Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat

The best part of this four-hour trip is the variety packed into a short hop across the water: caves on Koločep, open-sea speedboat rides and a proper sandy beach at Šunj. It gives you a quick taste of the islands without needing to plan a full day away from Dubrovnik.

I like that snorkelling gear and cold drinks are included, so you can get straight into the water without hiring the basics separately. I also like the generous beach stop, where you have time to swim, stretch out on the sand or buy food and a cocktail at the beach bar.

The catch is that this is an open speedboat, not a sheltered cruise. You need to be a decent swimmer to enter the caves, and there’s no toilet on board. Arrive ready for sun, spray and a brisk ride.

At a glance: caves, swimming and beach time

• Three different stops: See the Blue Cave and Three Green Caves on Koločep, then take a longer break at Šunj Beach.
• Snorkelling gear is included: Bring your own towel and swimwear, but the tour supplies the mask and snorkel.
• Drinks come with the ride: Water, beer, wine and Coca-Cola are included.
• Four hours on a shared boat: This is a group outing, not a private charter.
• A swim is part of the plan: You must swim into the caves and walk through shallow water to reach the sandy beach.
• A practical meeting-point tip: Several boats depart from the area, so look for Antonio, a red shirt or the Adriatic Boat Tours name.

From Dubrovnik to Koločep by speedboat

The trip starts at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, a meeting point used by many tours. Look for Antonio, a red shirt or Adriatic Boat Tours staff. The location can be confusing because several boats leave from the same area, and the right departure may not be immediately obvious. Give yourself a little time to find the crew rather than arriving at the last minute.

Once aboard, you head out on an open speedboat. The first listed crossing takes about 30 minutes, with later rides between stops lasting roughly 10 to 30 minutes. That travel time is part of the fun if you enjoy feeling the wind and sea air, but it is not a smooth, enclosed transfer. You may feel cold or catch sea spray, so bring a light layer if you tend to chill on the water.

The tour is shared, and the boat’s pace and stops are designed for a short group outing. One captain, Mario, was praised for his boat handling and music choice, but you should not assume he will be your captain on a particular date. Croatian and English are the listed guide languages.

The Blue Cave: a short swim into the rock

The itinerary puts the Blue Cave first, with about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkelling. This is the most famous cave stop on the route, and the appeal is simple: you get to see the rocky island coastline from the water and enter the cave by swimming rather than viewing it from a boat alone.

That distinction matters. The boat cannot take you right into the cave, so you need to be comfortable swimming in open water. Snorkelling equipment is provided, but it does not remove the need to swim under your own power. If you are a weak swimmer, nervous in the sea or hoping for a dry sightseeing trip, this is not the right outing.

Thirty minutes is enough for a swim and a look around, but it is not a long, unhurried cave visit. Keep your belongings light and secure; a waterproof bag is included for items you want to bring on the boat. A camera is on the suggested packing list, but take care around the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Three Green Caves: another 45 minutes in the water

A short speedboat ride brings you to Koločep’s Three Green Caves. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you more time for swimming, snorkelling and photos than at the Blue Cave. It is a welcome second chance to explore the island’s rocky shoreline from the sea.

The caves are not a walk-in attraction with paths and viewing platforms. You reach them by swimming, so the same ability requirement applies here. If you are comfortable in the water, the stop gives you time to explore at your own pace within the group’s schedule. If you prefer to stay aboard, check with the crew about what options are available, since none are specified.

The boat rides between stops are short, but the schedule is still fairly active. You will be getting in and out of the water, then moving on. I would bring flip-flops for the shore and a towel for later, while keeping valuables to a minimum.

Šunj Beach: the longest pause of the trip

After the caves, the boat heads to Šunj, a sandy beach on Lopud. You get around an hour here, with some versions of the schedule allowing 60 to 90 minutes. The sand makes a change from Dubrovnik’s rocky waterfront, and this is the stop where you can slow down, swim, sunbathe or visit the beach bar for food or a cocktail.

The beach is reached by walking through shallow water, so expect wet feet on the way in. The beach bar is useful because food is not included, but you will need money or a card for anything you buy. Towels are also not supplied. If your plan is to relax on the sand, bring one from your hotel.

This final stop is a strong reason to choose the tour over a cave-only outing. It gives the trip a softer finish after the quicker swim stops. On the other hand, beach time is limited. If you want several hours on Šunj, take a separate trip to the beach rather than expecting this half-day tour to provide a full beach day.

What the $82 price covers

At $82 per person, the tour bundles boat transport, fuel, snorkelling gear, a waterproof bag and drinks: water, beer, wine and Coca-Cola. That is useful value if you planned to rent a boat or pay separately for equipment and refreshments. It also saves you the work of arranging transport between Dubrovnik and the islands.

The price does not include food, towels, hotel pickup or drop-off, or a tip for the crew. Add those costs when comparing it with other outings. You return to the same meeting point where you started, so you will need to make your own way there and back.

A reported rating of 4.7 from 46 reviews suggests a strong overall response, and 86 percent of transport ratings were perfect. The most praised details include the caves, the boat handling and the beach finish. A recent trip led by captain Mario was especially noted for confident control and good music, alongside the soft sand and beach bar at Šunj. Those are useful signs of what can make the outing enjoyable, though the captain and playlist can vary.

Sun, spray and practical limits

This is a sunny, exposed outing. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, flip-flops and a camera if you want one. The sun can be strong, and shade on an open boat may be limited, so apply sunscreen before boarding and bring it along for later.

The boat has no toilet. The only toilet on the route is at the beach, so use the restroom before departure. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, which makes sense on a small speedboat; pack only what you need for swimming and a few hours outdoors.

The boat’s open design can be uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness or dislike wind and spray. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, babies under one year or people over 70. The operator also says not to bring pets or smoke on board.

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. But a delay, no-show or incorrectly booked date does not qualify for a refund, so check your date and meeting details carefully.

Who should book this boat trip?

I’d choose this tour if you want to combine cave swimming with a real beach stop, and you are happy to spend much of the outing in and around the water. It is especially appealing if you have only half a day and want to see more than one island stop without organizing transport yourself.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, sheltered cruise, cannot swim confidently, need a toilet close at hand or want a long, uninterrupted stretch on the sand. The shared format also means you are following a group schedule rather than setting your own pace.

Book it if the caves, snorkelling and Šunj Beach all sound like part of the same good afternoon. If the beach is your main goal, go independently and give yourself more time there. If the sea is the main attraction, this compact route offers a practical mix of cave stops and open-water views for the price.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Blue Cave tour?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti in Dubrovnik.

How do I find the correct boat?

Look for Antonio, a person in a red shirt or Adriatic Boat Tours staff. Several boats depart from the area, so allow time to identify the right one.

Is this a private tour?

No. It is a shared group tour.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You need to swim to enter the caves, and the tour advises that you should be a decent swimmer.

Is snorkelling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkelling gear is included.

What drinks are included?

Water, beer, wine and Coca-Cola are included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, but there is a beach bar at Šunj where you can buy food or a cocktail.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. The only toilet on the route is at the beach, so use the restroom before departure.

What is not allowed on the boat?

Pets, smoking, luggage and large bags are not allowed.