Dubrovnik: Blue & Green Caves Private Boat Tour with Drinks

The star of this four-hour outing is the chance to swim into Koločep’s Blue Cave, rather than simply admire it from a boat. You’ll also visit the Green Caves, cruise past Dubrovnik’s coast, and finish at Šunj Beach, the area’s rare sandy stretch. Guides such as Mario, Robert, and Duje are praised for helping people through tight cave entrances and keeping the mood easygoing.

I like the private speedboat setting, which gives you far more freedom than a large group boat. I also like the generous drinks policy: beer, local rakia brandy, water, juices, and soft drinks are available onboard. The catch is that the Blue Cave can be crowded, and swimming is required for some parts, so this is not the best fit if you want a dry sightseeing trip.

At a Glance

• Swim inside the Blue Cave: A guide leads you through the entrance with snorkeling gear and flotation help available.
• Visit several cave stops: You’ll see the Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Three Green Caves around Koločep.
• Ride in a private speedboat: The boat gives the trip a more personal feel and lets the group move quickly between stops.
• Relax at Šunj Beach: You get about an hour and a half for swimming, food, drinks, or a short island outing.
• Use a GoPro: A free action camera is provided, with photos and videos available for download after the trip.
• Enjoy drinks onboard: Beer, rakia, water, juices, and other listed refreshments are self-service.

A Speedboat Trip Built Around Swimming

You meet the boat at the pier just across from Gruž Market, near the construction site. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your route to the meeting point before departure. Bring swimwear and a towel, and leave large luggage behind. This is a boat outing, not a transfer service.

The boat first passes the Franjo Tuđman Bridge and Grebeni Lighthouse. These early sights are mainly scenic stops from the water, but they help you settle into the ride and see Dubrovnik from a different angle. The speedboat is part of the appeal. You get open views, quick movement, and a sense that the islands are close at hand.

The private format matters most if your party wants a relaxed day without strangers setting the pace. It does not necessarily mean a yacht with polished luxury service. Think of it as a comfortable, modern speedboat with a captain, guide, swim equipment, and a cooler stocked with drinks. That is a good match for an active half-day on the Adriatic.

Several guides, including Mario, Robert, Duje, Drago, and Marin, have been singled out for friendly service and careful handling of the boat. The strongest part of the guiding is practical: showing you how to enter the caves, helping nervous swimmers, and leading people through narrow sections that can be awkward to manage alone.

Entering the Blue Cave at Koločep

The Blue Cave is the main event. After anchoring near Koločep, you receive snorkeling equipment and swim toward the cave entrance. The guide goes with the group and can help non-swimmers or less confident swimmers use a life jacket or other flotation aid.

Inside, sunlight filters through the water and gives the cave its blue color. The effect depends on the sun, sea conditions, and how many boats are nearby. Photos online often show the cave at its most dramatic, so keep your expectations sensible. The cave is beautiful, but it may look less intensely blue in person, especially under cloud or when the entrance is crowded.

You should also know that the swim can feel tight and slightly claustrophobic. One portion of the visit may involve swimming farther than you expect, and the water around the entrance can be busy. Strong swimmers will likely find it straightforward, while beginners should tell the guide early and use the available flotation equipment.

The scheduled time here is about 50 minutes, though the actual time in the water can vary with conditions and the group. Bring a waterproof phone case if you have one, but the supplied GoPro is a useful bonus. Some guides take photos and video while leading the group, and you may receive a link afterward to download the images.

Green Caves and Cliff-Jumping Stops

After the Blue Cave, the boat moves on to the Green Cave and then the Three Green Caves. The names cover several openings and rock formations around Koločep. These stops feel less like a single formal attraction and more like a series of natural swimming places where the captain positions the boat for access and good views.

The Green Caves are often the more relaxed part of the cave circuit. You can swim, snorkel, look into the darker openings, or stay aboard and enjoy the scenery. An underwater flashlight may help because some cave sections are very dark, though it is not listed as supplied equipment.

The trip also includes the chance to jump from a cliff. This is optional, and you should only attempt it if you are comfortable with the height, water entry, and conditions on the day. The guide can point out the suitable place, but you remain responsible for deciding if it is right for you.

Some of the most enjoyable moments come between the formal stops. You can sit on the boat, listen to music if the captain allows it, and watch the islands slip past. Several captains have let groups connect music, and the atmosphere can become lively, especially when drinks are flowing. If you prefer a quiet ride, say so early. A private group gives you more room to shape the mood.

One practical detail deserves attention: the metal boarding ladder may become slippery when wet. Use the handrails, take your time, and do not rush back onto the boat after swimming. This is a small point, but wet feet, a moving boat, and a narrow ladder are not a good mix.

Šunj Beach: The Longest Stop of the Day

The final major stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, described as the only sandy beach in the region. After the rocky coves around Koločep, the sand feels like a welcome change. The water is warm and turquoise, and the beach gives you a chance to dry off, swim without entering a cave, or simply sit by the shore.

You have about an hour and a half here. That sounds generous, but it passes quickly if you want to swim, order food, and explore. Several people would have preferred more beach time, particularly because this is the most leisurely stop of the trip.

Food is not included. You can order lunch or cocktails at the beach, but bring cash because at least one beach bar accepts cash only. A useful local tip is to ask about loungers and umbrellas when ordering a drink. In some cases, buying a drink can give you access to a beach lounger, though the exact arrangement may depend on the beach bar.

If you want to see more of Lopud, golf carts can be rented. The island has a medieval monastery and a botanical garden, both listed as free to enter. With only 90 minutes, you will need to choose between a long swim, lunch, and island exploring. I would pick one main goal rather than trying to do all three.

Drinks, Equipment, and the Private-Boat Advantage

The included drinks add real value. You can help yourself to beer, local rakia brandy, water, juices, and soft drinks during the trip. This is a fair arrangement because you do not need to keep buying refreshments every time you return to the boat.

Use some restraint with alcohol before swimming. Rakia and beer may suit the social side of the outing, but the caves require alertness, steady footing, and sensible judgment. Water is just as important, especially during a sunny afternoon on the sea.

Snorkeling gear is included, and you can ask for extra flotation help if needed. The GoPro is another strong inclusion, particularly if you are traveling light and do not have waterproof equipment. It is worth confirming with the guide how the camera is being used and how you will receive the files at the end.

The boat itself is one of the more praised parts of the experience. It is described as modern, comfortable, and in good condition. A speedboat also gives you a little more time at the stops than a slower craft might, though the ride can feel choppy when the sea is unsettled. On rougher days, swimming may be harder, even if the tour still runs.

Is $73 a Good Price?

At $73 per person, the price is reasonable if you intend to use the main inclusions. You are paying for a private speedboat, a guide, four hours on the water, snorkeling equipment, a GoPro, and an open supply of drinks. Add the Blue Cave, several Green Cave stops, and Šunj Beach, and the outing covers a lot in half a day.

It is less compelling if you compare it with a basic public boat ride and plan to stay seated. The value comes from the private setting and active stops. You are not just looking at caves from a distance. You are swimming into them, snorkeling around the openings, and choosing how much time to spend in the water.

Food is extra, as are any golf-cart rental, beach drinks, and similar purchases at Šunj. Budget for lunch or cocktails if you do not want to return hungry. The tour’s free onboard drinks help keep extra costs down, but they do not replace a meal.

The rating of 4.7 from 814 bookings points to consistently strong satisfaction, with 89 percent giving the transport a perfect score. The repeated praise is not only for the scenery. It is also for captains who handle the boat well and guides who make the cave entries feel manageable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This suits you if you want a lively half-day with swimming, music, drinks, and a fast boat. Couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors can all fit the format. One solo participant found the private outing easy to enjoy, which is useful if you are booking without a large party.

It is especially good for confident swimmers who want to see several caves in one trip. Beginners can take part with guidance and life jackets, but you should be honest about your swimming ability. The Blue Cave is not a simple walk-up photo stop.

You may prefer another excursion if you want long beach time, extensive island sightseeing, or a calm cruise with no physical activity. Four hours is enough for a lively sampler, not enough for a slow exploration of every corner of Koločep and Lopud.

Timing can shape the mood. An afternoon departure, such as the 2 pm slot, may give you softer light and a sunset-colored return to the harbor. Morning departures may appeal if you want to avoid some of the day’s heat, but the Blue Cave can still be crowded. Check the available start times and choose based on whether you want bright swimming conditions or a more atmospheric ride home.

Practical Advice Before You Go

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. Leave suitcases and large bags at your accommodation because they are not allowed on the boat.

Ask the guide how long the swim to each cave will take. This matters most if someone in your group is a weak swimmer. Life jackets are available, and guides can assist, but flotation equipment does not remove the need to feel comfortable in open water.

Bring cash for Šunj Beach. Food is not included, and beach bars may not accept cards. An underwater flashlight can help in the darker cave sections, while a waterproof pouch protects your phone between stops.

Expect the Blue Cave to be popular. If it is crowded, the Green Caves may provide a quieter and more enjoyable swim. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole stop looking at a screen. The best part is the changing light on the rock and the view back toward the open sea.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is offered in English, with a live guide, and private groups are available. The meeting point is at the pier across from Gruž Market, not at your hotel.

Should You Book the Blue and Green Caves Tour?

Book it if you want a compact, social adventure that combines Dubrovnik scenery with real time in the water. The private speedboat, capable captains, GoPro, snorkeling equipment, and generous drinks make $73 a fair price for an active four-hour outing.

I would book it for the caves and swimming, then treat Šunj Beach as a pleasant final stop rather than the main reason to go. Choose another plan if you dislike open-water swimming, want guaranteed solitude inside the Blue Cave, or need a full day for beach lounging.

For most visitors who pack swimwear, cash, and realistic expectations about crowds, this is a strong way to see Koločep and Lopud without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The meeting point is on the pier across from Gruž Market, near the construction site in Dubrovnik.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts four hours and returns to the original starting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Koločep Island for the Blue and Green Caves, then Lopud for Šunj Beach.

Do I need to swim?

Swimming is necessary for some parts of the tour, including access to parts of the caves. Life jackets are available, and guides can assist non-swimmers.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is a GoPro included?

Yes. You can use a GoPro action camera free of charge during the tour.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Free self-service drinks include beer, local rakia brandy, water, juices, and soft drinks as listed for the activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.