Blue & Green cave tour with yacht from town Hvar

The best part of this Hvar boat trip is the mix of famous caves and proper swimming stops. You move from the glowing Blue Cave on Biševo to the clear lagoon at Budikovac, the narrow entrance of Stiniva Cove, and the beaches of the Pakleni Islands.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the useful gear on board, including paddleboards, snorkels, floats, towels, and sea bobs. I also like having a toilet, shower, cooler, and roomy seating on a long day at sea. The drawback is price: at $251.78 per person, this is a premium outing, and cave entrance fees and lunch are extra.

• Blue Cave access: Enter Biševo’s famous cave by the small local rowboat, when sea and visitor conditions allow.
• Swim-friendly schedule: Budikovac, Stiniva, and the Pakleni Islands give you time to get in the water.
• Comfortable yacht: Expect a toilet, shower, sundeck, music, cooler with ice, and space for up to 12 people.
• Water toys included: Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, towels, a floating mat, and sea bobs add real value.
• Full-day commitment: The boat leaves late morning and returns to Hvar around 6:30 pm, with about eight hours on the water.
• Extra costs to plan for: Blue Cave and Green Cave entry are not included, and lunch is on you.

A Full Day Across Hvar, Vis, and Biševo

This is not a short sightseeing cruise. It is a full day on the Adriatic, with several long crossings mixed with cave visits, beach time, and swimming.

You meet at Big Blue Tours on Kroz Burak 12 in Hvar. The information gives both 10:15 am and 10:30 am as the meeting time, so I would confirm the exact departure time before setting out. The return is scheduled for late afternoon, around 6:30 pm.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That number matters. You get a more personal day than on a large excursion boat, and loading at stops should be quicker. You also have a better chance of getting help from the crew when you want a paddleboard, towel, or snorkel.

The crew includes skippers and guides, with Teddy singled out for his friendly, entertaining approach. The boat comes with a welcome glass of Champagne or another welcome drink, bottled water, an icebox, music, and a sundeck. Wi-Fi is advertised, though one account found it was not available, so I would treat it as a bonus rather than a reason to book.

Budikovac Island Gives You the First Swim

The first main stop is Budikovac Island, on the southeastern side of Vis. Its blue lagoon and pebble beach set the tone for the day: this is a place to swim, float, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun.

You get about an hour here. The supplied paddleboards and floating equipment are especially useful at this stop, since Budikovac is more about enjoying the water than ticking off a monument. Snorkeling gear is included, though underwater conditions can vary with the weather and sea.

The island is described as quiet and far from noise. That makes it a good early stop after leaving Hvar, when you want time to settle into the rhythm of the boat. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep a towel close. You will not want to rummage through bags every time the skipper announces a swim.

Green Cave Has Light From Above

The Green Cave is known for shafts of sunlight entering through small openings in the ceiling. The beams reach down into the water, giving the cave its name and its main visual appeal.

The cave is spacious, with water depth described at roughly three to five meters. You receive about an hour at this stop, although the exact experience can depend on sea conditions and local access arrangements.

The important practical point is that the Green Cave fee is extra. The supplied price is 70 kn, while the Blue Cave fee is listed as 100 kn. Those figures may be presented differently today, but the rule is clear: cave entry is not part of the $251.78 tour price. Budget for both fees before you book.

Some people will find the Green Cave more enjoyable than the Blue Cave because you have more room and a stronger sense of being on the water. Others will prefer the Blue Cave’s famous blue glow. The two stops offer different experiences, so it makes sense to see them as companions rather than rivals.

Stiniva Cove Rewards the Boat Ride

Stiniva Cove sits on Vis’s southern coast. Its entrance is narrow, then opens into a small pebble beach framed by steep rock walls about 35 meters high.

This is one of the most dramatic stops of the day. From the water, the tight opening gives way to a sheltered cove, and the contrast is part of the fun. You get about an hour here, enough time for a swim and a look around, though not necessarily enough for a leisurely meal and long beach stay.

The cove can feel more enclosed than Budikovac or the Pakleni Islands. That makes it memorable, but the setting also means you should follow the crew’s instructions about where and when to swim. The tour information lists admission as included at Stiniva.

Several accounts singled out Stiniva as a highlight, along with other coves that were not always named consistently. The useful takeaway is that the crew may adjust the exact swim spots to suit sea conditions and the day’s timing. The appeal is not just one cave. It is the sequence of changing coves.

The Blue Cave Is the Day’s Main Event

Biševo’s Blue Cave is the stop most people have in mind when they book this excursion. The cave sits in Baluni Cove and is reached by a small local rowboat, not by the main yacht.

Inside, sunlight enters through an underwater opening and fills the cave with a blue glow. The effect is brief and dependent on conditions, but it is unlike a normal beach stop. You are there to look, take in the color, and let the rowboat crew handle the tight entrance.

The tour allows about an hour for the Blue Cave stop, but that does not mean you spend a full hour inside. Waiting can be part of the visit. One person found the hour-long wait frustrating and would have preferred to pay extra for a faster option. Another account described getting in with no wait, so timing can make a major difference.

This is also the stop most exposed to weather and sea conditions. The Blue Cave was closed on one reported day because of poor weather, and the crew substituted other locations. The cancellation terms also state that bad weather can lead to a changed date or full refund.

My advice is simple: book the Blue Cave for the chance to see it, not as a guarantee. If the cave is the only reason you want this trip, ask about the weather policy and possible alternatives before departure. If you see it, the stop may be worth a large part of the price. If it closes, the rest of the day still needs to carry the experience.

Pakleni Islands Add Beach Time and Lunch

The final major area is the Pakleni Islands, reached after the cave and Vis stops. The schedule allows about three hours here, the longest single block of the day.

The listed beach area is Palmižana Bay, also called Vinogradisce Cove, with sand and pebble sections and restaurants. This is where you can slow down, swim again, use the paddleboards, or arrange lunch at your own cost.

Lunch is not included. That gives you control over spending, but it also means the $251.78 headline price does not cover every part of the day. If you want to eat at a beach restaurant, bring a payment method and allow for the possibility that lunch will take up a fair part of your three-hour stop.

The long Pakleni Islands visit balances the faster cave stops. I like that you are not rushed from one photo opportunity to another. Still, if you prefer constant sightseeing, three hours in one island area may feel long. If you want a relaxed swim and lunch by the sea, it is one of the strongest parts of the schedule.

What the Yacht Adds to the Price

The boat is a major reason this trip costs more than a basic Hvar speedboat outing. You get a yacht with comfortable seating, a toilet, a shower, a sundeck, and room for a small group.

That comfort matters on an eight-hour day. A toilet is especially useful when you are moving between islands, and dry storage lets you keep bags and clothes aboard rather than carrying everything onto every beach. The cooler with ice is handy if you bring drinks, though the included bottled water is the safest expectation.

The water equipment is more than a token extra. Paddleboards, snorkeling gear, towels, floating equipment, and sea bobs let you choose how active you want to be. One account also praised an electric device that pulled swimmers through the water, which appears to be the sea bob mentioned in the inclusions.

Do not assume the guide will automatically hand you every item. One less-positive account said the SUPs and towels were not offered or explained. Ask early, especially if you have your heart set on a paddleboard or sea bob.

There is also a social side to a 12-person boat. The group can feel lively, particularly when everyone swims and eats at the same island. One account described the setup as good for a hen party, while other comments praised the friendly crew and fun atmosphere. If you want silence and privacy, a shared yacht may not be your best match.

The Good and the Rough Edges

The strongest part of this experience is the combination of scenery, equipment, and crew attention. Teddy is repeatedly described as entertaining and helpful, and the crew has been credited with making people feel looked after from boarding through the return to Hvar.

The boat has also handled small emergencies well. On one occasion, a host used diving equipment to retrieve a phone that had fallen into the sea. That is not a promised service, but it shows the practical value of having an attentive crew on board.

The main concern is reliability. One boat reportedly broke down in hot weather, leaving the group waiting for almost two hours and causing two islands to be missed. The owner provided a partial refund, which was a fair response, but the incident shows why a premium price cannot remove every risk from a long day at sea.

Another concern is comfort for every seat. Most accounts describe the yacht as spacious and comfortable, yet one person found the rear seating uncomfortable despite the stated capacity. If you care about seating, arrive ready to ask where the best place is for the long crossings.

The Blue Cave wait is another variable. A good departure time can mean no wait. A busy period can leave you standing around in the sun. Bring water, sun protection, and patience.

Is $251.78 Good Value?

At $251.78 per person, this is expensive for a day trip from Hvar. You still pay separately for the Blue Cave and Green Cave, and lunch is not included.

The price makes more sense if you value the small group, comfortable yacht, onboard toilet, and broad selection of water gear. You are also covering a long route that reaches Biševo and Vis rather than staying close to Hvar. For a special day, a birthday, or a small group that wants a boat with room to spread out, the extra cost may feel justified.

The price is harder to defend if you mainly want a quick Blue Cave visit. A cheaper boat may provide the headline sights without the same comfort. The yacht’s value depends on how much you use the paddleboards, floats, snorkels, and sundeck, and how important the toilet and smaller group are to you.

I would compare the total cost, not just the advertised fare. Add the two cave fees, lunch, and any drinks you plan to bring. Then ask yourself if you want a full day of swimming and island time, or only a cave transfer.

What to Pack for the Eight Hours

Wear smart casual clothing for boarding, but pack for swimming. A swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes will make the day easier.

Bring money for lunch and cave entry. The boat provides water and has an icebox, but the supplied information specifically encourages guests to bring drinks, so you may want your own beer or soft drink for the ride.

Keep valuables secure and dry. The yacht provides a place to leave belongings, but phones and cameras are still vulnerable around open water. A waterproof pouch is sensible, especially if you plan to use the SUPs or floating gear.

Good weather is essential. If the weather is poor, the trip can be cancelled, moved to another date, or refunded. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and changes are not accepted.

Who Should Book This Hvar Boat Tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a full day that combines major caves with genuine swim time. It suits couples, friends, families with confident swimmers, and small groups looking for a more comfortable boat than a basic excursion.

It also suits you if the journey matters as much as the stops. The sea crossings, onboard music, welcome drink, sundeck, and water toys create a day that is part sightseeing and part beach outing.

I would think twice if your budget is tight, if you dislike long boat rides, or if the Blue Cave is your only priority. You should also be comfortable with plans changing if weather or boat conditions affect access.

Should You Book It?

Book this Blue and Green Cave tour if you want a polished full-day yacht outing with a small group, several swim stops, and enough equipment to stay active. The best value comes from using the boat as a base for the whole day, not treating it as a simple ride to the Blue Cave.

At $251.78, it is not the bargain choice. It is the comfort-focused choice. Confirm the meeting time, budget for cave fees and lunch, ask about Wi-Fi and available equipment, and accept that the Blue Cave may close or involve a wait. If those points suit you, this is a strong way to turn one day in Hvar into a wide-ranging Adriatic outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Big Blue Tours, Tours Hvar, at Kroz Burak 12, 21450 Hvar, Croatia.

What time does the tour start?

The information gives a meeting time of 10:15 am and a start time of 10:30 am. Confirm the exact time with Big Blue Tours before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours and returns to Hvar around 6:30 pm.

How many people can join the boat?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 12 travelers.

Are the Blue Cave and Green Cave fees included?

No. The listed fees are 100 kn for the Blue Cave and 70 kn for the Green Cave. Lunch is also not included.

What equipment is provided?

The inclusions list paddleboards, bottled water, an icebox with ice, snorkeling equipment, towels, a restroom, and sea bobs. The boat also has a shower and sundeck.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund.