Private Custom Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Hvar

The big appeal here is seeing several of the islands around Hvar in one day without sharing a boat with strangers. You can swim at Budikovac, visit the Blue Cave by shuttle boat, and finish among the Pakleni Islands, with a private skipper to help shape the day.

I like two things in particular: the freedom to customize the route and the mix of cave visits, coves and swim stops. The boat can take up to 12 people, so the group price may make sense for a family or a circle of friends who would otherwise book separately.

The main consideration is the extra cost. Blue Cave and Green Cave admission, plus lunch, are not included, and a full day on the water depends on good weather. If you want a low-cost outing or prefer a set price that covers every stop, compare other options first.

The useful details at a glance

• Four islands in one day: The route includes Bisevo, Pakleni, Budikovac and Vis, with several stops on and around them.
• A private boat for your group: Only your party joins, with space for up to 12 people.
• Swims are part of the plan: Budikovac, Stiniva Cove and the Pakleni area offer time to get in the water.
• Two cave visits cost extra: Green Cave and Blue Cave tickets are not included in the tour price.
• Lunch is your responsibility: The Pakleni Islands are the planned lunch stop, but the meal is not included.
• The route can be adjusted: The private format allows you to discuss preferences with the skipper.

A full day from Hvar, with room to make it your own

This is an eight-hour private speedboat tour from Hvar, beginning at 10 a.m. at Obala, Fabrika 27. It is built around a broad sweep of the nearby islands, but the private format matters as much as the destinations: you are not just following a large group from stop to stop.

The planned route takes in the Green Cave near Vis, Budikovac, the Blue Cave on Bisevo, Stiniva Cove and the Pakleni Islands. That is a full schedule, with a mix of cave visits, open-water stops and time to eat. You can discuss your preferences with the skipper, but it is wise to be realistic about how much can fit into one day.

The boat includes a skipper, private transportation and bottled water. One outing also had sodas and fresh fruit on board, but the listed inclusions guarantee only bottled water. If drinks or snacks matter to your group, ask what will be supplied rather than assuming.

The crew names associated with the tour include Dario and Antonio. Since the information does not promise a particular crew for every departure, confirm who is scheduled if meeting them is part of your reason for booking.

Green Cave: a choice between admission and a swim

The first planned stop is the Green Cave, on the small islet of Ravnik near Vis. You have about 30 minutes here. Swimming inside the cave is optional, and the cave ticket is extra, so you can decide whether the visit is worth the added fee for your group.

There is also a useful alternative: if you would rather skip the ticket, the skipper can take you to a nearby cave for a swim. That gives the stop a little flexibility, especially if your priority is being in the water rather than paying to enter a cave.

The trade-off is that a short stop can feel brief if your group wants both a full cave visit and time to swim. Talk through your preference with the skipper, and remember that the Green Cave admission is not part of the group price.

Budikovac: an hour for turquoise water

Budikovac is the first major swim stop, with about an hour set aside for the Blue Lagoon. The water is described as turquoise and suited to swimming and snorkeling, making this one of the clearest chances to get in the sea rather than simply look at it from the boat.

Bring what your group needs for time in the water. The tour includes bottled water, but it does not specify snorkel equipment, towels or other gear, so check with the operator if you need those items. The stop itself is free, which helps balance the separate charges for the caves.

An hour gives you a meaningful pause in a busy route. If swimming is a priority, this is a good point to tell the skipper you would like to protect rather than rush through.

Blue Cave: allow for a second boat and an extra ticket

The Blue Cave visit is on Bisevo. The speedboat takes you to the island, then you board a small shuttle boat to enter the cave. About an hour is allocated to this stop, but admission is not included in the tour price.

That extra transfer is worth understanding before you book. The private speedboat does not take you directly through the cave; the shuttle boat is part of the visit. The extra ticket also means the advertised group price is not the final cost if everyone in your party wants to go inside.

The cave is a highlight for many people drawn to this route, but it is not the only reason to book. If your group would rather save money or spend more time swimming, ask how skipping the cave might affect the rest of the schedule. The tour is private, so there is room to discuss preferences, though the final route and timing should be confirmed with the skipper.

Stiniva Cove: a swim beneath high walls

Stiniva Cove is planned as another one-hour stop. Its defining feature is the high walls that encircle the cove, creating a sheltered-feeling setting for a swim. There is no admission fee listed for this stop.

This is a good contrast with the cave visits: you are not paying extra to enter a site, and the point is simply to enjoy the cove and the water. Keep in mind that the route already includes several stops. If your group wants more time here, mention it early rather than expecting the schedule to stretch on its own.

The itinerary calls this a swimming location, so plan for water time rather than a long land visit. If someone in your party prefers to stay aboard, the private setup can make it easier to talk through a comfortable pace with the skipper.

Pakleni Islands: lunch, then one last swim

The final major stop is among the Pakleni Islands, with about two hours set aside. This is the planned lunch break, but food is not included. Budget for the meal separately, and ask which island or restaurant is planned before departure if you want to know your options.

The longer stop is a practical way to end a day with several boat transfers and swims. You have time to eat rather than grabbing a quick bite between stops. Before heading back to Hvar, the boat may also stop for another swim at nearby Mlini Beach.

The word may matters: the extra swim is not guaranteed. The private format offers flexibility, but weather and the day’s timing can affect what fits. If lunch and one final swim are high priorities, make that clear when discussing the route.

What the private price buys you

The listed price is $1,645.76 per group, for up to 12 people. It is not a per-person fare, so the value depends heavily on your group size. Split among a full party of 12, the base cost is about $137 per person before cave tickets, lunch and any other extras. With fewer people, each person pays more.

The private boat buys you space and control over the day, not an all-inclusive package. The skipper and boat are included, as is bottled water, but the two cave admissions and lunch are extra. That distinction matters: compare the final outlay, not just the headline group price.

For a family or group of friends who want a private day on the water, the value can be strong. You can share the cost, travel together and adjust the pace to suit your group. For a couple or a small party, a shared boat trip may be cheaper, if privacy and flexibility matter less.

A past group also arranged pickup and drop-off in Stari Grad for an extra €100. Treat that as an option to ask about, not a standard inclusion or guaranteed rate. The stated meeting point is in Hvar, and the tour ends back there.

How to decide if this route suits your group

This tour makes the most sense if you want a whole day at sea and are keen to combine several stops rather than linger in one place. It suits people who like swimming, are comfortable traveling by speedboat and want their own group on board. Families and friend groups can make particularly good use of the per-group price.

It may be less suitable if you dislike a packed schedule, want lunch and admissions included, or would rather spend the day on land. The tour covers a lot: two cave visits, a lagoon, a cove and a lunch stop. Some groups will find that variety exciting; others may prefer to trade one or more stops for a slower pace.

Weather is an important factor because the trip requires good conditions. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted, and a late cancellation is not refunded.

Booking tends to happen well ahead, with the experience booked on average 63 days in advance. If your Hvar dates are fixed, plan early, especially if you want a private boat for a larger group.

Should you book the Hvar private speedboat tour?

Book it if your group wants a full, flexible day on the water and can share the group price. The mix of Budikovac swimming, Stiniva Cove, the caves and a relaxed meal stop offers more variety than a single-island outing.

Before paying, ask about the day’s crew, cave admission costs, lunch options and whether any pickup outside Hvar can be arranged. Most important, decide whether your group values privacy and choice enough to cover the extras. If yes, this is a strong way to see several islands in one outing. If you want a cheaper, slower day with costs bundled in, keep looking.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Obala, Fabrika 27, 21450 Hvar, Croatia, and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The tour is for your private group, with space for up to 12 people.

Which islands are included?

The route visits Bisevo, Pakleni, Budikovac and Vis.

Are the Blue Cave and Green Cave tickets included?

No. Admission to both caves is extra.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. The Pakleni Islands are planned as the lunch stop.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund.