Review · BLUE CAVE & GROTTO TOURS
Blue & Green Cave,Sunj beach Small Group Tour with Speedboat
The best part of this Dubrovnik boat trip is the chance to swim inside sea caves rather than simply view them from a boat. You head to Kolocep Island by speedboat, stop at the Blue Cave and Three Caves, then finish with a long break at sandy Sunj Beach.
I like the flexible morning or afternoon departure, and I like that snorkeling gear, bottled water, beer, and white wine are included. Guides including Toni, Mate, Nick, and Mataya are praised for being friendly and careful on the water. The main drawback is simple: the sea can be cold, and this trip is not suitable for non-swimmers.
Key points at a glance

- Blue Cave swimming: You get about 40 minutes to swim near and inside the Blue Cave at Kolocep.
- Three Caves snorkeling: A second stop gives you roughly 45 minutes in clear water with snorkeling gear provided.
- Sunj Beach break: You have about 1 hour and 40 minutes to swim, eat, or relax at one of the beach restaurants.
- Morning departures matter: An early start can mean fewer boats at the caves and a quieter swim.
- Speedboat setting: The ride adds a brisk, open-water thrill while keeping the group together for a half-day outing.
- Good value at $78.60: The price includes the boat, guide, drinks, and snorkeling equipment, though food, towels, and sunscreen cost extra.
What this four-hour trip is really like

This is a compact sea day, not a formal sightseeing cruise. You spend most of your time in the water or on the beach, with the speedboat acting as your link between three appealing stops.
The experience begins at Lapadska obala 4, on Dubrovnik’s Lapad waterfront. The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end. If you arrive from a cruise ship, the walk from the port has been described as about 20 minutes, which makes this a practical shore excursion if you leave enough time for the return.
The advertised maximum is 50 people, so you should not assume an intimate six-person boat every time. Some departures have been much smaller, and the boat has been described as clean, comfortable, and spacious. Still, group size can vary, so check the booking details if a truly small group is important to you.
You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. I would favor the morning if your main goal is cave swimming. Early departures have reached the Blue Cave before the crowds, while later boats can find several vessels waiting at the same spot. That timing difference can change the feel of the whole visit.
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The speedboat ride to Kolocep Island
The ride out is part of the fun. A speedboat gets you away from Dubrovnik’s waterfront quickly and gives you a breezy view of the Adriatic along the way.
The ride is not just transport. Guides such as Toni, Nick, Luka, Mate, Mataya, and Metaj have been praised for keeping the trip relaxed and social, explaining the area, and paying attention to safety when the water turns choppy. The exact guide depends on the departure, but the crew-led style is consistent: you are on a small boat with a captain who manages the route and the swimming stops.
Bring a light layer if you are prone to feeling cold. The boat ride can feel pleasant in the sun, but wet swimwear and wind make the return ride cooler than you might expect.
Swimming at Kolocep’s Blue Cave

The first stop is the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island, with around 40 minutes for swimming. This is the tour’s main visual prize. Sunlight enters the cave and gives the water a blue glow, while the low rock ceiling makes the swim feel more special than a standard beach stop.
You do not simply remain seated on the boat and take a photograph. The plan is to get into the water, swim toward the cave, and enjoy the setting from sea level. That makes the stop active, but not strenuous for a confident swimmer.
The water may be cold, even in good weather. Several people found the temperature bracing, including those who visited in October. Pool noodles have been available on some trips, which can help you float while you look around, but you should still be comfortable in open water.
The captain may go with you into the cave or help direct the group. That matters because a cave swim is more enjoyable when you know where to go and how long you have. You should follow the guide’s instructions and avoid treating the stop as a free-for-all.
If you dislike cold water, you can still appreciate the scenery from the boat, but the tour is built around swimming. The operator specifically says it is not recommended for non-swimmers.
Snorkeling at the Three Caves

The next stop is a group of caves also located near Kolocep. The itinerary allows about 45 minutes here, and the focus shifts from the Blue Cave’s colored light to snorkeling and exploring clear water around the rocks.
Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. The water clarity makes this a useful chance to look below the surface, though visibility and sea life can change with weather and water conditions.
This stop gives you a little more freedom than the first cave visit. You can swim, snorkel, or simply float near the boat. The supplied equipment keeps the outing easy, especially if you are traveling light from a hotel or cruise ship.
The cave names can sound slightly confusing because the stops are described both as Three Caves and as a green cave area. Think of this as a cave-and-snorkeling stop rather than a single landmark with one fixed route. Your captain will position the boat and explain the exact spot on the day.
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Sunj Beach and its long lunch break

After the caves, you get about 1 hour and 40 minutes at Sunj Beach on Lopud Island. This is the part that keeps the trip from feeling like a nonstop series of swims.
Sunj is sandy, which makes it a welcome change from the rocky shore common around the Dubrovnik area. You can swim, sit on the beach, or find a place to eat and drink. Three restaurants serve the beach area, giving you a practical choice for lunch or a cold drink.
Food is not included. You should budget separately if you want a meal, and restaurant prices may be higher than a simple inland café. Some beach seating may require you to buy food or a drink, so ask before settling into a shaded lounge chair.
The long stop is useful for families and mixed groups. A strong swimmer can go back into the water, while someone who has had enough cave swimming can sit in the shade. It also gives you time to dry off before the speedboat ride back.
Do not expect a remote beach with no services. Sunj has restaurants and other people using the shore, especially later in the day. Its appeal is the combination of sand, swimming, food, and breathing room after the cave stops.
What is included, and what is not

At $78.60 per person, the price is reasonable for a four-hour outing that combines boat transport, a captain, several swimming stops, and beach time.
You receive:
- Speedboat transport from Lapadska obala 4 and back
- A guide or captain
- Snorkeling equipment
- Bottled water
- Beer and white wine
- Free time at Sunj Beach
The tour description also lists soda among the included drink choices. Alcohol is optional, of course, and you should use good judgment before swimming or taking the speedboat back.
You need to bring your own towel and sunscreen. Food at Sunj Beach is also extra. I would pack a dry change of clothes, a hat, sun protection, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. The operator does not list towels or sunscreen as provided, so do not count on finding either on board.
The value is strongest if you plan to swim and snorkel. If you only want a scenic boat ride, the price may feel less attractive because the tour’s central feature is time in the water.
Guides, safety, and the small-group question

The strongest part of the service is the captain-led atmosphere. Toni is repeatedly singled out for being friendly, helpful, and fun, while Mate, Mataya, Nick, Luka, and Metaj are also described as attentive and professional. The exact captain can change, but the best guides add local information, help with cave access, and keep an eye on conditions.
Safety matters here because the sea can change quickly. One departure faced wind and choppy water, and the captain adjusted the trip carefully. That is the right approach for a speedboat excursion. You should listen when the crew sets swimming boundaries or changes the order of stops.
The published maximum is 50 people. That is larger than many people expect from the phrase small group tour. At the same time, several departures have had only a handful of people, and one boat was described as a comfortable fit for six. If you want the best chance of a quieter outing, choose an early time and confirm the expected group size before booking.
The best time to go

Morning and afternoon departures give you useful flexibility. The afternoon option works well if you need a slower start or are arriving from a cruise ship and do not want to rush off the vessel.
For the caves, though, I would choose the earliest available departure. The Blue Cave can become crowded as more boats arrive, and an early trip may give you a much cleaner view and more room in the water.
Sea temperature is another factor. The caves can be swimmable in October, but the water may still feel cold. Summer is likely to be more comfortable for a long swim, while the shoulder season can offer a quieter outing if you do not mind cooler water. The exact weather controls the experience, so keep your schedule flexible.
The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.
Who should book this tour
I would recommend it to confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants an active half-day on the Adriatic without committing to a full-day island cruise.
It is especially good for you if you like variety. In four hours, you get a fast boat ride, a glowing cave, snorkeling, a second cave area, and sandy beach time. You are not stuck doing one activity for the entire day.
It also suits cruise passengers, provided you allow time to walk to the dock and return to the ship. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the walk from the port has been manageable for people who are comfortable on foot.
I would not choose it if you cannot swim, dislike cold water, or want a quiet boat ride with little activity. It is also not the best match if you need a fully private experience, since the group can be larger than the name small group suggests.
Should you book the Blue and Green Cave tour?
Book it if you want active cave swimming plus a proper beach break at a fair half-day price. The caves are the main reason to go, and an early departure gives you the best chance of seeing them before the boats gather.
Skip it if you are hoping for a purely scenic cruise, do not swim, or would rather avoid sharing the boat with a variable-size group. Pack sunscreen and a towel, expect cold water, and keep money available for lunch at Sunj.
For most confident swimmers, this is a strong Dubrovnik choice. It packs a lot into four hours without sacrificing time to relax, and the captain’s personal attention can make the difference between simply visiting a cave and enjoying the whole outing.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately four hours.
Where does the tour start?
It starts at Lapadska obala 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Where does the tour end?
The activity ends back at the original meeting point.
What is included in the price?
The price includes boat transport, a guide or captain, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, beer, and white wine. Soda is also listed among the available included drinks.
Is food included?
No. Food at Sunj Beach is not included, and you can purchase meals or drinks at the beach restaurants.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No. The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers because swimming and snorkeling are central parts of the tour.
Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?
Yes. Morning and afternoon tour options are available.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you can be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.
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