Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Afternoon Speedboat Tour with Drinks

A speedboat day out of Dubrovnik is interesting because you get the Old Town city walls from a new angle, then swap pavement views for caves, swimming, and sea air. I especially like that this trip builds in real time on the water, not just photo stops, and you also get drinks along the way (wine and beer included).

I also like how the crew keeps the day hands-on. Snorkeling gear is provided, and guides like Petra and Zoki (and other guides you might see such as Oliver, Dorian, or Christian) actively help you get around the cave areas, including swim spots that many people would skip on their own (guided swimming in caves).

One drawback to consider: this is not a sit-back-and-snack cruise. Some parts of the cave swimming are more suitable if you’re a reasonably strong swimmer, and you should be comfortable in open water.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Old Town walls from the sea, with views you just cannot get from street level
• Blue Cave snorkeling at Kolocep, with bright light filtering through the stone crack
• More than one cave stop, including the extra-demanding Green Cave segments
• Sunj Beach on Lopud, with real beach time and on-site food and drinks
• Lokrum Island with a wine break, plus optional cliff-jump energy for those who want it
• Comfort-focused crew support, with guides and captains praised for safety and keeping things fun

Why this Dubrovnik speedboat day feels different from land tours

Dubrovnik is one of those places where the city itself is only half the story. The other half is what the sea does to the coastline, the light, and your sense of distance. This tour puts you out on the water early, so you see Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls like a postcard that you can actually move around.

The pace also matters. You ride in a speedboat, which means you spend less time “getting there” and more time doing. You’re not grinding through day-long transfers. Instead, you’re bouncing between the water’s best highlights, with a guide keeping the stops moving at a pace that still allows swimming and photos.

And yes, the drinks are part of the point. Beer and wine are included, and you’ll have a chance to sip while looking at the islands as the boat glides past. It turns the trip from just sightseeing into a proper day out.

Getting to the dock: Ribarnica ul. 1 and the Vagabundo sign

Your meeting point is Ribarnica ul. 1, and you’re told to look for the yellow Vagabundo sign. That matters because Dubrovnik’s harbor area has a lot of boats and a lot of activity, so having a clear landmark keeps you from wasting time.

Plan to show up with a bit of slack. The tour is scheduled for a set duration of about 5 hours, so being late can cut into swimming time. If you’re taking your time to eat or to browse Old Town first, I’d still recommend arriving with enough buffer to find the correct dock and get your life jacket on without rushing.

Speedboat ride at up to 40 mph: views, drinks, and real sea air

Once you’re aboard, the experience switches gears fast. You cruise out with speeds up to 40 miles per hour. That’s why the trip feels like a true speedboat adventure rather than a slow ferry ride.

What you get from that speed:

• Better window for views. You can photograph the city walls from the water, and the quick movement means you catch different angles.
• Sea breeze factor. Several comments highlight how nice it feels to be out there with wind in your hair, especially on a warm day.
• A built-in party vibe without chaos. You get bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks (wine and beer). It’s not just a snack, it’s part of the pacing.

There’s also a practical angle. If you get seasick easily, speed and wind can be either a problem or a non-issue depending on your body. The data here doesn’t confirm seasickness support, so I’d use your own experience as the guide. If you’ve handled speedboats in the past, you’ll likely be fine.

The Blue Cave on Koločep: snorkeling where the light turns blue

The Blue Cave stop is one of the main reasons people book this tour, and it’s easy to see why. The cave sits on the south side of Koločep (Kolocep) Island, and there’s a crack in the stone where light passes through. Inside, that light refracts in shapes that look different as you move, not just a single flat color.

The time at this stop is built for both photos and water time. You start with a break and photo moments, then you snorkel using the provided gear. You don’t go in as a “stand on the boat and look through a window” activity. The crew sets you up so you can explore right near the cave entrance and into the cave area.

A couple practical tips from the real-world experience that matter:

• Bring a waterproof case for your phone or camera if you want pictures. People specifically recommended this for shots inside the caves.
• Wear swimwear and towel. You’ll want to dry off soon after, especially once you switch islands.
• If you have water shoes, consider them for cave areas. One reviewer said water shoes help.

Also, don’t overthink the cave itself. The magic is that you’re actively swimming while the light does its trick. If you’re comfortable snorkeling, this is the best place on the day to enjoy that combination.

Three Green Caves near Koločep: fun, but swim strength is not optional

After the Blue Cave, you head to the smaller Green Caves around Koločep. This is where the tour shifts from beautiful to physically interesting.

Here’s why:

• You get another long water segment with snorkeling gear.
• The cave conditions are different from the Blue Cave. At least some Green Cave areas involve swimming through tighter or more demanding underwater sections.

Reviews make one thing clear: this portion is not for total beginners. One person specifically said you need to be a reasonably strong swimmer to fully enjoy all activities, and another noted that the later Green Cave segment can be more claustrophobic and demanding.

So my advice is simple: assess how you feel in open water before you commit to every single cave pocket. The guides are present and support you, including helping people if they struggle with a passage. But you still need your own comfort level in swimming.

If you’re in decent shape and not afraid of getting wet, you’ll likely love this segment. It has the “only you and the cave wall” feeling, and the guides help you navigate it rather than leaving you to figure things out alone.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: shallow sand time with real freedom

Then the day turns into relaxation mode with Sunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is a smart move after cave swimming, because it gives your body a chance to recover.

You get about 2 hours here, including walk time and free time, plus swimming and snorkeling if you want it. What I like is that the beach isn’t just a quick stop. You can actually sit, dry off, and choose your pace.

Key details that help you plan:

• Sunj Beach is sandy, and it’s described as stretching about 100 meters.
• The water can be gentle and shallow, so it works well if you want a calmer swim.
• There are two restaurants on the beach where you can buy meals and drinks.
• You can also rent electric vehicles on Lopud if you want to cross to the other side of the inhabited island.

If you’re traveling with kids, this stop is likely to be the “everyone relaxes” moment. It’s also a good place to eat without rushing back onto the boat.

One small thought: if you burn easily, don’t wait until late in the day. Put on sunscreen when you’re still energized. Beach time plus boat time means you can get sun fast.

Lokrum Island: wine with views and optional cliff-jump energy

The last major island stop is Lokrum Island, where you get a view break and a glass of wine. Lokrum is the kind of place where the shoreline views feel like a reward for making it through the earlier water sections.

Time here is shorter, about 15 minutes for swimming plus photo time. That means you should decide quickly:

• If you want photos, do it early.
• If you want to swim, get in while you still have time.

About the cliff-jump part: multiple reviews mention jumping off rocks at Lokrum, including references to a local 9-meter option. The important detail is that it’s framed as a thrill option rather than a forced stunt, and staff are around for safety.

So if you’re curious but nervous, you can watch first. If you do jump, do it with the guide’s direction and only when you feel right.

What’s included, and what you should pack for a day on open water

This tour includes a lot of the extras that often cost money or add stress on your own:

• Speedboat tour
• Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks (wine and beer)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• Instructor or guide
• Insurance

What’s not included:

• Food (you can buy it at Sunj Beach restaurants)
• Hotel pickup or drop-off

So think of the value as a package of boat time plus water gear plus drinks, with staff support in the cave areas.

What you should bring

The provided list is spot-on:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

My extra practical additions, based on what people found useful:

• A waterproof phone case if you want cave photos
• Water shoes if you have them, especially for Green Cave areas

Also, keep in mind that you’re going to get wet. If you wear anything you do not want to dry for hours, bring a way to keep it safe.

Safety and comfort: how the crew keeps the fun going

Safety here is not presented as a scolding rulebook. It’s presented as constant presence. Reviews repeatedly describe guides as cheerful and informative, but also vigilant, helping people during cave swimming and staying nearby when entering and leaving the boat.

You’ll notice two themes:

1. Support in the caves. Guides actively lead or help through cave passage areas rather than leaving you to follow behind blindly.
2. No pressure on cliff jumping. People specifically noted that nobody is forced to jump or even leave the boat.

The boat experience is also praised. Transport gets strong feedback, and many people mention the ride is comfortable, with captains called out by name, including Marin and Mario in different groups.

Still, be realistic. This is water time with caves and swimming. If you’re anxious around water, talk to the guide at the start and set expectations. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely feel the whole day click.

Price and value: is $82 a fair deal for this kind of day?

At $82 per person for about 5 hours, this can feel like a lot until you break down what you’re actually getting.

You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re also paying for:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket and staff support
• Insurance
• Bottled drinks (wine and beer plus soda and water)
• Several island stops with swimming time, not just one splash

If you tried to recreate this on your own, you would still need transportation, a way to reach the Blue Cave and Green Cave areas, snorkeling gear, and you’d likely spend time coordinating with other parties. The included drinks also remove one of those “small” costs that add up when you’re on multiple stops.

So for most people, this is good value if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes water activities. If you want only sightseeing from shore, you might prefer a less swim-focused option.

Who should book this Dubrovnik speedboat tour

I’d point you to this tour if:

• You want Old Town views from the water, not just from streets
• You enjoy snorkeling and are comfortable with active swim segments
• You want a mix of caves, beach time, and island views in one half-day style outing
• You like the idea of a crew that helps you make the most of the cave stops

You might want to skip it if:

• You’re not comfortable swimming in open water
• You want a purely relaxed day with no cave swimming element

It’s also listed as not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

Final call: should you book this speedboat with drinks?

If you want the Dubrovnik version of a water adventure, with the Blue Cave as the headline and a beach plus Lokrum to round it out, I think this is an easy yes. The biggest “green flag” is how often people praise the guides for combining fun with safety, including hands-on help in and around the caves.

But if you’re on the fence about swimming, don’t ignore that factor. The cave segments, especially the later Green Cave part, can be demanding. If you’re a comfortable swimmer and you pack the basics, you’re likely to get exactly what you came for: city walls from the sea, bright cave light, sandy downtime, and a wine view to finish.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at Ribarnica ul. 1. Look for the yellow Vagabundo sign.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes alcoholic drinks, including wine and beer, plus bottled water and soda.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is life jacket provided?

Yes. A life jacket is included.

How fit do I need to be for the cave swimming?

This tour is best if you’re a reasonably strong swimmer, because some cave segments involve active swimming.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users or pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or for pregnant women.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.