Although Dubrovnik has been captivating for years with its history and impressive walls, its most beautiful story lies hidden from view from the mainland. On a five-hour tour with Vagabundo, we discovered hidden coves, caves bathed in light, and seas so clear it seemed almost unreal. It was one of those days that reminds you how little it takes to feel fully present.
Blue Cave Dubrovnik: a trip that reveals the most beautiful side of the Dubrovnik coast
From the first glance at the tour program, we knew that this was exactly the experience we were looking for. We didn’t want to spend another day visiting familiar locations or following the beaten tourist routes. We were attracted by the idea of getting to know Dubrovnik from a perspective that is not revealed from Stradun but from the sea, where the city walls merge with the horizon, and behind every cape a new bay is hidden. It is precisely moments like these that are the most valuable part of any trip – the ones that are not planned down to the last detail but leave room for the destination to surprise you.
Why book a morning sea excursion: from the Blue to the Green Cave?
When choosing an excursion, the most important thing for us is that it offers an experience, not just a list of locations to “do”. That’s exactly why we were attracted to the Blue Cave tour – it promised a few hours at sea, swimming in hidden coves and exploring hard-to-reach locations. It seemed like the perfect balance between adventure and complete relaxation.
Before we booked, we read numerous reviews and almost all of them emphasized the same thing – a relaxed atmosphere, small groups and skippers and guides who give the whole experience a personal touch. This is exactly what gave us confidence. Instead of a classic tourist tour, we expected an authentic experience of Dubrovnik with people who know every corner of the coast and are happy to share it with guests. After this excursion, we can say that these expectations were fully justified.
Blue Cave – the place everyone comes for
As soon as you approach, the sea takes on unreal shades of blue, the guide explained to us that the seabed is covered in algae, which makes the whole scene look even more mystical. I admit, at one point I was a little nervous, but our friendly skipper quickly dispelled it by offering us a sip of homemade brandy “for courage”. After that, entering the sea was much easier – and much more fun. Once you swim towards the interior of the cave, it becomes clear why this place is an essential stop on every tour. The light that penetrates the rocks creates almost unreal shades of blue, and the crystal clear sea further enhances the whole experience. A camera or cell phone is working at full speed here, but no photo can faithfully convey what is experienced in person.
Green Caves – Hidden gems that are equally enchanting
Although everyone talks about the Blue Cave the most, the Green Caves may have been even more enthralling. They are three caves where sunlight refracts against the rocks and sea, creating intense emerald green hues. The sea here is incredibly clear, and the whole atmosphere is much calmer and more intimate.
As you swim through the caves, surrounded by green reflections reflected on the water surface and rocks, it’s easy to forget how much time has passed. The Green Caves were one of those places I didn’t particularly expect, and in the end they remained among the most beautiful memories of the entire trip.
Beach Šunj – the most beautiful break of the day
After exploring the caves, the road leads us towards the island of Lopud and one of the most famous sandy beaches of the southern Adriatic – Šunj. We had about an hour and a half of free time at our disposal, which was quite enough for swimming, sunbathing and a light lunch by the sea.
Insider tip: If you come to Šunj with Vagabundo Dubrovnik, you can use deck chairs and umbrellas for free at the beach bar with a drink order. A small detail that makes the whole experience even more pleasant and will make you want to stay at least a little longer.
Surprise at the end – cliff jumping on Lokrum
Just when we thought the day had reached its peak, the last surprise came. On the way back to Dubrovnik, we stopped at Lokrum, where cliffs from which you can jump into the sea awaited us.
For those looking for a little adrenaline, there were jumps from approximately 4 and 9 meters. While some dared to test their own courage, our skippers decided to raise the bar – literally. With lots of laughter and cheering, they jumped from a cliff about 15 meters high and put on a real little show that delighted the entire team.
It was the perfect end to the day – a combination of adrenaline, laughter and that relaxed atmosphere that makes such trips memorable much longer than the photos themselves.
What we liked the most
The biggest impression on me was not only the beauty of the locations, but also the way the entire trip was organized. You travel in a smaller group, the pace is relaxed and at each location there is enough time to swim and enjoy, without feeling rushed.
We would especially like to single out the skippers and guides who were extremely kind and friendly throughout the trip. They constantly offered us chilled water, beer, wine and Coca-Cola and made sure that we all felt comfortable. It was precisely such small details that created a relaxed atmosphere and made the whole experience even more special.
Of course, the star of the day was the crystal clear sea and the feeling of privacy that is difficult to find in popular tourist locations. This is one of the main reasons why we would book this tour again without a second thought.
Useful information before departure
- Departure: Porat Dubrovnik – large pier
- Tour duration: 5 hours
- What is included: tour of the Blue and Green Caves, Šunj beach on Lopud, stop at Lokrum, snorkeling equipment and drinks on board (water, soft drinks, beer and wine).
- What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap and a waterproof phone case if you plan to take photos in the caves.
Our tip: bring a light change of clothes for the return trip and cash or a card if you want to have a cocktail or something to eat on Šunj beach.
If you are planning a visit to Dubrovnik this summer and want to experience it from a completely different perspective, we sincerely recommend this tour. The partner of this experience is Vagabundo Dubrovnik, and you can easily book the trip via the Experience Concierge platform, which brings together carefully selected experiences and local partners in one place.
Sometimes just a few hours at sea are enough to bring home memories that will last much longer than a single vacation.
