Blue cave, Mama Mia and Hvar, 5 island speedboat tour from Trogir

The Blue Cave may be the headline, but the real appeal of this long day is the range: a sea cave, a fishing village, coves for swimming and a generous stop in Hvar, all linked by open water. You move quickly between islands, then get time to slow down on shore.

I like the contrast between Komiža’s waterfront and Hvar’s grand old-town setting, and I like that the Budikovac stop gives you an hour for a swim and snorkelling rather than just a quick photo. One important caveat: the boat is small and open to the weather, so expect a fast, sometimes bumpy ride, not a calm cruise.

Five things to know before you go

• Blue Cave tickets cost extra. The included skip-the-line service helps limit waiting, but bring cash for the separate admission fee.
• The route covers a lot of ground. You visit Biševo, Vis, Budikovac, the Pakleni Islands and Hvar in about 10 to 12 hours.
• Swimming time is built in. Budikovac gets an hour for swimming and snorkelling, and gear is provided.
• Hvar is your own time. You have 2.5 hours for lunch and exploring, including the cathedral or fortress if you choose.
• This is a brisk, exposed ride. The boat carries up to 12 people, but the tour can include up to 150 people across its boats. Children under 10 are not allowed.

A fast route across the Adriatic

This tour is designed to fit several island sights into one day. The speedboat saves time compared with a slower boat, but that efficiency comes with a trade-off: you spend many hours on the water, and open sea conditions can make the ride lively. The full day runs about 10 to 12 hours, so it is best treated as a major outing, not a gentle side trip.

The boat is open-air, with wind and life jackets and safety equipment provided. Snorkelling gear and optional outerwear are included, too. Still, pack as if you will be exposed to sun, spray and wind. A past outing included loud music, and the skipper’s approach to waves can shape the ride. If you want quiet, smooth transport, this may not be the right boat trip for you.

Each boat carries up to 12 people, which can make the ride feel more personal than a large excursion vessel. The stated maximum of 150 people applies to the activity overall, not one boat. The guide speaks English, and the skipper may adjust the route if weather makes the planned stops unsafe.

Biševo and the Blue Cave: the day’s big question mark

Biševo is the first island stop and the home of the Blue Cave. The time allocated there depends on the season and the wait to enter the cave, so the morning schedule can shift. The cave visit itself is listed at about 20 minutes. Its appeal is the unusual blue light inside, a brief natural display that can make this the day’s most memorable stop.

There is a cost detail worth checking carefully. The tour includes a skip-the-line service intended to reduce waiting, but the Blue Cave admission ticket is not included in the price. Bring cash for the separate fee: €12 per person from April 1 to May 31, €18 from June 1 to June 19, €24 from June 20 to September 10, and €18 from September 11 to October 31. The exact date matters, especially in peak summer, when the fee is highest.

The cave visit depends on conditions. In poor weather or unsafe sea conditions, the captain can change the route. On one outing, the Blue Cave was closed and the group visited the Green Cave instead. That is a possible adjustment, not a guaranteed substitute, so book this trip for the broader island day rather than treating the Blue Cave as a sure thing.

Komiža, a proper pause on Vis

After Biševo, the route stops in Komiža for about an hour. This is a working fishing village on Vis, and a welcome chance to get off the boat, stretch your legs and sit at the waterfront. You can have breakfast or coffee here, though neither is included.

Komiža gives the itinerary a different pace from the sea stops. Instead of leaping back into the water for a few minutes, you can walk around and take in the harbour town. If you like local places more than a string of viewpoints, this is one of the most appealing breaks.

The hour is useful, but it is still a short visit. Plan on a coffee, a walk and perhaps a bite, rather than an unhurried meal and extensive exploring. Breakfast is not provided, so if you need food early, bring something or use this stop to buy it.

Stiniva Cove and Srebrena Beach: quick views, not long visits

Stiniva Cove is reached from the sea, and the stop lasts about 20 minutes. You can swim and try to reach the beach from the boat. That short window makes it a taste of the cove rather than a beach day, and getting ashore may depend on conditions and how the group moves.

Next comes Srebrena, the beach associated with the film Mamma Mia!. This is a five-minute pass-by, with the skipper slowing down so you can take photos. It is not a landing or a chance to spend time on the sand. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect this stop to be as active as the swim at Budikovac.

These brief calls show what the tour does well and where it compromises. You can see several famous coastal spots in one day, but some are viewed from the water rather than explored on foot.

Budikovac: the best chance to get in the water

The tour gives about an hour to the Blue Lagoon area near Budikovac. This is the main planned stop for swimming and snorkelling, and gear is included. If you enjoy being in the sea, this is likely to be one of the most satisfying parts of the day, especially after several stretches of riding.

The stop is centred on time in the water, not a long visit to a beach bar or a fully equipped shore break. A beach bar was not open on one early-season trip, so do not count on buying refreshments there. Bottled water is not included anywhere on the tour, and neither are meals. Bring your own water and plan ahead for snacks.

Some people may picture snorkelling directly from the boat; the practical expectation here is a swim and snorkel stop in the lagoon area. The details of getting into the water can depend on the captain and conditions. If you do not want to swim or snorkel, this hour may feel long compared with the sightseeing stops.

Pakleni Islands and Hvar: a short photo stop, then real free time

The Pakleni Islands get a quick five-minute stop for a view and a photo. It is a scenic pause, not an island visit. The stronger chance to explore on foot comes next in Hvar, where you have about two and a half hours to yourself.

Hvar is the longest land stop of the day. You can choose a restaurant for lunch, walk the old town, visit Saint Stephen’s Cathedral or climb to Fortica Fortress for views over the town and the Pakleni Islands. The tour does not organise these visits, and the fortress entry fee is not included. The cathedral is also optional and part of your own free time.

Two and a half hours is enough for lunch and a compact visit, but not for every option at a leisurely pace. Decide what matters most before you arrive. If you want the fortress view, allow time for the uphill walk and the visit; if a relaxed meal is your priority, keep the rest simple. Lunch is on your own, and it is not included in the tour price.

What the price buys, and what it does not

At $111.26 per person, the main value is transport between several islands in a single day, with a guide, snorkelling equipment, safety gear and the Blue Cave queue service included. Reaching this many stops independently would take more planning and could be difficult to fit into one day. The speedboat makes the broad itinerary possible.

The price is not all-in. Add the Blue Cave ticket, which ranges from €12 to €24 by season, plus your own breakfast, lunch and bottled water. The fortress ticket is also extra if you visit. These costs can make the final total noticeably higher than the headline fare, particularly for a summer departure.

The tour is recommended by 99 percent of people who rated it, with a 4.9 average from 2,861 ratings. That high mark reflects the appeal of the scenery, the range of stops and the excitement of the boat ride. But the ride itself is also the main point of friction: some people love the speed, music and wave action, while others find it too noisy or rough. The skipper’s style and the sea state matter.

Who should book this island circuit?

I would choose this tour if you want to cover a lot of coast in one day, enjoy speedboat travel and are happy with short stops mixed with a couple of longer breaks. It suits confident swimmers and snorkellers, and anyone keen to see both Vis and Hvar without arranging separate transport.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, want a quiet cruise, need a smooth ride or dislike being outdoors for long stretches. The tour is strictly forbidden for anyone with back problems or mobility issues, for pregnant travellers and for children under 10. Although one account described a family with younger children taking part, the stated age rule is clear: do not rely on an exception.

Arrive at the meeting point, Obala bana Berislavića 30 in Trogir, on time. One family who missed departure was not collected or refunded, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals if it is to keep the day moving. Pets are not allowed for safety reasons. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure; bad weather cancellations offer another date or a refund.

Should you book the Trogir speedboat tour?

Book it if the idea of a full day linking the Blue Cave, Komiža, swimming coves and Hvar sounds worth a fast, sometimes rough ride. The best parts are the variety, the hour in the Budikovac lagoon and enough time in Hvar to choose your own lunch and sights.

Skip it if you want a calm boat ride, long beach stays or a guaranteed Blue Cave visit. Before booking, weigh the extra cave ticket and food costs, bring water and sun protection, and be honest with yourself about how you handle open water. For the right person, this is an efficient way to see a wide stretch of the islands. For the wrong one, the ride can take the shine off the stops.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 to 12 hours, depending on conditions and timing at the Blue Cave.

Is the Blue Cave admission included in the price?

No. The skip-the-line service is included, but the admission ticket costs extra and should be paid in cash. The fee ranges from €12 to €24 per person depending on the date.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling gear is included, and the tour has about an hour for swimming and snorkelling near Budikovac.

Are meals or bottled water included?

No. Breakfast, lunch and bottled water are not included. You can buy food during the stops, including in Komiža and Hvar.

Can children under 10 join the tour?

No. The tour is strictly forbidden for children under 10.

What happens if bad weather affects the route?

The captain can change the itinerary for safety. If poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.