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

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is the chance to swim into glowing sea caves rather than simply view them from a boat. Sunlight slips through openings in the rock, turning the water blue or green for a few striking minutes. The ride also gives you a fine view of the old city walls from the Adriatic.

I especially like the easy half-day length and the useful extras: masks, snorkels, float noodles, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and grappa. The final hour at Sunj Beach on Lopud gives you time to dry off and relax instead of rushing from one swimming stop to the next.

The main caution is that cave access requires swimming, and conditions can change the route. Rough seas have caused uncomfortable rides, missed caves, and substitute stops. If you need a calm, fully predictable outing, this is not the safest bet.

Key points before you book

• You swim to the Blue Cave: The speedboat anchors about 20 meters away because the entrance is too small for the boat.
• The caves are natural, not polished attractions: Expect rock passages, low openings, and some self-guided swimming.
• Sunj Beach is shallow and sandy: Its seabed stays shallow for roughly 100 meters, making it the easiest swimming stop.
• Drinks are included: You get bottled water, soft drinks, juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.
• The ride can be lively: A speedboat is fun on a smooth sea but can pound hard in choppy weather.
• Captain choice can matter: Ivan, Luca, Marco, Leo, Mario, Dora, Tony, and others are named as captains or hosts on different departures.

A fast look at Dubrovnik from the water

The trip begins with a short coastal run past Dubrovnik’s old city walls. From the sea, the pale stone fortifications look more dramatic than they do from many streets inside the city. Your skipper points out city legends and facts while the boat passes beneath Lovrijenac Fortress.

Lovrijenac sits on a steep cliff about 37 meters above the Adriatic. Seeing the fortress from water level gives you a useful sense of its position and natural defenses. I like this opening because it gives the boat ride some local character before the swimming starts.

The meeting point is at a pier near the Old Town, though several boats may load and unload in quick succession. Look for the correct crew rather than simply boarding the first speedboat at the dock. The boats can look similar, and this small bit of care avoids a needless start-of-day scramble.

You can normally choose a morning or afternoon departure. The total outing lasts about four hours, with roughly 40 minutes at the Blue Cave, 30 minutes around the green caves, and an hour at Sunj Beach. Some departures have spent longer at the beach, but the exact balance can shift with sea conditions, traffic, and the captain’s judgment.

Swimming into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the star of the trip. Natural light enters through the rock and reflects through the sea, creating the blue glow that gives the cave its name. The effect is strongest when the light is right, but it is still a natural event, not a controlled show, so color and brightness can vary.

The speedboat cannot enter. It anchors about 20 meters away, and you swim from the boat to the opening. The entrance is small, and you may need to move under a low rock edge to get inside. This detail is important: the cave is not an ordinary boat sightseeing stop.

Snorkel masks and breathing tubes are provided, and pool noodles are available if you want extra support. You should still be comfortable in open water. One of the most useful practical points here is that the captain stays with the boat while you explore, so you have some independence once you reach the cave.

Inside, the attraction is the color and the enclosed rock space, not a long guided tour. You may spend only a short time in the glowing section before swimming back out. The water can be cool, and waves can make the entrance awkward. On a calm day, the swim is exciting and manageable. On a rough day, getting through the opening can be uncomfortable, especially for children or anyone who dislikes confined spaces.

The Blue Cave is also the most popular stop, so other boats may be nearby. Captains try to work around the crowds, but this is a major attraction on a compact island route. Go expecting a beautiful natural stop, not solitude.

The Green Caves and narrow rock passages

The next section includes two Green Caves and a Canyon Cave, sometimes described as a passage or dark cave. Sunlight reflects off the water here too, but the colors tend toward green and emerald rather than the stronger blue of the first stop.

The setting is more varied than the Blue Cave. You might swim into a canyon-like opening between rocky sides, pass through a narrow natural corridor, or explore a second opening by moving beneath the rocks. Some sections are easy to reach, while others require more confidence and a longer swim.

This is where the tour feels most like a small adventure rather than a standard boat excursion. You are not simply stepping ashore and following a path. You need to judge your own comfort, listen to the captain’s instructions, and decide how far you want to go.

The guides generally remain on the boat during cave visits, so the experience is partly self-guided. Captains such as Marco, Leo, Ivan, and Luca are praised for explaining how to enter and leave safely, but you should not expect a formal cave guide waiting inside each opening.

Conditions matter even more here than at the Blue Cave. Cold water, wind, boat traffic, and waves can make a narrow passage unpleasant. Some green cave sections may be replaced with another nearby opening if the main spot is crowded or unsafe. That can be a sensible safety choice, but it may disappoint you if you have come with one exact cave in mind.

One hour at Sunj Beach on Lopud

After the caves, the boat heads to Lopud Island and Sunj Beach. This is a sandy beach on the island’s south side, with clear water and a shallow seabed that extends roughly 100 meters from shore.

That shallow water changes the mood of the trip. After climbing in and out of rocks, you can simply wade, swim, sit in the sun, or have a drink at the waterfront. The beach works well for families and less confident swimmers, though children still need supervision.

You do not get lunch, so plan to buy food if you want a meal. A small bar and restaurant area offers drinks and simple food, and fries have been a popular choice after the active cave stops. There is also an ice cream shop and some souvenir shopping.

Beach chairs cost extra, and towels are not included. You may find the shore less tidy than expected during a busy period, and the commercial area is limited. If you prefer a long, quiet beach day with many facilities, one hour at Sunj may feel short. If you want a comfortable finish to a busy half-day, it is a good match.

The beach stop also provides a useful buffer. You are not expected to spend the whole tour in the water. I would save some of the included drinks for Lopud and use the beach time to dry off before the return ride.

What is included for $84.65?

At $84.65 per person, the tour sits in the mid-range for a Dubrovnik boat outing. The value comes from combining transport, several swimming locations, equipment, a beach stop, and drinks in one four-hour package.

You receive:

• Snorkel masks and breathing tubes
• Pool noodles or similar floaters
• Bottled water
• Sparkling drinks and natural juices
• Local beer
• Red and white wine
• Grappa

You do not receive lunch or beach towels. Bring your own towel and budget separately for food, a beach chair, and anything you buy on Lopud.

I consider the drinks a real convenience rather than a major reason to book. They save you from carrying a large supply on a small boat, and the water is welcome after swimming. Alcohol is offered, but the trip is still an active outing. It makes sense to keep your drinking modest until the swimming is finished.

The maximum group size is 18 people. That is not private, but it is much more manageable than a large excursion boat. A smaller group means less time getting people on and off the boat, though the exact feel depends on how full your departure is.

The speedboat ride and comfort

The speedboat is part of the attraction. On a calm day, the ride feels quick and exhilarating, with open views of the coast and islands. Some boats have a covered section, which helps if you need a break from direct sun.

The same speed becomes a weakness in rough weather. Several departures have encountered strong wind or choppy water, and the ride can hit hard over the waves. One serious complaint involved unsafe handling in very rough seas, including passengers being thrown around. That is not an acceptable experience, even though a refund was issued.

The important lesson is to check the forecast and ask about sea conditions before setting out. The activity requires good weather, and the operator may cancel it, offer another date, or provide a full refund if conditions make the trip unsuitable. A modified tour may also be offered when the boat can operate but cannot safely reach every advertised cave.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the boat moves least, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider bringing your usual remedy. The supplied information does not promise a specific boat model or seating arrangement, so do not book this expecting a luxury yacht.

Music is another comfort issue. Some captains play loud dance music for much of the ride, while others focus more on conversation and local facts. The named captains include Ivan, Luca, Marco, Leo, Mario, Dora, and Tony. The individual skipper can shape the mood, but you may not be able to request a particular person when booking.

Guides, safety, and the fine print

The strongest captain feedback centers on friendliness, humor, helpful drink service, and attention to safety. Ivan is described as engaging and careful, while Marco is noted for his personality and help with questions. Luca, Leo, Mario, Dora, and Tony are also named positively on different trips.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. The operator has used subcontracted boats, and one very poor experience was tied to a substitute crew. If the boat, crew, or sea conditions look wrong at the dock, raise your concerns before departure. Ask directly about life jackets, the planned cave route, and the weather.

Life jackets should be available, but one complaint describes a request for one being ignored. I would not treat this as a minor detail. If you want one, ask clearly before the boat leaves, and do not accept unsafe behavior from any crew member.

Service animals are allowed, the activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Still, the swimming requirements mean that general participation does not equal easy access for everyone. The Blue Cave and some green cave passages require you to swim from the boat, and the water may be cold or unsettled.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the mobile ticket makes the start simple once you identify the right crew. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, except when the operator cancels for poor weather or because too few people booked.

Who will enjoy this half-day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want several different experiences in one morning or afternoon: coastal views, a fast boat ride, cave swimming, and beach time. It is especially suited to confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who like a social small-group outing.

You will probably enjoy it if you like active sightseeing and do not need every minute planned with a guide beside you. The snorkel equipment and noodles make the water stops easier, but they do not remove the need for basic swimming ability.

I would think twice if you dislike small boat rides, loud music, cold water, tight rock openings, or uncertainty caused by changing weather. People expecting to board a boat directly into the Blue Cave may feel misled unless they read the swimming requirement carefully.

The tour also works well as a break from Dubrovnik’s stone streets. Four hours is long enough to cool off and see the coast, but short enough to leave most of your day free. On the other hand, the caves can feel rushed if you want extended snorkeling, and the beach stop may not satisfy someone looking for a full island day.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Lopud tour?

I would book it for the right kind of day: warm, calm, and clear, with a group that is happy to swim into natural rock openings. At $84.65, the combination of four cave areas, a speedboat ride, Sunj Beach, equipment, and drinks is solid value for a compact Dubrovnik outing.

Before paying, make sure everyone understands the key condition: the boat does not enter the Blue Cave, and you swim about 20 meters to reach it. Check the forecast, bring a towel, keep money for lunch and a beach chair, and ask about safety equipment before departure.

Book this tour if you want variety and a little adventure. Skip it if you need a fully calm ride, guaranteed access to every cave, or a long, quiet beach stay. The best departures offer striking water color, a lively captain, and a refreshing change of pace from the Old Town. The rough-weather departures can be a very different story.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The schedule includes about 40 minutes at the Blue Cave, 30 minutes around the green caves, and one hour at Sunj Beach, though weather and sea conditions can affect timing.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The entrance is too small for the speedboat, which anchors about 20 meters away. You must swim to the cave entrance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are included. Pool noodles or similar floaters are also available on the boat.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa are included. Lunch is not included.

Is Sunj Beach suitable for children or weak swimmers?

Sunj Beach has a shallow seabed extending about 100 meters from shore, making it suitable for children and less confident swimmers. Normal supervision is still needed, and the cave stops require more swimming ability.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The route may also be adjusted during a trip if sea conditions make a planned cave unsafe.