BLUE CAVE&GREEN CAVES /ŠUNJ beach Speedboat tour- WITH DRINKS

Blue water, cool caves, sandy shores. This four-hour speedboat trip from Dubrovnik packs three good reasons to leave town: the glowing Blue Cave, the sea tunnels of the Green Caves, and Šunj Beach on Lopud. I especially like the provided masks, life jackets, and pool noodles, plus the chance to see the coast from the water. The main catch is that this is a group tour, not a private boat charter, and cave time can feel short.

I also like the early departure, which begins at 8:30 a.m. from June 1 through September 15. That early start matters because the caves become busier later. Captains such as Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and Jacob have earned praise for friendly hosting and clear directions, though the quality of the boat ride can depend on the skipper and sea conditions.

Key points

• The 8:30 a.m. start helps you reach the caves before larger crowds.
• The Blue and Green Caves each receive about 30 to 35 minutes.
• Šunj Beach gives you about 90 minutes for swimming, food, or a drink.
• Masks, snorkels, life jackets, and pool noodles are supplied.
• Beer, white wine, water, and juice are included, but do not assume unlimited drinks.
• The $77.43 price is fair if you value the speedboat, equipment, and three stops.

A Four-Hour Escape from Dubrovnik’s Harbour

The trip begins at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, at Lapadska obala 4. Look for the last wooden pier in the small marina at Dubrovnik West Harbour. The experience returns to this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride home.

You spend about four hours on the water, with roughly 20 to 30 minutes of travel before the first cave stop. That gives you a fine view of Dubrovnik’s coast and the nearby islands without taking up a full day. I see this as a useful middle ground: longer than a quick harbor cruise, but short enough to fit around a city visit.

The boat is described as a private speedboat with a driver, but the experience itself is a group trip. Up to 30 people can be booked together, so you should not expect a quiet charter for just your own party. Some departures use more than one boat when larger groups are involved.

That distinction matters. You get the speed and open-water feel of a small boat, but you may share the ride with families, couples, and groups of friends. The social side can be fun, and one account describes people quickly making friends on board. If you want total control over stops and timing, book a private boat instead.

Why the Early Start Matters at Kolocep

The first major stop is Kolocep, one of the Elafiti Islands. The boat heads to the island’s south side, where the Blue Cave and Green Caves offer two very different swimming settings.

The operator specifically recommends the 8:30 a.m. departure from June 1 to September 15 to avoid larger crowds. I would take that advice seriously. Caves are small spaces, and their magic fades quickly when several boats arrive at once. An early boat can give you a better chance to see the water clearly and move around without a line of swimmers.

The ride to Kolocep also gives you one of the tour’s simplest pleasures: views of the islands and the Croatian coast from the water. You are not just being transported to a photo stop. The boat ride itself provides a fresh angle on Dubrovnik, especially on a hot day when the breeze feels welcome.

The captain or guide explains where to go and how to use each stop. Pavo receives repeated praise for his easygoing manner, while Maro, Anthony, and Jacob are also singled out for friendly service and clear explanations. The exact guide can vary, but the experience appears to place real importance on a pleasant captain.

The Blue Cave: Short, Bright, and Worth the Stop

The Blue Cave is the visual star of the trip. Sunlight enters the cave and reflects through the water and pale sand below, producing the blue color that gives the cave its name.

You spend about 30 to 35 minutes here. That is enough time to swim, use the snorkeling equipment, and take in the color, but it is not a long visit. If you have imagined lingering inside the cave for an hour, adjust your expectations now.

The water is the main attraction. You can swim near the entrance and look beneath the surface with the provided mask. Depending on the conditions and the number of people present, you may also have a chance to jump from the rocks. The trip is active, but you do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy it, since life jackets are supplied for adults and children.

The cave can feel tight if you dislike enclosed spaces. One account specifically points out that the caves may be daunting for anyone uncomfortable in narrow areas. You should also expect a wet stop, so a swimsuit is more practical than ordinary sightseeing clothes.

I would bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want pictures. The tour provides swimming gear, not personal camera protection. The strongest part of the Blue Cave is not a long list of facts. It is the quick visual shock when the water changes color inside the rock.

The Green Caves Offer More Active Swimming

After the Blue Cave, the boat moves to the Green Caves, also on Kolocep. The two stops are close enough to fit naturally into the same visit, but the mood is different.

The Green Caves are known for underwater passages and clear blue-green water. You can swim, snorkel, and possibly pass through sections of the caves. Rock-jumping spots add a little excitement for confident swimmers.

Again, the scheduled time is about 30 to 35 minutes. Several people who enjoyed the trip still wished they had more time at the caves and less at the beach. That is useful advice if caves are your main reason for booking. Ask the captain early whether the schedule can be adjusted. Some departures may allow more cave time at the expense of part of the beach stop, but this is not guaranteed.

The snorkeling equipment makes these stops better value. You do not have to pack your own mask, and children can use life jackets or pool noodles. The water clarity is a major part of the experience, so the gear is not a minor extra. It lets you see below the surface instead of simply swimming from the boat.

The water temperature can remain comfortable even near the end of September, though conditions vary. The tour requires good weather, and the caves are best enjoyed on a calm day. If the sea turns rough, the operator may cancel and offer another date or a full refund.

Šunj Beach Gives You a Slower Final Stop

The final stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud, the island’s best-known sandy beach and one of the most popular sandy stretches near Dubrovnik. You get about 90 minutes here, making it the longest stop of the afternoon.

The beach sits in a shallow lagoon with clear water that shifts from green to blue. The shallow sea can be appealing for children, and it gives you a chance to dry off after the cave stops without hurrying straight back onto the boat.

You can spend the time swimming, sitting on the sand, or walking toward the nearby bars and restaurants. A forest restaurant and hillside bar are mentioned as good places for food or drinks. The hillside bar is particularly useful if you want a view over the beach, and the food at the upper restaurant has received strong praise.

Do not expect an untouched beach. Šunj is popular, and some people find it less special than the caves. I would treat it as a comfortable closing stop rather than the main reason to book. It gives you a place to relax, eat an early lunch, or have a cocktail after the more active swimming stops.

If your priority is the caves, ask about shortening the beach visit. If you are traveling with children or want an easy finish, the full 90 minutes may be exactly right.

Drinks Are Included, With One Important Caveat

Beer, white wine, water, and juice are included, and alcoholic drinks are available only to adults aged 18 and above. This is a welcome touch on a warm day, especially after snorkeling.

Still, I would not interpret the drinks as an unlimited open bar. One person expected more and received only one drink during the outward journey. Other accounts describe the drinks as cold and appreciated, so the exact experience may vary by departure or crew.

The practical approach is simple: enjoy the included beverage, but bring your own extra water if you need more than the supplied amount. The tour includes fuel and equipment, but lunch is not included. You should budget separately for food or drinks at Šunj Beach.

Is $77.43 Good Value?

At $77.43 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Elafiti Islands. It is also not an unreasonable price for a four-hour speedboat outing that includes fuel, a driver-guide, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, and drinks.

The value is strongest if you want several experiences in one outing. You get coastal views, two cave swims, a sandy beach, and transportation between the islands. Arranging those stops independently would be difficult without your own boat.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long beach day or a private experience. About an hour of the tour is spent moving between locations, and the cave stops are brief. A private charter would give you more control, but it would normally cost more per person, especially for a small party.

I would call the price fair for couples, families, and friends who want an active half-day without planning every detail. The high rating of 4.9 from 139 reviews and recommendation from 99 percent of customers suggest that the basic formula works very well, though one poor account raises a serious point about driving style.

Boat Safety and Comfort Matter

Most of the positive feedback centers on friendly captains, good organization, and a boat that feels comfortable for a small group. Pavo is praised several times, and Maro is described as a gracious captain. Anthony is noted for explaining the trip well, while Jacob is praised for getting to the stops before they became crowded.

Still, one family had a frightening return ride in choppy water and felt the driver went too fast. That is a small number compared with the many positive accounts, but it should not be ignored. Speedboats can feel rough when the sea is unsettled, and the ride may be wet.

Life jackets are provided for adults and children. If you are traveling with young children or anyone nervous on boats, tell the crew if the ride feels too rough. Sit securely, hold on during faster sections, and remember that a calm forecast does not guarantee perfectly smooth water.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The tour operates near public transportation, but private transportation is not included. Confirmation is provided at booking, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want to swim, snorkel, and see several coastal locations in one morning or afternoon. It suits families with older children, couples, and groups of friends who enjoy an active boat day but do not want to spend a full day at sea.

It is also a good fit if you are visiting Dubrovnik during July or August and need a break from the hot stone streets. The boat keeps the day moving, and the water offers a welcome change from city sightseeing.

You may want another option if you dislike enclosed spaces, cannot swim comfortably, or want a slow cultural tour with long explanations. The caves are the focus, not museums or historic buildings. You should also think twice if you expect a private boat, unlimited drinks, or complete control over the schedule.

Should You Book the Blue and Green Caves Tour?

I would book this trip if the Blue Cave and Green Caves are your priority. Choose the early 8:30 a.m. departure when available, bring sun protection and a waterproof phone case, and ask at the start if you can trade some beach time for longer cave stops.

The best parts are the clear water, supplied snorkeling gear, fast access to Kolocep, and the chance to finish at a sandy beach. The main compromises are group size, short cave visits, uncertain drink quantities, and a boat ride that can feel rough in bad conditions.

For $77.43, you are paying for convenience and variety rather than luxury. If that sounds right, this is a strong half-day addition to a Dubrovnik stay.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in the small marina at Dubrovnik West Harbour.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point in Dubrovnik.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the morning tour start?

From June 1 through September 15, the morning tour starts at 8:30 a.m.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Kolocep Island for the Blue and Green Caves, then Lopud Island for Šunj Beach.

How long do you stay at the caves?

You spend about 30 to 35 minutes at each cave location.

How long is the stop at Šunj Beach?

The beach stop lasts approximately one and a half hours.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Beer, white wine, water, and juice are included, along with snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and pool noodles. Alcoholic drinks are for adults aged 18 and above.

Can you cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.