Blue cave tour with speed boat from town Hvar

Exploring Croatia’s Islands by Speedboat: A Closer Look at the Hvar Blue Cave Tour

If you’re thinking about taking a day-trip from Hvar to explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, this Blue Cave tour with speedboat offers an exciting mix of sights, swimming, and scenery. While it’s not a perfect experience for everyone, it’s a solid option for those seeking an active, intimate adventure on the water.

What we really like about this tour is its small-group setting, which tends to offer more personalized attention and a less crowded feel. Plus, visiting multiple islands and caves in one day means you get a broad taste of Croatia’s maritime beauty, from turquoise lagoons to dramatic rocky coves. That said, some might find the price point a little steep for what’s essentially a series of boat stops — but it’s also about the convenience and access to those famed sights.

One thing worth considering is the timing and logistics. The tour runs for roughly 8 hours, starting late morning and returning in the late afternoon, so it’s a full day. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be aware that speedboats can be bumpy, especially in windy conditions. This experience best suits travelers who love water-based adventures, want a hassle-free way to see multiple sights, and enjoy small-group tours for a more personal vibe.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 12 people ensures a more intimate trip.
• Multiple island stops including Vis, Bisevo, and the Pakleni Islands provide a varied day of exploration.
• Highlights include the Blue and Green Caves, plus Stiniva Beach, offering some of Croatia’s most photogenic scenery.
• Snorkeling gear and onboard drinks add extra fun, making the trip feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
• The 8-hour duration makes it a full, immersive day without being overly long.
• Price-wise, it’s an investment for a curated, guided adventure rather than a budget tour.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting at Kroz Burak 12 in Hvar, the tour kicks off around 10:30 am with a friendly meet-and-greet at the Big Blue Tours agency. From there, you’ll hop onto a speedboat with a small group, which is a real plus if you’re after a more personal experience. The crew’s friendliness seems to be a highlight, with reviews praising the staff for their warmth and attentiveness. One reviewer noted, “Very friendly crew members and the service during the whole trip was also remarkable,” which sets a positive tone for the day.

First Stop: Budikovac Island

Your first destination is Budikovac Island, a tiny slice of paradise on the southeastern side of Vis. This spot is perfect for unwinding — think a small pebble beach and a stunning turquoise lagoon. With about an hour here, you’ll have ample time to swim and soak in the peaceful vibe. The fact that admission is included means you won’t have to worry about extra costs here, making it a good value note. One traveler shared, “Very relaxing day,” which hints at the laid-back quality of this first stop.

Green Cave: Light and Shadows

Next, you’ll visit the Green Cave, famous for the sunlight filtering through cracks in the ceiling, creating beautiful beams of light in the water. The cave itself is spacious, about three to five meters deep, and offers captivating scenery. While the cave entrance fee isn’t included, the experience of floating inside a natural wonder is well worth it. Travelers mention the cave’s unique light effects add a magical touch to the trip, and it’s one of the more Instagram-worthy locations.

Stiniva Cove: Dramatic and Intimate

After the caves, you’ll head to Stiniva Cove, a striking spot on the southern side of Vis characterized by a narrow entrance that leads to a wide pebble beach. The sheer height of the surrounding rocks and the admission included make this a highlight. Visitors describe it as “a beautiful, thirty-meter wide pebble beach, flanked by perpendicular rocks,” and it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. One reviewer called it “a very relaxing and scenic stop,” perfect for a quick swim and some photos.

Cave Bisevo and the Blue Cave: The Showstopper

The Blue Cave in Bisevo Island is perhaps the most famous part of the tour. Accessible only by small rowboat, it offers that iconic glowing blue water caused by sunlight reflecting inside. This is undoubtedly the main draw and often the reason travelers book this tour. The visit lasts about an hour, with no admission fee included, so be prepared for an additional expense if you want to go inside. One reviewer noted, “Local fishermen have known about the Blue Cave for generations,” and the experience of seeing it is often described as breathtaking.

Pakleni Islands: A Feast for the Senses

The final major stop is the Pakleni Islands, a string of islands known for their stunning beaches, great scenery, and gourmet restaurants. You’ll spend about two hours here, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the boat. The reviewer who enjoyed a “brilliant experience overall” appreciated the chance to unwind and enjoy some local cuisine, which adds a nice touch to the trip.

Return and Reflection

The boat returns to Hvar late afternoon, around 6:30 pm. This timing provides a full day of exploring without feeling rushed, though keep in mind the tour’s 8-hour duration and the potential for fatigue after a day in the sun and sea.

Real Travelers’ Perspectives

One guest summed up their experience as “Very friendly crew members and the service during the whole trip was also remarkable.” The onboard drinks, including water, shots, and even champagne, seem to add a playful, festive touch that many travelers enjoy. Another review highlighted the ease of the trip, mentioning a “lovely chaser salad for lunch on one of the islands,” emphasizing the value of combining sightseeing with good local food.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One reviewer from France mentioned a negative experience, claiming, “They told us the boat was in panne without warning,” which is concerning. It’s worth noting that, as with all tours, cancellations can happen due to weather or technical issues, but the provider offers a full refund if needed, which adds some reassurance.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the price — around $215 per person — you’re paying for a curated, guided experience rather than just boat rides and sightseeing. The inclusion of drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the small-group format make it a comfortable way to see multiple islands with minimal hassle. If you’re someone who appreciates natural beauty, enjoys boat trips, and doesn’t mind the price tag, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck.

But if you’re on a tight budget, or prefer independent exploration, you might find the cost a little high for what’s essentially a series of stops with some included amenities. The experience’s value also hinges on weather; poor conditions could affect your enjoyment, though the provider does offer options if cancellation occurs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Croatia’s stunning islands without having to organize each stop individually. It’s well-suited to those who enjoy small-group settings, making for a more personal experience. It’s ideal if you love water-based activities, like snorkeling, and want to see famous sights like the Blue Cave.

It’s also a good pick for travel enthusiasts eager to experience a variety of environments: from quiet lagoons to dramatic rock formations. If you’re looking for a relaxed, guided day that combines sightseeing, swimming, and light adventure, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQs

What is the starting point for this tour?
You’ll meet at Tours Hvar, Kroz Burak 12, at 10:15 am, at the Big Blue Tours agency. The tour departs from there.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 8 hours, starting around 10:30 am and returning in the late afternoon, around 6:30 pm.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes speedboat transportation for the day’s stops.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate.

Are drinks provided on board?
Yes, onboard drinks, including water, shots, and a glass of champagne, are included, adding a fun element to the trip.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can enjoy exploring beneath the water when you wish.

Are all the stops included in the price?
Most stops are included, but some attractions like the Green Cave and Blue Cave may require additional entrance fees, which are not included.

What should I wear or bring?
Dress in smart casual attire and bring swimwear, sunscreen, and perhaps a towel. Being prepared for sun and water activities makes the day more comfortable.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather cancellations are possible, and you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund if that happens.

Overall, this Blue Cave speedboat tour from Hvar offers a lively, scenic, and manageable way to see some of Croatia’s most iconic sights. It’s best suited for travelers craving a fun, social day on the water with a focus on natural beauty. While it’s not flawless, especially considering the potential for weather-related hiccups or extra costs at certain stops, many find it a worthwhile and memorable way to explore the Croatian islands.