The water turns electric in the caves. On this Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach speedboat tour from Dubrovnik, I love the Blue Cave swim where sunlight makes the sea glow, and I love the included snorkeling gear plus time at Lopud Šunj Beach for a real beach break. One thing to weigh: cave areas can get crowded and rough seas can shorten swim time and make the ride a bit bumpy.

You’re not stuck on a long slog inland—this is all about the coast. From the water, you get great views of the walled Old Town and the cliff-top Lovrijenac fortress (sitting high above the sea), with the skipper sharing legends and local facts while you cruise.

You’ll also appreciate the practical touches: small group size (max 18), morning or afternoon departures, and drinks included between swim stops. If you’re planning to snorkel and hop in and out often, just be honest with yourself about whether you’re comfortable swimming to reach the cave entrances—especially the Blue Cave.

Quick hits before you go

• Boat can’t enter the Blue Cave: you swim the last approach from about 20 meters out
• Snorkeling gear is included: mask and snorkel tube, plus pool noodles for floating
• Time is tight but varied: roughly 40 minutes in the Blue Cave, then cave-hopping, then 1 hour on Lopud
• Šunj Beach has a long shallow edge: the seabed drops gently for about 100 meters
• Drinks are part of the deal: local beer, red and white wine, grappa, plus soda/juice and water
• Caves can be busy: crowds are normal here, and the captain works around traffic when possible

Dubrovnik from the water: the walled-city intro sets the tone

This tour starts with a proper “arrive by sea” feel. As the speedboat heads along the coast, you’ll get panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls, and the skipper shares legends and facts tied to what you’re seeing from the water.

One stop you’ll hear about is Lovrijenac fortress, perched on a steep cliff about 37 meters above the Adriatic. It’s the kind of landmark you can glance at from land, but it hits harder from the boat—especially when the skipper points out why it’s positioned the way it is.

This first leg matters, even before the swimming. It shifts you from postcard mode to real context. You start the trip with the coast and fortifications as your backdrop, then you move into the underwater world right after.

The Blue Cave swim: glowing light, low entrance, and no-boat policy

The Blue Cave is the headline for a reason. The color comes from natural light reflecting inside the cave, turning the water into that unforgettable bright blue.

Here’s the key detail that affects everything: the speedboat can’t enter the Blue Cave because the entrance is too small. So instead of sailing into the cave, the boat anchors about 20 meters away, and you access the cave by swimming.

That means you should plan for a hands-on experience:

• You use the provided snorkeling mask and tube if you want to snorkel.
• If you’d rather not rely on strength alone, pool noodles (like the so-called noodles) are available to float you along.
• The entrance can be low and rocky, so you may need to swim through and duck under rocks to get inside.

Timing is also part of the value. You get about 40 minutes at the Blue Cave area—enough to enjoy the light and swim at a comfortable pace, but not so long that the cave turns into a long waiting game.

The reality check: crowds and choppy water

The Blue Cave can be busy. Other boats show up, and that can mean more people in the water and slower movement during entry/exit. The captain does their best to work with conditions, but it’s still one of the most famous spots around, so don’t expect solitude.

Also keep the sea state in mind. When conditions are rough, it can be harder to manage the swim in and out safely, and the crew may have to adjust the plan. In other words: this tour is built around swimming, so bad weather isn’t just about comfort—it can change what’s possible.

Green Caves and the canyon passage: emerald sunlight and optional swims

After the Blue Cave, you head into the Green Cave area—again, you’re not looking at one stop, you’re getting variety. The tour includes three cave-style segments: two Green Caves plus a Canyon Cave.

The “green” effect also comes from natural light, but it’s a different look than the Blue Cave. Expect an emerald glow where sunlight reaches through the openings.

The Canyon Cave adds a different texture to the experience: it’s described as a hidden natural passage carved into the cliffs. You’ll get a short window here (about 30 minutes), and swimming and snorkeling are optional rather than mandatory.

What you should do if you want the best photos

This is one place where you’ll want to pay attention to timing and effort:

• If you can snorkel comfortably, try it when you first arrive so you don’t burn time.
• In caves, your “best moment” can come quickly as boats shift and light changes.
• Keep your gear simple: mask and snorkel only if you’re actually going to use them.

If seas are choppy, this portion may feel different than you imagined. Some people plan their whole day around swimming in every cave. You can still enjoy the visuals from the boat even if conditions reduce what you can do in the water.

Lopud’s Šunj Beach: sun time that’s actually practical

Once the cave focus is done, the tour shifts gears to a beach break on Lopud Island, with Šunj Beach as the main stop.

You get about 1 hour here—enough time to swim, relax, and reset after the caves. The big practical feature is the water depth: the seabed extends roughly 100 meters from shore in shallow areas. That makes it a calmer choice for kids and for people who don’t love deep-water swimming.

Šunj Beach is also positioned on the south side of Lopud, so you tend to get pleasant open water views and a classic “island beach day” feel. What you’ll do depends on your style:

• Swim and float around the shallow edge
• Use the rest of your time just to lie in the sun and cool down
• Stop by nearby bars and simple beach services

One practical note from real on-the-ground experience: beach chairs may cost extra depending on what’s available that day. Beach towels aren’t included, so bring your own if you care about drying off comfortably after swimming.

Drinks and comfort on a max-18 small group speedboat

The boat part isn’t just transport. This is where the tour feels like a “shared day on the Adriatic.”

Included drinks cover:

• Local beer, red and white wine, and grappa
• Soda, sparkling drinks, natural juices
• Bottled water

That matters because you’re going to work up some energy with the swimming. People often forget that “cave sightseeing” is still active—short swims add up. Having drinks on board keeps the day from feeling like a checklist.

You’ll also notice the small group setup. With a maximum of 18 travelers, it’s easier to manage people as they switch between swimming and onboard time. You’re less likely to feel like you’re herding cats when you’re pulling on masks or lining up for the next stop.

Skippers you’ll likely enjoy

Many captains are mentioned for being friendly and attentive. Names that come up include Marco, Luca, Ivan, Leo, Mario, Dora (as a host/guide), Tony, and others. If you care about safety and clear instructions, that’s one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience.

Sound and crowd management

Two things to keep in mind:

• Caves can get crowded, and it can take a bit for the entry/exit flow to move.
• Some boats may play music at a higher volume than you expect. If you’re sensitive to loud sound, you might want to bring earplugs.

Timing and route changes: when weather pushes the plan

This tour requires good weather, and that’s not just a box-check. Water conditions affect whether you can swim safely and comfortably into cave entrances.

If the sea is rough, the crew may adjust stops for safety and could reduce or change cave visits. In that situation, you may still get an alternative experience rather than a total cancel—but the day won’t look exactly like the brochure highlights.

So my advice is simple: if you’re traveling in a season with unpredictable sea conditions, keep your expectations flexible. Plan this tour on a day when you don’t have tight follow-on schedules.

Also, the meeting area can be hectic because multiple boats load and unload quickly. Arrive a few minutes early so you can find the right boat and get settled before the ride.

Price and value: $84.65 for caves, snorkeling gear, and an island beach

At $84.65 per person (about a half-day), this tour is priced for the experience you’re actually doing: multiple cave swim stops, snorkeling gear included, and drinks on board.

You’re paying for three things that are hard to replicate on your own:

• Access to cave zones efficiently by speedboat
• Guided timing (you’re not wandering around waiting for the right light and tide windows)
• On-the-water amenities like pool noodles and mask/snorkel tubes, plus drinks to keep the day comfortable

Lunch isn’t included, and beach towels aren’t included. If you want a full meal, you’ll either eat at a beach bar or plan something on your own afterward. But the included drinks go a long way toward making the time feel complete.

Where the value can dip is when sea conditions prevent swimming. If you come for every swim stop, you might feel disappointed on a rough day. The upside is that the experience is built around safety-first decision-making, and you’ll still have the coast views and some form of cave/beach time when conditions allow.

Who should book (and who should think twice)?

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Like being active for a short chunk of time (swimming and snorkeling)
• Want dramatic water scenery without committing to a full day
• Prefer a small-group format where drinks and gear feel easy and included
• Care about a true beach break afterward at Šunj’s gentle waterline

Think twice (or come with flexible expectations) if you:

• Get seasick easily or hate any kind of bumpy boat ride
• Don’t want open-water swimming as part of the plan (because Blue Cave is accessed by swimming)
• Strongly dislike crowds. The Blue Cave in particular can be busy.

If you’re comfortable swimming with support (pool noodles are available) and you treat the caves as the main event, you’re likely to be happy with what you get.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Blue Cave, Green Cave and Lopud Beach tour?

If your dream day is swimming in caves, watching light turn water into color, and then finishing with an island beach break, this tour makes a lot of sense. The included snorkeling kit, the small group size, and the drinks help justify the price, and the Šunj Beach shallow-water feature is genuinely useful.

Just go in with two expectations set: the Blue Cave requires swimming, and conditions can affect what you can do. If you match those realities, this is one of the more fun, hands-on ways to experience Dubrovnik’s coast.

FAQ

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

It’s listed as about 4 hours total, depending on the conditions and timing of each stop.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour operates from Dubrovnik, Croatia, with stops around the Dubrovnik coastline and on Lopud Island.

What does the tour include?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with alcoholic drinks (local beer, red and white wine, grappa), soda/sparkling drinks/juice, and bottled water.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling masks and snorkel tubes are provided, and pool noodles are also available on the boat.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The boat cannot enter the Blue Cave area, which is accessible only by swimming (the boat anchors about 20 meters away).

How much time do you get at each stop?

The Blue Cave stop is about 40 minutes, the Green Caves/Canyon area is about 30 minutes, and the Šunj Beach time is about 1 hour.

Is Šunj Beach good for people who don’t swim far?

Yes. The seabed is shallow for about 100 meters from shore, making it easier for children and less confident swimmers.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If conditions are unsafe, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety.

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