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

The real prize here is the Blue Cave on Biševo, where sunlight slips through an underwater opening and turns the cavern an eerie, glowing blue. You also get a fast, scenic ride between islands, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and quiet coves that larger boats cannot reach.

I like the efficient route, which packs five Adriatic islands and several swimming spots into one day from Hvar. I also like the friendly crews, especially guides such as Luka, Marco, Andrea, and Daniel, who have helped with lunch suggestions, birthday treats, music, and changes to the route.

The catch is the sea. A speedboat crossing can be rough, especially in strong wind, and the Blue Cave may close in bad conditions or high tide. The cave ticket is also extra, so the advertised price is not the full cost of the day.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Cave is the headline stop: Its color is most striking when weather and sea conditions allow entry.
• Budikovac offers an early swim: Expect about 30 minutes in a bright blue-green lagoon.
• Stiniva Cove is a short, photogenic beach stop: You have about 45 minutes to swim, relax, or swim toward shore for photos.
• The route can change for good reasons: Wind, waves, cave closures, and long queues may replace one stop with another.
• The boat ride is part of the thrill: It is quick and exciting, but not ideal for people prone to seasickness or back pain.
• Budget for cave admission: Bring cash, since the supplied instructions say cards are not accepted.

Why this Hvar speedboat trip works so well

Hvar is a wonderful base, but its nearby beaches can feel crowded in summer. This excursion gives you a full day out on open water and lets you see parts of the Dalmatian coast that are hard to reach without your own boat.

You leave Hvar port at 10:30, after meeting at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15. From there, the speedboat becomes your transport, viewing platform, swimming base, and sun deck. Bottled water is included, along with snorkeling gear, life jackets, windproof jackets, and safety equipment.

I like this setup because you do not waste the day changing ferries or working out island connections. The tradeoff is that the pace is active. You are not spending a whole afternoon on one beach. You are moving from one memorable place to the next, with short periods to swim, take photos, and catch your breath.

The crew speaks English, and the strongest part of the experience is often the human touch. Guides and skippers including Luka, Marco, Andrea, Daniel, Luca, Julian, and others have been praised for safe boat handling, friendly conversation, useful local suggestions, and good music. Some have arranged lunch, helped non-swimmers, accommodated an injured passenger, or organized a small birthday surprise.

That kind of flexibility matters. A fixed sightseeing route can fall apart when the wind rises or a cave develops a long queue. A capable skipper can make the day work by finding another cove, adding a swimming stop, or spending more time on Vis.

Budikovac’s blue lagoon comes early

The first listed stop is the blue lagoon at Budikovac Island, reached after about 30 minutes on the boat. This is a sensible opening stop because it gives you an early chance to get into the water before the day becomes hot.

The lagoon is known for clear water with blue and green tones. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but you should still pack your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for money and phones.

This is not a guided archaeological visit or a long beach walk. The value is simple: clear Adriatic water, a scenic setting, and a chance to cool off. Some people have found the lagoon to be the favorite stop of the whole day because it feels wonderfully open and bright.

Bring cash in a waterproof pouch. One swimming stop has a bar and snacks, and you may want the option to buy something after getting out of the water. Lunch is not included, so do not assume the boat provides food or drinks beyond the supplied bottled water.

The Blue Cave is worth the extra ticket

The Blue Cave is the reason many people choose this tour. Sunlight enters through an underwater opening and reflects off the cave floor, filling the interior with a cool blue glow. It is a short sight, but a memorable one.

Admission is not included in the $112 tour price. The listed Blue Cave prices are:

• April 1 to May 31: €12
• June 1 to June 19: €18
• June 20 to September 10: €24
• September 11 to October 31: €18

The instructions say to bring cash because cards are not accepted. One account reported card payment, but I would follow the official warning and carry enough euros. You may also need cash for the Green Cave, if your group enters it.

The Blue Cave can close during high tide and high winds. Even when it is open, the wait can be long in high season. That wait may affect the rest of your itinerary. Some groups have skipped another planned stop to keep the Blue Cave visit, while others have missed the cave and received a different route.

That uncertainty is not a flaw in the crew. The cave is controlled by sea conditions and local access rules. Still, you should book this as a day on the islands, not as a guaranteed Blue Cave ticket. If the cave is your only reason for going, the risk may bother you.

The Green Cave offers a different kind of stop

The Green Cave is included in the route description, but it is more dependent on group preference and conditions. Its name comes from the colored light inside, much like the Blue Cave, though the effect is different.

You may be offered the chance to enter. Some groups have chosen to skip it and spend more time in a private cove or at another island stop. That flexibility is useful if the group prefers swimming and open water to another cave visit.

The Green Cave has an additional admission cost according to the instructions, but no exact price is provided. Carry cash if you hope to enter. Ask the crew early in the day how the route is shaping up and what extra fees apply.

I would treat this cave as a bonus. The Blue Cave is the stronger reason to pay for cave entry, while the Green Cave may appeal more to people who enjoy natural formations and want to compare the two experiences.

Stiniva Cove gives you time to slow down

Stiniva Cove on Vis is one of the most attractive stops on the route. Its narrow entrance opens into a sheltered beach area, giving it a distinct shape that looks best from the water and from the slopes around the cove.

The planned stop lasts about 45 minutes. You can swim in the clear water, relax near the beach, or swim toward shore for photographs. The boat may not pull right onto the beach, so be ready for a little effort if you want to reach land.

This is a good place to balance the speed of the day. After the quick ride between islands and the cave schedule, Stiniva gives you time to float, snorkel, and enjoy the setting without a formal sightseeing lecture.

Take care around jellyfish. One person reported painful but non-dangerous stings at Stiniva. That is not a reason to skip the stop, but it is a reminder to look carefully before swimming and to follow the crew’s advice.

Vis and the possible Mamma Mia detour

Vis adds variety because it is more than a swimming stop. Depending on the day, the group may spend time in a coastal town, including Komiža or a place connected with Mamma Mia filming. These additions are not guaranteed, since the Blue Cave queue and sea conditions can force changes.

This is one of the reasons I like a flexible boat tour. A skipper may know that a particular town or cove is worth the time and suggest changing the plan. Several groups have spent extra time around Vis when the caves were skipped or delayed.

Do not book this expecting a carefully paced island walking tour. The schedule is built around water, coves, beaches, and boat travel. If you want cafés, town streets, and a proper sit-down lunch, you may need to use part of the free time on Vis for that.

Lunch is at your own expense. Some crews can suggest or arrange a restaurant, but island restaurants can be costly and busy. One practical tip is to find a table soon after arriving if you plan to eat. A burger bar or snack stop may be easier on the budget than a full restaurant meal.

Pakleni Islands finish the day near Hvar

On the way back, the boat stops around the Pakleni Islands, the chain just off Hvar. The route includes a short cruise around these small islands and a stop at Palmižana, known here for its sandy beach.

After a full day of swimming and fast crossings, Palmižana works as a gentler final stop. You can relax on the beach, take a last swim, or simply enjoy the contrast between the busy Hvar port and the quieter island setting.

The boat then returns to the original meeting point in Hvar. Since no exact return time is supplied, leave your evening schedule open. This is especially important if you have a dinner reservation, ferry connection, or another timed activity.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The boat is comfortable enough for sitting, storing personal items, and stretching out, according to the experience details. Some boats are larger than others, and group size can vary. One account described roughly 12 people aboard, while another wished the number were capped at nine.

That matters most on the crossings. A smaller group gives you more room and makes boarding and swimming stops easier. A larger group can feel less personal, though the boat format still offers a much more direct experience than a large excursion vessel.

The ride can be bumpy. One skipper was praised for handling high waves smoothly, while another passenger found the driving aggressive over the chop. I would not choose this tour if you have back problems, and the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for pregnant people and people with mobility impairments.

If you get seasick, sit where the crew recommends and bring whatever medication you normally use. Windproof jackets are supplied, which helps when the boat is moving fast, but they do not remove the motion of the sea.

Is $112 a fair price?

At $112 per person, this is not a cheap beach outing. It is fair value if you want to visit several islands in one day without arranging multiple ferries, taxis, and boat transfers.

The price includes the speedboat, skipper, English-speaking guide, water, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, windproof jackets, life jackets, and insurance. It does not include lunch or cave admission. In peak season, the Blue Cave alone costs €24, so your real spend will be higher.

The value improves if your stay in Hvar is short. You can cover Budikovac, Vis, Stiniva, the caves, and Pakleni stops in a single outing. You also get access to coves that are difficult to reach independently.

The value is weaker if you want a slow beach day or dislike paying extra at stops. You may also lose the Blue Cave because of weather, tides, or queues. The best way to judge the price is to think of it as a full day of boat transport and swimming opportunities, with the cave as a possible highlight rather than a promise.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack lightly. Space on a speedboat is limited, even when the boat itself feels comfortable.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-factor sunscreen
• Cash in euros for cave entry, food, and snacks
• A waterproof pouch for money and electronics
• Sunglasses and a hat
• A light layer for the ride

Do not count on lunch being served. You can buy food at a stop, but prices and table availability vary. You may prefer to carry a small snack, provided it is allowed by the crew.

Arrive at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15 for the 10:30 departure. The tour returns to the same meeting point in Hvar.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this for active couples, groups of friends, families with older children, and anyone staying in Hvar for only a few days. It is especially good for people who want a mix of scenery, swimming, snorkeling, beaches, caves, and a little speed.

It suits confident swimmers, but non-swimmers are not automatically excluded. Safety gear is included, and crew members have helped passengers who were not comfortable in the water. Tell the guide about your concerns before a swim stop.

I would skip it if you have back problems, limited mobility, are pregnant, or strongly dislike fast boat rides. The crossings are part of the experience, not just a way to get from one stop to another.

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

Yes, if you want to see a lot of the Dalmatian coast in one day and accept a flexible route. The best parts are the Blue Cave when it is open, the bright Budikovac lagoon, dramatic Stiniva, and the chance to swim in secluded water between stops.

Book with realistic expectations. The Blue Cave costs extra and can close. Lunch costs extra. Wind can make the ride rough, and a cave queue may replace another planned stop.

For most visitors based in Hvar, I think the combination of scenery, water time, and capable skippers makes the $112 worthwhile. Carry cash, leave your evening free, and see the tour as an energetic day on the Adriatic rather than a guaranteed checklist.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the Gajeta Agency office in Hvar. You should arrive by 10:15 for the 10:30 departure.

What is included in the tour price?

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

Is Blue Cave admission included?

No. Blue Cave admission is paid separately. The listed price ranges from €12 to €24 depending on the date, and the instructions advise bringing cash because cards are not accepted.

Can the Blue Cave close?

Yes. The Blue Cave closes during high tides and high winds. The route may also change because of weather or long queues.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Bring cash if you plan to buy food or drinks at one of the island stops.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. The speedboat can be bumpy in windy conditions.