From Dubrovnik/Cavtat: Blue Cave, Sunj Beach Speed Boat Tour

The best part of this trip is the simple three-stop mix: swim through Koločep’s Blue Cave, snorkel at the Three Green Caves, then spend 90 minutes on sandy Šunj Beach. It gives you both the lively speedboat ride and a proper island break, rather than four hours of sitting on a boat.

I like the included drinks, which are welcome after a saltwater swim, and I like the generous beach stop. Guides such as Ivan, Rino, Mario, Dora, and Leo are frequently named for keeping the mood easy and fun, often with music on board. The main drawback is crowding at the caves in summer, along with a bouncy ride that may trouble anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Swim into the Blue Cave: The narrow entrance means you must enter from the sea, but the turquoise glow inside is the payoff.
• Choose your level at Three Green Caves: Two caves are broad and easy to explore, while the third offers a narrow swim-through passage.
• Enjoy 90 minutes at Šunj Beach: Fine sand and shallow water make this the most relaxed part of the outing.
• Cruise with drinks included: Beer, white wine, soft drinks, iced tea, Fanta, and water are available on the boat.
• See Dubrovnik from offshore: The view back toward the Old Town walls and red roofs is a fine bonus before returning to port.

Why this half-day boat trip works so well

At $71 per person, this tour is priced as a fairly accessible way to get out on the Adriatic without committing to a full-day island cruise. You get a speedboat, a small shared group, snorkeling gear, several swimming stops, drinks, and beach time in roughly four to five hours.

That combination matters in Dubrovnik. The Old Town can feel packed and hot, especially in summer. A few hours on the water gives you a change of pace, and the route makes good use of nearby islands rather than spending most of the day racing toward a distant destination.

I would think of this as an active outing with a social atmosphere, not a quiet sightseeing cruise. Music may play on board, the ride can get lively on the return, and you will share the caves and swimming areas with other boats. If you want a private, silent escape, this is not the right format. If you want swimming, scenery, and a cheerful boat crew, it makes good sense.

The trip runs from Dubrovnik Old Town port and also offers departures connected with Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno. Check the exact meeting point when booking, since it changes with the option you choose.

The first view of Dubrovnik’s walls from the sea

The outward ride takes about 25 minutes. As the speedboat leaves the port, you get a fresh angle on Dubrovnik’s famous fortifications, towers, and orange roofs.

From land, the walls can feel monumental and almost theatrical. From the water, you see how sharply the Old Town rises above the Adriatic. This is not a long guided history lesson, but it is an excellent photo opportunity and a useful reminder that Dubrovnik is best understood from both sides of its walls.

The ride itself is part of the entertainment. A speedboat covers the distance quickly, leaving more time for swimming and the beach. The tradeoff is motion. You may bounce over waves, particularly on the ride home, so hold onto loose hats and phones. If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously before booking.

Swimming into Koločep’s Blue Cave

After about 25 minutes, the boat reaches Koločep Island and the Blue Cave. You do not step directly from the boat into the cave. Instead, you swim through a narrow entrance from the open sea.

That short swim is what gives the stop its sense of adventure. Inside, sunlight reflects through the clear water and creates the blue-green glow that gives the cave its name. The effect changes with the sun and sea conditions, so the captain may visit this cave first or switch the order with the green caves.

You get about 30 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. Masks and snorkels are included, and float noodles are available for people who need extra support. Lifejackets are also available, but they do not replace the ability to enter the water, resurface, float, turn, and swim to safety.

This is the most demanding stop. You need basic swimming skills, and the entrance can feel awkward if the sea is moving. There may also be several boats and swimmers in the area during the high season. Follow the crew’s instructions, watch for moving boats, and do not treat the cave entrance as a place for careless jumping.

For confident swimmers, the cave is the tour’s most memorable natural feature. Some people also use the surrounding rocks for cliff-jumping, but that is optional and depends on conditions and your comfort level.

The Three Green Caves offer three different swims

A short 10-minute speedboat ride brings you to the Three Green Caves, also on Koločep. The name covers three connected cave spaces, and each offers a slightly different kind of stop.

Two caves are wide and fairly welcoming. You can swim near the openings, snorkel in the clear water, and take in the rock formations without committing to a tight passage.

The third cave is more adventurous. It has a narrow route that takes you through the island and out the other side. You will want to be comfortable in confined water before attempting it. The advantage of this stop is choice: you can keep it easy, or try the passage if you feel up to it.

The scheduled time is about 30 minutes. That is enough for a good swim, but not enough to linger indefinitely, especially if the group is large or the area is busy. I like this stop because it breaks up the outing with a different type of cave experience. The Blue Cave is about light and atmosphere. The green caves are more about choosing how far you want to explore.

The water is usually the main attraction here. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures, since ordinary phones and cameras are not suited to swimming into the caves.

Šunj Beach is the relaxed finish

The final ride takes about 15 minutes to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is where the tour shifts from active to easygoing, with around 90 minutes of free time.

Šunj is known for its long sandy shoreline, a welcome change from the pebbly coves and rocky swimming spots common along the Croatian coast. The water stays shallow for nearly 100 meters, which makes it comfortable for wading and gentle swimming.

The boat anchors as close to shore as conditions allow, but you should still expect to get into the water to reach the beach. The crew’s exact landing arrangement can depend on the shallow sea and the day’s conditions.

You can swim, lie on the sand, visit a beach bar, or simply dry off after the caves. If you buy a drink at the beachfront bar with the blue umbrellas, you receive a complimentary sunbed and umbrella. This is a useful detail, but do not mistake the loungers for an entirely free beach service. The drink purchase is required, and one price reported for a drink and chair was about €15.

Šunj is not an untouched beach. It has bars and facilities, and it can become busy in summer. Still, the sandy shore and shallow turquoise water make it a pleasant final stop. You have enough time to feel that you visited the island, rather than merely swimming beside it.

Lunch is not included. The beach has choices for food and drinks during the operating season, but you should plan around the time available. A long restaurant meal could eat into your beach break.

Drinks, music, and the small-group mood

The boat supplies local beer, white wine, iced tea, cola, Fanta, and water. This is more useful than it may sound. After two swimming stops, having cold water and a drink ready means you do not need to bring a full supply of refreshments onto the boat.

The drinks are included in the price, but the selection is straightforward. You should not expect fresh fruit, a meal, or a full bar menu. Bring a snack if you know you get hungry after swimming.

The tone depends partly on the crew. Ivan is often singled out for his humor, steady handling, music, and attention to drinks. Rino, Mario, Dora, Peter, Tommy, and Leo are also associated with friendly guiding and an easy atmosphere. Guides can change, so book for the route rather than expecting one particular person.

Music is part of the appeal for some people and a minor annoyance for others. The boat may feel like a small floating party on the return ride, especially when the sea is lively. If you prefer conversation and quiet views, sit with that in mind.

Group size is shared and small, with some departures carrying around 14 people. That is a better setup than a large excursion boat, but it is not private. You will still share the caves, beach landing, and boat space with other people.

How much value do you get for $71?

The strongest value comes from the range of things included. For $71, you are not paying only for transport. You are also getting snorkeling equipment, drinks, cave access by boat, two swimming areas, a sandy beach stop, and coastal views of Dubrovnik.

The speedboat also saves time. A slower boat might offer more room, but it would spend more of the half-day covering the route. Here, the fast crossings leave the main time for the activities you actually came to do.

The price is less compelling if you do not swim, do not drink soft drinks or alcohol, or mainly want a scenic cruise. Much of the tour’s value is in the water. Non-swimmers cannot make full use of the caves, and people with back problems may find the boat’s movement uncomfortable.

The tour is also more worthwhile in warm months, when Šunj’s bars and services are operating and the sea is inviting. From November through April, the beach stop may be changed to Lopud village or Koločep village, depending on which cafés, restaurants, and shops are open. The sea is also cold during that period, so you should not book expecting the classic swimming version.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The advertised duration is four to five hours. The route includes roughly 25 minutes to Koločep, 30 minutes at the Blue Cave, 10 minutes to the green caves, 30 minutes there, 15 minutes to Šunj, 90 minutes on the beach, and about 25 minutes back toward Dubrovnik, with scenic views around the Old Port.

Weather can change the order or route. The captain may visit the green caves before the Blue Cave based on sea conditions and the position of the sun. If rough water makes one stop unsuitable, the crew may adjust the plan.

Bring swimwear and a towel. I would also add sun protection, a secure waterproof case for your phone, and a light snack. Keep valuables to a minimum, since you may be moving between the boat, the water, and the beach.

Toilets are usually available only at Šunj Beach. Sometimes a speedboat with a toilet is used, but you should ask the crew at the start rather than assume one is on board.

Basic swimming ability is required. Lifejackets and float noodles are available, but this is not a suitable outing for non-swimmers. It is also not designed for wheelchair users, people with back problems, people prone to seasickness, or anyone over 80. Boarding may require stepping onto the boat, so anyone with a mobility concern should ask before booking.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it most to couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want an active half-day away from Dubrovnik. You get a little adventure, a little beach time, and a lively crew without giving up an entire day.

It suits first-time visitors particularly well because the route combines a classic Dubrovnik view with nearby island scenery. You see the city from offshore, then spend most of the outing in clear water rather than in the Old Town crowds.

Families should consider the swimming requirement and the speedboat ride carefully. Children need to be comfortable in the sea, and adults must keep a close eye on them around the cave entrances and other boats.

You should skip it if your ideal day means a calm boat, a long lunch, or a private itinerary. Crowding at the caves is possible in July and August, and the ride can be rough enough to unsettle anyone with motion sickness.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your weather plans are uncertain. Still, the captain controls the final route, and no cave outing can guarantee identical conditions each day.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Šunj tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced, active half-day with three distinct highlights: the glowing Blue Cave, the choice of easy or narrow cave swims, and a proper sandy beach break.

The best practical choice is to go in the warmer part of the season, bring swimwear and a towel, and accept that the boat may feel lively rather than peaceful. Try for an early departure if available, since the caves can become crowded when several boats arrive at once.

For strong swimmers who like music, cold drinks, and quick changes of scene, this is an excellent way to see the Dubrovnik coast. For non-swimmers, anyone prone to seasickness, or people seeking solitude, spend the $71 elsewhere.

FAQ

How long does the Blue Cave and Šunj Beach tour last?

The tour lasts about four to five hours, depending on the departure option and conditions at sea.

Where does the tour depart from?

Departures are available from Dubrovnik Old Town port and from Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

Is this a private boat tour?

No. This is a shared small-group speedboat tour, not a private charter.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included, along with local beer, white wine, iced tea, cola, Fanta, and water.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required because the Blue Cave can only be reached by swimming through its entrance. Lifejackets and float noodles are available, but they are not a substitute for swimming ability.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Šunj Beach has bars and food options when its services are operating.

Are there toilets during the tour?

Toilets are usually available at Šunj Beach. Sometimes a speedboat with a toilet is used, so ask the crew on the day.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The captain may change the order of the cave visits or adjust the route if weather, sea conditions, or the sun’s position affect the stops.