Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat

  • 4.746 reviews
  • 4 hours
  • From $82
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Operated by Adriatic Boat Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Want caves and sun in four hours? This Dubrovnik Blue Cave speedboat tour pairs real time in the water with stops on nearby islands, plus a sandy break at Šunj Beach. You’ll see the best-known cave (the Blue Cave) and also swim around the Three Green Caves, where the light and rock color play tricks on your camera.

I especially like that it’s a tight 4-hour loop that doesn’t waste your day. I also like the included snorkeling setup and the drinks on board, so you’re not scrambling mid-trip. The big consideration: this is an open speedboat, and you’ll need to swim and wade through shallow water to get into the caves and to reach the beach.

The good news is that the day is paced with actual breaks—cave time, then beach time—so it feels like an adventure, not a grind. If you’re prone to seasickness or you’d rather not get wet, this one may feel more stressful than fun.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat - Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

  • Snorkel in famous caves: Blue Cave plus Three Green Caves, with gear provided
  • A sandy beach finish: Šunj Beach gives your body a breather and your camera a new backdrop
  • Drinks included on the boat: water, beer, wine, and coca cola help keep the vibes easy
  • Short, efficient half-day timing: about 4 hours total, with meaningful time at each stop
  • Open-air speedboat experience: wind and spray are part of the deal, dress for it

The Big Picture: What This Dubrovnik Blue Cave Speedboat Trip Feels Like

Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat - The Big Picture: What This Dubrovnik Blue Cave Speedboat Trip Feels Like
This tour is built for one thing: getting you from Dubrovnik’s island coastline into clear water quickly, then letting you recover with sun and sand. You’ll start with a speedboat ride, spend focused chunks of time swimming and snorkeling, and end with a beach stop where you can hang out and snack.

You should think of it as a “best hits” sea day. The Blue Cave is the star, but the Three Green Caves are the warm-up that sets the mood. Then Šunj Beach is your reset button—sand between your toes, a beach bar nearby, and enough time to cool down after the water time.

The included snorkeling gear and waterproof bag matter more than you might think. They reduce friction, so you spend your energy looking for fish and cave textures instead of figuring out logistics. And because drinks are provided, you’re not hunting for refreshments while you’re still coming down from the excitement.

One more reality check: there’s no toilet on the speedboat. The only restroom is at the beach, so plan to use it before you set off.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dubrovnik.

Meeting Point at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti: Find the Right Boat Fast

Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat - Meeting Point at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti: Find the Right Boat Fast
You’ll meet at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti. This is one of those places where multiple tours can be running, so don’t assume your boat is obvious from a distance.

Look for staff—specifically Antonio—or a red shirt, and watch for Adriatic Boat Tours branding. One tip that saves stress: arrive a little early and actively look for the crew. At least in this setup, being proactive helps you avoid that moment of asking which boat is yours.

Once you’re with the group, the pace stays pretty smooth. You’ll head out by boat, then move into your first water stop. The tour returns you to the same meeting point at the end.

The Open Speedboat Ride: Wind, Spray, and Cold Drinks

Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat - The Open Speedboat Ride: Wind, Spray, and Cold Drinks
This boat is open type, which means you’ll feel the breeze and get sea spray. That’s fun if you like the “we’re really at sea” feeling. It’s not fun if you’re dressed for dry land.

Good news: the boat comes with cold drinks. You’ll have water plus options like beer, wine, and coca cola. That’s a big value add because beverages can add up fast on island days.

Dress with the conditions in mind. Sunglasses help because glare bounces off the water. Sunscreen matters because the sun can hit you from angles you don’t expect when you’re moving. If you’re sensitive to sun or wind, consider clothing that you can get wet without ruining your day.

Also, remember you’re on a group tour. That means there’s less flexibility if someone’s late or if the group needs extra time at a stop.

Stop 1: Three Green Caves on Koločep (Snorkel + Photos)

Three Green Caves are part of what makes this tour feel more than just a single postcard stop. You’ll spend about 45 minutes at the caves area, with time for photo stops, swimming, and snorkeling.

The Three Green Caves are named for the way the cave light shifts. Even if you’ve seen photos before, there’s something about seeing the color and rock tones in motion while you’re floating that feels more vivid. It’s also a great warm-up if you’re slightly nervous about the Blue Cave—this is where you get comfortable in the water and find your rhythm with the snorkel.

Practical tip: this is not a sit-and-stare experience. You’ll need to get into the water and be a decent swimmer. Some sections can involve walking through shallow water, which is fine if you’re steady, but you should be prepared to get your feet wet early.

Because you have around three quarters of an hour, you can do a slow pass and still have time to re-check your camera settings. Snorkel gear is included, and you also get a waterproof bag for keeping your essentials safer.

Šunj Beach: Sandy Time, Beach Bar, and the Only Restroom

After the caves, you’ll get time at Šunj Beach for about 60 to 90 minutes. This stop is the “reset” part of the tour: sandy ground under you, a chance to dry off a bit, and more relaxed water time compared to cave swimming.

This is also where you can grab a cocktail or food at the beach bar. That’s one of the easiest ways to turn the beach from just a break into a mini celebration. Even if you don’t want to drink, this is still the best moment to eat something and let your body recover.

Another key detail: the restroom is only at the beach. So treat Šunj as your bathroom checkpoint. If you go on an empty stomach, plan for at least a snack purchase here since food isn’t included in the tour price.

There’s also a practical walking element. The tour notes that you’ll need to walk through shallow water to reach the sand. Flip-flops help for that transition, especially if you want to move quickly without slipping.

Strong sun is real at Šunj. Bring what you’ve already packed—sunscreen and sunglasses are the most useful combination here.

Then comes the main event: the Blue Cave on Koločep Island. You’ll typically spend about 30 minutes swimming and exploring the cave area.

Why it gets the headline is simple: the Blue Cave is the one most people come for, and the conditions are usually best for that classic light effect when you time it right. In practical terms, it’s also your highest-focus water moment because you’ll want time to swim in, look around, and get a few photos without rushing.

This stop comes with a clear expectation: you must swim to enter the caves. If you’re not comfortable doing that in moving water with gear on, you might feel stressed here rather than excited.

One smart approach is to treat your first entry as a “get oriented” attempt. Find where you can breathe easily, note your entry exit points, and then do a second pass for the fun photos. With only about 30 minutes, a little self-control helps you get the most out of it.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Need to Budget or Bring)

Dubrovnik: Blue Cave Tour by Speedboat - What’s Included (and What You’ll Need to Budget or Bring)
Here’s the value picture that matters for decision-making.

Included

  • Snorkelling gear
  • Drinks: water, beer, wine, and coca cola
  • Fuel
  • Waterproof bag

Not included

  • Food
  • Towels
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off
  • Tips for crew

That included drink list is part of why the price can feel reasonable for what you get. You’re paying for boat time plus gear plus on-board refreshments. But you still need to plan for food during the beach stop and remember to bring (or rent) towels on your own.

Also, the tour does not include hotel pickup. If you’re staying outside easy walking or transit reach, factor in how you’ll reach the meeting point at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti.

Price and Value: Is $82 Worth It?

At around $82 per person for a 4-hour sea day, the value depends on how you like to travel.

If you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, snorkel gear, and a couple of drinks, this package is easy to justify. The included waterproof bag also reduces stress—another quiet “value” factor because it helps you keep your phone or camera safer in wet conditions.

Where the price doesn’t cover everything is just as important. You still need to cover food, and you’ll need your own towel. Also, the tour price assumes you’re okay with group timing and a speedboat ride that gets windy and wet.

In my view, it’s best value for people who:

  • want a short, efficient itinerary
  • are comfortable swimming
  • don’t mind open-air speedboat conditions
  • like the combo of caves + beach

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This one is ideal for active travelers who don’t mind water time and want a classic island day around Dubrovnik.

You should strongly consider it if you:

  • can swim confidently and use snorkel gear
  • want both cave exploration and a sandy beach break
  • like boats, breezes, and a bit of sun exposure
  • don’t need a private guide or private pacing

It’s not a great match if you:

  • are prone to seasickness (speedboat is open and lively)
  • have back problems that make swimming and boarding harder
  • need wheelchair access (wheelchair users aren’t listed as suitable)
  • are pregnant
  • are a baby under 1 year
  • are over 70 (this is specifically flagged)

If you’re on the fence because of fitness, be honest with yourself about the “swim to enter the caves” part. That requirement is the deal-breaker for many people.

Packing Checklist That Actually Works for This Day

Bring the basics, then bring what keeps you comfortable in water and sun.

Practical items from the tour guidance:

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Flip-flops
  • Credit card and cash
  • A change item if you have room (you’ll get wet)

You can skip worrying about snorkel gear because it’s provided, and you can keep your valuables safer thanks to the waterproof bag. Still, keep phones in the bag until you’re ready to use them.

What not to bring:

  • Pets
  • Smoking
  • Luggage or large bags

Should You Book This Dubrovnik Blue Cave Tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy half-day with real snorkeling time, and you’re comfortable swimming to cave entrances. I’d also book it if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a mix of action and recovery: caves first, then a beach with a drink and some food options.

Skip it if you get seasick easily, can’t swim well, or want a more controlled, fully seated experience. Also skip it if you’re dependent on nearby facilities, because the speedboat doesn’t have a toilet and the beach is your main restroom point.

If your goal is to see Dubrovnik’s island water highlights without spending the whole day on planning and logistics, this tour hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Blue Cave speedboat tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti. Look for Antonio or a red shirt or Adriatic Boat Tours staff.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkelling gear, drinks (water, beer, wine, and coca cola), fuel, and a waterproof bag are included.

Do I need to swim to enter the caves?

Yes. You need to swim to get into the caves, and you also have to walk through shallow water to get to the sandy beach.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on the speedboat, and the only toilet is at the beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

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