Caves you swim into, in the best way. This half-day speedboat outing mixes big-water views from Dubrovnik with the kind of cave swimming Croatia is famous for, especially the glowing Blue Cave. I like that you get real time in the water, not just photo stops, and I love that snorkeling kit and float help are included.

One thing to plan for: the Blue Cave needs a swim to enter since the boat cannot go inside. If the sea is choppy or crowded, getting in and out can be slower, and the experience can feel less relaxed than it looks in pictures.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Boat Tour

• Blue Cave access is swim-only: the boat anchors about 20 meters out.
• Snorkeling gear and floaters are provided: masks, snorkel tubes, and pool noodles help.
• You’ll see Dubrovnik from the water first: old city walls and views below Lovrijenac fortress.
• Green Cave stops can be self-guided: the guides stay on the boat, so you follow the safe route yourself.
• Šunj Beach is shallow and family-friendly: the seabed reportedly drops off gradually for about 100 meters.
• Drinks are included on the water: local beer, wine, grappa, plus soft drinks and water.

Dubrovnik Old Town Views Before You Hit the Caves

Your adventure starts on the Adriatic with a panorama that hits different than the viewpoint crowd. You get a sky-and-sea view of Dubrovnik’s old city walls, then you cruise beneath Lovrijenac fortress, perched on a steep cliff about 37 meters above the sea. The skipper shares city legends and facts as you go, which makes the first stretch feel like more than just transport.

This is also where the timing makes sense. You are not rushing from one point to another on land. By the time the boat reaches the cave area, you are already in vacation mode.

The Blue Cave: Why Swimming Matters (And How It Works)

The Blue Cave is the headline stop for a reason. Natural light bounces off the water, turning it into that electric blue glow you came for. Here’s the practical part that you should take seriously: the speedboat cannot enter the Blue Cave. The cave opening is too small, so you anchor roughly 20 meters away and access it by swimming.

You’ll get snorkeling equipment, including masks and snorkel tubes, so you can choose your comfort level. If you want less effort, floaters like pool noodles are available on the boat. That matters because the swim is usually the difference between enjoying the moment and feeling stressed about the logistics.

Plan for crowd energy too. This cave is popular, and even with a captain trying to manage traffic, you may find other boats nearby. If you’re the type who likes calm water and quiet moments, go in expecting a bit of bustle.

Best for: swimmers who are comfortable with short swims and who want the classic Blue Cave glow experience.

Consider if: you prefer to stay totally dry, or you’re worried about rough water on the day.

Three Green Cave Stops: Emerald Light and Narrow Passages

After Blue Cave, you shift to the Green Cave route. This part is less about one single wow moment and more about variation. You’ll see two green caves where sunlight creates an emerald look, plus a canyon cave that functions like a natural passage through the cliffs.

The snorkeling options are there, but the boat-time and cave-time feel different from Blue Cave. The captain stays with the boat for these stops, so you are not being led through every entry. You’ll need to follow the safe route on your own once you’re in the area.

One more thing to know: some cave sections can be narrow or tricky to access depending on water movement and your comfort level. That’s why I like that the tour keeps the stops relatively short. You get enough time to enjoy the visuals without turning the trip into a strenuous endurance event.

Pro tip: if you feel uncertain in one cave section, it’s okay to focus on spotting the light and shapes rather than pushing farther in.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: The Relax Button That Still Feels Like Travel

Then comes the breather. Šunj Beach is on the south side of Lopud Island, and it’s where the tour turns from cave action to sun and swim time. You get about an hour of free time to relax, soak up the rays, and swim in crystal-clear water.

The standout detail is the shallow seabed. It’s reported to extend about 100 meters from shore, which makes it easier for kids and less confident swimmers. If you’re going to spend time in caves, this beach stop balances the day perfectly.

You should also manage expectations about beach services. Lunch is not included, and beach towels are not included either. Some visitors mention being able to find food and drinks at a waterfront bar or restaurant, plus shopping for ice cream and souvenirs nearby. If you want a chair, you may face a rental fee, so it’s smart to pack for a casual beach hang.

Also, Šunj is not a private resort. It can feel quieter than the Dubrovnik streets, but you still have other people enjoying the water. That’s normal for a major island beach.

The Speedboat Ride: Comfort, Safety, and Rough-Water Reality

The whole point of a speedboat tour is speed and views, but you need to respect the sea. On calm days, it feels like exhilarating fun. On rougher days, you’ll feel the boat hit the swells more, and swimming can become harder.

The good news is that the captains on this kind of tour tend to focus on safety and clear instructions. Multiple guides are praised for keeping the group safe and steady, especially when conditions are choppy. You’ll also notice how often the tour includes gear for support, like floaters, and how the skipper helps with cave entry and exits.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d plan ahead. Even though the ride is not long, it can be intense when waves pick up. On days when the sea is too rough, expect the skipper to adjust what is possible for safety and practicality.

Drinks and Snorkel Gear: Where the Money Actually Goes

At $84.65 per person for about four hours, this tour can feel pricey until you look at what’s included. The best value comes from combining three things you would otherwise pay for separately:

• snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkel tubes)
• support floaters (pool noodles)
• drinks while you’re out on the water

Included drinks are generous for a boat tour: local beer, red and white wine, grappa, plus sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water. In other words, you’re not just getting water and a token soda. Alcohol choices exist, but keep in mind that the range is still the included set, not a full bar.

What’s not included is also clear. Lunch is not included, and beach towels are not provided. If you want a full beach meal, you’ll likely need to buy it on Lopud. Bring or plan for a towel if you don’t want to pay for one or deal with sand and dry-off time.

From a practical standpoint, I also like that you’re booking a small group. A maximum group size of 18 usually helps keep the boat less chaotic, which matters when you’re changing locations fast.

Captains and Group Size: Why the Small Boat Feels Personal

This tour runs with a small group, capped at 18 people. That helps with timing around boarding, and it makes a difference when the group has to manage gear and swim entries.

You’ll hear names like Marco, Luca, Leo, Ivan, and Tony in the captain credits. The common thread is a mix of humor, good communication in English, and attention to safety. Some captains are also praised for keeping drinks topped up at stops, which makes the cave hopping feel more like a day out with a friend than a rigid schedule.

One small reality check: caves like Blue Cave can be crowded with other boats. Even when your captain does everything right, the water area can still feel busy. The trick is to be patient at entry time and focus on your own experience once you’re inside.

Who Should Book This Caves Plus Lopud Speedboat Tour

This is a great match if you want:

• a half-day adventure from Dubrovnik without committing a full day
• real swimming opportunities, especially for the Blue Cave look
• included drinks and snorkeling gear, which reduces extra costs
• a beach finish on an island where the water is easy to enjoy

I’d be more cautious if you:

• hate boats or get motion sickness easily
• want zero swimming for cave access
• are extremely sensitive to crowds, since these caves are popular

It also works well for couples, solo travelers, and families who have at least one member comfortable with short swims. Šunj’s shallow-water feature makes the beach portion easier for mixed ability groups.

Should You Book This Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Lopud Tour?

Yes, if you’re coming to Dubrovnik for water time. The combo of Dubrovnik city views plus the Blue and Green Cave experience is exactly what this region is about, and the included snorkel kit and drinks meaningfully raise the value for your $84.65.

Book it with two expectations in mind:

1) the Blue Cave requires a swim to enter, and the boat will not go inside.

2) the sea can affect how smooth cave entries feel, so choose a mindset that’s flexible and safety-first.

If that sounds like your style of travel, this tour is an excellent way to turn a few hours into a standout Croatia memory.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach small group speed boat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What is the group size for this tour?

It is capped at a maximum of 18 travelers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including masks and snorkel tubes.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The boat cannot enter the Blue Cave, and you access it by swimming because the entrance is too small.

Do I need to swim at the cave stops?

For the Blue Cave, swimming is required to enter. Optional swimming and snorkeling are available at some of the Green Cave stops.

What drinks are included during the tour?

Included drinks are local beer, red and white wine, grappa, sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are beach towels included?

No, beach towels are not included.

Does the tour run in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What if weather or sea conditions are not suitable?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.