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

Caves, swim time, and free drinks. This is a half-day speedboat outing from Dubrovnik focused on the iconic underwater-light scenery, with built-in snorkeling gear and plenty of breaks for fresh air. You also get sea views of the old city walls as you cruise under Lovrijenac fortress, which makes the day feel more like an experience than a checklist.

The only real catch is that the Blue Cave is not boat-accessible, so you’ll need to swim in to see it. If the water is rough or you prefer not to swim, you’ll want to think twice before booking.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth It

• Blue Cave access is swim-only, because the boat can anchor but can’t enter the cave
• Snorkeling gear and pool noodles are provided, so you’re not scrambling to find equipment
• Lopud Island’s Šunj Beach gets you real sand time, with shallow water that runs far from shore
• Free drinks are part of the flow, with local beer, wine, grappa, soft drinks, and water
• Small group size up to 18, which helps when caves get busy with other boats
• Morning or afternoon departures, so you can match it to your Dubrovnik pace

Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls From the Water

The tour starts with a classic Dubrovnik moment: the old city walls in full view, not the postcard angle you see from shore. As the boat cruises, your skipper explains local legends and facts, then you pass beneath Lovrijenac fortress, which sits high on a steep cliff above the Adriatic.

This first stretch matters because it sets the tone. You’re already moving, already out on the water, and you’re not starting your day with a long wait or a dull transfer. It also helps that the group is kept small, so the energy stays relaxed rather than chaotic.

One practical note: the ride is fast, speedboat fast, so it’s a fun sensory change from Dubrovnik’s stone streets. If you get motion-sick easily, you’ll want to plan for that.

Blue Cave Swim Plan, Pool Noodles, and Why It Looks Unreal

Let’s talk Blue Cave logistics, because this is the stop people remember. The water glows due to natural light reflecting off the cave walls, and the way you access it is part of the magic, part of the work. The boat anchors about 20 meters out, and the entrance is too small for the speedboat to enter, so you swim in.

You get snorkeling masks and breathing tubes right on the boat, plus floaters (pool noodles) if you want them. That combination is a big deal for comfort. If you’re a confident swimmer, you can snorkel and enjoy the light show. If you’re less confident, the noodles help you keep it easy while you still get in on the experience.

Timing is also fair. You’re not just rushed through. You get about 40 minutes at Blue Cave area time, which usually gives you a chance to swim, snorkel briefly, and surface to take photos without feeling like you’re constantly racing the clock.

The main drawback is what you already guessed: you are swimming to enter. The cave can be crowded with other boats, so movements can feel a little choppy and busy around entry points. And if conditions are rough, expect fewer “easy” moments in and out of the water.

Three Green Caves and the Passage Cave, Including Self-Guided Moments

After Blue Cave, you head to the Green Caves area, where sunlight creates that emerald-like glow in the caverns. The stop is short, about 30 minutes, so you’ll want to treat this as “enough time to enjoy it” rather than a long exploration session.

You visit two green caves and a canyon cave, known as a hidden passage carved into the cliffs. Some sections are more narrow than others, and access may involve more than simply floating on top of the water. There’s optional swimming and snorkeling here, which gives you flexibility, but it also means this is not a stop designed only for a casual splash.

One helpful detail: your guides stay on the boat while you explore the caves, so you should be comfortable making quick decisions on your own, like when to re-enter the water and where to swim next. This approach can be great for experienced swimmers and a little less ideal if you want constant step-by-step guidance underwater.

The good news is that snorkeling gear is still in the mix during the cave portions. If you like the idea of seeing more than one cave color and light effect in a single outing, this part of the day delivers.

Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, Shallow Water That Helps Everyone

Then comes the reset, Lopud’s Šunj Beach. This is your sandy break on the south side of the island, and it’s the kind of stop that makes the whole day feel balanced. You get about 1 hour of free time, enough to swim again, sunbathe, and enjoy a longer breather after cave swimming.

Šunj has a standout feature for families and less-confident swimmers: the seabed stays shallow out from shore for about 100 meters. That means you can enjoy the water without immediately feeling like you’re dropping into deep blue. For adults, it also makes a nice change of pace if you’re tired from cave entry and want a more relaxed swim.

Beach comfort is a personal thing. Towels aren’t included, but you can plan to bring your own or buy what you need on site. Some visitors spend time at a waterfront bar or nearby spots for snacks and cold drinks, which helps if you’re feeling peckish since lunch isn’t part of the package.

If you want the simplest schedule, this beach stop is what you’ll appreciate most. It’s the least stressful part of the tour.

Drinks and Snorkeling Gear Included, So You Don’t Watch the Clock

The tour keeps things easy with what it provides. Snorkeling equipment is included, and so are drinks. Expect local choices like beer, red and white wine, and grappa, along with soft drinks, sparkling drinks, and bottled water.

This matters for value because you’re paying for multiple experiences, not just transportation. Cave time means you’re out in the elements. Beach time means you’re likely to stay longer than you planned. Having refreshments on board keeps everyone from scrambling for cash or searching for a bar the moment they get thirsty.

A nice touch from real-world use: pool noodles are available on the boat. That means you’re not stuck if you want flotation support but don’t want the hassle of buying gear first.

The only thing not included is lunch. So if you’re the type who likes to eat a full meal, you’ll likely want to plan for a snack at the beach or grab something back in Dubrovnik afterward.

Small Group Speedboat, What “Up to 18” Changes

With a maximum group size of 18, this tour avoids the big-group shuffle that can turn cave stops into a bottleneck. You’ll still see other boats around the caves, because these are top attractions, but the smaller group helps with things like getting in and out efficiently and keeping the energy upbeat rather than rushed.

You also typically feel the difference in how the skipper manages the rhythm. In good conditions, the flow is smooth: anchor, swim, snorkel, return, drinks, next stop. In rough conditions, the skipper’s decisions become more important, and that’s where you’ll notice how much the tour quality depends on the captain.

Guides are often the difference-maker in tours like this. Many visitors highlight skippers such as Marco, Ivan, Luca, Mario, and Leo for being friendly, funny, and safety-first. Even when conditions vary, a good guide keeps the mood light and the plan clear.

Crowds and Choppy Water, When the Day Changes

Caves draw boats, and the Blue Cave especially can feel crowded. Your skipper will try to make the timing work, but you can’t control how many other boats are in the area at the same time. Plan for busy entry zones and a bit of bump-and-queue energy.

Weather is the other big variable. This is a speedboat tour, so wind and waves affect everything: comfort, safety, and whether swimming feels realistic. On choppy days, the caves can become harder to enter and exit, and in some cases the itinerary may shift for safety reasons. When that happens, you might get alternative stops instead of the exact lineup.

From a practical perspective, go into this tour with the mindset of flexible fun. If the sea is calm, you’ll have the classic cave-and-swim experience. If it’s rough, the experience may lean more toward scenery and less toward repeated cave entry.

That doesn’t mean it’s a bad day. It means you should be ready for a plan that can adapt.

What to Pack for Cave Swimming and a Beach Break

This is a half-day tour, but it’s still a water day with real entry and exit. Pack like you expect to get wet and possibly spend time in cold water, depending on the season.

Bring:

• Swimwear you’re comfortable getting in and out of quickly
• A lightweight layer for after swimming, since you’ll be in and out of wind
• Your own beach towel if you want one ready at Šunj
• Water shoes or something with grip, if you prefer stable footing near rocks and entry points

Also consider sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy. Cave water and reflections can still fool you, and you’ll likely be out under open sky once you hit the beach.

If loud music is something you dislike, you might want to bring earplugs. Some captains play music on the ride, and preferences vary.

Price and Value at About $84.65 per Person

At roughly $84.65 per person for about 4 hours, you’re paying for more than a scenic boat ride. You’re getting:

• Multiple cave stops, including the famous Blue Cave glow
• Snorkeling masks and tubes
• Flotation support (pool noodles)
• A Lopud beach break with real swim time
• Drinks included throughout the outing

That bundle is the value story here. If you tried to recreate it on your own, you’d spend time and money lining up a boat, buying snorkeling gear, and sourcing drinks. The “small group plus included gear plus included drinks” combo is what justifies the price for most people.

Keep one thing in mind: lunch isn’t included. If you need a full meal, budget for food either during the beach stop or afterward.

Who Should Book This Dubrovnik Caves and Lopud Beach Tour

This tour is best for you if you want a classic Dubrovnik change of pace: water-based sightseeing that’s not just sitting on a ferry. You’ll enjoy it most if you’re comfortable with short swims and you like the idea of snorkeling at caves rather than watching from the rocks.

It’s also a solid option for families, partly because Šunj Beach has shallow water that extends far from shore. That makes the beach stop more forgiving.

Choose something else if you:

• Really don’t want to swim to see the Blue Cave
• Get uncomfortable with speedboat rides and choppy water
• Want a cave experience that’s fully boat-based and hands-off

Should You Book It?

Yes, if you’re excited by the Blue Cave glow and you’re okay with a swim-only entrance. The included snorkeling gear, the free drinks, and the Lopud beach break make it feel like a true half-day outing rather than a quick photo stop.

Maybe not, if you’re hoping for calm, easy cave visits every time. This tour depends on sea conditions, and the water can be rough. If you’re booking during a season where weather is unpredictable, go in with flexibility.

If you decide to book, do yourself a favor and pack for a real water day. Bring the right footwear for rocky edges, wear gear that dries quickly, and plan to enjoy the day even if the skipper has to adjust for safety.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach tour?

The tour runs about 4 hours.

Where does this tour operate?

It runs from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and includes stops around the Blue Cave and Lopud Island (including Šunj Beach).

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are provided.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The boat cannot enter the Blue Cave, so the cave is accessible only by swimming.

What cave stops are included?

You’ll visit the Blue Cave, two Green Caves, and a canyon cave/passages in the same Green Caves area.

Is there a beach stop?

Yes. You’ll have free time at Šunj Beach on Lopud Island for about 1 hour.

What drinks are included?

Alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic drinks are included, including local beer, red and white wine, grappa, soft drinks/sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What is the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

Do I get a refund if weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.