There’s something magical about caves and sun on open water. This Dubrovnik Blue Cave speedboat tour mixes short cave swims, sea-level views, and an easy beach finish at Šunj. I especially like the snorkelling stops that feel like you’re seeing the rocks from the inside, and I also like how the boat crew keeps the trip lively and moving, with captains like Mario in the mix. One thing to keep in mind: this is built for people who can swim, and the route involves shallow water and getting in the sea.

You’ll spend your time where the water looks best, not trapped in a bus. The tour runs around 4 hours and includes snorkelling gear plus cold drinks, so you can focus on water time and photos instead of logistics. The main drawback is the tradeoff for that quick pace: the speedboat is open and there’s no onboard toilet, so you’ll want to plan your timing and dress for wind and spray.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• You’ll swim to enter the caves, so bring a calm, capable swimming mindset
• Open speedboat, sea spray, and strong sun means sunscreen and sunglasses aren’t optional
• Šunj Beach is your “reset” stop with a longer break and the only toilet access
• Snorkelling gear and drinks are included, which adds real value at $82
• Meeting point can be confusing: look for Antonio or a red shirt from Adriatic Boat Tours

Speedboat Days: How This Tour Feels in Real Life

This is a classic “see the best water spots, fast” kind of Dubrovnik day. You’re not looking at a long museum crawl or a single viewpoint. You’re on the water, then you’re in it. The rhythm is simple: boat ride, cave or snorkel time, another boat ride, then a beach stop where you can finally slow down.

What makes it work for most people is the balance between active and relaxed. You get time in the caves and at the sandy shore, but you’re not stuck doing heavy hiking. You’re also not paying extra for basics that often become add-ons on boat tours. Snorkelling gear is provided, and the boat comes with drinks like water, beer, wine, and coca cola.

Where it may not fit is anyone who’s nervous in open water or prone to seasickness. The speedboat is an open type, so you’ll feel wind and spray. If that’s going to stress you out, the “fun day” can turn into a rough one.

Starting Point: Finding Your Boat Without Stress

The meeting point is Knjižnica za društvene znanosti. Your best move is to arrive a little early and do a quick scan for the right operator. The staff are described as being easy to spot if you look for Antonio or a red shirt connected with Adriatic Boat Tours.

This detail matters more than it seems. One small delay at the start can mess with the whole day because the tour is timed tightly around short stops in the water. If multiple boats are loading nearby, you’ll want to confirm you’ve got the exact one before you step on board.

The Boat Ride: Windy, Quick, and Mostly Smooth

Once you’re onboard, expect open-air conditions. You’re on a speedboat, so you’ll get sea breeze instantly. That can be great in warm weather, but it also means your eyes and skin need protection. Sunglasses help you keep your focus while you’re looking for cave entrances and island features, and sunscreen is a must because you’ll be out in strong sun between swim moments.

There’s no toilet on the speedboat. The restroom access is at the beach stop, so use facilities before you depart and plan to handle bathroom breaks on the way back or during your beach time. I treat this as a non-negotiable comfort factor on boat days, not a small detail.

Onboard, you’ll have a waterproof bag (included), and you’ll be able to keep your essentials dry enough for the ride. Still, I’d bring your phone and camera protected. The combination of wind, spray, and speed isn’t the place for delicate gear unless you’re ready for moisture and sand.

Stop 1 at the Caves: Blue Cave on Kolocep (and What Makes It Special)

One highlight is the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island. Your time here is around 30 minutes for swimming and exploring, and you’ll want to treat it like a short window, not a long hangout.

What makes the Blue Cave moment memorable is the way it feels at water level. You’re not just looking at a cave from the side of the sea. You’re swimming in, snorkelling close enough to see rock texture, and getting that “wow, this is right next to me” feeling that only comes from being in the water.

Practical reality check: you need to be ready to swim. Even if you’re comfortable in general, the cave entry and the shallow-walk parts mean you should wear swimwear that stays put and shoes or flip-flops that work when the ground is wet. Towels aren’t included, so bring one you’re okay with getting sandy.

If you’re hoping to do serious underwater photography, remember time is limited. Take quick shots, then focus on enjoying the water and finding the best spots to snorkel without rushing.

Stop 2 at the Caves: Three Green Caves on Koločep (Photos, Snorkel, Repeat)

Next comes the Three Green Caves on Koločep. This stop includes photo time plus about 45 minutes of free time for swimming and snorkelling.

This one is great if you like visual variation. When you’re snorkelling in multiple cave areas, the colors can shift with light and angle. You’ll likely get a different feel than the Blue Cave—less “one dramatic moment,” more “multiple pockets of scenery.” It’s also a strong option if you want a second shot at cave exploration in case you need a warmer or calmer pace than your first swim.

There’s also a little built-in structure here: photo opportunity before or during the swim time. That helps if you’re travelling with people who want pictures, and it gives you a beat to reset before you get back in.

Mid-Trip Reset: Speedboat Between Islands

Between cave stops and the beach, you’ll be on the speedboat for shorter stretches. Expect turns, wind on your face, and sea spray. Dress for that. A light layer can help if you get cold from wind, but don’t overpack. You’re not carrying a big bag anyway—no luggage or large bags are allowed.

These in-between rides are also when the “cave day” becomes “island day.” You’ll be passing coastline and islands around Dubrovnik, and it’s the in-motion scenery that makes boat tours feel different from walking tours. Even if you’re focused on your next swim, the drive matters.

The Main Chill Stop: Šunj Beach (Sand, Swimming, Beach Bar)

If caves are the main act, Šunj Beach is where the story relaxes. You’ll have about 1 hour (up to about 60–90 minutes depending on conditions) here, with time for swimming and snorkelling plus a proper beach break.

This is the stop you’ll appreciate most if you want a balanced day. The caves can be intense: short time windows, water entry, and constant movement. At the beach, you can take your time. You can walk over shallow water to reach the sand, dry off in the sun, and use the beach facilities (including the only toilet access on the tour).

The beach bar makes this more than just sand and swims. You can grab a cocktail or food while you soak up the late-day feel. Drinks on the boat help, but having the option to buy or enjoy something at the beach turns it into an actual leisure moment instead of a swim-and-go transfer.

A small but important note: you’ll want flip-flops for the beach approach and for comfort after water time. If you skip footwear entirely, shallow rock and sand can make the walk feel less fun.

What’s Included (and What You Should Budget or Bring)

This tour includes:

• Snorkelling gear
• Drinks (water, beer, wine, and coca cola)
• Fuel
• Waterproof bag

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Tip for crew
• Food
• Towels

Even though food isn’t included, the day is still good value because you’re getting the practical items that make boat snorkel tours easier. At $82 per person for about 4 hours, your money goes toward transport by speedboat, guide time in English and Croatian, cave access time, snorkel gear, and drinks. That combination matters. If you had to rent snorkel gear elsewhere and pay separately for beverages, the effective cost can creep upward fast.

What you bring is mainly about comfort:

• Swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Camera and credit card (if you plan to buy something at the beach bar)
• Flip-flops and a towel
• Cash (for small purchases, if needed)

Group Tour Reality: The Pace and the People

This is a group tour, not private. That usually means you’ll share time slots and swim breaks with others, and the crew keeps everything moving on a schedule.

For many people, that’s part of the appeal: it’s social and efficient. You’ll meet the group at the meeting point, then the day runs like a well-timed loop around water highlights.

Just keep your expectations realistic. You’re not controlling when everyone gets in and out of the sea. If you’re the type who needs long, uninterrupted time to snorkel, you might feel a little rushed. But if you like variety—Blue Cave, then Three Green Caves, then Šunj Beach—this pacing is exactly the point.

Safety and Comfort: Who This Tour Fits Best

The tour asks for basic swimming ability because you must swim to get into the caves. You also walk through shallow water to reach the sandy beach. If you can handle that comfortably, you’ll likely enjoy the day more than someone who’s relying on perfect conditions.

It also isn’t suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness
• Babies under 1 year
• People over 70 years

Even if you’re in the “not on the list” category, I’d still think about comfort with open boats. The speedboat is open type, so wind and sea spray are part of the experience, not a side effect.

The Best Plan for Your Day: What I’d Do Before You Arrive

To get the most from this tour, I’d treat it like a day focused on water time, not wandering. Here’s how to prep without overthinking:

• Wear swimwear under your clothes so you’re ready when it’s time to get in the water
• Bring sunscreen that won’t wash off instantly
• Keep valuables in the included waterproof bag
• Pack a towel and flip-flops for after swimming
• Use the restroom before you depart since there’s no toilet on the boat

If you’re sensitive to sun, remember the sun is strong. Between speedboat rides and cave stops, you’ll be exposed. Sunglasses help, but don’t rely on them alone.

Price and Value: Is $82 Worth It?

At $82 per person for a 4-hour speedboat experience, the value hinges on what’s included and how much time you’re actually spending in the water.

You get:

• Transport by speedboat
• Snorkelling gear
• Drinks onboard
• Waterproof bag
• Short, focused time at two cave areas plus a sandy beach finish

For a short trip that covers multiple water highlights (Blue Cave, Three Green Caves, and Šunj Beach), this price can feel fair. The big “value enhancer” is that drinks and snorkel gear are included. The biggest “value reducer” is the limited time at each stop. If you want hours of snorkelling or a slower pace, another kind of tour might fit better.

But if you want a compact, high-energy day with real sea time, this is priced in the sweet spot.

Should You Book the Dubrovnik Blue Cave Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a fast, water-centered day and you can swim confidently. I think it’s a strong pick for couples and friends who want variety: caves for snorkelling and exploring, then a beach for sand between your toes and a cold drink.

Consider skipping or picking a different style of tour if:

• You’re prone to seasickness or you hate open boats
• You’re not comfortable swimming or walking through shallow water
• You need easy accessibility or extra medical comfort
• You want a slow, unhurried snorkel day with lots of downtime

If you’re ready for sun, speed, and a little splash, this tour gives you a lot of Dubrovnik coastline energy in just a half-day.

FAQ

How long is the Dubrovnik Blue Cave tour by speedboat?

The tour duration is about 4 hours.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You meet at Knjižnica za društvene znanosti. Look for Antonio or a red shirt connected to Adriatic Boat Tours.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkelling gear, drinks (water, beer, wine, and coca cola), fuel, and a waterproof bag are included.

Do I need to swim to see the caves?

Yes. You need to swim to get into the caves, and you also walk through shallow water to reach the sandy beach.

Is there a toilet on the speedboat?

No. There is no toilet on the speedboat, and the only one mentioned is at the beach.

What stops are included during the tour?

You’ll visit the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island and the Three Green Caves on Koločep, plus you’ll spend time at Šunj Beach.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, flip-flops, and cash/credit card. A camera is useful for cave and beach moments.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in Croatian and English.