Dubrovnik: Blue Cave and Green Caves Boat Tour from Old City

Exploring Dubrovnik’s famed Blue and Green Caves is a bucket-list experience, but it can come with challenges—overcrowding, rushed schedules, or tourist traps. This particular boat tour by Slomio offers an appealing alternative: a small-group adventure that promises a more intimate encounter with Dubrovnik’s stunning coastlines. The tour is designed to avoid the crowds, using quieter routes and off-peak departure times. It’s perfect for travelers craving a relaxed, authentic experience that balances sightseeing with leisure.

What we love about this tour is the focus on personalized service and local insider knowledge. The guides, like Orsat, not only keep things fun but also share interesting insights about the caves and surrounding islands, adding depth to your experience. Plus, the inclusion of drinks, snorkeling gear, and stops for swimming make it feel less like a hurried excursion and more like a properly chilled sea adventure.

However, it’s worth noting that this tour is not suited for everyone—especially non-swimmers, those prone to seasickness, or travelers with certain physical restrictions. It’s also a half-day experience, so if you’re after a full-day exploration, you might want to consider other options. This tour is best suited for those looking for a comfortable, smaller group experience that emphasizes authenticity, scenery, and fun.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy: Smaller boats mean more comfort and personal interaction.
• Avoid crowded spots: Less-traveled routes bring you to beautiful caves without the crowds.
• Inclusive extras: Drinks, snorkeling gear, and stops for swimming enhance the trip.
• Flexible timing: Available in both morning and afternoon, giving you control over your day.
• Expert local guides: Guides share insights and ensure smooth, enjoyable navigation.
• Great value: At $66, it offers a well-rounded experience with plenty of perks.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off at Mali Muo, located at the Old City port on the right dock. This is a convenient and scenic launch point, close enough to Dubrovnik’s historic core for easy access. The boat arrives about 5-10 minutes early, as per safety regulations, so arriving on time is essential. This early arrival also means you get to settle into the boat, find your shaded seat, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

The Blue Cave and Kolocep Island

Your first stop is the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island, a highlight for many. The guide will lead you through a quick safety briefing, then you’ll hop into snorkeling gear and jump into the clear waters. Expect about an hour at this spot, where the play of sunlight on the water creates that iconic blue glow. One reviewer mentions, “The caves are very nice and lovely to see, but we would recommend the morning tour. It’s worth it!” The timing is strategic—avoiding the peak midday crowds—and ensures calmer waters and better visibility inside the caves.

The Green Caves on Kolocep

Next, the boat moves to the Three Green Caves, also on Kolocep. These caves are smaller but equally beautiful, with lush surroundings that give them their name. Here, swimming, snorkeling, and jumping are common pastimes. A recurring theme in reviews is how well-organized and relaxed the stops are, with guides sharing local insights that enrich the experience—something you might miss on larger, rushed tours.

Sunj Beach and Leisure Time

The third stop is at Sunj Beach, one of Dubrovnik’s most beloved sandy beaches. With roughly 1.5 hours allocated, guests can lounge on the sand, swim in the inviting waters, or snorkel along the shore. Reviewers mention enjoying music, drinks, and the laid-back vibe, making Sunj a perfect place to unwind. “The crew was friendly and made the whole trip fun and relaxing,” says one traveler, emphasizing how this segment offers both scenic beauty and a chance to just breathe.

The Return Journey

After the final stop, your boat returns to Mali Muo, completing a well-paced four-hour trip. The journey back is usually filled with shared stories, music, and some final dips in the water. The small-group setting ensures conversations flow naturally, and your guides are attentive without being overly intrusive.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour offers an impressive array of inclusions for the price. Drinks are plentiful—water, Coca Cola, Fanta, beer, and white wine—so you’ll stay hydrated and perhaps even toast the scenery. Snorkeling gear is provided, along with life jackets and swimming noodles, making water activities accessible and safe. The guide’s local knowledge is a bonus, adding context to the sights.

What’s not included, however, are towels, lunch, snacks, or transportation to and from the meeting point. This means you should arrive prepared with your own towels and beachwear, and plan for additional snacks or a meal afterward depending on your appetite.

Comfort & Safety

The boat itself is described as fast, comfortable, and shaded—a big plus in Croatian summer heat. Small groups mean fewer crowds and a more personalized vibe, making the trip feel more like a friendly outing than a tourist herd. The crew is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring safety at all stops.

The Review from Participants

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, especially Orsat, who is praised for his openness, background info, and easygoing manner. Travelers appreciated the good organization and the authentic feel of the tour, far from the over-crowded mainstream options.

One guest from the Netherlands said, “Everything was well organized, drinks were provided and the boat ride was really relaxing,” capturing how smoothly the experience flows. Another from Germany mentioned, “Our guide Orsat was super chill and friendly, which made the whole trip even better,” illustrating the importance of good guides in making the trip memorable.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

• Bring swimwear, a towel, and beachwear for maximum comfort during swimming and lounging.
• Arrive early to Mali Muo to ensure a smooth check-in and get your preferred shaded seat.
• Consider your physical comfort—if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility issues, this tour might not be ideal.
• Book in advance if you’re traveling during peak season; the small group size means spots fill quickly.
• Opt for the morning tour if you want calmer waters and fewer crowds, according to reviewer recommendations.
• No lunch included, so plan a meal before or after the tour.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed boat trip with a small group. If you value personalized attention from guides, enjoy scenic swimming spots, and prefer to avoid large crowds, you’ll find this tour ideal. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy water activities, scenic vistas, and a laid-back vibe.

It’s less suitable for non-swimmers, children under 6, or anyone with mobility or seasickness issues. Also, if you’re after a full-day adventure, this half-day tour might feel a bit compact. Still, for a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and local insights, this experience offers remarkable value.

Final Thoughts

This Dubrovnik Blue and Green Caves boat tour strikes a solid balance between scenic beauty, comfort, and authenticity. For $66, you get a well-organized trip that’s tailored to sidestep the crowds and provide a personal touch—something many larger tours overlook. The inclusion of drinks, snorkeling gear, and a friendly guide enhances the value, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, small-group ocean adventure.

Whether you’re looking to swim in crystal-clear waters, learn about local caves, or just enjoy a peaceful boat ride, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s especially ideal for those who want a more intimate, less rushed experience in one of Croatia’s most beautiful coastal settings.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts roughly four hours, with stops at caves and beaches, giving plenty of time for swimming and relaxing without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
You’ll receive drinks (water, soda, beer, white wine), snorkeling gear, life jackets, swimming noodles, and the guidance of a local, experienced guide.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Mali Muo at the Old City port on the right dock, with the boat arriving 5-10 minutes early for check-in.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?
Absolutely. Stops at the caves and beach are designed for swimming, snorkeling, and jumping in the water—gear is provided.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for very young children (under 6) or anyone with mobility issues or seasickness. Be sure to consider your comfort level with water activities.

Are there options for morning or afternoon tours?
Yes, you can choose a morning or afternoon departure, offering flexibility to fit your Dubrovnik itinerary.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and perhaps a little cash for extra snacks or souvenirs. Towel and beachwear are not provided.

In summary, this tour offers a relaxed, authentic way to explore Dubrovnik’s stunning coastlines while avoiding the crowds. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and inclusive drinks and gear, it’s a great pick for travelers wanting a high-value, memorable sea adventure.