Saltwater, caves, and zero crowds. This private Mercan speedboat day strings together Dubrovnik coast panoramas, a swim stop at the Blue Cave, and beach time on Lopud. I love the mix of active water time and easy relaxation, plus the calm, quiet ride feel, and the only real consideration is that the tour needs good weather to run.

I also like how practical it is: you get snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and drinks so you’re not scrambling for basics mid-day. I’d just plan your timing around time in the water and a bit of travel between islands, because this is an all-in-one sea circuit.

Key Points at a Glance

• Mercan Excursion 34 private speedboat for up to 12, so your group sets the vibe
• Blue Cave access by sea entry, with a tight cave entrance and limited depth for standing
• Kolocep’s Three Green Caves (two green caves plus a canyon-style cave)
• Sunj Beach on Lopud: sandy, shallow water, and long enough for real beach time
• Drinks + snorkeling gear included, with a skipper onboard to handle the route

Private Mercan speedboat: why this feels different from bus tours

If you’re picturing Dubrovnik as crowds, this tour goes the other direction. You’re on a private speedboat (up to 12 people), moving along the coast with sea-level views, not stoplight-to-stoplight time. The feeling is simple: you trade waiting and lining up for short drives, quick arrivals, and more minutes actually in the water.

What I like most is the balance. You get the big look at Dubrovnik’s coast from the water, then you switch gears into swim-and-cave time, and later you land on beaches where you can sit with a cold drink and let your day catch up. That’s the value sweet spot—active when it counts, restful when you want it.

One more thing: this isn’t a noisy party-boat style by default. The boat experience comes across as calm, and that matters when you’re trying to relax while still doing something exciting.

The 8-hour flow: Dubrovnik coastline, Blue Cave, and island hopping

This is an all-day circuit that’s designed to “stack” the best water moments without making you feel rushed.

• You start with Dubrovnik City Walls area panoramas from the water, then get a short drive onward toward the next swim stop.
• Next comes the Blue Cave, with a scheduled window to get in, swim around, and get out while you still have energy.
• After that, you move to Kolocep Island for Three Green Caves (two green caves and a canyon cave).
• Then the day shifts toward beaches: Sunj Beach on Lopud and additional time on Lopud for lunch and walking along the coast.
• Finally, you may go to Pasjača Beach for more natural beach time, especially if you prefer an alternate stop instead of seeing Elaphiti islands you might’ve already visited.

The practical payoff: by the time you’re tired of caves, you’re already headed toward shallow water and sandy shore. And because it’s private, you can keep your group together instead of getting split into smaller random groups by a bus schedule.

Dubrovnik City Walls viewpoints from the water: where the photos actually happen

This starts you off with the right kind of orientation. Dubrovnik’s walls are a huge part of the mental picture, and seeing them from the coast gives you scale fast. From the water, you also catch angles you just can’t get from the street—more depth, more coastline, and a clearer sense of where the islands sit.

You’ll also get some movement right away. After the panoramic cruise portion, there’s a ~20-minute drive to the next stop. That may sound short, but it helps keep the day from feeling like you’re spending hours just traveling.

A small tip for getting the most out of this segment: keep your camera ready for the first few minutes of the cruise. With speedboats, the best angles can show up early, before everyone shifts into “we’ll get photos later” mode.

Blue Cave swimming: tight entrance, short depth, and a clear plan

The Blue Cave stop is the highlight for many people, and it works because it’s straightforward. The only way to visit is by entering from the sea—jump in and swim. That means no long hiking, no waiting in a line for a ticket booth, and no guesswork about where the action is.

Here’s the practical part you should take seriously:

• The cave entrance is small.
• The cave is about 4 meters deep.
• You can’t stand once inside, so you’ll rely on swimming rather than walking around.

So if you’re comfortable in open water and like a quick, physical stop, you’ll probably enjoy this. If you’re not a confident swimmer, I’d treat it as a “watch and decide” moment for your group—ask the skipper what they recommend for your comfort level before anyone commits.

Time is also built in: the Blue Cave window is around 35 minutes, which is enough to enter, explore what you can, and still leave with energy for the next cave set.

Kolocep’s Three Green Caves: two green rooms plus a canyon feel

After the Blue Cave, you get a full hour on Kolocep Island for Three Green Caves. The structure of the stop matters: you’re not just doing one quick sight. You’re rotating through two green caves and one “canyon” cave.

What makes this valuable isn’t the label—it’s the variety of shapes you’ll experience in a short time. The green caves tend to feel like pockets of color and light, while the canyon-style area can feel more open and “cut through” by the sea. Together, they create that back-to-back wow factor that makes boat days worth it.

Because this is still a swim/cave style visit, the same general advice applies: keep your snorkeling gear ready, control your pace, and don’t wait until you feel rushed. You’ll get more out of it if you move calmly and treat each cave like a short photo-and-swim chapter.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: shallow sand time that actually works for families

Once you’ve done the cave part of the day, Sunj Beach on Lopud is where you let your body downshift.

This beach is known for being:

• Shallow and very walk-in: you may need to walk roughly 100 meters before you’re properly in the water.
• Sandy with a beach stretch close to a kilometer long.
• A good fit for families with small children, since the water doesn’t start deep immediately.

If you like beaches but hate the idea of being stuck on a tiny strip, Lopud gives you room to breathe. You also get a natural “reset” after swim stops. For a practical day plan, this is the smart switch: your legs go from cave swimming back to sandy lounging.

There are also activity options listed for this beach area, including volleyball and tennis, plus picigin and other games. So even if your group isn’t into water sport training, you can still pick something low-key to do while you dry off.

Lopud lunch and coastal strolling: where the day turns into real downtime

After Sunj Beach, you’ll have time on Lopud itself (listed as about 3 hours), and that’s when lunch becomes part of the plan instead of an afterthought.

Lopud is described as a place with restaurants along the coast, paired with the same beach-focused vibe. In other words: it’s built for eating outside, lingering, and doing something that feels like a holiday rather than a checklist.

A tip that helps: pick your lunch spot with two priorities—shade and easy walking distance back to where your boat is waiting. You don’t want your group hunting for the perfect meal while your sandy stuff is sitting in limbo.

If your group wants to keep it simple, this is the segment to do that. You’re not losing time to travel between stops; you’re using the sea day to slow down on land.

Pasjača Beach option: when you want extra nature instead of more islands

Depending on the route and your preference, you may also go to Pasjača Beach for about 2 hours.

This stop is positioned as a great alternative if:

• you don’t want to go to the other Elaphiti island stops, or
• you’ve already seen those islands earlier in your trip.

So it’s a smart choice for repeat Dubrovnik visitors or for anyone who likes the idea of a natural beach moment more than another round of caves.

One thing to keep in mind: because it’s a beach stop, your enjoyment will depend on what the water and sky are doing that day. If the weather is good and your group wants to relax, this can feel like the perfect closing chapter.

Price and value: $360.44 per group can be a steal if you fill seats

The price is $360.44 per group, up to 12 people, for about 8 hours. That’s the key: it’s priced for a group, not per head. If you book with 10–12 people, the per-person cost drops quickly, and you’re essentially paying for a private boat ride with snorkeling gear and a skipper.

What’s included that you’d otherwise pay for on your own:

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

And that matters for real budgeting. Most half-day boat plans nickel-and-dime you on basic drinks or equipment. Here, you don’t have to think about it mid-day.

The main extra cost you should plan for is fuel. There’s a fuel surcharge paid in cash on the boat, listed as:

• 30€ for a sunset tour
• 80€ for a half day
• 150€ for a full day

This tour is described as about 8 hours, so in practice you should be ready for the higher fuel amount category. If you split the surcharge among your group, it’s usually manageable, and the value still holds up if everyone participates.

Drinks, comfort, and the “quiet boat” factor

A funny truth about sea days: the best one isn’t always the loudest one. It’s the one where you can actually relax.

Included drinks plus a calmer boat vibe can make this feel like a private float rather than a rushed tour. And in at least one recent experience, the group was able to listen to their own playlist while cruising and swimming—exactly the sort of detail that turns a schedule into a memory.

Also, since the skipper is onboard, you’re not spending your energy figuring out navigation or safety logistics. That lets you focus on the fun parts: swimming when it’s time, drying off when it’s time, and eating when you’re hungry.

What to pack (so the day stays fun, not stressful)

Since the listed items not included include the stuff you’ll need on and off the water, I’d pack like a realist:

Bring:

• your bathing suit
• towel
• sunglasses
• suncream
• hat
• change of clothes
• a camera if you want photos of the caves and beach time

If you have them, also consider simple water-friendly footwear for getting in and out of rocky or cave-entry areas. Even when you can swim, the transition steps can be where things get slippery.

And for cave stops, keep your swim timing simple. Don’t overpack gear you don’t need inside the cave—keep the focus on staying comfortable, calm, and present.

Weather and timing: the one thing you can’t control

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That means you should keep one thing flexible in your Dubrovnik plan.

Timing-wise, the day is set up so you don’t have to wait all afternoon for the fun part. You get panoramic cruising early, then the key swim stops, then beach time later. Still, your actual comfort depends on wind and water conditions—especially at the Blue Cave entry point where you’re entering from the sea.

A simple strategy: eat a real breakfast before you go, then treat water stops and beach stops as “chapters,” not one long blur. Your group will feel better, and you’ll get more enjoyment per hour.

Should you book this private Mercan Excursion tour?

Book it if you want a private sea day that mixes iconic Dubrovnik views with real water time—Blue Cave, Kolocep caves, and sandy Lopud beach time. It’s also a strong pick for groups that like the idea of included drinks and snorkeling gear, without the hassle of piecing together multiple stops on your own.

I’d think twice if anyone in your group struggles with swimming comfort, or if your Dubrovnik dates are tight and weather risk would ruin your plans. Also, if you’re the type who hates the idea of a cash surcharge on the boat, go in prepared rather than surprised.

If you can handle a day that includes swimming and beach downtime, this is a practical, high-value way to experience the coast beyond the walls—on your terms, with your group, on a boat that feels calm enough to enjoy the ride.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private tour?

It’s a private tour with only your group participating, up to 12 people.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is based around Dubrovnik and Cavtat, Croatia.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Are snorkeling items included?

Yes, the tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.

What drinks are included?

Bottled water is included, along with alcoholic beverages and soda/pop.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

The itinerary lists admission as free for each stop shown.

Is there an extra fee during the tour?

Yes. There’s a fuel surcharge paid in cash on the boat, with amounts listed as 30€ for sunset, 80€ for half day, and 150€ for full day.

What should I bring for the beach and cave swimming?

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

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.