Speedboat mornings in Dubrovnik are fast and fun. This Blue Cave outing blends a panoramic harbor ride, real swim time in the caves, and plenty of drinks without asking you to spend a whole day on transport. I love the close, photo-friendly passes and the way the schedule still leaves room for actual water time.

My other favorite piece is the on-water team. Guides Zoran and Mario (and their crew) keep things upbeat and organized, with snorkeling gear ready and refreshments flowing—so you’re not stuck searching for where the bar is. One consideration: this is a brisk, water-focused tour, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems.

Key things to know before you go

• City-wall views from the sea right away: you get the Dubrovnik perspective in minutes, not hours.
• Blue Cave color comes from sunlight and stone: the famous blue is light refraction through a crack.
• Instructor-led snorkeling: gear is provided and the captain aims close to cave entrances.
• More than one cave stop: after Blue Cave, you also visit three smaller Green Caves.
• Sunj Beach time is real beach time: sandy shallows, pine shade nearby, and time to swim.
• A quick Lokrum + Old Town connection: you circle back for views, wine, and a short Old Town moment.

A 5-hour hit of sea caves and beaches

If your Dubrovnik time window is tight, this is the kind of tour that helps you make it count. In about 5 hours, you stack caves, swimming, and beaches with a speedboat ride that keeps the energy high.

You’re not just hopping from one photo spot to another. The plan includes actual water activities: snorkeling and time to swim at both Koločep Island cave areas and at the beach.

The vibe is also family-friendly in a practical way. The captain comes near the cave entrances so kids don’t have to swim far to get in the action.

Starting at Ribarnica and getting that city-wall view fast

The tour starts at Ribarnica ul. 1, at the Yellow sign Sea Safari (Vagabundo). From the start, you’re pointed toward the sea-side view of Dubrovnik—meaning you see the famous walls from an angle most people only get if they plan a separate viewpoint walk.

It’s also a time-saver that matters on a morning schedule. Instead of waiting to find the right bus, taxi, or parking, you’re out on the water quickly.

You’ll also get a mix of old and newer Dubrovnik views as the speedboat heads out. That blend helps you understand what you’re looking at later when you return for the short Old Town stop.

Speedboat ride: up to 40 mph and built for photos

This is a speedboat tour, with rides that can reach up to 40 mph. That’s part of the fun, and it also explains why the trip stays under five hours.

One thing I like about this style of route is how close it keeps you to the coastline. You’re not far out at sea waiting for landmarks to drift by.

If you’re the type who likes crisp photos, this helps. A fast-moving boat means you get quick scenic drive-by moments instead of long stretches of “are we there yet?”

Blue Cave on Kolocep: where the color comes from

Your first major stop is Blue Cave on Koločep Island. The trip from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor to Blue Cave takes about 20 minutes, and the cave itself is on the south side of the island.

What makes Blue Cave so famous is simple and cool: the blue color is created by light refraction. Sunlight enters through a crack in the stone, and the color reflects back in that signature bright way.

The time here is about 30 minutes, including photo time and a short visit format. You’ll also have swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with the goal of seeing the cave area up close without spending hours on just one spot.

Snorkeling gear and instructor help in the cave

Snorkeling is included, including snorkeling equipment and an instructor. That matters because cave snorkeling is one of those activities where having someone explain how to do it makes a difference.

The captain also comes very close to the cave entrance. That’s a big deal for families, since it means children don’t have to swim far away to join in.

Practical note: caves can mean changing light and uneven surfaces underwater. If you’re new to snorkeling, focus on slow, calm breathing and let the instructor guide your pace.

A small thing you can do that helps a lot: bring a dry bag if you have one. A review tip I agree with—keeping your phone and camera from getting soaked is worth it.

Green Caves on Koločep: three smaller stops with variety

After Blue Cave, you’ll head to the three Green Caves on Koločep. This part is different on purpose: it’s not just one cave photo moment, it’s multiple smaller colored spots with their own look.

The itinerary gives about 1 hour for this section, including break time, photo stops, visits with guidance, and snorkeling and swimming. So you get more time to change from cave curiosity to actual water play.

The Green Caves’ color is also tied to nature’s long work—sea force, warm climate, and stone erosion create those unique “painted” surfaces. It’s not about a theme park effect. It’s geology doing its thing.

There may also be opportunities for rock jumping depending on conditions and how the crew runs the stop. If that’s your thing, keep an eye on instructions from the boat crew and don’t guess at what’s safe.

Sunj Beach on Lopud: sandy shallows and pine-and-sea contrast

Next up is Sunj Beach on Lopud Island, with about 2 hours here. If you want a calmer break after cave time, this is that moment.

This beach stands out because of its sandy shallows. The shallows stretch roughly 100 meters from shore, which makes it easier to wade and relax without feeling like you’re jumping straight into deep water.

You also get a nice contrast: sea on one side and pine forest on the other. It’s a simple setup, but it feels good for sun breaks.

On the beach, there are two restaurants where you can grab a drink or food. I also like that it’s not just swim time—you’ll have time for casual walking and hanging around.

A practical perk: there are reportedly no charges for chairs or umbrellas. That’s one less cost to think about when you’re traveling on a budget.

Lokrum Island: wine views before you head back

After Sunj, you ride back and pass Lokrum Island for a short stop. This is around 15 minutes, with photo time and swimming listed.

The tour also includes a nice touch here: enjoying a glass of wine while you’re looking out from the sea. It’s not a long stop, but it’s a rewarding change of pace from cave and beach routines.

Lokrum is one of those islands that helps you connect the geography. Even in a quick view, it makes Dubrovnik’s offshore island layout feel real.

A short Dubrovnik Old Town moment: enough to tie it together

You return to Dubrovnik Old Town with about 15 minutes set aside for a photo stop and sightseeing. Wine and a guided moment are also part of this final approach.

This last segment is ideal if you’re already curious about Old Town but don’t want to spend the whole day walking the streets. You get to anchor the day’s water sights to the city you’re staying in.

If you want more time to linger in Old Town, treat this as your warm-up. The tour timing is designed to finish on a half-day schedule, so don’t expect a full neighborhood exploration.

Drinks, lunch, and what’s actually included

This tour includes a lot of the “small spending” that can add up quickly on water days. Included items are:

• Bottled water
• Soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Instructor
• Tour guide

On top of that, the day’s stop times make it clear you’ll be drinking and eating along the way. For Blue Cave and the Green Caves you’ll have options like beer and wine, and at Sunj Beach you can look for cocktail, coffee, and lunch during the longer beach break.

And yes, the crew keeps the pace friendly. One review highlight was that guides stayed accommodating and kept the group refreshed. That’s exactly what you want when you’re bouncing between caves and sun.

Price and value: does $79 make sense?

At $79 per person, this isn’t a “cheap bus ticket” kind of tour. But it does offer value if you factor in what you’re getting in one package:

• Speedboat transport with panoramic route time
• Two Koločep cave areas with swimming/snorkeling
• Snorkeling equipment plus an instructor
• Drinks throughout the trip, not just at the beach
• A full beach stop with time to eat and reset

For many people, the big value is simplicity. You’re not coordinating separate boat time, beach time, and gear rental. If you want a half-day that’s dense and active without feeling frantic, the price is easier to justify.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This is best for you if you want:

• A fast-paced morning with multiple water experiences
• Cave sightseeing plus snorkeling help
• Time at a beach with calm shallows for easier swimming

It’s less ideal if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly logistics, since it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users
• You have back problems, since you’ll be on a speedboat and moving between areas
• You want a slow, wandering day with lots of time on foot

That “half-day energy” also means you should show up ready to swim and don’t plan extra add-ons right before departure.

Practical packing list for a cave-and-beach morning

Bring the basics and you’ll be happier:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel

If you can add one optional item, make it a dry bag. Cave areas and speedboat rides can mean spray, and keeping your phone safe is a smart move.

Also, if you’re a camera person, consider a way to mount or protect gear. A review tip I liked was having something like a GoPro ready, since there are photo moments you’ll want after the initial excitement fades.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Morning Blue Cave speedboat tour with drinks?

Book it if you’re trying to squeeze meaningful water time into a short Dubrovnik stay. It’s built for people who want caves, beach relaxation, and scenic sea views without committing to a full day.

You should also book it if you value organization. Having snorkeling equipment ready with instructor support removes a lot of guesswork, and the close approach near cave entrances makes the experience easier—especially for families.

Skip it if you’re sensitive to the physical rhythm of a speedboat day or if your needs don’t match the tour’s movement. And if you’re hoping for a slow, deep Old Town day, plan that separately.

If you’re on the fence, a simple rule works: if you’d rather be in the water than reading museum labels, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ribarnica ul. 1 (Yellow sign Sea Safari, Vagabundo) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $79 per person.

What places do you visit during the tour?

The main stops are Blue Cave (Koločep Island), three Green Caves (Koločep Island), Sunj Beach (Lopud Island), Lokrum Island, and a short return moment in Dubrovnik Old Town.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment and an instructor.

What drinks are included?

You get bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages. Drinks like beer and wine are also part of the stop plan.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, and a towel.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with back problems?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users and not suitable for people with back problems.