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

An Up-Close Look at the Blue Cave, Green Cave & Lopud Beach Speedboat Tour

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and craving a quick yet immersive escape into the waters surrounding the Elafiti Islands, this small-group speedboat tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the area’s most iconic spots. For around four hours, you’ll glide past the city walls, explore caves glowing with natural light, and relax on a sandy beach— all with plenty of drinks and snorkeling gear at your disposal.

What we love most about this experience is the intimate vibe—limited to just 18 travelers, it avoids the crowded tour boat feeling. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each stop both fun and educational. However, a potential consideration is that the Blue Cave itself is inaccessible by boat (only reachable via swimming), which might be a disappointment for those expecting a full tour inside. Still, this tour remains perfect for active travelers who appreciate gorgeous scenery, snorkel opportunities, and a good dose of local charm.

This tour is best suited for adventurous souls, families, or anyone wanting a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on a beautiful Croatian beach. If your priority is a well-organized, value-packed half-day with friendly guides and stunning visuals, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized and less crowded experience.
• Multiple cave visits—including the famous Blue and Green Caves—offer unique lighting effects and photo opportunities.
• Snorkeling gear and pool noodles provided, making the water fun and accessible.
• Lopud’s Sunj Beach offers a relaxing break with shallow waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
• Drinks included—local wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and water—keep you refreshed throughout.
• Expert guides like Marco and Luca are consistently praised for their friendliness and safety awareness.

Exploring the Route: What to Expect

Starting with Dubrovnik’s Scenic Backdrop

The tour kicks off with a breathtaking panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s old town walls. The skipper shares some of the city’s legendary tales and interesting facts, setting the tone for a memorable adventure. Passing beneath Lovrijenac Fortress, perched on a 37-meter-high cliff, you’ll get an iconic view of the city’s historic defenses—a perfect photo op.

Blue Cave – Glowing Waters and Snorkeling

The first official stop is the famous Blue Cave, renowned for its shimmering blue water, created by sunlight reflecting off the cave’s smooth surfaces. Here, you’ll get about 40 minutes to snorkel with provided masks and breathing tubes, giving you a chance to float in that surreal, glowing environment. According to reviews, people generally find the experience enchanting, though some mention that crowds can get heavy, especially at the Blue Cave. It’s worth noting that the Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming, so don’t expect the boat itself to go inside.

Green Caves and Passage Cave

Next, the tour visits the Two Green Caves, where sunlight hits the water at just the right angle to produce an intense emerald glow. These caves provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to snorkel if weather permits. The guide might navigate around traffic—some reviewers noted that crowds can cause the boat to shift stops from the actual Green Cave to other nearby spots, but the guides do their best to avoid congestion.

Adjacent to the Green Caves is Canyon Cave, a hidden natural passage carved into the cliffs. This adds a dash of adventure, especially for those interested in exploring natural rock formations. Swimming and snorkeling here are optional, but the scenery alone makes it worthwhile.

Lopud Island and Sunj Beach

After the caves, the boat heads to Lopud Island for about an hour at Sunj Beach. Known for its pale sands and shallow, clear waters, Sunj Beach is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or taking a dip. Reviewers describe this as a relaxing and scenic beach stop, where you can unwind and enjoy some local snacks or drinks. The shallow seabed extends over 100 meters, making it safe and fun for kids and adults alike.

Cruising Past Dubrovnik’s Walls and Forts

Throughout the tour, you’ll cruise past Dubrovnik’s city walls and cliff-top Fort Lovrijenac, offering another perspective on the city’s impressive defenses. Many reviews highlight that the views from the water are far better than from land, giving you a fresh appreciation for Dubrovnik’s historic layout.

The Experience in Detail: What Makes It Shine

Guides and Service

Multiple reviewers have raved about the guides—particularly Marco and Luca—highlighting their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness. Guests appreciate that guides like Marco kept everyone safe and shared fun facts about the caves and local history, making the tour both entertaining and educational. One reviewer noted that Marco’s personality truly made the trip special; his humor and helpfulness stood out.

Snorkeling and Water Fun

The snorkeling equipment is a key feature, letting you get close to the caves’ illuminated waters. Pool noodles are also provided, which reviewers say adds a playful element, especially for those less confident swimmers. The water clarity is generally praised, and the shallow nature of Sunj Beach means kids or less experienced swimmers can enjoy the waters safely.

Drinks and Refreshments

Included drinks, such as local beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, and bottled water, help keep everyone hydrated and in good spirits. Several reviews mention how the guide would fill drinks at each stop, which adds a relaxed, friendly vibe. This all-inclusive approach makes the experience feel like good value, especially when considering the scenic stops.

The Itinerary: A Well-Structured Half-Day

The tour’s roughly four-hour length strikes a healthy balance—long enough to enjoy each spot without feeling rushed. Stops are timed to allow for photos, swimming, and relaxation, with most guests saying the schedule is just right. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with some opting for the sun-drenched front seats or the shaded areas for a break from the sun.

Potential Drawbacks

Some guests mention the crowding at the Blue Cave, which can diminish the experience slightly. Because it’s a popular spot, expect other boats and travelers, especially in peak season. Plus, the Blue Cave is only accessible by swimming, so if you’re not comfortable in the water or expecting the boat to take you inside, be prepared for that.

Weather conditions can also impact the experience. One review noted that rough seas led to a modified itinerary, including a visit to a hotel beach instead of the planned caves. In such cases, the guides are praised for their flexibility and communication.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $70.74 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the inclusions—snorkeling gear, drinks, and a well-paced itinerary. Guests are generally pleased with the price point, especially given the personalized experience and the intimacy of the small group. Many reviewers felt it was a worthwhile splurge for the scenery, water fun, and local drinks.

The fact that the tour covers multiple caves, a beautiful beach, and scenic cruising past Dubrovnik’s walls means you get a comprehensive snapshot of the Elafiti Islands’ highlights in just a few hours. Plus, the small group size enhances the overall experience, making it more social and less commercial.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurers and active travelers who enjoy being on the water, snorkeling, and exploring natural sights. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxing yet engaging half-day. If you’re keen on seeing caves glowing with light and enjoying a scenic boat ride with drinks included, this will suit you perfectly.

However, if you’re sensitive to crowds or prefer to explore caves fully inside, you might find the Blue Cave visits less satisfying due to high demand and accessibility issues. Also, those with limited mobility should consider the boat’s accessibility and the fact that some caves require swimming to access.

Final Thoughts: The Bottom Line

For those wanting a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning views, this small-group speedboat tour delivers. It excels in providing an up-close look at the caves, a relaxing beach stop, and a chance to enjoy local drinks—all while cruising past Dubrovnik’s beautiful city walls. The guides’ friendliness and local knowledge elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

While it’s not perfect—crowds at the Blue Cave and weather-dependent changes can impact the day—the overall experience remains great value. It’s a fantastic choice for active travelers who want a snapshot of the Elafiti Islands’ most photogenic spots with plenty of water fun.

FAQ

Can I swim inside the Blue Cave?
No, the Blue Cave is only accessible by swimming. The boat cannot enter the cave itself, so you’ll snorkel outside and enjoy the glowing water from above.

How long is the stop at Sunj Beach?
The stop at Sunj Beach lasts about an hour, giving you ample time to sunbathe, swim, and relax on the sandy shores.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes bottled water, soft drinks, local beer, wine, and spirits like grappa, served throughout the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling masks and breathing tubes are available for use, making it easy to explore the caves’ waters.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, which makes for a more intimate experience compared to larger, crowded boat tours.

Can the tour be canceled if weather is bad?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or modified, with the option for a full refund or rescheduling.

In summary, this Dubrovnik speedboat tour offers a well-rounded and authentic taste of the Elafiti Islands’ natural beauty. Its combination of scenic cruising, cave exploring, and beach relaxation makes it a fantastic half-day adventure for those who love water-based activities and picturesque landscapes. The friendly guides, included drinks, and small-group vibe add to its appeal—just be prepared for the crowds at the Blue Cave and possible weather shifts.