Dubrovnik: 6 hours Blue cave & Elaphiti with optional lunch

Blue Cave swimming turns Dubrovnik into a sea day. I really like the small-group pace and the fact that you get actual water time, not just photo stops. I also like the unlimited drinks onboard, from wine to rakija. The trade-off is the Blue Cave is reached by swimming, and if conditions are rough the plan can shift.

You’ll feel the difference as soon as you board, with stops paced for calm island wandering. Koločep gives you a stretch of time to stroll and reset by the sea, and Lopud is where you cash in your two-hour free window for sandy beach time. Šunj Beach is the big draw here, and it’s the kind of place where you slow down on purpose.

Lunch is optional and paid onboard, so your real budget depends on what you choose. You confirm your lunch preference in advance, and you pay 15€ cash on the boat, plus hotel pickup is extra (5€ cash on the spot). If you’re bringing cash anyway, that part is easy.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Up to 25 people means you’re not packed into a cattle-car boat day.
• Blue Cave access by swimming is the deal, and snorkeling gear is provided onboard.
• Koločep + Lopud pairing gives you both quiet island paths and a sandy beach break.
• Unlimited drinks onboard are included, so you can skip finding a bar ashore.
• Optional lunch (15€ cash) with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options, served onboard.

A 6-hour Elaphiti day that actually gives you time in the water

This is the kind of tour that works for real vacation pacing. You’re not stuck rushing every ten minutes, and you still get multiple “stop-and-splash” moments. The heart of the trip is the Blue Cave swim and snorkel, with about 45 minutes there to do it at your own rhythm.

Before you reach the cave, you start with Koločep Island, where you get free time to walk, take in the pine-and-coast feel, and decide how much energy you want to spend. After that, the day turns toward Lopud, where you land for a longer break, around two hours, on a sandy beach and in the small village area.

If you like your Dubrovnik sightseeing with wind in your hair and salt on your skin, this hits that balance. If you prefer everything hands-off, no swimming required, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Where the trip starts at New Port Gruž, and how boarding works

You’ll meet at Obala Stjepana Radića 16, in the area across from the long promenade at New Port Gruž, where the big boats dock. Boarding happens in the middle of that promenade. The boat you’ll be on is listed as LORENA or KATE, so plan to find the staff there by those names.

You can also do hotel pickup and drop-off. This is offered across the Dubrovnik hotel area, but it comes with an extra 5€ per person paid in cash on the day.

One practical note: you’ll be contacted the day before departure to confirm details like your hotel pickup and your lunch choice. That means you should keep an eye on your email or messages, because the tour runs on that pre-confirmation.

Koločep Island: pine-shade wandering and a first sea swim

Koločep is where the day feels more like island time and less like a checklist. You get about 45 minutes to yourself. That’s long enough to walk a bit, find a spot along the shoreline, and cool off without turning the whole outing into a sprint.

This stop also sets expectations for the day’s physical vibe. There’s swimming and snorkeling time here too, so if you bring beach shoes and a swimsuit, you’ll feel more comfortable right away. If you’re someone who gets nervous in open water, use this moment to ease in.

In the same way, it’s a nice pacing trick. By the time you reach the Blue Cave later, you’re already in “boat day mode,” not still adjusting.

The Blue Cave swim: 45 minutes, swimming required, and crowd reality

This is the main event. The Blue Cave stop is about 45 minutes, and it’s accessible only by swimming. The tour provides snorkeling masks, and you’ll want to show up ready with a swimsuit, plus a plan for getting in and out smoothly.

Here’s the reality check: in peak season, you can have a lot of boats around the cave. One downside that shows up in feedback is that it can feel busy, like you’re swimming through a parking lot of boats to reach the entrance. It’s not something you can control as a passenger, but it is useful to know.

Weather can also change the outcome. On at least one reported day, sea conditions meant the crew could not swim in the Blue Cave, and they shifted to another nearby beach. That flexibility is good news. The drawback is that it means you should avoid booking if you’re the type who needs the Blue Cave swim no matter what.

If the water is calm and you’re a confident swimmer, this stop is exactly what you came for. The cave itself is repeatedly described as gorgeous, and people love that the snorkeling feels like part of the magic, not a quick afterthought.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: two hours to slow down properly

Lopud is where you get breathing space. You have about 2 hours free time, which is plenty to do a mix of beach lounging, a short walk around the village area, and time to shop casually.

Šunj Beach is called out as the key sandy option, and that’s the charm here. You trade the rocky swim texture for a more classic beach feel, which is a welcome contrast after time in and out of the water near Koločep and the cave.

This is also a good time to refuel. If you’ve chosen the lunch option, you’ll be getting your meal later onboard, but many people use Lopud time to grab a coffee or just take it easy. If you want to move, walk. If you want to do nothing, also good.

One more practical detail: because you’ll be on an island with a longer break, wear comfortable shoes for the walk. You don’t need hiking boots, but your feet will thank you.

Unlimited drinks onboard: what changes when you don’t have to hunt a bar

One of the easiest ways to measure value on a boat tour is simple: can you relax without constantly spending extra money on drinks? Here, you get unlimited drinks onboard, including wine, soda, water, and rakija. That’s a big deal when you’re out on the water and away from shore options.

You also tend to notice how this affects the vibe. When drinks are included, the day feels less like a ticket and more like an easy hang. Some feedback highlights the calm pace, and others mention the shade onboard, which matters when the sun is strong in the Adriatic.

You’ll also see that the day is structured with onboard refreshment moments, including a welcome/apertif-type segment around the first cruise portion and repeated scenic breaks. It’s not just time spent on engines. You get pauses that keep people settled and happy.

If you’re the type who enjoys a relaxed pace more than a high-speed “see everything fast” day, you’ll likely like the rhythm here.

Lunch as an add-on: fish, chicken, or vegetarian for 15€ cash

Lunch is optional, not included in the base price. The cost is 15€ per person, paid in cash on the boat. You confirm your lunch choice ahead of time, typically fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

In terms of what people care about, the fish option gets consistent praise, with several comments calling it delicious. That matters because on many boat trips, food can be fine but forgettable. Here, the lunch is repeatedly described as a highlight, and people also talk about a cooked, satisfying feel to the meal.

The vegetarian option gets mixed reactions. One note describes vegetarian as okay, so if you’re vegetarian and picky about flavor, it might be worth paying attention to the exact menu you’re given when you confirm your choice.

One logistical point: you should carry cash for the lunch payment. The tour is explicit that you need cash, and lunch is tied to that payment.

Price and value: how $68 adds up once you price out the extras

The listed price is $68 per person for a 6-hour small-group boat tour. That number is meaningful mainly because several things are bundled that you’d otherwise pay for elsewhere.

Included items that change the math:

• a small group up to 25 people
• snorkeling masks and life jackets
• a scenic boat cruise through the Elaphiti Islands
• unlimited onboard drinks

Then there are potential add-ons:

• lunch is extra, 15€ cash
• hotel pickup/drop-off is extra, 5€ cash

So the value question depends on you. If you’d normally buy drinks on a boat outing, and you want the convenience of snorkeling gear plus guided stops, the base price makes sense. If you never drink alcohol and you pack your own snacks and snacks only, you might feel the base price is more “premium” since lunch is extra and you still want your swimsuit and time in the water.

A good way to think about it: this tour sells comfort and ease. It’s not just transport. It’s the entire package of time on the water, stops that matter, and drinks included so your day stays simple.

Who this tour is best for, and who should skip it

This is a great fit for couples, friends, and families who want a relaxed day outside Dubrovnik with real sea time. People who like swimming and snorkeling usually find the day feels worth every minute.

Two practical “fit” notes:

• The Blue Cave is swim-access only. If you cannot swim confidently, you’re taking a risk with your main attraction.
• It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you’re someone who gets seasick easily, nothing in the details gives specific guidance, so I’d treat that as an individual factor. You can also look at the weather the day you go, because the route can change if conditions are rough.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

To make this tour feel effortless, pack like you’re going to be in and out of water.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes for the island walking and the promenade area
• beachwear, because you’ll be swimming at multiple stops
• cash, because lunch and optional pickup are paid in cash

On the day before departure, you’ll be asked to confirm your hotel for pickup and your lunch choice. Do that promptly so you do not arrive worrying about whether your meal is set.

And one more tip: if you want the most relaxed Blue Cave moment, go with a calm mindset. Even on the best day, you may be sharing the area with other boats. The goal is to enjoy the swim time, not to treat the cave like a timed race.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Blue Cave and Elaphiti boat tour?

I’d book this if you want an easy, small-group sea day with swimming, a sandy beach break, and included drinks. The best part is that you actually get time to enjoy each stop instead of sprinting between them. And the lunch being genuinely praised, especially the fish option, adds a lot of comfort to the day.

I’d hesitate if Blue Cave is your only goal and you absolutely need that swim no matter the conditions. The route can change with bad weather, and the cave area can be busy in high season. Also skip it if you cannot swim comfortably, since the cave is swim-access only and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

If you want a relaxed, classic Elaphiti day from Dubrovnik, this one is a strong match.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Obala Stjepana Radića 16 near the long promenade at New Port Gruž. Boarding is in the middle of the promenade, across from the address. The boat name is LORENA or KATE.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 6 hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. It costs 15€ per person if you choose it, and you pay cash on the boat.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks are included onboard, including wine, soda, water, and rakija.

Do you provide snorkeling masks?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, along with life jackets.

How do you access the Blue Cave?

The Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming. The stop includes time for swimming and snorkeling.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off available?

Yes. Pickups and drop-offs are offered from every hotel in the Dubrovnik area. It costs an extra 5€ per person, paid in cash on the spot.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The crew may change the itinerary due to bad weather conditions.