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

The Blue Cave is the star here, but the full day is really about stringing together the best swimming spots around Vis and its nearby islands. In one outing, you can float in Budikovac’s blue lagoon, see Stiniva Cove, visit caves, and finish among the Pakleni Islands.

I like the small boat size, limited to 12 people, and the way the skippers adapt when wind or waves close a cave. I also like the generous swimming time, clear water, and practical help from guides such as Andrea, Luca, Doris, Judita, and Andrija. The catch is simple: this is a speedboat, not a gentle ferry, and rough water can make the ride lively.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Cave is weather dependent: High tides and strong winds can close it, with alternative coves or beaches usually taking its place.
• Budikovac’s Blue Lagoon is a swimming highlight: You get about 30 minutes in clear water that shifts between blue and green.
• Stiniva Cove offers 45 minutes: You can swim, relax, or swim toward shore for photos between the steep rocks.
• Lunch is not included: The stop is usually on an island or in a coastal town, with restaurant and snack options, but you should carry cash and consider bringing food.
• The boat holds up to 12 people: That keeps the outing more personal, though some passengers may still find the boat full.
• Plan for a fast, sometimes choppy ride: Windproof jackets, life jackets, snorkeling gear, water, and safety equipment are included.

Why this Hvar boat trip covers so much ground

At $123 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Hvar. It is a strong value if you want to see several islands without arranging ferries, taxis, beach transfers, and separate cave visits.

The tour lasts 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. You meet at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15 for a 10:30 departure from Hvar port. From there, the speedboat lets you reach places that would take much longer by regular boat.

You should expect a full day outside, with a mix of fast open-water runs and short stops. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, bottled water, windproof jackets, life jackets, and safety gear. Lunch, cave admission, towels, sunscreen, and snacks are yours to arrange.

I would book this for a first visit to Hvar when you want an overview of the nearby islands. It is less suitable if you prefer one quiet beach, long walks, or a slow boat ride.

Budikovac Blue Lagoon: the first swim

The first stop is Budikovac Island, about 30 minutes after leaving Hvar. The Blue Lagoon is known for clear water with shifting blue and green tones, and this is one of the easiest places on the route to get straight into the sea.

You have around 30 minutes here, so bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. Snorkeling gear is supplied, which saves you from packing fins or a mask if you do not have your own.

This stop works well early in the day because it gets you into the water before the longer ride toward Vis and Biševo. The main limitation is timing. Thirty minutes is enough for a swim and a little snorkeling, but not enough for a slow beach afternoon.

Some island swimming stops have a bar or snack service. Carry cash in a waterproof pouch if you want to buy something after swimming. It is easy to leave your wallet on the boat and then discover you need money once you reach shore.

The Blue and Green Caves near Biševo

The caves are the most unusual part of the trip. Sunlight enters through openings in the rock and reflects through the water, producing the glowing colors that give the Blue and Green Caves their names.

The Blue Cave requires a separate admission fee. The listed price changes by date:

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

Bring cash for cave entry. The tour information says cards are not accepted, so do not assume you can pay by card at the entrance. You also need to budget separately for Green Cave admission if your route includes it.

The Blue Cave is closed during high tides and high winds. This matters because the cave is not a guaranteed part of the day, even after you have paid for the boat. In rough conditions, the skipper may replace it with another cove, beach, or swimming stop.

That change can be disappointing, especially if the cave is your main reason for booking. Still, the best response from the crew is to adjust the route safely. Andrea, Adrian, and other named skippers have been praised for making alternate stops worthwhile when the cave was closed. One substitute was a secluded cove with clear water and very few people.

The Green Cave is less predictable as a crowd favorite. Some groups choose to skip it and spend more time swimming or visiting Vis. If you want every named attraction, confirm the day’s plan with your guide, since sea conditions and group preference can alter the route.

Stiniva Cove on Vis: rocks, water, and photo time

Stiniva Cove is one of the prettiest stops on the route, with steep rocky sides narrowing around a small beach. The boat approaches from the water, giving you a good view of the cove’s unusual shape before you decide how to spend the stop.

You get about 45 minutes here. You can swim in the clear water, relax near the boat, or swim toward shore for photos from the surrounding slopes. The rock walls make this feel different from the open Blue Lagoon, and it is one of the stronger stops for pictures.

Do not expect a long beach visit. Stiniva is compact, and the schedule is built around several islands rather than a single extended stay. You may also encounter jellyfish in the water. One report described the stings as painful but not dangerous, so keep an eye on the sea and ask the crew if you are unsure.

The boat may also stop at smaller coves or caves on Vis. Some of the most memorable moments can come from these changes, particularly when the skipper knows a quiet place for swimming or cliff jumping. You should never feel pressured to jump. Swimming, floating, and taking photos are perfectly good uses of the stop.

Vis Island and the late lunch pause

Vis gives the day a useful break from swimming. Depending on conditions and the group’s choices, the route may include a town such as Komiža, sometimes called the Mamma Mia town because of its film connection.

Lunch is not included, and the timing can be late by normal standards. Plan for that. Bring snacks from Hvar, especially if you need regular meals or do not want to pay restaurant prices at a popular island stop.

There are usually several food choices, from restaurants to simpler burger or snack bars. Restaurant prices can be high, and tables may fill quickly. If your group stops for lunch on an island, find a table early and then decide what you want to eat.

The guides sometimes help arrange lunch reservations. That is useful when the stop is short or busy, though you remain responsible for the meal cost. The lunch break also gives you a chance to walk around, stretch your legs, and see a little more of the island instead of spending the entire day in swimwear.

The Pakleni Islands and Palmižana

On the return toward Hvar, the boat cruises through the Pakleni Islands. These small islands sit close to Hvar but feel quieter and more open from the water.

The scheduled stop is Palmižana, known for its sandy beach. After the rocky coves and narrow cave entrances, a sandy beach gives the day a different texture. You can relax, swim, or look for a place to buy a drink or snack.

The stop is also a good reminder of why this tour suits people who want variety. You are not repeating the same beach experience all day. You get a lagoon, cave scenery, a narrow cove, island towns, smaller swimming spots, and a sandy beach.

Keep track of the meeting time at every stop. The boat cannot wait for a late swimmer, and one passenger specifically advised wearing a watch. A waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag is useful for both timing and money.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The boat is the transport and part of the entertainment. You cross open water quickly, which makes five-island sightseeing possible in one day. It also means wind and waves are part of the experience.

Several passengers found the ride bumpy but exciting. Larger boats can feel smoother in rough conditions, while smaller boats may bounce more. The tour supplies windproof jackets and life jackets, but I would still bring a light layer, even in summer.

If you have back problems, are pregnant, have limited mobility, or are over 70, this tour is not recommended. Children under three cannot join. Those limits are practical, not decorative: repeated fast crossings and a moving boat can be hard on the body.

The boat holds up to 12 people. That is much more manageable than a large sightseeing vessel, and it gives the skipper a chance to help with swimming spots, lunch suggestions, and changing conditions. Still, 12 people can feel close when everyone is wet, carrying towels, or trying to photograph the same cove.

Guides, skippers, and the value of local judgment

The crew can shape the day as much as the scenery. The tour is in English, and named skippers and guides have included Andrea, Andrija, Adrian, Luca, Luka, Dora, Doris, Judita, Daniel, Marco, Oliver, and Lucio.

The strongest part of their job is not simply naming each island. It is deciding what makes sense when the weather changes. Guides have shifted the route, replaced closed caves, found quieter swimming spots, arranged lunch, and advised groups on which stops were worth their time.

That flexibility is important in the Adriatic. The planned order can change because of wind, tide, crowds, or sea conditions. A good skipper keeps the boat safe first and then looks for a worthwhile alternative.

You should still ask questions before leaving Hvar. Confirm which cave fees apply, how much time you will have for lunch, and what the backup plan is if the Blue Cave closes. Clear answers will help you set the right expectations.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack light, but pack for both water and wind.

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Snacks, especially if you eat early or often
• Cash in a waterproof bag for cave entry, food, and drinks
• A light jacket or layer
• Waterproof phone protection
• Snorkeling items if you prefer your own gear

The tour provides bottled water and snorkeling gear, so you do not need to carry those unless you have personal preferences. Sunscreen matters more than you may expect because you spend hours exposed to sun reflecting off the sea.

Do not bring anything you would hate to lose in the water. You will be boarding, swimming, and moving between stops all day.

Is the $123 price good value?

I think the price works if you value access and variety. A full day of boat transport to several islands, a skipper, an English-speaking guide, safety gear, water, snorkeling equipment, and multiple swimming stops would be difficult to assemble independently for less trouble.

The extra costs are important. You pay for lunch and cave entry separately. At the busiest time of year, Blue Cave admission reaches €24, so the total day can become noticeably more expensive than the advertised boat price.

The value is weaker if you only want to swim at one beach or if you are likely to be unhappy when weather cancels the Blue Cave. It is stronger if you see the cave as one part of a wider day and appreciate the chance to visit Vis, Biševo, Budikovac, and the Pakleni Islands in one outing.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking give you some flexibility. I would still check the forecast close to departure because the weather controls the route.

Should you book the Hvar five-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a busy, beautiful day on the water and can handle a fast, sometimes choppy ride. It is especially good for first-time visitors to Hvar, couples, friends, and anyone who wants swimming, caves, beaches, and island scenery without planning each connection.

Think twice if you have back trouble, limited mobility, a strong dislike of speedboats, or a fixed expectation that the Blue Cave must be open. The safest choice is to book with a flexible attitude, bring snacks and cash, and treat the Blue Cave as a bonus within a larger Adriatic day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the Gajeta Agency office in Hvar and should arrive by 10:15. The speedboat departs from Hvar port at 10:30.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 450 minutes, which is about seven and a half hours.

Is Blue Cave admission included?

No. Blue Cave entry is separate, and the listed fee ranges from €12 to €24 depending on the date. Bring cash because the tour information says cards are not accepted.

Can the Blue Cave close?

Yes. The Blue Cave closes during high tides and high winds. The route may then include alternative swimming spots, beaches, coves, or island stops.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Bring snacks and cash, since the lunch stop may offer restaurants, snack bars, or other food choices.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 70.