Dubrovnik’s caves feel like a movie set. This Blue Cave and Green Cave speedboat outing mixes real water time with a roomy, small-group pace, and you get snorkeling gear plus beer or white wine on board. The only real catch is the sea can be cold, and the tour is not set up for non-swimmers.

I like how the day stays flexible. You choose morning or afternoon, you get built-in time to swim or snorkel at your own speed, then you finish with beach time at Sunj Beach where there are places to eat and drink. On top of that, guides like Toni (often mentioned by name) run it in a calm, guest-first way, which matters when you’re doing multiple water stops in a half day.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Morning or afternoon choice so you can match your cruise or your energy level
• Blue Cave first for a big early-water moment at Kolocep
• Snorkel time with equipment included, plus extras like pool noodles you can use in the water
• Sunj Beach free time for up to 1 hour 40 minutes to relax and refuel
• Drinks on the boat (beer, white wine, and water or soda depending on the package)
• Small-group setup with a maximum of 50 travelers, which keeps the vibe friendly

From Dubrovnik to Kolocep: the fast start that sets the tone

The tour begins at Lapadska obala 4 in Dubrovnik. It’s a straightforward meeting point and it’s near public transportation, so you are not stuck with a complicated plan just to get to the dock. The tour runs about 4 hours total, and you return to the same meeting spot when you are done.

The speedboat portion is a big part of why this tour works. The ride is quick, and you get to the cave area without burning hours driving or waiting. Reviews repeatedly point out that the boat feels fun and comfortable, and that the captains keep the timing tight so you actually get your water time.

If you are coming from a cruise, plan for a walk to the dock. People report it can take around 20 minutes on foot, so you will want to give yourself a little extra time if you are finding the location for the first time. One of the most common “how do I find this?” moments is simply arriving right at the start without buffer.

Blue Cave swim on Kolocep: the main photo moment, with real instructions

Stop 1 is Kolocep Island. The day typically starts at the Blue Cave, with swimming time first. You’re there about 40 minutes, which is enough to get in, enjoy the cave entrance, and not feel rushed.

This is where I think the tour earns its hype. You do not just “look at” caves. You swim in the area, follow the guide’s timing, and get that wow factor of water that looks impossibly clear when you’re close to the rock. The tour also tends to be guest-friendly about pacing. People mention guides helping them feel comfortable about when to jump in and when to take a breather, which is exactly what you want on a sea day.

One practical note: the water can be cold even when the weather is pleasant. Several swimmers mention cold October water, and you’ll feel it immediately. If cold water makes you tense, consider arriving ready to go in fast, or choose warmer months if your schedule allows.

Three caves and snorkeling: how the schedule balances action and breaks

After the Blue Cave swim, the tour continues with three more caves on Kolocep. This part is mostly about snorkeling, and the stop is about 45 minutes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask or fins.

This sequence matters. Starting with the Blue Cave means you get the big visual moment early. Then you shift into snorkeling once you have your sea legs. If you want a lower-key version of the day, you can still hang back, float, and watch without feeling like you must be an Olympic swimmer.

Extra floating support is a plus. People mention pool noodles being available, which is great if you want to relax in the water without fighting for position. Even if you snorkel confidently, noodles make it easier to enjoy the scenery without constantly adjusting your breathing.

Snorkeling cave time is also a reminder to think about comfort. Bring your swimsuit under clothes so you can change quickly. And if your phone takes a swim easily, keep it stowed away in a secure pocket or a dry bag, since you’ll be moving between boat and water a lot.

Sunj Beach: your 1 hour 40 minutes of reset time

Stop 2 is Sunj Beach. After caves, you get 1 hour 40 minutes of free time to relax. This is not a tiny “quick dip” break. It’s enough time to swim again, stretch out, and decide what you want to eat.

Sunj Beach has multiple restaurant options nearby, and you can buy food and drinks directly there. People specifically recommend things like calamari and note that the beach area has shaded lounge chairs, which can be a lifesaver if the sun is strong.

What I like about this structure is how it turns the tour into a day, not a checklist. You do the cave highlights first, then you settle into beach life where you control the pace. That balance is especially nice if your group is mixed, with some people wanting more water time and others preferring to chill.

Drinks and comfort at sea: included alcohol, plus real hydration

The tour includes alcoholic drinks and water. On board, you can expect beer and white wine, plus bottled water (and often soda as well, depending on the exact drink option that’s offered that day). For many people, this is the “small but memorable” value. It makes the boat ride feel like part of the experience, not just transport.

Just remember: alcohol can be included, but the day still involves swimming and getting back on a boat. Drink at a sensible pace. If you are the type who prefers to stay sharp, you can stick to water or soda and still enjoy the vibe.

Hydration matters because you’ll be in and out of water. Even if you feel cool in the sea, you can still feel sun exposure once you warm up. If you tend to forget sunscreen, bring it, because the tour does not include it.

Why the small-group speedboat setup feels better than big tours

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 50 travelers. In practice, that usually means you are not squeezed into a chaotic crowd at every stop. It also tends to keep the guide-captain relationship more personal.

Timing is another quiet advantage. People describe heading out early as a way to reduce crowds at the caves and reach the best swim windows before queues build. Even if you do the afternoon tour, the general feel stays relaxed because the boat count you see at the water is still lower than you’d expect from bus-style mass tourism.

The captains and guides also seem to focus on safety. You’ll hear frequent mentions of attentive, friendly handling of the boat, and people note the captain being careful when the water is choppy or windy. That matters here because you are doing water entry and cave swimming, where stable boat handling makes everything easier.

Practical tips: packing for cold water and a towel-free day

A few items can make the difference between a smooth swim and a fussy one. The tour does not include towels or sunscreen, so bring both.

If you are tempted to over-pack, don’t. The important thing is that you can dry off and reapply sun protection quickly after your water stops. Think about:

• A towel you don’t mind getting salty
• Sunscreen (reef-safe if you prefer, but the main point is you need it)
• A quick-dry cover for the beach break
• Snorkeling confidence level, especially since you are not recommended to join if you cannot swim

The cold-water reality is worth treating seriously. If you are a nervous swimmer, this tour may stress you out rather than delight you. If you can swim and you can handle a chilly first minute, the payoff is the chance to swim right into the cave areas and see the rock from inside the water.

Who should book this Blue and Green cave speedboat tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• A real swim schedule (not just scenic views)
• Short water blocks that are active but not exhausting
• A half-day format that pairs caves with beach time
• Included gear so you do not have to bring snorkeling equipment

It is also a good choice for couples, small families (as long as swimmers are comfortable in open water), and friend groups who want a shared adventure without a huge crowd.

Who should pause? If you are a non-swimmer, this is explicitly not recommended. Also, if you know you hate cold water and you get unpleasantly panicky, you may find the day too uncomfortable. This is an active water tour, even though you can choose how much you do.

Price and value for $78.60, 4 hours, drinks, and gear

At $78.60 per person for about 4 hours, the price is not a bargain, but it is also not outrageous when you look at what you get. You’re paying for:

• A speedboat from Dubrovnik that gets you to the Elafiti Islands cave area efficiently
• Multiple cave stops, including time for swimming and snorkeling
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Drinks on board (beer and white wine, plus water and sometimes soda)

Most importantly, you are not paying for “transport plus maybe a photo.” You are paying for time in the water at several iconic spots, plus a beach payoff with a long enough break to eat without rushing.

If you are the kind of traveler who values convenience and wants a guide-run plan that handles the timing, it’s a strong value. If you prefer to fully self-guide, you might spend less by going independently, but you will likely spend more effort managing boat access and cave timing on your own.

Should you book it from Dubrovnik?

I’d book this tour if you want a guided, small-group half day that combines cave swimming with Sunj Beach downtime, and you’re comfortable getting in open water. The included snorkeling gear and boat drinks make it feel like a complete package, not just a ride.

I would think twice if you are not a confident swimmer, if cold water is a deal-breaker, or if your travel style is strictly “stay dry and take photos only.” In those cases, you might prefer a lower-activity cruise or a shore-based option.

If you’re deciding between morning and afternoon, consider your priorities. Morning often helps you reach the caves when it feels calmer, while afternoon gives you a bit more flexibility if mornings are hard for your group.

If you go, come prepared for a chilly splash, bring sunscreen and a towel, and give yourself a few extra minutes to find the dock. Then enjoy what this tour does best: real sea time, caves up close, and a beach finish that lets you actually relax.

FAQ

How long is the Blue & Green Cave, Sunj Beach small group tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $78.60 per person.

What is included in the price?

Included items are beer and white wine, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment.

Is morning or afternoon available?

Yes. You can choose either a morning or an afternoon tour.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Lapadska obala 4, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What should I bring since towels and sunscreen are not included?

Bring a towel and suncream (sunscreen). The tour also notes it is not recommended for non-swimmers, so only join if you can swim comfortably.

What if the weather is bad?

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