Dubrovnik: Morning Blue Cave speedboat tour with drinks

The Blue Cave gives this half-day trip its big moment: sunlight enters through a crack in the rock and turns the water a vivid blue. You also get the city walls from the sea, snorkeling at Koločep, and a long pause on Šunj Beach. I like the mix of cave stops and beach time, and that the boat comes close to the Blue Cave entrance, so the swim to it need not be long. One consideration: the ride is fast and the tour includes several swims, so it is not a good fit if you have back problems or want a slow, land-based outing.

I also like that drinks and snorkeling equipment are included, with a guide on board to help you make the most of the stops. The beach gives you a chance to trade the boat for sand, a walk, or lunch at one of its restaurants. Plan for sun, salt water, and a full five hours rather than a quick boat trip.

At a glance

• Blue Cave first: Reach Koločep in about 20 to 25 minutes from Dubrovnik and swim or snorkel at the island’s famous sea cave.
• Three more caves nearby: Explore three smaller colored caves, with about an hour scheduled for the stop.
• Two hours at Šunj: Lopud’s sandy shallows make this the longest break and a good place to swim, walk, or get lunch.
• Views from the water: The route passes Dubrovnik’s city walls and modern waterfront, with a short photo stop near Lokrum on the way back.
• Drinks and gear included: Expect bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, an instructor, and an English-speaking guide.
• A fast, active half-day: The tour lasts five hours and includes speedboat rides, swimming, and time in the sun.

Dubrovnik looks different from the speedboat

The boat leaves from near the Old Town harbour at Ribarnica ul. 1, where you’ll look for the yellow Sea Safari sign marked Vagabundo. Before the caves, the ride itself offers a worthwhile change of angle. Dubrovnik’s stone walls rise above the water, and you’ll also see the city’s more modern side as the boat heads toward Koločep.

The speedboat can travel up to 40 miles per hour, according to the tour details. That makes the trip between stops quick, but it also means the ride is part of the experience, not just a shuttle. If you enjoy being on the water, you’ll appreciate the views and the feeling of covering distance in a short time. If you’re sensitive to a bumpy ride, keep in mind that this is a speedboat tour, not a leisurely harbor cruise.

The first crossing to the Blue Cave takes about 20 minutes, with the route listed as roughly 25 minutes. Allow for some variation in timing. The whole outing is planned for five hours, with time split between the boat, several water stops, and a two-hour beach break.

The Blue Cave’s blue light and clear water

The Blue Cave is on the south side of Koločep, one of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik. Its color comes from sunlight entering through a crack in the stone and reflecting through the water. The effect is the main event, but the setting matters too: you’re approaching a cave by sea, then getting time to swim and snorkel rather than simply passing by for a photograph.

The captain brings the boat close to the entrance, so the swim to the cave need not be far. That detail may be reassuring if you’re with children or are not keen on a long swim from the boat. You’ll be given snorkeling equipment, and an instructor is included. Bring your own towel and swimwear, and don’t assume that a short distance means no effort at all: you still need to be comfortable getting into the water and moving around there.

About 30 minutes are scheduled at the Blue Cave. That gives you time for a look, a swim, and photographs, though the stop will feel brief if you want to linger in one place. The order of the trip makes sense: the cave is the first major stop, while you’re fresh and still have the rest of the morning ahead.

Three smaller caves, three different views

A short speedboat ride takes you from the Blue Cave to three smaller caves on Koločep. Together, these stops have about an hour, giving you more time to explore than at the first cave. Their colors and rock surfaces vary, shaped over time by the sea, warm weather, and erosion.

This is the more hands-on part of the cave portion. You can swim and snorkel, look closely at the rock, and take photos from the water. The cave stops are a good reason to bring a waterproof camera or phone case if you have one. A dry bag is also a practical choice for keeping your phone, clothes, and other belongings safe on the boat.

The tour’s appeal here is not a long explanation of geology. It is the chance to see several sea caves in a short space of time, with an instructor and snorkeling gear provided. If you are hoping for a quiet cave visit with no one else around, this may not be the right format. It is a group outing, and you’ll be moving through a sequence of stops on a set schedule.

Šunj Beach is the breathing space

After the caves, the boat heads to Šunj Beach on Lopud. This is the longest stop, with two hours scheduled, and it changes the pace of the outing. The beach is known for its sandy shallows, which extend well out from the shore, and for the contrast between the sea and the pine forest behind it. You can swim, play in the shallows, walk, or simply sit and take a break from the boat.

The long pause is a real strength if you want more than a string of brief photo stops. There are two restaurants on the beach, so you can buy a meal or a drink. Lunch is not listed among the included items, so budget for food separately. Electric vehicles are available for people who want to cross to the other side of the inhabited island, but they are an optional extra rather than part of the boat tour.

One account of the outing describes chairs and umbrellas being available without charge, but beach arrangements can change. Bring a sun hat and sunglasses, and do not count on shade being available exactly where you want it. If you prefer to stay active, the open shallows are suited to casual swimming and ball games. If you’d rather rest, two hours gives you room to settle in without rushing straight back to the boat.

A final look at Lokrum and Dubrovnik

After Šunj, the speedboat heads back toward Dubrovnik, with a brief stop near Lokrum. The schedule allows about 15 minutes there for a photo stop or swim, followed by the ride back to the Old Town. It is a short pause, not a full visit to the island, so don’t book this tour expecting time to explore Lokrum on foot.

The last leg brings you back toward the city walls from the water. A glass of wine is part of the planned finish, and the tour then returns to the original meeting point at Ribarnica ul. 1. The route makes good use of the coast: you see Dubrovnik at the beginning and end, with caves and beach time in between.

The guides, drinks, and pace

The listed tour language is English, and an English-speaking guide is included. Guides Zoran and Mario have led this trip; they were described as polite, accommodating, and fun, with drinks offered throughout the outing. The included drinks are bottled water, soda or pop, and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. The exact selection and timing can vary, so treat them as a welcome part of the trip, not as a reason to skip carrying water.

The trip has also been praised for its organization, small-group feel, and lively crew. Some outings have included cliff jumping, swimming, and music on the return ride. Those are useful clues about the atmosphere, but don’t treat cliff jumping or music as guaranteed parts of the schedule. The confirmed highlights are the caves, swimming and snorkeling, Šunj Beach, and the brief Lokrum stop.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, and a sun hat. A dry bag is a smart extra, and a GoPro or other waterproof camera may be useful if you want to record the caves and swims. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer your personal gear.

Is $79 a fair price?

At $79 per person, this is a strong value if you want a compact day on the water with several stops rather than a private boat or a single destination. The price covers five hours, transport by speedboat, a guide, an instructor, snorkeling equipment, and a range of drinks. You also get a substantial beach break, not just brief visits to the caves.

The value depends on how much of the schedule you’ll use. If you plan to swim and snorkel, enjoy a fast boat ride, and spend time on the sand, the price bundles several activities that would otherwise take separate planning. If you dislike speedboats, don’t want to get in the water, or would rather spend the day exploring Dubrovnik on foot, much of what you’re paying for may not suit you.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems. Those details matter: the outing involves getting on and off a boat and swimming at several stops, so it is not a low-mobility sightseeing trip.

Who should book this trip?

I’d choose this outing if you have limited time in Dubrovnik but want to get beyond the Old Town for a half-day. It works especially well if caves, swimming, snorkeling, and a sandy beach all sound appealing, and if you like a lively boat ride between stops. Families may appreciate the short swim to the Blue Cave entrance, though each person should be comfortable with the water activities.

You may prefer a different excursion if you want a slow cruise, extended time at Lokrum, or a full day at one beach. Five hours is enough for a satisfying sampler, but the schedule keeps moving, and the two-hour stop at Šunj will likely be your best chance to relax. If that balance sounds right, this is a practical way to pair Koločep’s caves with a beach afternoon and a fresh view of Dubrovnik’s walls.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours. Check availability for the available starting times.

Where does the tour leave from?

It starts at Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik’s Old Town area. Look for the yellow Sea Safari sign marked Vagabundo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and an instructor are included.

What drinks are included?

Bottled water, soda or pop, and alcoholic beverages are included. Beer and wine are specifically mentioned.

How much time is spent at Šunj Beach?

The scheduled stop at Šunj Beach is two hours. You can swim, walk, relax, or buy food and drinks at one of the beach’s two restaurants.

Does the tour visit Lokrum?

Yes, it stops near Lokrum for about 15 minutes, with time for a photo stop or swim. It is not a full island visit.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. A dry bag is also useful for keeping belongings protected on the boat.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems and wheelchair users.