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

From Hvar: Blue Cave, Green Cave & 5 Islands Speedboat Tour – A Detailed Review

Planning a day out on Croatia’s dazzling Dalmatian coast? This speedboat tour from Hvar promises a whirlwind of beauty, adventure, and relaxation. It’s packed with stops at iconic sights like the Blue Cave, Green Cave, and Stiniva Cove, plus visits to five different islands—ideal for travelers craving a compact but diverse experience. With a high rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 600 reviews, this trip clearly appeals to many. But is it worth your time and money? Let’s unpack what makes this tour special, and what to consider before booking.

Two things we really like are the variety of stops—from caves to beaches—and the expert guides who keep things interesting and safe. The boat’s comfortable, and you’ll get plenty of chances to swim and snorkel in clear waters. That said, one possible drawback is the weather dependency—the Blue Cave’s visit is subject to weather and tides, meaning you might miss out if conditions aren’t ideal. This tour suits those looking for a full day of island-hopping, especially if you enjoy being on the water and exploring multiple locations in one go.

If you’re staying in Hvar and want a value-packed adventure that combines sightseeing, swimming, and scenic cruising, this trip is a good pick. It’s perfect for active travelers, small groups, or anyone who wants a taste of Croatia’s stunning coast without spending days on islands.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Multiple Island Highlights: Visit five islands, including famous caves and secluded beaches.
• Flexible Activities: Swim, snorkel, or relax on stunning beaches; options for plenty of water fun.
• Expert Guidance: Well-rated guides keep the trip informative and engaging.
• Weather Sensitive: Blue Cave visits depend on weather; plan for possible changes.
• Value for Money: A full day of diverse experiences at around $112 per person.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or mobility issues.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Departure and First Stop: Blue Lagoon at Budikovac Island

Starting at 10:30 AM from Hvar, the tour kicks off with a speedy cruise to Budikovac Island’s Blue Lagoon. This shallow, calm bay is a perfect introduction—its shimmering waters are a mix of blue and green hues, creating a postcard-worthy scene. Here, travelers get about 30 minutes to swim or snorkel in waters so clear you can see for meters. Several reviewers loved the way the water felt like swimming in an aquarium, with one noting, “enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters which have shimmering colors of blue and green.”

The Blue and Green Caves

Next, the tour heads to the famous Blue Cave, renowned for sunlight filtering through the water and creating dazzling reflections of blue. It’s a highlight for many, though weather and tides can affect access. One reviewer shared, “The blue caves are 100% worth it,” emphasizing how spectacular they are, despite some weather-related cancellations.

Alongside the Blue Cave, the Green Cave offers a different light display—its name coming from the greenish reflections within—though some trips may skip it if conditions aren’t ideal. The caves are a photographers’ dream, and the enchanting natural light makes for memorable photos.

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Stiniva Cove on Vis Island

From caves, the boat moves to Stiniva Cove, often called one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Its unique, narrow entrance and surrounding cliffs make it an impressive sight. After anchoring, you’ll have around 45 minutes to swim in the crystal-clear water or even climb to the slopes for panoramic views—many reviews mention the great photo opportunities here. One guest noted, “You can swim to shore and get some great photos from the slopes,” showing how this stop combines natural beauty with a bit of adventure.

Alternative Highlights

If the weather isn’t suitable for the Blue Cave, guides often adjust the itinerary, offering alternative spots. One reviewer praised the flexibility, saying, “They adjusted the itinerary so we could still see more islands,” which underscores the importance of a responsive crew.

Pakleni Islands and Palmizana

On the way back, the tour visits the Pakleni Islands, a cluster of small islands known for their idyllic beaches. A typical stop is at Palmizana, famous for its sandy beach and relaxed vibe. Here, many travelers indulge in a quick swim, take photos, or relax on deck. One review happily noted, “We loved all the swimming spots and snorkeling,” highlighting how these islands are the perfect way to wind down after a busy day.

Return to Hvar

The journey wraps up with a scenic cruise back to the port of Hvar, arriving around 4:30 to 5:00 PM. Many reviews describe the trip as “the highlight of their trip,” praising the friendly guides and skipper for their professionalism and knowledge. The boat’s comfortable size (typically around 12 people) means plenty of space to relax, chat, and enjoy the view.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $112 per person covers the speedboat ride, skipper, guide, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, bottled water, and insurance. This all-inclusive approach offers good value, especially considering the variety of stops and the small-group atmosphere.

However, lunch isn’t included, and the entrance fee for the Blue Cave (~€18-€25) is paid separately on-site. Many travelers found it worthwhile, describing it as the most “cool” part of the trip, but it’s good to budget some extra cash. Also, note that weather conditions can impact cave visits—so flexibility is key.

What to Bring

To get the most out of this experience, pack swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and some cash for cave entrance fees or snacks. A waterproof bag for valuables and a sense of adventure will make your day smoother.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The combination of caves, beaches, and islands means you see a wide variety of Croatia’s coast.
• Knowledgeable guides receive high praise for making the trip informative and fun.
• The crystal-clear waters and impressive scenery make swimming and photos memorable.
• The small group size fosters a friendly, personalized atmosphere.
• The value for money considering the full day of activity and multiple stops.

Cons:

• The Blue Cave can be inaccessible during rough weather or high tides; plan for possible disappointment.
• The itinerary may change, so don’t rely solely on the caves being open.
• The boat ride can get bumpy in windy conditions—check the weather forecast if you’re prone to seasickness.
• Not suitable for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or mobility issues.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves being on the water, exploring hidden beaches, and snapping spectacular photos of caves and coastlines, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate small groups and knowledgeable guides who add context and fun to the experience.

Travelers with limited time in Hvar will love how this tour packs several highlights into one day. It’s also great for those who enjoy water activities but don’t want to spend multiple days island-hopping. However, if you’re not comfortable on speedboats or prefer a more relaxed, land-based experience, you might consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat trip from Hvar offers a lively, well-organized way to see some of Croatia’s most iconic sights in a single day. The combination of caves, beaches, and small islands creates a vibrant, dynamic experience that captures the essence of Dalmatia’s coast. What makes it particularly attractive is the expert guidance, crystal-clear waters, and diverse stops—all at a reasonable price.

It’s best suited for adventurous travelers eager to swim, snorkel, and explore in a small group. It’s also perfect for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation. Just remember, weather can influence the experience, so flexibility and a positive attitude will help you make the most of the day.

In the end, many reviews describe this as “the best day ever”—and with good reason. If you’re in Hvar and craving an active, scenic, and fun-filled adventure, this tour could be the highlight of your Croatian trip.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling gear is included in the tour, so you can just bring your swimsuit and enthusiasm.

Is the Blue Cave included in the tour price?
The Blue Cave’s entrance fee (~€18-€25) is paid separately on-site and isn’t included in the $112 price.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The route is weather-dependent; if conditions aren’t suitable, the guides will adjust the itinerary or skip the caves, but you’ll still visit other beautiful spots.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops vary from about 30 to 45 minutes, giving you enough time to swim, take photos, or relax.

What’s the group size?
Typically around 12 people, making for a more intimate experience compared to larger boat tours.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While non-swimmers can be accommodated with life jackets and gear, it’s best suited for those comfortable in the water.

Can the tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Lunch isn’t included, but many reviewers found local restaurants nearby to enjoy after the tour. It’s wise to bring cash for additional meals or snacks.

Enjoy your Croatian island adventure—this tour offers a fantastic way to see the coast’s best bits with plenty of fun and fantastic scenery along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: