Dubrovnik: Blue Cave & Elafiti Islands Boat Tour with Drinks

Summary

Swim into blue cave snorkel elafiti islands sip wine on the boat

You’ll swim through glowing blue water inside sea caves near Dubrovnik, snorkel off quiet Elafiti Islands beaches, and share laughs over unlimited drinks on deck. With local guides steering clear of crowds and music drifting across the bay, you’ll find yourself lingering in moments you didn’t expect to remember.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, are we really going in there?” That’s what I blurted out when our guide Luka pointed at this dark slit in the cliffs near Dubrovnik. The sea was glassy, but the Blue Cave looked almost too mysterious — like something out of a story my grandma would tell. We’d left Sveti Jakov Beach not long before, sun still soft on our shoulders, and already I was grinning like a kid. There’s something about being on a boat with strangers who start to feel like friends after just one round of Luka’s homemade rakija (he called it ‘liquid courage’ for swimming). I tried to pronounce “Elafiti” right and failed, which got a laugh from Ana, another traveler from Zagreb.

The first time I ducked under and swam into the Blue Cave, it was colder than I expected — that sharp, clean chill you get only in the Adriatic. Inside, the water glowed electric blue around my arms. Someone behind me said “wow” so quietly it echoed off the stone. Sunlight flickered through cracks above us; it felt both peaceful and alive at once. Later we drifted past Sveti Jakov Beach again toward the Green cave and those three canyon caves on Koločep island — each one different, some echoing with our laughter, others just silent except for water dripping somewhere deep inside. I kept thinking how wild it is that these places just exist here while people order coffee up in Dubrovnik old town.

Luka kept us topped up with cold beer or soda (I stuck with water after round two), and there was always music playing — sometimes Croatian pop, sometimes just the slap of waves against fiberglass. The snorkeling gear actually fit (a small miracle), so I spent longer than planned floating above sea grass and tiny darting fish. At one point Ana handed me a slice of orange she’d brought; I swear fruit tastes different after saltwater swimming. We never felt rushed — maybe because Luka times these trips to dodge the big crowds. He told us stories about growing up nearby, how he learned every current by heart as a kid. There’s something grounding about hearing that while you’re bobbing in a bay most tourists never see.

I still think about that light inside the cave — how it made everyone look younger for a minute. If you’re looking for a Blue Cave tour from Dubrovnik that isn’t all megaphones and queues, this is probably it. Just don’t ask me to say “Elafiti” again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to caves and swimming spots

• Depart from Sveti Jakov Beach
• Visit Blue Cave for swimming and photos
• Explore Green Cave
• Discover Three Canyon Caves
• Visit three caves on Koločep island

Top questions

How long does the Blue Cave & Elafiti Islands boat tour last?

The tour offers both morning and afternoon sessions; exact duration depends on conditions but typically lasts several hours.

Is snorkeling gear included on this Dubrovnik boat tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for all guests during the tour.

Are drinks included during the boat trip?

You get unlimited wine, beer, soda, and bottled water throughout the journey.

Where does the tour depart from in Dubrovnik?

The departure point is Sveti Jakov Beach in Dubrovnik.

Is this Blue Cave tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes; infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap or stroller—suitable for all fitness levels.

Will we visit more than one cave during this day trip?

Yes; you’ll visit several caves including Blue Cave, Green cave, and three canyon caves near Koločep island.

Are service animals allowed on this group boat tour?

Yes; service animals are allowed onboard during the excursion.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Sveti Jakov Beach in Dubrovnik, use of snorkeling equipment for exploring caves and bays around Elafiti Islands, unlimited wine, beer, soda or bottled water onboard—plus fuel costs covered so there are no surprises along the way before returning after several hours out at sea.