Dubrovnik Blue Cave & Elafiti Islands: Private Speedboat, Snorkeling & Sandy Beach

Blue Cave swims, Elafiti islands by speedboat, sandy beaches and local food

You’ll jump off a private speedboat into Dubrovnik’s Blue Cave, snorkel through glowing waters around Koločep island, stroll sandy Šunj beach on Lopud, and taste fresh seafood at a local spot on Šipan (lunch optional). With pickup included and a friendly skipper guiding you between Elafiti Islands highlights, this tour feels both relaxed and quietly thrilling: perfect if you crave sun-warmed skin and real Adriatic moments.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Lokrum Island1h
2. Mljet Island2h

Explore caves, islands, and beaches

• Visit Blue Cave and three caves on Koločep
• Swim and snorkel inside the caves
• Have lunch on Šipan Island (not included)
• Walk and explore Lopud Island
• Relax at Šunj sandy beach

The experience

I’ll be honest. I booked this private speedboat tour around Dubrovnik mostly because I was curious about the Blue Cave. But standing on the dock that morning with a bit of sea breeze in my hair and our skipper Luka grinning like he already knew we’d love it, I felt something else: like I was about to see a side of Croatia I’d only heard about in stories. The boat itself was small enough to feel personal but fast enough to make you laugh when it hit the waves (I may have squealed once or twice). Luka handed us cold water and pointed out Lokrum Island as we zipped past. He said locals come here for picnics and swimming, which made me wish I had more time just for that.

The main keyword here is “Blue Cave,” but honestly, it’s not just one cave. We stopped at Koločep first (three green caves tucked into the cliffs), and when you slip into the water there’s this weird silence except for your own splashing. The sunlight makes everything glow underwater. Luka tossed me a snorkel mask and told me to look up when inside. He wasn’t kidding: the whole cave ceiling shimmered blue-green. It smelled faintly salty and mineral, like wet stone after rain. There were a few other boats but not too many. Maybe because we left early? Anyway, floating there felt kind of unreal.

After that came Šipan Island for lunch (not included but totally worth it). We picked a place right on the water: grilled fish, white wine, people waving from their boats. There was an older couple next to us who kept chatting with Luka in Croatian and laughing at my attempts to pronounce “hobotnica.” He tried teaching me but I probably butchered it. Then Lopud Island: sandy beach at Šunj where you can actually walk barefoot without burning your feet (big win). The sand is soft and pale, not gritty like some places. We wandered through the village too: a sleepy sort of quiet except for kids playing soccer near an old church.

I didn’t expect how much I’d enjoy just sitting on the boat after swimming: sun on my face, salt drying on my skin, watching little islands drift by. If you take the longer option you can go all the way to Mljet Island (it’s far though, about two hours by speedboat), but honestly even just looping around the Elafiti Islands felt full enough for one day. There’s beer and wine onboard if you want it. We shared a bottle as we headed back toward Dubrovnik’s old city walls glowing in late afternoon light. Still think about that view sometimes, you know?

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik, bottled water throughout the trip plus beer or wine onboard (and champagne if you pick sunset), use of snorkeling equipment so you can explore every cave properly, and a friendly skipper who knows all the best spots before bringing you back by late afternoon or evening.

Options for this experience

7 options

Sunset tour of 2 hours for up to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 19:00Top service: We deliver high-quality service on our tours. Our boats are modern and brand new, offering comfort and a touch of luxury. Duration: 2 hours. Enjoy a beautiful sunset with a glass of champagne. Drinks: beer, wine, water, Coca-Cola and a bottle of champagne. Elaphiti Islands. Skipper. Pickup is included.

Sunset tour of 2 hours for up to 8 peopleUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 19:00Top-class service: We deliver high-quality service on our tours. Our boats are modern and brand new, offering comfort and a touch of luxury. Duration: 2 hours. Enjoy a beautiful sunset from our boat with a glass of champagne. Drinks: beer, wine, water, Coca-Cola and a bottle of champagne. Elaphiti Islands. Skipper. Pickup is included.

Private tour of 4 hours for up to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 15:00Top-class service: We deliver high-quality service on our tours. Our boats are modern and brand new, offering comfort and a touch of luxury. Duration: 4 hours. Spend your morning or afternoon away from the city crowds. Explore the islands, discover hidden caves and try snorkelling. Drinks: beer, wine, water and Coca-Cola. Elaphiti Islands. Skipper. Pickup is included.

See 4 more options

Private tour of 4 hours for up to 8 peopleUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 15:00Top-class service: We deliver high-quality service on our tours. Our boats are modern and brand new, offering comfort and a touch of luxury. Duration: 4 hours. Spend your morning or afternoon away from the city crowds. Explore the islands, discover hidden caves and try snorkelling. Drinks: beer, wine, water and Coca-Cola. Elaphiti Islands. Skipper. Pickup is included.

Private tour of 8 hours for up to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00Top-class service: We deliver high-quality service on our tours. Our boats are modern and brand new, offering comfort and a touch of luxury. Duration: 8 hours. This tour is the best way to spend a full day during your holiday. Explore the islands, discover hidden caves and try snorkelling. Drinks: beer, wine, water and Coca-Cola. Elaphiti Islands. Skipper. Pickup is included.

Private tour of 8 hours for up to 8 peopleUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00Top-class service: We deliver high-quality service on our tours. Our boats are modern and brand new, offering comfort and a touch of luxury. Duration: 8 hours. This tour is the best way to spend a full day during your holiday. Explore the islands, discover hidden caves and try snorkelling. Drinks: beer, wine, water and Coca-Cola. Elaphiti Islands. Skipper. Pickup is included.

10-hour tour: Blue Cave and NP MljetUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00 and 10:00Top-class service: We deliver high-quality service on our tours. Our boats are modern and brand new, offering comfort and a touch of luxury. Duration: 10 hours. Spend a perfect day on the sea, visiting National Park Mljet, the Elaphiti Islands, beautiful beaches and caves. Drinks: beer, wine, water and Coca-Cola. Elaphiti Islands and NP Mljet. Skipper. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 19:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 34

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adriatic Boat Tours

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

You can choose between 2-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour or 8-hour options depending on how much time you want to spend exploring.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, lunch is not included. You stop at Šipan Island where you can buy lunch at a local restaurant.

What are the main stops on this Dubrovnik Blue Cave tour?

The main stops are Blue Cave and green caves on Koločep island, Šipan Island for lunch, Lopud Island (including sandy Šunj beach), with possible visits to Lokrum or Mljet depending on your chosen duration.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included so you can swim inside caves and along beaches.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water is always available. Beer and wine are also included onboard. Champagne is offered only for sunset tours.

Can infants join this speedboat trip?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the ride.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health but otherwise suits most fitness levels.