Blue & Green Cave,Sunj beach Small Group Tour with Speedboat

Dubrovnik’s best swimming day may be the one that gets you away from Dubrovnik. This four-hour speedboat trip takes you to the Blue Cave and nearby caves around Kolocep, then gives you a long break at sandy Sunj Beach. The main appeal is simple: clear water, short boat rides, and plenty of time to get wet or do nothing at all.

I like the choice of morning or afternoon departure, and I like that drinks and snorkel gear are included instead of being treated as extras. Guides such as Toni, Mate, Luka, and Mataya are praised for being friendly, careful, and fun. The main catch is that this is a water activity first. The caves are best enjoyed by swimmers, and the sea can feel cold, even in good weather.

Key points before you book

• Swim inside the Blue Cave: You get about 40 minutes at the first cave stop, with time for a swim rather than only a quick photo stop.
• Snorkel around Kolocep: Three additional caves offer more room to explore with the included masks and snorkels.
• Enjoy a long Sunj Beach break: You have about 1 hour 40 minutes to swim, eat, or rest at the beach’s three restaurants.
• Choose your pace: You can float with a pool noodle, snorkel, jump into the water, or simply stay on the boat.
• Look for an early departure: The early trip can reach the caves before the larger crowds arrive.
• Expect a shared speedboat: The maximum is 50 people, though some departures have been much smaller, including groups of six to 11.

What this Dubrovnik boat trip actually feels like

This is not a sightseeing cruise where you remain seated and admire the coast from a distance. It is a practical half-day outing built around swimming stops. The speedboat gets you out to the Elafiti Islands quickly, then the captain gives you time in the water.

That distinction matters. You will not spend four hours touring every island village or hearing a long history lecture. You will spend most of the experience changing into swimming mode: jumping in, floating through cave entrances, snorkeling, drying off, and doing it again.

The speedboat ride itself is part of the fun. It is faster and more open-air than a large excursion boat, though the ride can feel lively when the sea is choppy. One captain received particular praise for handling windy conditions safely and adjusting to the needs of the group. That is the sort of detail I value on a water trip: excitement is welcome, but a steady hand matters more.

The meeting point is at Lapadska obala 4, close to Dubrovnik’s Lapad waterfront. Cruise passengers have found it possible to walk from the port in about 20 minutes, though you should allow extra time to locate the dock. One person found the meeting point stressful to locate, so do not leave this until the last minute. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity returns to the same meeting point.

Kolocep’s Blue Cave comes first

The first stop is the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island, with roughly 40 minutes for swimming. The cave gets its name from the blue light created inside the opening, and the best way to appreciate it is from the water. You are not simply looking at a cave from a boat rail. You have the chance to swim toward and into it.

The color and light depend on the sun, sea conditions, and the time of day. That is one reason the morning departure can be appealing. An early start may put you at the cave before the busiest period, when several boats can gather outside. One particularly useful tip from past departures is to choose the early tour if avoiding crowds is important to you.

You will need to be comfortable in open water. The activity is specifically not recommended for non-swimmers, and the water can be cold. A pool noodle is available on the boat, which helps you float and makes the stop easier for less confident swimmers, but it does not turn the outing into a shallow-water activity.

The Blue Cave is the emotional high point for many people on this trip. Photos can look almost unreal, but the experience depends on accepting a little chill and getting in. Bring a towel, since towels and sunscreen are not included.

Three more caves for snorkeling near Kolocep

After the Blue Cave, the boat continues to three additional caves around Kolocep. This stop lasts about 45 minutes and is aimed more at snorkeling and exploring than at simply admiring one dramatic cave.

The included snorkeling equipment is a useful touch. You do not have to pack or rent a mask and snorkel for this outing, though you should check the fit before leaving the boat. The water clarity makes this part worthwhile, especially if you enjoy looking below the surface rather than only swimming from point to point.

This stop also gives you more control over your time. You can snorkel, swim into the caves, float with a noodle, or stay aboard. Captains sometimes enter the water and accompany the group, which is helpful when the cave entrance is not obvious. Still, this is not a guided technical cave tour. You should follow the captain’s instructions and stay within the areas offered that day.

The sea temperature is the main drawback. One departure in October still found swimming possible, while another person described the water as very cold. That is a personal matter, but the practical lesson is clear: pack a towel, bring sunscreen, and do not assume the water will feel warm simply because Dubrovnik is sunny.

Sunj Beach gives the day a slower middle

The final major stop is Sunj Beach, where you get about one hour and 40 minutes of free time. This is a welcome change after the boat and cave stops. You can swim from the sandy beach, sit in the sun, eat lunch, or order a drink at one of the three restaurants.

Sunj is valuable because the tour does not rush you away after a quick swim. You have enough time to dry off, eat, and settle into a slower rhythm. Food and drinks are not included, so budget separately for lunch. Credit cards have been accepted at the beach, according to a past visit, but it is still sensible to carry a backup payment method.

Some beach seating may require you to buy food or a drink, especially if you want a shaded lounge chair. That is not a hidden charge from the boat operator, but it is worth knowing before you arrive. I would treat the restaurant stop as part of the appeal, not as an optional nuisance. A cold drink and a plate of seafood can be exactly what you want after snorkeling.

Sunj Beach is also the point where this trip becomes suitable for mixed groups. One person can swim while another rests in the shade. Children who are confident in the water can enjoy the beach, while adults can take a proper break. The tour is still not ideal for anyone who cannot swim, since much of the day remains centered on open-water stops.

Captains and group size make a real difference

The operator is Dubrovnik Speedboat Tour, and the captain changes by departure. Toni appears often in the feedback, along with Mate, Matj, Luka, Mataya, and other crew members. The strongest praise goes to captains who do more than drive: they explain the caves, give clear swimming instructions, provide local food suggestions, and join the group in the water when useful.

Toni is described as friendly, funny, attentive, and generous with the included drinks. Mate and Luka are praised for making the ride conversational and pleasant. One captain recommended a restaurant at Sunj Beach, where calamari became a memorable part of the day. These details matter because a small boat puts you close to the person running the trip.

The stated maximum is 50 people. That is larger than most people imagine when they hear small group, so read the capacity carefully. Actual departures can be much smaller. Examples include six people, 11 people, and a private group of seven with four additional passengers. A smaller load gives you more room on the boat and makes the swimming stops feel less crowded, but the group size is not guaranteed.

The boat has been described as clean, comfortable, spacious, and well suited to the ride. You should still expect a shared excursion rather than a private charter unless you make a separate arrangement. If you want total control over departure time and stops, a private boat would be a different product.

What is included, and what you should pack

The $78.60 price includes the boat trip, the cave and beach stops, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, beer, white wine, and soft drinks. That is a fair package for a four-hour outing, especially because the boat takes you to several swimming locations without requiring separate equipment rental.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and snorkel. If you intend to remain seated on the boat, the price is harder to justify, since the main benefit comes from access to the caves and water stops.

Pack the following:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Dry clothing for the ride back
• A payment method for lunch or drinks at Sunj Beach
• A waterproof phone case if you want photographs from the water

Towels and sunscreen are not supplied. The operator provides pool noodles on some departures, but do not rely on flotation equipment as a substitute for swimming ability.

Morning or afternoon: which departure works best?

Choose the morning trip if you care most about quieter cave stops. Early departures have reached the Blue Cave before the crowds, while later in the day the same area can fill with more than 10 boats waiting nearby. Morning also gives you a cooler start and leaves the rest of the day open.

The afternoon trip can work well for cruise passengers who do not want to rush off the ship at the start of the day. One cruise passenger walked to the dock, enjoyed the afternoon outing, and returned with enough time to get back to the ship. You should still allow a generous buffer, since boat tours depend on weather and sea conditions.

The afternoon may also suit you if you want a slower morning in Dubrovnik. The tradeoff is that the caves and beach can be busier later. I would choose the departure based on your priority: early for fewer boats, afternoon for a relaxed start.

Weather, swimming, and the practical limits

This activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful, but you should still avoid scheduling the boat trip so tightly against an important flight, cruise departure, or other fixed plan.

The speedboat can handle ordinary changes in conditions, but a windy or choppy day may make the ride less comfortable. One captain was praised for putting safety first when the sea became rough. That is reassuring, though no small boat can guarantee a smooth ride.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded. The activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the swimming requirement is firm. It is not a good match for non-swimmers or for anyone who dislikes boat movement and cold water.

Is this tour worth $78.60?

For a four-hour speedboat trip with multiple cave stops, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a long beach break, I consider the price reasonable. You are paying for transport to places that would be awkward to reach independently, plus the convenience of having a captain manage the route.

The value improves if you use the inclusions. Enjoy the water, take the snorkeling gear, have a drink on the boat, and use the full beach time. If you skip swimming, skip lunch, and spend the day sitting in the boat, the experience will feel less rewarding.

I also like the balance of adventure and rest. The caves provide the memorable part, while Sunj Beach prevents the morning from becoming one long sequence of cold-water stops. That balance makes the outing work for couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want more action than a standard coastal cruise.

Who should book it?

Book this trip if you want to swim inside caves, snorkel in clear water, and enjoy a proper beach break without organizing several separate transfers. It is especially well suited to cruise passengers, couples, and small groups who can reach the Lapadska obala meeting point with time to spare.

Choose the early departure if crowds bother you. Choose the afternoon if you value a slower start or need to fit the trip around a cruise schedule.

Skip it if you cannot swim, dislike cold water, need a fully accessible sightseeing experience, or want a quiet boat ride with no splashing. The strongest part of the day happens in the water, and that is also its main limitation.

FAQ

How long does the Blue and Green Cave tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and ends back at the meeting point in Dubrovnik.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

What islands and places does the tour visit?

The tour visits the Blue Cave and three additional caves around Kolocep Island, followed by Sunj Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, white wine, bottled water, and soft drinks are included.

Can non-swimmers join?

The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. The main stops involve swimming and snorkeling in open water.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.