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

The best part of this four-hour speedboat trip is the chance to swim into Dubrovnik’s caves rather than simply look at them from the deck. Sunlight turns the Blue Cave’s water electric blue, while the Green Caves glow emerald when conditions are right. You also get a fine view of the Old Town walls from the sea, a welcome change from the crowded streets.

I like the easy mix of activity and downtime. You can snorkel, float with a pool noodle, and squeeze through rocky openings, then spend an hour at sandy Šunj Beach. I also like the included drinks and the choice of morning or afternoon departure. The main catch is that you must swim to the Blue Cave, and rough seas can force the skipper to change the route.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Cave requires a swim: The boat anchors about 20 meters away because its entrance is too narrow for the speedboat.
• You see Dubrovnik from the water: The route passes beneath Lovrijenac Fortress and offers a broad view of the Old Town walls.
• Šunj Beach is shallow and sandy: Its gently shelving seabed suits children and less confident swimmers.
• Drinks are included: Expect bottled water, soft drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.
• The group can reach 18 people: This is smaller and more personal than a large excursion boat, though the caves can still feel busy.
• Sea conditions matter: Wind and waves may shorten or alter the cave portion, so keep your plans flexible.

A fast start beneath Dubrovnik’s walls

The tour begins with a pleasant piece of sightseeing before the swimming starts. From the boat, you get a panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls, then pass beneath Lovrijenac Fortress, which rises about 37 meters above the Adriatic on a steep rocky cliff.

Your skipper provides local stories and facts during this opening stretch. This is a short but worthwhile orientation, especially if Dubrovnik is your first stop in Croatia. From the water, the city looks less like a maze of lanes and more like a fortified stone settlement pressed against the sea.

The speedboat gives you a brisk ride between stops. That saves time, but it also means you feel the sea more than you would on a slower boat. Several people describe the ride as exciting, while others found it uncomfortable in wind or choppy water. If you suffer from back trouble or motion sickness, check the forecast and consider taking suitable precautions.

The boat has some sheltered space, which helps when the sun is strong. On calm days, sitting toward the front can make the trip feel especially open and scenic. On rough days, however, the speed and bouncing become a real part of the experience.

Swimming into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the main attraction, and it earns its place on the route. Natural light enters through an opening in the rock and reflects through the water, producing the cave’s blue glow. The effect is strongest when the sun is bright, but the exact color depends on weather, time, and water conditions.

The speedboat cannot enter. It anchors roughly 20 meters away, and you swim to the cave entrance. That detail matters. You need to be comfortable in open water and able to pass through a small opening. The entrance is not a simple walk-in platform, and you should expect to move carefully around the rocks.

Snorkel masks and breathing tubes are supplied, and pool noodles are available. The noodles are useful even for confident swimmers because they let you pause and look around without using as much energy. The crew explains how to get in and out, but you may do much of the actual cave exploration on your own.

Plan for around 40 minutes here, though the time can feel shorter when several boats arrive together. The Blue Cave is one of the most popular stops, so crowding is possible. Boats may gather near the entrance, and rough water can make the swim more awkward. If you want clear photos and a calmer swim, a bright, settled morning may give you the best chance, though no departure guarantees quiet conditions.

This is not the same type of experience as a large boat that carries you directly into a cave. The reward is a more active visit, but the tradeoff is that you need to swim and accept a little uncertainty.

The Green Caves and narrow rocky passages

The next stop combines two Green Caves with a canyon-like cave passage. Sunlight reaching through openings in the rock gives the water an emerald tone. The effect is different from the Blue Cave, with more open water, stronger shadows, and views through rocky gaps.

You can swim and snorkel here. One passage is narrow, and some routes require you to swim beneath a rock opening to reach the next section. This is exciting for confident swimmers, but it is not a gentle sightseeing stop for everyone. If you dislike tight spaces or underwater entrances, you can stay near the boat and enjoy the surrounding cliffs.

The stated stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim and exploration, but not enough for a long, relaxed snorkeling session. I would treat this as a series of short water stops rather than a full underwater excursion.

The names and exact appearance of the caves can vary with sea traffic and conditions. On busy days, the skipper may use an alternate green cave to avoid a crowded entrance. That can be sensible from a safety and comfort point of view, but it may disappoint you if you have a particular cave in mind.

The crew members most often praised by name include Ivan, Luca, Leo, Mario, Marco, Tony, and Dora. Individual skippers can shape the mood of the trip. Ivan is noted for keeping drinks flowing and making people feel comfortable, while Marco received special praise for his humor and care around safety. Luca and Leo are also described as friendly and professional. Your exact skipper depends on the departure.

Šunj Beach gives the day a slower finish

After the caves, the boat heads to Šunj Beach on the south side of Lopud Island. This is the relaxed part of the outing, with about an hour to swim, sunbathe, or sit by the water.

Šunj has pale sand and a shallow seabed that extends roughly 100 meters from shore. That makes it a good choice for children and for anyone who feels less secure in deep water. After the active cave swims, this gradual entry is a welcome change.

You may find a small number of places to buy food or drinks near the beach, but lunch is not included. Some people use the stop for a casual meal, fries, or a beer. Beach chairs may cost extra, so bring your own towel and do not expect the tour price to cover loungers.

The beach can be less polished than the glowing cave photos suggest. On a busy day, sand and shallow water may feel crowded, and cleanliness can vary. One hour is enough to cool off and rest, but some people would prefer more time at Šunj. Others find the beach stop longer than necessary, particularly if the sea is too cold for swimming.

The stop works best if you see it as a simple island break rather than a full beach club visit. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a little patience. The shallow water and soft sand are the attraction, not a long list of facilities.

What the $84.65 price covers

At $84.65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Dubrovnik islands, but the price includes several useful extras. You get the speedboat, skipper, snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, bottled water, soft drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.

Those inclusions add real value on a hot day. You do not need to buy drinks at every stop, and the crew can offer refreshments between swims. The alcohol is a bonus for adults, but it should not be the reason to book. The boat ride, cave access, and small-group format are the main value.

The maximum group size is 18 people. That is small enough for a more personal boat outing, although it is not private. At the caves, the number of other boats matters more than the size of your own group. A full boat can also make the swim back and forth feel less relaxed than it would with six or eight people.

Lunch and beach towels are not included. Once you add food, a towel rental, or paid seating at Šunj, your total spending will rise. Still, the combination of transport, equipment, drinks, and several distinct stops makes the price reasonable for a half-day on the water.

The tour is often booked around 20 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute during the busy summer period. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, which helps you fit it around a walking tour, museum visit, or evening meal.

Weather can change the entire experience

This is a sea excursion first, and a fixed sightseeing plan second. On calm, sunny days, the caves can be beautiful and the speedboat ride enjoyable. Wind and waves can make the ride hard, cold, and tiring.

The company may cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund. If the tour operates in rough conditions, the skipper may still change the route for safety. That can mean skipping the advertised caves, using an alternative stop, or shortening the swimming time.

This is the most important practical warning. A poor-weather substitute may not feel equal to the original plan. One reported trip replaced the caves with a hotel beach and a small cave, leaving the passengers disappointed. A full refund was issued afterward, but a refund does not restore a lost day in Dubrovnik.

You should also pay attention to how the boat is operated. Most accounts describe friendly and careful skippers, but one serious account describes unsafe speed in large swells, failure to provide a requested life jacket, and an abrupt return to port. That appears to be an extreme exception rather than the normal pattern, but it is still worth taking seriously. Ask for a life jacket if you want one, and speak up immediately if the sea feels unsafe.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would choose this trip if you want several experiences in one morning or afternoon: coastal views, active swimming, cave visits, drinks, and a sandy beach. It suits couples, families with competent swimmers, and solo visitors who like meeting a small group.

It is especially good for you if you enjoy doing rather than simply looking. The Blue Cave and Green Caves require swimming, and the narrow passages are more rewarding when you are comfortable in the water.

You may want a different outing if you need step-free access into the sights, dislike fast boats, or want a long, quiet beach day. The crew stays on the boat at the caves, so you should be comfortable following the route yourself after receiving basic instructions.

Children can enjoy Šunj’s shallow water, but the cave sections and speedboat ride are different matters. The data says most people can participate, yet sea conditions and swimming ability still matter. Service animals are allowed, and the boat operates near public transportation.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Towels are not supplied. Use secure footwear for getting in and out of the water, and protect your phone if you plan to take photos near the cave entrances.

Bring sunscreen and a dry change of clothes. The sun can be strong on the boat, while wind and spray can make you feel cool after swimming. A morning trip may leave more of your afternoon free, while an afternoon trip can work well after a morning in the Old Town.

The meeting point is at a pier in or near the Old Town area, but several boats may load and unload there. Look for the correct crew and allow time to identify the boat rather than arriving at the last second.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Since good weather is essential, keep a little flexibility in your Dubrovnik schedule.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Lopud trip?

I would book this tour if you want an active half-day with strong variety and you are happy to swim into the caves. The best moments are the glowing Blue Cave, the view back toward Dubrovnik’s walls, and the easy finish at shallow Šunj Beach. Included drinks and equipment make the $84.65 price easier to justify.

I would skip it if you want guaranteed cave access, calm water, or a long, quiet beach visit. Check the forecast, understand that the boat stays outside the Blue Cave, and accept that other boats may be nearby. With those limits in mind, this is a lively and good-value way to see the coast beyond Dubrovnik.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How do you enter the Blue Cave?

The speedboat anchors about 20 meters from the cave because the entrance is too small for the boat. You swim to the entrance, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and breathing tubes are included, and pool noodles are available on the boat.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should plan to buy food separately if you want a meal at or near Šunj Beach.

Are beach towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own beach towel.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.