If you’re dreaming of exploring Croatia’s most beautiful islands and caves by boat, this Blue Cave, Vis, and Hvar speedboat tour might just be what you’re looking for. We’ve looked into the details, and while we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the reviews and info paint a clear picture of what to expect.
What really catches our eye are the stunning Blue Cave with its shimmering waters and the chance to visit untouched bays and lively towns. Plus, the expert guides seem to make a big difference, keeping everyone safe and entertained.
On the flip side, the tour’s length and timing might be tight if you prefer a more relaxed pace, so it’s worth considering if you’re not a fan of busy schedules. If you love a full day of sea, scenery, and islands, this tour hits a lot of the right notes.
most amazing day I've had on my 5 week trip through Europe so far. the caves, islands and swimming were amazing.
Such a fun day visiting different islands! The blue cave was beautiful and we had a great guide who even took us to Green cave and a little beach! Would definitely recommend, our favorite activity in Croatia so far ☺️
The daytrip was excellent. Twelve people on a luxe boat with a skipper and a guide. The places we went were very beautiful and relaxing.
It’s best suited for travelers who want an action-packed day, enjoy snorkeling and swimming, and don’t mind a bit of speedboat time on the water. Families with older kids or anyone comfortable with boat rides will find this experience an exciting and memorable way to see Croatia’s coast in one go.
- Key Points
- An Honest Look at the Experience
- Starting Point and Transportation
- The Blue Cave Experience
- Exploring the Bays and Islands
- Hvar Town and Final Stop
- What Makes This Tour Stand Out
- Practical Considerations
- Cost and Value
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- More Tours in Split
- More Tour Reviews in Split
Key Points
- Packed itinerary with multiple stops including Blue Cave, bays, and Hvar
- Great value for the price, considering the boat, guides, and snorkeling gear
- Active day with swimming, sightseeing, and photo stops
- Weather-dependent, potential for rescheduling or cancellation in bad conditions
- Perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy fast-paced boat trips and scenic views
- Not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues
An Honest Look at the Experience
This tour offers a full-day adventure exploring some of Croatia’s most iconic sights by speedboat, starting from either Trogir or Split. The 10-hour journey is designed to be both exciting and scenic, packed with opportunities to swim, take photos, and learn about the natural beauty of the Dalmatian coast.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Split.
Starting Point and Transportation
You’ll meet at one of two locations, depending on your booking—either in Trogir or Split. From there, a speedboat whisks you away on a 75-minute ride to Bievo Island, where the adventure begins. The boat’s speed and open-air design mean you’ll get a real sense of the sea breeze and the salty air, setting the tone for the day.
The Blue Cave Experience
The Blue Cave is the highlight for many travelers, and it’s easy to see why. The silvery-blue glow inside the cave, caused by sunlight refraction, makes it a magical sight. According to reviews, guides are well-prepared to handle ticketing and waiting times, which can be a pain point in busy seasons.
Swimming was a highlight. Definitely recommend some walking shoes for the towns. Such an amazing day. Very helpful guides
The blue cave is amazing. The tour is a perfect combination of nature, relax and beautiful towns, and the crew are very nice. I totally recommend it!
Amazing day, definitely the high point of our holiday. Our skippers were really friendly and helpful. This trip was such a great way to explore the islands, we even saw dolphins on our way out.
One reviewer mentioned that the guides “stayed there while we waited for our ticket” and were very helpful, which really enhances the experience.
Note that entry tickets for the Blue Cave are payable in cash and are not included in the tour price. This can be a small inconvenience, especially if you’re not prepared for last-minute expenses.
Exploring the Bays and Islands
After the cave, the tour continues to Veliki Budikovac, often called the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time. Here, the crystal-clear waters are great for swimming and snorkeling, and there’s a small bar to grab a drink. Many reviews love the quality of the snorkeling gear and the beauty of the waters—you’ll love the views underwater.
Next, the boat visits the Pakleni Islands, a group of small islands close to Hvar, with Pianina Bay being a favorite stop. The area offers a nice mix of relaxation, swimming, and taking photos. You’ll have an hour here, which is enough to soak up the scenery, have lunch on your own, or snorkel in the calm waters.
we thought the selection of areas on this tour was great. The blue cave was spectacular and our skipper and guide were great in getting us tickets and staying there while we waited for our ticket numbers for our turn to come. Loved the boat ride and appreciated that they had water on the boat since it was so hot. It would have been great to swim in a second location. I hope the green cave is available soon. It is crazy that one group charges for swimming there. Please fight this and allow future visitors the opportunity that we did not have.
A day well spent exploring the islands of Croatia. The skipper was quick to act on his feet when the wait for the Blue cave was a little too long and all the time was spent well
This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Snorkeling in crystal clear waters, relaxing on a boat for hours, swimming in gorgeous caves, I LOVED IT!
Hvar Town and Final Stop
The last big stop is Hvar Island, known as Croatia’s trendiest destination. You’ll get about two hours to explore, walk around, shop, or just relax in the lively town. The reviews highlight how helpful guides are in pointing out the best spots, allowing you to make the most of your time.
Afterward, you’ll hop back on the speedboat for the return journey, enjoying more views of the coast and perhaps catching a sunset if timing works out. The entire experience wraps up with a comfortable cruise back to your starting point.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
The stunning scenery at each stop is what most travelers emphasize. The Blue Cave’s glow, the crystal waters of the bays, and the vibrant life of Hvar make this a picture-perfect day.
The guides and skippers also seem to shine, with many reviews praising their knowledge, helpfulness, and friendliness. One traveler mentioned that the crew was “very nice,” and another appreciated how guides “stayed there while we waited” for cave tickets, which made the wait more bearable.
It was a beautiful and relaxing trip with a competent crew.
This 10 hour day trip is a great way to see a lot if you don't havre a lot of time in Split. The guys were terrific hosts, good information, plenty of time to explore or sit on a beach or just enjoy a wine it two. Blue caves were really interesting, green caves even better!! Beautiful part of the world.
We really enjoyed the speedboat tour but we came on a bad day – the sun was shinning but it was very windy – so we were held up in Vis and missed out on some swimming. The return journey was also rather hairy with waves crashing into us and we returned soaked through. Nonetheless, I can see that it would be great on a good day! To improve, the crew/guide could be more informative – even with simple things such as showing where toilets are if the journey will be long and bringing water (as there was none provided on the boat). The Cave, Vis and Hvar are all beautiful and I would recommend – cautious of weather conditions and not appropriate for those with claustrophobia as the entrance to the…
Practical Considerations
While most reviews are glowing, there are a few things to keep in mind. The tour is quite busy, and the schedule is tight—if you prefer leisurely mornings or long lounging on beaches, this might feel rushed. Also, weather conditions can impact the experience—bad weather could lead to rescheduling or cancellations, so flexibility is helpful.
Cost and Value
At $117 per person, the tour feels fairly priced considering the boat ride, snorkeling gear, and guided visits. The cost of Blue Cave tickets isn't included, so budget for that cash expense. Many reviewers say it’s a good value for what you get, especially with the guides and the number of stops packed into one day.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal if you’re craving a full-day adventure that combines nature, scenery, and lively towns. It suits active travelers who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing without the need for a super relaxed pace.
It’s not suitable for small children under 3, pregnant women, or those with serious health issues due to the nature of boat rides and the physical activity involved. If you’re comfortable with speedboats and eager for a day exploring Croatia’s coast, this tour will deliver memorable moments.
Final Thoughts
The Split or Trogir: Blue Cave, Vis and Hvar Speedboat Tour offers a fantastic way to see Croatia’s most photogenic spots in one day. With stunning natural sights, a friendly and knowledgeable crew, and plenty of opportunities to swim and explore, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want an active, scenic experience.
While it’s not the perfect fit for those seeking a super relaxed or customizable trip, it provides good value and a chance to tick off many must-see destinations in a single day. If you’re after a dash of adventure and incredible views, this tour could be a highlight of your Croatian trip.
Split or Trogir: Blue Cave, Vis and Hvar Speedboat Tour
"most amazing day I've had on my 5 week trip through Europe so far. the caves, islands and swimming were amazing."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally not recommended for children under 3 years old, mainly because of boat rides and the busy schedule. Older children who are comfortable on boats will likely enjoy it.
How long is the boat ride?
The initial ride from Split or Trogir to Bievo Island takes about 75 minutes. Throughout the day, there are several shorter rides between stops, each around 15 to 30 minutes.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer your own equipment.
Are the Blue Cave tickets included?
No, the Blue Cave entry ticket is payable in cash and is not included in the tour price. Be prepared to pay this on the spot.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a wind jacket for the boat, and a change of clothes. It’s also smart to have some cash for the cave ticket and any optional purchases.
Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, if weather or sea conditions are extreme or unpleasant, the tour might be rescheduled or canceled, so flexibility is key.
How much free time do I get at each stop?
You’ll have about 1.5 hours at Veliki Budikovac, 1 hour at the Pakleni Islands, and 2 hours in Hvar. These are enough to swim, explore, or relax, but keep an eye on the clock if you want to see everything.
All in all, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized way to experience Croatia’s coast. Whether you're after the iconic Blue Cave or a vibrant town like Hvar, you’ll come away with plenty of photos and memories to cherish.
You can check availability for your dates here:
