From Hvar: Blue Cave, Green Cave & 5 Islands Speedboat Tour

The Blue Cave is the star here, but the real pleasure is the whole day spent skimming between Dalmatian islands. You get swimming in Budikovac’s blue lagoon, time at Stiniva Cove, cave visits, and a final stop in the Pakleni Islands without arranging several separate trips. I especially like the chance to reach small coves that are accessible only by boat, and the friendly skippers, including Luka, Marco, Andrea and Daniel, who often adjust the route to suit the sea and the group.

The catch is the speedboat itself. It makes a long day possible, but rough water can mean a hard, wet ride, especially on the open crossing to Vis. The Blue Cave can also close in high winds or high tides, and its entrance fee is extra, so you should treat the cave as a strong possibility rather than an absolute promise.

Key points before you book

• The Blue Cave costs extra: Bring cash for the cave entrance, with seasonal prices ranging from €12 to €24.
• Five-island touring saves planning time: You see several famous Dalmatian sites in one busy but rewarding day.
• Budikovac is the main swimming stop: Clear water, snorkeling and time to relax make this an early highlight.
• Stiniva Cove is beautiful but not a traditional beach day: You can swim from the boat or reach shore for photos.
• The route changes with the weather: Caves may close, and a skipper may replace a stop with another cove or island.
• The ride suits active visitors: It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or people with mobility impairments.

Why this Hvar boat trip covers so much ground

Hvar is a fine base for exploring the central Dalmatian coast, but many of the best swimming coves and caves are scattered across several islands. This tour solves that problem with a fast boat and a full day on the water.

You meet at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15 for a 10:30 departure from Hvar port. From there, the boat heads toward the islands and caves, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, photos and lunch.

The route is full, not leisurely in the traditional sense. You spend part of the day sitting on the boat, watching the islands pass, and part getting in and out for short visits. I like this balance because you see far more than you could on foot, but you should not expect long, unhurried beach stays at every stop.

Boats and group sizes can vary. Several people describe comfortable, newer boats with room for around 10 to 12 people, while one person wished for a smaller maximum of nine. If you dislike close seating or have trouble with boat motion, ask the agency about the boat size before booking.

Budikovac’s blue lagoon starts the swimming

The first listed stop is the blue lagoon near Budikovac Island, about 30 minutes from Hvar. The water is the main attraction, with clear blue and green tones that look especially striking from the boat.

This is where you can start swimming or snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is included, along with bottled water, life jackets and safety equipment. You can also stay on board and enjoy the view if you would rather not swim.

The lagoon works well as an opening stop because it gets you into the rhythm of the day quickly. You are not waiting for a long walking tour or a formal presentation. You are looking at the water, deciding where to jump in, and getting comfortable with the boat.

Bring your own towel, swimwear and sunscreen. A waterproof pouch for money is useful too. A swimming stop may have a bar or snack stand, and cash is more helpful than you might expect. You should also bring some food or plan to buy lunch later, since lunch is not included.

The Blue and Green Caves require flexible expectations

The caves are the most famous part of the trip, and the Blue Cave is worth prioritizing if conditions allow. Sunlight entering through an underwater opening gives the cavern its blue glow, creating a brief but memorable sight.

The visit is not guaranteed. High tides and high winds can close the Blue Cave, and rough conditions can also cause delays. A long queue may affect the schedule even when the cave is open. Skippers sometimes alter the order of stops to reduce waiting, but you cannot control the sea, the cave traffic or the final decision to enter.

The Blue Cave entrance is not included in the tour price. The listed seasonal prices are:

• April 1 to May 31: €12
• June 1 to June 19: €18
• June 20 to September 10: €24
• September 11 to October 31: €18

The information for this tour says to bring cash because cards are not accepted. That is the safest approach. Keep the money dry and separate from your main wallet.

The Green Cave is another colorful cave stop, but it may be handled more flexibly. On some departures, the group has chosen to skip it in favor of a private cove or another swimming spot. That can be a good trade if you prefer time in the water to a second cave visit.

I would not book this trip only for the promise of seeing both caves. Book it for the wider day, with the caves as major bonuses. When weather or queues remove one cave, the best skippers replace it with a cove, beach club or other boat-only stop.

Stiniva Cove gives you the classic Vis view

Stiniva Cove on Vis is one of the day’s most photogenic stops. Its narrow opening and enclosed beach give it a distinctive shape, and the surrounding slopes make a fine backdrop for photographs.

You get about 45 minutes here according to the planned schedule. You can swim in the clear water, relax from the boat, or swim toward shore for a closer look. The shore option is more demanding than simply stepping onto a broad beach, so do not assume that everyone will want to make the swim.

Stiniva can also be busy. The cove is compact, which means boats and swimmers share a limited space. That is part of its charm, but it is not the place for a long walk or a quiet afternoon alone.

One practical note: jellyfish have been seen here, and stings can hurt for a while even though they are not described as dangerous. Keep an eye on the water and ask the skipper about current conditions before swimming.

Vis adds more than one postcard cove

The island of Vis gives the tour its sense of distance. It lies farther from Hvar than the nearby Pakleni Islands, so the ride across open water can be lively. A larger boat may feel smoother, but even then, wind and waves can make the crossing bumpy.

Depending on weather, cave queues and the group’s preference, the day may include time in or near Komiža or another part of Vis. Komiža is especially appealing if you want a proper island town rather than only a swimming stop. Lunch options are available on the island, but you pay separately.

Plan for a late lunch. Some restaurants can be expensive, while burger bars and snack places may offer a cheaper choice. If you want to eat at a particular place, go for a table quickly because popular spots fill up.

The schedule may change to protect time for the Blue Cave or to avoid bad water. That means one group might spend more time on Vis, while another sees an extra cove. The flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not treat every named stop as fixed.

Palmižana and the Pakleni Islands finish the day

On the way back toward Hvar, the boat visits the Pakleni Islands, a compact group of islands just offshore. The ride around the islands gives you a final stretch of coastal scenery before the return to Hvar port.

The planned stop is Palmižana, known here for its sandy beach. After a day of boat rides and rocky coves, this can feel like an easy finish. You can relax, swim or take in the view before the final run back.

The Pakleni stop is also a reminder of the tour’s main advantage. You are not just visiting one famous cave and turning around. You are collecting different types of Dalmatian scenery: open sea, tiny coves, enclosed beaches, low rocky islands and clear swimming water.

The return ride can still be fast and rough. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the skipper recommends, keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid booking this as a recovery day after a late night in Hvar.

The skippers shape the day

The boat includes a skipper and guide, and the crew makes a real difference. Names praised for friendly service and good handling include Luka, Marco, Andrea, Daniel, Julian, Judita, Doris, Lucio and Marko. Assignments can change, so you cannot request a particular person with certainty, but these are names associated with especially warm departures.

Several skippers have adjusted plans when the Blue Cave closed, when waves made a stop unsafe, or when the group preferred a quiet cove. That might mean extra swimming, a small beach, a cliff-jumping spot, a beach club or a location linked with the Mamma Mia films.

The crews also help non-swimmers and provide flotation equipment. Some have offered birthday cupcakes or helped arrange lunch reservations, but those touches should be viewed as possible personal service, not guaranteed features.

The guiding style is friendly and informal. You may get useful information about the islands, music during the ride and practical help getting in and out of the water. If you want a detailed history lecture at every stop, this may feel light on facts. The focus is the sea, the scenery and keeping the day moving.

What the $112 price really buys you

At $112 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. It is a full-day excursion covering several islands, a skipper, a guide, a speedboat, snorkeling equipment, windproof jackets, life jackets, safety gear, bottled water and insurance.

The value is strongest if you want to see several places but have only one day. Booking separate boat rides, arranging transport to Vis and finding the caves on your own would take more time and planning. The speedboat also makes it possible to fit in distant stops that would be difficult by slower transport.

You still need to budget for the Blue Cave admission, lunch and any snacks or drinks. In the busiest summer period, the cave fee reaches €24, so the real cost is notably higher than the headline price.

For me, the tour earns its price when the weather is calm and the boat reaches several swimming spots. It feels less satisfying if your main goal is a guaranteed Blue Cave visit, a quiet beach or a slow island lunch. The flexible route protects the day, but it cannot guarantee every advertised stop.

Who should book this speedboat day

You are a good match for this tour if you want an active day and enjoy variety. It works particularly well for first-time visitors to Hvar, short stays, couples, groups of friends and anyone who wants swimming, snorkeling and island views in one booking.

It can also suit a celebration. Skippers have helped with birthday surprises, and the mix of music, swimming and easy social time works well for groups.

You should think twice if you have back trouble, are pregnant, have limited mobility or get seasick easily. The boat moves quickly, and the ride can be rough when the wind rises. You will also be climbing in and out of the boat and possibly swimming toward shore.

Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, cash and a waterproof bag. A windproof jacket is supplied, but a light layer of your own is still sensible for the return ride. Eat breakfast before departure, and carry a snack if you do not want to wait for a late lunch.

Should you book the Blue Cave tour from Hvar?

I would book it if you want the broadest possible look at the islands around Hvar in a single day. The Blue Cave is memorable, but Budikovac, Stiniva, Vis and the Pakleni Islands give the experience its real strength. You get plenty of water time, and the skippers are generally attentive, upbeat and good at managing changing conditions.

I would skip it if you need a guaranteed cave visit or dislike fast boats. Check the weather forecast, accept that the route may change, and set aside extra money for the cave and lunch. With those conditions understood, this is a strong choice for an energetic day on the Adriatic.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Gajeta Agency office in Hvar by 10:15. The speedboat departs from the port of Hvar at 10:30 and returns to the same meeting point.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $112 per person. Lunch and Blue Cave entrance are not included.

How much is the Blue Cave entrance fee?

The fee is €12 from April 1 to May 31, €18 from June 1 to June 19, €24 from June 20 to September 10, and €18 from September 11 to October 31.

Can I pay the cave entrance fee by card?

Bring cash. The tour information says cards are not accepted for cave entrance.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes snorkeling gear, windproof jackets, life jackets, safety gear, bottled water, a skipper, a guide and insurance.

What happens if the Blue Cave is closed?

The route is subject to weather conditions. The Blue Cave closes during high tides and high winds, and the skipper may replace it or another stop with a different cove, beach or island.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or people with mobility impairments. Rough water can make the speedboat ride uncomfortable.