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

The Blue Cave is the headline, but this Hvar speedboat trip is really a day of contrasts: a luminous cave, a shallow lagoon, the dramatic inlet at Stiniva and time to swim at several stops. I like that it bundles a lot of coastline into one outing, and that you get snorkeling gear and a guide rather than having to plan each island hop yourself.

I also like the chance to see the islands from the water, where coves and cliffs make more sense than they do from a town square. One consideration: the advertised price does not include cave entry or lunch, and rough seas can make the ride bumpy or close the caves.

• The Blue Cave is weather-dependent: High tides and high winds can close it, so treat it as a possibility, not a guarantee.
• Budikovac is built for a swim stop: Its blue lagoon is a good place to use the included snorkeling gear.
• Stiniva gives you a choice: Swim in the cove or head toward shore for views from the slopes.
• You’ll cover several islands in one day: The route includes the caves, Vis-area stops and the Pakleni Islands, with the exact order subject to conditions.
• Budget extra for cave entry and lunch: Blue Cave admission varies by season, and lunch is not included.
• Come ready for a fast boat ride: Windproof jackets and life jackets are provided, but this is not a good choice if you have back problems or are prone to discomfort on rough water.

A full day out from Hvar

This tour leaves from the Gajeta Agency office in Hvar at 10:30. Arrive by 10:15, bring your swimwear and towel, and keep sunscreen and cash handy. You return to the same meeting point after the day on the water, though the exact return time is not specified.

The appeal is simple: instead of arranging separate boats or choosing just one island, you get a guided route that links several coastal highlights. That makes the trip especially useful if you have a short stay in Hvar and want to spend a day beyond the town.

The boat is a speedboat, so you can cover more distance than on a slow ferry or a beach day based in one place. The trade-off is that the ride can get lively when the sea is rough. Skippers have been praised for steering carefully through choppy conditions, but no captain can make wind and waves disappear. If you get seasick easily, or have a back problem, think carefully before booking.

Budikovac’s blue lagoon comes first

The first listed stop is the blue lagoon at Budikovac, around 30 minutes from Hvar by the tour’s schedule. The water’s clear blue-green color is the draw, and you get time to swim or snorkel. With snorkel gear included, this is a natural moment to get in the water rather than simply admire it from the boat.

Bring a waterproof pouch with cash if you want to buy anything during a swim stop. One stop has a bar and snacks, but you may not have cash within easy reach once you have swum over. Bottled water is included, but food and other drinks are not listed as part of the price.

This is also the kind of stop where the tour’s pace matters. You are visiting several places in one day, so expect time to enjoy the lagoon, not an open-ended beach stay. If you prefer a whole afternoon on one stretch of sand, this itinerary may feel hurried.

The Blue and Green caves are the big unknowns

The caves are among the trip’s main attractions, but they are also the least certain part of the day. Their colors come from sunlight reflecting inside, creating the striking blue and green effects. The Blue Cave is closed to visitors during high tides and high winds, and the tour route can change with the weather.

Blue Cave admission is extra and must be paid in cash according to the tour information. The stated seasonal prices are €12 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. Entry to the Green Cave is also not included, but no price is provided here. Keep enough cash available for both caves, and check the current fee before you go.

A cave visit can also bring waiting time. When queues run long, the crew may adjust the route to make room for other stops, or the group may choose to skip a cave. That flexibility can lead to a memorable swim in a quiet cove instead, but it means you should not treat every named stop as guaranteed.

The extra Blue Cave fee is worth including in your budget from the start. At $112 per person for the boat tour, the overall cost is higher once you add admission and lunch. In return, you get transport between multiple islands, a skipper, a guide, safety equipment, snorkeling gear and bottled water. For someone who wants a full day of varied scenery, that can be good value. It is less compelling if your main goal is a guaranteed cave visit at a fixed total price.

Stiniva Cove rewards a swim

Stiniva Cove on Vis is one of the day’s most distinctive beach stops. The cove’s enclosed shape and clear water make it a fine place to swim, with about 45 minutes scheduled there. You can also swim toward shore and take in the setting from the slopes around the beach.

The approach and shore access may call for a bit of effort, so choose the option that suits your comfort in the water. Life jackets and safety gear are included, and the crew can help passengers who are less confident swimmers. Still, this is a boat trip with repeated opportunities to get into the sea, not a sightseeing cruise where you stay dry.

Take care around the water and follow the crew’s directions. One visitor reported jellyfish at Stiniva, with stings that were painful for a while but not dangerous. That is not a reason to avoid the stop, but it is a useful reminder to look before you swim and ask the crew if conditions have changed.

Pakleni Islands offer a slower finish

On the return leg, the boat makes a short cruise around the Pakleni Islands and stops at Palmižana, known for its sandy beach. After the speed and saltwater of the earlier stops, this part of the day can feel like a gentler final pause before the ride back to Hvar.

A beach and island stop is also a chance to stretch your legs and take a break from the boat. Do not assume that every stop has the same feel: a swim cove, a town or beach stop, and a cave visit offer different kinds of time ashore. The exact sequence can shift with the weather and the day’s conditions.

Lunch is not included. The tour information does not set out a fixed meal arrangement, but some outings have included time to eat at a restaurant on an island. Bring cash and be prepared for restaurant prices to be higher than a quick snack on shore. If you have a particular dietary need or want to keep costs down, bringing your own food is sensible.

The crew makes a real difference

A skipper and guide are included, and the crew shapes much of the day: choosing a safe route, explaining stops, managing timing and helping passengers get in and out of the water. Past crews have included Andrea, Andrej, Luca, Luka, Marco, Daniel, Doris and Julian. The specific team varies, so you cannot book around a particular name.

The strongest part of the experience is often the mix of capable boat handling and an easygoing atmosphere. Crews have helped less confident swimmers, adjusted routes when caves were closed or queues grew, and offered local suggestions for meals. Music on board has also been part of the relaxed holiday feel. If you value a friendly guide more than a formal history talk, this style should suit you. The tour is not described as a detailed lecture about the islands.

Boat size and passenger numbers can vary. Some outings have had around a dozen people, while another account wished for a smaller group. The exact capacity is not stated, so do not count on having a private or especially small boat. Even a comfortable boat can feel busy when everyone is getting ready to swim or storing wet gear.

Is $112 good value?

At $112 per person, the tour is not a bare-bones boat ride, but it also is not all-inclusive. You get the speedboat, skipper, guide, snorkeling gear, windproof jackets, life jackets, safety equipment, bottled water and insurance. You do not get lunch or cave admission.

The value comes from seeing a wide stretch of coast in one day without arranging multiple transfers. If you are keen to swim, see the caves and visit several islands, you are getting variety for the fare. If you would rather spend the day on one beach, or if the Blue Cave is your only reason for going, the extra fee and weather risk deserve more weight.

Plan for additional cash. Cave admission is seasonal, entry costs are not included, and cards are not accepted for the cave fees according to the tour information. Lunch and snacks are also your responsibility. A small waterproof bag is useful for keeping money and personal items together when you leave the boat to swim.

Who should book this trip?

I’d consider this tour if you have a day to spare in Hvar, enjoy swimming and want to see more than one beach. It also suits groups of friends looking for an active day with time to relax between stops. The mix of boat time, coves and caves gives you a useful overview of the nearby islands, even if you do not get a long stay at each one.

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or people with mobility impairments. The speedboat can be bumpy, and the itinerary depends on sea and wind conditions. Anyone who dislikes fast boat rides should weigh that carefully against the sightseeing.

Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve without paying immediately. The meeting point is the Gajeta Agency office, and you should arrive by 10:15 for the 10:30 departure.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a busy, water-focused day and are happy to treat the Blue Cave as weather-dependent. The strongest reasons to go are the variety of stops, clear-water swimming and the chance to see several islands without arranging each leg yourself.

Skip it if you need a calm ride, have mobility or back concerns, or want a guaranteed cave visit with every cost included. If you do book, bring cash, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear and a waterproof pouch. Then let the skipper adapt the route to the sea.

FAQ

What time does the tour leave?

The speedboat departs from Hvar at 10:30. Arrive at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15.

Where does the tour start and end?

Meet at the Gajeta Agency office in Hvar. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is Blue Cave admission included?

No. Blue Cave entry costs extra, and the fee varies by season.

How much is Blue Cave entry?

The stated fee is €12 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.

Can I pay for cave entry by card?

No. The tour information says to bring cash for both caves and notes that cards are not accepted.

Is the Blue Cave always open?

No. It closes to visitors during high tides and high winds. The route may change with weather conditions.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring money for a meal or snacks.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and cash. A waterproof pouch can help keep your cash dry during swim stops.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, life jackets, safety gear, windproof jackets and bottled water are included.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back problems and people with mobility impairments.