From Hvar: Blue and Green Cave Day Tour

Traveling around Croatia’s Dalmatian coast offers some incredible sights, and one popular way to experience this beauty is via the Blue and Green Cave Day Tour departing from Hvar. We haven’t done this exact trip ourselves but have gathered insights from many travelers and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect. If you’re into boat trips that combine scenery, swimming, and a bit of adventure, this tour might just be right up your alley.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines the wow factor of the Blue Cave, with its glowing blue light, and the fun of exploring lesser-known caves like the Green Cave. Plus, the stops at Stiniva Cove and the Paklinski Islands add variety and give you plenty of opportunities to relax on beaches or enjoy some local food at your own expense.

That said, it’s wise to note that the tour can be affected by weather and tides, which might mean skipping the Blue Cave if the conditions aren’t perfect. Also, given that entrance fees to the caves are not included, the overall cost can add up if you want to visit all the highlights comfortably. This trip is best suited for those who love boat rides, scenic waters, and are happy to bounce around multiple stops in a day.

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that mixes sightseeing, swimming, and a splash of Croatian island life, this tour could fit well into your plans — but keep your expectations flexible depending on weather and sea conditions.

Key Points

• Stunning Cave Experiences: Highlights include the famous Blue Cave and the Green Cave, each offering unique photo opportunities and memorable swimming spots.
• Island Hopping: Cruise through the Paklinski Islands and see some of Croatia’s most beautiful bays, with time for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
• Variety of Stops: From swimming in emerald waters to sunbathing on scenic beaches like Stiniva Cove, there’s plenty of ways to unwind.
• Group Size and Comfort: Typically small groups (~12 people), which keeps the experience intimate and less crowded.
• Cost and Value: At $106 per person, including snorkeling gear, water, and a knowledgeable skipper, it’s a solid value for a full-day tour.
• Weather Dependency: The Blue and Green Cave entries depend heavily on sea conditions, so flexibility might be needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Meeting and Departure

Your adventure begins at the seafront in Hvar, where you’ll meet your skipper and fellow travelers. The boat is a speedboat, which promises a lively ride across the shimmering waters — perfect if you enjoy a bit of wind in your hair. The group size tends to be small, making the trip feel more personalized, and the crew’s friendly attitude is a common praise point.

First Stop: The Green Cave on Ravnik

The Green Cave is often the first highlight, known for its vibrant, emerald glow. You’ll get the chance to swim inside and marvel at the natural light filtering through the cave’s opening. As one reviewer noted, “It’s a gorgeous color,” and many guests enjoy how the water here looks otherworldly. The guides are usually attentive and helpful, often sharing fun facts and assisting with water entry.

Second Stop: The Blue Cave on Bievo Island

The Blue Cave is undoubtedly the star of the show. It’s famous for the way sunlight hits the sandy bottom, creating a luminous blue that’s almost surreal. You’ll climb into a shuttlecraft to reach the interior, as the larger boats can’t go directly inside. This is often the part where crowds can be an issue, especially in high season, but some reviews mention that their trip avoided long queues or that they were lucky to go inside with minimal wait.

Note that entrance fees to the caves are not included, so be prepared for an additional cost if you decide to go inside. The experience of seeing the cave’s silvery-blue light is well worth it, but patience may be needed if the lines are long or if weather prevents entry.

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Midday: Stiniva Cove

Next, you’ll arrive at Stiniva Cove, a small, hidden beach surrounded by high rocks. Here, you can jump into the water from the boat or relax on the pebble beach. Many reviews mention how stunning the scenery is and how perfect it is for a quick swim or photo. If you’re lucky, your skipper might take you through the Stiniva Gates, a narrow passage that’s quite fun to swim through and makes for some fantastic photos.

Afternoon: Pakleni Islands and Vinogradice Bay

The last major stop is the Pakleni Islands, a chain of lush islands just off Hvar. You’ll visit Vinogradice Bay, known for its turquoise waters and good swimming spots. If you’re feeling hungry, there’s an option to get a seaside lunch at one of the local restaurants (at your own expense). Many guests find this to be a relaxing way to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the clear waters.

Return to Hvar

The day wraps up as you cruise back to Hvar at sunset. The journey in the late afternoon offers softer light, perfect for photos and reflecting on a day packed with scenery and adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a seasoned skipper, snorkeling gear, water, icebox, a shower, and insurance—essentially all you need for a comfortable day on the water. You’ll also get plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and take photos.

However, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly, especially since the main meal occurs late in the day, around 4-5 pm, at a local restaurant on one of the islands. Entrance fees for the caves are also separate, which can add to your expenses if you choose to go inside.

The Real Deal: What Travelers Say

Most reviews are glowing, with 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 476 opinions. Many travelers praise the friendly guides and the stunning scenery, with some noting how the Blue Cave is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime” sight. Others appreciate the small-group vibe, which makes the experience less commercial and more personal.

Several reviews mention how the crew went above and beyond, helping with water entries, sharing interesting stories, and even suggesting good local restaurants. One review highlighted that they missed the Blue Cave due to queues but still enjoyed other stops, which shows the trip’s flexibility.

A few travelers mentioned that the Green Cave and Blue Cave can be impacted by sea conditions, with some unable to enter the caves. This is normal for cave tours, but it’s good to keep in mind that weather can influence your experience.

Practical Tips

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, as you’ll be exposed to the sun for most of the day.
• Pack swimwear and a towel for easy changing and sunbathing.
• Be prepared for late lunch if you plan to eat on the island—some reviews suggest bringing snacks or a packed lunch if you want to maximize your time swimming.
• The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as boats and cave access can be challenging.
• If you want to visit the caves, consider arriving early to beat crowds or be patient if queues form.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for sea lovers and those wanting a full day of scenic cruising and swimming. It suits travelers looking for a manageable group size and who enjoy a mixture of adventure, relaxation, and island exploration. It’s perfect if you’re okay with the possibility of weather influencing cave visits and are prepared for additional costs if you want inside the caves.

If you’re traveling with family or a group that loves water activities, many find this trip very enjoyable. However, if you prefer longer, more in-depth cultural visits or are concerned about sea sickness, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While many reviews mention children enjoying the trip, it’s mainly a boat ride with swimming, so kids who love water and boat trips will have fun. Keep in mind the boat ride can be bumpy depending on the weather, and the tour isn’t specifically tailored for very young children.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops generally range from 20 to 30 minutes, giving enough time to swim, take photos, or relax. The Blue Cave visit may be shorter or longer depending on queues and conditions.

Are the caves included in the price?
No, entrance fees to the Blue and Green Caves are not included. These fees are paid separately if you choose to enter the caves.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour’s schedule is weather dependent. Rough seas or high tides might result in skipping certain cave visits, especially the Blue Cave. The crew usually adapts the itinerary if needed.

Is there a lunch break?
Yes, the tour stops at Vinogradice Bay for an optional seaside lunch, usually around 4-5 pm. You can also bring snacks if you want to eat earlier or on the go.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at around $106 per person, which includes snorkeling gear, water, and the services of an experienced skipper. Remember, cave entrance fees are extra.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, with the option to reserve and pay later, you can book closer to your trip. Just be aware that popular dates in high season might fill up quickly.

This Blue and Green Cave tour from Hvar offers a good mix of natural beauty, fun swimming, and island exploration. The small-group setting, friendly guides, and stunning scenery make it a memorable way to spend a day on the water. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of chances to cool off in crystal-clear waters.

Because weather can sometimes affect cave visits, it’s worth remaining flexible and keeping expectations realistic. The added costs for cave entrance fees mean your total outlay may be higher than just the ticket price, but many find the experience worth it. If you’re eager to see Croatia’s iconic caves, enjoy sea breezes, and discover hidden beaches, this trip is likely to leave you with plenty of great memories.

Whether you’re into scenic boat rides, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun, this tour offers a compelling day out. Just remember to pack what you need, bring some patience, and enjoy every splash of it.

You can check availability for your dates here: