Sea kayaking & snorkeling Elafiti Islands: Paddle through Green Cave

What makes paddling into a cave lit by green water worth the early start?

You paddle 10 kilometres across the Elafiti Islands, stopping to snorkel and cliff-jump inside the Green Cave, then eat lunch in the fishing village of Šuđurađ on Šipan island. The tour includes all kayaking gear, snorkeling equipment, professional instruction and a local English-speaking guide. Groups stay small, up to eight people, and you're back on Lopud by early evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel around islands

• Meet at kayak centre on Lopud
• Receive safety talk and instructions
• Kayak across channel to Šipan island
• Paddle to natural stone arch for photos
• Regroup and paddle to hidden Green Cave
• Swim and snorkel inside Green Cave
• Swim and try cliff jumping outside cave
• Kayak to Šuđurađ village for lunch
• Free time for sightseeing in Šuđurađ
• Kayak to Ruda island and explore cave
• Return to Lopud island in afternoon

The experience

You meet at the kayak centre on Lopud island at 11am (10am on Sundays and holidays) for a safety talk and paddling instructions, then set off across the channel toward Šipan. The route covers about 10 kilometres over the day, moving at a pace that lets you take in the Elafiti Islands without racing through them. Your guide is a local English speaker who knows the water and the stops, not just the route, but which cove is worth lingering in and when to move on.

The first real moment comes at a natural stone arch where the Adriatic opens up in front of you. After that, you paddle to the Green Cave, a grotto most visitors to Dubrovnik never find. You tie up the kayaks, grab snorkels and masks, and swim down through the cave's opening. Inside, the space is large enough to stand in, and the green light (caused by sun reflecting off the sandy bottom) fills the whole chamber. Once you've snorkeled through, the group swims in the deep cove outside and tries cliff jumping if you want to. The water is cold enough to wake you up but warm enough that you won't regret it.

Lunch happens in Šuđurađ, a fishing village on Šipan where you eat local food and have free time to walk around the medieval town. After eating, you paddle back toward Lopud but stop at Ruda, the third island, to explore another cave before heading back in the afternoon. The whole day runs from 11am to 6pm, so you're back with time to shower and eat dinner in the old town if you want.

Top-end kayaking gear comes with the tour: single and double kayaks, watertight bags for your phone and wallet, snorkels and masks. Groups stay under eight people, which means you're not paddling in a line of thirty. The guide handles the pacing and knows where the currents run, so even if you've never kayaked before, you'll spend the day moving, not struggling.

What’s included

• Professional local English-speaking guide.
• all kayaking activities and entry to the Green Cave.
• top-end kayaking equipment (single and double kayaks).
• watertight bags for personal belongings.
• snorkeling masks and snorkels.
• professional paddling instruction.
• lunch in Šuđurađ with local dishes.
• visits to three islands (Lopud, Šipan and Ruda) and two sea caves.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Jun 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

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.

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Outdoor Croatia

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the Adriatic with swimming and snorkeling built in, but don't want to rent gear separately or navigate between islands yourself. The small group size and fixed itinerary mean you spend the day paddling and exploring, not organizing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The guide gives instructions at the start and the pace is set for mixed abilities. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour runs subject to favorable weather. If it's canceled due to poor conditions, you can reschedule for another date or get a full refund.

How do I get to Lopud island?

Public transportation options are available from Dubrovnik. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the kayak centre on Lopud, where the tour starts.

Is the Green Cave safe to swim in?

Yes. The cave is large and opens to a safe swimming area. The guide leads the snorkeling and is with the group throughout.

What should I bring?

Wear beach or sporty clothes. Bring sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes. Your personal belongings go in watertight bags provided by the tour.

How long is the kayaking part?

You paddle about 10 kilometres total across the day, with stops for swimming, snorkeling and lunch. The pace is leisurely, not a race.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch of local food is included in Šuđurađ, and you have free time to explore the village afterward.