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

The best of Dubrovnik is offshore. This four-hour speedboat trip takes you from the city’s West Harbour to Kolocep’s glowing Blue Cave, the swim-friendly Green Caves, and sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud. I especially like the chance to snorkel with provided equipment and the easy mix of active swimming and slow beach time. I also like that cold drinks, including beer, white wine, water, and juice, are included. The main consideration is timing: you may spend only 30 to 35 minutes at each cave, while Šunj Beach gets about 90 minutes.

For the calmest cave visit, I would choose the morning departure from June 1 through September 15, which starts at 8:30 a.m. The early start is meant to avoid the larger crowds that gather later. This is a group boat trip, not a private charter, and the booking limit is 30 people.

Key points to know before booking

• Kolocep gives you two very different cave stops: The Blue Cave is about reflected blue light, while the Green Caves offer swimming, snorkeling, underwater passages, and rock-jumping spots.
• The 8:30 a.m. departure is the smart choice: It is designed to reach the caves before they become crowded.
• Šunj is the relaxing finish: You get around 90 minutes at Lopud’s broad sandy beach, with bars and a hillside restaurant nearby.
• Snorkel gear and flotation aids are supplied: Masks and pool noodles are available, along with life jackets for children and adults.
• The guides add much of the personality: Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and Jacob have all been praised for friendly service and clear explanations.
• The price is reasonable for a half-day on the water: At $77.43 per person, fuel, a driver-guide, equipment, and drinks are included, but lunch is not.

Leaving Dubrovnik from West Harbour

The meeting point is at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4. Look for the last wooden pier in the small marina. The boat returns to this same point after the outing, which keeps the logistics simple.

The first 30 minutes are listed for boarding and departure arrangements. Once you leave Dubrovnik Port, Kolocep is the first major stop. The speedboat makes the islands feel close, and the ride itself gives you broad views of the coast and nearby Elafiti Islands.

This is a group tour, with up to 30 people on a booking. That matters if you are expecting a quiet private outing. The supplied experiences describe boats that feel spacious for families and small groups, but the atmosphere depends on the number of people aboard. A group can be part of the fun, especially if you enjoy meeting people during swimming stops. It also means you will need to follow a shared schedule.

The speedboat is a practical choice for this route. It cuts down travel time between Dubrovnik and the islands, leaving most of the four-hour window for swimming and beach time. The tradeoff is that the ride can feel brisk, particularly if the sea is choppy. Life jackets are provided for both children and adults, and you should use one if you are not fully comfortable in open water.

The Blue Cave on Kolocep Island

Kolocep’s Blue Cave is the visual centerpiece of the trip. It sits on the island’s south side, where sunlight reaches the water and reflects off the sandy bottom. Inside, the sea takes on a blue glow that changes with the light and your position in the water.

You usually stay here for around 30 to 35 minutes. That is long enough for a swim, a few photographs, and time to look around, but it is not an unhurried visit. If you want plenty of time inside the cave, keep your expectations realistic.

The cave is best enjoyed from the water. You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look at the changing color below the surface, though the main attraction is the light itself. The water’s clarity makes this stop especially appealing on a sunny day.

The early morning departure matters here. Later in the day, boats can gather around the most popular cave sites. An 8:30 a.m. start gives you a better chance of enjoying the Blue Cave with fewer boats nearby. It also avoids some of the worst heat during the summer months.

If you dislike tight spaces, pay attention to how you feel before entering. One part of the experience involves moving into a cave opening by boat and water. The Green Caves can feel more confined, but the Blue Cave may also seem daunting if you are uneasy in enclosed places. You can still appreciate the color from outside and choose how far you want to go.

Swimming through the Green Caves

The Green Caves offer a different kind of stop. Instead of focusing only on color, this location is about clear water, rock formations, and the chance to swim through underwater passages.

You get another 30 to 35 minutes here. Masks are supplied, and the water is suited to snorkeling when conditions are good. There are also spots for jumping from the rocks, though you should use your own judgment and follow the captain’s instructions.

This is the most active part of the tour. You can swim, look beneath the surface, use a pool noodle, or simply stay near the boat and enjoy the water. The Green Caves are a good fit if you want more than a sightseeing stop.

The short stay is the biggest limitation. With two caves in one visit, the schedule moves quickly. Several people would prefer more cave time and less time at the beach. If that sounds like you, ask the crew whether the day’s schedule allows extra time at the caves. Some outings may be adjusted according to the group, conditions, or the captain’s plan, but you should not assume a change is guaranteed.

The water temperature can be comfortable even late in the season. One September outing was described as having water that felt just right, but conditions vary by day. Bring a towel and dry clothes, since splashing from the boat and swimming are central to the experience.

Ninety minutes at Šunj Beach

After Kolocep, the boat heads to Lopud Island and the broad sandy stretch of Šunj Beach. This is a welcome change from the rocky cave stops. The lagoon has shallow water and a gently sloping shoreline, making it easier to swim and relax.

You get about an hour and a half here. That is enough time for a proper swim, sunbathing, and a meal or drink at one of the nearby places. The beach is surrounded by olive and orange trees, and the setting has a softer, slower feel than the caves.

Do not expect Šunj to be the main reason for booking this tour. Its value is the pause. After swimming around rocks and entering caves, you can put your feet on sand and spend time at your own pace.

There are beach bars and a forest restaurant on the hill. Climb the stairs if you want a higher view and a more scenic place for a drink or lunch. The hillside restaurant has received strong praise for both its food and setting. Lunch is not included, so bring money if you want to eat here.

Some people find the beach less impressive than the caves. That is fair. If you prefer active water stops, 90 minutes may feel long. If you want a half-day that includes genuine downtime, the beach break balances the faster pace of the boat ride.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and family details

The tour includes beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcohol is available only to adults aged 18 and over. The cold drinks are useful on a hot July day, especially after swimming in the caves.

There is one point worth checking before you board. The description presents drinks as included throughout the experience, but one account described receiving only a single drink during the outward journey. I would treat the beverage offering as a welcome inclusion rather than an unlimited open bar. If the number of drinks matters to you, ask the crew at the start.

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are life jackets for children and adults. Pool noodles are also available. These small additions make a difference for families and for anyone who wants to float without constant effort.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. Still, you need to be comfortable getting in and out of the water and swimming near rocky cave entrances. The trip is not presented as fully accessible, so contact the provider if mobility support is important to you.

The captains and the feel of the trip

The captain can shape the entire experience. Pavo is repeatedly praised for being easygoing, friendly, and good at explaining where you are going and what to expect. Maro is described as a gracious guide and capable captain, while Anthony and Jacob are also praised for their warm manner.

That personal attention matters on a short trip. You are not just being transported from one stop to another. A good captain helps you understand how to approach the caves, when to swim, and where to spend your time at Lopud.

The strongest outings seem to combine clear communication with a relaxed mood. Families, couples, and groups with teenagers have all found the format easy to enjoy. A group of 14 people was split between two boats, which suggests the operator can handle larger parties while keeping boats to a manageable size.

There is one serious caution about the boat ride. One family described a rough and frightening return journey in choppy water, saying the driver moved too fast and passengers were thrown around. This appears to be an isolated complaint among otherwise very positive feedback, but it is worth taking seriously. Sea conditions can change, and a speedboat will feel every wave more than a larger vessel. If anyone in your group is nervous on boats, tell the captain and ask for a steady ride.

Is $77.43 good value?

At $77.43 per person, the price is fair for four hours that include transport between three island locations. You are paying for a speedboat, fuel, a driver-guide, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, and drinks. You also avoid arranging separate boat transfers to Kolocep and Lopud.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim. The caves are not just photo stops, and the equipment lets you make better use of the clear water. The beach stop adds a full 90 minutes, so you receive both sightseeing and free time rather than four hours of continuous transport.

The value is weaker if you want a private, quiet charter or a long stay inside the caves. This is a group outing, and the cave visits are relatively short. Lunch is extra, and you should also allow for any personal spending at Šunj Beach.

The price also makes sense for a family that wants an organized half-day. You do not need to rent or carry snorkel gear, and children’s life jackets are supplied. The main thing to decide is whether your family is happy with fast boat travel and shared timing.

Timing, weather, and what to bring

The advertised duration is approximately four hours. Most of the schedule is divided between Kolocep’s two cave stops and the 90-minute beach break. One outing returned about 25 minutes early, so do not assume every trip will use every minute.

For summer dates from June 1 through September 15, the morning trip leaves at 8:30 a.m. This is the best pick if avoiding crowds is a priority. An afternoon option may suit your schedule better, but the caves can be busier later.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and dry clothing. You may also want water shoes, though they are not listed as provided. Keep your belongings secure on the boat and pack lightly, since your main focus will be swimming and moving between stops.

Who will enjoy this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact introduction to the Elafiti Islands without giving up a beach break. It works well for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys swimming more than guided sightseeing on land.

It is especially good for:

• People visiting Dubrovnik for a short stay
• Families who want life jackets, masks, and flotation aids supplied
• Swimmers who want to see caves from the water
• Visitors who prefer an early start and a shared social atmosphere
• Anyone looking for a cooler alternative to a hot day in the city

I would think twice if you dislike enclosed cave spaces, get motion sick on speedboats, or want a slow private cruise. You should also be clear about your priorities. If the caves are the main reason you are going, ask whether more time can be spent there instead of at Šunj Beach.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want three different experiences in one half-day: a scenic speedboat ride, two memorable cave swims, and time on a sandy beach. The Blue Cave and Green Caves provide the strongest moments, while Šunj gives you room to rest, eat, and dry off.

Choose the early departure whenever possible, and ask about the drink allowance and cave timing before leaving the marina. At $77.43, the tour offers solid value for an organized group outing, provided you are comfortable sharing the boat and accepting a brisk schedule.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, in Dubrovnik. The meeting point is the last wooden pier in the small marina.

Where does the tour finish?

The speedboat returns you to the same meeting point in Dubrovnik.

How long does the experience last?

The scheduled duration is approximately four hours.

What time does the morning tour leave?

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 Cave 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 around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with life jackets for children and adults.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcoholic drinks are available only to adults aged 18 and over.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but food and drinks are available at places near Šunj Beach.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity allows a maximum of 30 travelers per booking and is operated as a group tour.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather cancellations also qualify for a different date or a full refund.