Blue cave & Hvar, 5 islands speed boat tour with unique boats from Split

Starting with this speedboat tour from Split, I find it’s a fantastic way to maximize your time in Croatia’s Split archipelago. For about $103.50 per person, you’ll spend roughly 10 to 11 hours exploring five islands and seven destinations, including the iconic Blue Cave and the lively town of Hvar. The experience is optimized for small groups—maximum 12 travelers—so you’re less part of a herd and more like a guest along for an intimate adventure. The reviews consistently praise the guide—”Tomo,” or “Luka”—for their knowledge and friendly attitude, which really makes these long days more enjoyable.

One thing I love about this tour is how it strikes a balance between active sightseeing and relaxing downtime. You’ll visit the Blue Cave, famous for sunlight reflecting off the sea bottom to create a magical glow, and the secluded Stiniva Beach, voted Europe’s best in 2016. The highlight? The Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island, where a longer swim in turquoise waters rivals any Caribbean postcard. From a practical standpoint, the small-group size and personalized guidance mean you get plenty of attention, and you can really soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

That said, keep in mind that the Blue Cave entry ticket isn’t included, and weather can affect your plans—particularly whether you get to see the cave at all. Some reviews mention that rough seas early in the morning can make the ride chilly and rocky, so packing a windbreaker and warm clothes is wise. Also, since the boat models can vary, be prepared for a vehicle that might differ from what’s pictured, especially on less-than-perfect weather days. Still, most travelers find the value outweighs these small inconveniences.

Key Points

Small-group tours enhance the experience by providing more personalized attention.
Efficient itinerary, allowing you to see five islands and several beaches in just one day.
Knowledgeable guides, like Tomo and Luca, add a lot of value with their stories and local tips.
Unique boat experience with fast, possibly varied, vessels that make traveling between stops exciting.
Prime early access to the Blue Cave helps avoid crowds, as noted by travelers like Karen.
Weather considerations may affect cave visits; packing accordingly is essential.

The Complete Experience Breakdown: What to Expect on Each Leg of the Tour

Starting Point and Early Morning Ride

Your journey begins at Republic Square Prokurative in Split bright and early, around 7:00 am (the tour lasts until late afternoon). Expect a lively start, with the chance to meet your small group of fellow travelers. The guide will offer some safety tips, and you’ll get your snorkeling masks, sunshade, and safety vests. The first leg is the sometimes-chilly ride across the water—many reviews mention bringing a windbreaker for this reason. As one reviewer shared, “bring a windbreaker because the morning ride to the first stop is quite chilly and windy,” which is very true, especially for those more sensitive to cool breezes.

Cave Bisevo – The Blue Cave

After about 90 minutes of cruising, you’ll arrive at Cave Bisevo—the star of the tour. The Blue Cave’s allure lies in its sunlight, reflecting off the sea bottom and illuminating the interior with a surreal blue glow. Your guide will take you inside, and you’ll be able to marvel at this natural wonder. Keep in mind, admission tickets aren’t included, so budget accordingly. The experience of entering the cave is well worth it, especially if you’re lucky enough to go early—many reviews note that “Loka,” the guide, makes sure you’re first in line, helping you beat the crowds.

Komiza – A Charming Fishing Village

Next, it’s time for a break in Komiza on the island of Vis, known as a filming location for “Mamma Mia.” This stop is great for a quick coffee or breakfast, and many travelers mention how friendly this small fishing village feels. Spending around 75 minutes here gives you a taste of local life—and chances to snap some photos of colorful boats and narrow streets.

Stiniva Cove – The Secluded Beach

From Komiza, you’ll enjoy a scenic 15-minute panoramic ride to Stiniva Cove. Its distinctive feature? A narrow entrance flanked by steep cliffs that open into a surprisingly spacious pebble beach. Recognized as Europe’s best beach in 2016, it’s a quiet spot perfect for a quick swim or just soaking up sunshine. Reviewers highlight that the views are breathtaking, though some mention it can be quite crowded during peak season, so early arrival helps.

Budikovac Island – The Blue Lagoon

Afterward, you’ll stop at the Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island. This longer stop—about 75 minutes—lets you swim in transparent waters and lounge on white pebbles, often described as a picture-perfect spot. Many reviews rave about how the waters here are turquoise and inviting, making it easy to spend a relaxing hour floating or snorkeling. Since no admission fee is required here, it’s a rewarding free addition to your day.

The Pakleni Islands and Hvar

On your way to Hvar, your boat will cruise past the Pakleni Islands, giving you stunning panoramic views that are worth a camera or two. Many find these views particularly memorable—they’re the essence of the Dalmatian coast’s charm. In Hvar, you’ll have about 2.5 hours to explore. The town is renowned for its lively harbor, historic architecture, and vibrant bars. Travelers mention that Luka, the Hvar guide, gave excellent restaurant recommendations, making the break both scenic and culinary.

Ending the Day

Most tours wrap up back at the meeting point near Split around 7:00 pm, giving you a full day of adventure that leaves plenty of memories. Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides—”Luka was an excellent guide”—and many mention that despite the long day, it felt seamless and well-organized.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy active days on the water, with a mix of sightseeing and relaxing stops, this tour could be perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small groups and personalized attention. Young couples, families with older children, and friends looking for a fun, scenic adventure will find this trip rewarding. Keep in mind that weather can influence the cave visit, and a certain level of comfort with boat rides—some being rocky or fast—is needed. Also, those with limited mobility might want to skip the more rugged or swimming-heavy stops.

For those who value getting early access to popular sights and enjoy hearing stories from passionate guides, this tour delivers on those counts. The price offers good value considering the number of stops, the boat experience, and the insider tips you’ll receive. But, be prepared for a full day—long hours on the water, with the potential for some chilly moments in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 37 days in advance on average, especially during peak season, to secure availability and the best times for cave visits.

Is the Blue Cave entry fee included?
No, the admission ticket for the Blue Cave is not included in the $103.50 price, so you’ll need to purchase it separately if you want to go inside when it’s open.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit and towel for swimming stops, sunblock oil to protect your skin, a windbreaker or light jacket for the early boat ride, and some cash for optional expenses like the cave entry or snacks.

How comfortable are the boats?
The boats are described as unique and fast, with some reviews mentioning that the boat can be rocky or windy, especially in the morning. The vessel will have sunshades and safety gear for a safe trip.

Can I explore Hvar during my free time?
Yes, the tour includes a couple of hours in Hvar town, allowing you to wander the streets, visit cafes, or relax by the harbor—recommendations for restaurants are often shared by guides.

What if the weather is bad?
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and if weather conditions prevent cave visits, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this Blue Cave & Hvar Islands speedboat tour offers an exciting, insider look at Croatia’s most gorgeous islands in one day. The combination of stunning natural sights, knowledgeable guides, and the thrill of fast boat rides makes it a standout choice for active travelers. Whether you’re snapping photos in the Blue Cave, relaxing on a pebble beach, or exploring Hvar’s lively streets, you’ll leave with plenty of stories—and plenty of memories. It’s especially ideal for those who love small groups, early access, and a touch of adventure in their travel itinerary. Just pack warm clothes and be ready for a full, fun-packed day on the water.