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

Blue Cave water is the main event, and it delivers. This small-group speedboat tour pairs cave time with a real beach break on Lopud, and you get snorkel gear plus drinks onboard to make the whole thing feel easy.

I really like two things here. First, the day is structured for water time, not long idle stretches, and the caves are approached the way you’d expect from a boat trip in Croatia, with short anchor stops and quick swims. Second, the staff attention shows in the details, like guides staying with you at cave visits and captains such as Ivan and Marco keeping things smooth and safety-focused.

One thing to consider: the sea can be choppy, and when it is, cave access and swimming can be limited, with alternate spots sometimes offered instead of the exact route. If you are prone to seasickness or hate cold, rough water, that is worth thinking about.

Key things I’d plan around

• Small group size (max 18) means you spend less time waiting around and more time in the water
• Blue Cave entry is swim-only, since the boat anchors about 20 m out and you reach the cave by swimming
• Snorkel masks, tubes, and pool noodles help you enjoy the caves even if you are not a strong swimmer
• Šunj Beach has shallow water for about 100 m offshore, making it friendlier for kids and less-confident swimmers
• Drinks are included: beer, wine, grappa, soda, juices, and bottled water
• Weather really matters, and rough water can change which caves you can safely enter

A 4-hour speedboat plan with good value built in

This is an about 4-hour half-day that keeps the pacing tight. You choose a morning or afternoon slot, and the tour is offered in English, which helps if you want clear, fast explanations instead of a long language shuffle.

At $84.65 per person, the value comes from what is bundled: snorkel equipment, drinks, and a full route that mixes famous cave stops with actual beach time. In Dubrovnik, where boat trips add up fast, this one works best when you want both the water wow factor and a real place to relax afterward.

They also keep the group size small, with a maximum of 18. That matters because crowded caves are normal in this area, but a smaller boat makes the whole experience feel less chaotic.

Views from the water, plus those old-town legends

Before the caves, you start with a scenic pass and a quick dose of local storytelling. From the sea, you get panoramic views of Dubrovnik’s old town walls, which look more dramatic when you are not staring uphill at every stone.

You also go beneath the Lovrijenac fortress, which sits on a steep cliff about 37 m above the Adriatic. On calm days, these first minutes help you get your bearings fast, and they set the tone for the rest of the trip.

The skipper shares legends and facts during this leg. Even if you only catch pieces, it is a nice way to turn the boat ride into something more than just transportation.

Blue Cave: the glow is real, and the entry is hands-on

Blue Cave is the headline for a reason. Natural light reflection creates that signature glowing blue water, and once you are in, it is the kind of scene that makes you understand why this stop gets so much hype.

Here is the practical part you need to know: the speedboat cannot enter the Blue Cave, so you must access it by swimming. The boat anchors roughly 20 m from the entrance, and the cave entrance is too small for the boat to go inside.

Snorkeling gear is provided, and you can use masks and tubes to get a better look at the water. If you want extra support, the boat has pool noodles like floaters, and that can make the swim feel more relaxed.

Crowding can be a factor. Some people note that the cave can get busy, and on certain days you will share the timing with other boats. If the sea is rough, getting in and out can feel harder, because the boat may rock while you are climbing down and moving through small spaces near the rocks.

What I would do: if you are sensitive to choppy water, choose a morning or afternoon slot that is forecasted calmer. Also, keep your expectations clear, you are not just viewing the cave from the boat, you are part of the water action.

Green Caves: emerald light, narrow passages, and self-direction

After Blue Cave, the route shifts to the green side of the story. You visit the “three green caves” area, where sunlight creates an emerald glow through the caves.

Two of the stops are described as Green Caves, and there is also a canyon cave that acts like a hidden natural passage carved into the cliffs. Depending on what conditions allow, you may have optional swimming and snorkeling inside these areas.

One detail that stands out in how this tour works: you are not fully supervised like a theme park swim. The guides stay on the boat for the cave visits, so you need to follow your own instincts and any quick instructions you get before you go in.

On some cave segments, the passage can be narrow enough that it is not equally easy for everyone. People mention that one green cave area can be difficult, and it can require moving through a tighter route, sometimes involving swimming under low rocky sections to continue deeper.

If you go, plan to treat this part as active sightseeing, not just lounging. You will likely spend less time on your back than you do on the beach later.

Šunj Beach on Lopud: the one-hour reset with shallow water

Šunj Beach is your last stop, and it is the decompression chamber. It is a sandy beach on the south side of Lopud Island, and you get about 1 hour to swim and sunbathe.

A big reason Šunj works for different comfort levels is the shoreline shape. The seabed is shallow and extends about 100 m from the shore, which makes it more approachable for children and less confident swimmers. Even if the caves felt intense, this part is easier to enjoy without a long swim.

The time is short enough that you should treat it like a reset, not a full beach vacation. Still, it is a solid payoff: water is clear, and you get a proper break from the moving schedule.

Beach towels are not included, and people who want extra comfort may pay for things like beach chairs. If you want to settle in for the hour, bring swimwear, and consider packing a small towel so you are not forced to scramble.

Drinks and snorkel gear: the kind of extras that change the mood

This tour includes more than just transport to the caves. You get snorkeling equipment (masks and tubes), plus drinks onboard throughout the stops.

Food-wise, lunch is not included. That is a normal tradeoff for a 4-hour plan, but you should be ready to snack before or after if you need a full meal.

For drinks, the included set is generous by Croatian boat standards: local beer, red and white wine, grappa, and non-alcoholic options like soda, sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water. If you want an easy way to stay fueled and not overthink the day, this is a big part of the value.

A few people also note that the boat may have shade like a partially covered deck, which helps if you want breaks from the sun between swims. If you burn easily, put on sunscreen before you board.

Sea conditions and safety: when the itinerary can shift

This is a speedboat, so you should expect movement. Even on decent days, you may feel the ride, and on windy or rough conditions, it can get intense.

The tour requires good weather, and when sea conditions are poor, the plan can change for safety reasons. Some people report that choppy water prevented them from swimming at certain caves, and alternative sites were provided instead.

In one disappointing case, the tour was altered enough that it did not match the advertised highlights, and a full refund was issued. That is important context because it shows the operator does respond when conditions block the original experience.

My practical advice: if you are worried about rough water, take your comfort seriously. Skip this if you know you get sick quickly on boats. If you do go, keep your plan simple: swimsuit ready, water and snacks for before or after, and a calm attitude about possible route changes.

Also, if you need a life jacket or extra flotation, ask early and clearly. One negative account mentions a life jacket request not being handled well, and that is exactly the kind of thing you want sorted before the boat heads out.

Crowd levels: famous caves can feel busy

Blue Cave can get crowded, and that is not unique to this tour. If you are expecting a private, silent swim, you will probably be disappointed.

What helps is the small-group feel and the skipper’s job to time things as best as possible. Even with a smaller boat, you may still share water space with other groups during peak times.

If you are flexible and you like meeting other people, the crowd factor can be manageable. If you hate waiting and lines, plan to arrive with the mindset of quick moments rather than long lingering.

Who this tour fits, and who should reconsider

This tour is a great fit for people who want caves plus water time, not just a viewpoint. It is especially good if you like snorkeling and you are comfortable swimming to reach cave entrances.

It can also work for families in a specific way, because the beach portion has shallow water out to about 100 m. That said, the cave entry requires swimming, and one of the green cave passages may be narrow or physically awkward.

Consider skipping or choosing a more relaxed option if you:

• Do not feel comfortable swimming in open water
• Hate cold water or struggle with rough boat rides
• Want purely boat-accessible caves without any swimming

If you are a strong swimmer and you enjoy active sightseeing, this is exactly the kind of half-day that makes Dubrovnik feel different from the old-town walking loop.

Final call: book it for cave water, not for a guaranteed route

I’d book this when your top goal is Blue Cave glow, green-cave snorkeling time, and a real beach break at Šunj. The included drinks, the snorkel gear, and the small-group size add up to a day that feels well priced for what you do.

I would hesitate if you are very weather-sensitive or you want the exact cave sequence to be guaranteed, because sea conditions can change what is safe to attempt. Treat the itinerary as a plan for cave highlights, with the understanding that rough water can trim down access.

If you do go, go prepared for hands-on cave entry, quick swims, and a fun, slightly chaotic sea day that is all the better for it.

FAQ

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

The tour is about 4 hours long.

What are the main stops on this tour?

You visit Blue Cave, the green cave area, and Šunj Beach on Lopud Island.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, including masks and breathing tubes.

Can the speedboat enter the Blue Cave?

No. The boat cannot enter the Blue Cave, so access is by swimming from where the boat anchors.

Is Šunj Beach included, and how much time do you get there?

Yes. You get about 1 hour of free time at Šunj Beach.

What drinks are included on board?

Local beer, red and white wine, grappa, plus soda or sparkling drinks, natural juices, and bottled water.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are pool noodles provided?

Yes. Floaters like pool noodles are available on the boat.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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