Reviewed · BLUE CAVE BOAT TOURS FROM DUBROVNIK

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling

5.0 · 62 reviews 2 to 8 hours (approx.) Operated by Adriatic Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is the chance to swim inside Koločep’s Blue Cave and three nearby caves, then spend the rest of the day choosing between quiet island stops, a sandy beach, and a long lunch. Skippers such as Toni and Rocco tailor the route, which matters on a private boat.

I like the easy mix of snorkelling, swimming, and island time, and I like that beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included. The main catch is the extra fuel charge, which is €50 for four hours, €70 for eight hours, or €120 for the 10-hour Mljet option. Lunch and some admission costs are also separate.

Key points to know before booking

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Key points to know before booking

  • Koločep’s Blue Cave is the star stop: Swim and snorkel inside the cave while sunlight gives the water its blue glow.
  • Your skipper can shape the day: Toni and Rocco are named as skippers, and the private format allows changes based on your group’s wishes.
  • The price covers up to four people: At $362.05 per group, the value improves when four people share the boat.
  • Fuel is not included: Budget an extra €50 for four hours or €70 for eight hours.
  • Šunj is a proper sandy beach stop: It offers an easy place to swim, rest, and buy drinks at beach bars.
  • Mljet requires the long option: The eight-hour Blue Cave and Mljet trip reaches the national park, but the island is about two hours away by speedboat.

Why the Blue Cave makes this trip worth considering

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Why the Blue Cave makes this trip worth considering

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the obvious starting point for a coastal holiday, but the sea gives you a different view of the region. On this private speedboat trip, the main reward is not simply riding fast across open water. It is reaching caves and beaches that are difficult to combine by ordinary sightseeing.

The first stop is Koločep Island, where you visit the Blue Cave and three other caves. You can swim and snorkel inside them, with sunlight reflecting through the water to create the blue color that gives the main cave its name.

I would treat this as the heart of the outing. The cave visit is active rather than purely scenic, so bring a swimsuit and expect to get wet. Snorkel equipment is supplied, which saves you from packing your own mask and fins, though the tour details do not specify the exact equipment available or how much time you spend in each cave.

The boat is private for your group, with a skipper rather than a large shared excursion crowd. That gives you more say in how long you spend swimming, eating, or walking. It also makes the trip a sensible choice for a family or group of friends who want one boat day together.

More snorkelling trips in Dubrovnik:

A closer look at the island route

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - A closer look at the island route

Koločep: four caves and time in the water

Koločep comes first, with about one hour listed for the stop. The route includes the Blue Cave and three additional caves, so you get more than a quick photo stop.

The practical appeal is simple: you can enter the caves by swimming and use the supplied snorkel gear to look for sea life. Bottled water and soft drinks are included, useful after time in the sun.

The one-hour estimate may feel short if your group wants long swims, repeated snorkelling, and plenty of photographs. A private skipper can help make the time work, but you should not assume every stop will expand without affecting the rest of the route.

Šipan: a two-hour lunch break

The boat then heads to Šipan Island for lunch at a local restaurant. The stop is planned for about two hours, giving you a slower pause after the cave visit.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. That is important when comparing the total cost with other boat trips. The listing does not name the restaurant or provide a menu, so you should ask the operator about meal choices and payment details before setting out if that matters to your budget.

I like this stop because it breaks up the day. An all-water itinerary can become tiring, especially in strong sun. Two hours on Šipan gives you time to eat and relax instead of rushing from one swim stop to the next.

Lopud: churches, a monastery, and a chance to walk

Lopud offers a different kind of stop. Instead of staying on the boat or sitting on the sand, you can walk around the island and see its churches and monastery.

The scheduled time is about one hour. That is enough for a short look around, but not enough for a lengthy exploration. You will need to keep the pace sensible, particularly if you also want time at Šunj Beach.

This stop works best for people who want some land-based sightseeing in the middle of a boat day. If your priority is swimming, you may prefer to ask the skipper to protect your water time. The private format makes that conversation possible.

Šunj Beach: Dubrovnik’s popular sandy pause

Šunj Beach is usually the last stop on the standard island route. It is described as the most popular sandy beach in the Dubrovnik area, with room to relax, swim, and buy drinks at beach bars.

The sandy shore makes Šunj a useful contrast to rocky coastal swimming spots. You can simply take a break, have a drink, and enjoy an easier beach stop after the caves and island visits.

The tradeoff is that a popular beach may feel less peaceful than a small cave or a quiet stretch of coast. The tour does not promise private beach access or reserved seating. Beach-bar purchases are also separate from the drinks supplied on the boat.

Optional Lokrum and the choice you need to make

Lokrum Island sits in front of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, on the opposite side from the Elaphiti Islands. The boat goes there only on request.

That request changes the route. If you choose Lokrum, you cannot also see all of the Elaphiti Islands during the same outing. This is one of the most important planning details because Lokrum can look appealing on a map, especially if you are staying in Dubrovnik and want a nearby island visit.

Ask yourself what you want most. If the Blue Cave, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj are the reason you are booking, keep the Elaphiti route. If Lokrum matters more, confirm the revised plan with the skipper before departure.

The eight-hour Mljet option

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - The eight-hour Mljet option

Mljet is reserved for the longer option, described as an eight-hour Blue Cave and Mljet tour. The island is about 50 kilometers from Dubrovnik, and the speedboat ride takes roughly two hours.

That travel time explains why Mljet cannot simply be added to a short outing. You are committing much of the day to reaching and returning from the island, so the choice makes sense only if Mljet is a major priority.

At Mljet, the route can include Limuni sandy beach, Odysseus Cave, and the salty lakes in Mljet National Park. Admission to the national park is not included, and the tour information does not state the exact entrance fee.

You should also note the fuel charge for the Mljet option: €120 for the 10-hour national park trip. The tour summary lists a duration of two to eight hours, while the fuel information refers to a 10-hour Mljet option. Because of that mismatch, confirm the exact duration and fuel cost when booking.

What the private format changes

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - What the private format changes

A private boat is more than a label. It means only your group participates, with space for up to four people. You are not sharing the day with a large mixed party that may have different ideas about swimming, lunch, or beach time.

The value is strongest when four people split the $362.05 group price. Divided four ways, the base cost is about $90.51 per person before fuel, lunch, and any admission charges. For two people, the per-person cost is much higher, so the trip makes more financial sense for a small group of friends or a family.

The skipper also has room to adjust the day. Toni is praised for asking what the group wanted to see and suggesting stops, while Rocco is noted for customizing the route to personal preferences. You should still be clear at the start: tell the skipper if caves, snorkelling, beach time, walking, or lunch matters most.

The boat is described as comfortable and air-conditioned. That is welcome during a long Croatian summer day, though the details do not specify the boat model, seating layout, or size of the shaded area. There is no toilet on board, a practical issue for an eight-hour outing.

Drinks, equipment, and the small extras

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Drinks, equipment, and the small extras

The tour includes bottled water, Coca-Cola, beer, and wine. This reduces the need to carry a full cooler, and it is especially useful after swimming or sitting in the sun.

A bottle of champagne is included only on the sunset tour. Do not assume it comes with a regular daytime departure.

Snorkelling equipment is supplied. That is one of the more useful inclusions because the Blue Cave stop is built around swimming and seeing what is below the surface. If you rely on prescription goggles or have specific equipment needs, bring your own because no further equipment details are provided.

Fuel is the biggest surprise in the final bill. The base price does not include:

  • €50 per booking for four hours
  • €70 per booking for eight hours
  • €120 for the Mljet national park option

One direct review praised the boat, staff, and equipment but felt fuel should have been included. I agree that this cost should be treated as part of the real tour price, not as a minor footnote. Ask for the total in euros before you go.

Pickup, timing, and what to bring

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Pickup, timing, and what to bring

Pickup and drop-off are not included. One review notes that the meeting point is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Since the exact pickup location is not stated here, confirm it after booking and allow time to reach the marina.

The tour accepts mobile tickets and is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation.

You should bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. The supplied information does not specifically list towels, so do not count on one being provided. Bring a small amount of extra money for lunch, beach-bar drinks, fuel, and possible national park admission.

The tour depends on good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this speedboat day most

Private Speedboat Tour- Blue cave, sandy beaches and snorkelling - Who will enjoy this speedboat day most

I would recommend this outing to a group of up to four people who want several kinds of coastal time in one day. You get cave swimming, snorkelling, a restaurant stop, a walk on Lopud, and a sandy beach without having to organize separate transport.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a flexible day. The skippers, including Toni and Rocco, can respond to your group’s priorities instead of following a fixed large-party schedule.

Families may like the private setup and the choice of calmer or more active stops, though the cave swimming and boat conditions mean you should judge your own group’s comfort in the water. Couples can book it too, but the fixed group price is better shared among four people.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speedboats, need a toilet on board, or want every cost included in advance. The extra fuel charge, lunch cost, possible admission fees, and separate transport to the meeting point make the headline price less complete than it first appears.

Should you book this Dubrovnik boat tour?

Book it if your ideal day includes the Blue Cave, snorkelling, sandy beaches, and a flexible private route. The caves are the main reason to go, while Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj give the day enough variety to avoid feeling like one long swim stop.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, the exact tour length, the fuel charge, and whether your preferred islands fit the route. Choose Lokrum only if you are willing to give up some or all of the Elaphiti Islands, and choose Mljet only if you are happy to spend much of the day reaching the national park.

For four people who value privacy and customization, this is a strong Dubrovnik day at sea. For a pair watching every euro, a shared boat may cost less. The tour is recommended by 98 percent of bookers and has a five-star rating from 62 reviews, but the fuel issue is real and should be included in your budget from the start.

FAQ

How much does the private speedboat tour cost?

The listed price is $362.05 per group of up to four people. Fuel, lunch, and some admission charges are not included.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes bottled water, Coca-Cola, beer, wine, a skipper, and snorkelling equipment. Champagne is included only on the sunset tour.

How much is the fuel charge?

Fuel costs €50 per booking for four hours, €70 for eight hours, and €120 for the Mljet national park option.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch on Šipan is not included in the tour price.

Which islands does the regular route visit?

The route includes Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, and Šunj Beach. Lokrum is visited only on request.

Can the tour visit Lokrum Island?

Yes, but only on request. If you go to Lokrum, the boat cannot see all of the Elaphiti Islands on the same route.

Is Mljet included in every tour?

No. Mljet is available only on the eight-hour Blue Cave and Mljet National Park option. The island is about 50 kilometers from Dubrovnik, with a speedboat ride of roughly two hours.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. A toilet is not available on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather cancels the experience, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

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