Dubrovnik Elaphiti Islands: Speed Boat Caves & Šunj Beach

Summary

Speed boat ride to Elaphiti caves swim stops and sandy Lopud beach

You’ll cruise by speed boat from Dubrovnik with a small group, swim into Koločep’s glowing Blue Cave, snorkel through connected sea tunnels at Three Caves, and sink your feet into Šunj’s rare sandy beach on Lopud island—with drinks and gear included. It’s not just about sights; it’s those little moments you’ll remember after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I signed up for the Elaphiti Islands speed boat tour mostly because I’d seen those crazy-blue cave photos on Instagram. But the real thing? Way better than any filtered shot. Our skipper, Marko, greeted us at the little dock in Dubrovnik with this easy grin and a cooler full of cold beers and sodas. There were only eight of us, so it felt more like piling into a friend’s boat than joining a tour group. As we pulled away from Gruž port, the city faded behind us—just that salty air and this weirdly comforting hum of the engine. I kept catching flashes of sunlight off the water, almost blinding if you looked too long.

The first stop was Koločep’s Blue Cave. Marko handed out snorkeling masks (mine fogged up instantly—user error) and pointed to where we could swim inside. I hesitated at first—the cave mouth looked smaller from the boat—but then you slip under and it’s just blue everywhere, like someone turned on an underwater light show. My friend tried cliff-jumping (I chickened out), but honestly just floating in that cool water was enough for me. There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for our laughter echoing off the rocks—I still think about that silence sometimes.

Afterwards, we cruised along Koločep’s coastline past these tiny coves where local kids waved from paddleboards. The next stop was Three Caves—connected tunnels you can swim through if you’re brave (or stubborn). I lost track of which cave we entered versus exited; it all blurred into saltwater and flashes of sunlight on stone. Marko kept checking in—“You good?” he’d shout—and tossed us Fanta cans when we climbed back onboard, dripping everywhere.

Lopud island was last—Šunj beach is famous for its soft sand, which surprised me because most Croatian beaches are pebbles or rocks. We waded out into shallow water so clear you could count your toes, then wandered over to a little bar shaded by pine trees for coffee (or beer). The ride back to Dubrovnik felt slower somehow—maybe it was just that lazy sun or maybe nobody wanted to leave yet. Anyway, if you’re thinking about booking a day trip to Elaphiti islands from Dubrovnik… don’t overthink it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour to Elaphiti islands

• Cruise past Gruž port and Babin Kuk beaches
• View Daksa island from the boat
• Stop at Blue Cave on Koločep island
• Swim and snorkel in Blue Cave
• Cliff jump at Blue Cave (optional)
• Cruise along Koločep island bays
• Stop at Three Caves system
• Snorkel and explore Three Caves
• Relax on boat with refreshments
• Stop at Šunj sandy beach on Lopud island
• Enjoy swimming and beach bars at Šunj
• Relax on boat returning to Dubrovnik

Top questions

How many people join the Elaphiti Islands speed boat tour?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this day trip?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for all swimming stops.

Does the tour include drinks?

Cold beer, soda (Fanta/Coke), and bottled water are included onboard.

Where does the speed boat depart from in Dubrovnik?

The tour starts at Gruž port in Dubrovnik.

What are the main stops on this Elaphiti Islands tour?

The main stops are Blue Cave on Koločep island, Three Caves system, and Šunj beach on Lopud island.

Can I cliff jump during this day trip?

You can try cliff jumping at Blue Cave if you feel adventurous.

Are there bars or cafes at Šunj beach?

Yes, there are several bars and bistros near Šunj beach on Lopud island.

Is this speed boat tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes speed boat transport from Dubrovnik with a small group, an English-speaking skipper offering cold beer, soda or water throughout the trip, use of snorkeling equipment at each swimming stop—including the Blue Cave and Three Caves—and time to relax or explore bars at sandy Šunj beach before heading back in comfort.