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

Dubrovnik looks best from the water. This four-hour speedboat trip combines views of the Old Town walls, swimming into sea caves, and a final hour at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. I especially like the mix of active cave stops and easy beach time, plus the included snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and grappa.

The $84.65 price is fair for a half-day on the Adriatic, particularly with a small group capped at 18 people. I also like the choice of morning or afternoon departures and the chance to hear local stories from skippers such as Ivan, Luca, Leo, Marco, Mario, and Dora. The main caution is simple: the boat cannot enter the Blue Cave, so you must swim to it, and rough seas can change the route.

Key Points Before You Book

• You swim into the Blue Cave: The boat anchors about 20 metres away because the opening is too small for the speedboat.
• Šunj Beach has very shallow water: The sandy seabed extends roughly 100 metres from shore, making it useful for children and less confident swimmers.
• Drinks are included: You get bottled water, juices, fizzy drinks, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.
• The caves can be crowded: The Blue Cave is especially popular, and several boats may be waiting nearby.
• Sea conditions matter: Rough water can make the ride uncomfortable or force the skipper to replace advertised stops.
• Bring a towel and lunch money: Towels and lunch are not included, and beach chairs at Šunj cost extra.

A Fast Boat With a Fine Dubrovnik View

The trip begins with a view many visitors miss from land. From the water, Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls rise above the Adriatic in one broad sweep. The skipper provides a few city legends and local facts while the boat passes beneath Lovrijenac Fortress, built on a steep cliff about 37 metres above the sea.

That opening ride gives the excursion more character than a simple swim transfer. You see the city as a fortified port, with the walls and fortress making sense from the seaward side. It is also a good reason to choose this trip if you have already walked the Old Town and want a different angle.

The speedboat itself offers both open seating and some covered space. That matters on a bright afternoon, when a few minutes out of direct sun can make the ride more pleasant. Some boats may also have a front sunbed, though that depends on the boat assigned to your departure.

The group limit is 18 people, but actual groups can be smaller. One outing had only six people, which allowed plenty of room and a more relaxed feel. Do not expect a private charter, but this is still a more personal setup than a large excursion boat.

The Blue Cave Requires a Swim

The Blue Cave is the main attraction for most people. Natural light enters through the cave opening and reflects through the water, creating the blue glow that gives the cave its name. The effect is strongest when the water is clear and the light is right.

Here is the important practical point: the speedboat anchors about 20 metres from the entrance. You then swim to the cave because the opening is too narrow for the boat. You may need to pass beneath rocks at the entrance, depending on the water and the exact route into the cave.

Snorkel masks and breathing tubes are provided, and pool noodles are available if you want extra support. The guides explain how to get in and out, but you should be comfortable in open water. This is not a cave viewed from a dry boat seat.

The scheduled stop lasts about 40 minutes, although the exact swimming time can depend on conditions and congestion. The Blue Cave is a popular stop, so several boats may be nearby. The skipper may try to avoid the busiest moments, but you should not expect solitude in high season.

I would rate this stop as the best part of the trip for anyone who enjoys swimming. If you dislike open-water swimming, have limited mobility, or assumed the boat would carry you inside, this is the place to reconsider before booking.

Green Caves, Canyon Passages and Clear Water

The next stop includes two Green Caves and a narrow canyon-like passage carved through the cliffs. Sunlight gives the green caves an emerald tone, though the appearance can vary with the weather, the time of day, and the number of boats around you.

The cave area is more active than scenic in a traditional sightseeing sense. You swim, look around, and move through natural openings rather than follow a marked route. One passage can be narrow, and another may require you to pass under rocks to reach the next opening.

That makes this section fun for confident swimmers, but it is not equally easy for everyone. The skippers remain on the boat, so you have some freedom to explore, but you also have to judge your own ability and follow safety instructions carefully. The tour description also refers to Dark Cave and Passage Cave, while the main stop is described as three Green Caves. The exact caves visited can vary with boat traffic and sea conditions.

The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for a swim and a look around, but not enough for a long, unhurried exploration. If you want time to linger at every cave, this schedule may feel tight.

This is also the part most affected by rough seas. Some departures have used an alternative cave when conditions made the planned stop unsafe or too crowded. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can disappoint you if a particular green cave is the main reason you booked.

Šunj Beach Gives You Time to Slow Down

After the cave stops, the boat heads to Šunj Beach on the south side of Lopud Island. The beach has pale sand and clear water, a welcome change after the faster pace of the cave swims.

The scheduled beach time is about one hour. Some outings have spent closer to two hours at Lopud, but you should treat the stated hour as the reliable expectation. That is enough for a swim, sunbathing, a drink, or a quick bite, but it may feel short if you want a full beach afternoon.

Šunj is especially practical for families and nervous swimmers. The seabed stays shallow for roughly 100 metres from shore, so you can wade well out into the water. Children still need close supervision, of course, but the gentle depth makes this a less demanding swim than the caves.

There is not a great deal to do on the beach beyond swimming, resting, visiting the small bar or restaurant, buying ice cream, and looking at souvenirs. Beach chairs cost extra. Bring your own towel, since one is not supplied, and budget separately for food if you want lunch.

The beach has received mixed impressions. Many people find it relaxing and attractive, while others have found it less clean than expected. It is best viewed as a pleasant final stop, not as the sole reason to book the tour.

Drinks, Snorkel Gear and What the Price Covers

At $84.65 per person, the value comes from combining transport, several swimming locations, beach time, equipment, and drinks in one half-day. A private speedboat would cost far more, while a large boat trip would usually feel less flexible.

The included drinks are a useful touch. You can expect bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, and soft drinks. Alcoholic options include local beer, red and white wine, and grappa. One account described the cooler as a welcome feature, with the crew offering drinks at different stops.

Do not assume every boat carries the same range in equal quantities. One departure had beer as the only alcoholic option available, while others had local wine and grappa. If you do not drink alcohol, you still have water, juice, and soft drinks.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, including masks and breathing tubes. Pool noodles are also available, which helps if you want to float without working hard between the boat and the caves. The gear is basic rather than specialist, but it is suitable for a casual swim.

Lunch is not included. At Šunj, you may find a bar or restaurant and simple food such as fries, but you should bring money and avoid counting on a full meal. A snack before departure can make the four-hour outing more comfortable.

Skippers Make a Real Difference

The strongest part of this experience is often the skipper. Ivan is praised for being friendly, funny, and attentive. Luca has been described as a reliable host, while Leo is noted for being approachable and careful. Marco is especially popular for his humor and helpful manner, and Dora and Mario have also been praised as a good team.

That matters because this tour involves a moving boat, open-water entry, slippery rocks, and changing sea conditions. A skipper who explains how to enter and leave the caves can turn a nervous swim into a manageable one. The best crews also keep an eye on the weather and offer drinks without making the trip feel rushed.

The experience is not identical on every departure, however. One serious complaint described a subcontracted boat operating too fast in rough water, ignoring a request for a life jacket, and refusing to slow down after a passenger was hurt. That is not a minor issue, and you should take it seriously when deciding if a speedboat trip suits you.

Most departures received very positive ratings, but the contrast shows why sea conditions and crew assignment matter. If the water looks rough at the dock, ask directly if the planned route is running and what happens if conditions worsen. Safety should come before the advertised sequence of stops.

Rough Seas Can Change the Whole Day

A speedboat is exciting on calm water. On a windy day, it can be hard and uncomfortable, especially across open stretches of sea. Several accounts describe choppy conditions, cold water, and strong impacts as the boat hit waves.

The operator may replace the planned caves or beach when conditions are unsafe. One modified outing substituted a hotel beach and a small cave, leaving the person unhappy because the main advertised sights were missed. A full refund was issued in that case, but a refund does not restore a lost day of holiday time.

This is the biggest risk in booking a sea trip with a fixed route. The tour requires good weather and may be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached. If the operator cancels, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, except when the operator cancels for weather or an insufficient number of bookings.

Who Should Book This Half-Day Trip?

I would choose this tour if you want several water stops without giving up a full day in Dubrovnik. It suits confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who likes a brisk boat ride followed by a quiet beach break.

It is also a smart option if your schedule is tight. The morning and afternoon choices let you fit the excursion around sightseeing, although you should allow extra energy for the ride and swimming. The English-speaking service makes basic instructions and safety information easy to follow.

I would be more cautious if you need a completely calm boat ride, cannot swim to the cave entrance, or want a long beach visit. It is also not ideal if you expect the speedboat to enter the Blue Cave or if you dislike sharing popular swimming spots with other boats.

The meeting point is near the Old Town pier, but several boats may load and unload there at once. Give yourself time to identify the correct boat and ask nearby crew for help if the dock looks confusing. Mobile tickets are accepted, and service animals are allowed.

Final Verdict: A Strong Choice With One Big Caveat

I would book this tour for the combination of Dubrovnik views, dramatic cave swims, included drinks, and a sandy Lopud finish. The $84.65 cost is reasonable when you use the snorkeling gear, swim at several locations, and take advantage of the included refreshments.

The deal depends on calm weather and a responsible skipper. Before boarding, confirm that swimming into the Blue Cave is required, ask about sea conditions, and understand that the route may change. If those points suit you, this is a lively and good-value way to spend four hours on the Dubrovnik coast. If you want a guaranteed cave visit with no swimming, choose a different excursion.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The Blue Cave stop is scheduled for about 40 minutes, the Green Cave area for about 30 minutes, and Šunj Beach for about one hour.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The entrance is too small for the boat. The boat anchors about 20 metres away, and you swim to the cave entrance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What drinks are included?

The tour includes bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy food at or near Šunj Beach, but you should bring money for it.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Beach towels are not included, so bring your own towel.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.