Blue water with a side of speedboat chaos. This outing mixes cave snorkeling with a real beach break and Dubrovnik’s walls from the sea.

I especially like the included snorkeling gear and the way the stops are timed for actual swimming, not just photos. And I like that you’re kept comfortable with drinks onboard, so you don’t have to ration your Croatia mood.

One thing to consider: it’s not a calm, sit-straight sightseeing cruise. If you’re prone to seasickness or you’re not a confident swimmer, this may feel like more work than fun.

Quick Take: What Makes This Speedboat Tour Work

• Dubrovnik’s city walls from the water, with dramatic red rooftops in the background
• Blue Cave entry by swimming through a narrow opening, then floating in glowing turquoise light
• Two Koločep cave stops, including one tricky-feeling cave swim option and cliff-jumping potential
• Sunj Beach time on Lopud, with shallow water that’s easy to get in and out of
• Drinks included all ride long, plus guides who keep the atmosphere lively

Meeting Up in Dubrovnik (and Why the Start Points Matter)

This tour runs from several spots around Dubrovnik and the nearby coast, with options including Porat Dubrovnik, Cavtat/Cavtat area, Mlini, and Srebreno. The exact meeting point can change depending on your booking, so I’d treat the pickup info as the one thing you re-check twice.

Why it matters: these starting locations can save you real time. Instead of crossing the whole coast to reach the main pier, you’re picked up closer to where you’re staying. That’s a big deal when you’re only out for 4 to 5 hours total and you want to spend that time in the water, not commuting.

The tour also drops you off at the end at one of the same three drop-off options, so you’re not stuck figuring out late-day transport back to your base.

The Speedboat Ride: City Walls, Wind, and a Real Adriatic View

Right away, you get the payoff many people wish they’d planned for: views of Dubrovnik’s walls from the sea. From the water, the medieval fortifications rise above red rooftops in a way photos never quite replicate. It’s the kind of scene that makes you understand why this city gets guarded like a treasure.

Then you’ll motor toward the Koločep area. The ride is part of the fun, part of the warning. The boat is fast enough that you’ll feel the waves, and on some days it can be bouncy. If your hair hates sea spray, bring a hat or plan for wet sunglasses. If your stomach hates motion, take seasickness precautions in advance—this isn’t a boat for pushing your luck.

Blue Cave on Koločep: Snorkeling With a Glow You Can Actually Feel

The first cave stop is the big name: Blue Cave on Koločep. You’re not looking at it from a boat window. You swim in.

Access is via a narrow entrance, and once you’re inside, the water and rock reflections create that famous turquoise glow. It’s the kind of place where you stop talking and just float, even if you’re usually the talkative one in your group.

You’ll have snorkeling gear included (mask and snorkel), which is a real value here. Bring swimwear and a towel, and you’ll be ready to get in right when the crew calls it. There’s usually a short break so you can re-board and move to the next swim.

Practical reality check: the water can feel different depending on wind and boat traffic. One review noted that the entry waves can be strong at the first cave, so keep your timing and entry calm. If you’re nervous, focus on one job: get in, breathe, resurface, and move slowly.

Also, this is one of those stops where “easy” and “safe” depend on you. Lifejackets (PFDs) are available, but they aren’t a substitute for swimming ability. You should be comfortable entering the water, staying afloat, turning, and swimming back to safety.

Three Green Caves: Two Easy Snorkel Options Plus One Memorable Passage

After Blue Cave, the tour continues with another ~30 minutes around the Three Green Caves on Koločep. This stop has variety, which I love because it gives you choices based on your comfort level.

• Two of the caves are more open and welcoming for easy snorkeling. You can swim slowly, breathe normally, and enjoy the water clarity without feeling pressured.
• One cave option is narrower and acts like a passage through the island, letting swimmers exit on the other side. That swim can feel more adventurous, and it’s the kind of moment people remember.

If you’re in the mood for extra adrenaline, there’s also potential for cliff-jumping from surrounding rocks depending on conditions. The crew will guide what’s workable that day, but the option is there—so if you’d rather stay dry, tell yourself early and keep the focus on snorkeling and floating.

One more heads-up: the cave area can get busy in peak season. If you’re cautious about crowds in the water, you’ll still likely have a great time, but you’ll want to keep your wits about you when multiple boats and swimmers overlap.

Lopud’s Sunj Beach: The Best Type of Free Time (Shallow Water Included)

The final major stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud. This is your longer break—about 1.5 hours—so it stops feeling like a nonstop activity ladder and starts feeling like vacation.

Sunj is known for fine sand and shallow water. The key detail for comfort: the sea stays shallow for roughly 100 meters out, meaning you can wade and swim without immediately fighting depth. You can also anchor close enough for easy disembarkation, which makes the transition from cave water to beach sand far less annoying.

If you want to add a little structure to your beach time, here’s an easy plan:

1) Swim once while you still have energy.

2) Grab sand time for pictures and sun.

3) Then settle in and use your free time for food or a drink.

About sunbeds: the beach has bars with blue umbrellas. If you order a drink there, you can get a complimentary sunbed and umbrella setup. In practice, you can expect the sunbed deal to be tied to purchasing a drink, so bring a little cash or card readiness if you want that extra comfort.

And if you’re visiting outside peak summer: Šunj beach bars typically start operating in May. From November to April, the stop is adjusted to either Lopud village or Koločep village depending on what’s open that day. So you’ll still get a land break, just not the full beach service you see in summer.

Toilets: they’re usually available at Šunj on Lopud, but sometimes the boat may have a toilet option. Best move is to ask the crew on the day.

Drinks and Boat Vibe: Why This Tour Feels Like a Mini Party

One reason this tour scores high is simple: drinks are included, and they’re not just a token sip. You’ll have local beer, white wine, ice tea, cola, Fanta, and water available during the ride.

That matters more than it sounds. After swim stops in salt water, your body wants hydration, and alcohol or cold drinks can help take the edge off the wind and effort. It’s also one of the reasons the group vibe stays upbeat even when conditions aren’t perfect.

The atmosphere often leans fun and music-forward. Guides like Ivan, Mario, Rino, and others have been praised for keeping things energetic, with music selections that make the ride feel lighter. More than one person noted the boat turning into a disco-style mood on the way back, which is hilarious if you’re the type who likes good energy without too much fuss.

Group size is kept small—one review specifically noted a boat capacity with no more than about 14 people on one sailing—so you usually don’t feel like you’re swimming in a crowded zoo.

What the Timing Really Means for You

The schedule is built around three moments: cave time, cave time, beach time. You’re not stuck on long stretches without a reward.

Typical pacing looks like:

• A speedboat run out (around 25 minutes)
• ~30 minutes at Blue Cave
• Short transfer to the next area
• ~30 minutes at the Green Caves
• ~1.5 hours on Šunj Beach
• Return by sea, plus quick scenic passing near Dubrovnik on the way back

This structure is great if you want variety without spending your whole day. If you’re the kind of traveler who gets bored sitting, this works. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants slow sightseeing, you might find the pace a bit sporty.

Also, the captain can change the order of the cave visits depending on sun position or weather. So if you’re planning around a specific “must be first” feeling, keep your expectations flexible.

Price and Value: $71 for Water Time That Actually Counts

At about $71 per person, the price lands in the midrange for Dubrovnik-area tours that include transportation plus access to multiple swimming stops. The value comes from bundling the things that usually cost extra:

• Snorkeling masks and snorkels
• Drinks all ride long
• Multiple swim opportunities in one outing
• A real beach break rather than a quick stop

You’re paying for convenience and time management. You’re not renting gear, not arranging a boat hop, and not finding your own way through the cave swim logistics. You’re also getting the walls view from the sea, which is one of the best “high impact, low planning” experiences in the region.

Lunch isn’t included, so plan on buying or bringing something if you’re hungry after beach time. But you’ll have drinks covered, and that’s not nothing on a hot Croatian day.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong pick for active couples, friends, and families with kids who can swim, love water, and don’t mind a bit of speed.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Can swim confidently and feel okay getting in and out from the boat
• Want snorkeling that’s practical, not complicated
• Like the idea of cave swimming plus a beach landing in one half-day
• Enjoy music and a lively guide style (Ivan and Mario come up often in standout experiences)

You might skip this if you have:

• Back problems (the boat ride and movement can be rough)
• Wheelchair needs (this is not positioned for wheelchair access)
• Non-swimming comfort levels
• Seasickness concerns
• Age over 80 (there are specific limitations for this tour)

If you’re a weaker swimmer but still willing to try, know that noodles are available as a better alternative for floating. The lifejacket is there too, but the crew won’t treat it like a magic shield. If you’re unsure, be honest with yourself before you step into the water.

Should You Book the Blue Cave, Green Caves, and Sunj Beach Speedboat Tour?

Yes, if your ideal Dubrovnik day includes water, caves, and time to relax on sand without spending hours planning or transferring. The mix makes it efficient: caves for the wow factor, then Šunj for the reset. Add the included drinks and snorkeling gear, and you get a package that feels like good use of a half-day.

No, if you want a quiet, shore-based sightseeing day or if your body doesn’t love boat movement. This one is built for swimmers, not for anyone who wants to stay dry.

My final advice: book it with a flexible mindset. Weather and sun angles can shift the cave order, and the cave areas can get busy in summer. If you can roll with that, you’ll get the kind of Croatia day that stays in your camera roll and your memory for a long time.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave and Sunj Beach speedboat tour?

It runs about 4 to 5 hours total, depending on the starting time you book.

What’s included in the tour price?

Snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkels) and drinks are included, including local beer, white wine, ice tea, cola, Fanta, and water. Lunch is not included.

Where do I meet the tour, and where do I get dropped off?

Your meeting point can vary by option booked, and there are three starting locations. Drop-off is at the corresponding location: Porat Dubrovnik and two other listed area options.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is snorkeling and swimming required?

Yes. The tour includes cave stops where you swim and snorkel, plus swimming time at Šunj Beach. You should be a basic swimmer who can enter the water, resurface, float, turn, and swim to safety.

What if the weather changes?

The captain has the right to change the itinerary due to bad weather. This can include reordering the cave visits depending on conditions.

Is Šunj Beach open year-round?

Šunj beach services begin operating in May. From November to April, the stop is adjusted to Lopud village or Koločep village depending on the day and what locations have open cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Are there toilets available?

Toilets are usually available only at Šunj Beach on Lopud. Sometimes a speedboat with a toilet is available, but you’ll need to ask the crew.