Dubrovnik: Elaphiti Islands & Blue Cave Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Swim into the Blue Cave, then explore three more hidden underwater on the same boat

You board a private boat in Dubrovnik and spend the day snorkeling in the Blue Cave and three green sea caves on the Elaphiti islands, with time to swim and relax at Lopud Beach. Snorkels, lifejackets, and drinks are included. The boat handles all the navigation and timing, so you just show up and get in the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elaphiti islands swimming and exploring

• Boat to Blue Cave
• Swim inside Blue Cave
• Visit three green caves
• Swim through narrow cave channel
• Relax at sandy Lopud beach

The experience

"Is the water really that blue, or is it just the photos?" That's what you're thinking as the boat cuts away from Dubrovnik's harbor toward the Elaphiti islands. By the time you reach the Blue Cave on Kolocep, you'll understand: the water inside glows like someone lit it from below. You dive down, slip through the narrow entrance, and surface in a chamber where the light bounces off the limestone walls and turns everything turquoise. The snorkel and lifejacket are already on. The crew hands you goggles and points you toward the opening.

After the Blue Cave, the boat moves to three green caves just a short distance away. The first one is wide and welcoming. You swim straight in, get your bearings, warm up. The second is darker, tighter, more like an actual cave. The third is the one people talk about: a long, narrow channel you have to dive through to reach the other side, then swim back around. There's a small side cave with a sandy bottom and no roof where you can surface and catch your breath. It takes a couple of dives to navigate it properly, and yeah, it's the kind of thing that sounds scarier than it actually is once you're in the water.

Between the caves and the snorkeling, you'll anchor at Sveti Jakov Beach on Lopud: the biggest sandy beach in the area, shallow enough that kids can wade out far, with bars and restaurants right there if you want to grab lunch. The beach has sun beds, umbrellas, and golf carts that run to the other side of the island if you feel like exploring. You're not rushed. The boat waits while you swim, sunbathe, or just float and look back at the coastline. Bottled water and soft drinks are included, plus beer and wine if you want them.

The whole thing runs as a private group tour, so you're not packed onto a big ferry with fifty other people. You get picked up from your Dubrovnik hotel or a central meeting point, and the boat returns you by early afternoon: enough time to grab dinner in the old town if you want. Bring a towel and sunscreen. Everything else for the water is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Dubrovnik, private boat transport to the Elaphiti islands, entry to the Blue Cave and three green caves, snorkeling equipment (snorkels, goggles, lifejackets), time at Sveti Jakov Beach on Lopud, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The boat returns you to your hotel or the meeting point by early afternoon.

Options for this experience

2 options

Meeting point included, 4 hoursGuide in English · 09:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 15:00Lasts 4 hours

8 Hour OptionGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

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

Before you book

Days and timesThursday and Friday5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to1h before

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by AdriaWave Dubrovnik

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel in sea caves and swim at a sandy beach without arranging your own boat or figuring out ferry schedules. The private group format means the timing and route are set, and all the gear is waiting for you.

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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 is the tour?

The tour is a half-day excursion. Exact duration depends on your hotel pickup location, but you're back in Dubrovnik by early afternoon.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Snorkels, goggles, and lifejackets are all provided. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Is the Blue Cave suitable for non-swimmers?

You'll be wearing a lifejacket and snorkel gear in the water. The cave entrance requires a short dive, so basic comfort in water is needed. Check with the operator if you have concerns.

What's included in the price?

Boat transport, snorkel equipment, lifejackets, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Hotel pickup is available.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes. Sveti Jakov Beach has a large shallow area suitable for kids. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

What if the weather is bad?

Check the operator's weather policy. Rough seas can affect cave access and snorkeling conditions.

Is this tour crowded?

It's a private group tour, so you're not on a large ferry. Group size varies, but it's smaller and more flexible than public boat tours.