Split or Trogir: Blue Cave, Vis, and Hvar Speedboat Day Trip

Traveling along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast offers some of Europe’s most breathtaking views and memorable island experiences. This speedboat tour from Split or Trogir promises a full day of adventure, exploring six key sites—from the shimmering Blue Cave to the historic streets of Hvar. It’s a popular choice for travelers craving a mix of natural beauty, lively island culture, and a dash of adrenaline—all in a comfortably paced, roughly 11-hour itinerary.

What we really love about this tour is its ability to combine multiple highlights into one well-organized day, making it excellent value. The spacious speedboat ensures a smooth, exhilarating ride, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. However, it’s worth noting that the Blue Cave visit can sometimes be brief and subject to weather conditions. If you’re eager to see as much as possible in a single day without sacrificing comfort, this trip could be just right—especially for those who enjoy a fast-paced, scenic adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim, explore, and soak in spectacular views.

That said, if you prefer a relaxed, slow-paced day or want more time at each stop, this tour might feel a little rushed. It’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a bit of sea spray and a lively group. Families, couples, or solo explorers who want to pack in Croatia’s coastal magic in one go will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Comprehensive site visits: Six sites in one day, including the Blue Cave, Stiniva Bay, Hvar, and Pakleni Islands.
• Spacious speedboat: Fast, comfortable, perfect for island hopping with plenty of space for photos and socializing.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, attentive guides who enhance the experience with local insights and friendly service.
• Excellent value: For around $117, you get a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring some of Croatia’s most iconic spots.
• Weather flexibility: Tours are subject to weather conditions; the captain reserves the right to change plans or cancel if conditions are unsafe.
• Active day: Expect a mix of boat rides, brief sightseeing, swimming, snorkelling, and walking through Hvar’s charming streets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins early, with two convenient pickup options—either from Trogir or Split—though travelers should note the Trogir pickup starts at 6:15 am. The initial transfer involves a 75-minute speedboat ride from Split to Bievo Island, setting the tone for an energetic day. This part of the trip is often praised for its scenic beauty, with reviews highlighting the thrill of the speedboat and the views along the way. Expect a lively, sometimes bumpy ride that, while exciting, can be tiring for some, especially those prone to seasickness. The crew’s professionalism helps keep everyone safe and comfortable.

The Blue Cave: A Natural Wonder

The Blue Cave is undoubtedly the star attraction—and for good reason. The guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the natural magic of how sunlight refracts through a crack in the cave, creating a silvery-blue glow that’s truly mesmerizing. Many reviews mention how stunning the cave’s waters are, with some saying it’s even more impressive than they expected.

However, the visit is relatively short—around 10 minutes—and crowds can sometimes be an issue. A few visitors have expressed a desire for more time inside, though most agree that the experience is worth the wait. It’s important to bring cash for the entry fee, which is not included in the tour price. The Blue Cave’s size means you’ll need to be patient if there’s a line. Still, it’s a quick highlight that offers a unique photo opportunity and a memorable natural spectacle.

Stiniva Bay: A Photo-Perfect Spot

Next, the trip takes you to Stiniva Bay, famed for its dramatic, narrow entrance and crystalline waters. The stop here is mainly for photos and a quick dip if the weather permits. Some reviews suggest the view from the boat can be distant, making it less ideal for swimming or lounging. Still, it’s a visually striking landmark, and you’ll get plenty of chances to snap photos of the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters.

Veliki Budikovac and the Blue Lagoon

The tour then moves on to Veliki Budikovac, a small island with a tiny bay perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Many travelers find this a highlight—an idyllic spot to relax, with clear waters and a quaint little bar. The crew provides snorkeling gear, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant underwater scene. Expect around 1.5 hours here, giving enough time to float in the calm sea or walk on the quiet beach.

Of all stops, Veliki Budikovac seems to strike the perfect balance between sightseeing and downtime—many reviews rave about how relaxing it is. Some mention that the bar prices can be high, so bringing your own drinks might be wise.

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The Pakleni Islands and Hvar Town

Next, you’ll cruise to the Pakleni Islands, a cluster of small islands close to Hvar. The most popular is Palmizana, with its shaded sandy inlet and old pines, ideal for a leisurely lunch or a quick swim. You’ll have about an hour here—just enough to wander or relax. Many reviewers highlight the scenic beauty and the chilled-out vibe, though some feel an hour isn’t quite enough.

The trip culminates in the historic town of Hvar. With over 2,500 years of history, Hvar offers a charming maze of narrow streets, lively cafes, and a fortress with panoramic views. You’ll have about two hours to explore on your own, which many find perfect for soaking in the atmosphere and grabbing a bite. Several reviews mention guides being friendly and knowledgeable, making the walking tour informative without feeling rushed.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

The return cruise is a scenic, hour-long ride back to Split, with travelers enjoying the peaceful views of the Dalmatian coast once the day’s adrenaline subsides. The trip ends with drop-offs at the original meeting points, and most feel the overall experience offers fantastic value for money considering the number of sites visited.

This tour offers a well-rounded look at Croatia’s coastal gems, especially for those who love a quick-paced, scenic adventure. The spacious speedboat is a real advantage, making the whole journey more comfortable and fun. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness are often praised, and many travelers mention how much they enjoyed the mix of sightseeing and swimming.

The highlight—the Blue Cave—is genuinely stunning, though crowds and brief visits mean you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic. The stops at Veliki Budikovac and Hvar offer the chance to relax and explore, balancing out the more adrenaline-fueled parts of the trip.

In terms of value, at around $117 per person, it includes nearly all the main highlights, with snorkeling gear and insurance provided. The main extra expense is the Blue Cave entry fee, payable in cash, which is typical for this kind of excursion.

However, some reviews point out the tour can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want more time at certain sites. The boat’s high speed means it’s not ideal for those who prefer a slow, relaxed day. Weather can also impact the schedule—if the sea’s rough or the cave is crowded, plans may change, so flexibility is key.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re an active traveler eager to see multiple islands and natural wonders in one day, this trip is a great pick. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a bit of boat action, swimming, and exploring charming towns. Families with children over 3, couples, and solo travelers who want a lively, scenic adventure will find plenty to enjoy here.

Who Might Want to Skip This?

If you prefer a relaxed pace or are sensitive to seasickness, this might not be the best fit. Likewise, if you’re hoping for extended time at each site or a more leisurely day, consider a different option. The brief visits mean this tour is more about ticking boxes than lingering at each spot.

This speedboat day trip from Split or Trogir offers an energetic, well-organized way to experience Croatia’s most iconic coastal landmarks. The combination of natural beauty, island charm, and lively boat rides makes it an appealing choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Dalmatia’s highlights.

You’ll appreciate the friendly guides, the stunning scenery, and the sense of adventure. While not ideal for those seeking a slow, relaxed day, it’s perfect for active explorers eager to pack a lot into one memorable outing. If your goal is to see the Blue Cave, snorkel in clean waters, and wander through Hvar’s historic streets—all in one day—this tour delivers on those promises nicely.

Does the tour start early?
Yes, especially from Trogir, with pickups at 6:15 am. The tour generally begins at 8:30 am during certain months, so be prepared for an early start.

Is the Blue Cave visit included in the price?
The tour includes a visit to the Blue Cave but the entry fee (payable in cash) is not covered in the ticket price. The cave visit lasts about 10 minutes, and lines can sometimes be lengthy.

How long do we spend at each site?
Most stops range from about 1 to 2 hours, with the longest in Hvar (around 2 hours). The Blue Cave visit is brief—around 10 minutes—so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and some cash for the Blue Cave fee and snacks. Don’t forget your camera!

How does the weather affect the trip?
The tour provider has the right to change routes or cancel if sea conditions are unsafe. Expect the schedule to be flexible in bad weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility or medical issues. The boat ride can be bumpy and fast, so keep that in mind.

This tour hits the sweet spot for travelers who want to see Croatia’s stunning islands in one day, without sacrificing comfort or scenery. It offers a lively, adventure-packed experience with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and taking in spectacular views. The friendly guides, combined with the efficient itinerary, make it a worthwhile choice—especially if you’re looking to maximize your time in Dalmatia.

It’s best suited for active, curious travelers eager to explore multiple sites without the fuss of arranging individual transportation or tours. If you’re ready for a fast-paced, scenic adventure that balances natural wonders with lively coastal towns, this speedboat trip will not disappoint.

You can check availability for your dates here: