Blue & Green cave,Šunj beach – with drinks small group speedboat

The best part of this four-hour speedboat trip is the combination of two very different pleasures: glowing cave water at Kolocep Island and a long, lazy stop at Šunj Beach. I like that you get time to swim at both the Blue Cave and Green Caves, then stretch out on Dubrovnik’s most famous sandy beach. I also like the small-group format, which makes the ride more personal than a big excursion boat.

The main thing to check before booking is what you mean by small group and snorkeling equipment. The boat is an 8-meter speedboat, and although the group limit is 30 people, actual departures can be much smaller. Masks and some snorkeling equipment are supplied, but one unhappy customer reported no snorkels and raised concerns about life jackets and the lack of a safety briefing. Ask the operator exactly what is aboard on your departure.

Key points to know before you book

• Two cave stops at Kolocep Island: Spend roughly 30 to 35 minutes at both the Blue Cave and Green Caves, with time for swimming and rock jumping.
• Šunj Beach gets the longest stop: You have about 90 minutes on Lopud, enough for a swim, beach time, a drink, or food at the nearby bars and hillside restaurant.
• A half-day plan works well: Morning and afternoon departures leave room for other Dubrovnik plans, and several people found four hours to be just the right length.
• The speedboat keeps the outing lively: You reach the islands quickly and avoid spending the whole day on the water, though a choppy sea can make the ride bumpy.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are listed in the price, but the exact selection and quantity may vary.
• Guides make a difference: Maro, Jakov, Antun, Anton, Paulo, Mario, and Anthony have all been praised for friendly service, local information, and careful handling of the boat.

Why the Blue and Green Caves make this trip special

From Dubrovnik Port, the boat heads toward Kolocep, one of the Elaphiti Islands close to the city. The ride gives you a quick change of scene. Dubrovnik’s stone walls and busy harbor fade behind you, replaced by open water, rocky shorelines, and low green island hills.

The Blue Cave is the visual star. Light enters through an underwater opening and reflects through the clear sea, giving the cave its famous blue glow. The effect changes with the sun and sea conditions, so the color may be strong one day and more subdued the next. Still, entering the cave by boat or swimming near its opening is a memorable way to see the coast.

The Green Caves offer a different experience. Their underwater passages give you more to explore with a mask, and the water is described as exceptionally clear. You can also swim around the openings and, where conditions allow, jump from the rocks. I would treat the rock jumping as optional rather than a promised part of the day. Sea conditions, comfort, and safety should decide what you do.

You get around 30 to 35 minutes at each cave. That is enough for a swim, photographs, and a look around, but it is not an open-ended beach stop. If you like moving from one striking place to another, the timing feels efficient. If you want a long snorkeling session, it may feel short.

Several departures have reached the caves before larger boats. That matters. The Blue Cave is far more enjoyable when you are not waiting behind a crowd at the entrance or trying to hear instructions over several engines. Morning departures may offer the best chance of an early arrival, but the tour also runs in the afternoon for people who prefer a slower start.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The small-group idea is attractive because you are not packed onto a large ferry with dozens of other people. On one departure, two friends shared the boat with six other passengers and still found enough room to spread out. The 8-meter boat is described as suitable for about 8 to 10 people, though capacity and comfort can vary from one departure to another.

That distinction matters. A small group does not necessarily mean a spacious boat. You may have a more direct conversation with the skipper, quicker help getting into the water, and less waiting when the group returns aboard. But if the boat is full, seating can feel close, especially during the ride between islands.

The speedboat also responds to the sea more sharply than a larger vessel. One person reported choppy water but appreciated that Maro slowed down and had an alternative plan if the caves became inaccessible. That is useful reassurance, but you should still expect some bouncing when the Adriatic is rough.

Skippers have received strong praise for making the ride feel relaxed. Maro is repeatedly singled out for being friendly and engaging. Jakov is praised for his calm manner and local suggestions, while Antun and Anton are described as flexible and easy to talk with. Paulo and Anthony are also mentioned positively for guiding the outing and explaining the places along the route.

The quality of commentary may depend on who leads your departure. One person found the guide rather quiet, while others enjoyed background information about the islands and passing coastline. This is best viewed as a scenic boat trip with guidance, not a formal history tour.

Šunj Beach on Lopud gives you time to slow down

After Kolocep, the boat continues to Lopud Island for the trip’s longest pause. Šunj Beach is known as the largest sandy beach near Dubrovnik, a useful detail in a region where many swimming spots are rocky or made of pebbles.

The beach sits in a broad lagoon with shallow water that can feel warmer than the open sea. The water shifts from green near the shallow shore to blue farther out, and the clear conditions make it easy to enjoy a simple swim without needing a packed schedule of activities.

You have about 1.5 hours here. That is long enough to swim, dry off, order a drink, or walk up toward the nearby bars and restaurant. One outing included a stop at a hillside bar with a broad view over the beach, while another described a beach DJ, cocktails, and food as part of the atmosphere. These touches suggest that Šunj can be either a quiet swim stop or a lively social break, depending on the day and the businesses operating when you visit.

Lunch is not included, so bring money if you want a meal or extra drinks. The tour does include beverages aboard the boat, but the beach facilities are separate. If your main goal is a peaceful, empty shoreline, note that Šunj is popular and may feel busier than the caves.

I like the balance here. The cave stops are active and involve getting in and out of the water. Šunj gives you a chance to sit down and do very little. You are not rushed straight from one swim to another.

Snorkeling equipment, drinks, and practical expectations

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included, along with bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages. Many people have enjoyed using masks and equipment in the clear sea around the caves. The water is the star, not a large variety of marine life, so expect a pleasant look beneath the surface rather than a dedicated wildlife excursion.

There is an important point to clarify before departure. One customer reported receiving masks but no snorkels and also said life jackets were not offered for swimming. Other accounts say snorkeling gear was provided, and the operator’s response indicates that some people choose not to use shared snorkels for hygiene reasons. Because the information is inconsistent, contact Dubrovnik Boat Trips in advance if a snorkel, flotation aid, or life jacket is essential for you.

I would also ask about the safety briefing. One negative account specifically complained that no briefing was given before departure. That is not proof that every trip operates this way, but it is a fair question to raise, especially if you are not comfortable in open water.

The included drinks are another small variable. The package lists alcoholic beverages, soda, and water, but it does not specify brands or amounts. One person described receiving only one alcoholic drink and no soft drinks, while several others found the refreshments sufficient. If you need a particular drink, bring your own backup if the operator allows it.

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. Those items are not listed as included, and you will be swimming at two cave areas before relaxing at the beach. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible if you want photographs near the water.

Price and value at $78.64

At $78.64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Elaphiti Islands, but the price covers a lot for a half-day outing. You get the speedboat, skipper, fuel, fees, bottled water, soda, listed alcoholic beverages, and snorkeling equipment. You also get three main experiences in one booking: the Blue Cave, Green Caves, and Šunj Beach.

The value is strongest if you want variety and limited time. A four-hour trip fits neatly into a Dubrovnik stay, especially if you have only a day or two in the city. You can spend the morning or afternoon on the water and still leave room for the Old Town, dinner, or another activity.

The value is less clear if you mainly want a long beach day. Your time at Šunj is about 90 minutes, and the cave visits together take roughly an hour. You are paying for transport between several locations as much as for time on the sand.

A small boat can also justify the cost when it truly means eight to ten people rather than a full vessel. You get less waiting and a more direct relationship with the skipper. Before booking, I would confirm the expected group size for your date, since the stated maximum of 30 people is considerably higher than the preferred small-boat capacity.

The tour is frequently booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 20 days. That makes sense during the warm season, when morning departures and small groups are likely to fill first. If your schedule is firm, I would reserve early and keep the weather cancellation terms in mind.

Meeting point and timing in Dubrovnik

The meeting point is the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. The activity ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

The departure point is near public transportation, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Check your route before the day of the trip and allow enough time to identify the correct boat. Most departures have found the location without trouble, yet one person said the boat was difficult to locate and felt the meeting directions were unclear. Bringing the exact address on your phone is a wise precaution.

You can choose a morning or afternoon start. Morning is a good fit if you want cooler conditions and a chance of reaching the caves before larger groups. Afternoon works well if you prefer a later start or want to pair the trip with morning sightseeing. The tour lasts approximately four hours, but allow extra time around departure in case boarding or sea conditions cause a delay.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Last-minute changes and cancellations are not accepted within 24 hours.

Who will enjoy this cave and beach trip

I would recommend this tour to you if you want to see Dubrovnik from the water without committing an entire day. It suits confident swimmers, couples, friends, and families with participants who can manage boarding a speedboat and swimming from the boat or beach.

It is especially good for people who want a mix of scenery and activity. You can swim through clear cave water, try a little snorkeling, take photographs, then spend time on sand with access to food and drinks. The guides also seem to add value through practical suggestions and a friendly attitude.

You may want a different outing if you dislike tight seating, have motion sensitivity, or need guaranteed flotation equipment. The boat can feel close when full, and choppy water is possible. You should also avoid treating the cave stops as guaranteed in every condition. The skipper may need to change the plan when the sea is rough.

Should you book it?

Book this Blue and Green Cave and Šunj Beach speedboat tour if you want a lively, well-priced half-day on the Adriatic, with swimming, cave light, a sandy beach, and drinks in one compact outing. The strongest reasons are the variety, the short duration, and the chance of reaching the caves before larger boats.

Before paying, confirm the expected group size, the exact snorkeling equipment, and what safety gear will be aboard. If those details check out, this is a strong choice for fitting island scenery into a busy Dubrovnik schedule. If you want a slow, spacious boat ride or a guaranteed full snorkeling setup, compare alternatives first.

FAQ

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

The experience lasts approximately four hours. You spend about 30 to 35 minutes at each cave and around 1.5 hours at Šunj Beach.

Where does the speedboat tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The first stop is Kolocep Island for the Blue Cave and Green Caves. The second stop is Lopud Island, where you visit Šunj Beach.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

Yes. Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included. Lunch and food at Šunj Beach are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included. Because accounts differ about whether snorkels are available on every departure, contact the provider beforehand if you require specific equipment.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The experience offers morning and afternoon departure options.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.