboard.