BLUE CAVE&GREEN CAVES /ŠUNJ beach Speedboat tour- WITH DRINKS

This half-day speedboat outing is interesting because you swap Dubrovnik streets for open water, then float through the Blue Cave and Green Caves before relaxing at Šunj beach. I especially like the short snorkel and swim windows, with gear supplied, and I like that the morning schedule (June 1 to Sept 15, starting 8:30 AM) is built to help you avoid the biggest cave crowds. A possible drawback: the cave interiors and underwater passages can feel tight, so if you get anxious in close spaces, this might not be your favorite part.

Guides such as Pavo, Maro, or Anthony tend to keep the vibe easy and practical, with clear pointers on where to look and when to jump in. The whole run is about 4 hours, and while you get free drinks, alcohol is only for adults 18 and up.

Key things to know before you go

• Morning departures help you beat cave crowding (June 1 to Sept 15, 8:30 AM start)
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included
• Kolocep Island delivers both the Blue Cave and Green Caves with timed stops
• Šunj Beach on Lopud is your sandy reset, with shallow, warm water and nearby bars
• Free drinks onboard include beer, white wine, water, and juice (adults only for alcohol)
• Small-group format maxes out at 30, and your group may split across boats for comfort

Dubrovnik by boat: why this cave-and-beach combo works

If you’re in Dubrovnik and you only see the coast from the shore, you miss the best part of the region. This tour gives you the water-level view fast: the islands sit right offshore, the caves are close to the sea surface, and the best “wow” moments happen while you’re floating and looking back.

The big win here is pacing. You’re not stuck on one long ride with one short photo stop. Instead, you get multiple off-boat moments: swim and snorkel at the caves, then a proper beach break on Lopud. That mix is why it earns a near-perfect rating.

The other key value is comfort. You’re in a private-style speedboat experience with a driver, plus life jackets for both kids and adults. That matters because cave visits are easiest when you’re not trying to guess how the boat boarding will work or how stable it feels on choppy water.

Getting to the boat: Lapadska obala pier, last wooden spot, and your timing

Your meeting point is Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, at the last wooden pier in a small marina. The activity also lists the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse at the same address, so don’t overthink it: go straight to Lapadska obala 4 and find the marina pier that matches the description.

The tour runs about 4 hours. That schedule is tight enough that you’ll feel like you actually did something, but it’s not so long that you’ll dread the return trip. If you want to reduce crowds inside the caves, aim for the morning departure, because the route is specifically timed to avoid the busiest periods.

One practical tip: arrive ready to move. You’ll get wet at the caves and in the swimming sections, so sunscreen and a hat are best handled before you climb on board.

Kolocep Island caves: Blue Cave light and Green Caves passages

The cave portion is based on Kolocep Island. This is where the “blue” part becomes more than a color word.

Blue Cave: the famous blue glow comes from sunlight refracting and bouncing off the sand at the bottom. In plain terms, you want clear visibility and the right angle, which is exactly why a boat tour matters. From the water, the color shifts as you move, and that’s the magic trick.

Green Caves: after the Blue Cave, you visit the Green Caves. The appeal here is more about structure than color. You’re looking at underwater passage shapes and the way light plays off them. Many stop points include places for jumping off rocks, which makes it more active than a sit-and-stare boat ride.

How long do you get in the caves? The tour design uses short, timed stops. Some schedules feel closer to about 20 to 35 minutes per cave stop, which is enough to snorkel and enjoy the view, but not enough to linger forever if you’re hoping for a slow, long exploration. If you’re the type who wants every minute in the cave, this is where you’ll need to manage expectations.

Snorkeling gear, jump spots, and avoiding “tight cave” stress

This tour includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets for kids and adults. In a few experiences, you’ll also find extras like masks and pool noodles to help you float comfortably, especially if you want to relax rather than just swim.

Here’s the real-life takeaway: snorkeling works best when you’re calm and not fighting your gear. So keep it simple:

• Get your mask on quickly, before you’re rushed by boat timing.
• Stay close to where you entered or where the boat will pick you up.
• If you’re prone to anxiety in enclosed spaces, know that some cave areas can feel tight and you may not want to go all the way in.

One review-style lesson I’d take seriously: people who are uncomfortable in close or tight cave sections often have the least fun. If you’re comfortable in water but not with cramped areas, you can still enjoy the exterior views, the jump points, and the chance to snorkel in the clearer open spots.

Also, expect you’ll spend time in water that is usually swimmable in late summer. A lot of the “just right” water temperature comments come from end-of-season trips, so don’t assume you’ll be shivering. Still, bring that towel habit. Being wet for the ride back is one thing, being wet with no way to dry off gets annoying.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: sand time, shallow water, and the best reset point

After the caves, you head to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. Šunj is known for being Dubrovnik’s biggest sandy beach, and the tone changes immediately. This is your decompression stop.

You’ll typically get around 1.5 hours to relax and swim. The beach setting is also part of why this works. The coastline includes a lagoon-like feel with shallow, warm water that stretches from greenish tones to deeper blues as you move out. That’s why it’s such a good “everyone can do their own thing” stop, from casual waders to full-on swimmers.

There are also beach bars and small restaurant spots up on the hill. One review highlighted a bar in the woods above the beach, with a view looking down. That kind of spot is exactly what you want after time in caves. You’re dry-ish, you can sit, and you can order something without rushing back to the next boarding.

A balanced note: Šunj is a nice beach break, but it’s not the main attraction for everyone. Some people come for the caves and want more time there. If that’s you, think of Šunj as the reward and recovery stop, not the headline.

Drinks onboard: what’s included and the adult-only alcohol rule

The tour includes free drinks onboard: beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcoholic drinks are limited to adults age 18 and above.

This can make the afternoon feel smoother. You’re out on the water with time to swim, then you’re not stuck paying for every small refresh. Most reviews talk about cold drinks as a small but real comfort, especially when it’s hot.

Two practical considerations:

• If you’re traveling with teens or kids, alcohol will not be served to them. Plan other drinks around them like juice and water.
• Don’t plan on alcohol as your main “schedule saver.” Some experiences report uneven drink refills, and it seems to depend on timing and how the crew is distributing drinks that day.

If you drink alcohol, do it with the cave stop pace in mind. Water trips can be physical, and the ride can get bouncy when the sea is moving.

Captain and guide quality: Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and what to watch for

A lot of the top marks are about the crew. Names that come up include Pavo, Maro, and Anthony, and the common thread is how they run the day.

What I like about this style of hosting is that it’s not just “here’s where we’re going.” The good guides do three things well:

• They explain what to look for at the caves, including how the light creates the blue effect.
• They keep the group organized during swim windows and re-boarding.
• They set expectations about timing, so you don’t feel like you missed something when you look back at the schedule.

One review called out friendly, easy-going guidance and good vibe hosting. Another mentioned a captain who kept things professional and ran on schedule. In practice, that’s what turns a set of stops into a real tour.

Transportation and boat comfort: fast water, possible rough moments

This is a speedboat. That’s the point, because it gets you to the caves quickly and keeps the day compact. The tradeoff is that speedboats can feel bouncy if conditions are choppy.

Most of the experience descriptions are about fun, clear water, and smooth enjoyment. Still, it’s worth planning like the water could be active:

• Bring a cover-up you can live with getting damp.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider motion-sickness prevention ahead of time.
• Keep your hands and personal items secure when you’re changing from boat to water.

One negative note mentioned a rough and rushed feeling during the return. That’s not something you can fully control, but you can choose the morning slot and hope for calmer conditions. Good weather is required for the tour to run in the first place, so it’s not operating in unsafe seas.

Price and value: what $77.43 gets you for caves and beach time

At $77.43 per person for about 4 hours, you’re paying for a focused, water-based experience with multiple paid moments baked in.

Here’s what adds value:

• Two cave locations on Kolocep instead of one quick pass
• Snorkeling equipment plus life jackets
• Free drinks onboard including beer and white wine for adults
• A driver and guided hosting during the route

Where the value gets tested is in time allocation. The cave stops are relatively short, and the beach stop is longer. If caves are your top priority, you might wish for more minutes underwater and less beach time. If you want a mix of photos, snorkeling, and relaxed beach time, the ratio makes sense.

Overall, the high recommendation rate suggests most people feel the price matches what they actually do: they come back from the trip tired in a good way, with swim time and cave views as the headline.

Who should book this tour, and who might want another option

You should book if you want:

• A small-group speedboat day with quick swim stops
• The chance to see the Blue Cave and Green Caves from the water
• Included snorkeling gear and life jackets
• A balanced half-day plan that ends at a sandy beach instead of a second cave sprint

You might think twice if:

• You strongly dislike tight or enclosed cave spaces
• You need long, unhurried time in caves. Expect timed stops.
• You’re very motion-sensitive and prefer calmer transport. The tour does require good weather, but speedboats can still feel rough if the sea is active.

It’s a solid choice for couples, families with kids who are comfortable in water, and groups of friends who want to meet people on a shared boat day without it turning into a party.

Should you book Blue Cave and Green Caves with Šunj beach?

Yes, if your idea of a great Dubrovnik day includes swimming in clear water, seeing the caves up close, and then stretching out at a real beach with bars nearby. The strongest reason to book is the combination: you get cave time plus snorkeling gear plus free drinks without needing to organize any of the logistics yourself.

If you care most about caves, pick the morning departure window when it’s offered, and go into it knowing the cave stops are time-limited. You’ll enjoy it more if you treat each stop as a highlight burst rather than a deep, slow exploration.

One last nudge: bring a towel, keep your swim gear simple, and plan to spend part of the trip feeling pleasantly wet and salty. That’s the whole point of this route.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Blue Cave and Green Caves speedboat tour?

You meet at Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in a small marina in Dubrovnik.

How long is the tour, and where does it end?

The tour runs about 4 hours and ends back at the same meeting point.

What drinks are included, and are there age limits?

Free drinks include beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcoholic beverages are only for adults age 18 and above.

Do they provide snorkeling gear and life jackets?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are provided for children and adults.

How large are the groups?

This is a group tour with a maximum of 30 people per booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.