Blue Cave time is the main event. On this 6-hour boat day, I love the Blue Cave swim/snorkel setup and the fact you get unlimited drinks onboard while you cruise between the Elaphiti Islands with a small group. The crew I met along the way (including Marco and Peter) keeps things friendly and keeps the day moving at a relaxed pace.

The main thing to consider is sea conditions. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Blue Cave swim can get swapped for another option, and you may not get the exact cave moment you planned.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small group (up to 25) makes the day feel calmer than big-boat hopping.
• Blue Cave access is swim-only, so bring swim gear and get ready for water time.
• Koločep + Lopud give you both rocky coves and a proper beach break.
• Unlimited onboard drinks include wine, soda, water, and rakija.
• Optional lunch is a highlight, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian chosen in advance.
• Bring cash for lunch (15€) and pickup (5€) if you’re using it.

Sailing out of Dubrovnik: the relaxed start with wine and views

Your day begins on the water just outside Dubrovnik’s busy center. If you’re meeting at the New Port Gruž, you’ll find long promenade space with big boats docked. Boarding happens along the middle of the promenade, and your boat is named LORENA or KATE near Obala Stjepana Radića 16 across the way.

The first part of the cruise includes a welcome refreshment and scenic cruising. You’ll also get the “islands are right there” feeling fast, with photo stops and time to just look out at the Adriatic. This matters because Elaphiti days can go two ways: frantic speed through stops, or a steady rhythm where you actually enjoy the water between them. This one aims for the second option.

If you’re the type who likes a plan but hates feeling herded, the small size helps a lot. With a max of 25 people, you’re not stuck fighting for angles on deck every time the captain slows down.

Koločep Island: a 45-minute break between pines, sea, and snorkeling gear

The first true island stop is Koločep (Kolocep), a place known for its quiet mood and lush feel. You’ll get about 45 minutes here, and it’s laid out so you can do a little of everything: photo stops, a short walk, time by the water, plus a swim/snorkel slot.

This is the part of the tour that works best if you don’t overthink it. You don’t need to run down a checklist. Put on beachwear early. Comfortable shoes help for the short walking bits, but it’s not a hike. It’s more like: step off the boat, get your bearings, and choose your rhythm.

One practical detail: snorkeling masks are provided onboard. That’s a big convenience because you don’t want to waste your vacation hunting for gear in Dubrovnik before you even reach the islands.

I also like this stop because it acts like a warm-up for the Blue Cave. You can get used to the water, test your snorkeling comfort, and feel confident before the cave swim where you’re going to want to move calmly.

Blue Cave swim: what makes it special and what can throw it off

The Blue Cave is the headline for a reason. When the sea is clear and conditions are right, the colors in there are the kind of sight that makes people go quiet for a second.

Here’s the important part: access is only by swimming. That means you can’t just “see it from the boat.” You’ll swim in with the provided snorkeling gear, usually for a 45-minute window at the water.

How to make the cave swim easier

• Come ready with swimwear on. Changing on a boat is never fun.
• Keep your expectations simple: you’re going in the water, so focus on breathing and steady movement.
• If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely enjoy the cave more. If you’re not, tell the crew and take it slow.

When the plan changes

Even on perfect days, this area can get busy with boats. One thing to know going in is that the Blue Cave can feel crowded with other groups doing the same swim-in moment. That doesn’t ruin it, but it can mean more boat-to-boat jostling when you’re trying to find your way through.

And if the weather refuses to cooperate, the crew may adjust the plan. On one day, the Blue Cave swim was replaced with another nearby beach option. That’s a fair trade if your priority is still getting water time, even if it’s not exactly inside the cave.

Lopud Island: the 2-hour beach break where the day slows down

Then you get to the stop that people often look forward to most: Lopud Island. You’ll have 2 hours of free time here, which is a rare luxury on a day tour. It gives you breathing room instead of a rushed stop-and-go.

Lopud’s signature is its sandy feel, and the tour specifically sets you up with time around Šunj Beach. If you want to lie down and actually stay put, this is the moment. If you prefer a walk, you can wander the village area and soak in the slow island rhythm.

This stop is also a great reset if earlier parts of the tour felt too watery or too active. It balances the day nicely: Koločep leans into swim and exploration, Blue Cave leans into the main spectacle, and Lopud lets you come up for air.

A small note that’s practical: bring sunscreen and water habits that match your comfort level. You’ll be outdoors longer than you might think, especially if you’re focused on the sea and snorkeling earlier.

Onboard drinks and the lunch question (15€ cash)

What really makes this tour good value is the combo of boat time + included drinks. You get unlimited drinks onboard, including wine, soda, water, and rakija. That means you can pace your day. You’re not forced to choose between “pay for a drink” and “enjoy the ride.” It turns the cruise into something closer to a long lunch with scenery.

The optional lunch

Lunch is not included in the base price. It costs 15€ per person, paid in cash on the boat. You’ll be asked ahead of time to choose one of three options: fish, chicken, or vegetarian.

In the best-case scenario, the lunch is not just a checkbox. Multiple people flagged the food as a highlight, especially the fish and the way it’s handled like a proper onboard meal rather than an afterthought. If you’re eating vegetarian, you’ll likely find the vegetarian option acceptable, though some people rated it lower than the meat choices.

Should you buy lunch? If you get motion sick easily, or if you know you’ll burn energy in the water, I’d say yes. You’ll be on the water most of the day, and the included drinks help, but they don’t replace a real meal.

Crew vibe and small-group comfort on this Elaphiti boat

I like tours where the crew acts like hosts, not just drivers. In this one, the captains and guides (including Marco and Peter in several accounts, plus a skipper named Mikael in one) come across as welcoming and hands-on without turning the day into a lecture.

The timing also supports the vibe. Welcome refreshment and photo moments happen along the way, and then you get clear blocks of time for Koločep, Blue Cave swim time, and the longer Lopud break. That structure keeps you from feeling stuck doing everything at once.

One small detail that can make a difference: the boat has enough shade for stretches of the cruise. Combine that with the feeling that the navigation can be calmer (not constantly thrashing at full speed), and the whole day feels less exhausting.

Price and value: is $68 fair for this kind of day?

At $68 per person for a 6-hour experience, you’re paying for more than just transportation. You’re getting:

• a scenic boat cruise between Elaphiti islands
• snorkeling masks and life jackets
• small-group pacing (up to 25)
• and unlimited drinks onboard

Then there are the add-ons:

• Lunch (15€ cash) if you want it
• Pickup/drop-off (5€ cash) if you want convenience from hotels in the Dubrovnik area

So the value math comes down to you. If you’re the type who loves the water, will use the snorkel gear, and will actually drink something during the ride, this is a strong deal. If you’re skipping lunch and you’re budget-conscious about drinks, it can still be good value, but the base price covers fewer “extra comforts.”

Either way, you’re buying a day built around swimming and island time. If that’s your priority, the price tracks well.

Who this tour fits best

This tour fits best if you want:

• a sea day with real swim time (not just a boat ride past landmarks)
• a sandy beach break on Lopud instead of another rocky-only stop
• snorkeling gear included
• a manageable group size

It’s also a good match for couples, friends, and families who don’t mind being on a schedule but still want some free time to wander.

It’s not a fit if you need wheelchair access, since it’s described as not suitable for wheelchair users.

Tips to get the most out of your Blue Cave and Elaphiti day

• Wear or pack beachwear so you can get into the water quickly at the cave and snorkeling stops.
• Bring comfortable shoes for short walking moments on Koločep and around Lopud.
• Bring cash for lunch (15€) and pickup (5€), since payments are handled on the boat.
• Keep your expectations realistic about Blue Cave crowds. The cave is popular, and that’s part of the reality of visiting it.

If you hate feeling rushed, you’re in luck here. Between the Koločep swim window and the 2-hour Lopud break, you get actual time to breathe.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Blue Cave & Elaphiti tour?

I’d book it if you’re craving a classic Adriatic island day: islands, snorkeling, a sandy beach break, and the kind of boat atmosphere where drinks are there when you want them. The small-group size, the Blue Cave swim focus, and the generally strong reputation for lunch quality make it feel like a well-rounded package rather than a rushed highlights sprint.

Skip it (or at least set expectations low) if you’re very sensitive to schedule changes from weather. The Blue Cave swim can shift when sea conditions don’t cooperate, and you should be okay with that possibility going in.

If you want an organized way to see Koločep and Lopud and still get real water time, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for 6 hours.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. It’s 15€ per person, paid in cash on the boat, and you choose fish, chicken, or vegetarian ahead of time.

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get unlimited drinks onboard, including wine, soda, water, and rakija.

Do I need snorkeling gear?

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

Can I access the Blue Cave without swimming?

No. The Blue Cave is accessible only by swimming.

Where do I meet the group if I’m not doing hotel pickup?

You can meet at the long promenade at New Port Gruž, where big boats are docked. Boarding is in the middle of the promenade, across from Obala Stjepana Radića 16. Your boat is named LORENA or KATE.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.