Blue Cave and Lopud Speedboat Tour

The Elaphiti islands are the green chain just off Dubrovnik, and the quickest way to see their best parts in a morning or afternoon is by speedboat. This tour combines three things people come for: the Blue Cave, a sea cave where sunlight filtering through the water turns the interior a vivid blue, a stop on Lopud, the small, largely car-free island with an old harbour village, and time on Sunj, the sandy beach on Lopud's far side. Sand is rare on this rocky coast, which is why Sunj is so popular. The booking page shows 4.9 stars from 3,204 reviews, which is a remarkable base for a day tour. Because it uses a speedboat rather than a large cruise vessel, you cover more ground in less time and the boat can reach small caves and coves that bigger boats cannot, though the ride is bouncier and more exposed than a ferry. If you want a leisurely day with lunch on board, the larger Elaphiti cruise already described on this site is the calmer alternative; this one is for travellers who prefer a shorter, more active outing with a swim.

How the cave works matters for expectations. The colour in a sea cave depends on the angle of the sun, the state of the sea and the time of day, so it varies, and when the swell is high operators may skip a cave or change the order of stops for safety.

Skippers make that call and it is the right one, so treat the itinerary as a plan rather than a promise. Many guests swim or snorkel around the cave entrance and at the beach, so bring a swimsuit, a towel and, if you own one, a snorkel mask.

Think about timing and comfort. Speedboats are quick, but they are open to wind and spray, and the sea is usually calmest in the morning, so an early departure is generally smoother and cooler. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before departure and choose the earliest slot.

Bring sun protection, water, a light layer for the ride back and shoes you can wear on pebbles. Lopud has small restaurants and cafes near the harbour, but check the booking page to see what is included and whether time is allowed for lunch. Cash is useful on small islands, since some cafes prefer it.

As a plan, combine this tour with a quiet evening rather than a heavy sightseeing schedule; the sun and sea are tiring in a pleasant way. It suits couples, friends and active families with older children who can swim. Parents of small children should read the age and safety notes on the booking page, because speedboat trips often have rules about life jackets and minimum ages. Confirm the departure point, duration and inclusions on the booking page before choosing a date, and watch the weather forecast on the day.

Finally, think about the crowd. The Elaphiti islands are popular in July and August, and the busiest hours are around midday. A small speedboat can often arrive at stops ahead of the larger boats or after they leave, which is one reason travellers choose it, but a sunnier, calmer shoulder season day can be the most enjoyable of all.