Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat

Dubrovnik’s walls look impressive from land, but they make more sense from the water. This private speedboat trip takes you along the coast, into the Blue Cave, through Koločep’s Green Caves, and on to sandy Šunj Beach and Lopud. You get a full day of swimming, sea views, and island time without sharing the boat with strangers.

I like the private group format, which lets you set the mood and use your own playlist. I also like the mix of active and easy stops: cave swimming for a bit of adventure, then a shallow beach where you can simply stretch out and cool off. Antonio is named as the skipper, and his prompt arrival and helpful communication are useful signs for anyone who values smooth planning.

The main catch is the extra fuel charge, paid in cash on board. The advertised group price is $360.44, but a full-day fuel surcharge of €150 may apply, so check the final cost before booking. The cave stops also require confident swimming, since you cannot stand inside the Blue Cave.

Key points to know before booking

• Swim into the Blue Cave: The entrance is small but high enough for you to swim through without going underwater. The cave is about 4 meters deep, and there is no place to stand.
• Three cave stops near Koločep: You visit two Green Caves and a canyon-like cave, with about an hour set aside for the area.
• Šunj is a real sandy beach: Its shallow water extends roughly 100 meters before you reach swimming depth, making it good for a slow beach stop.
• Lopud gives you lunch time: Restaurants line the coast, and the schedule allows time to eat after the cave and beach stops.
• The boat is private for up to 12 people: You are not joining a mixed group, and the trip can feel more personal and relaxed.
• Pasjača is an alternative: If you skip the Elaphiti Islands or have already seen them, the boat may go to Pasjača Beach instead.

Dubrovnik’s walls from the water

The trip begins with a panoramic cruise around Dubrovnik’s coast, lasting about 25 minutes. This is not a walking visit to the city walls. Instead, you see the old defensive line from the sea, where the stone walls, towers, and rocky shore form one broad picture.

I like this opening because it gives you a quick change of viewpoint. From the land, Dubrovnik can feel crowded and tightly packed. From the boat, the city opens out, and you get a better sense of how strongly it is tied to the Adriatic.

The cruise is short, so do not book this as a detailed Dubrovnik history tour. There is no stated walking guide or long stop at the walls. Think of it as a scenic introduction before the boat heads toward the caves.

After this coastal ride, the journey to the Blue Cave takes about 20 minutes. The timing can vary with sea conditions, so keep your swimsuit and towel easy to reach rather than buried under your luggage.

Swimming into the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the first serious swimming challenge. Its entrance is small, but you can swim through it without going underwater. Once inside, the cave reaches about 4 meters in depth, and you cannot put your feet down.

That detail matters. You need to be comfortable in open water and able to keep yourself afloat. Snorkeling equipment is included, but the equipment does not change the basic requirement: you must swim into the cave and cannot rely on standing or wading.

The stop lasts about 35 minutes. That gives you time for a swim and a look around, but it is not a long cave expedition. Bring a secure case for your phone if you want pictures. You will also want sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for the boat, but take care not to leave them loose where wind can carry them away.

This is one of the most memorable parts of the day because access is simple and direct. You do not need specialist equipment, and you do not need to make a complicated transfer. You simply enter the water and swim through the opening. Still, I would not recommend it for anyone who is uneasy in open water.

Koločep’s two Green Caves and canyon cave

The next major stop is Koločep, one of the Elaphiti Islands. The boat visits two Green Caves and a third cave described as a canyon cave. You have about one hour in this area, so expect a concentrated swim and sightseeing stop rather than a long island visit.

The appeal here is variety. The Blue Cave is a single enclosed swim, while Koločep gives you several formations in one outing. The caves offer places to look, swim, and pause between boat rides. With snorkeling equipment provided, you can spend more time in the water without needing to bring your own gear.

The pace can be active. You may be getting in and out of the sea several times, and wet surfaces around a speedboat require care. Pack a change of clothes, as the operator specifically recommends, especially if you plan to stay out for the full eight hours.

You should also keep the schedule in mind. The caves are not a substitute for a full visit to Koločep. The point is the water access and rock formations, not wandering through an island village.

Šunj Beach on Lopud

After the cave stops, the boat heads to Šunj Beach on Lopud for about an hour. This is a welcome change of pace. Instead of climbing into another cave or swimming in deeper water, you can sit on a sandy beach and let the day slow down.

Šunj is almost a kilometer long and sits on the south side of Lopud. Its water is unusually shallow. You may walk about 100 meters before reaching proper swimming depth, which makes the beach appealing for families with small children and for anyone who wants a gentler stop.

That same shallow water can be a drawback if your main goal is swimming. You will not step into the sea and quickly find deep water. The beach is better for wading, relaxing, beach games, and a gradual cool-off than for immediate open-water swimming.

The beach also offers recreation such as volleyball, tennis, and picigin, according to the supplied details. Bring a towel and dry clothes, since neither is provided. Sunscreen is especially important here because a relaxed beach stop can easily turn into an hour in direct sun.

I like this stop because the day needs it. A full schedule of cave swimming can become tiring, particularly in hot weather. Šunj gives you time to rest before lunch and the ride back.

Lunch and free time on Lopud

The Lopud stop allows about three hours, including time for lunch and the return journey afterward. Lopud is known for sandy beaches and restaurants along the coast, so this is your chance to buy a meal and spend a little time on shore.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. The boat includes bottled water, soda or pop, and alcoholic beverages, but you should budget separately for food at the restaurant. Since no particular restaurant is named, you should ask Antonio about the available options and timing when the tour begins.

Three hours sounds generous, but it needs to cover more than eating. The return trip is expected to take about an hour, leaving roughly two hours for lunch and island time if the schedule runs as described. Sea conditions, swimming time, and the pace of your group can affect that balance.

This is also where the private format helps. A group of friends or family can decide whether to linger over lunch or keep the stop short. You are not waiting for a busload of people to finish eating. Still, the boat remains tied to the overall day, so do not assume you can extend lunch indefinitely.

Pasjača Beach as an alternative route

Pasjača Beach is presented as an alternative for people who do not want to visit the Elaphiti Islands or have already seen them. The scheduled time there is about two hours.

That option makes the tour more flexible, but you should settle the route before departure. The published schedule includes the Elaphiti stops and also describes Pasjača as an alternative, so it is not clear that you can fit every beach and cave into one eight-hour outing.

Pasjača is described as an amazing natural beach, but no further details are provided about facilities, beach access, or how the stop compares with Šunj. Ask the skipper what is possible for your date and group. If you want sand, shallow water, and nearby restaurants, Šunj and Lopud sound like the more clearly defined choice. If you prefer a natural beach and have already explored the islands, Pasjača may make more sense.

What the private boat adds

The boat holds groups of up to 12 people, and only your own group takes part. That is a major difference from a large shared cruise. You can use your own music, and the supplied experience specifically notes that a group enjoyed swimming until sunset while listening to its own playlist.

The boat is also described as very quiet. That matters on a day built around sea views and swimming. A quieter ride makes conversation easier and keeps the journey from feeling like simple transport between stops.

Antonio is identified as the skipper. The available details describe him as helpful before the trip, clear with the needed information, and punctual on the day. Those practical qualities matter more than a polished speech when you are dealing with an early meeting, changing sea conditions, and several water stops.

You receive snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda or pop, alcoholic beverages, and the skipper’s service. The details do not specify the quantity of drinks or the exact equipment available, so ask if your group has particular needs. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, camera, and spare clothes.

Cost, fuel surcharge, and overall value

The listed price is $360.44 per group of up to 12 people. If you fill the boat, that is about $30 per person before the fuel surcharge. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly.

A full-day fuel surcharge of €150 is paid in cash on the boat. That makes the real cost about $360.44 plus €150 for a full-day outing, before lunch and any other personal spending. A half-day surcharge of €80 and a sunset-tour surcharge of €30 are also listed, but the eight-hour schedule points to the full-day charge. Confirm which amount applies to your chosen route.

For a private boat, skipper, drinks, snorkeling equipment, several swim stops, and island time, the price can be reasonable if you have a medium or large group. It is less attractive for one or two people, especially once fuel and lunch are added.

The value also depends on what you want from Dubrovnik. If you want a low-cost way to see one beach, this is more than you need. If you want a full day built around swimming, caves, a private boat, and the freedom to bring your own music, the package makes better sense.

Timing, weather, and who should book

The experience lasts approximately eight hours and requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Most people can take part, and the departure area is near public transportation. The details do not provide a specific meeting point, so confirm the exact location after booking and allow time to arrive without rushing.

I would choose this tour for a family with older children, a group of friends, or a couple willing to pay more for privacy. It suits people who like swimming, sun, boat rides, and a busy day with several stops.

I would think twice if you do not swim confidently, dislike strong sun, or want long cultural visits on land. The Dubrovnik portion is a short panoramic cruise, and Lopud is mainly a lunch and beach stop. This is a water day first.

Is this Dubrovnik private boat tour worth booking?

Book it if you want to combine Dubrovnik coastal views with the Blue Cave, Koločep’s Green Caves, Šunj Beach, and Lopud in one private outing. The quiet boat, personal playlist, included drinks, and skipper Antonio’s reported punctuality add useful comfort to a long day.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, the fuel surcharge, the exact route, and whether you are choosing the Elaphiti Islands or Pasjača. If everyone in your group is happy swimming in water where you cannot stand, the Blue Cave and Green Caves give the day its strongest appeal. If not, choose a plan with more time on shore.

FAQ

How long does the private boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The boat is available for your private group of up to 12 people.

Is the Blue Cave suitable for non-swimmers?

No. You must enter the Blue Cave by swimming through its small opening. The cave is about 4 meters deep, and you cannot stand inside.

What equipment and drinks are included?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda or pop, and alcoholic beverages are included. A skipper is also provided.

Is lunch included?

No. Lopud has restaurants along the coast where you can stop for lunch, but the meal is not included in the tour price.

Can the tour visit Pasjača Beach instead of the Elaphiti Islands?

Yes. Pasjača Beach may be used as an alternative if you do not want to visit the Elaphiti Islands or have already seen them. Confirm the preferred route before departure.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.