From Dubrovnik/Cavtat: Blue Cave, Sunj Beach Speed Boat Tour

A speedboat swim day, in Croatia. This tour strings together the best kind of stops: Dubrovnik’s city walls from the water and a real chance to swim in the famous Blue Cave area, with snorkeling gear and drinks on board. If you do it in the afternoon when the light hits right, you’ll see why people keep talking about this stretch of coast.

Two things I’d put at the top of my list are the included drinks and the beach finish. You get local beer, white wine, ice tea, cola, water, and more, plus a fun onboard vibe that can feel like a moving party at sea, especially when the crew plays music like Ivan did on my trip prep list. And on Lopud, Šunj Beach gives you proper white sand time after the swimming, not just a quick dip.

One consideration before you book: the first cave stop can get crowded with other boats and swimmers in peak season. It does not ruin it, but you should expect a bit of water traffic when you’re entering and exiting, and plan to be patient in that moment.

Key moments that make this tour worth it

• Dubrovnik city walls from the sea: you see the Old Town rise dramatically above the Adriatic.
• Blue Cave swim time, with snorkeling kit included: masks and snorkels are part of the deal.
• Three Green Caves on Koločep: a mix of easy swims and one through-style passage.
• Šunj Beach on Lopud with real free time: about 1.5 hours to swim, relax, and recharge.
• Drinks included throughout: beer, wine, soft drinks, and water keep the mood easy.
• Small group feel: boats run with limited passenger numbers, often around a dozen or so.

Why this speedboat day feels different than a bus tour

Dubrovnik is gorgeous from land, but it hits different from water. This route is built around quick hops between viewpoints and swim stops, so you spend more time where the photos happen, and less time sitting.

The boat also keeps the energy up. You’re moving along the coast with music playing, and the crew tends to keep things lively when everyone is getting back on board after each swim. It’s not “quiet sightseeing.” It’s Croatia as an action day.

Most importantly, the schedule is shaped for water time. You get snorkeling gear, you get breaks to swim and float, and you end on a beach that’s actually made for hanging out.

Where you start and how the day flows back

This tour runs daily from the Dubrovnik area. Depending on the option you pick, you can be picked up from places like Dubrovnik Old Town port, Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno, then returned to one of the drop-off points after the tour.

Expect this to be a half-day outing, roughly 4 to 5 hours total. The actual ride segments between islands are short enough that you stay in the fun zone instead of burning the whole day commuting.

The flow is simple: boat ride, cave swim stop, another cave swim stop, then the beach. On the way back, you cruise past Dubrovnik’s coastline again, which is a nice way to end with views even if you’re already tired from swimming.

On board: small-group pacing, drinks, and that “crew keeps it moving” feel

You’re on a shared small group tour, not a private charter. That matters, because the timing between stops is tight, and a smaller group usually means less crowding at each entry moment.

The drinks are included, and that is a big part of the value. You’ll have local beer, white wine, ice tea, cola, Fanta, and water available during the trip. People consistently rate this part of the experience highly because it turns the day into something you can enjoy without thinking about refreshments.

There’s also a multilingual driver or guide on board, with languages including English, Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian. Even if your Croatian is limited, you’ll still get real explanations about what you’re seeing and where to swim.

One more practical point: some boats run with limited passenger counts, and you’ll feel it when you’re boarding and taking your turn in the water. If you hate slow lines and waiting around, this is the right style of tour.

Koločep Island and the Blue Cave: what that swim is really like

The first island stop is at Koločep, where the tour visits the Blue Cave area. This cave is known for that glowing turquoise look, and the way you access it is part of the thrill. You typically swim in, through a narrow opening where the water and the light do most of the work.

You’ll get snorkeling gear included: masks and snorkels. If you’re new to snorkeling, the setup makes it easier because you’re not trying to figure out equipment at the dock.

You’ll usually have about 30 minutes at this first cave stop, including a mix of brief break time and swimming. There’s also the option for more adventurous swimmers to try cliff-jumping from nearby rocks, but only if you’re comfortable and conditions allow it.

Reality check for your body: waves can be stronger here, and getting into the water can feel like a small choreography. Keep your focus on steps, hold on when needed, and remember lifejackets are available but not a substitute for swimming ability.

The Three Green Caves: two easy swims plus one through-cave moment

After the first stop, the tour continues with another Koločep visit for the Three Green Caves. This section is often the “choose your comfort level” part of the day.

Two of the cave options are described as wider and easier for snorkeling. That’s great if you want the cave look without the stress of tight passages. The third option is narrower and involves swimming through a passage that leads swimmers to an exit on the other side, which is the type of experience that makes people talk about this tour by name.

You get another 30 minutes here, again with time for sightseeing and swimming. If you want simple, pick the easiest cave. If you’re feeling brave and steady in the water, go for the through-style passage.

Crowds can show up here too, especially in summer. The trick is to stay calm, listen to the crew, and enter when your group and boat timing are ready. You do not need to rush, and you definitely do not want to panic in open water.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: the best payoff after cave swimming

The final major stop is Šunj Beach on Lopud. This is the classic reward after wetsuit fatigue, because it’s a real sandy beach, not just a quick shoreline rest.

You get about 1.5 hours free time on shore. The water is described as shallow for a long way out, up to around 100 meters, which makes it more forgiving if you want to swim but don’t want constant depth changes.

Šunj is also one of the best parts of the day for non-swimmers in your group. You can lounge, watch the water traffic, and still feel like you’re part of the action without getting in again.

There’s a smart bonus here: Šunj has beach bar areas with blue umbrellas. If you order a drink at the beachfront bar, you can receive a complimentary sunbed and umbrella. Some visitors report this as a typical arrangement when you buy a drink, so consider it a fun way to turn the free time into a comfortable setup.

Toilets are usually available at the sandy beach itself on Lopud. Sometimes the crew may have a speedboat with a toilet on certain days, but it’s best to ask the crew when you’re onboard.

Safety and fitness: when this is perfect, and when it is not

This is a swim-focused tour. You should go in knowing that it is not for everyone.

The tour information is clear that it is not suitable for non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness, people with back problems, wheelchair users, and people over 80. Basic swimming skills are required, including the ability to enter the water, resurface, float, turn, and swim to safety.

Lifejackets (PFDs) are available for safety, and you should treat them as safety gear. They are not a replacement for swimming ability.

If you’re worried about floating, the tour notes that noodle floaters may be available as a better alternative. That can make a huge difference for confidence in the water, especially if you’re strong enough to kick but not fully comfortable in open-water floating.

Also pack for salt and sun. Bring swimwear and a towel. If you’re thinking about phone photos, you may want a phone case for underwater moments, since cave light and water clarity make those shots worth the effort.

Price and value: is $71 per person fair?

At around $71 per person, this is not a bargain, but it is also not overpriced for what you get. The pricing makes more sense when you break it down.

You’re paying for:

• a speedboat day with multiple stops
• snorkeling equipment included
• drinks included throughout the outing
• beach time at Šunj plus cave swims at Koločep
• guided hosting with multilingual support

The included drinks matter more than you might think. If you’ve ever paid separately for beverages during coastal tours, you know how quickly that adds up. Here, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are bundled in, which turns the day into a smoother experience.

The other value piece is time. A half-day schedule means you get big scenery without spending your entire vacation day in transit. For many people, this is the best use of limited time in the Dubrovnik area.

If you want a long meal stop with lunch included, this is not that style. Lunch is not included, so plan to eat after the tour or bring a snack if your schedule requires it.

What happens when the captain changes the plan

Coastline days depend on real-world conditions. The tour clearly states the captain can change the itinerary due to bad weather, and even sun position can shift the order of cave visits.

So if you’re booking expecting a strict script, be flexible. It’s still the same core experience: a cave stop, another cave stop, and time at Šunj.

Season also changes the beach setup. Šunj beach services begin operating in May. From November to April, when Šunj is not open and the sea is cold, the stop is adjusted to either Lopud village or Koločep village, depending on the day and which places have open cafés, restaurants, and shops.

That seasonal note is one of the biggest reasons to check timing before you book. The tour can still be a great day in cooler months, but it won’t deliver the same sandy beach experience you’re picturing for summer.

So, should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a true swim-and-views day. You’ll love it if you can swim confidently, want snorkeling kit included, and like the idea of finishing with real beach time at Šunj.

Skip it if you are not comfortable in the water or you deal with seasickness. Also skip it if mobility limitations or back issues are a concern, since the tour is built around water entries and active stops.

If you’re aiming for value, this is one of the better ways to spend a half-day around Dubrovnik because drinks are included and you get multiple iconic water stops in one outing. For a first-time Dubrovnik visit, it’s also a strong way to see more than just the Old Town walls from land.

If your goal is a calm, sit-down, culture-first tour, this is not that day. But if your idea of vacation includes caves, snorkeling, and a sandy finish, this one is easy to justify.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave and Sunj Beach speedboat tour?

It runs for about 4 to 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and where do you get dropped off?

You can choose from multiple starting points around the Dubrovnik area, including options in Dubrovnik Old Town port and nearby areas like Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno. Drop-off is also to one of the listed locations, depending on your option.

What is included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with drinks such as local beer, white wine, ice tea, cola, Fanta, and water.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Will the itinerary always follow the same cave order?

Not always. The captain can change the itinerary due to bad weather, including when sun position affects the cave visits.

Is Šunj Beach open year-round?

Šunj beach services begin operating in May. From November to April, the beach stop is adjusted to Lopud village or Koločep village since Šunj is not open and the sea is cold.

Do I need strong swimming skills?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required, including the ability to enter the water, resurface, float, turn, and swim to safety. Non-swimmers are not suitable.

Are there toilets during the tour?

Toilets are usually available at Šunj Beach on Lopud. Sometimes a speedboat with a toilet is available, so it’s best to ask the crew on the day.