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

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This four-hour speedboat trip combines Dubrovnik’s sea views with swimming at the Blue Cave, Green Caves, Dark Cave, and Passage Cave, then gives you time at sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. I especially like the mix of active cave stops and an easy beach break, plus the useful supply of water, soft drinks, local beer, wine, and grappa.

I also like the small-group format, with a maximum of 18 people and a choice of morning or afternoon departures. The main catch is simple: you must swim to enter the Blue Cave, and rough seas can change the route or make the cave stops uncomfortable. At $84.65 per person, this is good value if you want several water stops in one half-day, but it is not the right choice if you need a calm, fully boat-based sightseeing trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Cave access requires swimming: The speedboat anchors about 20 meters away because the entrance is too small for the boat.
• Šunj Beach has unusually shallow water: The sandy seabed extends roughly 100 meters from shore, making it friendly for children and less confident swimmers.
• Drinks are included: You get bottled water, soft drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.
• The caves are active stops: Bring the right attitude for swimming, snorkeling, squeezing through rocky openings, and guiding yourself around the cave entrances.
• Sea conditions matter: Choppy water can make the ride rough and may force the crew to substitute other locations.
• A good skipper shapes the day: Captains such as Ivan, Luca, Leo, Marco, Mario, and Tony receive repeated praise for being friendly, careful, and helpful.

What this Dubrovnik boat tour is really like

Karuzo Tour runs this as a fast-moving half-day outing from Dubrovnik. You set out by speedboat, see the city from offshore, stop at several caves around Koločep, and finish with free time at Šunj Beach on Lopud.

The experience is built around contrast. You get a quick view of Dubrovnik’s walls and Lovrijenac Fortress, then leave the built-up shoreline behind for clear water and pale rock. After the more active cave stops, the final hour at the beach gives you somewhere to dry off, eat, swim, or simply sit in the sun.

I would not choose this trip for a slow, quiet cruise. The boat moves quickly, music may be played loudly, and the sea can feel rough. I would choose it if you want to see several coastal highlights without committing to a full-day island excursion.

The boat carries no more than 18 people, though some departures may be much smaller. One group had only six people, which made the ride feel more personal and left plenty of room to move around. There is also a partly covered area, a useful feature when the sun becomes too strong.

Dubrovnik’s walls and Lovrijenac from the sea

The opening stretch gives you a different view of Dubrovnik. From the water, the Old Town walls rise above the shoreline, and your skipper shares local legends and facts while you take in the panorama.

The boat also passes beneath Lovrijenac Fortress, built on a steep cliff about 37 meters above the Adriatic. From the water, its position becomes easy to understand. This was not just a handsome fortress, but a strong defensive point above the harbor.

This first section is brief, yet it gives the tour some local character. You are not simply racing from one swim stop to another. You get a look at the city’s fortifications from the same sea route that shaped Dubrovnik’s trade, defense, and daily life.

The meeting point is at a pier near the Old Town. Allow extra time to identify the right boat because several boats may load and unload quickly in the area. Staff from nearby boats can help if you are unsure, but it is still wise to arrive early.

Swimming into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the trip’s main attraction. Natural light enters through the cave and reflects through the water, creating the blue glow that gives the cave its name.

The boat anchors about 20 meters from the entrance. You then swim to the opening, which is too small for the speedboat to enter. This detail is important. If you expected to remain aboard and simply look into the cave, this excursion may disappoint you.

Snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are provided, and pool noodles are available for anyone who wants extra support in the water. You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable leaving the boat and moving toward a rocky opening.

The entrance can require you to swim beneath a low section of rock. The guides explain how to get in and out, but you should expect some self-guided exploration once you reach the cave. The boat crew stays aboard rather than escorting you through every opening.

Plan on about 40 minutes at this stop, although the actual time in the water may depend on sea conditions and crowding. The Blue Cave can become crowded, especially when several boats arrive together. Rough water makes the approach harder, and you need to take care near the rocks.

Still, this is the moment that gives the tour its strongest sense of discovery. Sunlight, dark rock, and clear water create a scene that is difficult to appreciate from land. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want photographs, but keep your hands free when entering and leaving the cave.

The Green Caves, Canyon Cave, and narrow passages

The next stop covers several formations described as the Three Green Caves. Two caves take on a green or emerald glow as sunlight passes through the water and rock. A canyon-like cave forms a natural passage between the cliffs and offers another chance to swim and snorkel.

The names can be a little confusing because the experience may include references to the Green Caves, Dark Cave, Passage Cave, and Canyon Cave. Think of this as a cluster of rocky formations rather than one neatly defined cave visit.

This part is more active than a simple photo stop. One narrow passage may require you to swim beneath rock to reach another opening. That can be exciting for confident swimmers, but it is not suitable for everyone. If you dislike enclosed spaces or are not comfortable swimming through a narrow entrance, you can remain on the boat.

The advertised stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for a taste of the area, but not enough for a long, relaxed snorkeling session. Crowding can also affect the experience. If another boat occupies the most attractive cave, the skipper may use a nearby alternative. That keeps the group moving, but the substitute may not look quite as impressive as the cave you expected.

Water temperature is another practical concern. On a warm day, the swim feels refreshing. In cooler weather, especially outside the heart of summer, some people may only stay in briefly. Bring a light cover-up and plan to dry in the sun before the ride continues.

Šunj Beach on Lopud Island

Šunj Beach is the final stop and usually the most relaxed part of the outing. The beach has pale sand and clear water, a welcome change from Dubrovnik’s stone shoreline.

The seabed stays shallow for roughly 100 meters from shore. That makes Šunj a sensible place for children and anyone who feels less secure in deep water. You can wade far out, swim gently, or stay near the beach without the sudden drop-offs common along the Croatian coast.

The listed free time is about one hour, though some departures have allowed closer to two hours or more. This variation matters. If you want a long lunch, a full afternoon at the beach, or time for a rented sunbed, you may find the stop shorter than expected.

There is at least a small selection of food and drink near the beach, including a bar or restaurant, fries, beer, and ice cream. You should not book this tour expecting a broad choice of restaurants or extensive shopping. Šunj is mainly about swimming and relaxing.

Beach chairs cost extra, and towels are not included. Pack your own towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. If you are traveling with children, the shallow water is helpful, but you will still need to supervise them around the boat and the shoreline.

The beach has also received mixed comments about cleanliness. Conditions can vary by day and by crowd levels. I would treat Šunj as a pleasant final stop rather than the sole reason to book the tour.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and what you need to bring

The included refreshments add real value to a short speedboat trip. You get bottled water, sparkling drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa.

The selection may vary in practice. One account described beer as the only alcoholic option available on that departure, so do not assume every drink listed will always be stocked in equal quantities. Water and soft drinks are the safest expectation.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, including masks and breathing tubes. Pool noodles are also on board, and these are particularly useful at the Blue Cave, where you may want support while waiting to enter or while looking up at the rock.

You should bring:

• A beach towel, since none is supplied
• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Comfortable footwear for moving around the boat and rocky entrances

Lunch is not included. You can buy simple food at Šunj Beach, but if you need a substantial meal, bring something with you or plan to eat afterward in Dubrovnik.

How the small-group setup affects the experience

A maximum of 18 people is a reasonable size for a speedboat outing. It is small enough for the skipper to offer drinks, explain cave access, and keep an eye on the group without the feel of a large excursion vessel.

The captain can make a major difference. Ivan is praised for his friendly manner, safety awareness, and steady attention to the group. Luca is described as professional and warm, while Leo receives credit for being reliable and helpful. Marco is singled out for humor, local sea knowledge, and careful handling of questions and concerns. Dora, Mario, and Tony also receive positive comments for keeping the mood pleasant and helping people feel comfortable.

The trip is delivered in English. The best captains do more than drive the boat. They explain how to enter and leave the caves, check that people are comfortable, and adjust the pace when conditions change.

Music is part of the atmosphere on some departures. That can make the ride lively, but one account found the dance music too loud. If you prefer quiet sightseeing, this may be a minor irritation.

Rough seas and changed plans

This is the most important risk to understand. The tour requires good weather, and a fast boat can feel very rough when the sea is choppy. Several accounts describe windy conditions, hard impacts on the water, and uncomfortable rides.

In poor conditions, the crew may skip the advertised caves or replace them with another location. One altered departure included time at a hotel beach and a small cave instead of the planned route. That is a major change, not a small adjustment, so check the forecast before you go and accept that the sea controls the schedule.

Safety should come first. A careful skipper may prevent swimming at a cave or offer an alternate stop when the water is too rough. You should ask for a life jacket if you want one, and speak up immediately if the ride feels unsafe or painful.

The tour has received an overall rating of 4.9 from 2,572 ratings, with 98 percent of people recommending it. Those strong numbers reflect many excellent outings, but they should not hide the fact that weather and boat handling can change the day completely.

If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The experience may also be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Is $84.65 a fair price?

At $84.65, the tour offers a useful bundle: a Dubrovnik coastal cruise, three cave areas, snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, refreshments, and time on Lopud.

I consider that fair value for visitors who want a compact half-day on the water. Booking separate boat transfers, finding cave access, and arranging drinks would take more effort and might cost as much once transport is added.

The value drops if you cannot swim into the Blue Cave, if the sea is too rough for the planned stops, or if you want a long beach stay. You are paying for access to several locations in one outing, not for a guaranteed amount of time inside each cave.

The morning and afternoon choices are useful. A morning departure leaves the rest of the day open, while an afternoon trip can fit around Old Town sightseeing. Pick the time that gives you the best weather forecast and the least rushed schedule.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to active couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a simple way to reach several swimming spots from Dubrovnik.

It suits you best if:

• You can swim comfortably in open water
• You enjoy a fast boat ride
• You are happy exploring caves without a guide inside each one
• You want drinks included
• You like mixing adventure with beach time

I would think twice if you need guaranteed calm water, cannot swim, dislike enclosed rocky spaces, or want a long, quiet beach afternoon. In that case, a slower coastal boat or a beach transfer may be a better match.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately four hours. The advertised stops include about 40 minutes at the Blue Cave, 30 minutes at the Green Caves, and roughly one hour at Šunj Beach, though timing can change with sea conditions and crowding.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The boat anchors about 20 meters from the entrance because the opening is too small. You must swim to reach the Blue Cave.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and breathing tubes are included, and pool noodles are available on the boat for extra flotation support.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Bottled water, soft drinks, natural juices, local beer, red and white wine, and grappa are listed as included. The exact selection may vary by departure.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Food and drinks may be available for purchase at Šunj Beach, including simple items such as fries, beer, and ice cream.

Are beach towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own beach towel.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The crew may also adjust the route during the trip if the sea becomes unsafe.

Should you book the Karuzo Tour?

Book this tour if you want an energetic, well-priced half-day that combines Dubrovnik views, several cave swims, snorkeling, included refreshments, and a sandy island beach. The Blue Cave is the main prize, while Šunj gives you time to relax after the more active stops.

Before booking, make sure you understand the key condition: the Blue Cave is reached by swimming, not by boat. Check the weather, bring a towel, and expect the itinerary to change if the sea turns rough. For confident swimmers who want a lively day on the Adriatic, this is a strong choice. For anyone seeking a calm, predictable cruise, choose a gentler boat experience instead.