Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour From Dubrovnik Cavtat

This detailed review covers the Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour from Dubrovnik Cavtat, a highly-rated experience that promises stunning scenery and a chance to explore some of the region’s most beautiful coastal sights from the water. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and comprehensive itinerary suggest it’s a well-organized, memorable journey perfect for those who love a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation.

What really appeals about this tour are two things: the breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s city walls from the water and the opportunity to swim in the Blue Cave—a rare chance to enjoy an intimate, natural experience. The second is the customizable nature of the trip, including options to visit alternative beaches like Pasjaca if you prefer a quieter spot. However, potential travelers should note that the tour is dependent on good weather; if skies turn grey, your plans might change or be canceled.

This experience suits travelers who prefer exclusivity and personalized attention, especially those interested in scenic photo opportunities and unique coastal adventures. If you’re after a relaxed yet adventurous day with plenty of chances to swim, snorkel, and enjoy beautiful islands, this tour offers a compelling package.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Dubrovnik’s famous city walls from a private speedboat.
• Swim in the Blue Cave—the only way to access it is to jump into the sea.
• Visit Green caves and relax at the sandy Sunj Beach on Lopud.
• Flexible options include visiting Pasjaca Beach instead of the Elaphiti Islands.
• The 8-hour private tour provides an intimate, personalized experience.
• Includes snorkeling gear, water, beverages, and a professional skipper, ensuring comfort and convenience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Dubrovnik City Walls and Coastline Views

The tour kicks off with a private cruise around the Dubrovnik coast. You’ll get a unique perspective of the city’s famed walls from the sea, an experience many find more impressive than the usual land-bound sightseeing. Expect to see the iconic stone fortifications, sweeping views of the Old Town, and the shimmering Adriatic. The boat is equipped with a Bluetooth radio—so you can set your own soundtrack while soaking in the scenery.

This initial segment lasts about 20 minutes, setting the tone for a day filled with striking panoramas. The feeling of gliding along the coast is often described as “breathtaking,” and many travelers appreciate the private setting that allows for relaxed photo stops and easy conversation with your skipper.

Visiting the Blue Cave: A Swim-Only Entrance

The highlight for many is the visit to the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island. The tour notes that there’s no traditional entrance—your group will swim into the cave, which is about 4 meters deep and not suitable for standing. This detail is critical because it means you should feel comfortable in the water and prepared for a short swim. The cave is renowned for its vivid blue reflections, which most agree are stunning, especially when the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle.

One reviewer called this experience “exceptional” and praised the guide for being “adorable and helpful,” emphasizing how smoothly the swim was managed. The cave’s small opening makes it an intimate, natural wonder, and the fact that admission is free adds to the value.

Exploring the Green Caves

Next, your boat will take you to Kolocep Island’s Green caves and a “canyon” cave. These caves are less famous but equally fascinating, with greenish hues and interesting rock formations. The hour-long stop allows plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the serenity of these natural hideaways. The free admission makes this a highlight for those who love geology and natural scenery.

Relaxation at Sunj Beach and Lopud Island

After the caves, the tour continues to Sunj Beach on Lopud Island, known for its shallow, sandy shoreline—perfect for wading, relaxing, or a quick dip. Many travelers comment on how relaxing and picturesque Sunj Beach is, offering a peaceful break from cave exploring.

Lopud itself is a charming island with lovely restaurants along the coast. The tour includes a lunch stop here, giving you a chance to sample local cuisine and enjoy the island’s relaxed atmosphere. The combination of sandy beaches and good food makes Lopud a favorite among visitors.

Alternative Stop: Pasjaca Beach

For those who might have visited the Elaphiti Islands before or prefer something less crowded, the tour offers an option to visit Pasjaca Beach instead. This natural beach is reputed to be an “amazing” spot, perfect if you’re seeking a quieter, more unspoiled coastal experience.

The Return Trip

After roughly three hours on Lopud or Pasjaca, the boat heads back toward Dubrovnik, with the return journey taking about an hour. As you cruise back, you’ll likely reflect on the day’s highlights—stunning vistas, refreshing swims, and the joy of exploring from the water.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages, making it easy to stay refreshed and enjoy underwater sights. The skipper is included, so you’re in safe hands, and the entire experience is private, meaning your group’s comfort and privacy are prioritized.

However, there are some extras to keep in mind: fuel surcharge, payable in cash on the boat (varying by tour length), and personal items such as swimsuits, towels, sunglasses, suncream, hats, and cameras. Travelers should pack accordingly to ensure comfort and safety.

The Experience Worth the Cost

At approximately $275.76 per group (up to 12 people), this tour offers good value, especially for families or groups of friends seeking a personalized day out. The private nature means less waiting, more flexibility, and the chance to tailor the experience to your interests.

Reviewers consistently praise the value for money, noting that the stunning views and the chance to swim in a cave make it a memorable and worthwhile adventure. The flexibility in stops and the casual, friendly vibe of the skipper help create a relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals to those who love scenic boat trips, swimming in natural caves, and exploring islands away from crowds. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, photo opportunities, and light adventure without being overly strenuous. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a tailored day on the water will find this tour particularly satisfying.

The Sum Up

The Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour offers a rich slice of Dubrovnik’s coast—stunning views, refreshing swims, and a chance to explore some of the most beautiful caves and islands in the area. The private setting makes it a perfect escape for those seeking a personalized, relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

While weather can impact the experience, most travelers find that the moments they do get to enjoy—especially the Blue Cave swim and scenic island stops—make the cost worthwhile. The tour strikes a good balance between adventure and leisure, ideal for those who want an authentic, intimate look at this stunning part of Croatia.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value comfort, exclusivity, and natural beauty, and who are ready to enjoy some swimming, sightseeing, and island hopping in one seamless day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be comfortable swimming as the Blue Cave entrance requires swimming into it. Check with the operator if you have specific age concerns.

How long is the entire tour?
Approximately 8 hours, including stops and travel time, providing a full day of exploration without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, suncream, hat, camera, and change of clothes. All snorkeling equipment and water are provided.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, you can opt for Pasjaca Beach instead of Elaphiti Islands if you prefer a quieter spot.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, bad weather could lead to cancellation or rescheduling. Usually, you’ll be given a different date or a full refund.

What’s the maximum group size?
Up to 12 people, making it intimate and allowing for personalized attention.

How much does the fuel surcharge cost?
It varies depending on the tour, paid in cash on the boat—ranging from 30 to 150 euros based on the length of the tour.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages included in the package.

How do I book?
Most bookings are made 64 days in advance; simply reserve through the provider’s platform or contact them directly.

Where does the tour start?
From Dubrovnik or Cavtat, with pickup options available depending on your location.

The Brand New Mercan Excursion 34 Private Tour offers a fantastic way to see Dubrovnik’s coast from the water, with enough flexibility and comfort for an enjoyable day. Whether you’re into photography, swimming, or just relaxing on a boat, this tour promises a memorable Croatian adventure.