Dubrovnik: Blue Cave & Sunj Beach Boat Tour with Drinks

Exploring Dubrovnik’s Blue Cave & Sunj Beach Boat Tour with Drinks: An Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring some of Croatia’s most beautiful spots, the Dubrovnik Blue Cave & Sunj Beach Boat Tour might be a solid choice. This experience offers a mix of swimming through caves, lounging on sandy beaches, and enjoying drinks as you glide across the Adriatic. It’s a popular tour, with thousands of reviews praising its value and scenic quality, and it’s easy to see why.

What really draws us in about this tour are two key things: first, the chance to swim in famous caves like the Blue Cave and Three Green Caves—that’s a pretty unforgettable experience. Second, the comfort and safety provided by the crew, especially with hotel pickups and knowledgeable skippers who make the journey smooth and enjoyable. An occasional snag is that it’s a shared tour, so if you’re after complete privacy or a very quiet experience, this might not be your first pick.

This tour fits travelers looking for a fun, scenic day out that combines adventure with some relaxation. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy being on the water, don’t mind a bit of a swim, and appreciate having drinks included. Keep in mind, this is a swimming skills required experience, so if you’re not comfortable in the water, it might not be ideal. But for anyone who’s comfortable swimming and loves discovering new caves and beaches, it’s a real treat.

Key Points

• Stunning cave swims: Swim through the Blue Cave and Three Green Caves, which are often highlights.
• Beautiful beaches: Relax at Sunj Beach, known for its golden sands.
• All-inclusive drinks: Enjoy water, wine, beer, and juices while on the boat.
• Comfortable and safe: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off with an experienced crew.
• Good value: At around $65, it offers a lot of scenic and active experiences for the price.
• Demanding in water skills: Requires good swimming ability and comfort in open water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Booking a boat trip around the Elaphiti archipelago means you’re in for a day packed with diverse sights and relaxing moments. The tour kicks off with a speedboat ride—a thrilling way to start the day, especially if you love the feeling of rushing over the water with the wind in your hair. You have the option for hotel pickup, which makes logistics easier, especially if you’re staying in Dubrovnik’s city center.

Once onboard, your skipper will give a safety briefing—important for understanding how to stay safe during swims and excursions. The first stop is Sunj Beach, Croatia’s most famous sandy stretch. It’s a great spot to soak up some sun, paddle in the shallow waters, or grab a quick snack at the beachside restaurants. The reviews consistently praise Sunj Beach for its natural beauty and inviting sands, making it a perfect break point.

Next comes the adventure part: swimming through the Three Green Caves on Kolocep Island. These caves are naturally formed, with a distinct green hue that makes for great photos and even better swims. Reviewers mention the experience as “scary and fun,” which hints at the caves’ exciting, slightly adventurous nature. You’ll need good swimming skills, and snorkel equipment is provided if you want to explore underwater.

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave, a true spectacle. It’s a place where the sunlight hits the water just right, creating a vivid, almost surreal blue glow. Swimmers describe it as “a forgotten paradise,” and many mention the inside as “best seen from the water,” emphasizing how magical this natural wonder is. The caves can get crowded, so early departures are recommended if you want to beat the crowds, as some reviews point out.

Drinks and Comfort

Throughout the day, you can enjoy complimentary drinks—water, wine, beer, and soft drinks—making it easier to stay hydrated and keep the mood lively. The boat crew is highlighted for their friendly service and their ability to keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed. It’s clear that the combination of scenic stops and drinks enhances the experience, especially on a warm summer day.

While towels aren’t included, the focus is on the destinations—so bring your own towel and beachwear. The boat itself is designed for comfort, with enough space for everyone, and the crew’s professionalism is consistently praised in reviews.

Group Size and Duration

This is a shared tour, meaning you’ll be part of a group, which often feels friendly and sociable, especially if you enjoy meeting new people. The total duration is around four hours, which many find to be a good balance—enough time to see the sights and relax without feeling rushed. The stops are timed well, according to reviews, with plenty of time for swimming, exploring caves, and relaxing on the beach.

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Value for Money

At about $65 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. You’re getting multiple scenic stops, the thrill of swimming through caves, drinks, and the ease of transportation—all organized and led by a knowledgeable crew. Many reviewers mention that the experience feels like excellent value, especially considering how well-organized and enjoyable the day is.

Potential Downsides

The main consideration is the requirement for swimming skills. Not everyone may feel comfortable diving into open water or swimming through caves, which are central to the experience. Also, during peak season, the caves can get crowded, so early booking or morning tours might be preferable. A few reviews mention that the water can be choppy at times, so weaker swimmers should consider bringing floaters or snorkels.

Another point to keep in mind is that luggage or large bags aren’t allowed onboard, so travel light. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or who are prone to seasickness, as the boat ride can be bumpy, especially in windy conditions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re eager to see some of Croatia’s natural gems without spending a fortune. It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy swimming and exploring caves, and who are comfortable in open water. It suits solo travelers, couples, or friends looking for a fun day out, but probably not the best choice for families with very young children or those with mobility limitations.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic experience with great drinks and a lively atmosphere, this tour delivers. If you’re more interested in quiet, private moments or don’t swim well, you might want to consider other options or look for tours that don’t require swimming skills.

The Bottom Line

In short, the Dubrovnik Blue Cave & Sunj Beach Boat Tour offers a memorable mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. It’s a well-organized, reasonably priced option for anyone wanting to experience the highlights of the Elaphiti Islands in a single day. The combination of cave swims, beach lounging, and friendly service makes it stand out.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the quality of the guides and the effort to avoid crowds, as many reviewers note the early departures allow for a more private experience. The inclusion of drinks and the scenic routes add to the overall value, making it a solid choice for a memorable Croatian day trip.

If you’re comfortable with swimming and want to explore caves and beaches with good company and expert guidance, this tour is very likely to tick all the boxes. Just make sure to prepare for water activities, bring your swim gear, and arrive ready for a fun, scenic adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
This tour requires good swimming skills, as swimming through caves is a key part of the experience. If you’re not comfortable in open water or don’t swim well, this might not be the best choice.

Are food and additional drinks included?
No, only drinks like water, wine, beer, and soft drinks are provided during the trip. Meals are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal afterward.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Towels are not provided, and large bags aren’t allowed on the boat.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around four hours, with several stops for swimming, exploring caves, and relaxing at the beach.

Is there hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option, making it more convenient to join the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Just keep in mind that refunds aren’t provided if you miss the tour due to late arrivals or travel delays.

This boat tour is a lively, scenic, and well-reviewed way to see the highlights of Dubrovnik’s nearby islands. It balances adventure with relaxation, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a memorable Croatian day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: