Caves, beaches, and a near-silent boat day. This is a private Mercan Excursion cruise that strings together Dubrovnik’s coast, the Blue Cave, Koločep’s green caves, and sandy breaks on Lopud and Pasjača—all in about 8 hours. I especially like that the main swim stops are included with free admission, and that you get snorkeling equipment plus drinks onboard. The one real drawback to plan for: the Blue Cave visit requires a sea entry, so you need to be comfortable swimming and getting in at water level.

You’ll go with a small group (up to 12), in English, with a mobile ticket. If you want a day that feels more like a private adventure than a bus tour, the schedule is built for exactly that—tight enough to hit the highlights, but spaced to actually enjoy them.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• A truly private boat for up to 12 instead of crowd-hopping on fixed schedules
• Blue Cave time built around swimming, with equipment provided
• Free admission at the cave and beach stops that make this day worth it
• Sunj Beach on Lopud: long, shallow sand with an easy entry into the water
• Snorkeling gear, bottled water, and drinks included for the ride and stops
• Pasjača Beach for a nature-focused alternative without needing a full Elafiti-only day

Private Speedboat Day From Dubrovnik: What Makes It Different

This is the kind of Dubrovnik outing that changes how you see the coast. Instead of stacking sights by foot and bus, you slide along the shoreline by speedboat, then switch to short, swim-based experiences where the sea does the work for you.

The itinerary is also paced in a very practical way. You’re not rushing through five activities with zero recovery time. You get cave time, then you get beach time. You can cool down, rinse off in the water, and regroup before the next stop.

And because it’s a private group setup, you’re not stuck waiting for someone else’s pace at every landing. You can settle into your own rhythm—especially helpful on days when the sea and sunlight change quickly.

Price and Logistics: What $360.44 Per Group Really Means

The price is $360.44 per group (up to 12) for about 8 hours. The value math gets better fast if you’re not going solo. Even with a partial group, you’re essentially paying for a private boat + skipper, plus the included onboard extras (water and drinks, and snorkeling equipment).

One more line you should plan for: there’s a fuel surcharge paid in cash on the boat, and it depends on the tour length. The listed amounts are 30€ for sunset, 80€ for half day, and 150€ for full day. Since this runs around 8 hours, you’ll want to be ready for the full-day end of that range.

So the most honest way to think about cost is:

• You’re paying for privacy, time on the water, and included gear and refreshments.
• You’ll still handle a cash fuel top-up on site.

Dubrovnik Coast and City Walls Views Without a Walking Stampede

Your first stop is Dubrovnik City Walls, but the day is framed around a panoramic cruise along the coast. That matters because the best views of Dubrovnik’s walls usually come from outside the old town—where the shoreline angle gives you that classic, dramatic look.

Expect this portion to feel like a scenic setup: you get the visual payoff early, then you head to the swim segment. If you’re visiting in warmer months, starting with water and views is a smarter sequence than burning energy walking right away.

Blue Cave (Dubrovnik): Swimming, Sea Entry, and Short Timing That Works

The Blue Cave stop is one of those experiences that sounds simple until you picture it. The cave visit isn’t a walk-in affair. The entry is through the water: you jump into the sea and swim in.

Here’s what you should expect on the practical side:

• The entrance to the cave is small.
• You don’t need to dive.
• The cave is about 4 meters deep, and you can’t stand.
• You’re given around 35 minutes for the cave time.

That “can’t stand” detail is the point to take seriously. If you’re not a confident swimmer, this stop can go from fun to stressful quickly. If you are comfortable swimming a short distance in open water, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the day—because the cave walls and lighting are exactly why people come here.

Tip: plan to time your effort. Spend your energy calmly during entry, then use the remaining minutes to relax and enjoy the cave views and water feel rather than rushing.

Three Green Caves on Koločep: A Longer Swim Break With Variety

After the Blue Cave, you move to Koločep for Three Green Caves: two green caves plus a canyon cave. This stop is about 1 hour, which is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to get a good look and catch a moment when the light feels right, but not so long that the day turns into constant swimming fatigue.

What makes this portion appealing is variety. A “caves only” itinerary can feel repetitive. Here, you get different cave spaces on the same island area, which gives your brain a reason to stay engaged.

The included snorkeling equipment helps you make better use of this time. Even if you don’t go full snorkel mode the whole hour, it’s great insurance if water clarity is good or if you want to spend a few minutes exploring at the surface.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: Shallow Sand, Family-Friendly Water Access

Then you hit Sunj Beach, and this is where the day becomes easy. Sunj is a sandy beach on the island of Lopud, and it’s described as shallow enough that you walk around 100 meters before you can really swim. That gentle start is a big deal if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who prefers water access that doesn’t drop off instantly.

It’s almost a kilometer long on the south side of Lopud, so you’ll have room to spread out rather than feeling boxed in. If you want beach fun beyond just lying down, there’s also room for active play—volleyball, tennis, picigin, and other games are specifically mentioned.

One thing I like about putting beach time after the caves: it lets you reset. You’ve already done the “get in the water” work. On Sunj, you can shift to soaking, stretching, and basically enjoying the sun without performance pressure.

Lopud for Lunch and a Slow Coast Break

After Sunj Beach, the schedule includes Lopud, with about 3 hours allocated for this part of the day.

This is your built-in buffer for lunch at restaurants along the coast. It’s also where you can adjust your day based on how you feel: if you want a slower pace, you can take it. If you want a little extra beach time, you can likely find it within the island window.

Lopud works especially well for people who want an island vibe without a complicated schedule. It’s basically the “land moment” in an otherwise sea-and-swim day.

Practical note: bring your energy strategy. After caves, I recommend eating before you get too hungry and before you start looking for something that matches your taste and budget in a rush.

Pasjača Beach: The Nature-First Stop for a Different View

For the final swim-and-scenery phase, the day includes Pasjača Beach for about 2 hours.

Pasjača is positioned as a great option if you don’t want to focus only on the Elafiti Islands—or if you’ve already seen them. In other words, it’s the day’s “change of scenery” card. You end with more natural shoreline time instead of just repeating cave or village viewpoints.

If your group likes beaches that feel less staged and more about the water and the setting, this is the stop that often feels most relaxing.

Onboard Comfort: Snorkeling Gear, Drinks, and a Quiet Pace

A good speedboat day isn’t just about where you go. It’s also about how the ride feels, and this experience includes a set of onboard comforts:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages plus soda/pop
• A skipper

Those details matter for two reasons. First, you avoid the hassle of finding gear or buying basic drinks during the day. Second, drinks onboard can help make the day feel like a celebration rather than a checklist.

One thing worth highlighting is the boat experience itself. A quieter ride makes a big difference for people who get motion-sensitive or who just want to talk, listen to their own music, and take in the coast without noise fatigue. If that’s you, this kind of private setup is a clear advantage over crowded day boats.

What to Bring So You Can Actually Enjoy the Water

Even though snorkeling gear is provided, you’ll still want to come prepared. Not included items listed for the tour are:

• bathing suit
• towel
• sunglasses
• suncream
• hat
• change of clothes
• camera

That list is basically your day survival kit. Here’s how I’d use it:

• Wear your swimwear under clothes so you’re ready for quick sea entries.
• Pack a small towel and change of clothes for the after-swim reset.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable on a long coastal day—hat + sunscreen saves you later.
• Bring sunglasses, especially if you plan to enjoy cave and beach lighting.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip Blue Cave)

This tour is built for people who enjoy water time and short, active experiences. It’s private, group-sized, and focused on a mix of caves and beaches rather than museum-style sightseeing.

You’ll love it if:

• you want a private Dubrovnik speedboat day
• you like swimming and snorkeling
• your group includes people who enjoy beaches (Sunj and Pasjača especially)
• you want included drinks and gear so you can relax more

You might want to think twice if:

• you’re not comfortable with sea entry and swimming in open water
• you don’t like scenarios where you can’t stand (the Blue Cave is specifically described that way)
• you’re planning a day regardless of weather—this experience requires good weather

Should You Book This Mercan Excursion Private Tour?

If your ideal Dubrovnik day includes water views, caves, and then real beach time, this is a strong choice. The value is strongest when you’re a group (up to 12) because the private boat cost spreads out, and because major stops are set up with free admission and included snorkeling gear.

Just go in with your eyes open about the swimming realities—especially the Blue Cave entry. If your group is comfortable in the water, you’ll get a day that feels personal, scenic, and fun without turning into a stressful travel marathon.

If you want, tell me your group size and whether anyone is a confident swimmer. I can help you decide if this day’s cave timing is a good match—or if you’d be happier steering toward a beach-forward plan.

FAQ

How long is the Mercan Excursion 34 private tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

What is the price for the tour?

The price is $360.44 per group, up to 12 people.

Is the tour private or shared?

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.

What’s included in the tour?

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and a skipper.

What is not included?

A fuel surcharge is paid in cash on the boat. Personal items like a bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, suncream, hat, change of clothes, and a camera are also not included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is admission for the stops included?

The stops in the itinerary are listed with free admission.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I do if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.