Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat

Caves, coves, and a sandy beach await. This four-hour speedboat trip gives you a brisk look at Dubrovnik’s nearby islands, with time for swimming at the Blue Cave and Three Green Caves, then a longer break at Šunj Beach. I like the mix of sea adventure and easy beach time, and I like that snorkel gear, drinks, fuel, and a waterproof bag are included. The main drawback is that this is a shared open speedboat, so you should expect wind, spray, sun, limited space, and no toilet onboard.

The crew can make a real difference on a short trip. Captain Mario earned praise for smooth boat handling and good music, while the meeting-point staff use the names Antonio, a red shirt, and Adriatic Boat Tours to help you find the right boat. I would arrive early, since several boats may leave from the same area and the correct departure point is not always obvious.

Key points at a glance

• Three swimming stops: Visit the Blue Cave on Koločep Island, the Three Green Caves, and sandy Šunj Beach.
• About 85 minutes on the water: The speedboat rides are part of the fun, but they also mean wind, spray, and sun exposure.
• Snorkeling equipment included: You can use the provided gear at the caves and beach without packing your own mask and snorkel.
• Beach time lasts 60 to 90 minutes: Šunj is the relaxed part of the trip, with sand, swimming, and a beach bar serving food and cocktails.
• Drinks are included onboard: Water, beer, wine, and Coca-Cola are available during the outing.
• Swimming ability matters: You must swim to enter the caves and walk through shallow water to reach the beach.

What the $82 price really covers

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the sea around Dubrovnik. Still, the price covers several costs that can add up quickly on a boat outing: fuel, snorkeling equipment, onboard drinks, and a waterproof bag. You also get transport between three separate island stops without arranging your own boat.

The real value comes from the variety. A simple beach trip gives you sand and swimming. A basic sightseeing cruise may show you the islands but leave little time in the water. This tour combines a fast ride, cave exploration, snorkeling, and a proper beach break in four hours.

You should budget extra for food and drinks at Šunj Beach, since those are not included. Towels are also your responsibility. If you already have a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear, the additional spending can stay fairly modest.

This is best viewed as a short sampler of the Dubrovnik coast, not a full-day island expedition. You will see several places, but each cave stop is limited. The tour works well if you have only half a day free or want an active break between sightseeing in Dubrovnik.

Finding the boat near Knjižnica za društvene znanosti

The meeting point is Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, an area used by many boat tours. Look for the Adriatic Boat Tours staff, Antonio, or someone in a red shirt. Because several boats may gather nearby, do not assume the first vessel you see is yours.

One practical tip matters here: arrive with enough time to identify the crew before departure. A clear sign or more obvious boat marking would make the start easier, and one person had trouble confirming the right boat after asking at two other departures. This is not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a good reason not to arrive at the last minute.

The boat returns to the same place after the final ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

Speedboat travel: fun, fast, and exposed

The boat ride takes roughly 30 minutes from the starting point to the first island stop. Later rides last about 10, 15, and 30 minutes, for around 85 minutes of travel in total. That is a significant part of a four-hour outing, but it is also one of the pleasures of the trip.

An open speedboat lets you feel the breeze and sea spray instead of watching the coast through a window. The ride can feel lively and refreshing on a warm day. It can also feel cold, wet, or rough if conditions change, so dress for the boat rather than only for the beach.

Wear swimwear under light clothing, bring sunglasses, and use sunscreen before leaving. A hat may be useful, though you should secure it carefully in the wind. Keep valuables in the waterproof bag and avoid bringing large luggage, which is not allowed.

There is no toilet on the speedboat. The only stated restroom stop is at the beach, so use the facilities before departure. People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking, especially because the boat is open and the water conditions may be noticeable.

Blue Cave on Koločep Island

The Blue Cave is scheduled for about 30 minutes of free time, swimming, and snorkeling. You reach the cave by swimming, so you need to be a decent swimmer rather than simply a passenger who prefers to stay aboard.

The cave is the most visually dramatic stop. Light entering the opening gives the water its blue color, and the enclosed space offers a clear change from the open sea. The stop is short, so the experience is less about a long cave visit and more about getting into the water, looking around, and taking a few photos.

Bring a camera only if you can protect it. The supplied waterproof bag is useful for phones and small valuables, but you should still handle electronics with care around the water. A camera strap or waterproof phone case would be sensible, though neither is listed as included.

The swimming requirement is important for anyone who feels uncertain in open water. You may be able to enjoy the boat ride without swimming, but entering the Blue Cave is part of the planned experience. Ask yourself if you are comfortable getting in and out of the sea without a beach ladder being mentioned.

Three Green Caves and 45 minutes in the water

The Three Green Caves stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you more time than at the Blue Cave. You can take photos, swim, and snorkel in and around the caves.

This stop has a more exploratory feel. Instead of rushing in for one quick look, you have time to move between the openings, float in the clear water, and see how the rocks frame the sea. The caves are the reason to bring swimwear and snorkeling gear rather than treating this as a sightseeing cruise.

The word caves should not lead you to expect a guided underground walk. The available information describes swimming and snorkeling, not an on-foot cave tour. You will be in the water, near the rock openings, with the boat moving on afterward.

The 45-minute stop is long enough to make the trip feel active without taking the whole morning. Still, you should follow the crew’s instructions around the rocks. Natural cave areas can be slippery, and the tour does not promise a flat entry point or easy access for non-swimmers.

Šunj Beach gives the trip a slower middle

Šunj Beach is the longest stop, with about 60 to 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and free time. After two cave stops, this is where you can stop chasing the clock and simply enjoy the sand.

The beach is a strong part of the tour because sandy beaches are not the usual feature of every Croatian island swimming stop. You walk through shallow water to reach the sand, so flip-flops or water shoes can be useful. The beach bar offers cocktails and food, but those purchases are not included in the tour price.

If you want the most relaxed part of the day, use this stop for a swim, a drink, and a little shade if you can find it. If you prefer active time, you can continue snorkeling. The exact amount of beach time may vary between 60 and 90 minutes, so do not plan on a long restaurant meal.

This is also the only stated restroom location. Use it before getting back aboard for the final 30-minute ride to Dubrovnik.

Drinks, equipment, and what you must bring

The included equipment keeps the packing list simple. You receive snorkeling gear and a waterproof bag, and the boat carries water, beer, wine, and Coca-Cola. Fuel is included too, so there should be no surprise fuel charge added to the advertised price.

You still need to bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Flip-flops
• A camera, if you want photos
• Cash or a credit card for food and drinks at Šunj Beach

Do not bring pets, large bags, or luggage. Smoking is not allowed. The sun can be strong on the water, and the speedboat offers little protection from it, so reapply sunscreen during the day even if the breeze makes the temperature feel comfortable.

The included drinks are a nice practical touch, but they do not replace water planning. Take the available water seriously, especially during the beach stop and the cave swims.

How the crew shapes the experience

A four-hour boat tour depends heavily on the captain and crew. Captain Mario received particular praise for controlled boat handling and a well-chosen music mix. Those details matter because the ride is long enough for the crew’s style to affect the whole outing.

The guide service is offered in Croatian and English. This is useful at the caves, where clear instructions about swimming, timing, and returning to the boat matter more than a long historical talk.

Do not expect a private charter. This is a shared group tour, so the amount of room and personal attention depends on the number of people aboard. A shared trip keeps the price below a private boat experience, but it also means you cannot set every stop or linger wherever you like.

The experience has a 4.7 rating from 46 ratings, and 86 percent of ratings give the transport a perfect score. That matches the strongest features of the trip: the boat itself, the captain’s handling, and the appealing combination of caves and beach.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to confident swimmers who want several water stops in a short time. It suits couples, friends, and active families with older children who can manage open-water swimming and a fast boat ride.

It is also a good choice if you want to see more than one Dubrovnik island stop without committing to a full-day cruise. The schedule gives you a taste of the caves, then enough beach time to make the outing feel restful rather than nonstop.

I would be cautious if you have back problems, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, are prone to seasickness, or are over 70. Babies under one year are not considered suitable for the activity. These limits are especially relevant because the boat is open, the cave entries require swimming, and the beach requires a walk through shallow water.

You should also skip it if you dislike salt spray, wind, or sharing a boat with a group. This is not a quiet luxury cruise. It is a practical, active outing with a wet finish.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book this tour if you want maximum variety in four hours: speedboat travel, two cave areas, snorkeling, and a sandy beach. The $82 price is fair when you count the fuel, gear, drinks, and boat transport between several stops.

I would choose it early in a Dubrovnik stay if you want a coastal orientation, or on a sunny day when the water and beach matter more than formal sightseeing. Check the forecast, arrive early at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti, and pack lightly.

Skip it if you need a toilet onboard, prefer a private boat, or are not comfortable swimming from natural rock areas. For the right person, though, this is an energetic and good-value way to trade Dubrovnik’s stone streets for clear water, sea air, and a cocktail on Šunj Beach.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Blue Cave speedboat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the boat rides and stops at the Blue Cave, Three Green Caves, and Šunj Beach.

What stops are included?

The route includes the Blue Cave on Koločep Island, the Three Green Caves at Koločep, and Šunj Beach.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You need to swim to enter the caves, and you must walk through shallow water to reach the sandy beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The boat provides water, beer, wine, and Coca-Cola. Food and drinks purchased at the beach bar are not included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet the crew at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti and return there after the tour.