Plava špilja, Koločep, Elafitski otoci · 크로아티아 두브로브니크 엘라피티(콜로체프)
Location
Overview
The Blue Cave of Koločep (Plava špilja) is a sea grotto on the southern coast of Koločep, the closest of the Elaphiti Islands to Dubrovnik and about 20 minutes away by speedboat. Sunlight streams in through a narrow underwater opening and reflects off the white limestone floor and walls, flooding the chamber with an intense, electric-blue glow. Unlike the Blue Cave on Biševo, this one lets you snorkel right inside, swimming through the glowing blue water rather than just viewing it from a boat. The water in the cave is about 4–5 m deep with a ceiling roughly 5–6 m above the surface; summer sea temperatures run 22–25°C and visibility is excellent, revealing typical temperate Adriatic life such as sea bream, wrasse, octopus and sea urchins (there are no tropical corals, turtles or mantas here). As of 2026 it is still reached only by boat tour from April to October, and because the entrance is too small for boats, vessels anchor outside and guests swim in.
Highlights
Snorkelling right inside the cave, swimming through water lit an electric blue
The blue-light phenomenon created by sunlight through the underwater opening (sharpest from late morning into early afternoon)
The clear Elaphiti water (visibility around 15–25 m) over pale limestone
Temperate Adriatic marine life — sea bream, wrasse, octopus, sea urchins and sponges
Combined in one 4-hour tour with snorkelling at the nearby Green Cave and a beach stop at Šunj on Lopud
Good to know
SafetyThe cave mouth is narrow and boats come and go. Since vessels anchor outside and you swim in, watch for boat and jet-ski traffic near the entrance and use a snorkelling buoy/float to stay visible.
SafetyInside the cave is dark, low-light and enclosed, where it is easy to lose your bearings or panic. Beginners should never enter alone — stay with the guide or a buddy, and defog your mask and check your breathing before going in.
SafetyWhen there is swell, water surges toward the cave walls and can push you against the rock at the entrance. Don't force it if the sea is rough, and watch for cold-related fatigue on longer swims.
SafetySea urchins are common on the rocks and shallow ledges. You can be spined stepping down barefoot or grabbing a wall, so wear reef shoes and keep clear of the walls and bottom; use the life jacket or pool noodle if provided.
SeasonThe season runs April–October, best from June to August, when the chance of getting inside is high (roughly 80–90%). The blue glow is strongest when the sun is high, from late morning into early afternoon. Mauve stinger jellyfish can appear in the Adriatic in summer, so watch for stings.
MannersThere are no tropical corals, but don't touch or stand on the limestone walls, urchins or octopus, and never feed wildlife. Use reef-safe sunscreen and leave the cave undamaged.
CautionUnlicensed, cut-price tours do circulate. Confirm the operator is licensed, and always re-check the current price, departure times and whether tours are running before you book.
Practical info
Reach it in about 20 minutes by speedboat from Dubrovnik (Gruž harbour or the Lapad marina), or take the Jadrolinija ferry to Donje Čelo on Koločep in around 30 minutes — the island itself is car-free. The Blue Cave can only be entered on small-group boat tours from April to October, usually bundled into a 4-hour itinerary with Green Cave snorkelling and Šunj beach on Lopud. Prices (from about €60 per person), departure times and weather-dependent operation vary by season, so confirm the latest details before booking.
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