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

The Blue Cave is the star here, but the best part of this Hvar day trip is the whole run of the Adriatic coastline. You speed from island to island, stop for swims in clear water, squeeze into caves, and reach coves that are hard to visit without a boat. Guides such as Luca, Marco, Andrea, and Daniel have earned praise for safe driving, good music, and thoughtful touches, including lunch suggestions and even birthday treats.

I like the sheer variety, and I like the value. For $112, you get a full day on the water, a skipper, guide, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and several major sights in one outing. The main catch is that this is a fast, open-water trip. Wind can make the ride bumpy, and the Blue Cave may close in high winds or high tides. Bring cash for cave admission and be ready for a flexible route.

Quick take: what makes this Hvar boat trip worthwhile

• The Blue Cave gives the day its wow moment: Sunlight reflecting through the water creates the famous blue glow, though admission is extra and entry depends on sea conditions.
• Budikovac’s blue lagoon is made for swimming: The water is clear, colorful, and inviting, with time for snorkeling or simply floating.
• Stiniva Cove combines scenery and a swim: You can relax in the water or swim toward shore for photos from the slopes around the beach.
• The route can change for good reasons: Crews have replaced closed or crowded stops with quieter coves and extra swimming places.
• Palmižana adds a relaxed final stop: This Pakleni Islands harbor has a sandy beach and places to buy food and drinks.
• The speedboat is part of the fun: It covers a lot of coast in one day, but people with back trouble or motion sickness should think carefully.

Why this is one of Hvar’s better full-day outings

Hvar Town is lovely, but its best swimming spots and most striking caves sit offshore. This trip solves that problem in one long day. Instead of arranging several boat rides, you board once and let the crew handle the route, navigation, cave timing, and safety gear.

The $112 price is fair for what is included. You are paying for a full day on a speedboat rather than a short harbor cruise, and the tour reaches five islands or island areas while building in time to swim and snorkel. Bottled water, jackets, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment are included, which cuts down on the small costs that can add up.

The cave fees are separate. Blue Cave admission changes by season: €12 from April 1 through May 31, €18 from June 1 through June 19, €24 from June 20 through September 10, and €18 from September 11 through October 31. The supplied information says to bring cash because cards are not accepted, so I would follow that advice even though one passenger reported paying by card.

This is not a quiet sailboat outing. The speedboat moves quickly, and the run between Hvar and Vis can be rough when the wind picks up. That speed is useful because it lets you see more, but it also means you should pack lightly, secure your phone, and avoid this trip if you have serious back problems or are pregnant.

Leaving Hvar at 10:30 for Budikovac

Meet at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15. The boat leaves Hvar at 10:30, giving you a little time to check in, find your seat, and listen to the day’s plan before the engines start.

The first major stop is the blue lagoon at Budikovac Island, reached after about 30 minutes. This is an easy introduction to the tour. The water shifts between blue and green under the sun, and the main activity is swimming, snorkeling, or stretching out on the boat.

I would treat this as a proper swim stop, not just a quick photo break. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes and have your towel ready. Snorkeling gear is supplied, but you should still bring sunscreen and protect your phone in a waterproof pouch.

One practical detail matters here: some stops have a bar or snack place, but you cannot count on having cash with you when you swim away from the boat. Pack a small waterproof wallet with euros if you want to buy a drink or snack. Bottled water is included, but lunch is not.

The Blue Cave: the day’s main spectacle

The Blue Cave is famous for a simple natural effect. Sunlight enters through an opening below the water, and the cave interior takes on a blue glow. On a calm, bright day, the effect can be striking. It is not a long visit, but it is one of those short sights that can stay in your memory.

You pay the admission fee separately, and the price depends on the date. The cave can close during high tides and high winds, so access is never guaranteed. A long queue can also affect the schedule, especially in the busiest summer period.

This is where a good skipper matters. Crews have adjusted the order of stops to reduce waiting, and at times they have skipped another planned stop so the group could reach the cave. That flexibility protects your time, although it can mean missing a place you had expected to see.

If the Blue Cave is closed, the day does not automatically become a failure. Boats have substituted extra swimming coves, beach clubs, and other coastal stops. Some groups have chosen to skip the Green Cave and spend more time at Vis or a quiet cove instead. You should book this for the wider day on the water, not for one guaranteed cave entrance.

The Green Cave and the limits of a fixed itinerary

The Green Cave is included in the advertised route, with its own play of sunlight and color. It is a different experience from the Blue Cave, but it may not have the same impact for everyone. Some groups have chosen not to enter, then used the time for a secluded swimming spot.

That tells you something useful about this trip: the itinerary is a framework, not a rigid checklist. Wind, waves, queues, and the group’s preferences can change the order or remove a stop. The crew has sometimes taken the boat to a private-feeling cove accessible only from the water, with clear water and very few people nearby.

I appreciate that approach. A tour that insists on every listed stop at any cost can leave you waiting in line or riding into poor conditions. Here, the skipper may choose a safer and more enjoyable alternative. The trade-off is that you may not see every named cave.

Stiniva Cove on Vis

Stiniva Cove is one of the most scenic stops on Vis. Its narrow entrance opens into a small beach, creating a tucked-away appearance when viewed from the sea. The planned stop lasts about 45 minutes, enough for a swim, a little time on the beach, or photographs from the slopes around the cove.

The boat may not always pull directly onto the beach. You can swim toward shore if conditions allow, so take that into account if you are not a confident swimmer. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are available, and the crew has assisted people who needed extra help in the water.

The cove can be busy, and you might encounter jellyfish. One passenger reported stings that were painful for a while but not dangerous. That is a good reason to pay attention in the water and ask the crew about current conditions before swimming.

Stiniva is best enjoyed as a scenic swim stop rather than a long beach day. Space is limited, and the pleasure comes from the shape of the cove, the clear water, and the view back toward the sea.

Vis Island, lunch, and the option to linger

The route may include time on Vis, sometimes in a coastal town associated with the filming of Mamma Mia 2. The supplied details do not promise a specific town on every departure, but several itineraries have included time there or added it when the caves were skipped.

Lunch is not included, so plan for that expense. Guides have recommended restaurants and helped arrange lunch, but prices at island restaurants can be higher than at a simple burger bar or snack counter. If you want a more affordable meal, look around before sitting down and get a table early, since popular spots can fill quickly.

I would not spend the entire break over lunch. The appeal of Vis is the chance to walk a little, see the waterfront, and enjoy a slower pause between boat rides. Some departures have spent extra time here when weather or cave queues changed the plan.

The exact amount of free time can vary, so keep your schedule open. This is not the right outing if you need to return to Hvar at a precise hour for another booking.

Pakleni Islands and Palmižana

On the way back to Hvar, the boat visits the Pakleni Islands and cruises among these small islands before stopping at Palmižana. This gives the day a gentler finish after the faster runs across open water.

Palmižana is known for its sandy beach, which is a welcome change from rocky Adriatic swimming spots. You can relax by the water, walk around, or buy food and drinks. It is also a useful place to spend any remaining cash, since lunch and snacks are not part of the tour price.

The Pakleni stop is not just filler. It shows you a different side of the Hvar area, with small islands, coves, and short boat passages close to home. After a long day, you may value the easy swim and beach time more than another dramatic viewpoint.

The boat then returns to the Hvar meeting point. Since the day involves several stops and open-water crossings, expect a full outing rather than a quick afternoon activity.

Boat comfort, group size, and the ride itself

The speedboat is both the transport and the attraction. Several boats used for the experience have been described as new or comfortable, with enough room for passengers to sit, stretch out, and store belongings. One larger boat made rough crossings smoother, while another passenger preferred a smaller group of no more than nine people.

Group size can vary by departure and boat. One account described about 12 people, while other accounts referred to more than 10 passengers. Ask about the boat size if personal space is important to you.

The crew supplies windproof jackets, life jackets, safety equipment, bottled water, and snorkeling gear. The jackets are useful even on hot days because the boat’s speed creates a strong breeze. Keep a layer within reach, especially for the return ride.

Guides have received especially strong praise for their attitude and care. Luca, Marco, Andrea, Luka, Julian, Daniel, Bozo, Doris, and others have been singled out on different departures for safe handling, friendly service, local suggestions, and good music. One crew arranged a small birthday cake, and another helped a passenger with a shoulder injury. These details matter on a long day when you are sharing a small boat with strangers.

The ride can still be rough. A fast skipper may make the crossing exciting, but it can feel aggressive over waves. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels least intense, watch the horizon, and bring any medication you normally use. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or pregnancy.

What to pack for a better day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Add a waterproof pouch for your phone, cards, and euros, since you may want to buy food or drinks at a swimming stop and need cash for the caves.

Wear shoes that you can remove easily and avoid bringing a large bag. Your belongings stay on the boat while you swim, so keep valuables to a minimum. The crew provides water, but pack a snack if you do not want to wait until the lunch stop.

I would also bring a light top despite the summer heat. The wind on a fast boat can feel cool, particularly after swimming. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a seat with a clear view ahead and tell the crew early.

Who should book this tour?

This is a strong choice for a first visit to Hvar, especially if you have only a few days and want to see more of Dalmatia without arranging separate boat trips. It suits active couples, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys swimming, snorkeling, music, and a busy day outdoors.

It also works well for celebrations. The crew has helped with birthday surprises, and the relaxed social setup makes it easy to meet people from different countries.

I would hesitate if your ideal holiday means a quiet, slow boat ride, a long stretch on one beach, or a guaranteed visit to every named stop. The route is weather-dependent, cave admission costs extra, and the ride can be bumpy. You also need enough swimming confidence to make the most of places such as Stiniva, though safety gear is provided.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Gajeta Agency office in Hvar. You should arrive by 10:15, and the speedboat departs at 10:30.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speedboat ride, skipper, English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, windproof jackets, life jackets, safety gear, bottled water, and insurance.

Is Blue Cave admission included?

No. Blue Cave admission is an extra cost. The fee is €12 from April 1 through May 31, €18 from June 1 through June 19, €24 from June 20 through September 10, and €18 from September 11 through October 31.

What happens if the Blue Cave is closed?

The Blue Cave closes during high tides and high winds. If that happens, the crew may adjust the route and provide alternative swimming spots, coves, beaches, or extra island time.

Do I need to bring lunch?

Yes. Lunch is not included. You can buy food during an island stop, and guides may suggest or arrange a restaurant. Bring cash for snacks and drinks as well as the cave fees.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. The speedboat can also be bumpy in windy conditions, so consider your comfort with open-water travel before booking.

Should you book the Blue Cave and five-island tour?

Book it if you want a big day of Adriatic scenery, swimming, and island stops for one price. The strongest reason to go is the mix: Budikovac’s lagoon, the caves, Stiniva, Vis, Pakleni, and Palmižana give you more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Go with realistic expectations. The Blue Cave is weather-dependent, the Green Cave may be skipped, lunch and cave fees cost extra, and the speedboat can bounce over rough water. If those conditions suit you, this is one of the most efficient ways to turn a Hvar stay into a full day on the surrounding islands.