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

The best part of this four-hour outing is the contrast: one moment you’re swimming through a small opening into the Blue Cave’s glowing water, and later you’re stretching out on the pale sand at Šunj Beach. The ride also gives you a fresh view of Dubrovnik’s walls and the cliffside Lovrijenac Fortress from the sea.

I like the mix of cave swims and beach time, and I like that masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and drinks are included for $84.65. The main catch is that you must swim into the Blue Cave, and the caves can be crowded or hard to enjoy when the sea is choppy.

• The Blue Cave is reached by swimming: The speedboat anchors about 20 metres from the entrance, which is too small for the boat.
• You get a view of Dubrovnik from the water: The trip passes the old city walls and Lovrijenac Fortress, which rises 37 metres above the sea.
• There are several cave stops: Expect the Blue Cave, two Green Caves, and a narrow canyon cave, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Šunj Beach is the final stop: Its shallow seabed extends about 100 metres from shore, a plus for children and less confident swimmers.
• Drinks and basic water gear are included: You get snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, water, soft drinks, and local alcoholic drinks.
• Sea conditions can change the plan: Rough water may mean a modified route, and cave access may feel challenging even in otherwise good weather.

Dubrovnik’s walls look different from a speedboat

The tour begins with a look back at Dubrovnik from the Adriatic. From the water, you can take in the long run of old city walls and see how Lovrijenac Fortress sits high above the sea on its steep, 37-metre cliff. Your skipper shares local legends and facts along the way, adding context to a view that’s easy to miss when you’re walking the streets above.

This short coastal stretch is more than a transfer to the caves. It gives you a change of pace from Dubrovnik’s stone lanes and crowds, and the sea-level perspective makes the city feel more exposed and dramatic. Keep your phone or camera ready, but hold on securely: a speedboat ride can be bumpy, especially when the water is rough.

Tours run in the morning or afternoon, so you can fit the outing around other plans. The full trip takes about four hours, making it a manageable half-day rather than a full commitment to the water.

Swimming into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the headline stop, and the approach is part of the adventure. The boat anchors about 20 metres away because its entrance is too small for a speedboat. You swim from the boat to the opening and enter from the water, so this is not a cave you can simply step into from a dock or view from the boat.

Natural light reflecting inside gives the water its famous blue glow. The effect depends on the light and conditions, but the enclosed space and clear water make this stop feel quite different from an ordinary swim. Snorkel masks and breathing tubes are provided, as are pool noodles if you want extra flotation.

Be honest with yourself about your comfort in the water before booking. The tour description notes that swimming is required, and the route into the cave may involve passing through a small opening. If you’re uneasy in open water, ask the operator about conditions and the swim before you commit. The skipper stays with the boat during cave visits, so you should expect to manage your own swim rather than have a guide accompany you inside.

The Blue Cave can also draw several boats at once. At busy times, the entrance may feel crowded, and waves can make getting in and out more awkward. If the water is rough, the crew may change the route for safety. That can be disappointing if the cave is your main reason for booking, but forcing a planned stop in poor conditions would be a worse trade.

Green caves and a narrow passage

The next part of the outing takes you to the Green Caves around Koločep. Sunlight creates an emerald tint in two of the caves, while Canyon Cave offers a passage shaped by the cliffs. Swimming and snorkeling are optional, but these stops reward you most if you’re happy getting into the water.

One cave passage can be a real test. The route through the rocks is narrow, and reaching the next opening may require you to swim under a rock ledge. Not everyone will find that comfortable or manageable. You can enjoy the water from outside the passage instead; there is no need to treat every opening as a challenge to conquer.

The skipper remains aboard during the cave visits, so these are largely self-guided swims. Listen carefully to the instructions before entering, and don’t go beyond your comfort level. The guides’ role is especially important when conditions are choppy or several boats are sharing a small area.

Crowding can affect the experience here, too. The crew may use an alternative green cave if the planned spot is busy, and the substitute may not have the same look or appeal. This is a nature outing, not a private cave visit, so some flexibility helps.

A final hour at Šunj Beach

The last stop is Šunj Beach on the south side of Lopud. Unlike Dubrovnik’s rocky waterfront, Šunj has pale sand and a shallow seabed that continues for roughly 100 metres from shore. That gentle slope makes it a practical place for children and swimmers who prefer not to move quickly into deep water.

The tour allows about an hour here. You can swim, sunbathe, or take a break from the boat and the cave entries. There are places to buy food and drinks on the island, including a bar or restaurant, but lunch is not included. Beach towels are also not provided, so bring one if you want to dry off or lie on the sand.

Expect extra charges if you want a beach chair. The sand and shallow water are the main draw, rather than a long list of activities, so this stop is best for a relaxed pause. If you’re hoping for a full beach day, an hour may feel short. Some departures have been described as spending longer at the beach, but the stated schedule is about one hour, so plan around that.

What the $84.65 price covers

At $84.65 per person, this tour offers good value if you want to combine a boat ride, several swims, and a beach stop in one outing. You don’t have to arrange separate transport to Koločep and Lopud, and the snorkeling equipment and pool noodles are included.

Drinks are part of the package: bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa. The exact selection you’re offered may depend on the crew and the stop, so don’t book expecting a specific drink or unlimited service. Lunch and beach towels are excluded, and beach chairs cost extra.

The maximum group size is 18, which keeps this more personal than a large sightseeing boat, though your actual group may be smaller. Several skippers have been singled out for being friendly and attentive, including Ivan, Marco, Leo, Mario, and Luca. The captain you get is not specified in advance, so treat those names as examples rather than a promise.

The ride, the weather, and practical choices

This is a speedboat tour, not a slow cruise. The ride can feel lively, and in rough water it may be physically uncomfortable. One of the clearest cautions is that choppy seas can make the boat hit hard, and children or anyone with back pain or motion sensitivity may find that difficult. Check the forecast and ask about sea conditions if you’re unsure.

Weather can also change what you see. In poor conditions, the operator may alter the route or replace a cave stop. A modified trip may not match the outing you planned, so it’s worth asking how the company handles route changes before departure. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Meet at the pier in Dubrovnik’s Old Town area. Several boats may load and unload quickly, so confirm the precise meeting point and identify your boat or crew rather than assuming the first speedboat is yours. Confirmation is provided at booking. The tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed.

Who should book this boat trip?

I’d choose this outing if you’re comfortable swimming in open water, want to see the coast beyond Dubrovnik, and like the idea of a half-day with more than one stop. It suits couples, small groups, and families with confident swimmers who can handle a fast boat ride. The included drinks and water gear help keep the price sensible.

It’s a less certain fit if you want a calm cruise, guided cave walks, or guaranteed time in a particular cave. You’ll need to swim into the Blue Cave, and the skipper does not accompany you inside. If you have limited swimming confidence, ask about the cave entry and current conditions before booking. If the sea is rough, the route may change.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about four hours, with a choice of morning or afternoon departure.

Do I need to swim to enter the Blue Cave?

Yes. The speedboat anchors about 20 metres from the Blue Cave because the entrance is too small for the boat. You swim to the cave and enter from the water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are provided, along with pool noodles for flotation.

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. You can buy food during the stop at Šunj Beach.

Are beach towels provided?

No. Bring your own beach towel if you want one for the stop at Šunj Beach.

What happens if bad weather affects the tour?

The route may be changed when sea conditions are rough. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.