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

The Adriatic turns brilliant inside these caves. This four-hour speedboat trip from Dubrovnik combines the Blue Cave and Green Caves on Kolocep Island with a long swim stop at Šunj Beach on Lopud. I like the mix of short, exciting boat rides, clear water, and time to relax ashore. I also like that snorkel gear, life jackets, fuel, and drinks are included.

The main thing to consider is the tour’s shared-group format. The boat can carry up to 30 people, and the cave stops may feel brief if you want plenty of time in the water. The early morning departure, offered from June 1 through September 15 at 8:30 a.m., is the smart choice for lighter crowds.

Key points before you book

• Two cave stops on Kolocep: You get about 30 to 35 minutes at both the Blue Cave and the Green Caves.
• Šunj Beach adds a proper break: The sandy beach stop lasts about 90 minutes, with bars and a hillside restaurant nearby.
• Snorkel gear is included: Masks, life jackets, and swimming equipment are available at no extra cost.
• Drinks are part of the price: Adults aged 18 and over can have beer, white wine, water, and juice.
• Early starts beat the crowds: The 8:30 a.m. departure is designed to reach the caves before larger groups.
• The boat ride is active: Choppy water can make the return trip rough, so this is not the best fit for anyone who dislikes fast boats.

Leaving Dubrovnik from Lapad

The tour begins at the last wooden pier in the small marina beside the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, at Lapadska obala 4. That is in Dubrovnik’s Lapad area, not inside the Old Town, so allow time to reach the marina if you are staying near the city walls.

The boat heads west from Dubrovnik Harbour toward the Elafiti Islands. The crossing gives you open views of the coast and islands, while the speedboat keeps the journey short. The trip is less about a narrated cruise and more about getting you quickly to the swimming spots.

That distinction matters. Some captains, including Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and Jacob, have been praised for explaining the route, setting a relaxed mood, and helping people understand what to expect. But the amount of commentary can vary by captain and group. If you want a detailed history lesson, this is not that sort of outing. If you want sea air, swimming, and good scenery, the simple approach works well.

The tour is described as a private speedboat with a driver, but it is also clearly a group activity. You are sharing the boat with other people, and bookings can include up to 30 passengers. Some departures are arranged as smaller groups or split across two boats, but you should not assume a private charter unless you have booked one separately.

The Blue Cave on Kolocep Island

Kolocep is the first island stop, and the Blue Cave is the first major attraction. It sits on the island’s south side, where sunlight enters the cave and reflects through the water. Sand on the bottom helps create the strong blue color that makes the place special.

You will generally have around 30 to 35 minutes here. That is enough to enter the cave, look around, swim, and use a mask to see the water below. The boat crew provides snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own gear.

The cave is best understood as a short, visual stop rather than a long underground expedition. Conditions, boat traffic, and the number of people arriving at the same time can affect how much room you have. On a busy afternoon, the cave may feel crowded, which is why the early departure has real value.

The water is the star. It can look blue from outside and become more striking as you move into the darker interior. You may also have the chance to jump from rocks, but only do so if the captain confirms that it is safe and you are comfortable with the height and water conditions.

If you dislike tight spaces, keep this in mind before booking. The cave is not described as a long or difficult passage, but the enclosed setting can feel daunting to some people. You can enjoy the color and swim near the entrance without forcing yourself farther inside.

Swimming through the Green Caves

The Green Caves are also on Kolocep and offer a different feel from the Blue Cave. Here, the shape of the caves creates underwater passages, and the water can shift between blue and green. This is the more active of the two stops.

You get another 30 to 35 minutes to swim and snorkel. The supplied mask lets you look below the surface, and some visitors choose to swim through the passages. There are also places for rock jumping, provided conditions and your own ability make that sensible.

I would save your energy for this stop. The Green Caves are where the tour feels most like an adventure rather than a scenic boat transfer. The swimming area is the reason to bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and waterproof storage for phones.

Do not expect a long snorkeling session. With boarding, moving through the cave area, and sharing the site with other boats, your actual time in the water can pass quickly. A few people would prefer more cave time and less time at the beach, so tell the captain early if your group would rather linger at Kolocep.

Šunj Beach and the Lopud pause

After Kolocep, the boat continues to Lopud Island for about 90 minutes at Šunj Beach. This is Dubrovnik’s best-known sandy beach, and the change from rocky cave swimming to a broad, shallow lagoon makes it a useful break.

The water around Šunj is clear, warm, and generally easy for a relaxed swim. The beach slopes gently into the sea, so it works well for a mixed-age group that wants to play, float, or simply sit in the shallows. It is also the least hurried part of the trip.

You can spend your time swimming, resting, or walking toward the beach bars and the small forest restaurant on the hill. A hillside bar offers views down over the beach, and the food at the upper restaurant has received praise. The setting is attractive, but prices and opening conditions at the beach businesses are not included in the tour fee.

Here is the trade-off: Šunj is pleasant, but the caves are the more unusual part of the day. If you have already visited several beaches around Dubrovnik, you may find the 90-minute stop longer than necessary. If your group needs a chance to dry off, eat an early lunch, and cool down, the extra time is welcome.

You can ask whether it is possible to shorten the beach stop and spend longer at the caves. Several people have found that this improves the day, especially when the caves are the main reason for booking.

Drinks, equipment, and what you really get

The $77.43 price includes beer, white wine, water, and juice, along with the driver or guide, fuel surcharge, adult beverages, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets for children and adults. Drinks are limited to adults aged 18 and over where alcohol is concerned.

The drink arrangement deserves a clear explanation. The tour advertises free drinks, but the amount served may depend on the crew and the time spent aboard. Since most of the trip is spent swimming or on the beach, you are not sitting on the boat for hours enjoying an open bar. Bring your own expectations down to a few refreshments rather than unlimited service.

Snorkel masks are one of the most useful inclusions. You can look into the caves and around the rocky swimming areas without renting equipment at the islands. Life jackets are available for adults and children, which makes the boat more practical for families.

Lunch is not included. With 90 minutes at Šunj, you have time to buy food or a drink at one of the nearby places, but carry water and a snack if you prefer not to rely on beach businesses. The tour does include water, yet a long swim in the summer sun can make extra hydration useful.

Is $77.43 good value?

For a four-hour island trip, $77.43 per person is a fair mid-range price if you plan to use the swimming time and included equipment. You are paying for the boat, captain, fuel, cave access by sea, two island stops, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and drinks. Arranging all of that independently would take more time and would not guarantee the same sequence of stops.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors who want a half-day on the water without committing to a full-day cruise. You see two distinctive cave sites and one of Lopud’s main beaches in a single outing. The speedboat also lets you reach the islands faster than a slower excursion boat.

The value drops if you mainly want a quiet cruise or a long beach day. The boat can move quickly, and the cave visits are scheduled rather than open-ended. You may also feel disappointed if you expect several drinks or extensive guiding.

The high overall rating, 4.9 from 139 ratings, fits the parts of the experience that work best: clear water, friendly captains, good swimming, and easy access to the islands. Pavo is often singled out for his friendly manner and clear explanations, while Maro, Anthony, and Jacob are also praised for making the trip pleasant. Still, one poor account describes a reckless, wet, uncomfortable return in choppy water. That is not the general picture, but it is a useful reminder that speedboat comfort depends heavily on sea conditions and the person at the wheel.

Timing, comfort, and the ride back

The morning tour starts at 8:30 a.m. during the June 1 to September 15 season. This is not just an early alarm for its own sake. The caves attract other boats, and reaching them earlier can mean more room to swim and better chances for a calmer visit.

An afternoon departure is also available, according to the tour details, and can suit people who prefer a slower morning. The trade-off is a greater risk of crowded cave entrances and a hotter beach stop. If the caves are your priority, choose morning.

The boat ride itself is part of the experience. On calm days, the speed and open views are fun. On choppy days, the ride can be bumpy, and spray may reach everyone aboard. Hold onto loose belongings, secure your phone, and be ready for a wet ride rather than assuming the crossing will be smooth.

Families can take part, and life jackets are supplied for both children and adults. Most people can participate, but tight cave passages, rock jumping, swimming, and a fast boat make this a poor choice for anyone with serious mobility limits or a strong fear of open water. Service animals are allowed, and the starting point is near public transportation.

The trip ends back at the same Lapadska obala meeting point. It lasts about four hours, although the exact return time can vary. One outing returned about 25 minutes early, so do not schedule a crucial connection immediately afterward.

Who will enjoy this Dubrovnik boat trip?

I would recommend it most to couples, families with confident swimmers, and small groups of friends who want a lively half-day outside Dubrovnik. Teenagers tend to have plenty to do, thanks to the caves, snorkeling, swimming, and possible rock jumps.

It also suits anyone who wants a taste of the Elafiti Islands without giving up a full day. The route offers variety: open sea views, unusual cave colors, underwater passages, a sandy beach, and a drink at the end.

You may want a different excursion if you prefer a slow, quiet boat ride, a detailed cultural tour, or a full afternoon at one beach. The group format also means you cannot control every stop unless the captain agrees to adjust the balance between caves and Šunj.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof phone pouch. Use the provided mask, listen carefully before entering a cave, and skip the rock jumps if the water or your confidence is not right.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Green Caves tour?

Book it if you want active sightseeing on the water. The caves are the main prize, and the combination of blue light, green water, snorkeling, and a sandy Lopud beach makes this a strong four-hour escape from Dubrovnik.

Choose the 8:30 a.m. departure if you can. Ask for extra cave time and less beach time if your group values swimming over lounging. Keep in mind that it is a shared speedboat, not a guaranteed private charter, and that drinks are included but not unlimited.

I would skip it if you dislike fast boats, enclosed cave spaces, or swimming in open water. For everyone else, the price is reasonable, the route is well judged, and the chance to see Kolocep’s caves makes this more distinctive than a simple beach transfer.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik. The meeting point is the last wooden pier in the small marina.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Kolocep Island for the Blue Cave and Green Caves, then Lopud Island for Šunj Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets for children and adults are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcoholic drinks are for adults aged 18 and over.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.