Dubrovnik: Blue Cave & Sunj Beach Boat Tour with Drinks

The best part of this four-hour trip is getting to swim into sea caves rather than only seeing them from a boat. The Blue Cave and Three Green Caves bring the coast’s clear water and changing light close, while the speedboat makes a half-day outing possible.

I like two things in particular: the long stop at Šunj Beach, which gives you time to swim and unwind, and the crew’s attention to safety and the conditions at the caves. Guides such as Mark, Erik, Anthony and Dominic are named by the operator’s customers, though your skipper will depend on the departure.

The trade-off is that the main attractions require swimming, and cave entry is not guaranteed if the sea is rough. The ride can also feel bumpy, so this is not a good fit if you are prone to seasickness or have mobility or back problems.

Key points

• Caves are for swimming, not just viewing: The Blue Cave and Three Green Caves are the main event, with snorkeling equipment included.
• Šunj gets the most time: Plan on about 90 minutes at the sandy beach on Lopud.
• The tour lasts four hours: It includes speedboat transfers between Dubrovnik, Koločep and the beach.
• One drink is included at each stop: Choices include water, white wine, beer, Coca-Cola and Fanta.
• Pickup is optional, not automatic: If you choose it, contact the operator for your exact pickup time.
• Conditions can change the plan: The skipper may skip cave entry and choose alternate swimming spots if the sea is unsafe.

A four-hour route to the Elaphiti Islands

This is a compact outing from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands, with the boat ride itself part of the appeal. You travel by speedboat, stop for swimming at Koločep’s caves, then have time to relax at Šunj Beach before returning to the city.

The listed schedule allows about 30 minutes at the Blue Cave, another 30 at the Three Green Caves and 90 minutes at the beach. The remaining time is spent on the water and moving between stops. Those timings are useful to know: this is a sampler of island scenery, not a full day ashore.

You join a shared tour, not a private charter. The group size can vary, so don’t assume you’ll have the boat to yourself. If you want to swim and snorkel in several spots, the format makes sense; if you would rather set your own pace or spend hours at one beach, a private trip or a ferry day may suit you better.

The Blue Cave: striking color, with conditions attached

The Blue Cave is the tour’s headline stop. You reach it by boat, then swim into the cave area to see the clear water and the light that gives the place its name. Snorkeling equipment is included, though you can also swim without using it if you prefer.

Cave access depends on the sea. When waves or other conditions make entry unsafe, the skipper may keep the group out and take you to another attractive swimming spot. That is a sensible safety call, but it means you should book for the whole outing, not on the assumption that you are guaranteed to enter one specific cave.

The stop is scheduled for about half an hour. That gives you time to swim, look around and take photos, but not to linger indefinitely. An afternoon departure may offer a better Blue Cave experience, according to one visitor’s practical tip, but light and sea conditions vary, so no time of day guarantees a particular effect.

Three Green Caves: a second chance to swim

After a short boat transfer, you reach Koločep’s Three Green Caves. The route gives you another 30-minute stop to swim and snorkel among the caves, with the crew explaining how to make the most of the visit.

The two cave stops give the outing variety. Rather than spending the whole trip at one site, you get a couple of different places to enter the water, with the boat connecting them quickly. The water is often described as exceptionally clear, and fish may be visible while snorkeling, though marine life is never guaranteed.

Swimming is essential for this activity. You need to be able to enter and resurface, control your breathing, float, turn and move to safety. A lifejacket can be provided on request, but it is not a substitute for swimming ability. If you are not comfortable in open water, choose another way to visit the islands.

Šunj Beach: time to slow down on Lopud

The longest stop is Šunj Beach, with about an hour and a half to swim, sit in the sun or take a break from the boat. Its sandy shore is a welcome change from the rocky coastline common in the region. If a sandy beach is high on your Dubrovnik wish list, this stop adds real value to the tour.

Šunj is on Lopud, and the broader beach area has restaurants and other sights, including a botanical garden and a Franciscan monastery. The tour does not promise a guided visit to those places, so treat the 90 minutes as free time and plan around your priorities. A swim and a meal may be a better use of the stop than trying to see everything.

Bring a towel: none is supplied. Toilets are available only at the sandy beach, so use facilities before check-in if you can. Sunbeds may be available, but don’t assume they are included in the tour price; bring money if you may want to buy food or a drink while ashore.

The speedboat ride and the crew

The speedboat is both transport and part of the experience. The listed journey segments are short, roughly 10 to 20 minutes each, but the ride can be lively when the sea is choppy. If you are sensitive to motion, consider sitting toward the back of the boat, as one passenger recommends, and think carefully before booking.

The crew gives a safety briefing before departure and looks after passengers during the swimming stops. Names associated with this tour include Mark, Erik, Anthony, Dominic, Matko, Roko and Dino. You cannot select a particular guide from the information provided, but the best accounts of the trip repeatedly describe skippers who explain cave entry, keep the group safe and make the boat ride fun.

Drinks are part of the package, with one listed drink at each stop. Options include water, white wine, beer, Coca-Cola and Fanta. That is a welcome refreshment after swimming, but don’t mistake it for an unlimited drinks package. If you need more water, bring your own.

Is $74 a fair price?

At $74 per person, the value depends on how much you want to do in four hours. The fare covers the speedboat, skipper and crew, snorkeling equipment, and one drink at each stop. Optional hotel pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area can add convenience if you select that option.

You are paying for access to several stops in one half-day, not just a ride to the beach. Getting to Koločep’s caves and Lopud by yourself would take more planning and separate transport, while this tour connects the swimming locations in one trip. The price is easier to justify if you plan to use the cave stops and swim; it is less compelling if you mainly want to lounge at Šunj, where you could spend longer on a separate visit.

The tour has a strong overall rating, and the most consistent strengths are the scenery, the swim stops and the guides’ care. Still, value here comes with a condition: the caves are weather-dependent, and the activity is built around swimming. If either point is a deal-breaker, consider another outing.

What to bring and arrange before you go

Pack swimwear, beachwear and a towel. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so keep your things compact and bring only what you need for a few hours on the water.

You can meet at the dock next to the bus station, or select hotel pickup if it is offered with your booking. Pickup time depends on where you are staying, and you must contact the operator beforehand by email, phone or WhatsApp to confirm the exact time. If you choose pickup but do not confirm the details, you risk missing the tour without a refund.

The crew speaks English and Croatian. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, but missed tours caused by late or delayed transport, an incorrect booking date or similar problems are not refundable. If you have a medical reason for requesting a refund, the stated requirement is a certificate from a doctor employed by a registered medical clinic.

Who should take this boat trip?

This is a good match if you can swim confidently, enjoy being on a speedboat and want to see more than one island stop without giving up a full day. Couples, families with confident swimmers and friends looking for an active half-day can all find something to enjoy, especially if they like snorkeling and beach time.

It is not suitable for non-swimmers, wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, back problems or a tendency toward seasickness. People over 70 are also listed as not suitable. The boat ride may be bumpy, and you should be prepared to get in and out of the water.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if swimming through caves is a priority and you want a straightforward way to pair Koločep’s coves with a proper beach break at Šunj. The included gear, drinks and crew support help make the $74 fare a reasonable use of a half-day, especially if you would otherwise need to organize separate boat transport.

Skip it if you cannot swim, dislike speedboats or need guaranteed cave access. Before booking, choose your pickup option carefully, confirm the time if you request collection, and bring a towel. Those simple steps will help you spend less time sorting logistics and more time enjoying the water.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including boat transfers and stops at the caves and Šunj Beach.

How much does the tour cost?

The stated price is $74 per person.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes the Blue Cave and Three Green Caves on Koločep Island, followed by Šunj Beach on Lopud, before returning to Dubrovnik.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Dubrovnik city area are included only if you select that option. You must contact the operator to confirm your pickup time.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at the dock next to the bus station. Contact the operator by WhatsApp if you have trouble finding it.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Swimming skills are required. A lifejacket can be provided on request, but it does not replace the ability to swim.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks are included?

One drink is included at each stop. Options listed are water, white wine, beer, Coca-Cola and Fanta.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not provided, so bring your own along with swimwear and beachwear.

What happens if the caves are unsafe to enter?

The skipper may decide not to enter the caves if conditions are unsafe and may take the group to alternate swimming spots instead.