Snorkeling Dubrovnik: Elafiti Islands & Blue Cave

Turquoise water, three sea caves, and a half-kilometer sandy beach in one boat ride from the city walls.

A private boat tour from Dubrovnik's Old Town port visits the Elafiti Islands, the Blue Cave, and Lokrum Island over four hours, with snorkeling gear, drinks and swimming time included. You start with a panorama cruise past Dubrovnik's city walls, then move to Koločep Island to snorkel the Blue Cave and three hidden caves in turquoise water. The tour stops at Sunj Beach on Lopud Island (a half-kilometer stretch of shallow golden sand), where you can swim, order food and drinks on shore, or stay on the boat with complimentary music and refreshments. On the return, you pass Lokrum Island's cliffs and the lighthouse on the reef before ending back at the Old Town port.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Lokrum Island30m
2. Sveti Jakov Beachpass by

Elafiti Islands boat tour and swimming

• Panorama cruise around Dubrovnik city walls
• Visit Blue cave and snorkel
• Swim at Three caves on Kolocep island
• Free time at Sunj sandy beach on Lopud island
• Relax on boat with drinks and music
• Panorama drive on Lokrum island with legends
• Optional swim at Lokrum island
• Return to old city port

The experience

The boat leaves from the Old Town port, so you walk straight from the city center to the dock. The first leg is a cruise around Dubrovnik's city walls from the water side, a view most visitors miss, before heading out to the Elafiti Islands. This opening stretch sets the pace: unhurried, with the guide pointing out landmarks and the water already visible beneath you.

Koločep Island is where the snorkeling happens. The Blue Cave is the draw (a sea cave known for its intense blue reflections in the water), and you'll have snorkeling gear on board to explore it. Beyond that are three more caves tucked into the cliff side, each with the same turquoise color that makes the spot ideal for photos and swimming. You're not rushed through. The boat stays long enough for you to move between spots and get comfortable in the water.

Sunj Beach on Lopud Island is the longest stop. It's a half-kilometer of shallow, sandy bottom where you can walk far out into the sea: rare for the Adriatic. You choose how to spend the time: swim and snorkel more, order a meal or drink from the beach bars, or stay on the boat with complimentary water, beer, juice and wine while music plays. The flexibility is built in. There's no schedule pushing you off the sand.

The return route passes Lokrum Island's cliffs and a lighthouse on a reef, both photo stops. You're back at the Old Town port where you started, so the whole day stays contained: no transfers, no second meeting point. The guide speaks English throughout, and snorkeling gear is included in the price along with all drinks and fuel.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear.
• complimentary drinks (water, beer, juice, wine).
• boat fuel.
• English-speaking guide for the full four hours.
• swimming time at the Blue Cave, three sea caves and Sunj Beach.
• panorama views of Dubrovnik's city walls from the water and Lokrum Island's cliffs.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sunset panorama tour-1,5hoursGuide in English · 19:00Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Prosecco, water, beer and juice are served. Along the route we pass the city walls and Lokrum Island to watch the sunset over this spectacular scenery. Quicksilver 605 Open.

Private boat tour of the Elafiti Islands, featuring the Blue and Green Cave and Sandy BeachGuide in English · 09:30 and 13:30

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 13:30 and 19:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Boat experience Dubrovnik

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Dubrovnik's Old Town and want to swim without renting gear separately: snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat departs from the city center so you skip the transfer to a distant port.

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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.

What's the Blue Cave actually like when you get there?

The Blue Cave on Koločep Island is a sea cave where light reflects off the water in an intense blue color. You'll have snorkeling gear on board to swim inside it and explore the three other caves nearby in the same turquoise water.

Can I swim at Sunj Beach or is it just a photo stop?

Sunj Beach is the main swimming stop, a half-kilometer of shallow golden sand where you have free time to swim, wade far out, snorkel, or order food and drinks from the shore. You can also stay on the boat with complimentary refreshments and music if you prefer.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling gear is included on the boat. You don't need to bring your own or arrange it separately.

How long is the boat ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town port to the Elafiti Islands?

The full tour is four hours from start to finish, including the panorama cruise past the city walls, snorkeling stops at the Blue Cave and three sea caves, and swimming time at Sunj Beach. The boat departs and returns to the Old Town port.

What drinks are included on the boat?

Water, beer, juice and wine are complimentary throughout the tour. You can order additional food and drinks at Sunj Beach's shore bars if you want.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

This is a private boat tour, so your group travels alone. The guide speaks English and is with you for the full four hours.