Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat

  • 5.010 reviews
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • From $445.52
Book on Viator →

Operated by Cavtat Boat · Bookable on Viator

Caves by speedboat beats waiting around. This Dubrovnik Cave tour is a fast, fun way to reach secluded islands and cave swim spots that you simply can’t reach on foot. I love the snorkeling time with provided gear in clear water, and I also love the easy pace of a private group (up to 8), with Luka described as informative and flexible. One consideration: the price is per group, and you’ll also need to pay extra cash onboard for a skipper fee and a fuel surcharge, plus some cave stops aren’t included.

You’ll spend about four hours bouncing between stops—Lokrum, the Dubrovnik-area Betina Cave, Koločep’s Blue and Green caves, and then Lopud’s long sandy Šunj beach. Pickup is included in Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno, so you don’t waste your day figuring out local transport or ferry timing.

If you want a slow walk-and-look day, this might feel too boat-heavy. If you want water time, cave entrances by boat, and a laid-back group vibe, it’s a great match—especially for couples, small families, and friends who don’t want to share their day with strangers.

Key things to know before you go

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Key things to know before you go

  • A private speedboat for up to 8 means you control the feel of the day.
  • Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you’re not buying gear or borrowing it last minute.
  • Multiple cave zones: Lokrum cave by boat, Betina Cave by sea, plus the Blue and linked Green caves on Koločep.
  • Swim breaks are built in, including jump-off time and cave entry opportunities.
  • Refreshments and a restroom onboard keep the trip comfortable for a few hours on the water.
  • Some admissions aren’t included, while others are free—so plan for mixed costs.

Why a private Dubrovnik speedboat cave tour feels like good value

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Why a private Dubrovnik speedboat cave tour feels like good value
For Dubrovnik, the real value here is access. You’re not just sightseeing from the shore—you’re hopping between islands and caves that are much more enjoyable when you can arrive by boat, pause when you want, and swim where the water is clearest.

The tour runs about 4 hours and stays compact: a full afternoon without burning the entire day. That matters because Dubrovnik can be busy on land, but this route shifts your focus to quieter water moments.

The group size is also a big deal. With a private tour limited to up to 8 people, you’re more likely to get the pacing you want—longer at the cave you love, shorter at the one you don’t.

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

Pickup around Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno (and why it helps)

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Pickup around Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno (and why it helps)
This tour includes pickup in Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno, which takes one of the biggest headaches out of a water day. You can also breathe easier knowing you’ll have a mobile ticket and an operator that runs this as a private activity for your group only.

In real-world terms, pickup means you’re less rushed and less likely to miss your departure. If you’re basing yourself in Dubrovnik itself, you’ll want to check how the pickup connects, but the stated pickup coverage makes this easier for people staying along that coastline.

Lokrum Island caves and swim time in a quieter zone

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Lokrum Island caves and swim time in a quieter zone
Stop 1 is Lokrum Island, a place right in front of Dubrovnik that feels different from the mainland. You’ll have about 30 minutes here, with time to swim and even jump from the boat. Lokrum is also where you’ll enter the Lokrum cave by boat.

This is a great starter stop because it’s a chance to get into the water mood quickly. If you’re hoping for those open-water views before you commit to cave time, this works well.

Two practical notes: admission for Lokrum is not included, and your time is short, so bring anything you’ll need within reach (towel, water-resistant bag, and swim essentials).

Betina Cave near Dubrovnik: a pebble beach you reach by sea

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Betina Cave near Dubrovnik: a pebble beach you reach by sea
Next comes Betina Cave, located close to Dubrovnik old town near the Scheherazade Villa. You get about 30 minutes here, and the big appeal is the setting: it includes a pebble beach that’s quieter because it can be reached only by sea.

This stop tends to feel more like a breather than a full-on action stop. After the first boat movement and water time, Betina is a chance to enjoy calm moments, float a bit, and take in the “off the map” feeling you get when people can’t easily arrive.

It’s also listed as free, which is a nice bonus when other cave/entry areas are not included. Expect it to be a bit more “local-feel” quiet than the old-town area where you’ll likely spend time later in your trip.

Koločep Island’s Blue Cave and the connected Green Caves

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Koločep Island’s Blue Cave and the connected Green Caves
Koločep is where the tour turns into a true cave-and-snorkel highlight. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here, with snorkeling gear provided and multiple cave sections to experience.

First up is the Blue cave. You can snorkel in the clear water and also enter the cave. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also a spot for cliff jumping. That’s one of those “only if you want it” activities, but it’s nice knowing it’s on the table.

After the Blue cave, you move to the three Green caves, which are special because they’re connected. The idea is that you can go from one cave to another and exit on another part of the island, which can feel like a mini water circuit rather than a single stop.

Also, the sea here is described as turquoise, which makes a visible difference for snorkeling. If you care about underwater color and getting a sense of how clear the water really is, this is the portion of the day to prioritize.

Practical advice: because you may be entering caves and moving through connected areas, keep your snorkeling setup simple. Use the provided gear, focus on stable footing around the boat, and give yourself time to adjust before you start moving between cave sections.

Lopud and Šunj Beach: 1 kilometer of sand and shallow water

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Lopud and Šunj Beach: 1 kilometer of sand and shallow water
After cave time, you’ll head to Lopud and get free time at Šunj Beach. This is listed as the most famous beach in southern Croatia, with about 40 minutes to relax.

Šunj is described as one kilometer long with white sand and shallow water. That combination matters: it’s easier to wade, easier to hang out, and easier to treat this as your recovery stop before the day ends.

You’ll also find cocktail bars there, so it’s a natural place to grab a drink while your group decompresses after the caves. This last leg is a good “close the loop” ending—action first, then beach time.

Snorkeling gear, refreshments, and onboard comfort

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Snorkeling gear, refreshments, and onboard comfort
What I really like about this tour is that it’s not just “go swim, good luck.” You get snorkeling equipment provided, plus soda/pop and bottled water on board. That small setup makes a real difference because a water day is easier when you don’t scramble for basic needs.

There’s also a restroom on board, which is one of those unglamorous details that improves the experience more than you’d think. For a four-hour outing with multiple stops, it helps you stay relaxed instead of thinking about timing.

And since the tour includes private transportation, you’re not juggling multiple segments of public transit or ferries during the middle of your afternoon. That’s a big reason private boat days feel less stressful than DIY water plans.

Price and extra onboard fees: how to judge the real cost

Dubrovnik Cave tour by Speedboat - Price and extra onboard fees: how to judge the real cost
The listed price is $445.52 per group (up to 8). That pricing can look high at first glance, but in practice it’s often competitive for Dubrovnik if you’re thinking about what you’d pay for boat access plus snorkeling support plus pickup.

What’s included:

  • Soda/pop
  • Bottled water
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Restroom on board
  • Private transportation

What’s not included:

  • Skipper fee: $80 paid in cash on the boat
  • Fuel surcharge: $80 paid in cash on the boat
  • Some admissions: Lokrum and Koločep are marked as not included, while Betina and Šunj are free.

So how do you think about value? If you’re splitting the group cost across multiple people, it becomes easier to justify. The private format plus the cave access is the main draw, and the added onboard cash tends to be a predictable extra for the boat operation.

My practical tip: bring cash for those onboard fees, because the payment method is explicitly stated as cash on the boat. Also, if you’re budgeting tightly, note that not every cave stop is included in admission—plan for a mix.

Weather and water-day planning that keeps things smooth

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so you’re not stuck. Still, you’ll want to mentally treat this like a water-first plan, not a day you can schedule with zero flexibility.

Because there’s swimming, boat jumping, and cave entry, I’d recommend dressing like you mean to get wet. Bring a small dry bag for your phone and wallet, wear swim-ready gear, and consider footwear that handles boat boarding and rocky areas.

Finally, since this is in English, you can plan for straightforward communication about what’s next and where to meet the boat. That helps a lot during cave stops where timing matters.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Cave tour by speedboat?

Book it if you want an afternoon that feels like water access rather than just a scenic drive. This is a strong choice if you care about snorkeling with provided gear, want multiple cave experiences in a single outing, and like the idea of a private group where you can linger or move on.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if you hate boats, want a long beach day only, or prefer to minimize any extra costs beyond the headline price. Also, if you’re the type who needs super easy logistics and zero cash payments, remember there’s a skipper and fuel fee paid in cash onboard.

If you’re traveling in a small group and your schedule can flex with the weather, this tour is one of the cleaner ways to experience the Dubrovnik coast’s islands and cave scenery without turning your day into a transit puzzle.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Cave tour by speedboat?

It’s approximately 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $445.52 per group, up to 8 people.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are soda/pop, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, a restroom on board, and private transportation.

Are there extra payments needed?

Yes. A skipper fee of $80 and a fuel surcharge of $80 are paid in cash on the boat.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included in Cavtat, Mlini, and Srebreno areas.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Which stops are free or not included for admissions?

Lokrum Island and the Koločep cave stops are marked as not included. Betina Cave and Šunj are marked as free.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Dubrovnik we have reviewed

Explore Croatia