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

A cool cave day beats another beach day in Dubrovnik. This 4-hour speedboat run takes you to the famous Blue Cave light show, then the Green Caves with jump-friendly swim spots, and finishes with sandy time at Šunj Beach on Lopud. It is a straightforward half-day that focuses on water, views, and getting in the action early.

I like that the trip is paced for swimming. You get snorkel equipment and life jackets, plus drinks included on board (beer, white wine, water, juice, with alcohol only for adults 18+). I also like the small-group feel, capped at 30 people, which helps the caves feel more like an experience than a conveyor belt.

The main thing to consider is comfort in and around the caves. Some passages can feel tight, and if you are not into squeezing or you prefer long, relaxed cave time, you may wish the stops lasted a bit longer.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Early cave timing (8:30 AM in season): helps you see the caves before the biggest crowds move in.
• Small-group cap of 30: a better mix of space, attention, and easier pacing.
• Snorkeling gear plus life jackets: you can get into the water quickly without scrambling for equipment.
• Blue Cave light effect and underwater passages: the main visual payoff is built into the route.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud for a real break: about 1.5 hours of sand time, warm shallow water, and bar stops nearby.

The 8:30 Start That Actually Changes Your Caves

If you care about the mood inside the Blue Cave and Green Caves, the timing matters. During the main summer window (June 1 to September 15), the tour starts at 8:30 AM specifically to help you avoid the larger crowds at the caves.

What you get from an early run is simple: less jostling, easier movement for snorkeling, and more time feeling like you are exploring rather than waiting. You also tend to get calmer water conditions earlier in the day, which helps when you are stepping in and out around the cave edges.

If your schedule allows it, picking this morning departure is a smart way to buy yourself a better experience without paying for anything extra.

Getting On Board at Lapadska obala (and Why the Boat Type Matters)

Your meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in the small marina. That matters because it signals you are not dealing with a random dock situation. You also start and end at the same place, which keeps the half-day from turning into a travel day.

The ride is in a speedboat with a driver. The practical payoff is you cover the islands fast, so your time is spent where you want it: caves, snorkeling, and swimming.

Two more details that shape your comfort:

• You’ll be in an open water environment, so bring what you need for sun and spray.
• Life jackets are provided for children and adults, so even first-timers can feel more relaxed.

One tip from the way the tour is run, especially in late summer: expect a lively pace and keep an eye on your footing at rock edges during jump spots.

Stop 1: Kolocep Island and the Blue Cave Light Show

The first big “wow” is the Blue Cave on the south side of Kolocep. The color comes from light refraction through sunlight and the sandy bottom, which is why the cave can look electric in the right conditions.

Your time at the Blue Cave is typically around 30 to 35 minutes. That is long enough to get in, swim, take in the color, and still move on before it gets too crowded. It is also short enough that you should go in with a plan: one careful snorkel pass, then relax and watch the light shift as the boat positions change.

How to make the most of it:

• If you want photos, do them after your first swim, when you have the hang of where the cave opening places you.
• If you are snorkeling, stay calm and keep your breathing steady. The goal is to enjoy the visuals, not rush.
• If you are a bit uneasy, start by looking first, then ease into the water.

This is the part of the day that people talk about most, and for good reason. The lighting effect is the reason the cave is famous, so don’t treat it like just another stop.

Stop 2: Green Caves, Jump Points, and Snorkel Time

After the Blue Cave, you move on to the Green Caves on Kolocep. These are known for underwater passages, plus spots where you can jump off rocks if you want to add a little adrenaline.

You’ll generally get about 30 to 35 minutes here as well. That means you have time to snorkel through the clearer sections and decide whether the jump points feel right for your comfort level.

The reality check: the caves can feel tight in places. If you are uncomfortable with squeezing or you prefer plenty of open water, you might find certain sections a bit daunting. This is where the included gear helps, but it still comes down to how you feel in confined spaces.

If you are not into tight cave navigation, you can still enjoy the Green Caves from the swim spots close to the entrance areas. You do not have to turn this into a full-on expedition inside every passage to get the payoff.

The Šunj Beach Break on Lopud (What You Actually Do There)

Next comes the best kind of reset: sand and swim time at Šunj Beach on Lopud. This is the biggest sandy beach in the area, and the water around it is known for being very clear, with shallow stretches that run from green to blue.

You’ll spend around 1.5 hours here. That window is ideal because it is long enough to cool off, float, and take a real break, but not so long that the day drags.

Here is what makes Šunj a good “counterbalance” to the caves:

• You get open water instead of cave passages.
• You can choose your pace, from gentle wading to a longer swim.
• You can recharge in the sun and shade without constant gear changes.

On the practical side, there is a bar overlooking the beach vibe, plus options nearby like a small forest restaurant on the hill. I like having places like this because it lets you plan your break around shade and a drink, not just empty time.

One more note: if you expected the beach to be the main event, you might feel it is brief. Some people end up wishing they had more cave time, and others feel the stop is just right. This is one of those tours where the “balance” depends on what you want most.

Drinks Included on Board, and the Real Value of What You Pay

This tour costs $77.43 per person for a roughly 4-hour experience. On paper, that sounds like a splurge for a half-day, but when you break it down, it starts to make sense.

Included items that directly reduce your out-of-pocket costs:

• Snorkeling equipment (so you do not rent gear or buy a mask at the last minute)
• Life jackets for children and adults
• Fuel surcharge is included
• Drinks on board: beer, white wine, water, and juice
• Alcoholic drinks are limited to adults 18 and up
• Driver and guide service is included

What you do not get:

• Lunch is not included

So where is the value? You are paying for transport, time-saving speedboat access to Kolocep and Lopud, and the gear and drinks that keep the day from turning into logistics. In Dubrovnik, where many activities tack on separate costs, this is a cleaner package.

Also, the fact that the tour caps at 30 people helps you feel the cost in the right way. You are not just buying a ticket, you are paying to access the water and caves efficiently with a small group.

How Smooth Is This Tour, Really?

Most of the experience is built on simple pacing: arrive early, hit the Blue Cave, then the Green Caves, then unwind at Šunj. The tour runs as a group activity, and you’ll be guided along the main steps.

The main “real-world” variability comes from sea conditions. Even if the weather is good, you can still feel chop in a speedboat. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan for it. Keep your belongings secure, wear a cover if you prefer, and sit where you feel most stable.

The other variable is how you react to cave time. With two cave stops, you get enough minutes to see the key sights, but you should not expect long, wandering cave exploration with lots of breathing space. One useful approach is to treat snorkeling as the main event and use the cave edges as your photo and viewing zones.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Another)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• want a half-day water adventure without planning rentals or logistics
• enjoy snorkeling in clear coastal water
• like a mix of “sight + swim + sand” in one run
• prefer smaller groups, not big bus energy

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate tight cave passages or feel anxious in confined spaces
• want lots of hours at the caves instead of a balanced route
• get easily stressed by choppy boat rides

On the plus side, the tour is described as suitable for most travelers, and it allows service animals. It is also in English.

If you are traveling with teens or adults who enjoy swimming, this format often works well because everyone can choose their own comfort level at jump points and snorkel areas.

Practical Tips for a Better Cave and Beach Day

Here are the details that tend to make or break this kind of tour.

For the caves

• Bring a waterproof bag or a way to keep your phone dry, at least for the boat rides and cave steps.
• If you are snorkeling, start slow so you do not burn energy right away.
• Wear swim footwear if you are comfortable doing so. Rock edges can be a factor near jump zones.

For the boat and the sun

• Use sunscreen and consider a hat. You are outside for most of the time.
• Expect some spray, especially when the speedboat turns or speeds up between stops.
• Bring a change of shirt or a light cover for the ride back.

For the beach break

• Use the full window at Šunj. It is the time to relax, not the time to squeeze in another activity.
• If you are hungry, plan to eat something on or near the island since lunch is not included.

One last smart move: go to the early departure if you can. You are basically buying yourself calmer caves and easier movement, and you do not have to add any extra cost for that.

Should You Book Blue Cave and Green Caves with Šunj Beach?

Book it if your top priorities are snorkeling, famous cave color, and an easy half-day structure that gets you to Kolocep and Lopud efficiently. The included snorkel gear, life jackets, and drinks for adults 18+ make it feel like a complete package, not a collection of add-ons. The 8:30 AM option during peak summer is a real advantage if you want the caves before they feel packed.

Skip it or consider a different style of tour if you are uncomfortable with tight cave passages, you want lots of time staying inside the caves, or you know you do not enjoy speedboat rides when the sea has any chop. In other words, this tour is built for people who are happy being active in and out of the water.

If you match that profile, this is one of those Dubrovnik experiences that is easy to recommend because the route is efficient, the stops are clear, and the views are the whole point.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Blue Cave and Green Caves with Šunj Beach speedboat tour?

The tour is listed as approximately 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $77.43 per person.

What time does the morning tour run in season?

From June 1 to September 15, the morning tour starts at 8:30 AM.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in the small marina. It also ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

Included items are beverages, a driver/guide, life jackets for children and adults, snorkeling equipment, and fuel surcharge.

Are drinks included, and are alcoholic drinks available?

Free drinks are included (beer, white wine, water, and juice). Alcoholic drinks are only for adults ages 18 and above.

Will I have time to snorkel?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you swim and snorkel during the cave stops.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

How many people are in a booking?

The tour is a group tour with a maximum of 30 people per booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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