Dubrovnik: Blue cave small group tour

This guided speedboat tour around Dubrovnik’s nearby islands offers an exciting mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and relaxing fun. From exploring the famous Blue Cave to swimming in crystal-clear waters, it promises an adventurous day at sea.

What truly makes this experience shine are the stunning views of Dubrovnik’s city walls, the knowledgeable guides sharing local stories, and the chance to escape the crowds by visiting less touristy spots. The small group size (limited to nine participants) ensures a personalized and relaxed vibe.

A potential drawback? The tour’s duration is just 4.5 hours, so if you’re craving a full-day adventure, this might feel a bit brief. But if you prefer an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities for swimming and sightseeing, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and leisure—perfect for couples, friends, or solo explorers eager to explore Dubrovnik’s coast in style.

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Key Points

Small Group Experience: Limited to 9 people for a more personalized and relaxed outing.
Diverse Highlights: Blue Cave, Koloep, Lopud Island, plus scenic sailing and cultural insights.
Perfect for Water Lovers: Swimming, snorkeling, and exploring underwater marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Expert Guides: Guides like Ivan and Luca provide local knowledge and personalized attention.
Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, floats, and drinks included.
Value for Money: Combines multiple highlights into a concise 4.5-hour tour, making it a great day for your budget.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Dubrovnik Blue Cave Small Group Tour

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Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off from Lapadska obala, a convenient pickup point in Dubrovnik. From here, you’ll hop aboard a new, pristine speedboat that’s designed for comfort and efficiency. The small group size makes boarding quick and easy, and guides like Ivan or Luca are on hand to give a quick briefing before setting off.

The journey itself is part of the fun. With the wind in your hair and the sea stretching out on all sides, you’ll feel a sense of freedom and anticipation. Expect to sail along the coast of Dubrovnik, with fantastic views of the ancient city walls and the rugged Dalmatian landscape—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

The Blue Cave and Koloep Island

The first major stop is the Blue Cave on Koloep Island. This natural wonder is the highlight for many, with its surreal blue glow illuminating the cave’s interior—a photo opportunity you won’t forget. Reviewers like Jonathan mention how pristine and well-maintained the boat is, which adds to the comfortable experience. He also notes the importance of removing shoes on board, highlighting that the boat’s owner takes good care of their vessel.

You’ll have about an hour here, allowing enough time for photos, exploring the cave, and enjoying a swim in the cool waters. The guide’s local insights add depth to the experience, sharing stories about the caves and the island’s history.

Exploring Koloep Island

After the Blue Cave, your boat will cruise to Koloep Island for about 30 minutes of free time. This is a quieter spot where you can walk around, take photos, or just relax. The island has a charming village vibe, and the guides often point out interesting landmarks and share anecdotes about local life there.

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Discovering Lopud Island

Next, you’ll head to Lopud Island, which offers the most extensive free time—around two hours. Reviewers rave about this part, mentioning the chance to walk on sandy beaches, snorkel, and explore. The island’s laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for swimming in warm waters, enjoying a snack, or just lounging on the beach.

Guides like Luca highlight the island’s beautiful coastline and the chance to experience local culture firsthand. The optional guided tour and free time allow you to tailor the visit—whether it’s a quick photo session or a leisurely stroll.

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Snorkeling, Swimming, and Relaxing

Throughout the tour, snorkeling gear and floats are provided, making it easy to explore underwater life. The warm waters of the Dalmatian coast are perfect for a swim, and reviewers mention how clear and colorful the marine life can be. Emma describes the guide as “fun and relaxing,” which helps create a friendly atmosphere for all activities.

Return Journey and Final Views

After a scenic cruise back to Dubrovnik, the tour concludes at Lapadska obala. The entire trip lasts around 4.5 hours, just enough to pack in several highlights without feeling rushed. The speedboat’s smooth ride and the continuous commentary from guides make the experience both fun and educational.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Intimate Group Size: The limit of 9 participants ensures you won’t be crowded, and guides can attend to individual needs. Based on reviews, guides like Ivan and Luca are praised for their friendly, flexible approach and local knowledge.

Variety of Locations: The tour combines iconic sights like the Blue Cave with lesser-known gems like Koloep and Lopud Islands. This mix offers a rich experience, blending natural wonders with cultural touches.

Water Activities: Swimming and snorkeling are highlights, with warm, clear waters perfect for exploring marine life. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and floats adds to the convenience and fun.

Scenic Sailing: The boat ride itself is a scenic highlight, with breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s walls, coastlines, and islands. It’s a great way to see the region from the water.

Food and Drinks: Tasty food and drinks are included, allowing you to relax and refresh during the day. Reviewers mention the quality of the onboard offerings, which add value to the experience.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration: 4.5 hours, making it ideal for a half-day adventure without taking up your whole day.

Pricing: While the exact cost isn’t specified, this tour offers good value considering the multiple stops, water activities, and included drinks and gear.

What to Bring: Pack essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen—all necessary for comfort and sun protection.

Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 3, wheelchair users, or those over 95, as the tour involves boat transfers and walking.

Cancellation & Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind, and booking with the “reserve now, pay later” option adds flexibility.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This small-group experience is perfect for travelers looking for an intimate, scenic, and active day on the water. If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and discovering hidden spots, you’ll find plenty to love here. It also suits those who prefer a personalized guided experience rather than large tours, ensuring you get tailored insights and more time at each stop.

Couples and friends will appreciate the relaxed pace and beautiful views, while solo travelers can enjoy meeting like-minded explorers in a cozy setting. However, if you’re traveling with very young children or require special accessibility, this might not be the best fit.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What’s included in the tour?
The package includes a live guide, drinks, snorkeling gear, and floats, plus hotel pickup from Dubrovnik.

Are drinks and food provided?
Yes, tasty food and drinks are included, allowing you to relax and refuel during the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, so you can explore the underwater world easily.

Can I swim during the stops?
Absolutely. Many guests enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear, warm waters.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, the boat is described as new and pristine, designed for a smooth, enjoyable ride.

Who guides the tour?
Guides like Ivan and Luca are praised for their friendliness, local knowledge, and flexibility.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for children under 3, wheelchair users, or people over 95 due to boat transfers and walking involved.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Cave small group tour in Dubrovnik offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and fun water-based activities. The personalized approach, friendly guides, and diverse stops make it a memorable way to discover the Dalmatian coast.

It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want a scenic, relaxed, and intimate experience that balances sightseeing with leisure. Whether you’re snapping photos of the Blue Cave, enjoying a swim at Lopud, or simply soaking in the views, this tour delivers genuine value and authentic moments.

If you’re after a well-organized, small-group adventure with quality guides and a chance to explore beyond the crowds, this tour might just be one of your best Dubrovnik experiences.