From Hvar: Unforgetable Tour to the Island Vis and Blue Cave

Setting out on a boat trip around Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is an adventure filled with spectacular sights and unforgettable moments. The Tour to Vis Island and the Blue Cave, as offered from Hvar, promises a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing in some of the most pristine waters in the Mediterranean. We haven’t personally done this tour but have carefully reviewed its features, reviews, and itinerary to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

What immediately stands out is the chance to see the famous Blue Cave—a true highlight for many travelers—and to explore Vis Island’s unspoiled landscapes away from the crowded tourist spots. The trip also includes visits to several stunning beaches like Stiniva Cove, Budikovac Blue Lagoon, and Palmiana Island, offering plenty of opportunities for swimming and soaking up sun. A small drawback could be the long boat rides—some reviews mention a lot of time on the water—so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer more land-based exploring, this might be a consideration.

This tour is perfect for those who value authentic experiences, love marine life, and enjoy a good dose of scenic beauty—all wrapped in a manageable half-day trip. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a mix of natural wonders and leisure, with a knowledgeable guide to enrich the experience.

Key Points

Spectacular Blue Cave Visit: Witness the famous glowing blue cavern, a must-see natural wonder.

Beautiful Beaches & Snorkeling: Swim and relax on several stunning beaches, including Stiniva Cove and Budikovac Lagoon.

Unspoiled Landscape of Vis: Explore a less touristy island with dramatic cliffs and quiet coves, offering a taste of authentic Dalmatia.

Expert, Friendly Guides: Guides are praised for their insight, helpfulness, and good sense of humor, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Comfort & Convenience: Spacious boat with amenities like toilets, showers, snorkeling masks, water, and icebox ensure a comfortable day on the water.

Flexible & Transparent: Options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, small group sizes (limited to 12), and the ability to reserve now and pay later add to the flexibility and value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Starting from Nautica Bar in Hvar, the tour kicks off in the morning with a 40-minute speedboat ride that gets you to your first destination: Bievo Island for the Blue Cave. This is undoubtedly the star of the show. The Blue Cave is renowned for sunlight filtering through the water, casting a hypnotic blue glow inside the cavern. Be aware that entry to the caves is payable onsite, either by cash or card, and that sometimes, due to weather conditions like wind and waves, access might be restricted. As one reviewer noted, “sometimes it’s not possible to enter the cave,” but you’ll often get a scenic drive to appreciate the coastline instead.

After the Blue Cave, the boat whisks you along to Stiniva Cove, a favorite among visitors for its cliff-enclosed sandy beach. Here, you can take a quick walk, snap photos, and enjoy some free time for swimming or snorkeling. The guided stop lasts about 40 minutes, giving you enough time to relax or explore the rugged coastline. Reviewers have praised the scenic views and the helpful guides, with one noting, “Marco was very interesting and helpful.”

Next, you’re off to Pritiina, a less crowded spot perfect for more swimming and taking photos. The boat then travels to Budikovac Island and its Blue Lagoon, a secluded paradise with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and relaxing. The hour allocated here is seen as a highlight, with visitors enjoying local snacks and drinks like beer and cocktails amid beautiful scenery. One review mentions, “the boat was very comfortable and clean,” emphasizing the overall good experience.

The tour wraps up with free time on Palmiana Island in the Paklinski Islands, an area praised for its lush vegetation and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great spot to unwind, enjoy some local cuisine, or simply take in the scenery before heading back to Hvar.

The Boat & Comfort

The speedboat itself is described as spacious and modern, with toilets and showers onboard, a feature that travelers appreciate after a long day of swimming. Snorkeling masks are provided, making it easy to explore underwater. The boat size and comfort are often highlighted in reviews, with some noting that everyone had enough space and that the entire experience felt well-organized.

Guides & Atmosphere

The guides, like Marco and Dea, are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor. They help make the day more engaging and ensure everyone feels safe and informed. One reviewer fondly wrote, “Marco was very interesting and helpful,” which aligns with the general consensus that guides enhance the tour’s value.

More Great Tours Nearby

Duration & Group Size

At 7.5 hours, this tour is a full but manageable day trip. The small group limit (12 participants) ensures a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides. Our review shows that many travelers find the pace comfortable, though some mention that the boat ride can be bumpy, and spending much of the day on water might not suit those seeking more land-based sightseeing.

Pricing & Value

Considering the inclusions—boat tour, guide, snorkeling gear, water, and amenities—the price offers good value for those wanting a comprehensive day out. Be aware that entry fees to the caves are extra, which is typical for such attractions. Reviews indicate that many find the overall experience worth the price, especially given the array of stops and the quality of the guides.

Who Will Love This Tour

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind spending much time on a boat and want to see the best of Vis Island and the Blue Cave. It’s ideal if you’re craving outdoor activities, scenic views, and expert guides. It suits families with older children, given the length and activity level—not recommended for very young children or pregnant women due to the boat ride and water activities.

If you’re looking for a relaxing day with a mix of swimming and sightseeing, this tour offers a balanced blend. Those interested in photography or marine life will enjoy the snorkeling opportunities and breathtaking scenery.

Final Thoughts

This Hvar to Vis and Blue Cave tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty, marine adventure, and cultural discovery. The stops at secluded beaches, the chance to see the famous Blue Cave, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides make it a strong choice for travelers who want an authentic taste of Dalmatia’s coastline.

While the long boat rides might be tiring for some, the spectacular sights and the relaxed pace of stops help balance that out. The small group size and modern boat amenities add comfort and intimacy to the experience, making it feel less like a tour and more like an adventure shared with friends.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler eager to explore Croatia’s lesser-known corners, this tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the region’s most photogenic and peaceful spots.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally not recommended for children under 3 years old. The activity involves a fair amount of boat time and water activities, so older children or teenagers will get more out of it.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Stops vary in length from about 30 to 45 minutes, plenty of time to swim, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the moments. The boat provides snorkeling masks and water.

Are dietary needs accommodated?
The tour includes local snacks, but it doesn’t mention specific dietary accommodations. Consider bringing your own if you have special requirements.

Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and if weather conditions prevent cave entry, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a lot of time on the boat?
Yes, expect around 7.5 hours including multiple boat rides, but stops are well spaced, and reviews indicate the boat is comfortable for long hours.

What’s the maximum group size?
Limited to 12 participants, providing a more personalized experience and easier interaction with guides.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but you’ll have time to enjoy local snacks or bring your own. Be sure to plan accordingly for the day.

To sum it up, if you’re eager to see Croatia’s iconic Blue Cave, enjoy swimming in stunning blue waters, and explore Vis Island’s quiet charm, this tour offers good value and a memorable adventure. It’s best for those who enjoy outdoor water activities and scenic boat rides with a friendly guide, making it a highlight of any Dalmatian itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: