Eight hours of sea caves in one day

This private Mercan excursion is a no-stress way to see Dubrovnik from the water and then swap the city streets for a run of swim stops—Blue Cave, green caves on Kolocep, and beach time on Lopud. You also get a coast-hugging panoramic cruise that pairs great views with actual water time, not just photos from shore.

I especially like the feel of a private boat for up to 12, with a skipper onboard and a setup that keeps the day moving while still letting you linger. I also like the mix of stops: caves for the wow factor, then a proper place to relax—Sunj Beach on Lopud is shallow and sandy, which makes the whole day feel easier on your legs and your schedule.

One consideration: the experience depends on good weather, and there can be a cash fuel surcharge on the boat (the amount depends on tour length/time). If you’re traveling with a strict plan for one perfect day, build in flexibility.

Key highlights

• Private speedboat up to 12: your group sets the pace, and the day feels calmer than big-group excursions
• Blue Cave swim without standing: entrance is small and about 4 meters down, so plan for a sea-level entry and short swim time
• Three cave stops on Kolocep: two green caves plus a canyon-style cave gives you variety in one island block
• Sunj Beach on Lopud: long sandy shore and a very shallow swim area that’s easier for kids (and adults who just want to float)
• Snorkeling equipment + drinks included: the basics are handled, so you can focus on swimming and staying comfortable
• Pasjača Beach option: you may go there instead of (or after) more Elafiti time, for a natural beach day

Why a Mercan Private Speedboat Day Feels Different in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is famous for being photogenic, but it can also be packed—especially if you try to squeeze everything into one sightseeing day on foot. This kind of private speedboat day gives you something you can’t fake from land: movement. You’re constantly changing angles—coastline, islands, and cave entrances—without having to bounce from one parking spot to the next.

The “up to 12 people” group size matters more than you might think. On a boat, more people means more waiting, more managing, and less quiet time. Here, the setup is designed for groups to stay together, and you spend the day with the same crew and the same group rather than hopping between random time slots.

There’s also a practical comfort factor. You’ll have a skipper onboard, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages plus soda/pop included. That doesn’t mean you should turn it into a party boat, but it does mean you’re not worrying about buying refreshments every time you stop. One review specifically praised how quiet the boat felt and how the group could enjoy their own playlist while still hearing the sea.

City Walls Views From the Coast: Getting the Big Dubrovnik Moment Early

The day starts with Dubrovnik City Walls from the water, plus a private sightseeing panoramic cruise around the coast. That early positioning is smart: you get the famous city look while you’re still fresh, and you’re not stuck planning around the busiest pedestrian areas.

What I like about the way this is structured is that you’re not forced to choose between “views” and “swim time.” The coastal cruise is short enough to keep momentum, then you move on. After the walls portion, you’ll have an expected 20-minute drive toward the Blue Cave area.

A quick tip for your camera plan: water lighting changes fast. If you want crisp photos of the walls and coastline, grab a few shots right away during the cruise, then shift your focus to the water stops where the action is.

Blue Cave Swim: Small Entrance, Short and Real Water Time

The Blue Cave is the star stop for a reason. The only way to visit is by entering the cave from the sea, and that sets expectations clearly. The cave entrance is small, and you can’t stand inside it. The cave is about 4 meters deep, and the practical part is simple: you swim in, move through what you can, and swim back out.

The stop is about 35 minutes, and that time window is perfect for most people who want the wow factor without turning it into an all-day struggle. You’re not being asked to spend hours in cold water or to do anything technical. It’s also good that snorkeling equipment is included, since it’s an easy add-on to make the swim feel more comfortable and efficient.

Still, be honest with yourself about comfort level in the water. If you’re not confident swimming in open sea conditions or you prefer to stand rather than float, this stop might feel more challenging than the beach sections later on.

What helps: bring your swimsuit and plan for a full water session. The tour doesn’t include towels or a change of clothes, so if you want to feel human afterward, pack that in advance.

Kolocep Island and the Three Green Caves Experience

After Blue Cave, the tour shifts to Three Green Caves on Kolocep island. This is one of the parts that makes the day feel like more than a single landmark tour. Instead of only one signature site, you get two green caves plus a canyon-style cave, all within a single island block.

The cave timing is about 1 hour. That’s enough time to actually see the differences between them—the glow factor in green caves and the feeling of movement in a canyon-style space—without dragging out your day.

One thing I appreciate here is the balance between “instruction time” and “experience time.” You don’t need to be an expert diver or a cave explorer. The boat-and-cave approach keeps it simple: you’re there, you swim or explore within the time you have, then you move on.

If you’re prone to overthinking water time, do this: treat the caves as short chapters. Each cave is a separate mini-adventure, so you don’t need to get it perfect. You just need to show up ready to swim and then enjoy what you can.

Lopud’s Sunj Beach: The Best Part to Recover and Unwind

By the time you reach Sunj Beach, you’ve done caves and water movement all morning. That’s why this stop hits so well. Sunj Beach is on the small island of Lopud, between Kolocep and Sipan, and it’s known for shallow, sandy swimming.

The beach section is about 1 hour, and it’s especially family-friendly because you’ll be walking roughly 100 meters before you can swim properly. For some people, that’s not just convenient—it’s calming. You can wade, relax, play it safe, and still feel like you’re in the water without the stress of deep sea entry.

Recreation is part of the picture too. There’s room for beach sports like volleyball, tennis, and picigin, plus other activities. If you’re traveling with mixed ages or different energy levels, this is a great “everyone gets what they want” stop.

After beach time, you’ll also have time at Lopud (about 3 hours total after the Lopud beach block includes return travel later). The island is known for restaurants along the coast, which is ideal for lunch after all the swimming. Since food isn’t listed as included, you’ll likely want to plan to pay for meals on your own at the restaurants there.

Pasjača Beach: A Nature-Focused Option When You Want Something Different

Not everyone wants the same island loop twice. That’s where Pasjača Beach can come in. This is described as an amazing natural beach, and the plan is that you may go there if you don’t want to go to the Elafiti Islands—or if you’ve already seen them.

The stop is up to 2 hours. In practice, this gives you a second chance for a longer beach break in case the caves have already given you enough excitement. Pasjača is also a nice choice for people who want a “nature day” vibe after cave and swim stops.

The key is timing. Because this portion is described as conditional, I recommend you keep your day flexible in your head. You’ll still get the core cave-and-beach structure, but the exact final flavor could shift depending on what’s best that day.

What’s Included, What Costs Extra, and What to Pack

Here’s what you’re covered for:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soda/pop
• Skipper

And here’s what you should expect to pay for:

• Fuel surcharge paid in cash on the boat
• 30€ for sunset tour
• 80€ for half day
• 150€ for full day

Because this is a private speedboat experience, that cash add-on is something you should plan for early. If you’re splitting costs in your group, agree on it before you board.

What to bring (not included):

• Bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, suncream, hat
• Change of clothes
• Camera

Practical packing note: caves and beaches mean you’ll get wet. If you bring a phone, plan a simple way to protect it. You don’t need fancy gear, just something that keeps your essentials from becoming wet souvenirs.

Price and Value: How to Think About $360.44 Per Group

The price is $360.44 per group, up to 12 people, for an 8-hour day (approx.). That’s the big value driver: you’re paying for the whole private boat, not per person in a way that punishes families or friend groups.

To think about it simply:

• If you fill the boat close to capacity, the cost per person drops a lot.
• If you go as a small group, it’s still often worth it if you care about the water time, the private pacing, and not spending half the day transporting and waiting.

The fuel surcharge is the main extra cost you should budget for. Since the amount changes by tour timing (sunset/half day/full day), ask yourself: are you booking a time that makes sense for your route and your mood? If you can align the day to the schedule you want, the total cost becomes easier to swallow.

Also worth noting: with snorkeling equipment and drinks included, you’re not paying separately for the basics that usually add up on the water.

What the Reviews Suggest About the Experience Style

The strongest praise centers on a calm, well-run atmosphere. One review highlighted that the skipper Antonio was helpful and responsive from booking to pickup details, and that he arrived on time. Another big theme: the boat was described as very quiet, letting the group swim and enjoy the experience without the noise you sometimes get on larger excursions.

There was also a nice detail that tells you how the timing can feel in real life: the group had time to swim and enjoy the water until sunset, using their own playlist. That kind of pacing is exactly what you want from a private boat day—it’s not rushed just to hit stops.

All of that aligns with what the itinerary promises: short, intentional cave windows, then longer relaxation at the beach.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want Dubrovnik views without spending the day walking the walls
• Like the idea of a swim-first day (caves and sea time are the main events)
• Travel with family or friends and want to split into a small group on one boat
• Prefer a private format where your crew and your schedule stay consistent

It may not be ideal if you:

• Strongly prefer shore-based sightseeing only
• Don’t feel comfortable with cave swims that involve entering the water and moving through spaces where you can’t stand
• Need guaranteed deep-sea conditions to feel safe, since the Blue Cave entry is from the sea and the cave is not walk-through friendly

Should You Book the Mercan Excursion 34 From Dubrovnik or Cavtat?

If your top priority is a water day that mixes Dubrovnik coastline, famous cave scenery, and real beach time with minimal hassle, I’d lean yes. This is built around doing the fun parts efficiently: cruise views, cave swims, then beach recovery on Lopud.

The decision comes down to your comfort in the water and your tolerance for weather dependency. If you can travel when the forecast looks good and you pack the water essentials (towel, suit, sunscreen, change of clothes), you’ll get a memorable day that feels like Croatia from the sea, not just on a postcard.

FAQ

How much does the private tour cost?

It costs $360.44 per group (up to 12 people).

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Included are snorkeling equipment, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and a skipper.

Is there an extra fee during the tour?

Yes. A fuel surcharge is paid in cash on the boat: 30€ (sunset tour), 80€ (half day), or 150€ (full day).

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, suncream, hat, change of clothes, and a camera if you want photos.

What happens 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.