From Vis: Speedboat tour - Vis, Bievo & Blue Cave (shared)

Our review explores a popular shared speedboat tour around Vis Island, a journey that promises stunning scenery, intimate beaches, and a taste of local maritime life. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a fantastic way to see some of Dalmatia’s lesser-known gems.

What we love about this experience is its focus on authentic, small-group adventures that skip the crowds—plus, the chance to visit Blue Cave with priority access, which can be a real time-saver. On the flip side, be aware that cave entry tickets are not included in the price, so you’ll need to be prepared for that extra expense if you want to visit.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a balance of guided exploration and free time for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the views. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and customizable day on the water, this trip could be just what you need.

Contents hide

1 A Scenic Day on the Water: What’s Included and What to Expect

2 Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

3 Why Travelers Love This Tour

4 Considerations and Who Should Skip or Adapt

5 Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

6 Frequently Asked Questions

7 Final Thoughts

Key Points

Authentic small-group experience with knowledgeable local guides
Priority access to the Blue Cave and other caves reduces wait times
Flexible itinerary including beaches, caves, and scenic spots
Great value for money with snorkeling gear, water, and pickup included
Not suitable for pregnant women or back problems due to boat activity
Ideal for lovers of nature, swimming, and authentic island vibes

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Scenic Day on the Water: What’s Included and What to Expect

This half-day tour combines the adventure of a speedboat trip with the relaxed pace of exploring some of the most captivating sights around Vis Island. Starting early at 8 am from the town of Vis, the journey kicks off with a visit to the military tunnel in Parja Bay, offering a quick glimpse into the island’s strategic past. From there, the pace shifts to one of adventure—cruising between islands, caves, and beaches with a friendly, professional skipper guiding the way.

The boat, a Bat Arctic 745 or a RIS Marine Scorpio 300, is described as comfortable and well-equipped, with sun decks, bimini shades, and easy access to the water via ladders. This means you’ll enjoy a smooth ride on the open sea, with plenty of space for your crew and gear. Gasoline, snorkeling masks, bottled water, and insurance are included for a hassle-free experience.

The itinerary’s heart is its visit to Bievo Island and the Blue Cave—the highlight for many travelers. The cave’s famous for its brilliant light show, which can be especially striking in the morning hours. The skipper purchases tickets using a fast-entry card, drastically cutting down wait times, so you can spend more time marveling at the cave’s glowing waters and less on line.

Afterward, the trip pauses for a swim at Pritiina Bay, a calm and inviting spot perfect for cooling off or snapping photos. Next is Stiniva, a renowned natural bay framed by tall cliffs—a favorite for sunbathers and swimmers alike. The tour offers at least an hour here, giving ample time to relax, grab a coffee at the beach bar, or explore the shoreline.

The journey then continues to the Green Cave on the Ravnik islet, where swimming inside the cave is an option—an experience praised by reviews for its uniqueness. It’s a small but fascinating site, and many travelers find the ability to swim into the cave a real highlight.

Finally, the boat visits Budihovac Island and Vela Smokova Beach, a sandy stretch of coast perfect for a final swim. The trip wraps up back in Vis town, giving you a full and varied taste of the island’s natural beauty.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Vis.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Morning Departure and Parja Bay

The tour starts early, around 8 am, perfect for catching the morning light and avoiding the midday crowds. The first stop, the military tunnel, offers a quick glimpse into Vis’s strategic military past. It’s a short visit but adds a layer of historical interest to your day.

Bievo Island and the Blue Cave

Next, the boat heads to Bievo, home to the famous Blue Cave. Since tickets are purchased ahead of time with a fast-entry card, you avoid long lines—something many reviewers have appreciated. The Blue Cave is renowned for its glowing blue waters, caused by sunlight passing through an underwater opening, creating a surreal lighting effect. The tour’s emphasis on priority access means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time marveling at the natural spectacle.

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Pritiina Bay and Stiniva

After the cave, a refreshing swim in Pritiina offers a chance to cool down. The water here is calm and inviting, ideal for snorkeling or just floating with your head in the water.

Stiniva is the next stop—an iconic beach surrounded by high cliffs, famous for its dramatic setting. The tour allows at least an hour here, so you can swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a coffee while soaking in the scenery. As one reviewer put it, “there was always plenty of time to swim and enjoy each spot,” emphasizing the relaxed pace.

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Ravnik Islet and the Green Cave

The Green Cave on Ravnik islet offers a unique swim-in experience. Visitors can choose to swim into or enter the cave by boat, and many find the experience of floating inside the green-hued chamber to be memorable.

Budihovac and Smokova Beach

The last stops include Budihovac Island, with its picturesque lagoon, and Vela Smokova Beach, a sandy stretch perfect for a final dip. Many reviews highlight the comfort of the boat and the careful pacing that allows plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.

Return to Vis

The tour concludes with a smooth ride back to Vis town, giving you a chance to reflect on a day packed with natural beauty and new experiences.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

According to numerous reviews, what truly elevates this experience is the knowledgeable guides—local skippers who know the waters intimately and share stories about the islands’ history and geography. “Luka was great, really friendly, knowledgeable about the places and things to see,” one reviewer noted, highlighting the value of a guide who doubles as a storyteller.

Many travelers appreciate the flexibility, with time allocated for swimming, relaxing, or exploring each stop at their own pace. The comfortable boat and included snorkel gear also mean you’re well-equipped to enjoy the water without fuss.

The priority access to the Blue Cave is often mentioned as a major plus—saving hours of waiting time and allowing more time for other activities. This ticket arrangement seems to be appreciated by all, as it makes one of Dalmatia’s most famous sights more accessible.

Considerations and Who Should Skip or Adapt

While this tour offers excellent value and scenery, it’s worth noting that tickets for cave entry are not included in the initial price. If visiting the Blue Cave or Green Cave is a priority, be prepared for the additional cost—and to buy tickets on the spot.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, as the boat activity can be bumpy, and it involves some walking/hiking, especially at Stiniva. Those who prefer a leisurely, land-based exploration might find this more physically demanding than expected.

Finally, the tour is a shared experience, which generally means a smaller group than big coach trips, but it still requires some coordination. If you’re looking for a private charter, this isn’t it.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is perfect for water lovers, small-group adventurers, and those eager to see Dalmatia’s unspoiled beaches and caves. If you like exploring at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed, this tour offers an excellent balance of guided sightseeing and free time for your own discoveries.

Ideal for travelers who want to skip the crowded boat tours and prefer local guides who treat the waters like their backyard, you’ll appreciate the personal touch and insider knowledge.

If you’re on Vis for just a day or two, this trip packs in highlights that would otherwise require multiple separate excursions. It’s also suitable for families and groups who enjoy swimming, sightseeing, and a bit of adventure on the open sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are transportation and pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off anywhere inside the Vis town marina or along the route of the trip, making it convenient for most travelers staying nearby.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting at 8 am and returning to Vis comfortably within a half-day timeframe.

What is the boat like?
The boat is described as spacious, comfortable, and equipped with sun decks, bimini shades, and ladders—ideal for lounging and swimming.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, masks and snorkels are included, allowing you to enjoy the underwater scenery during your stops.

Do I need to buy tickets separately for the caves?
Yes, cave tickets are purchased separately, usually directly from the cave crew. The tour vendor buys tickets for the Blue Cave in advance to reduce wait times.

Can I swim into the Green Cave?
Absolutely—swimming into or entering the Green Cave by boat is an option, and many reviewers find it a highlight.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s physical activity and boat ride may be more suitable for older children and teenagers comfortable in open water and on boats.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your planning.

Final Thoughts

This shared speedboat tour around Vis Island offers a compelling blend of scenic beauty, local insights, and flexible swimming opportunities. It’s especially well-suited for those who want to see the highlights without rushing and who value a knowledgeable guide’s stories and tips.

The tour’s focus on natural sites like Stiniva, Green Cave, and Smokova Beach, combined with the priority access to the Blue Cave, provides a balanced experience that maximizes your time on the water. While cave entrance tickets are extra, the overall value, especially with snorkeling gear and refreshments included, makes it a worthwhile option for many visitors.

If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and engaging way to explore Vis’s coastal wonders, this tour could be the highlight of your trip. Just be prepared for some physical activity and the cost of cave tickets if those sights are a priority.

In summary, this tour is best for adventurous travelers, water lovers, and those seeking a genuine feel of the Dalmatian coast. It’s a day packed with natural beauty, engaging guides, and memorable moments—perfect for making the most of your time on Vis Island.