Dubrovnik: Morning Blue Cave speedboat tour with drinks

The best part of this five-hour trip is how much coastline it covers without eating up your whole day. You speed past Dubrovnik’s walls, swim into the glowing Blue Cave, explore three smaller caves, stretch out at Šunj Beach, and finish with a look at Lokrum.

I like the mix of active stops and easy sightseeing, and I like that snorkeling gear, an instructor, bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included. Guides Zoran and Mario are named as the crew, and the tour keeps the mood light with music on the ride back. The main drawback is that this is a fast, open-water outing, so it is not suited to people with back problems or wheelchair users.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Cave is only about 20 minutes from Dubrovnik by speedboat, making it a smart choice when you have limited time.
• Koločep gives you two different cave stops, with one Blue Cave and three smaller Green Caves for swimming and snorkeling.
• Šunj Beach provides the longest break, with two hours for swimming, lunch, drinks, walking, and relaxed time on the sand.
• The ride is part of the sightseeing, including a sea-level view of Dubrovnik’s walls and the modern side of the city.
• Drinks and snorkeling equipment are included, with beer, wine, water, and soft drinks available during the outing.
• The tour returns to Dubrovnik after a short Lokrum stop, so you can fit it into a morning or half-day plan.

Why this five-hour boat trip works for a short Dubrovnik stay

Dubrovnik can swallow a full day before you even leave the Old Town. The walls, lanes, churches, and viewpoints deserve time, but the nearby islands offer a completely different side of the area. This trip gives you a taste of that island coast in one compact outing.

The speedboat reaches up to about 40 mph, so the ride feels energetic rather than slow and scenic. That speed matters here. The Blue Cave is roughly 20 minutes from the Old Town harbor, and the boat moves quickly between the later stops as well.

You get a good blend of guided activity and free time. The crew takes you to the caves, provides snorkeling gear, and gives you instructions. At Šunj Beach, you have a longer stretch to set your own pace. You can swim, walk, eat, order a drink, or simply use the beach as a rest stop after the cave visits.

This is not a quiet cruise. Expect spray, speed, swimming, and a fair amount of getting in and out of the water. If that sounds better than sitting on a large sightseeing boat, the format is appealing.

Setting out from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor

The meeting point is at Ribarnica ul. 1, marked by a yellow Sea Safari, Vagabundo sign. The excursion begins and ends at the same place, which keeps the logistics simple if you are staying near Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

The opening ride gives you one of the most unusual views of Dubrovnik. Instead of looking down from the city walls or across from the usual land viewpoints, you see the fortifications from sea level. The boat also passes the modern part of the city, so you get a quick visual contrast between old stone defenses and present-day Dubrovnik.

Bring sunglasses and a sun hat. You should also arrive ready to swim, with swimwear and a towel. A dry bag is a particularly useful extra. One person specifically wished they had brought one, and on a small speedboat your phone, camera, and clothes will be close to water throughout the day.

The ride can be lively. The boat is fast, and the open setting means you will feel the movement more than you would on a larger vessel. That is part of the fun, but it is worth considering if you are prone to back discomfort.

Koločep’s Blue Cave and the first swim

The Blue Cave is the first major stop, on the south side of Koločep Island. Sunlight enters through an opening in the rock and reflects through the water, creating the cave’s blue color. The effect depends on the light and conditions, but the setting is designed for a quick swim and close look rather than a long land visit.

The captain brings the boat close to the entrance, which helps if you do not want a long swim from the boat to the cave. This is also useful for children who are confident in the water but may not want to cover much distance. You receive snorkeling equipment and guidance before exploring.

You have about 30 minutes here for a photo stop, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing. That is enough time to get into the water and look around, but not enough for a slow, unhurried session. Keep your belongings secure and listen carefully to the instructor before entering.

The Blue Cave is the most visually distinctive stop, but it is not the only reason to book the outing. If you have already seen similar sea caves elsewhere, the attraction here is the easy combination of cave access, swimming, and a fast ride from Dubrovnik.

Three Green Caves on Koločep

A short speedboat ride takes you to three smaller colored caves, also on Koločep. The caves have different shapes and surface colors, formed by years of wave action, warm weather, and erosion in the stone.

You spend about an hour at this stop, giving you more time in the water than at the Blue Cave. You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, and look at the rock surfaces from close range. The tour also allows time for rock jumping, according to the trip feedback, so you can add a little more excitement if you are comfortable with it.

The Green Caves are likely to feel more active than scenic. You are not simply passing by for a photograph. The point is to get wet and explore from the water. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the instructor is there to help with the activity.

This stop suits confident swimmers best. The tour is not described as wheelchair accessible, and it is not suitable for people with back problems. Even without those concerns, remember that cave swimming involves boarding and leaving the speedboat, moving through water, and handling gear.

Šunj Beach gives you two hours to slow down

After the cave stops, the trip heads to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is the longest stop, with about two hours of free time. That break changes the rhythm of the outing. Instead of moving from one swimming spot to the next, you can settle in for a while.

Šunj is known for its sandy shallows, which stretch a long way from the shoreline. The shallow water works well for families with children and for casual ball games. You can swim without immediately heading into deep water, though normal supervision and care are still needed.

Pine trees border the beach, creating a simple combination of sand, shallow sea, and shade. Two restaurants are available for food and drinks. The stop includes time for lunch, coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, walking, snorkeling, and swimming, though food purchases are not listed as included.

You may also find free chairs and umbrellas at the beach, based on the supplied trip details. That can improve the value of the stop, but beach arrangements can change, so do not build your whole plan around a particular chair or umbrella setup.

If you want to see more of Lopud, electric vehicles can take you across to the other side of the inhabited island. This is an optional extra, not a core part of the boat trip, and the two-hour stop may feel short if you try to add a long island outing on top of lunch and beach time.

Šunj is where the tour feels most family-friendly. The caves provide the adventure, while the beach lets you recover. If you prefer a quiet, empty beach with no restaurant activity, this may feel less appealing. If you want an easy place to eat and swim during a busy day, it is a useful stop.

A short farewell at Lokrum Island

The trip heads back toward Dubrovnik after Šunj, stopping near Lokrum for about 15 minutes. This is mainly a photo and swimming stop, with time to see the island from the water and take a final dip.

Lokrum sits close to Dubrovnik, so the stop also helps bring the excursion back into the city’s setting. You see the island as a green, rocky presence just outside the Old Town rather than visiting its interior.

Fifteen minutes is a brief pause. You will not explore Lokrum properly during this tour, and you should not book this excursion as a substitute for a dedicated Lokrum visit. Instead, treat it as a final coastal view and a chance to cool off before the return ride.

The boat then heads back to the Old Town, with roughly 15 minutes for sightseeing and views of Dubrovnik from the water. The return is reportedly a relaxed part of the trip, with music on the boat and a glass of wine before saying goodbye.

What is included, and what you still need to pay for

At $79 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several activities in one half-day rather than paying separately for transport, cave access, equipment, and a beach transfer. You receive:

• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Alcoholic drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• An instructor
• An English-speaking guide

The price does not list lunch, restaurant food, or optional transport on Lopud as included. Plan to pay separately if you want a meal, coffee, cocktail, or other purchase at Šunj Beach.

The strongest value comes from the compact route. In five hours, you get a Dubrovnik coastal ride, Koločep’s caves, a longer beach stop, and a look at Lokrum. A private boat would cost more, while a basic city cruise would usually offer less swimming and hands-on activity.

You are also paying for convenience. The captain brings you close to the Blue Cave, equipment is supplied, and the guide organizes the transitions between stops. That matters when your time in Dubrovnik is limited.

How active is the experience?

The word speedboat tells you a lot. This is not a gentle sightseeing cruise. You should expect a fast ride, exposed seating, swimming, snorkeling, and repeated movement around the boat.

The outing may include rock jumping, but you can choose your own comfort level. The supplied information specifically warns that the activity is not suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users. It does not provide a minimum swimming ability, so ask the operator directly if you have concerns about your own water confidence.

The caves are the heart of the active portion. You may spend more time in the water than on land during the first half of the tour. Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel that dries reasonably well.

The included drinks are helpful on a warm morning. The crew provides water, soft drinks, beer, and wine, and the trip details also mention cocktails at Šunj Beach. Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to swim or jump from rocks.

Guide service and the small-group feel

The named guides are Zoran and Mario. The supplied comments describe them as polite, accommodating, funny, and able to communicate well in English. That combination matters on a tour built around water activities. You need clear instructions, but you also want a relaxed tone during the longer beach break.

The trip has been described as a small-group experience, and that is a real advantage for this route. A smaller boat can get closer to the cave entrance and makes the stops feel less like a mass arrival. The boat is also described as new, which may add comfort and confidence during the fast rides.

Do not expect a formal historical tour of Dubrovnik or the islands. The guide’s role is mainly to manage the boat trip, point out the sights, provide equipment, and help you enjoy the swimming stops. If you want detailed archaeology or island history, choose a different kind of excursion.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

I would choose this trip if you have only one morning or half-day free and want more than a standard city tour. It works particularly well for people who want to combine sightseeing with swimming rather than spend five hours on land.

It is also a good fit for:

• Families with children who enjoy shallow water at Šunj Beach
• Couples looking for a scenic and active outing
• Friends who want caves, swimming, drinks, and music
• First-time visitors who want a quick taste of nearby islands
• Anyone who likes a small boat more than a large cruise vessel

I would think twice if you have back problems, use a wheelchair, dislike fast boat rides, or want a quiet beach day with no fixed schedule. The itinerary moves on a timetable, and the cave stops are active rather than restful.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if you want the option of a full refund after cancellation. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Dubrovnik plans are still changing. Starting times vary, so check availability for the morning that fits your schedule.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack lightly. You will have limited room on a speedboat, and anything loose can get wet.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• A dry bag for phones and cameras

Water and soft drinks are included, but sunscreen is not listed, so it is sensible to bring your own. A waterproof phone case or action camera can help you capture the cave colors and swimming stops without worrying about your phone. One past participant specifically wished they had brought a GoPro.

Should you book the Blue Cave speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy half-day that combines Dubrovnik views, cave swimming, snorkeling, a sandy beach, and drinks without requiring a full day away from the city. The route is well suited to short stays, and the $79 price covers several useful extras.

Skip it if you want slow sightseeing, detailed history, or a fully accessible boat outing. For everyone else, the appeal is simple: you get into the water quickly, see several very different coastal spots, and return to Dubrovnik with most of your day still available.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Blue Cave speedboat tour?

The tour lasts five hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Ribarnica ul. 1 in Dubrovnik’s Old Town area. Look for the yellow Sea Safari, Vagabundo sign.

Which islands and places does the tour visit?

The route includes Koločep Island, the Blue Cave, three Green Caves, Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, Lokrum Island, and Dubrovnik’s Old Town waterfront.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and an instructor are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included. Food and drinks purchased at Šunj Beach are not listed as included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. A dry bag and a GoPro or other waterproof camera can also be useful, but they are not required.

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.