A day on the Adriatic beats the slow stuff. This Dubrovnik Blue Cave speedboat tour mixes cave swimming, big island views, and a long sandy break on Lopud.

What I like: you get snorkeling gear and multiple drink options included, plus real time to swim at each stop. A short group feel also helps, and your crew keeps the day moving without rushing.

One thing to think about: it’s shared and water-based, so you’ll need basic swimming comfort and you should plan for possible itinerary swaps if weather gets rough.

Key things to know before you go

• Blue Cave entry is swim-through only, with turquoise light you can see once you’re inside
• Three Green Caves include two easy swim stops and one narrow swim-through passage
• Šunj Beach on Lopud gives you about 1.5 hours of real beach time on shallow water
• Drinks are included (beer, white wine, ice tea, cola, Fanta, water) during the tour
• Small-group energy with music on board, often highlighted by the guides
• Toilets are usually at Šunj on Lopud, so plan timing around the beach stop

Speedboat Start: Dubrovnik to Koločep and Lopud, in One Half Day

I like how this trip is built for people who want maximum coastline without spending your whole day on a bus. You’ll board a speedboat from one of the pickup points around the Dubrovnik area, including Dubrovnik Old Town port, plus options around Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno depending on what you booked. The meeting point can vary, so check your exact start location the day before.

Once you’re on board, it’s not a sleepy ferry ride. It’s a fast, open-water crossing with sea spray, music, and a crew that runs the stops like a schedule (but with flexibility). The whole experience is about 4–5 hours, with multiple short boat segments between swimming moments.

Small-group tours matter here. You’ll see that the best days feel like you can hear your guide, grab your drink without waiting forever, and actually get your turn at the caves. Reviews also point out boats can be fairly small—one group described a boat size of around 14 people—which fits the “shared but personal” vibe.

Dubrovnik City Walls from the Water: First Views, Not Just a Transit Stop

Before you’re even thinking about caves, you get the payoff of looking at Dubrovnik from a different angle. The early part of the ride includes panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s city walls from the sea, with the Old Town rising above the Adriatic. It’s the kind of perspective that makes you understand why this coastline has stayed on everyone’s radar.

This matters because it sets expectations. If you’re arriving in Dubrovnik for a first-time visit, a sea view can “reset” how you picture the city before you even step into town later. And if you’re already tired of photos taken from land, this is a useful correction.

Koločep’s Blue Cave: Swim Through the Glow

Koločep Island is where the tour earns its name. You’ll head to the Blue Cave for about 30 minutes, and this is not just a look-from-the-boat situation. The cave is accessed by swimming through a narrow entrance, and the water inside lights up in that famous turquoise way because of the sea reflection.

You’ll have snorkeling masks and snorkels included, and you’re free to spend the time how you like—floating, snorkeling around the interior, and taking it in at your own pace. If you’re more adventurous, there can also be a cliff-jumping option from surrounding rocks, so you’re not locked into a single style of fun.

A practical note: cave visits can get crowded in peak season, and you may find multiple boats in the water around the same time. That doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does mean you should stay alert during entry and exit—especially if there are waves pushing you around near the cave mouth.

Three Green Caves on Koločep: Two Easy Swims and One Brave Passage

After the Blue Cave, you’ll move to the Three Green Caves on Koločep for another 30 minutes. This part is a nice change of pace because it offers different difficulty levels inside the same area.

Here’s the basic idea:

• Two caves are wider, with more straightforward entry, so snorkeling feels easier and calmer.
• The third cave is narrow, and it creates a “swim-through” experience that takes you through the passage to an exit on the other side.

That swim-through option is the reason people remember this tour. It feels like a mini adventure inside your swim break, not a simple stop. You’ll want to treat it as a swim you plan for, not a jump-in-without-thinking moment.

Also, pay attention to water conditions. One review mentioned stronger waves at the first cave, which can change how you enter. If you’re comfortable, great. If you’re less confident, let the crew guide you on the timing and how to position yourself for entry.

Lopud’s Šunj Beach: The 1.5-Hour Reset You’ll Appreciate

Then comes the beach stop: Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. You’ll get about 1.5 hours here, which is enough time to swim again, dry off, and actually relax instead of just “standing around for photos.”

Šunj is known for a long stretch of fine white sand and shallow water. The sea stays shallow nearly 100 meters out, so it’s easier to wade and swim without feeling like you’re jumping into deep water right away. The crew anchors as close to shore as possible for easier disembarkation, which sounds small but makes a difference when you’re carrying your towel and trying to get everyone organized.

If you like beach service, plan for the seasonal timing. Beach bars and services begin operating in May. When the season is off, the tour adjusts: from November to April, the stop may move to Lopud village or Koločep village, depending on the day and which cafés or shops are open.

One smart perk: at Šunj, you can get a complimentary sunbed and umbrella if you order a drink at the beachfront bar with blue umbrellas. Reviews also mention beach-chair setups that reward a purchased drink, so consider it part of your plan: relax longer, but accept the small trade-off.

Toilets are a big practical question. The tour usually has toilets at Šunj on Lopud, though sometimes the speedboat may have a toilet available. If this matters to you, ask the crew on the day.

Drinks and Music on Board: Where the Fun Turns Social

This tour earns repeat business for one simple reason: you don’t feel stuck waiting for the next “activity moment.” Drinks are included and consistently available, so the day stays light.

You get:

• Local beer
• White wine
• Ice tea
• Cola and Fanta
• Water

It’s not just about hydration. It changes the tone of the ride, especially when you’re bouncing over waves and you’re soaking wet right after snorkeling. The tour also tends to have music on board, and several guides are praised for their playlist choices and keeping the energy up.

I noticed names coming up often in the standout experiences, especially guides like Ivan and sometimes crews described as Mario, Rino, Dora, Leo, Marco, Peter, Tommy, and others. Even when the exact guide varies, the pattern stays the same: a friendly skipper/guide who keeps the group comfortable, organizes the swimming stops, and makes sure people can grab a drink without feeling left behind.

If you’re sensitive to noise, keep in mind music can be a bit loud on the boat. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth planning for if you want quiet time.

Snorkeling Gear and Real Safety Notes (Lifejackets Aren’t Magic)

This is a swim-and-snorkel day, so safety details matter. You’ll get snorkeling equipment included, but safety requirements are also part of the deal.

Lifejackets (PFDs) are always available for safety, and that’s great. But they’re not a replacement for swimming ability. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it calls for basic swimming skills like being able to enter the water, resurface, float, turn, and swim to safety. If you’re a confident swimmer but just want comfort, the crew also provides noodle floaters as a better option than relying only on the lifejacket.

Seasickness is another realistic factor. It’s listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you’re the type who gets motion sickness easily, take your usual steps in advance (some people mention bringing medication), and consider staying alert to the boat’s motion.

Also, avoid bringing heavy items you don’t want to get wet. You’ll be in and out of the water multiple times, and you may want a waterproof phone case if photos matter to you.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Skip It

I think this tour fits best if you want action that still includes downtime. You’ll spend time swimming in caves, snorkeling in clear water, and then you get a real beach break at Šunj. It’s ideal for active couples, groups of friends, and families whose members can swim and handle short water entries.

It’s also not a good match if you:

• have back problems
• need wheelchair access
• are a non-swimmer
• get seasick easily
• are over 80 years

The tour isn’t trying to be a gentle shore excursion. The speedboat, cave entries, and water exits are part of the experience. If that’s your style, you’ll probably love it.

If you’re in the “I can swim, but caves make me nervous” category, it can still work—just choose your comfort level. Use the gear, use the noodles, and listen closely when the crew explains entry and exit.

Price and Value: Why $71 Can Feel Fair Here

At about $71 per person for a 4–5 hour tour, the price can look steep until you match it to what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• A speedboat ride between islands and caves
• Snorkeling masks and snorkels
• Multiple drinks included (not just water, but beer, wine, soda, ice tea)
• Time at several swim-ready stops plus Šunj Beach free time

The value part is the drinks + gear combination. Many “boat and cave” experiences charge extra once you’re on site for equipment or beverages. Here, you’re already set up to swim and stay comfortable through each stop.

Also, the small-group feeling matters to value. Even when it’s shared, you’re not stuck in a giant group that moves slowly and turns swimming time into waiting time.

When Weather Changes the Plan, You’re Still Covered

One thing you should know up front: the captain can change the itinerary for weather. In rougher conditions, they may swap the order of cave visits (for example, visiting the green caves first and then the blue cave), or adjust timing based on conditions.

That flexibility is practical, not annoying. Caves and swimming stops are all water-dependent, so swapping order keeps the day safer and more likely to deliver the swim time you came for.

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Blue Cave Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a half-day that mixes Dubrovnik sea views, Koločep cave swimming, and a genuine beach reset on Šunj. I especially recommend it if you like snorkeling and you don’t mind that the day includes water entry and exits.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable swimming, you get seasick, or your mobility or back is likely to struggle with speedboat movement and wet-to-dry transitions. Also skip if you’re expecting a calm, sit-and-watch type of excursion.

If you go, bring swimwear and a towel. And if you’re sensitive to motion, plan ahead with what usually works for you. This trip is at its best when you’re ready to use the time you’ve paid for: masks on, drinks in reach, and the beach moment saved for when you’re ready to slow down.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Sunj Beach speedboat tour?

It runs about 4–5 hours total.

Where does the tour start?

Departure is from one of several pickup options, including Dubrovnik Old Town port, plus options around Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno. The exact meeting point can vary based on what you book.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment such as masks and snorkels.

What drinks are included on the tour?

Included drinks are local beer, white wine, ice tea, cola, Fanta, and water.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Do you get time at Šunj Beach on Lopud?

Yes. You’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time at Šunj Beach, where you can swim, relax, and use beach services.

Are there toilets during the tour?

Toilets are usually available at Šunj Beach on Lopud, but sometimes a speedboat may have a toilet. Ask the crew if this matters for you.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Will the itinerary ever change?

Yes. The captain can change the itinerary in bad weather, and the order of cave visits can shift depending on conditions.

Is the tour suitable if I don’t swim?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers and requires basic swimming skills.

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