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

Koločep’s Blue Cave and Green Caves are the real reason to book this outing. Sunlight catches the sea inside the Blue Cave, while the Green Caves offer clear water, rock ledges, and short swims through natural openings. You also get a fast ride across the Elafiti Islands and a long pause at sandy Šunj Beach.

I like the early 8:30 departure from June 1 through September 15, which helps you reach the caves before the biggest boat groups. I also like that masks, snorkels, life jackets, pool noodles, and drinks are supplied, so you can arrive without packing half a beach shop. The main drawback is that the caves receive only about 30 to 35 minutes each, and the 90-minute beach stop may feel too long if the caves are your priority.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Cave and Green Caves: Swim and snorkel in two very different cave settings around Koločep.
• Early start: The 8:30 morning departure is designed to avoid the heaviest cave crowds.
• Šunj Beach pause: You get about 90 minutes at Lopud’s sandy beach, with bars and a hillside restaurant nearby.
• Group speedboat: This is a shared trip, with a maximum of 30 people, rather than a fully private charter.
• Useful equipment included: Snorkel gear, life jackets, pool noodles, fuel, and drinks are provided.
• Guides vary: Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and Jacob are among the guides named for this experience.

Why the caves are the heart of this Dubrovnik boat trip

Dubrovnik’s old town gets most of the attention, but the sea beyond the city gives you a different view of the region. The Elafiti Islands sit just offshore, and this trip uses a speedboat to reach Koločep and Lopud in a half-day.

The Blue Cave is on Koločep’s south side. Its color comes from sunlight entering the cave and reflecting off the water and sandy bottom. The effect changes with the light, so the cave can look more intense at some angles than others. You enter by boat or swim into the opening, depending on conditions and the skipper’s approach.

The Green Caves feel less polished and more active. The clear water allows you to look below the surface, and the rock formation creates small passages where you can swim through. There are also places for jumping from the rocks, though you should only do that if your guide confirms the water and conditions are safe.

You spend roughly 30 to 35 minutes at each cave area. That is enough time for a swim, some snorkeling, and a few photographs, but it is not a slow, private exploration. If your main goal is to spend a long time inside the caves, ask at the start if the schedule can favor the caves over the beach. This request has been possible on some outings, but it depends on the day and the group.

The 8:30 departure is worth considering

From June 1 through September 15, the morning trip leaves at 8:30 specifically to reach the caves before larger groups. That detail matters. Cave visits can feel calm and special when there are only a few boats nearby, but less so when several groups arrive at once.

You meet at the last wooden pier in the small marina beside the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, at Lapadska obala 4. The meeting point is in Dubrovnik’s west harbor area. The activity returns to the same place after the beach stop.

The ride from the harbor to Koločep is part of the pleasure. You get open views of the coast and islands rather than a slow transfer through city streets. The speedboat also makes it possible to fit two cave stops and a beach visit into about four hours.

There is a practical tradeoff. A speedboat can feel lively and exposed, especially if the sea is choppy. Most of the experience is designed for swimming and sitting outdoors, not for a quiet, sheltered cruise. Children and anyone uneasy on moving boats should pay attention to the captain’s safety instructions and use the supplied life jackets when advised.

Koločep gives you two different water stops

The first cave stop is the Blue Cave, where the main attraction is the changing blue tone inside the rock. You will want a waterproof phone case if you plan to take pictures, though the supplied information does not include photography equipment.

The second stop is the Green Caves, also on Koločep. Here, the interest comes from the underwater rock shapes and small swim-through areas. Snorkel masks let you see more than you would from the surface, and the water is described as especially clear at both cave locations.

The trip supplies snorkeling equipment, and several outings also used pool noodles. That makes the water stops easier for mixed groups, including people who can swim but do not want to stay far from the boat. Life jackets are available for children and adults.

The cave stops are not a formal sightseeing tour with a long historical talk. Your skipper usually explains where you are going and what to expect, but the focus is swimming, snorkeling, and seeing the rock formations. Pavo, Maro, Anthony, and Jacob are among the captains and guides associated with different departures. The style can vary, but the best descriptions point to friendly hosts who keep the mood relaxed and explain how to use each stop.

If you dislike tight spaces, be honest with yourself before booking. The Blue Cave and the Green Caves are not huge open caverns. One of the cave areas can feel daunting if you are uncomfortable in enclosed water passages. You can still enjoy the boat ride and swim outside the openings, but this is not the right trip if caves make you anxious.

Šunj Beach offers a slower second half

After Koločep, the speedboat continues to Lopud for Šunj Beach. This is one of Dubrovnik’s better-known sandy beaches, and the sand makes it different from the rocky coves common along the Croatian coast.

You get about an hour and a half here. The water around the beach is shallow and warm, and the lagoon stretches from green to blue. It is a good place to cool off, sit on the sand, and let the pace drop after the two cave stops.

Šunj also has beach bars and a small restaurant in the wooded area on the hillside. Some people prefer the hillside bar for its view over the beach, while the upper restaurant can work well if you want an early meal. Lunch is not included, so carry money if you plan to eat or order a drink ashore.

This stop is useful for families and mixed-age groups because not everyone needs to keep snorkeling. Teenagers can swim, adults can sit with a drink, and younger children can stay in the shallower water. The downside is simple: if the caves are what excites you, 90 minutes at the beach may seem like too much time. The sand is a pleasant change, but the cave visits are the more distinctive part of the outing.

What the drinks and equipment really add

The price is about $77.43 per person. For a four-hour boat trip that includes fuel, a driver-guide, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and drinks, that is a reasonable price if you plan to use the water stops. You are paying for transport between three island locations as well as the time on the boat.

Beer, white wine, water, and juice are listed as included. Alcohol is for adults aged 18 and over. Do not read this as an open bar. At least one outing provided only one drink during the whole trip, and the boat spends much of its time moving between stops or allowing you to swim. If unlimited drinks are important to you, ask for clarification before departure.

Not having to rent a mask or arrange a separate transfer is a genuine convenience. You can bring your own equipment if you prefer, but the supplied masks and pool noodles reduce the amount of planning needed. Lunch remains your responsibility, so the Šunj restaurants are useful if you do not want to pack food.

Shared boat, not a private charter

The wording can cause confusion, so check the setup carefully. You ride in a private-style speedboat with a driver, but this is a group excursion. A booking can include up to 30 people, and larger parties may be split between two boats.

That group format can work well if you enjoy a social outing. People often make quick friends during the swim stops, and the relaxed atmosphere suits couples, families, and groups of friends. It is less suitable if you want complete control over the route, timing, or music.

The captain controls the pace and the order of stops. This is especially important when sea conditions change or when one cave is crowded. A good captain will adjust the plan, but you should not expect the flexibility of a full-day private charter.

Safety also depends on driving style and conditions. One very negative account described a rough return ride and a driver who seemed to travel too fast in choppy water. That is not the general pattern in the supplied information, but it is a useful warning: if the sea becomes uncomfortable, tell the skipper clearly. You are entitled to a safe, controlled ride, not a race back to Dubrovnik.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a compact introduction to the islands rather than a full-day sailing trip. It combines fast transport, two memorable swim locations, and a proper sandy beach stop without using an entire day.

It suits:

• Couples who want swimming and island scenery without arranging a boat privately
• Families with older children who can manage a speedboat and cave swims
• Friends looking for a social half-day on the water
• First-time visitors who want to see more than Dubrovnik’s city center
• Swimmers who want to use masks and explore clear water
• People who prefer a planned route with equipment and drinks included

You may want a different outing if you dislike boats, enclosed cave spaces, or shared group schedules. It is also less ideal if you want extensive local history, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet luxury cruise. This is an active sightseeing trip with a few relaxing stretches, not a slow cultural tour.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, and confirmation is received when you book. The experience depends on good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

How to make the most of the four hours

Choose the morning departure during the main summer season if you can. Reaching the caves early is one of the simplest ways to improve the experience.

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. You should also bring some money for lunch or drinks at Šunj, since those costs are separate.

At the start, tell the guide if the caves matter more to you than the beach. The standard plan gives the beach about 90 minutes, but the balance may be adjusted when the group agrees and conditions allow it.

Listen closely when the skipper explains the cave entries and rock jumps. The water may look calm, but cave swimming still requires care. If you are not comfortable with a jump or a narrow passage, simply stay in the water outside that feature.

Should you book the Blue Cave and Šunj Beach trip?

Book it if you want a lively four-hour island outing with two unusual cave stops, clear water, and a sandy beach. The early start, included gear, and capable guides such as Pavo and Maro add real value to the $77.43 price.

I would book it especially for the caves, not for the drinks or the beach alone. Ask about spending extra time at Koločep if that is your priority, and choose the morning departure to reduce crowding. If you prefer a private boat, a slower pace, or a fully sheltered ride, this group speedboat trip may not be the best match.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave and Šunj Beach tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours and returns to the original meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the last wooden pier in the small marina beside the Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, at Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik.

What islands does the tour visit?

The trip visits Koločep for the Blue Cave and Green Caves, then Lopud for Šunj Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with life jackets for children and adults. Pool noodles may also be available on the boat.

Are drinks included?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy food or drinks at the bars and restaurant around Šunj Beach.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Poor weather may result in a different date or a full refund.