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

Few Dubrovnik tours mix famous caves with real swimming time, then finish with an easy beach break. I love the Blue Cave glow and the chance to snorkel with provided gear, not just watch. I also like the small-group feel with a max of 18 people. The main thing to watch is that rough seas can limit how much you can swim and which cave stops are safe.

You’ll also get good old-school local storytelling from captains such as Marco, Luca, Ivan, Leo, and Mario, and that matters when you’re entering tight spaces in the water. Just know there is a swimming component for the Blue Cave, since the boat cannot enter.

Why This Cave Plus Šunj Beach Tour Works So Well

This is a half-day speedboat trip that feels like a greatest-hits sampler of the Lopud and Dubrovnik coastline. You start with views from the water near the old town, then you shift into a swimming and snorkeling rhythm. Finally, you land on a sandy beach with time to relax.

For many people, the big draw is that the caves are not just a photo stop. You actually get into the water, with snorkeling masks and breathing tubes provided, plus float options like pool noodles if you want help.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Blue Cave access is swim-only: the boat anchors about 20 meters away because the entrance is too small to enter by boat.
• Snorkeling gear is included: masks and breathing tubes are provided on board.
• Drinks are included, with a proper bar setup: beer, red and white wine, grappa, soda, juices, and bottled water.
• You get Lopud’s Šunj Beach time: about an hour of sandy beach on the south side of Lopud.
• Small group size: capped at 18 travelers, which helps on a day when the water around Dubrovnik can feel busy.
• Sea conditions matter: if the water is rough, the itinerary can change for safety, and refunds can happen.

First Views Off Dubrovnik: Legends From the Water

Before you even hit the caves, you get a moving viewpoint of Dubrovnik’s old town walls. From the boat, the skyline hits differently. The walls look taller, and the coastline looks sharper, like the whole city was built to face the sea.

As you cruise, your skipper shares legends and facts, including the area beneath Lovrijenac Fortress, perched high above the Adriatic on a steep cliff. It’s the kind of quick orientation that helps you feel oriented fast, especially if this is your first day in Dubrovnik.

The Blue Cave Experience: Stunning Color, Swim-Needed Reality

The Blue Cave is the headline stop for a reason. The water can look intensely blue because of natural light reflecting inside the cave.

Here is the practical part you need to plan for: the speedboat cannot enter the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island. You reach it by swimming, because the entrance is too small for a boat to go through. In practice, the boat anchors about 20 meters from the cave, and you swim in with your mask on.

This is also where float help can be handy. Pool noodles are available on the boat, which can make the experience more comfortable if you are not a strong swimmer. I like that this tour gives you tools for different comfort levels instead of treating everyone as an Olympic athlete.

If you struggle with chilly water, remember you are swimming on an Adriatic cave day, not in a warm lagoon. On colder or windy days, you may feel it more than you expect, and that can shorten how long you want to stay in the water.

Green Caves, Canyon Passage, and Dark Cave Stops

After the Blue Cave, the schedule shifts to the Green Cave cluster. The program centers on two green caves where sunlight can turn the water into an emerald glow. There is also a canyon cave, described as a hidden natural passage carved into the cliffs.

The overall vibe here is exploration. You may get more than one “micro-stop” experience during this segment, and you have options like optional swimming and snorkeling depending on conditions. The tour is marketed to include cave visits such as Green, Dark, and Passage cave areas, and the on-water plan is designed as a multi-cave swim route rather than a single entrance.

One helpful detail from the field: guides often stay on the boat during cave moments, so you should be ready for some self-guiding in the water. It’s not scary, but it is not the kind of guided, hand-holding experience where you never make a decision.

Also, the caves can be crowded. You are sharing popular entrances with other boats. On a busy day, you may feel the bottleneck, especially around the most famous spot. Your skipper can do what they can to minimize waiting, but crowds are part of the equation.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: Sand, Shallow Water, and a Breathing Break

Your last stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, on the south side. You get about an hour of free time for sunbathing and swimming.

What makes Šunj practical for a wide range of swimmers is its shallow seabed. It reportedly extends about 100 meters from shore, which is great if you want an easy wade instead of a deep-water swim. This is the kind of feature that changes the whole tone of a day. After cave swimming, an easy beach entry feels like a gift.

One note: towels are not included. You will want your own towel or something you can use to dry off between the water and lunch-snack mode.

Also, beach chairs can involve a rental fee. So if you care about comfort, bring cash or be ready to pay on-site. If you just want the sand, you are totally fine skipping rentals.

Drinks and On-Board Comfort: More Than a Nice Gesture

For many people, the drinks are not just a perk. They help you reset between swims.

This tour includes local beer, red and white wine, grappa, plus soda/pop, sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water. That means you can choose something non-alcoholic if you want, and you are not limited to just one type of beverage.

I also like the way the refreshment setup matches the activity. When you are going in and out of the water, you often feel chilled, then suddenly hot. Having cold water and juices makes the rhythm easier.

On some days, the music can be on the louder side. If you are someone who likes quiet for the ride, consider bringing earplugs.

Timing, Pace, and How the 4 Hours Usually Feels

The tour is about 4 hours. Within that, you cycle through cave segments and then spend real time on Lopud.

The Blue Cave stop is short, around 40 minutes. That is enough for swimming in, taking a look, and getting back out without burning the whole morning. The Green Caves cluster is about 30 minutes, which also fits the reality of cave crowding and sea conditions.

Then you get roughly 1 hour at Šunj Beach. That’s not a full beach day, so set your expectations accordingly. Think of it as a recovery stop, a chance to dry off, and a quick swim in easy water, not a long lazy afternoon.

If you are the type who wants hours of uninterrupted beach time, you might feel you want more. A few people wished they had longer on Lopud after the caves, which is a fair tradeoff since the caves are the main event.

Meeting the Boats in Old Town Without Losing Your Mind

This is a pier-based pickup near public transportation, and the main meeting area is in Dubrovnik’s Old Town docks. One practical tip: several boats load and unload quickly, so the meeting point can feel slightly chaotic at first.

Give yourself extra time to find your specific boat. It helps to arrive a bit early, scan for the group vibe, and follow the crew directions clearly. The pace is fast, and you do not want to show up out of breath and then scramble your way into gear.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This works well for:

• People who want caves plus swimming, not just sightseeing.
• Those who like structured time for photos, snorkeling, and beach relaxation.
• Groups that want a max-18 setup rather than a huge crowd.

It can be less ideal if:

• You want the caves without any swimming. The Blue Cave access is swim-only.
• You prefer a calm, slow pace with minimal jumping in and out.
• You are very sensitive to choppy water or cold water, since sea conditions can limit comfort.

If you are bringing kids, Šunj Beach’s shallow water helps. Still, cave swimming can be a challenge for younger kids, so it helps to have a comfort plan and use float options when needed.

Money and Value: Is It Worth $84.65?

At $84.65 per person for about 4 hours, the value depends on what you care about.

You get a lot that is usually pay-as-you-go on other trips:

• snorkeling equipment
• a full set of drinks
• a small group size
• admission tickets for the cave stops are free as part of the activity

That means the price is not just for boat rides. It is for the whole day format: caves, water time, and refreshments that keep you comfortable between swims.

The best way to judge value is to compare it to the cost of doing caves and a beach day on your own, with rented snorkeling gear, plus multiple separate boat options. If you want the convenience of everything bundled into one 4-hour block, this price starts to make sense quickly.

Safety and Sea Conditions: What to Expect When the Weather Turns

This experience requires good weather. When conditions are rough, the itinerary can change for safety, and sometimes cave visits can be reduced or skipped.

That is not the operator being flaky. It is just physics. Caves involve rocks and tight entry points, and choppy water makes swimming in and out harder.

One important upside: in at least one rough-sea scenario, people received a full refund when the experience could not deliver the advertised cave highlights. So if you are flexible and accept that nature controls the schedule, you are in the right mindset.

Tips to Make Your Day Smoother

These are the small things that keep the day fun instead of annoying:

• Bring water shoes or sandals with grip for cave-entry areas and beach steps.
• Pack sunscreen and something to protect your shoulders and neck during the ride.
• Bring a towel since towels are not included.
• If you get cold easily, plan for it. Cave swimming can chill you fast.
• If you are not confident in the water, use the pool noodles. That is what they are there for.

And if you care about quiet, consider earplugs. Some captains keep the mood lively with music.

Should You Book This Blue Cave, Green Caves, and Šunj Speedboat Tour?

Book it if your dream day in Dubrovnik includes actual water time: snorkel gear in hand, caves you can swim into, and a final stop on Lopud’s Šunj with easy beach access.

Skip or reconsider if you cannot do swimming into tight entrances, or if you only want a relaxed boat sightseeing day. Also, if cold water and choppy rides are deal-breakers, pick your day carefully and be mentally ready for weather-based adjustments.

Bottom line: for most people, this is a strong value half-day mix of caves, snorkeling, drinks, and a real beach reset. If that combo is your style, you will likely have one of the more memorable water adventures out of Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach speed boat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Where does this tour take place?

It runs from Dubrovnik, Croatia, with cave stops and time on Lopud Island at Šunj Beach.

What is the price per person?

The price is $84.65 per person.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, including snorkeling masks and breathing tubes.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The boat cannot enter the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island, so the cave is accessible only by swimming.

What drinks are included during the tour?

Included drinks are local beer, red and white wine, grappa, plus soda or pop, sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is there a beach towel provided?

No. Beach towels are not included.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum capacity of 18 travelers.

Is cancellation allowed, and what conditions apply?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.