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

The best part of this four-hour speedboat trip is the chance to swim into caves rather than simply look at them from a boat. Sunlight turns the Blue Cave’s water electric blue, while the Green Caves glow emerald when the light hits the rock just right. You also get a generous hour at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud.

I like the small-group format, with no more than 18 people, and the simple extras: snorkel gear, pool noodles, water, soft drinks, local beer, wine, and grappa. Skippers such as Ivan, Marco, Luca, and Leo are often singled out for being friendly and careful. The main catch is that the speedboat cannot enter the Blue Cave, so you must swim roughly 20 meters to its small opening, and rough seas can change the route.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Cave requires a swim: The boat anchors about 20 meters away, and the entrance is too small for the boat.
• Four cave experiences are included: Expect the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Dark Cave, and Passage Cave, with swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow.
• Šunj Beach is the final stop: You get about an hour on pale sand and shallow water, though some people wish the beach time were longer.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa are available.
• Sea conditions matter: Choppy water can make the ride uncomfortable and may force the skipper to substitute or shorten cave stops.
• The price is $84.65 per person: For a half-day on the water with equipment and drinks, that is fair value if the full route operates.

Dubrovnik’s walls look different from the water

The trip begins with a view many people miss when they spend all their time inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town. From the boat, you see the pale stone walls from the Adriatic, with the city rising behind them. The skipper provides a few local legends and facts as you cruise along the coast.

You also pass below Lovrijenac Fortress, built on a steep cliff about 37 meters above the sea. From water level, the fortress feels especially dramatic. This short opening cruise is not just transportation. It gives you a fresh angle on Dubrovnik before the swimming stops begin.

The departure area can be confusing because several boats may load and unload at the pier in quick succession. Give yourself extra time to identify the right crew. The meeting point is at a pier in the Old Town area, and other boat staff may be able to point you in the right direction if you are unsure.

The boat carries a maximum of 18 people, although some departures are smaller. One group had only six people, which made the ride feel relaxed and left plenty of room to move between the covered and open sections. The canopy matters on a hot afternoon, while the open front gives you the best views and sun.

Swimming into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the main reason many people book this outing. Natural light slips through the underwater entrance and reflects off the rock, giving the water a blue glow. The effect depends on sunlight, water conditions, and how crowded the cave is, but when the light is right, this is the most memorable stop.

You do not enter by boat. The speedboat anchors about 20 meters from the opening, and you swim to the cave. The entrance is small, and several people describe needing to pass beneath the rocks to get inside. This is important information to understand before paying. It is not a boat tour through a cave with a quick photo stop.

Snorkel masks and breathing tubes are supplied, and pool noodles are available if you want extra support. You still need to be comfortable in open water and able to get in and out of the sea from the boat. The crew gives instructions on how to approach the cave, but you are responsible for swimming through the opening yourself.

The water may be cold, especially on a cooler or windy day. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a noodle and tell the crew before entering the water. A life jacket should be available when needed, and clear communication with the skipper is important.

Crowding is the other issue. The Blue Cave is popular, and several boats can arrive at once. A good skipper may time the visit to reduce the wait, but no operator can control every boat in the area. You might spend more time floating near the entrance than inside it.

The Green Caves, Dark Cave, and Passage Cave

After the Blue Cave, the boat continues to the Green Caves. Sunlight filters into these spaces and gives the water a green or emerald tone. The color is less predictable than a postcard suggests, but the setting is still appealing because you get to see the rock from the water and swim around it.

The route includes two Green Caves, along with a canyon-like passage carved through the cliffs. The narrow passage is one of the more unusual parts of the outing. Depending on water conditions, you may be able to swim and snorkel through sections of it, although some openings require you to pass beneath low rocks.

This is where the trip becomes more active. The crew stays with the boat, so you are not taking a guided cave walk. You follow the skipper’s instructions and explore at your own pace. That works well if you enjoy a little independence, but it may feel less reassuring if you expect the guide to accompany you into every cave.

The advertised stop includes the Dark Cave and Passage Cave as well, although the exact time at each location can vary. The total cave time is about 40 minutes at the Blue Cave and about 30 minutes around the Green Caves and passage. Those figures are useful for setting expectations. You are sampling several short water stops, not spending half a day at one cave.

Weather can change this portion of the trip. Strong wind and rough seas have caused skippers to replace a cave with another site or shorten the swimming time. On one rough outing, the advertised caves were not possible, and the substitute cave was considered disappointing. Another departure used an alternative location because the Green Cave was too rough.

That is not a flaw unique to this operator. These are sea-level sites, and safety has to come first. Still, you should know that the tour’s value depends heavily on the weather. If the route changes, ask the skipper what is being substituted and why.

Šunj Beach gives you a slower final hour

The last stop is Šunj Beach on the south side of Lopud Island. After the speed and activity of the caves, this hour feels easy. The beach has pale sand and clear water, with a shallow seabed stretching roughly 100 meters from shore. That makes it a practical choice for children and less confident swimmers.

You can swim, sunbathe, or sit near the water. There is a small selection of food and drink nearby, including a waterfront bar or restaurant, ice cream, and snacks such as French fries. Beach chairs cost extra, so bring a towel if you want to lie on the sand. Towels are not included.

The one-hour allocation may feel short if you want a proper beach afternoon. Some people would happily trade one cave stop for more time at Šunj. Others appreciate the balance: caves and swimming first, then a quiet beach finish before returning to Dubrovnik.

Do not expect a large resort area packed with shops and attractions. Šunj is mainly about the sand and shallow water. One small bar and a few simple services may be enough for a snack, but there is not a long list of things to do. Beach cleanliness can also vary.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The speedboat is part of the experience, not just a transfer between stops. On calm water, the ride is exciting, with open views of the coast and fast access to the islands. On windy days, the same speed can make the crossing rough.

Several departures had choppy water, and some people found the boat hit hard against the waves. A particularly severe outing involved unsafe handling and a return to port, followed by a full refund. That appears to be an extreme case, but it underlines a sensible rule: if conditions feel unsafe, speak up immediately and expect the route to change.

Most of the positive experiences center on the skipper. Ivan, Marco, Luca, Leo, Mario, Tony, Dora, and Karuzo are among the crew names praised for being friendly, funny, attentive, and careful. A good skipper makes a real difference on a small boat. You want clear instructions at the caves, sensible speed in rough water, and regular checks that everyone is comfortable.

Music can also shape the mood. One skipper played loud dance music throughout the ride, which suited some people but not everyone. If you prefer conversation and quiet views, you may need to ask for the volume to be lowered.

The boat has covered and uncovered areas, so you can move out of the sun when needed. Drinks are kept available during the ride, and some skippers refill them at the stops. Alcohol includes local beer, red and white wine, and grappa. Soft drinks, natural juices, and bottled water are also included. Lunch is not.

Is $84.65 good value?

At $84.65 per person, this is a reasonably priced half-day on the water. You are paying for the speedboat, skipper, several cave stops, a beach stop, snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and a range of drinks. If you tried to arrange boat transport and equipment separately, the convenience would likely cost more.

The price is strongest when the weather allows the full route. You get four hours of scenery and swimming without spending a full day away from Dubrovnik. The Old Town views, cave access, and Lopud beach create a useful mix rather than repeating the same kind of stop.

The value drops if the sea is rough and the main caves are replaced. A modified route may still provide a boat ride and a swim, but it is not the same experience. Because poor weather can lead to a cancellation, alternative date, or refund, check the forecast before you go and keep your plans flexible.

The tour is booked an average of 20 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill early. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. Morning may suit you if you want cooler conditions and the rest of the day in Dubrovnik. Afternoon works well if you prefer a slower start, but sun and wind can be stronger later in the day.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that period are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. A minimum number of people is required, so the operator may offer another date, another experience, or a refund if that minimum is not reached.

Who should take this cave and beach trip?

I would choose this tour if you want an active half-day rather than a formal sightseeing cruise. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and solo visitors who like meeting a small group on the water.

You will get the most from it if you:

• Enjoy swimming from a boat
• Are comfortable entering a small cave opening
• Want snorkeling equipment without packing your own
• Like a fast ride and open sea views
• Prefer several short stops to one long island visit
• Can accept changes caused by wind and waves

I would think twice if you cannot swim to the Blue Cave, dislike choppy boat rides, or want a quiet beach day with plenty of time on shore. This is not a passive cruise. The caves require effort, the ride can be bumpy, and the final beach stop lasts about an hour.

Families should note the shallow water at Šunj, which is helpful for children. The cave section is different. Parents need to judge if their children can manage the swim and the rocky openings. Snorkel gear and noodles help, but they do not remove the need for basic water confidence.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Šunj tour?

I would book it for a clear, calm day when you want to see more than Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The Blue Cave swim, the green-lit rock passages, and the view of the city walls from the sea give you a strong half-day combination. The included drinks and equipment keep the cost sensible.

Before confirming, make sure you understand the essential detail: the boat does not enter the Blue Cave. You swim to it. Also check the weather, bring a towel, and do not count on the cave colors looking exactly like promotional photos.

Choose this tour when you value variety, an energetic boat ride, and a friendly skipper. Skip it if you need a guaranteed itinerary or a long, peaceful beach stay. For most capable swimmers visiting Dubrovnik in good weather, it is a worthwhile way to put the city’s famous coast to work.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Lopud Beach tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $84.65 per person.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The entrance is too small for the boat. The boat anchors about 20 meters away, and you swim to the cave.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are included, and pool noodles are available on the boat.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy food during the stop at Šunj Beach.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 18 people.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. Morning and afternoon tour options are offered.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Rough conditions may also require the skipper to adjust the route for safety.