Blue Cave is the kind of stop that feels made for photos. This 6-hour Elaphiti islands cruise is built around three great moments: snorkeling in the Blue Cave, sandy beach time on Lopud, and a smooth boat ride with unlimited onboard drinks. One thing to plan for up front, though: the Blue Cave is reached by swimming only, so you’ll want a swimsuit and to feel comfortable in the water.

I also like how the day stays relaxed thanks to a small group (up to 25). You get real free time on Koločep and Lopud, not just quick look-and-go stops. The tour runs like a proper half-day, but you should expect that it is still a schedule, with limited time at each island.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Cave access by swimming, with snorkeling masks and life jackets included
• Small group (up to 25), which keeps the boat experience calm and personal
• Koločep and Lopud free time: 45 minutes on Koločep, 2 hours on Lopud
• Unlimited drinks onboard including wine, soda, water, and rakija
• Optional lunch (fish, chicken, or vegetarian), paid in cash on the boat

Setting out from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port, on a real working ferry dock

This cruise starts in the Dubrovnik area, with two options. You can be picked up from your hotel, or you can meet at the dock near the New port Gruž. If you do the hotel pickup, it’s extra and paid on the spot, so budget cash for that.

The dock area is right by the TP LINE ferry. Boarding happens next to the TP LINE ferry, and your boat is named LORENA or KATE. Knowing the boat name helps on a busy port day. I like that the meeting setup is simple and practical: you get to the dock, you board, and you’re off.

The small group size matters here. On a boat, fewer people means less crowding at the swim stops, fewer distractions when it’s time to snorkel, and a smoother vibe when the guide gives information. It also helps with that overall feeling that you’re doing this for the islands, not for a checklist.

Unlimited drinks onboard: more than a nice perk

A big part of the comfort level on this tour comes from the drinks. You get unlimited drinks onboard, including wine, soda, water, and rakija. That matters because you’re out on the water for about six hours, and you’ll likely work up some thirst between beach time and the swimming portion.

You’re also offered welcome refreshments during the ride. The schedule includes a welcome period and repeated scenic cruising segments with photo stops along the way. Practically speaking, the drinks make those in-between moments more enjoyable, especially if the day feels a bit breezy or you’re coming straight from walking Dubrovnik’s old streets earlier.

One small note: you should still pack for the water day. Unlimited drinks are great, but they do not replace sunscreen, water-friendly footwear, or a swimsuit you can wear without stress.

Koločep island: pine shade, a calm first swim, and easy walking

Your first island stop is Koločep (Koločep). This is a good start because it shifts the energy from city bustle to island pace quickly. You’ll get time to explore, with a mix of sightseeing and a walk, plus time in the water.

In plain terms, this stop works because it gives you choice. You can wander on land, look for viewpoints, or head straight to the water if you’re itching to swim. You’ll have 45 minutes free time, which sounds short, but on an island like this it’s enough time to feel like you got there, not like you merely passed through.

What to bring for this stop is straightforward:

• Beachwear ready to go
• Comfortable shoes for any walking you choose
• A plan for your phone, since you’ll be moving from boat to water

If you want the day to feel balanced, Koločep is where you can slow down without losing the momentum of the bigger highlight later.

Blue Cave by swimming: the most memorable moment, and the one to prep for

The Blue Cave stop is the headline, and it comes with a specific requirement: the cave is accessible only by swimming. That means you will not just hop into a glassy inlet, snorkel from a ladder, and call it done. You’ll get in, swim, and explore as you can.

The tour provides snorkeling masks and life jackets, so you’re not dealing with gear hassle. You’ll have 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at the Blue Cave area. That is a reasonable window for most people. It also helps to keep expectations real. This is water time, not a long scuba-style outing.

How to make this easier:

• Wear a swimsuit you’re comfortable getting into and out of quickly
• Bring a towel and something to change into after, if you have it
• If you are not a confident swimmer, don’t fake it. This is the wrong stop to hope you’ll be fine on the spot

Also, keep your timing skills sharp. When you’re on a schedule, you don’t want to waste the first minutes fighting wet gear or figuring out how to settle your mask. If you arrive ready, you’ll get more out of the water.

Lopud island and Šunj Beach: where the sand time actually matters

If Koločep is the mellow warm-up, Lopud is the payoff. You get 2 hours of free time on Lopud, which is the longest stretch of the whole day. That longer block is what makes this stop feel like a real island break instead of a rushed stop for photos.

Lopud is known for its sandy beaches, and one of the most famous is Šunj Beach. With two hours, you can do more than dip a toe. You can sunbathe, swim, and settle into the island mood. You can also wander through the village area and do some light sightseeing without feeling constantly behind.

This is also where you can shop a bit and browse at a human pace, since the schedule gives you time for it. If you want souvenirs that don’t feel like the last-minute tourist scramble, this is the part of the day that helps you breathe.

A practical tip: since you’ll likely be switching between swim time and beach time, think about layers. The Adriatic can feel warm in sun and cooler in wind. Packing a light cover-up or something similar can make the sand portion more comfortable.

How the ride feels: photo stops, scenic cruising, and guide moments

The day includes multiple boat segments that are partly sightseeing, partly about views. You’ll have photo stops and scenic cruising stretches throughout the cruise. In other words, even when you’re not in the water, you still get the islands’ scenery and the coastline perspective that you simply can’t get from shore.

The guide is part of the experience too. The tone, at least in the way the day is run, mixes information with practical cues, like when it’s time to get ready for swimming. One review highlight I appreciated was the mention of a guide introduced by name, Super Mario, plus the idea that guide audio can be hard to hear while cruising. In practice, that means you’ll probably want to sit where you can listen when the guide speaks, especially during the information moments.

If you like learning a bit without it turning into a lecture, this style tends to work well. You get enough context to enjoy what you’re looking at, but the islands still stay in control of the day.

Optional lunch: when it’s worth it, and how it’s paid

Lunch is optional. If you choose it, you can pick from fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option. The price is not included, and it’s paid in cash on the boat, listed at 20€.

So is lunch worth adding? Here’s how I think about it. If you plan to spend your best time on Šunj Beach, you may not want to leave the beach area to hunt for food. Having a meal option already built into the day can save time and stress. On the other hand, if you prefer keeping your day flexible, you might skip lunch and enjoy snacks you already planned for.

Also, you’ll be contacted the day before departure to confirm your lunch choice. If you’re the type who likes to plan calmly, that’s a good thing. It avoids last-minute decisions while you’re still getting ready for the water day.

Payment note: lunch is cash on the boat, but one review said they could pay by card. Since the tour information specifically lists lunch as cash, don’t rely on card being possible. Bring cash to be safe.

Practical value: $57 for a full islands day with drinks and gear

At $57 per person for a 6-hour cruise, the value really comes from what you don’t have to manage yourself. You’re paying for:

• A boat day with real island time
• Snorkeling masks and life jackets
• Unlimited drinks onboard
• A small group size that keeps the whole thing from feeling chaotic

A DIY version of this day can be tricky. You’d need the right boat, the right timing, and a way to cover the key swim stop and beach time. Even if you find transportation, buying gear and figuring out logistics can chew up time.

So for many people, this is a straightforward way to get the highlights of the Elaphiti islands without turning your vacation into a spreadsheet.

Who should book this Blue Cave and Elaphiti cruise

This works especially well if you want a classic Dubrovnik-area island day:

• Couples who want an easy water-focused escape
• Friends who like good views, a relaxed schedule, and onboard drinks
• Families who can handle boat time and a swim stop (though this is not listed as wheelchair-friendly)

It also suits anyone who wants a guide-led day but still cares about meaningful free time. You’re not just driving by places. You’re in the water, on the beach, and walking around briefly.

On the other hand, it’s not a great fit if you do not want to swim. The Blue Cave is the main attraction, and it’s reached by swimming. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you’ll probably enjoy other boat options more.

Simple day planning tips for Dubrovnik

This is a 6-hour experience, so it fits nicely when you want to balance Dubrovnik sightseeing with water time. I’d plan it as your one big excursion that day, not something squeezed between half-day museums.

Here’s what to plan around:

• Bring beachwear and a swimsuit you can wear under other clothes if needed
• Bring cash for the optional lunch (20€) and pickup/dropoff (5€ on the spot)
• Expect a dock meeting, not a hotel lobby handoff
• Use the two-hour Lopud stop as your main sun and beach window

One more practical point: you’ll be contacted the day before to confirm pickup and your lunch choice. If you’re staying outside the core pickup area, it’s worth double-checking what your pickup plan will be.

The big decision: should you book, or choose a different day?

If you want the Blue Cave experience plus Lopud beach time, this tour is an efficient, well-paced option. The small group size, included snorkeling masks, and unlimited drinks help the day feel like a true island outing rather than a rushed sightseeing loop. The longer Lopud stop is the part that gives you breathing room.

I’d book it if:

• You’re comfortable swimming for the Blue Cave stop
• You want a guided boat day without DIY headaches
• You like having onboard drinks while you cruise

I’d skip it or look for an alternative if:

• Swimming the cave is a no-go for you
• You dislike cash-based add-ons (lunch and pickup/dropoff are paid that way)
• You want a more flexible day with no set swim windows

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave and Elaphiti cruise?

It’s a 6-hour tour. Starting times depend on availability.

How big is the group?

The tour runs as a small group, with a maximum of up to 25 people.

Where do I meet the tour in Dubrovnik?

If you do not use hotel pickup, you meet at the big dock at the New port Gruž. Boarding is next to the TP LINE ferry, and the boat name is LORENA or KATE.

Is pickup from hotels included?

Pickup and drop-off from the Dubrovnik hotel area is offered, but it’s not included in the price. It costs 5€ paid in cash on the spot.

What’s included for snorkeling and safety?

Snorkeling masks are included, along with life jackets.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is optional. If you choose it, you pay 20€ in cash on the boat, with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options.

Do I need cash for this tour?

You should bring cash for optional lunch (20€) and, if you choose it, pickup/drop-off (5€). You’ll also be asked to confirm your lunch choice the day before departure.

Is this tour wheelchair friendly?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.