Dubrovnik: Morning Blue Cave speedboat tour with drinks

The best part of this five-hour speedboat tour is how much coastline it covers before lunch or early afternoon. You get Dubrovnik’s walls from the sea, Koločep’s glowing Blue Cave, three smaller caves, sandy Šunj Beach, and a short stop by Lokrum without giving up a full day.

I like the quick boat transfers and the easy access to the caves. The captain brings the boat close to the Blue Cave entrance, so you do not need to swim a long way before the fun begins. I also like that water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling gear, and an instructor are included. The main drawback is simple: this is an active outing on a speedboat, so it is not a good match for anyone with back problems or limited mobility.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Cave first: Reach Koločep in about 20 to 25 minutes, then swim and snorkel inside the cave.
• Three more caves nearby: The Green Caves add another hour of swimming, snorkeling, and rock scenery.
• Šunj Beach gets two hours: This is your longest stop, with sandy shallows, restaurants, and space to relax.
• Fast coastal ride: The boat can reach up to 40 mph, with fine views of Dubrovnik’s walls and modern waterfront.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are available during the outing.
• Small-group feel: The speedboats are described as new, and the crew can help with snorkeling equipment and swimming access.

Why this half-day boat trip works so well

Dubrovnik is easy to admire from land, but the city looks different from the water. The old walls rise above the shore, and the view opens up as the boat heads toward the Elaphiti Islands. This trip gives you that change of angle without asking you to spend an entire day at sea.

The schedule is tightly arranged. You spend roughly 25 minutes reaching the first stop, then move between the caves and beach in short bursts. That makes the tour useful if your time in Dubrovnik is limited, or if you want one morning built around swimming rather than museums and streets.

The speed is part of the appeal. The boat may reach 40 mph, so you get a lively ride instead of a slow transfer between stops. That also means the journey itself becomes part of the outing, with coastal views on the way out and a final look at Lokrum before returning to the harbor.

You should expect a social, active trip rather than a quiet cruise. There is swimming, snorkeling, a sandy beach, and the option to jump from rocks at suitable stops. If you prefer to sit under an umbrella all day, Šunj Beach gives you that chance, but the first half of the trip is built around getting into the water.

Leaving Dubrovnik with the city walls behind you

The meeting point is at Ribarnica ul. 1, marked by the yellow Sea Safari, Vagabundo sign. From there, you board the speedboat and start with a panoramic ride beside Dubrovnik’s city walls.

This opening section is short, but it helps you see the city as a coastal fortress rather than only as a maze of stone lanes. You also pass the modern side of Dubrovnik, which gives the ride a useful contrast. The old city is not the whole picture.

The boat ride out takes about 25 minutes. Bring your sunglasses and hat, and keep your towel and swimwear handy. Spray is always possible on a fast boat, so a dry bag is a smart addition, especially if you plan to carry a phone or camera. One person specifically wished they had brought a GoPro, which is sensible advice for a trip built around clear water and caves.

Koločep’s Blue Cave is the first real highlight

The Blue Cave lies on the south side of Koločep Island. Sunlight enters through a crack in the rock and reflects through the water, creating the blue color inside. The effect depends on the light and conditions, but the cave gives you a quick, memorable first stop.

You get about 30 minutes here for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The captain brings the boat close to the cave entrance, which matters if you are traveling with children or simply do not want a long swim before entering. An instructor provides snorkeling equipment and helps you get started.

This is not a large cave tour with a long walk or a formal presentation. It is a short water-level visit, and the appeal comes from seeing the color from the sea and moving through it with a mask. If you want the best experience, be ready to get in promptly rather than spending the whole stop taking pictures from the boat.

The available drinks add a practical touch. Water and soda are included, along with alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine. You can have something cold after swimming, though it is wise to stay sensible with alcohol until you are finished in the water.

Three Green Caves bring more time in the water

A 10-minute speedboat ride takes you from the Blue Cave to the three Green Caves on Koločep. You have about an hour here, which gives this section more breathing room than the first cave stop.

The caves differ in shape and color. The rock has been worn by the sea over a long period, and the surfaces show the marks of erosion rather than polished tourist architecture. You can swim, snorkel, take photos, and look at each cave from the water.

This is the most active part of the trip. The boat stays close enough for easy access, and the instructor is available with the snorkeling gear. Some outings also include jumping from rocks, but you should only do that if the crew says conditions are safe and you feel comfortable.

I like the way the two cave stops complement each other. The Blue Cave is a short, concentrated visual moment. The Green Caves give you more time to swim and explore. Together, they make the first half of the trip feel varied rather than like repeated stops at similar openings in the rock.

Still, you should know what kind of comfort to expect. A speedboat is not a shaded lounge, and cave visits involve getting wet. People with back problems should skip this activity, and wheelchair users cannot take part according to the provided access information.

Šunj Beach gives you two hours to slow down

After the caves, the boat runs for about 10 minutes to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is the longest stop, with roughly two hours of free time.

Šunj is known for its sandy shallows, which extend a long way from shore. That makes it especially appealing for families with children and for anyone who enjoys playing in shallow water. Ball games are easier here than at a rocky Adriatic cove, and you can walk into the sea gradually instead of stepping straight into deep water.

The beach also gives you a change of pace. After the speedboat and caves, you can sit, swim, walk, or have lunch. Two restaurants are available at the beach, and the stop includes time for coffee, cocktails, wine, or a meal. Chairs and umbrellas were reported as free during one outing, but availability can change, so do not treat that as a guarantee.

The pine forest behind the beach helps make Šunj feel more relaxed than a bare strip of shore. You get sea in front of you and trees behind you, with enough open time to choose your own rhythm.

If you want to explore farther across Lopud, electric vehicles can take you to the other side of the inhabited island. That option is not needed for the core tour, and the two-hour stop may pass quickly if you eat, swim, and settle into a chair. You should not count on a long island walk unless you are willing to use part of your beach time for it.

Šunj is also the most family-friendly portion of the outing. The shallow sand is easier for children than the cave stops, though the full trip still involves boat movement, wet gear, and a fast ride. Parents should decide based on their children’s comfort with those conditions.

Lokrum closes the trip with a quieter view

After Šunj Beach, the speedboat takes about 20 minutes to return toward Dubrovnik. Before going back to the Old Town harbor, you stop near Lokrum Island for about 15 minutes.

This is a short photo and swimming stop rather than a full visit to Lokrum. You should not expect time to walk through the island or see its sights. The value here is the view, the final chance to swim, and a pleasant pause before the boat heads back.

A glass of wine is offered as part of the farewell atmosphere. The guide may also provide music on the ride back. That combination makes the last section less rushed, even though the stop itself is brief.

The return ride takes about 15 minutes. You finish where you started, at Ribarnica ul. 1, after seeing Dubrovnik from several different angles: from beside the walls, from open water, and from the approach near Lokrum.

What the $79 price includes

At $79 per person, the tour offers solid value if you plan to swim and use the included gear. A separate boat outing, cave visit, and beach transfer could quickly cost more, while this package combines transport, an English-speaking guide, an instructor, snorkeling equipment, and drinks.

The price is less attractive if you intend to remain dry. Much of the experience is built around swimming and snorkeling, and the caves are best appreciated from the water. You are paying for access to several coastal stops in a short period, not simply for a scenic boat ride.

The included drinks are useful rather than decorative. You have bottled water and soda throughout, plus beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. That saves you from buying every refreshment separately, though lunch at Šunj Beach is not listed as included.

The small-group setup also affects the value. The boat is described as new, and the limited group size makes it easier to get help with equipment and move between the boat and caves. Exact group numbers are not provided, so you should not book expecting a private charter.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make it easier to fit the outing around changing Dubrovnik plans.

Who will enjoy this speedboat tour most

I would choose this for someone with only half a day who wants a mix of scenery and activity. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who would rather swim in a cave than spend another morning walking through town.

It is also a good fit if you want a guided introduction to the nearby islands without arranging ferries, taxis, beach time, and snorkeling on your own. The English-speaking guide keeps the day simple, while the instructor helps with the equipment.

The outing is less suitable for anyone with back problems, wheelchair users, or people who dislike fast boat rides. It is also not ideal if your main goal is a long, quiet beach day. You get two hours at Šunj, but the full experience includes active cave stops and several boat transfers.

The crew can make a real difference. Zoran and Mario were specifically praised for being polite, accommodating, and good English speakers. Their approach included keeping drinks available and helping create a relaxed mood on the ride back. Guide assignments can vary, so treat their names as useful context rather than a promise that they will lead your departure.

What to bring for a smoother outing

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. Those are the basic items listed for the trip, and you will use all of them.

I would also bring a dry bag for your phone, wallet, and camera. One person wished they had brought a GoPro, and the caves, clear water, and boat views give you plenty of reasons to want a camera. Keep it secured, since you will move between the boat, caves, and beach.

Wear something easy to change in and out of, and do not bring more than you need. The boat is built for movement and water access, not for carrying large beach bags. You may find that having both hands free makes boarding and swimming much easier.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a fast, active half-day that combines Dubrovnik views, two cave areas, a sandy beach, and a final look at Lokrum. The route is efficient, the stops are varied, and the $79 cost includes key extras such as snorkeling equipment, instruction, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Skip it if you need a fully accessible outing, have back problems, or want a slow cruise with no swimming. For everyone else, especially people with limited time, this is a strong way to get beyond Dubrovnik’s walls and into the Adriatic without spending the whole day away.

FAQ

How long does the Dubrovnik Blue Cave speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts five hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik Old Town. Look for the yellow Sea Safari, Vagabundo sign.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep Island, the Blue Cave, the three Green Caves, Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, Lokrum Island, and Dubrovnik’s coastal walls.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and an instructor are included in the tour.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are included.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. A dry bag and waterproof camera protection are also sensible for the swimming and snorkeling stops.