Blue Cave mornings feel like a secret. This private speedboat tour turns Dubrovnik into an easy, low-hassle Blue Cave day on the Elaphiti Islands, with swimming stops and included drinks, all for a small group of up to 10.

What I like most is how much you get in a 4-hour window without feeling rushed. You get snorkel gear and life jackets ready, plus free beer, white wine, water, and juice during the ride and stops.

One thing to plan for: the advertised price is for the group, but you also settle fuel surcharge and harbor fees on the boat in euros, depending on how many passengers are in your group.

Key highlights

• Private means your group only, up to 10 people
• 8:30 AM departures (June 1 to September 15) help reduce cave crowding
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets included for children and adults
• Drinks included: beer, white wine, water, juice, alcohol only for adults 18+
• Top water stops: Blue Cave and Green Caves near Kolocep, plus Šunj Beach on Lopud
• Extra fees on the day for fuel and harbor costs, based on your group size

A 4-hour private speedboat day to Blue Cave and Šunj Beach

This is built for a quick escape from Dubrovnik, not a half-day of sitting around. The tour runs about 4 hours, and it’s a private setup, so you’re not sharing the boat with random strangers.

The itinerary is all about water time: caves, swimming, and one longer break on a sandy beach. You’ll have free drinks along the way, and snorkeling gear is included, which matters because it removes one more pre-trip hassle.

It’s also smart for people who like flexibility. The schedule gives you specific stops, but the experience is described as customizable, which usually means you’re not boxed into a rigid “stand here for 20 minutes” style.

One more practical note: it’s offered in English, and you get a mobile ticket for entry. Based on how far in advance this tour tends to sell, I’d try to lock in your date early if your travel window is tight.

Price and boat extras: what $362.81 per group really covers

The price is $362.81 per group, for up to 10 people. That’s the part you pay up front, and it’s why this can be a good deal when you travel as a group or with a small family.

To sanity-check value, do the math for your likely headcount:

• If you fill all 10 spots, the up-front cost works out to roughly $36 per person, before any add-ons.
• If you’re fewer than 10, the per-person price rises because the base fee stays the same.

Then there’s the “don’t forget this” part. You’ll pay fuel surcharge and harbor fees on the boat, in euros:

• 1 to 2 passengers: 100E
• 3 to 7 passengers: 120E
• 8 to 10 passengers: 150E

So the most economical scenario is usually a fuller boat. The nice part is that those fees are predictable and tied to passenger count.

Also, lunch is not included, and there’s no private transportation provided. If you want food beyond the included drinks, plan to eat at nearby spots on Lopud, or bring a small snack for the ride.

Meeting at Lapadska obala 4: the exact place to start

You meet at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. The instruction is to be at the last wooden pier in the small marina, and to arrive 10 minutes before the start time.

This matters more than it sounds. Speedboat tours run on a tight rhythm, and the departure is the whole event. If you show up late, your group can miss the easy start and end up stressed before the fun even begins.

A couple helpful things from the details:

• The meeting point is listed as near public transportation, so you can likely base yourself in Dubrovnik and walk over without needing a dedicated transfer.
• Service animals are allowed.
• Life jackets are provided for both children and adults, which means you don’t need to hunt down gear before you arrive.

If you’re bringing kids or just want to feel calm, show up early, use the bathroom if you need it, and get everyone settled. Then you’re ready for caves, water, and sun.

Kolocep caves first: Blue Cave, Green Caves, and a smarter 8:30 AM start

The tour is designed around the cave experience near Kolocep. The Blue Cave is the headline, with its striking blue color created by light refraction of sunlight and sand on the bottom. In practical terms, this means the color effect can be at its best under strong daytime light, which is exactly why the tour uses an 8:30 AM start during the summer window (June 1 to September 15).

There’s also an explicit goal to avoid big crowds at the caves by going early. If you’ve ever seen a line of boats and people all trying to film the same moment, you know why that matters. Earlier arrival usually means calmer viewing and more comfortable swimming time.

After the Blue Cave, you move to the Green Caves. The experience emphasizes crystalline water, plus chances to swim and snorkel. You’ll also have time built in for jumping off the rocks, so if you like quick, fun spurts in the water, this stop has that energy.

Time on the cave circuit is described as about 30 to 35 minutes at each cave area. That’s long enough to enjoy the water, but short enough that you’re not stuck in one spot while the sun shifts.

If you want the best photo results, bring a phone-ready setup and plan for quick moments at the surface. The cave look changes with light, and the best shots are usually the ones you capture while you’re actually there enjoying it, not the ones you get rushing to your next position.

Lopud’s Šunj Beach: sandy swimming, shallow water, and bar time

After the caves, the tour shifts from dramatic rock walls to easy beach time at Šunj Beach on Lopud. This is one of the big reasons to book: you get roughly 1.5 hours on a sandy stretch where you can fully reset.

Šunj Beach is described as the biggest sandy beach in Dubrovnik, and the setting is part of the charm. Lopud is known for olive and orange trees, and the tour framing includes the island’s natural feel and that laid-back shore vibe.

What you’ll care about most as a swimmer is the water: it’s described as extremely clear, with a lagoon that stays shallow and warm, stretching from green to blue. That combo is great for snorkeling without feeling like you’re fighting currents, and it’s also ideal for families or anyone who just wants a comfortable swim.

You’ll also get time to use nearby amenities. The tour description points to beach bars and a small forest restaurant on the hill. Even if you don’t buy a full meal, it helps to know there are places to cool off with a drink or grab something simple.

One logistics detail I like: you get drop-off for shore swimming. That reduces the “back on the boat right now” pressure and lets you actually relax with your feet in the sand instead of watching a schedule for every minute.

Included drinks and snorkel gear: why it keeps the day easy

The inclusions are simple and useful, not vague promises. You get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets for children and adults
• Bottled water
• A driver/guide
• Alcoholic beverages included

The free drinks list is clear: beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcohol is only for adults 18 and above, so there’s no guessing or awkward rules on the boat.

This set of inclusions matters because it turns the tour into a true “show up and go” experience. Many boat tours include “drinks,” but the quality and timing vary. Here, the drink menu is specified, and the tour structure keeps you close to the action long enough to enjoy it.

Also, since snorkel gear and life jackets are included, you’re not spending vacation time chasing rentals. That’s especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids, or if you’ve already had a full day walking around Old Town.

What’s not included is lunch, so if you’re the type who eats early or gets hungry on the water, plan ahead. The included drinks help, but they’re not a meal.

Your skipper can shape the whole vibe

A lot of what makes a private boat day feel special comes down to the skipper’s energy. In past experiences on this route, skippers like Pavo, and guides named Ante, Antun, and Antonio have been highlighted for making the trip feel smooth from dock to swim spots.

If you like a personal touch, I recommend asking the skipper during boarding what they think are the best angles for swimming and where the clear-water spots are today. When the guide picks smart jump points and good viewing spots, it saves you time and makes the cave stops feel less chaotic.

Music can also be part of the fun. One reason some groups love this tour is that the boat day can feel like a friendly hangout on the water, not just a checklist of sights. If that’s your style, bring a small music plan and mention it early, before you head out.

And since jumping off rocks is part of the activity mix, ask where the safest, easiest entry points are. Your comfort level matters, especially if anyone in your group is new to open-water swimming.

Who this Dubrovnik Blue Cave tour is best for

This one is a strong match when you want the caves and beach without the stress of larger group tours. The early start, the private cap of 10 people, and the included snorkeling gear all point to a calmer, more flexible day.

It also fits well for:

• Friends and small groups who want to split the group price and enjoy drinks together
• Families, since life jackets are provided for children and adults
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want a cave highlight plus a long beach reset

If you’re the type who hates water time, you might find this tour less satisfying. The caves and beach are the whole point, and the experience is built around swimming, snorkeling, and getting in and out of the water.

Also remember that the Blue Cave effect depends on light. If you’re traveling in cooler months or on a day with poor visibility, you might still enjoy the caves, but the signature blue color may not hit the same way.

Should you book this Blue Cave private speedboat tour?

I’d book this if you want a private water day that hits the big cave photo stop and then gives you a real beach break on Lopud. The value is strongest when your group fills closer to the 10-person limit, since the base price is per group and the on-boat fuel and harbor fees scale by passenger count.

Book it with eyes open if you’re trying to stay strict on total cost. The up-front price is only part of the story, and you’ll need to plan for the on-the-boat euros plus the fact that lunch isn’t included. Also, it depends on good weather, so keep a flexible mindset for your day.

My final take: this tour is best for people who want less crowd drama and more water time, with drinks and snorkeling gear already handled.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave private speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What is the group size limit for this tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people per booking.

Is this tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

When does the morning tour start in summer?

The morning tour runs from June 1 to September 15 and starts at 8:30 AM.

Where do we meet the tour?

Meet at Petar Sorkocevic Summerhouse, Lapadska obala 4, Dubrovnik, at the last wooden pier in the small marina. Arrive 10 minutes early.

What snorkeling and safety gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and life jackets are provided for children and adults.

What drinks are included, and who can drink alcohol?

Included drinks are beer, white wine, water, and juice. Alcohol is only available to adults ages 18 and above.

Are there additional fees on the boat?

Yes. Fuel surcharge and harbor fees are paid on the boat. The amount depends on the number of passengers: 100E for 1 to 2 passengers, 120E for 3 to 7 passengers, and 150E for 8 to 10 passengers.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.