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

The best part of this four-hour trip is the quick jump from Dubrovnik’s harbor into clear island water. At Kolocep, sunlight turns the Blue Cave a striking blue, while the Green Caves offer underwater passages, rock jumps, and good snorkeling. The early departure is designed to beat the biggest crowds.

I like the mix of two cave stops and a proper beach break, rather than spending the whole morning on a boat. I also like that masks, life jackets, pool noodles, and drinks are provided, which keeps the outing simple and family-friendly. Guides including Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and Jacob are praised for keeping the mood easy and explaining what comes next.

The main caution is that this is a shared speedboat trip, not a quiet private charter. The caves can feel tight, the boat ride may be rough in choppy water, and the advertised drinks may amount to less than you expect. If you want more cave time, ask early about shortening the beach stop.

Key things to know before booking

• The early morning departure matters: From June 1 to September 15, the morning trip leaves at 8:30 a.m. to help avoid the largest cave crowds.
• Kolocep gets the most active time: You spend about 30 to 35 minutes at each of the Blue and Green Caves, with swimming, snorkeling, and possible rock jumps.
• Šunj Beach is the long, easy stop: Expect about 90 minutes on Lopud, with shallow water, sand, beach bars, and a hillside restaurant.
• The boat is shared: The maximum is 30 people per booking, though some larger parties are split between two boats.
• Drinks are included, but set expectations: Beer, white wine, water, and juice are available, with alcohol reserved for adults age 18 and over.
• The caves suit confident swimmers best: Tight spaces and underwater openings may feel uncomfortable if you dislike enclosed places.

Why the Blue and Green Caves make this trip worthwhile

Dubrovnik has plenty of old stone, churches, and city walks. This excursion gives you a different view of the region: low islands, open water, rocky coves, and swimming spots reached by boat. The Elafiti Islands sit close enough to Dubrovnik for a half-day outing, yet the change of pace is immediate once the boat leaves the harbor.

The Blue Cave on the south side of Kolocep is the visual star. Sunlight enters the cave and reflects off the sea and sandy bottom, producing the blue color that gives the cave its name. The effect depends on the light and the water, so this is not a theatrical show with guaranteed conditions. On a bright day, though, the color can be remarkably strong.

The Green Caves offer a different experience. Their appeal is less about one dramatic color and more about the rocky shape of the coves, clear water, and underwater passages. You can swim with the supplied mask, look below the surface, and, if comfortable, pass through some of the openings.

You may also have the chance to jump from rocks. That is an optional extra, not a requirement. Life jackets are available for children and adults, and the crew supplies snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack a full beach kit to take part.

I would give the caves priority if you are choosing between extra cave time and extra beach time. Several passengers found the caves more memorable than Šunj Beach, and the standard schedule gives each cave roughly 30 to 35 minutes. Ask the captain at the start if the group can spend longer at Kolocep and trim the beach stop.

Leaving Dubrovnik from West Harbour

The meeting point is at the last wooden pier in the small marina by the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, at Lapadska obala 4. The tour returns to this same point, which makes planning easier if you are staying in Dubrovnik and do not want a separate transfer at the end.

The boat ride to the first stop takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on conditions and the exact route. That opening run gives you views of Dubrovnik’s coastline and the nearby islands, but it is transport rather than a narrated sightseeing cruise. You should expect the guide to explain the stops and practical details, not provide a long history talk.

This is described as a private speedboat with a driver, but the experience itself is a shared group outing. The booking limit is 30 people, and larger parties may be split across two boats. That distinction matters. You get the speed and flexibility of a smaller craft rather than a large excursion vessel, but you do not control the route or timing as you would on a fully private charter.

Guides named by passengers include Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and Jacob. Their role is mostly practical: handling the boat, explaining what to expect, helping with equipment, and keeping the group moving. Pavo is noted for suggesting the hillside bar at Šunj, while Maro is described as a gracious captain. The exact guide depends on the departure.

Kolocep’s Blue Cave: a short stop with a strong payoff

The Blue Cave is the first major stop. You approach by boat, receive instructions about entering and swimming, then spend time in and around the cave. The water is the main attraction, so bring a swimsuit and be ready to get wet.

The cave is not a long underground tour. You are not walking through a large cavern with paths, lights, or displays. Instead, this is a natural sea cave viewed from the water. The best part is the changing blue light and the chance to see it from inside rather than only from the boat.

The supplied masks help you look beneath the surface. The water around Kolocep is described as exceptionally clear, and swimming outside the cave can be just as rewarding as the cave itself. You may also find a suitable rock-jumping point, depending on conditions and the captain’s instructions.

Keep the time limit in mind. With roughly half an hour at the Blue Cave, you need to move when asked. If you spend too long taking photographs from the boat, you may have less time for swimming. A waterproof phone case or small dry bag would be useful, but these are not listed as included items.

The Green Caves and their underwater openings

The Green Caves are usually the second Kolocep stop. The setting is more rugged, with rocky walls and passages beneath the surface. If you are happy swimming through confined spaces, this can be the most active part of the outing.

You do not need to enter every opening. The crew provides snorkeling masks and life jackets, so you can stay near the boat, swim along the rocks, or watch others explore. Pool noodles are also available, a useful touch for children and anyone who wants extra support in the water.

This is where I would be most careful about matching the experience to your comfort level. One passenger described the caves as daunting if you dislike tight spaces. That is fair. The water may be clear, but clarity does not make a narrow opening feel wide. Ask the guide where the easiest swimming area is, and skip any passage that makes you uneasy.

The stop is also dependent on sea conditions. A choppy return ride was uncomfortable for one family, and speedboats can feel lively when the water is rough. Life jackets are available, but you should tell the crew if you are worried about the sea or if children need a calmer seat.

Šunj Beach: sand, shallow water, and a longer pause

After Kolocep, the boat continues to Lopud and Šunj Beach. This is one of the main reasons the trip works well as a half-day outing. You get about an hour and a half to leave the boat, swim from shore, sit on the sand, or buy food and drinks at the nearby places.

Šunj is known for being one of Dubrovnik’s largest sandy beaches. Its lagoon has shallow, warm water that changes from green to blue, making it a comfortable place to cool off. Families may appreciate the gradual water, while adults may prefer the chance to stretch out after the more active cave stops.

The beach is not the strongest part of the trip for everyone. If you have already spent time at sandy beaches, you may find it pleasant rather than remarkable. The caves are more unusual, and some passengers wished the schedule gave them less beach time and more time at Kolocep.

You can also walk up toward the hillside bar and restaurant. The bar has views over the beach, and the restaurant farther up the steps is recommended for an early lunch. Lunch is not included, so budget separately if you want a meal. The hillside option can also be a better setting for a drink than sitting directly on the sand.

This stop gives you welcome breathing room. You are not rushed from one swim to the next, and you can choose your own pace. If you want a relaxed family outing rather than a nonstop sightseeing program, that 90-minute pause is useful.

Drinks, equipment, and what the price covers

At about $77.43 per person, the tour sits in the middle of the market for a four-hour Dubrovnik boat outing. The value comes from combining boat transport, a driver and guide, fuel, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and the three main stops in one booking.

The equipment removes a few small hassles. Masks are provided, and life jackets are available for adults and children. Pool noodles have also been used on the boats, which can make the swim stops easier for less confident swimmers. You still need to bring your own towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and any personal camera protection.

Included drinks are beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcohol is only for adults age 18 and over. The wording suggests drinks are available during the trip, but do not assume unlimited service. One passenger received only one drink during the boat ride, partly because the stops keep you off the boat for much of the four hours.

That is a useful point. You are not spending four hours sitting aboard with a full drinks service. Much of the time is spent swimming or at Šunj Beach. Bring a refillable water bottle if you want more water than the included supply provides.

Lunch is not included. You can eat at the beach or hillside restaurant, but prices and opening arrangements are not specified, so carry a little extra money if you want that option.

Timing, crowds, and the 4-hour schedule

The morning tour runs at 8:30 a.m. from June 1 through September 15. I would choose this departure whenever possible. The Blue and Green Caves are small sites, and arriving before the larger rush can make the swim feel less crowded.

The basic pattern is:

• About 30 minutes at the Dubrovnik harbor meeting point and departure process
• Roughly two hours around Kolocep, with 30 to 35 minutes at each cave and travel between them
• About 90 minutes at Šunj Beach
• Return to the original marina

The full experience is advertised at about four hours, though timing can vary. One outing returned about 25 minutes early, while another ran on schedule. Do not book a tight lunch reservation or airport transfer immediately afterward.

The boat crew may adjust the balance between the stops. If your group strongly prefers the caves, ask at the beginning about exchanging some beach time for more swimming at Kolocep. It is much easier to raise the request before the schedule gets underway.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several experiences in one morning: a fast boat ride, sea caves, snorkeling, rock views, and a sandy beach. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can manage a shared boat and active swim stops.

It is also a good choice if you want to meet other people. The boat creates a social setting, and groups have included adults and teenagers together. Guides such as Pavo and Jacob are described as easygoing, which helps if you are joining without your own group.

You may want another type of boat trip if you prefer quiet sightseeing, detailed cultural commentary, or complete control over the timetable. This is primarily a swimming and scenery outing. One unhappy passenger felt the boat was mostly a water taxi and wanted more explanation and atmosphere.

I would also think carefully if anyone in your party is anxious on boats. The return can be rough in choppy conditions, and one family found the driving too fast and unsettling. Most outings appear to be comfortable, but the possibility is worth discussing with the captain before leaving the harbor.

Booking details and practical fit

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation is provided when you book, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate.

The maximum is 30 people per booking, but the boat setup can vary. If you are booking a larger group, expect the party might be divided between two boats rather than riding together.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. Since the caves and swimming are the heart of the outing, this weather rule is sensible.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Green Caves tour?

Book it if you want a compact island escape from Dubrovnik with strong swimming stops and an easy beach finish. The Blue Cave and Green Caves provide the unusual part of the day, while Šunj Beach adds time to relax. The included gear and drinks make the $77.43 price reasonable, especially if you would otherwise need to arrange boat transport and equipment separately.

Choose the early departure, and ask for more cave time if that is your priority. Go in expecting a shared speedboat, limited commentary, and drinks that may be modest rather than unlimited. If you are comfortable in the sea and enjoy a little speed, this is a well-rounded half-day outing. If you want a slow, highly informative cruise or dislike tight caves and rough water, spend your money on a calmer boat experience instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in the small marina. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about four hours. Actual timing can vary, and one departure returned about 25 minutes early.

What time does the morning tour leave?

From June 1 through September 15, the morning tour starts at 8:30 a.m. This departure is intended to help avoid large groups at the caves.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets for children and adults. Pool noodles may also be available on the boat.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, white wine, water, and juice are included. Alcoholic drinks are only available to adults age 18 and over.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy food at places near Šunj Beach, including a hillside restaurant.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.