BLUE CAVE private speedboat tour with drinks

Caves in the morning light are hard to top. This private speedboat tour takes you to the Elaphiti Islands for cave time, swimming, and an easy beach break, with drinks included. It is a smart way to get out on the water without wasting hours in transit.

Two things I like right away: the small group size (up to 10) and the way the morning schedule aims to help you avoid big crowds at the caves. The snorkeling gear, life jackets, and included drinks make it feel like you are paying for the whole outing, not just transportation.

One thing to consider: this experience depends on weather, and you may pay extra harbor and fuel fees on the boat. If the sea is rough, the plan can shift or be canceled.

Key highlights before you go

• 8:30 AM start to beat the crowds at the caves during peak summer dates (June 1 to September 15)
• Two cave stops on Kolocep Island, including Blue Cave and Green Caves, with about 30 to 35 minutes at each spot
• Šunj Beach on Lopud Island for around 1.5 hours of sandy shore time in very clear water
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets included for children and adults
• Drinks included on board, with beer, white wine, water, and juice for adults 18+ only

A private Blue Cave speedboat from Dubrovnik, built for easy Elaphiti Island hopping

This half-day trip is designed for pure water time. You start out from the Dubrovnik area and spend your hours bouncing between three Elaphiti Island highlights: Kolocep’s caves and Lopud’s famous sandy beach.

What makes it feel different from big-group boat tours is the setup. It is a private tour for your group only, with a maximum of 10 people, so the skipper can keep things flexible and help your group move where the conditions look best.

Also, the tour is sold in English, and you get a mobile ticket after booking. That small detail helps you avoid last-minute paper hunting when you are already juggling swimwear, towels, and sun protection.

Why the 8:30 AM start helps at the Blue Cave

The meeting time matters here. The morning tour runs from June 1 to September 15, with departures at 8:30 AM, specifically to help you avoid big crowds at the cave entrances.

Caves look best when light hits just right, and early timing tends to make the whole experience calmer. You get more time to swim and snorkel without feeling rushed, and you are less likely to be stuck waiting for the next wave of boats.

If you are the type who hates queue lines, this is one of those tours where waking up earlier actually pays you back with easier cave access.

Kolocep Island caves: Blue Cave, Green Caves, and real swim time

Kolocep Island is the core of the cave experience. After leaving Dubrovnik, you make your way to the island and spend about 2 hours total there, focusing on two top spots: Blue Cave and the Green Caves.

Blue Cave, and why it looks the way it does

The Blue Cave gets its famous color from sunlight refraction through the cave conditions, plus sand on the bottom. In plain terms, it is not just a named spot, it is a light-and-water effect that can look dramatically different depending on timing and weather.

You will have time to enjoy it and, just as important, time to swim and snorkel in the surrounding clear water.

Green Caves, underwater passages, and jump points

After the Blue Cave, you visit the Green Caves. These are described as having underwater passages where you can dive, plus places for jumping off the rocks.

The tour schedule gives you breathing room: you typically stay about 30 to 35 minutes at each cave location. That is enough time to take a few photos, gear up, get in the water, and still avoid that “10 minutes of chaos” feeling.

A good tip for cave hopping

Bring water-friendly footwear if you have it. The tour includes life jackets and snorkeling equipment, but it does not mean the rocky entry points feel like a public pool. Comfortable footing makes it easier to enjoy the time you have.

Lopud’s Šunj Beach break for swimming, bar stops, and slowing down

After the caves, the tone changes to beach mode. Your next stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, and you will spend about 1.5 hours there.

Šunj is described as Dubrovnik’s biggest sandy beach, with very clear water that shifts from shallow green to deeper blue. It also has a lagoon feeling, which usually means you can find calmer water near the shore for relaxing and an easier first swim.

The plan also builds in a social break. There is time to chill, plus nearby beach bars and a small forest restaurant up on the hill. That is a nice change of pace if you want one stretch of the day that does not involve gearing up again right away.

One practical note: bring a towel you like. With a beach-focused segment, you will likely want to dry off and get comfortable before the ride back.

Drinks and snorkeling gear: what is included and what you should plan for

This is one of the better-value features of the tour. You get snorkeling equipment included, along with life jackets for children and adults.

You also get drinks included during the experience: beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcohol is listed as available only for adults 18 and above, so if you are traveling with mixed ages, plan for everyone’s preferences and remember the adult age rule.

What is not included is lunch. That means you should decide what you want to do during your beach time. With only about 1.5 hours on Šunj, you can either grab something on shore or eat before you go.

In the reviews shared with this operator, skippers like Pavo and captains including Ante and Antun are mentioned for making the day feel easy and fun, including guidance to good swim spots. If music is your thing, Pavo is specifically described as allowing a playlist, which can turn the boat ride into a mini celebration rather than just transportation.

Price and extra harbor or fuel fees, and how to judge the real cost

The price is $362.81 per group, up to 10 people, for about 4 hours total.

That group pricing is where value shows up. If you fill the boat with friends or family, the per-person cost drops fast compared with tours priced per head. If you are only two or three people, it is still a solid “privacy tax” purchase, but the per-person number will feel higher.

One big detail: there is a fuel surcharge and harbor fees paid on the boat. It is listed by group size:

• For 1 to 2 passengers, 100 EUR
• For 3 to 7 passengers, 120 EUR
• For 8 to 10 passengers, 150 EUR

So the price you see up front is not the full total. If you are comparing with other boat tours, I recommend estimating that extra amount so you can judge value fairly.

Meeting point on Lapadska obala 4: avoid the last-minute scramble

You meet at Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in a small marina near Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse. The instruction is to arrive 10 minutes before the start time.

This matters because you are boarding for a time-sensitive morning departure. If you are walking from Old Town, give yourself extra buffer for finding the exact pier, not just the street address.

The good news: the meeting point is near public transportation, and the tour includes life jackets and snorkeling equipment on board, so you are not arriving to hunt down gear.

What makes the experience feel good: skippers, flexibility, and group vibe

This trip is run as a private outing, and the best part of that is flexibility. The itinerary notes that it is customizable to your pace, and the feedback you have from captains like Antun and Pavo suggests the skipper can help decide where to spend time within the cave and swimming framework.

Pavo is mentioned as helping people get close to good spots before they get crowded. Ante is highlighted for giving guidance on the best swim spots, and Antun is described as accommodating, including letting the group decide where they wanted to spend time.

If you want a boat day that feels like your day, not a scripted conveyor belt, this is the right style of tour.

Who should book this private Blue Cave speedboat, and who might want another option

I would recommend this tour if you:

• Want private group time on the water in Dubrovnik
• Care about cave swimming and want included snorkeling gear
• Like morning plans that help you avoid peak crowd pressure
• Have a mixed group and want a setup that includes life jackets for kids and adults

You might reconsider if:

• You strongly prefer a full lunch plan, because lunch is not included
• You are traveling during a period where weather can be unpredictable, since the tour requires good conditions

For families, it can work well because the operator provides life jackets for both children and adults. For couples or friend groups, the per-group pricing up to 10 can feel like a win, especially if you share the cost.

Should you book the Blue Cave private speedboat tour?

Yes, if you want a focused half-day on the water, with real cave time, included snorkeling, and a beach stop that gives your body a break. The combination of early departure, private boat flow, and included drinks is the sweet spot.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

• Decide how your group size affects the total once harbor and fuel fees are added on the boat.
• Plan snacks or a light meal since lunch is not included, and you only get about 1.5 hours on Šunj Beach.

If you can do an 8:30 AM start and you want a boat day that feels personal, this is a very strong match for Dubrovnik’s Elaphiti Island highlights.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, and only your group participates.

How many people can be booked per group?

The maximum is 10 people per booking.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets for children and adults are included.

What drinks are included, and is alcohol available?

Drinks included are beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcoholic drinks are for adults aged 18 and above.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, at the last wooden pier in a small marina. You should arrive about 10 minutes before the start.

When does the morning tour run?

The morning tour runs from June 1 to September 15, with a start time of 8:30 AM.

Are fuel surcharge and harbor fees included in the price?

No. Fuel surcharge and harbor fees are paid on the boat. The cost depends on the number of passengers.

Is there a cancellation option if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.