Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach small group Speed boat Tour

The best part of this half-day trip is getting into the water instead of simply looking at Dubrovnik from shore. You swim about 20 meters from the speedboat into the Blue Cave, then visit green-lit caves and a narrow cliff passage before finishing at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud.

I like the small-group format, capped at 18 people, and the easy mix of activity and downtime. Snorkel gear, floating noodles, beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, and water are all included, which makes the $84.65 price fair for a four-hour outing. The main caution is that the boat cannot enter the Blue Cave, and rough seas can force major changes to the route.

• The Blue Cave requires a swim from the boat, with a small rocky entrance that may involve ducking under the rocks.
• Several captains are praised by name, including Ivan, Luca, Marco, Leo, Mario, and Karuzo.
• The Old Town looks different from the sea, especially as you pass below the 37-meter cliffs of Lovrijenac Fortress.
• Šunj Beach has unusually shallow water, extending roughly 100 meters from shore.
• Sea conditions matter, and choppy water can make the speedboat ride rough or replace the advertised caves.
• Morning and afternoon departures let you fit this trip around your Dubrovnik sightseeing.

A Four-Hour Escape From Dubrovnik’s Stone Streets

Dubrovnik is easy to love, but its Old Town can feel hot and crowded. This tour gives you a useful change of pace: four hours on the Adriatic, with short bursts of swimming and cave exploration followed by a relaxed beach stop.

The boat carries no more than 18 people. That is still a group, but it feels more personal than a large sightseeing cruise. You can expect a skipper who drives the boat, explains the sights, serves drinks, and tells you when and how to enter the water.

The tour costs $84.65 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach the islands, but the price includes snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water. You are paying for a guided speedboat ride, several swimming stops, and beach time without needing to arrange island transport yourself.

I consider the package good value if you want an active outing and will use the included gear and drinks. It is less appealing if you mainly want a quiet boat ride or a long, uninterrupted stay on one beach.

Seeing Dubrovnik From Below Lovrijenac

The first few minutes on the water provide one of the tour’s most memorable views. From the boat, you see Dubrovnik’s old city walls from the seaward side, where the stone fortifications rise above the water instead of enclosing narrow lanes.

The skipper may point out local legends and facts as the boat passes beneath Lovrijenac Fortress. The fortress sits on a steep cliff about 37 meters above the Adriatic, and the view from the water shows just how dramatic its position is.

This opening section is brief, but it gives the trip some welcome context. You are not simply racing away from the harbor. You get a quick look at the city’s defensive setting before the focus shifts to swimming and caves.

Speedboats are naturally exposed to wind and spray. On a calm day, the ride feels exhilarating. On a windy day, you may feel every impact as the hull lands on the water. If you have back trouble, motion sickness, or a strong dislike of fast boat rides, sit where the skipper recommends and ask about conditions before departure.

Swimming Into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the main attraction. Natural light reflects through the water and creates the cave’s blue glow, giving the inside a cool, otherworldly appearance without any artificial lighting.

The boat anchors about 20 meters from the entrance because the opening is too small for the speedboat. You must swim to the cave. Snorkel masks and breathing tubes are provided, and pool noodles are available if you would rather float than swim unaided.

The entrance is the key practical detail. You may need to duck under rocks to get inside, and the guides remain on the boat rather than entering the cave with you. You should be comfortable making the short swim and managing your own movement near the rocks.

That setup makes the experience feel more natural than a boat simply passing through a large opening. It also means the Blue Cave is not suitable for every participant. Parents should judge their children’s swimming ability carefully, and anyone who is uneasy in open water should ask questions before booking.

The cave can become crowded, especially during the busiest part of the day. Several boats may be waiting nearby, and rough water can make getting in and out more difficult. The skipper may adjust the timing to avoid the worst congestion, but the tour cannot control every boat in the area.

Still, this is the stop most likely to justify the trip. The glowing water is the kind of sight that works in person, not just in photographs.

Exploring the Green Caves and Cliff Passage

After the Blue Cave, the boat continues to the green caves. Sunlight filters through openings in the rock and gives the water an emerald tone. The setting is less dramatic than the Blue Cave’s glow, but the visit has more variety because you can often swim, snorkel, and look through different openings in the cliffs.

The route includes two green caves and a canyon-like passage carved through the rocks. Some sections are narrow, and one passage may require you to move through an opening beneath the rock to reach the next area. This is not a formal guided cave walk. You will have some freedom to explore from the water while the skipper stays with the boat.

That freedom is a plus for confident swimmers. You can choose how far to go, float near the entrance, or remain on the boat. It is also why you should not expect a fully narrated, step-by-step cave tour.

The advertised highlights also refer to Dark Cave and Passage Cave. Conditions, crowding, and the exact route can affect which openings you visit. On a busy day, the skipper may use a different green cave to avoid a queue, and on a rough day swimming may not be safe.

This flexibility is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can disappoint you if you have a fixed picture of each cave. Think of the route as a series of sea-cave experiences rather than a guaranteed visit to one exact opening.

One Hour at Šunj Beach on Lopud

The final stop is Šunj Beach on the south side of Lopud Island. After the speedboat and cave swims, the sandy shore gives you time to slow down.

Šunj is useful for families and less confident swimmers because the seabed stays shallow for about 100 meters from the shoreline. You can wade, swim, or simply sit at the edge of the water. The beach also makes a good contrast to the rocky cave stops.

You have about an hour here, though some departures have spent longer at the beach when the day’s timing allows. The shore has at least a small bar or restaurant area, where you can buy food, beer, or simple snacks. Lunch is not included, so bring money if you want something more substantial than the drinks supplied on the boat.

Beach chairs may cost extra. Towels are not provided, so bring your own. The beach can also be less tidy than you might hope, particularly when the area is busy. That does not erase the appeal of the sandy setting, but it is worth keeping expectations realistic.

If your priority is beach time, check the exact schedule before booking. Some people would happily trade one cave stop for another hour at Šunj. Others will find the hour just right because the caves are the main reason to go.

What the Skippers Add to the Day

The skipper can make or break a small boat tour. The strongest experiences here are associated with captains such as Ivan, Luca, Marco, Leo, Mario, and Karuzo. Their role goes beyond steering. They explain how to enter and leave the caves, keep drinks flowing, answer questions, and adjust the pace when conditions change.

Ivan is frequently praised for keeping the mood light while checking that people are comfortable. Luca and Leo are described as friendly and professional, and Marco is especially valued for his humor and attention to safety. Names matter because the quality of a speedboat trip often depends more on the person at the helm than on the advertised route.

The boats can include a covered section, which gives you a break from the sun. Some have a front sunbed or open seating. Music may be played during the ride, sometimes loudly, so do not assume the trip will be quiet or contemplative.

The guides do not accompany you inside every cave. You will receive instructions, then swim and explore largely on your own. That is fine for independent swimmers, but it is important to understand before you arrive.

Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and What to Pack

The included refreshments are one of the tour’s practical strengths. You can expect bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa. The supply is generous enough to keep the boat ride pleasant, especially after swimming in the sun.

One point needs clarification: not every alcoholic option is guaranteed on every departure. At least one experience offered beer as the only alcoholic drink, so if wine or grappa matters to you, ask the crew what is available that day.

The snorkeling equipment is basic but sufficient for looking at the clear water around the caves. Pool noodles are a thoughtful extra, especially if you want to conserve energy between stops. They are also useful for people who can swim but do not enjoy treading water.

Bring:

• A swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection
• Dry clothes for the boat ride home
• Money for lunch, snacks, or a beach chair
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables

The operator does not provide lunch or beach towels. Your phone may get wet from spray even on a calm day, so protect it before the boat leaves the harbor.

Rough Seas Can Change the Entire Experience

Good weather is not a minor detail here. It controls both comfort and the route.

On a calm day, the speedboat ride is lively and the swimming stops feel easy. On a windy day, the boat can hit the water hard. Several departures have had to use alternative caves, skip swimming at the green caves, or change the beach plan because the sea was too rough.

In the most serious cases, a planned cave route may be replaced by a shorter stop elsewhere. That can leave you feeling that you did not receive the experience you booked, even when the change was made for safety. A full refund may be offered when weather cancels the tour, but a trip that operates with a modified route can still be disappointing.

I would not book this as your only flexible day in Dubrovnik if seeing the Blue Cave is essential. Put it early enough in your visit that you have another chance to go if weather cancels the departure. The operator can offer a new date or a full refund if poor weather prevents the tour from operating.

The same advice applies to sea temperature. Even in good weather, the water may feel cold, and children may not stay in long. The beach stop gives you a gentler option if the cave water is uncomfortable.

Who Will Get the Most From This Boat Tour

This trip suits you if you want several different experiences in one morning or afternoon:

• A fast ride along the Dubrovnik coast
• A sea-level view of the Old Town
• Swimming into a glowing cave
• Snorkeling around rocky openings
• Time on a sandy island beach
• Drinks and basic equipment included

It works particularly well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and small groups of friends. The shallow water at Šunj makes the final stop more approachable than a purely offshore swimming trip.

You should think twice if you cannot swim, dislike rough water, need a quiet boat, or expect the skipper to escort you into each cave. The Blue Cave is reached only by swimming, and some passages are narrow. Most people can take part, but the tour is not passive sightseeing.

The meeting point is near Dubrovnik’s Old Town pier, where several boats may load and unload quickly. Allow time to identify the right crew and boat. Staff from nearby boats may help if you are unsure, but the dock can be confusing when departures overlap.

Service animals are allowed, and the departure point is near public transportation. Confirmation is provided when you book. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and last-minute changes are not refunded.

Is the $84.65 Price Fair?

For four hours, the cost is reasonable if you value convenience. You get a speedboat, a small group, several cave stops, beach time, snorkeling equipment, floatation noodles, and a cooler of drinks. Organizing those pieces separately would take more time and might not cost less.

The price is harder to justify if the weather forces a shortened route or if you do not plan to swim. It is also less compelling for someone who wants two or three hours of uninterrupted beach time, since Šunj is only one part of the schedule.

I like that the tour avoids charging separately for the basic things you need most. You do not have to rent a snorkel mask or buy water at every stop. The missing costs are lunch, towels, and possible beach chairs, so budget for those extras.

Should You Book the Blue and Green Cave Tour?

Book it if you want an active half-day with strong visual variety and you are comfortable swimming from a moving boat. The Blue Cave is the main prize, the green caves add variety, and Šunj Beach gives you a pleasant final hour rather than sending you straight back to the city.

Choose a calm-weather day if possible, and confirm that you understand the Blue Cave requires a swim. Ask about sea conditions before boarding, especially if you are traveling with children or anyone prone to motion sickness.

I would recommend this tour for confident swimmers who want more than a standard Dubrovnik harbor cruise. I would skip it if you need a guaranteed cave route, dislike speedboats, or want a long, polished beach day. At $84.65, it is a solid value when the sea is calm and the caves are accessible, with weather being the one factor that can change the experience from excellent to frustrating.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Šunj Beach tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The entrance is too small for the boat, so the boat anchors about 20 meters away and you swim to the cave.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are provided, and pool noodles are available on the boat.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water, soft drinks, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa. The exact alcoholic selection may vary by departure.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You may find food and drinks available for purchase at Šunj Beach.

Are beach towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

What happens if bad weather prevents the tour?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.