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

The best color in Dubrovnik is underwater. This four-hour speedboat trip links Kolocep’s Blue and Green Caves with Šunj Beach on Lopud, giving you clear swimming water, island views, snorkeling gear, and a cool drink without committing to a full-day boat outing. I especially like the two cave stops, each lasting about 30 to 35 minutes, and the easy half-day timing, which leaves room for more of Dubrovnik later. The main trade-off is that this is a group outing, and some people may want more cave time than the roughly 90 minutes reserved for the beach.

The early departure is the smart choice from June 1 through September 15. Leaving at 8:30 a.m. aims to beat the bigger crowds at the caves, and several guests found the quieter start made a real difference. I also like that the captain handles the route while you can focus on swimming and the view. Just keep expectations in check: guides such as Pavo, Maro, Jacob, and Anthony have earned warm praise, but the quality of the ride can depend on how the boat is handled in choppier water.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue and Green Caves on Kolocep: Swim, snorkel, and look for underwater passages and rock-jumping spots at two separate cave areas.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud: Spend about 90 minutes at Dubrovnik’s best-known sandy beach, with beach bars and a hillside restaurant nearby.
• Early start matters: The 8:30 a.m. departure is designed to reach the caves before larger crowds.
• Drinks are included: Beer, white wine, water, and juice are available, with alcoholic drinks limited to adults age 18 and over.
• Shared speedboat setting: The boat can carry up to 30 people, so this is social rather than a private charter.
• Good value at $77.43: You get transport by boat, a driver-guide, fuel, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and drinks in one four-hour outing.

Why this four-hour route works well from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old town can fill a morning with stone streets, steps, and walls. A boat trip gives you a useful change of pace: open water, salt on your skin, and a view back toward the coast. This route is short enough to fit into a busy schedule, but long enough to reach two islands and make three meaningful stops.

The meeting point is at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in the small marina. The boat returns to the same place. That simple arrangement matters because you do not need to organize a separate ride home or work out a one-way island connection.

The advertised price is $77.43 per person. I consider that fair for a four-hour outing when you add up fuel, a captain, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. It is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but it combines several costs that can otherwise appear separately.

This is a group trip, with up to 30 people allowed in one booking. Some departures may feel quite social, while other outings can be split across two boats. If you want a quiet private charter, this is not the right product. If you enjoy meeting people and want an organized way to reach the caves, the shared format keeps the price more manageable.

Kolocep’s Blue Cave: a short swim with a big visual payoff

The first island stop is Kolocep, one of the Elafiti Islands just off Dubrovnik. The Blue Cave sits on the island’s south side, where sunlight reaches the water and reflects off the sandy bottom. The result is the blue glow that gives the cave its name.

The boat does not simply pass the cave. You get time to enter the water, swim, and look around. Masks are supplied, so you can see the color below the surface rather than only from the boat. Pool noodles are also available on some boats, a small but useful touch if you want to float without working hard.

The cave is not a long indoor tour with walkways or explanations at every turn. This is a water-based stop. You will swim into the opening, look through the clear water, and appreciate how the light changes inside. If tight spaces make you uneasy, you may prefer to stay near the entrance or watch from the boat.

Rock jumping is possible at the cave areas, but it should be treated as an option, not a requirement. The appeal here is the color and the swim. The water is the star, and the supplied mask lets you see more of it.

Green Caves on Kolocep: better for active swimmers

The second Kolocep stop is the Green Caves, where the rock shape and clear water create a different setting. The name suggests color, but the appeal is also the chance to swim through underwater passages. People who enjoy active water time may find this the more memorable of the two stops.

You get about 30 to 35 minutes here, according to the planned schedule. That is enough for a swim and some snorkeling, though it can feel brief if you want to explore slowly. One useful tip is to ask the captain if the group can trade some beach time for extra cave time. That option has been appreciated by people who cared more about the caves than about sitting on shore.

The Green Caves can feel daunting if you dislike confined spaces. You do not have to enter every opening, and you can remain in the open water with a mask. Families with older children and confident swimmers should find plenty to enjoy, while younger children may prefer the noodles and the open areas.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, and that clarity is what makes both cave stops work. You do not need advanced snorkeling skills. You simply need to be comfortable getting into the sea from the boat.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: a sandy pause after the caves

After Kolocep, the boat heads to Lopud and its famous Šunj Beach. This is the longest stop, usually about an hour and a half. After two active swims, that extra time gives you a chance to dry off, stretch your legs, and decide how much more water time you want.

Šunj is known for its sandy shore and shallow, warm lagoon. That makes it different from the rocky coast around the caves. The sea changes from blue to green in the shallower water, and the beach is a comfortable place to float or simply sit at the edge.

You will find beach bars and a small forest restaurant up the hill. The hillside bar has been singled out as a pleasant place for a drink, and one useful detail is that it can be more affordable than you might expect. Another restaurant farther back has received praise for both its food and setting. Lunch is not included, so bring money if you want to eat or order something ashore.

I would not book this trip only for Šunj Beach. It is attractive and easy to enjoy, but the caves are the more unusual part of the day. If your priority is swimming in a sandy lagoon and having lunch beside the water, the beach time will feel generous. If you came mainly for the Blue and Green Caves, 90 minutes may seem long.

The boat ride, captain, and safety balance

The speedboat is the practical reason this route fits into four hours. You cover the distance between Dubrovnik, Kolocep, and Lopud quickly rather than losing most of the day to transport. The boat also gives you open views of the islands and coast along the way.

The driver also acts as your guide. Pavo has been praised for clear explanations, an easy manner, and good suggestions at Šunj. Maro has been described as gracious and helpful, while Jacob and Anthony also made a strong impression through their friendly approach and explanations. The guide can shape the mood of the trip, particularly when the boat is carrying a mixed group.

Life jackets are available for children and adults. Snorkeling masks and other swimming equipment are included, and drinks are provided on board. The drink selection includes beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcohol is for adults age 18 and over.

There is one point I would take seriously. One person reported an uncomfortable return ride in choppy water, saying the boat was driven too fast and that children were frightened. Most of the available comments describe a fun, well-run outing, but this complaint is specific enough to matter. If conditions become rough, tell the captain if you are uncomfortable and keep children seated and secured.

Also note that the boat is not the place for a full meal. Lunch is excluded, and the schedule gives you the chance to buy food at Šunj instead. Water and other drinks help, but you should plan for the beach stop if you need more than a snack.

How to get the best version of the day

Choose the morning departure from June 1 through September 15 if your schedule allows. The stated 8:30 a.m. start is meant to avoid the larger cave crowds, and early arrivals can make the short swim stops feel much less crowded.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof way to carry small valuables. The operator supplies masks, life jackets, and drinks, but the supplied equipment does not replace your own sun protection or dry clothes for the ride back.

If cave time matters most, say so early. The planned split gives about 30 to 35 minutes at each cave and 90 minutes at the beach. Several people preferred the caves and wished for a shorter beach stop, while others liked having enough time for lunch and relaxation. The schedule may not be fully adjustable, but making your preference clear is sensible.

Wear something that can handle a wet speedboat ride. Most of the outing is in or near the water, and a fast return can leave you sprayed even on a generally calm day. The boat offers views, but comfort depends partly on sea conditions.

Remember that a morning trip is not always the best fit for every person. An afternoon departure may suit you if you prefer a slower start, but it is more likely to meet other boats at the caves. The available schedule specifically promotes the early option as the way to avoid bigger groups.

Who will enjoy this speedboat tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several coastal highlights in half a day. It suits confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who likes a relaxed social boat setting. The combination of snorkeling, cave swimming, a sandy beach, and included drinks gives you plenty to do without requiring special skills.

It is also a good choice for people with limited time in Dubrovnik. You return to the original marina after about four hours, leaving the rest of the day for the old town, dinner, or another activity.

You may want a different outing if you dislike tight spaces, are uneasy on speedboats, or want a private and quiet experience. The caves are reached from the water, and the group may include up to 30 people. You should also consider another plan if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, since each cave stop is relatively short.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Is the $77.43 price worth it?

For the right person, yes. The fare covers the speedboat ride, a driver-guide, fuel, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and drinks. You also get access to two of Dubrovnik’s best-known cave swimming areas and time at Lopud’s sandy beach.

The value is strongest when you would otherwise need to arrange several separate activities. You do not have to find a boat to Kolocep, rent masks, arrange onward transport to Lopud, and then get back to Dubrovnik. One booking handles the route.

The value is weaker if you will not swim or if you want an in-depth island tour. The sightseeing commentary appears to be practical rather than a long cultural talk, and the main pleasures are visual and physical: clear water, cave light, swimming, and the boat ride.

The high overall rating and 99 percent recommendation fit the trip’s strengths: friendly captains, beautiful water, simple organization, and a good half-day rhythm. Still, the short cave visits, group format, and one serious complaint about fast driving are worth weighing before you pay.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Green Caves tour?

Book it if you want the best mix of caves and beach without spending a full day at sea. Pick the early departure, bring swim gear, and ask about giving the caves priority over beach time if that is your main interest.

I would pass if you want a private charter, a slow educational cruise, or guaranteed calm water. For most people who are comfortable in a group speedboat and enjoy swimming, this is a well-priced way to see two Elafiti Islands, with enough free time at Šunj to make the outing feel like a holiday rather than a transport run.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. The boat departs from the last wooden pier in the small marina.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Dubrovnik.

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the morning tour start?

From June 1 through September 15, the morning tour starts at 8:30 a.m. This early departure is intended to avoid larger groups at the caves.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route visits Kolocep Island for the Blue and Green Caves, followed by Lopud Island and Šunj Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

What drinks are included?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy food at Šunj Beach during the approximately 90-minute stop.