Dubrovnik: Blue & Green Caves Private Boat Tour with Drinks

The best part of this private speedboat tour is the chance to swim into Kolocep’s Blue Cave rather than simply view it from a boat. You also get time in the Green Caves, a cliff-jumping stop, and a long break at Sunj Beach, the only sandy beach in the area.

I like the small-group feel and the easygoing drink policy. Guides such as Mario, Robert, Duje, and Drago are often active in the water, helping you through tight cave entrances instead of leaving you to figure them out alone. The GoPro is another useful touch. The main drawback is simple: the Blue Cave can be crowded, and the swim into it may not suit weak swimmers.

• Swim into the Blue Cave: You enter the cave from the sea with a guide and snorkeling equipment.
• Three cave areas: The route includes the Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Three Green Caves around Kolocep.
• Private speedboat setting: You avoid the feel of a large sightseeing boat and can enjoy a more relaxed group atmosphere.
• Free drinks on board: Beer, local rakia, water, and juices are available during the trip.
• Sunj Beach stop: You get about 90 minutes at a sandy beach, with time for swimming, food, drinks, or a golf-cart outing.
• Strong value at $73: The price includes the boat, guide, drinks, snorkeling gear, and GoPro use, but not food or hotel transfers.

Why this four-hour boat trip works

Dubrovnik’s old town is famous for stone walls and sea views, but some of the best swimming is outside the city. This trip gives you a quick way to reach Kolocep and Lopud without arranging a private boat yourself.

The speedboat is part of the fun. You leave from the pier near Deck & Cheers, across from Gruz Market and the construction site, then pass the Franjo Tudman Bridge and Grebeni Lighthouse. The ride gives you open views of the coast and islands before the swimming stops begin.

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise where you remain seated all afternoon. You will climb into the water, swim through cave entrances, use a snorkel, and possibly jump from a cliff. If you want a boat ride with real activity, it fits well. If you prefer to stay dry and watch the coastline, choose a standard cruise instead.

The group is private, but the exact number of people depends on your booking. One group of nine used the boat privately, while other bookings included couples, families, and solo visitors. That private format gives the skipper room to adjust the mood. Mario, Robert, and Duje are frequently praised for joining in, helping with cave entrances, and keeping the day friendly without forcing conversation.

Leaving Dubrovnik by speedboat

The starting point is easy enough to find, but allow extra time because the meeting point is described as being on the pier across from Gruz Market, near a construction site. You do not get hotel pickup, so arrange your own way to the harbor.

Once aboard, the boat heads past the Franjo Tudman Bridge. This opening section is mostly a scenic cruise, with the speedboat making the distance feel short. You also pass Grebeni Lighthouse, a good early photo stop before the water activities start.

A speedboat can feel lively on the open sea. One review noted choppy conditions that made swimming harder, and another described the Blue Cave as claustrophobic for a beginner swimmer. The boat has life jackets, and guides can assist people who are not confident in the water, but swimming is still needed for some parts of the route.

Wear a swimsuit from the start. Bring a towel, and leave large luggage or bulky bags behind. There is little reason to bring more than a phone, sunscreen, and a small water-resistant pouch.

Swimming into Kolocep’s Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the headline stop. At Kolocep, you receive snorkeling gear and swim from the boat toward the cave entrance with the guide. The inside light can look blue when conditions are right, but the effect depends on the sun, sea, and number of boats around the entrance.

Expect around 50 minutes in this area. That time includes getting into the water, reaching the cave, taking photographs, and swimming nearby. The guide may lead you through tighter sections that would be awkward to attempt alone. Robert and Mario are both described as entering the water with their groups and helping people feel secure.

The GoPro is a real advantage here. You can use the provided action camera and receive a link to the images and videos afterward, according to the tour details and guest experiences. Keep in mind that the camera is shared equipment, so use it efficiently and ask the guide how it is handled before entering the water.

The Blue Cave is beautiful, but online photographs can set your expectations too high. Some conditions produce a strong blue glow, while others make the cave look darker and less dramatic. Summer crowds can also gather here, even in the morning. One group found the Green Caves more enjoyable because the Blue Cave was busy.

You should be comfortable swimming for several minutes in open water. Flotation aids are available, and guides can help non-swimmers, but this is not a shore-access cave with a simple walkway. If you are nervous, tell the guide before entering. A pool noodle or similar flotation aid can make the swim easier, and some visitors specifically wished they had asked for one.

Green Caves and the cliff-jumping stop

After the Blue Cave, the boat visits the Green Cave area. The schedule allows about 30 minutes at one Green Cave, followed by about 45 minutes around the Three Green Caves of Kolocep. The exact order can vary with sea conditions and boat traffic, but the idea is the same: more time in clear water, smaller cave spaces, and rocky coves.

The Green Caves are less about one dramatic color effect and more about exploring several openings and swimming spots. You can snorkel, look into the darker sections, and follow the guide through places that other boats may skip. Robert was singled out for taking a group into two trickier caves, while other guides were praised for calmly showing people the safest way through.

A cliff-jumping opportunity is included in the advertised plan. This can be a memorable part of the trip, but it is optional. Never jump simply because other people are doing it. Ask the guide about the height, water depth, and landing area, then decide based on your comfort.

There is one practical caution here. A visitor reported that the advertised cliff jump and GoPro were not available on that particular outing. Most of the supplied experiences describe both as part of the day, but conditions or equipment may affect what is possible. Treat the jump as an option, not a guarantee.

The boat ladder also deserves care. One person found it slippery when wet and suggested better grip tape. Hold the rails, move slowly, and let the guide know if you need help climbing aboard.

Sunj Beach on Lopud

The final major stop is Sunj Beach on Lopud, with about an hour and a half of free time. This is the only sandy beach in the area, which makes it a welcome change after rocky cave entries and boat ladders.

You can swim in the warm turquoise water, sit on the sand, or buy food and cocktails at the beach bar. The tour does not include lunch, so plan to pay separately if you want a meal. Some beach businesses accept cash only, so carrying some local currency is sensible.

A useful beach tip is to ask about the lounge chairs and umbrellas. Several visitors found that buying a drink could provide access to a lounger, but the exact arrangement belongs to the beach bar rather than the boat operator. Do not assume the chair is included in your tour price.

You can also rent a golf cart to see more of Lopud, including the medieval monastery and botanical garden. Those sights are described as free to enter, but the golf-cart rental itself is not included. With only 90 minutes here, I would choose either a proper swim and lunch or a quick island look, not both.

The beach stop is also the one place where the schedule can feel tight. Several people wanted more time at Sunj, especially after enjoying the caves. That is the trade-off for fitting Kolocep’s cave areas and Lopud into four hours.

Drinks, music, and the mood on board

The drinks are unusually generous for a short boat outing. You can help yourself to beer, local rakia brandy, water, and juices. Some accounts also refer to wine and soft drinks, but the confirmed offering is beer, rakia, water, and juices.

This is a self-service setup, not a formal bar. It works well after swimming, when a cold drink and a seat in the shade are welcome. Drink sensibly, especially if you plan to swim or jump from rocks. Rakia is strong, and the sea does not become safer after a few glasses.

The boat can have a social, holiday atmosphere. Some guides allow guests to connect a phone and play music, and one group handed over the music to play Australian songs. That will appeal to couples, friends, and younger groups looking for a relaxed outing. It may not suit someone hoping for a quiet nature trip.

Guide quality makes a noticeable difference. Mario is repeatedly described as energetic and funny, while Duje is praised for his driving and island knowledge. Robert is noted for joining swimmers in the caves, and Drago is described as friendly and easygoing. Communication before the outing also appears to be a strong point, including help with schedule changes when a boat problem caused a cancellation.

The guide may not always provide a detailed talk while the boat is moving. One person found it hard to hear the captain and felt he acted more like a driver than a guide. If facts and narration matter to you, ask questions directly at each stop.

Is $73 a fair price?

At $73 per person, the cost is good if you plan to swim. The price covers a private speedboat, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling gear, drinks, and use of a GoPro. A comparable self-arranged day would require transport to the islands, boat hire, equipment, and time spent organizing each stop.

The value is strongest for a group that wants several activities in one compact outing. You get cave swimming, snorkeling, cliff-jumping potential, a sandy beach, and a fast coastal ride. The private setting also gives you more comfort than a large shared boat.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a beach day. Sunj receives only about 90 minutes, and food is not included. You may prefer to visit Lopud separately if your main goal is to sit on the sand for several hours.

At four hours, the tour is also easy to fit into a Dubrovnik itinerary. An afternoon departure can bring sunset views on the return to the harbor, although sunset timing changes through the season. A later start may also alter crowd levels at the caves.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this for confident swimmers, active couples, families with older children, and friends who enjoy a lively boat day. It is especially useful if you want private transport and do not want to spend a full day away from Dubrovnik.

It can work for less confident swimmers because life jackets and guide assistance are available. Still, the cave swim is not effortless, and the Blue Cave may feel tight or dark. Tell the guide about your ability before getting in.

I would not choose it for anyone carrying large luggage, anyone who cannot swim at all, or anyone seeking a slow cultural tour with long historical explanations. The focus is water, scenery, movement, and relaxed social time.

Book only if you are happy to accept some weather and crowd variation. The caves will not look identical every day, and sea conditions can affect swimming. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to keep plans flexible.

Should you book the Blue and Green Cave tour?

Yes, if you want a compact and active half-day on the water. The strongest reasons are the private speedboat, helpful guides such as Mario and Robert, included drinks, GoPro access, and the chance to swim through several cave areas rather than simply photograph them from offshore.

Set your expectations correctly. The Blue Cave may be crowded or less blue than online photos, Sunj Beach may feel too short, and the sea can be choppy. Bring swimwear and a towel, ask for flotation help if needed, carry cash for the beach, and treat cliff jumping as optional.

For $73, this is a strong choice for an active Dubrovnik day, especially when your group values personal space and plenty of time in the water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is on the pier across from Gruz Market, near the construction site and Deck & Cheers.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat ride, cave visits, swimming stops, and time at Sunj Beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

What drinks are included?

Free self-service drinks include beer, local rakia brandy, water, and juices.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included. You can buy food and drinks at Sunj Beach.

Do I need to swim?

Swimming is necessary for some parts of the tour, especially entering the caves. Life jackets are available, and guides can assist non-swimmers, but you should be prepared to get into the sea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Can I use a GoPro?

Yes. A GoPro action camera is included for use during the tour, although availability can vary.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.