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, with no town stops.
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A half-day focused on swimming: three or four swim stops in coves on the way out, with the Blue Cave on Koločep as the finale. This is the cave on Koločep in the Elaphiti Islands, not the Blue Cave on Biševo or the one on the Luštica peninsula in Montenegro.
The route, stop by stop.
Indicative route. Every trip is private, so you can swap, skip or add a stop. You can also plan a completely different day with us, even to places not listed here.
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, and the SUP if your boat carries one.
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Blue Cave, Koločep
The finale. The glow is strongest in late-morning light.
Back to your boarding point
“Frank took our group of 11 people to some cool spots: the Blue Cave, a delicious restaurant on Šipan island, a quiet beach and 3 other caves to swim and snorkel in. Lots of shade and places to relax.”Hannah M. · Catamaran · 11 guests · TripAdvisor · Aug 2026
Where the Blue Cave is.
The cave 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. For the villages and paths ashore, see Koločep in our Elaphiti Islands guide.
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.
A small, fast speedboat is the usual choice for this route.
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.
- Reef shoes if you want them, as there are sea urchins near the shore.
The rocky seabed around the coves has plenty of small fish. For more swim spots near the city, see our guide to quiet coves near Dubrovnik. Prices are on request because they depend on the boat and the date; we send an itemised quote by email or WhatsApp within hours.
Which Blue Cave is which
Two caves are often confused. The one on our tour is on Koločep, the closest of the Elaphiti Islands: a short swim through a low opening into a chamber lit blue from below. The famous Blue Cave on Biševo, near Vis, is a different cave, a day’s travel from Dubrovnik.
The Koločep cave is reached from the sea only and has no ticket. It is open whenever the sea is calm enough to swim in, which the skipper checks on the day.
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?
Where is the Blue Cave near Dubrovnik?
Can you go to the Blue Cave without a tour?
Is there an entrance fee for the Blue Cave?
When is the best time to see the Blue Cave?
Other boat tours.
Elaphiti Islands half-day
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan by private boat in four hours, with the Blue Cave when the sea allows.
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.
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