Dubrovnik: Blue Cave & Elaphiti islands & Optional Lunch Onboard

A day on the water can make Dubrovnik feel like a vacation. This one mixes Koločep, the Blue Cave swim, and Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach with time to wander. You also get snorkeling gear and the option to eat onboard on the way back.

I especially like the variety in a single 6.5-hour outing: a quieter island walk, a proper sea-cave experience, then beach time on a car-free island. Second, the format is built for relaxing, not rushing, with plenty of room on the boat and drinks included during the cruise.

One watch-out: quality can swing on the day, and there is at least one complaint about boat condition and engine issues. I’ll show you how to sanity-check that before you commit your time on the water.

Key highlights to know before you book

• Blue Cave access is a swim, not a walk-in, so bring a swim-focused mindset and plan for time in the cave only if conditions are right.
• Koločep has a calmer village feel on the Gornje Čelo side, with stone houses, olive groves, and walking paths.
• Lopud’s Šunj Beach is genuinely sandy, with shallow, clear water that suits relaxed swimming.
• Snorkeling gear is included, which is a big value add if you want to see more under the surface.
• Onboard lunch is optional (15 EUR cash) with fish, chicken, or vegetarian choices when you’re cruising back on the Elaphiti stretch.
• Maximum group size is 40, and the day is marketed as small group, which usually helps the vibe.

A half-day cruise with three different vibes

This tour is designed like a best-of package for the Dubrovnik coast. You start with Koločep’s slower pace, shift to a signature swim stop in the Blue Cave, then finish with beach time on Lopud and a scenic return cruise. It is not a museum day. It’s a sea day, with walking breaks that keep your legs from going stir-crazy.

The value is in the combination. Many Dubrovnik boat trips offer just one wow moment. Here, you get a glowing cave, a peaceful island village, and a rare sandy beach all in one run. Add snorkeling gear and drinks onboard, and it starts to feel like a day you can actually settle into.

How the day flows: Koločep, Blue Cave, Lopud, Elaphiti lunch

The total time is about 6 hours 30 minutes, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. You start at Obala Stjepana Radića 5, Dubrovnik, which is easy to orient to once you’re in the old city area.

You’ll move through four main stops:

1) Koločep Island (about 45 minutes)

You get time on the quieter Gornje Čelo side for village charm and gentle walking.

2) Blue Cave on Koločep (about 45 minutes)

This is the signature stop where you enter by swimming.

3) Lopud Island (about 2 hours)

You’re on a car-free island with time at Šunj Beach and room for an easy stroll.

4) Elaphiti Islands and return cruise with optional lunch (about 1 hour)

The return portion includes a scenic ride and onboard lunch if you choose it.

What makes this ordering smart is that it gives you variety without stacking every activity on top of the next. The beach stop sits after the cave swim, so you can recover and decide how long you want to linger.

Koločep Island: Gornje Čelo’s slower rhythm

Koločep is the kind of place that makes you stop checking your phone. This part of the day is about stepping off the boat for a quieter look at island life.

On Koločep, you spend time around Gornje Čelo, the less touristy area on the island’s southeastern side. It’s known for traditional stone houses, olive groves, and peaceful walking paths. Even with only 45 minutes, you can usually do a quick circuit: a short walk for photos, a pause to soak in the calm, and then back to the boat without feeling like you’re doing homework.

A practical tip: wear shoes that handle uneven ground. Island paths can be rocky, and you’ll want to move comfortably when you’re not on a paved promenade. Also, keep your eyes on the boat schedule. With multiple swim and beach steps later, you do not want to lose time on the Koločep walk.

Blue Cave Dubrovnik: the swim stop that defines the tour

The Blue Cave is a small sea cave on Koločep’s southern coast. The glow comes from sunlight reflecting through an underwater opening. And here’s the key point: you can only enter by swimming.

That detail changes how you should prepare mentally. This is not a quick stop where you look at water for a minute and move on. You’re expected to get in the water and swim to access the cave.

What I like about this stop is that it’s a real physical experience, not just a photo moment. When the light hits the water right, the effect is dramatic. When conditions aren’t great, it can still be a cool swim, just less jaw-dropping.

Your consideration: only go if you’re comfortable with basic swimming and water entry. Also remember that the tour requires good weather. If conditions are rough, you might find the day adjusted or, in some cases, canceled for weather reasons.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: why the sandy part matters

Lopud is a peaceful, car-free island. That alone changes the feel. With no cars, you’re more likely to hear water, wind, and footsteps instead of engines. It also makes it easier to wander without feeling like you’re dodging traffic.

The star stop here is Šunj Beach. This is one of the rare sandy beaches in the area, with shallow, clear water that’s great for calm swimming. You also get time for walking trails, pine forests, and historic sights, including a 15th-century Franciscan monastery.

Two practical ways to enjoy Lopud in the time you have:

• Start by getting to Šunj Beach and checking the water. If it’s clear and shallow where you are, you can settle in quickly.
• If you want a break from sun, look for shade under the pines and do a short walk before heading back.

Even if you do only one loop, 2 hours is enough to enjoy the beach and still grab a few island views before the boat calls you back.

Elaphiti return cruise plus optional onboard lunch

The Elaphiti portion comes on the return journey. You get a scenic boat ride, and this is also where the optional lunch happens.

Lunch is not included, but you can choose from fish, chicken, or vegetarian. The price is listed as 15 EUR per meal, paid with cash on the spot. This is the part of the tour that can save you from hunting for food later, especially if you want to keep your timing simple.

Also note that drinks are part of the deal on the boat, including soda/pop, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is served only to passengers over 18, so plan your day accordingly if you’re traveling with teens or if you prefer zero-proof drinks.

If you choose lunch, try to time it with your energy. After swimming and beach time, you might feel ready for a sit-down meal. If you’re not hungry, skip it and save the cash for water shoes, snacks, or another cold drink once you’re back.

Boat comfort and that one real red flag

I’m going to be honest here because you deserve honest. The overall rating is decent, but one detailed negative comment complained about older boats, dirty conditions, and an overheating engine that led to the boat being towed for the rest of the trip, with passengers reporting exhaust fumes.

That kind of issue is not normal, and it’s the sort of thing you should treat as a serious consideration, not a minor inconvenience. It does not mean every sailing will be rough. But it does mean you should show up ready to assess what you’re stepping into.

Here’s how to do a quick pre-boarding check without being awkward:

• When you board, take a look at the boat cleanliness. You do not need to be picky. If it feels grimy or strongly unpleasant, trust your gut.
• Ask a simple question about snorkeling gear and timing. If the crew is disorganized at the start, that’s a clue.
• If you notice heavy exhaust smell while the engine is running near the dock, mention it to the crew right away.

Also keep in mind that this is a water tour and weather matters. The operator notes it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

Price and value: what $59.86 really covers

At $59.86 per person, this tour is priced in the typical “you’re paying for the boat and the stops” category. What makes it feel reasonable is what’s bundled:

• Scenic boat ride to and from the Elaphiti islands
• Snorkeling equipment use
• Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (subject to age rules)
• Bottled water and soda/pop
• Admission is listed as free for the stops (so you’re not paying extra fees at each location)

Then you add two possible extras:

• Lunch onboard: 15 EUR cash
• Pickup and drop-off: 5 EUR cash (if you use it)

So the question isn’t just Is it cheap. It’s Is it structured so you do not waste time. In my view, it’s good value if you want the water day plus snorkeling without having to organize gear or coordinate separate transport. If you already plan to spend most of the day on Lopud and do your own cave swim, you might find cheaper DIY options. But for a guided, timed day with drinks included, this is a solid setup.

Who this tour fits best

This is a good match for people who want variety without overplanning:

• Couples who want a beach day plus a signature swim stop
• Families who can handle boat time and prefer organized timing
• Active travelers who are comfortable swimming into the Blue Cave
• Readers who want a small-group feel and less chaos than big-city tour buses

It’s not the best pick if you hate swimming, don’t feel comfortable in open water, or want a fully seated sightseeing experience. Also, if you are very sensitive to boat comfort issues, pay extra attention during boarding and be clear about your expectations.

Should you book the Blue Cave, Elaphiti, and Lopud day?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a classic Dubrovnik coast day where you can swim, snorkel, and then actually relax on a sandy beach. The structure is strong: Koločep for calm walking, Blue Cave for the signature swim, Lopud for Šunj Beach time, then a return cruise with drinks and optional lunch.

I’d think twice if you’re concerned about boat reliability or cleanliness, especially if you have low tolerance for foul smells or engine noise. If you do book, arrive with a quick boarding check and plan for the fact that water days depend on weather.

If you want a safe “yes,” choose it when you can be flexible. The tour requires good weather, and the payoff is best on a clear, calm day.

FAQ

How long is the Elaphiti Islands and Blue Cave boat tour?

It lasts about 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Obala Stjepana Radića 5, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is optional. If you want it, it costs 15 EUR per meal and is paid with cash on the spot.

What does the optional onboard lunch include?

You can choose a lunch menu of fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks included, and is alcohol available?

Yes, alcoholic beverages and soda/pop are included, along with bottled water. Alcoholic beverages are served only to passengers aged +18.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Is the Blue Cave entry possible without swimming?

No. The Blue Cave can only be entered by swimming.

What happens if weather is bad?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.