Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach small group Speed boat Tour

Blue light, straight from Dubrovnik. This small-group speed-boat trip is built around real swimming at the Blue Cave and the glowing Green Caves, plus a relaxing beach stop on Lopud island.

I like that the crew keeps the pace tight, with snorkeling gear provided and enough time to actually enjoy each spot. One drawback to plan for is that the caves can get busy, and on choppier water, the swimming can feel like more work than a quick dip.

Key highlights before you go

• Small group of up to 18 people, so you are not stuck in a crowd for every jump-in moment
• Blue Cave is swim-only access, the boat anchors about 20 meters out
• Snorkeling gear and pool noodles are included, so you can focus on seeing instead of hunting gear
• Green Cave lighting effects come from sunlight, giving those emerald tones
• Šunj Beach on Lopud has very shallow water for a long stretch out from shore, helpful if you are less confident in open water
• Drinks included on the water, including local beer plus soft drinks and water

Dubrovnik cave hopping, without the big-tour feeling

If you want Dubrovnik views without the bus grind, this tour works. You get out onto the Adriatic right away, and the scenery from the sea hits harder than from the streets. The ride includes a panoramic look at the old town walls while your skipper shares legends and facts along the way.

I like that it is not an all-day production. It runs about 4 hours, with morning or afternoon departure options. That matters in Dubrovnik, where your best hours can disappear fast if you overbook.

The small-group size also changes the vibe. With a maximum of 18 people, stops feel more organized. You are still sharing popular caves with other boats, but you are not packed like sardines on a single shoreline platform.

Price and value: what $84.65 buys you on the water

At $84.65 per person, you are paying for three things that add up fast if you book separately: a speed boat, snorkeling gear, and drinks. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus local beer, red and white wine, grappa, soda or pop, sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water.

You also get cave stops where admission is listed as free. That is a nice perk because the “free” part is not just a line on a website. It reduces the guesswork about extra costs once you are on the day’s schedule.

What is not included is also clear. Lunch is not included, and beach towels are not included. If you expect a full beach setup with food ready to go, plan to grab snacks on your own during the beach hour.

The old-town wall view near Lovrijenac Fortress

Before you hit the caves, you start with a sea-front introduction to Dubrovnik. You get a panoramic view of the old town city walls, and you pass under Lovrijenac Fortress, which sits on a steep cliff about 37 meters above the Adriatic.

This is one of those “soak it in for free” parts of the tour. Even if you have already taken a walking tour, you will see the fortress and wall system from angles you simply cannot reach on foot. The skipper adds context as you go, so the water angle feels more meaningful than just a pretty photo ride.

One practical note. People mention that the dock area can be busy during loading and unloading. If you want an easy start, arrive a little early and watch for staff instructions at the pier, especially if several boats are tied up at once.

Blue Cave swim: snorkel gear, anchor point, and crowds to expect

The Blue Cave is the headline for a reason. The water is famous for its glowing blue tones caused by natural light reflection. In plain terms, you get that unreal color when the light hits just right, and this stop is designed to put you there.

Here is the big detail to understand before you sign up: the boat cannot enter the Blue Cave. The tour description is direct about it, and the timing reflects it. The boat anchors about 20 meters from the cave, and you reach the entrance by swimming because the opening is too small for a boat.

This is where snorkeling gear becomes more than a perk. You get masks and breathing tubes, and you can float with pool noodles if you want extra help staying relaxed. Many people rate this as the favorite stop, especially when the water is clear.

How the experience can vary on the day

The Blue Cave can be crowded because it is one of the most famous stops on the Adriatic. Even when your captain tries to keep things efficient, you may share the swim-in moment with other boats. Also, if the sea is choppy, getting in and out of the water can be harder than the calm-water photos suggest.

If you are prone to motion sickness, the speed boat ride can feel intense. Bring what helps you personally, and give yourself a little grace with the cave swims if waves make the entry bouncier.

Green Caves and canyon-style passages: emerald light plus tight spots

After the Blue Cave, you move to the Green Caves area. The tour typically covers two Green Caves and a canyon-style cave passage. These stops are less about one single iconic frame and more about varied rock shapes and light.

Sunlight plays the starring role here. As you swim or snorkel, the water and rock reflections can look emerald, especially when the timing lines up with the sun angle. You will also have options for swimming and snorkeling in the canyon passage.

One thing to know: some cave sections can feel narrow or tricky to move through. A couple of specific notes show up in real-world experiences, including a narrow canyon where the passage can get tight, and where you may need to use your own judgment to go farther into openings. The guides usually keep their position and you do some self navigation during those swims.

Timing is shorter than the beach stop. You should expect about 30 minutes for the Green Caves portion. It can feel like a lot to pack into half an hour, but it also keeps the pace from dragging in the sun.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: shallow water that makes swimming easier

Your final stop is Šunj Beach on the south side of Lopud island. The vibe shifts from cave exploration to relaxed beach time. You get about 1 hour for sunbathing and swimming in clear water.

The standout detail is the shoreline depth. The tour info highlights that Šunj has a shallow seabed that extends roughly 100 meters from shore. That makes a huge difference if you are traveling with kids or if you just do not love deep water. You can wade, play, and swim a bit without the same level of commitment you face on many rocky Adriatic beaches.

Beach towels are not included, so if you want a comfortable pad, bring one or plan to manage with your own carry-ons. Beach chairs, if you want them, may involve a rental fee, so do not count on everything being included at the shoreline.

One more practical angle. Because lunch is not part of the package, treat the beach hour as time to recharge and buy what you want if you are hungry. There are usually options at or near the waterfront, and this is the moment where you can switch from drinks on the boat to snacks on your own.

Drinks, snorkeling setup, and the onboard rhythm

This tour makes it easy to stay comfortable. Soft drinks, sparkling drinks, natural juices, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included during the time on the boat. The alcohol set listed is local beer, red and white wine, and grappa, though in real life you may notice variety can vary by day and crew.

The best part is that drinks are not just a start-and-finish gesture. The tour is built around frequent refreshments, which keeps everyone calmer during the swims and helps your energy when you hop back on the boat.

Snorkeling gear is included: masks and breathing tubes. Pool noodles are available, which can help a lot if you want to float while you look around without worrying about constant kicking. One nice detail from the experience descriptions is that the boat may offer some shade from sun, so you are not stuck baking between swims.

Music is another variable. On at least one outing, the onboard soundtrack was described as quite loud. If you prefer quiet, bring earplugs or plan to use the wind and sea sounds as your playlist replacement.

Safety and weather: what can change when seas get rough

This is an Adriatic speed boat, not a calm canal cruise. The tour description states that it requires good weather. When conditions are rough, safety comes first, and plans can shift.

From real experiences, the most common issue on bad-sea days is that swimming stops might be shortened or replaced, because entry and exit can be unsafe when waves are hitting hard. That can affect the “you will see everything exactly as listed” expectation, even if the crew tries to make it fair.

So my advice is simple. Check the forecast the day before and again in the morning. If you see wind and big wave warnings, consider how you feel about choppy rides. If caves and snorkeling are your main goal, you want calmer water.

Who this is perfect for, and who should think twice

This works well if you want a half-day mix of iconic water color, real swim time, and an easy beach finish. It is a great fit for couples and solo travelers who like active sightseeing but do not want a full day on the go.

It is also one of the better options for families who can handle basic swimming. The Šunj shallow swim zone helps. Still, remember the Blue Cave access is swim-only from the boat anchor point, so you need to be comfortable with that step.

Think twice if you do not like cold water swims or if you want a boat-in cave experience where you never touch the water. The Blue Cave is explicitly not boat-accessible, and the cave sections can be crowded. If either of those would spoil your day, you might prefer a different style of cruise that does not require swimming to reach the cave entrance.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Lopud Beach tour?

Book it if you want the classic Blue Cave look, you like snorkeling gear being handled for you, and you will enjoy a real beach hour at Lopud’s Šunj with that long shallow-water stretch. The small-group size, included drinks, and short, well-timed stops are the big wins.

Skip or reschedule if your top priority is guaranteed cave swimming no matter the sea conditions. This experience depends on weather, and if the water is rough, safety can change what you get to do. If you are sensitive to choppy rides, plan around that, and pack accordingly.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach speed boat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours (approx.).

How much does the tour cost per person?

It costs $84.65 per person.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, including snorkeling masks and breathing tubes.

Can the speed boat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The speed boat cannot enter the Blue Cave, and the cave is accessible only by swimming from where the boat anchors.

How much time do you spend at each stop?

You get about 40 minutes at the Blue Cave, about 30 minutes for the Green Caves, and about 1 hour at Šunj Beach.

What drinks are included on the tour?

Included drinks are local beer, red and white wine, grappa, soda or pop, sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are beach towels included?

No, beach towels are not included.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.