Hvar: Blue and Green Caves Boat Tour with Stiniva Beach

If you’re planning to visit Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, a boat tour around Hvar offers a fantastic way to see some of the most striking natural sights. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, the reviews and descriptions paint a clear picture of a lively, scenic adventure that’s well worth considering. It’s a popular pick for those who want a taste of Croatia’s renowned seascapes, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained.

What really catches the eye about this tour are its stops at the Blue and Green Caves—both boasting spectacular lighting effects that are hard to match elsewhere—and the chance to relax on Stiniva Beach, often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Plus, the thrill of a speedboat ride adds that adrenaline rush many travelers adore. One thing to keep in mind is that visiting the Blue Cave involves an extra fee, which can be quite expensive, so budget accordingly if this is a priority.

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for an active day on the water, those who enjoy scenic boat rides, and anyone eager to explore Croatia’s iconic caves and beaches. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo and love a good adventure, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. However, keep in mind that it’s not designed for young children under five, pregnant women, or those with mobility concerns.

Key Points

• Stunning Sights: The Blue and Green Caves are truly spectacular natural features worth seeing.
• Snorkeling Opportunities: With provided gear, you can get close to underwater life in the Blue Lagoon.
• Thrilling Boat Ride: The speedboat journey offers excitement and fresh sea air.
• Cost Consideration: Cave entry fees are paid separately and can add up, so plan your budget.
• Experienced Guides: From reviews, guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and make the experience more enriching.
• Timing Flexibility: The tour lasts a full day, with stops that allow plenty of swimming and relaxing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Offers

This boat tour is centered around exploring some of Croatia’s most breathtaking coastal features. It’s a well-rounded experience combining natural wonders, swimming, and scenic cruising. The tour departs from Hvar’s town center, meeting at a local travel agency, and promises a day filled with adventure and beauty.

You’ll start with a high-energy ride across the Adriatic, feeling the wind and waves as your skipper takes you to the first major highlight—the Blue Cave. This cave is renowned for its surreal blue glow—a natural phenomenon caused by sunlight reflecting off the water and cave walls. Many reviews mention how mesmerizing this sight is, with one reviewer specifically saying, “Guides were great, Blue Cave amazing as were the other stops,” which hints at a generally positive experience.

From there, the tour moves to the Green Cave, known for sunlight filtering through the water and creating a shimmering green light that makes the experience even more magical. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a chance to marvel at Croatia’s diverse geology.

The Pictorial Stiniva Beach & Blue Lagoon

Next up, the boat anchors at Stiniva Cove, a small, secluded beach surrounded by towering cliffs. This spot is often described as breathtaking, with its steep cliffs and pebble shoreline providing an exclusive feel. A traveler mentioned, “the steep cliffs surrounding a small pebble beach make it an exclusive and serene setting for swimming and sunbathing,” which captures the essence perfectly.

After Stiniva, you’ll head to the Budikovac Blue Lagoon—a crystal-clear spot perfect for swimming and snorkeling. With gear provided, you’ll love the way the seabed looks through the water’s transparency, and many reviewers describe snorkeling here as a highlight. One reviewer even noted, “Dive in and explore the underwater world of colorful fish and vegetation,” which suggests a lively, beautiful underwater scene.

Ending with Palmizana Bay

The day wraps up with a visit to Palmizana Bay, a lush and tranquil beach that offers an ideal spot for relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing. Here, you can lounge, take a dip, or enjoy local cuisine at one of the beachside restaurants. It’s the perfect finale—calm, scenic, and delicious.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour package includes the skipper, snorkeling goggles, water, ice-cold drinks, and travel insurance. These little touches make a difference, especially the snacks and gear which allow you to focus on enjoying the scenery. However, it’s important to note that fees for entering the Blue and Green Caves are paid separately and can be quite costly, sometimes making the overall price feel steeper than the base ticket.

You’ll want to bring swimwear, a towel, and cash for extras like cave fees or souvenirs. The tour lasts a good part of the day—expect around 6-8 hours—and concludes back at the original meeting point.

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Group Size & Atmosphere

The tour’s group size isn’t specified, but based on the reviews, it likely offers a lively, social atmosphere. The guide’s role is emphasized as educational and engaging, sharing stories and insights about the area, which enhances the overall experience. Several travelers praised guides for being “very welcoming and kind,” making the trip even more memorable.

Price & Value

At $115 per person, this tour is a decent value considering the sights covered and the inclusions. The caves themselves are some of Croatia’s top attractions, and being able to see them with a guide who makes the experience more informative adds to the package. That said, the extra cave entry fees could feel a bit steep, so budget with that in mind.

Weather & Season

High season could mean long queues at the Blue Cave, and weather can impact the experience—particularly if the sea is rough or if rain causes cancellations. One reviewer mentioned, “Weather wasn’t great so we couldn’t go to the Blue Cave,” which reminds travelers to be flexible.

Accessibility & Suitability

The tour isn’t suitable for children under five, pregnant women, or wheelchair users, mainly due to the boat’s nature and the physical demands of swimming and climbing in and out of the boat. It’s best suited for those comfortable with water activities and a full day on the water.

Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that many find the tour worth the price, especially for the spectacular views and knowledgeable guides. Someone mentioned, “The guide was very welcoming and kind,” which suggests a friendly atmosphere. Others appreciated the opportunities to swim and snorkel in beautiful spots, with one noting, “We loved the way our skipper took us to other swim spots when the weather wasn’t perfect.”

This boat trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who love the sea, want to see Croatia’s caves, and are eager to spend the day outdoors. It’s a good fit if you’re comfortable with a somewhat physically active day and don’t mind paying extra for cave entry fees. Those who want a relaxing, less active experience might prefer a more leisurely tour, but if you’re after scenic beauty and a bit of thrill, this is a solid choice.

It’s less suitable for families with very young children, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility concerns—since the tour involves boat rides, swimming, and walking in some cases. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a memorable, photo-worthy day with plenty of opportunities to cool off and soak in the views, this tour has a lot to offer.

The Hvar Blue and Green Caves Boat Tour with Stiniva Beach delivers on its promise of scenic, exciting, and memorable experiences. The stops at the caves alone are worth the journey, especially if the weather cooperates, and the swimming spots provide a chance to cool down and enjoy Croatia’s famed clear waters.

The presence of friendly, knowledgeable guides makes all the difference, and the opportunity to snorkel and relax in secluded bays adds a personalized touch. While cave entry fees can bump up the cost, many travelers agree that the sights and experiences justify the expense.

If you’re looking for an active day out on the water, eager to see Croatia’s natural wonders, and don’t mind some extra costs for cave visits, this tour could be a highlight of your time in Hvar. It’s a great way to combine adventure, relaxation, and stunning views into one memorable day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts around 6 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop and soak up the scenery.

Are cave entry fees included?
No, the fees for entering the Blue and Green Caves are paid separately and can be quite expensive. Make sure to budget for these additional costs.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, goggles for snorkeling are included, allowing you to explore the underwater world at the Blue Lagoon.

Can I swim at the stops?
Absolutely. Swimming and sunbathing are main parts of the experience, especially at Stiniva Beach and the Blue Lagoon.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under five, and it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat rides and swimming.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, and cash for cave fees or souvenirs. Don’t forget sun protection and a hat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to boat and terrain constraints.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent visits to the caves, the skipper may take you to other swim spots. Keep flexible and check the forecast.

Do reviews suggest the tour is worth the price?
Most reviews indicate yes, especially for the stunning sights and the friendly guides, though cave fees can add up.

This tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Croatia’s most iconic sea caves and beaches, combining scenic beauty with a dash of adventure. If those aspects appeal to you, it’s likely to be a day you’ll remember fondly.

You can check availability for your dates here: