Blue & Green Cave,Sunj beach Small Group Tour with Speedboat

The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is simple: you get to swim into sea caves instead of only looking at them from a boat. At Kolocep Island, the water is clear enough for snorkeling, and the Blue Cave makes a striking first stop. Then the speedboat carries you to sandy Sunj Beach for an easy finish.

I like the flexible morning or afternoon departure, and I like that the captain supplies snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, water, beer, and white wine. Guides such as Toni, Mate, Luka, Mataya, and Matj are repeatedly praised for being friendly, careful, and willing to join you at the caves.

The main consideration is the water temperature. It can be cold even in October, and this is not a good choice for non-swimmers. Finding the meeting point at Lapadska obala 4 can also take a few extra minutes, so arrive early.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Cave swimming: Plan on about 40 minutes to swim near and inside the cave at Kolocep.
• Three nearby caves: A second stop gives you roughly 45 minutes for snorkeling and exploring.
• Sunj Beach finale: You get about 1 hour and 40 minutes to swim, eat, or relax at this sandy beach.
• Morning tours beat crowds: Early departures can reach the caves before boat traffic builds.
• Drinks and gear included: Snorkels, pool noodles, bottled water, beer, and white wine are provided.
• Good value at $78.60: The price covers the speedboat, four hours on the water, equipment, drinks, and several swimming stops.

Why the caves are the real reason to go

Dubrovnik’s old town gets most of the attention, but the coast is where the city feels most refreshing. Kolocep Island, one of the Elafiti Islands, gives you a quick taste of that open-water life without committing to a full-day island cruise.

The Blue Cave is the headline stop. You do not simply cruise past it for a photograph. You are given time to get into the water and swim toward the cave entrance. Once inside, the change in light and the clear water create the memorable part of the visit.

You should expect a natural cave, not a polished attraction with walkways, lights, or dry changing rooms. Your experience depends on the sea, the weather, and how comfortable you are in open water. That is part of the charm, but it also means you need to bring the right attitude and basic beach gear.

The second cave stop is described as Three Caves on Kolocep. This section is especially useful if you enjoy snorkeling. You have around 45 minutes to look beneath the surface and move between the rocky spaces. Some accounts also refer to this area as the Green Cave, so the names can vary slightly, but the practical point is the same: you get another chance to swim in a different setting.

Kolocep Island gives you two water stops

The first two hours of the outing focus on Kolocep Island. The exact order can shift, since the captain may adjust the route to suit weather and boat traffic, but the plan includes about 40 minutes at the Blue Cave and another 45 minutes around the nearby caves.

That is a good amount of time for a four-hour tour. You are not rushed through a ten-minute photo stop, yet you are also not spending the entire day in one place. I like this balance because you can swim, float, snorkel, or sit back on the boat without feeling pushed to do every activity.

The included snorkeling gear is useful, especially if you are traveling light. Pool noodles are also available, which can make a big difference if you want to float near the cave without constantly swimming. Still, you need to bring a towel and sunscreen. Neither is included.

The water may be cold, particularly outside the height of summer. One October outing had people swimming, but another account specifically warned that the water was very cold. You might find it refreshing, or you might decide that a short swim is enough. The tour allows for either approach, but you should be comfortable entering the sea before booking.

The speedboat ride is part of the fun

The boat is not just transportation between stops. The ride itself adds a brisk, wind-in-your-face change from Dubrovnik’s crowded streets. Several guides are praised for handling the boat safely in windy or choppy conditions, and for explaining the caves, local food, and nearby islands along the way.

Boat size and group feel can vary. The experience allows up to 50 people, yet several outings had much smaller groups, including one with six people and another with a group of seven plus four additional participants. One group described the boat as clean, spacious, and comfortable, while another said it could not have held many more people.

That means you should not assume every departure will feel identical. A small group gives you more room and makes it easier to hear the captain. A fuller boat may feel less personal, though the speedboat format still keeps the trip focused and active.

The captains are one of the strongest parts of the experience. Toni is singled out for being funny, helpful, and willing to enter the caves with the group. Luka is praised for making the ride conversational, while Mate, Mataya, Matj, and Metaj are also described as friendly and attentive. You should expect a local skipper rather than a formal tour lecturer.

That style suits this trip. You get useful information about the area, local food, and the caves, but the emphasis remains on being out on the water. If you want a long historical talk about every island, choose a different excursion.

Sunj Beach is a smart second half

After Kolocep, the boat heads to Sunj Beach on Lopud Island. You have about 1 hour and 40 minutes here, which changes the pace nicely. The caves require getting wet and moving around. Sunj gives you time to dry off, eat, and settle into a slower afternoon.

The beach is sandy, a welcome change from the rocky shore found in many parts of the Croatian coast. You can swim, sit by the water, or visit one of the three restaurants near the beach. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money or a card for anything you want to buy.

One useful detail is that shaded lounge seating may require a food or drink purchase. That was not treated as a problem by one visiting family, since ordering a cool drink made sense after the swim. Still, you should not expect a fully included beach club experience.

The beach stop is long enough to feel worthwhile, but not so long that it takes over the day. I like this ending because it gives you a chance to recover from the boat ride and the colder water. You can also make the stop more active with another swim, or simply use it as a lunch break.

Morning or afternoon: choose based on your priorities

The morning departure is the better pick if you care most about quieter cave stops. An early group reached the Blue Cave before the crowds and found only a few boats at the later stops. On the return, the Blue Cave had more than 10 boats waiting, making the contrast clear.

That does not guarantee an empty cave every morning. Weather, other operators, and the time of year all affect boat traffic. But the pattern makes sense: the earlier you leave, the better your odds of having calmer access to the caves.

The afternoon tour is useful if you do not want an early start. It can work well for cruise ship passengers who want time to leave the ship and walk to the dock without rushing. One cruise group used the afternoon departure and still had ample time to return to the ship.

If your schedule allows both, I would choose morning for the best cave experience and afternoon for a gentler day. In either case, keep your plans after the tour flexible enough to allow for weather or minor delays.

Getting to Lapadska obala 4

The meeting point is at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik, and the tour returns there after the beach stop. The activity is near public transportation, but you should still allow time to identify the exact dock.

For cruise passengers, the walk from the port has been around 20 minutes. That can be an easy and practical option if you are comfortable walking and have not brought bulky beach equipment. A taxi or ride service is another choice, especially for an early departure or hot weather.

The meeting point is the one logistical weakness worth taking seriously. One outing began with guests feeling stressed while trying to locate the spot, even though the day itself went well. Get there early, keep your phone available, and do not assume you can arrive at the last second.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience ends back at the starting point. The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket, so you do not need to arrange printed paperwork.

Is $78.60 a fair price?

At $78.60 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning near Dubrovnik. But the price covers a lot: roughly four hours, speedboat transport, several cave and island stops, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, beer, and white wine.

You are also paying for access to places that are awkward to visit independently. Reaching the caves requires a boat, local route knowledge, and safe handling near rocky entrances. The captain’s experience matters most when the water is choppy or when you need help getting into a cave.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and snorkel. If you intend to remain on the boat, the price will feel higher because much of the appeal comes from getting into the water. Likewise, the cost does not include lunch, beach drinks, towels, or sunscreen, so add those expenses to your day.

For a short trip from Dubrovnik, I consider the price reasonable. You get two distinct water areas and a proper beach break without losing an entire day. It is especially good value for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want both excitement and downtime.

What to bring and who should book

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and a change of clothes if you dislike sitting in wet gear on the return ride. You may also want waterproof protection for your phone, since the best views come from the water and the caves.

This trip suits you if:

• You can swim confidently in open water.
• You enjoy short boat rides, snorkeling, and natural caves.
• You want a half-day activity instead of a full-day island cruise.
• You like having free time rather than following a tightly guided schedule.
• You are happy to buy your own lunch or drinks at Sunj Beach.

It is not recommended for non-swimmers. The boat crew can provide pool noodles, but those are for comfort and floating, not a replacement for swimming ability or water confidence.

Families can enjoy the trip, and one group with children described it as a favorite activity of their holiday. Still, cold water, boat movement, and rocky cave entrances mean parents should judge their children’s confidence carefully.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For other cancellations, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book the Blue and Green Cave tour?

Book it if you want a short, active coastal escape from Dubrovnik, especially if swimming into caves sounds more appealing than spending another day among stone streets and city walls. The strongest reasons to go are the Blue Cave, the second snorkeling area, the generous Sunj Beach break, and the friendly captains.

Choose the morning departure if cave access is your top priority. Choose afternoon if you are arriving from a cruise ship or prefer a slower start.

I would skip it only if you do not swim, dislike fast boat rides, or want a fully guided cultural tour with no independent beach time. For everyone else, $78.60 buys a well-rounded half-day on the Adriatic, with enough structure to keep things easy and enough free time to make the outing your own.

FAQ

How long does the Blue and Green Cave tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and returns to the meeting point at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Kolocep Island for the caves and Sunj Beach on Lopud Island for swimming, food, and relaxation.

How much swimming time is included?

You spend around 40 minutes at the Blue Cave and about 45 minutes at the Three Caves area on Kolocep. Sunj Beach provides about 1 hour and 40 minutes of free time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and pool noodles are available for floating.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, beer, and white wine are included. Soda is also listed as an available drink option.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Sunj Beach has three restaurants where you can buy food and drinks during the free-time stop.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia, and finishes at the same meeting point.

Can non-swimmers join the tour?

The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. You should be comfortable swimming in open water before booking.