Dubrovnik: 6 hours Blue cave & Elaphiti with optional lunch

Blue Cave day trips are a big deal in Dubrovnik. This one pairs that swim-only stop with two calmer Elaphiti islands, plus unlimited drinks and a small group vibe.

I especially like the structure, you get real free time to enjoy each island, not just photo stops. The small-group size also means less chaos when you’re getting in and out of the water.

My second favorite part is how onboard time is handled: snorkeling masks and life jackets are included, and the day runs at a relaxed pace. You also get a proper onboard meal option if you want it, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

One consideration: the Blue Cave area can get busy, and if sea conditions are rough, the plan can shift. So you’ll want to be comfortable with swimming and flexible with expectations.

Key things to know before you go

• Blue Cave access is by swimming only, so pack your swimsuit and be ready to get in the water
• Small group up to 25 people, which helps keep the day feeling personal
• Kolocep gives you 45 minutes, a good window for a walk and a calm snorkel swim
• Lopud is your big time block (2 hours), including a chance to enjoy Šunj Beach and stroll the village
• Unlimited drinks onboard include wine, soda, water, and rakija
• Lunch is optional, 15€ paid onboard, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options

From Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands: what makes this tour work

This half-day style cruise hits the sweet spot. You trade long waits and crowded ferries for a route that feels built for water time and island wandering.

What I like for you is the rhythm. You start with a cruise-and-welcome refreshment period, then you break the day into focused blocks: Kolocep, the Blue Cave, and then Lopud. That makes it easier to plan your energy, you’re not sprinting between stops all day.

Meeting point and boarding: Gruž promenade, boat LORENA or KATE

Meeting is straightforward. You’ll either get picked up from hotels around Dubrovnik or meet at the harbor area: the long promenade at New Port Gruz where big boats dock.

Your key landmark is Obala Stjepana Radića 16, and boarding happens in the middle of the promenade. The boat name will be LORENA or KATE, so keep an eye out when you arrive.

If you do hotel pickup, you’ll be asked for your hotel choice the day before departure. There’s also a pickup and drop-off fee, 5€ per person paid on the spot.

First cruise period: welcome drinks and scenic cruising toward Kolocep

Right away, the tour leans into the “you’re on a boat now” part of Dubrovnik. During the first cruise segment, there’s time for sightseeing and photo stops, plus welcome refreshments for about 30 minutes.

This is also where the “small but social” tone usually sets in. The crew provides spirits and wine tasting style service, and you have unlimited drinks available onboard throughout the trip. It’s a nice start if you want the day to feel like more than just transportation.

Kolocep Island stop: 45 minutes to walk, swim, and reset

Kolocep is the calm interlude. It’s known for a serene feel, with pine forests and that classic Elaphiti shoreline mood. You get about 45 minutes here, which is enough time to do something small but meaningful.

What you can actually do in that window:

• Take a short walk and find a quiet spot near the sea
• Enjoy a swim or snorkel break
• Use the time to cool down after the harbor start

A practical tip: bring comfortable shoes even if you plan to swim. You’ll have some walking time, and slick rocks can be more annoying than you expect.

The tour also provides snorkeling masks, so you do not need to hunt for gear. Still, if you’re picky about fit, it can help to wear your own swim cap or adjust the mask right away once you’re on board.

Blue Cave swim stop: 45 minutes, swim-only access, and real water time

This is the headline, and it has one big rule: the Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming. That means there’s no “stand and look” version. If the water is calling your name, it’s perfect. If you prefer dry sightseeing, you’ll likely feel out of place.

You get about 45 minutes at the Blue Cave area for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is provided onboard, and life jackets are included, which helps if you’re not a confident swimmer.

When the cave is crowded

There’s a downside you can’t fully control: in peak season, the cave area can feel busy. One guest described it as like a boat car park, with you swimming around other boats to reach the cave.

For you, that means two simple mindset adjustments:

• Go with patience, not speed
• Use your time to enjoy the water and shapes, not just a quick photo moment

When conditions are not perfect

Sea conditions can also change the plan. If weather or water conditions make the Blue Cave swim unsafe or uncomfortable, the operator may take you to another nearby beach instead. You still get time in the water, but the exact cave experience can shift.

Elaphiti photo stops between islands: quick views, no pressure

Between the main island blocks, you’ll have additional short cruise moments. These include photo stops and sightseeing from the boat, plus another refreshment period of about 30 minutes at different points during the day.

The value of these in-between stops is practical. They break up the long stretches with chances to look at the coastline, spot coves from the sea, and reset without feeling like you’re losing time.

Lopud Island: 2 hours of beach time and village strolling

Lopud is where the day slows down. You get about 2 hours, which is a gift if you’re visiting Dubrovnik and want one calmer island moment.

This stop is built around choice:

• You can head to Šunj Beach and spend real time relaxing
• You can wander the village streets
• You can shop and grab a coffee if you want downtime on land

Many people focus only on the beach, but the extra benefit is perspective. From the water stops, Lopud feels more like a living island town. It’s a good counterweight to the swim intensity of the Blue Cave.

A small comfort detail that matters

Some guests noted there was enough shade onboard for the whole boat. That matters more than it sounds. After time in the sun and water, shade during the cruise between stops makes the day feel easier.

Unlimited drinks onboard: what you get and how to use it

Unlimited drinks are a core part of the value here. You’ll have wine, soda, water, and rakija on tap during the cruise segments.

This isn’t just about partying. It’s also about keeping the tour comfortable and enjoyable when you’re out on open water. You can stay hydrated with water, cool off with soda, and pace yourself so you don’t feel worn out right before swimming.

The best way to use this perk: treat drinks like part of the schedule. Drink water first, then add wine or rakija if you feel like it. The day includes swimming, so going easy is smart.

Optional lunch on the return cruise: fish, chicken, or vegetarian

Lunch is not included in the base price, but it’s available as an optional onboard meal. The cost is 15€ per person, and you choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

You’ll also be contacted the day before departure to confirm which lunch option you want. That payment is made onboard with a 15€ cash payment, according to the tour instructions.

What makes this lunch worth considering is that it’s not a sad afterthought. Guests repeatedly highlighted the meal quality, with fish and grilled-style preparation getting the most praise. One guest even said it was especially good when served on the return leg after Lopud.

Vegetarian options get mixed notes, with one guest calling vegetarian okay. So if vegetarian is your choice, it may be worth choosing the menu option you’re most confident about when you confirm your meal.

Payment reality check

The instructions say cash for lunch and for pickup fees. At least one guest reported they could pay by card, so it’s possible the operator can accommodate card in some situations. If you want zero surprises, bring cash.

Guides and skipper energy: names you might hear on your day

This tour’s feel depends a lot on the crew, and the standout names in guest notes include Marco, Peter, and guides or skippers like Mikael and Mario.

What you can expect from that kind of team is a friendly tone and a calm pace. Several guests mentioned the hosts were welcoming, organized, and took care of people through the day, including during times when weather changed the plan.

Also, if you’re the type who likes explanations, just note that one guest said the onboard speaker volume was sometimes too low. So if you care about commentary, sit closer when the guide is talking and don’t be shy about asking questions during stops.

Price and value: how $68 stacks up for what you actually get

At $68 per person for 6 hours, this is not a bare-bones boat ride. It’s a package that covers the core “Elaphiti day” essentials: small group sailing, snorkeling masks, life jackets, and unlimited onboard drinks.

Then you have two optional add-ons:

• Lunch costs extra, 15€ per person
• Hotel pickup costs extra, 5€ per person

So here’s the value math in plain terms. If you already know you want time in the water, drinks onboard help justify the price because you don’t need to buy refreshments during the day. And if you want lunch, the optional fee buys you a proper meal without needing to find a restaurant on an island.

If your goal is purely sightseeing from the boat without swimming, the price might feel less justified. But if you want the Blue Cave swim experience and a real island hang time on Lopud, it tends to make sense.

Weather flexibility: when the day changes, you still get an island day

The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary in bad weather. That’s not a gimmick, it’s reality. The Blue Cave stop can be affected by sea conditions, and it’s possible to swap it for another nearby beach if needed.

For you, the practical takeaway is simple. Don’t build your entire Dubrovnik trip around one photo in one cave. Instead, aim to enjoy the day on the water, plus the island time you still will have.

If the cave is off, you still get swimming and snorkeling, and you still get Kolocep and Lopud. That’s a big reason this tour stays worthwhile even when the sea is temperamental.

Who this tour fits best, and who should reconsider

This works well for:

• Couples who want a mix of swim time and a calm beach break
• Friends who like a small-group boat day with drinks
• Families with kids who are comfortable with swimming, since the Blue Cave access is swim-only

It may not fit you if:

• You use a wheelchair, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You strongly dislike swimming or snorkeling
• You want guaranteed empty-water cave time, because the area can be busy

Also, pack for water and heat. You’ll want beachwear and comfortable shoes, and bring cash as instructed.

Should you book the Dubrovnik Blue Cave and Elaphiti tour?

I think this is a strong booking if you want an island day that feels active but not frantic. The combination of Blue Cave swim time, Kolocep downtime, and Lopud’s 2-hour beach window is a good balance.

Book it if:

• You’re comfortable swimming in open water
• You want unlimited drinks onboard without extra stops
• You value a small group size and a relaxed pace

Skip or shop around if:

• You only want land sightseeing
• You’re worried about crowded cave conditions
• You want fully guaranteed Blue Cave access regardless of weather

If you match the vibe, this one is a practical way to get more out of your time in Dubrovnik.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Dubrovnik?

It lasts 6 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Dubrovnik?

You can meet at the New Port Gruz promenade, where big boats dock. Boarding happens in the middle of the promenade, and you’ll see Obala Stjepana Radica 16 right across the address. Your boat is LORENA or KATE. Hotel pickup is also available.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra, 5€ per person paid on the spot.

What is the group size?

It’s a small group, up to 25 people.

Are drinks included onboard?

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

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, and life jackets are provided.

How much time do you get on Lopud Island?

You get about 2 hours on Lopud Island.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. It costs 15€ per person extra, paid onboard. You choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

Will I be contacted before departure?

Yes. You’ll be contacted the day before to confirm your lunch choice, your hotel for pickup and drop-off, and other details.

What if the weather is bad?

The operator has the right to change the itinerary in case of bad weather conditions.