Blue Cave & swim stops by private boat.
Three of the best swim coves between Dubrovnik and Koločep, finishing inside the glowing Blue Cave, a pure half-day of swimming and snorkelling, no town stops.
A half-day focused on swimming: three swim stops in coves on the way out, and the Blue Cave on Koločep at the turning point.
The route, stop by stop.
Indicative route. Every trip is private, so you can swap, skip or add a stop.
Hotel pick-up
Included on most boats. Boarding at Cavtat, Lapad, ACI Marina Komolac or the Old Port.
- 1
Swim coves
Three quiet coves on the way out: a swim, a snorkel, then SUP and floats.
- 2
Blue Cave, Koločep
The finale. The glow is strongest in late-morning light.
Back to Dubrovnik
“Three coves, no crowds, and the cave glowing electric blue. Our teenagers didn’t look at their phones once all morning.”Rachel & Mark · United States · Google
Blue Cave boat tour Dubrovnik: where the cave is
The cave on this Blue Cave boat tour from Dubrovnik is on the southern side of Koločep, the island closest to the city, facing the open sea. It should not be confused with the better-known Blue Cave on Biševo near Vis, which is far too distant for a half day from Dubrovnik.
The entrance is low and narrow, so you swim in for a few metres before the rock opens into a chamber. Sunlight enters through an opening below the waterline and lights the water from beneath, which gives the inside its blue colour.
Sea conditions and season
The main reason the cave closes is swell from the south, usually brought by the jugo wind. The northwesterly maestral that blows on many summer afternoons rarely affects this side of the island. The sea is warmest from late July to September; in May and June the water is cooler but the coves are quieter. If the cave is closed on the day, the skipper decides on the spot and picks a cove on the sheltered side of the island.
Who it suits
- Confident swimmers and teenagers: the route is built around time in the water.
- Active couples: several snorkel stops and no fixed time ashore.
- Families with small children: possible with lifejackets, though a route with sandy shallows, such as the Elaphiti Islands half-day tour, may suit them better.
What to bring
- A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos inside the cave.
- A dry layer and a hat for the ride back.
- A reef-friendly sunscreen, since you will be in the water often.
- A small action camera if you want underwater photos.
- No cash is needed, as the route has no stops in towns.
The rocky seabed around the coves has plenty of small fish; watch for sea urchins near the shore when climbing out. A small, fast speedboat is the usual choice for this route. For more swim spots near the city, see our guide to quiet coves near Dubrovnik. Prices are on request, with an itemised quote by email or WhatsApp.
Questions about the Blue Cave tour.
All FAQsIs the Blue Cave swim safe for everyone?
How many swim stops are there?
What gear is on board?
What should we bring?
How far ahead should we book?
Other boat tours.
Elaphiti Islands
Three car-free islands in a morning, Koločep, Lopud, Šipan and the Blue Cave.
View the tour
Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise
Two hours along the Old Town walls at sunset, with a swim stop and a glass of wine.
View the tour
Cavtat by Boat
A short trip south to Cavtat for a swim and coffee, back by lunchtime.
View the tourEnquire about the Blue Cave tour.
Send your date and group size. We reply with a plan, the right boat and an itemised quote, with no obligation to book.
