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

The Adriatic puts on quite a show. This full-day speedboat trip packs Blue Cave, Green Cave, Budikovac, Vis, Stiniva Cove, and the Pakleni Islands into one busy but rewarding day from Hvar. I like the mix of famous sights and time in the water, especially the Blue Lagoon at Budikovac and the chance to swim at several clear-water stops.

I also like the small-group setup, with no more than 12 people, plus a skipper, guide, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and windproof jackets included. The main catch is simple: the ride can be fast and choppy, and the Blue Cave entrance fee, lunch, and some cave admissions cost extra.

Key Points To Know Before You Book

• Five-island coverage: You see a wide slice of the Dalmatian coast in one 450-minute trip.
• Blue Cave admission costs extra: Budget between €12 and €24, depending on the date.
• Budikovac is a swimming highlight: Its shallow blue lagoon is one of the best places for a snorkel.
• Stiniva Cove is scenic but busy: You can swim, relax, or swim toward shore for photos.
• The boat is genuinely fast: Expect open-sea speed, wind, spray, and some bouncing in rougher conditions.
• Guides can adjust the plan: Bad weather may close a cave, but the crew can replace it with another cove or island stop.

Why This Tour Works So Well From Hvar

Hvar is an excellent base for exploring the islands west of town, but reaching the most famous spots independently can take planning, ferry connections, and luck with timing. This excursion bundles the boat, skipper, guide, safety equipment, and several major stops into one day.

At $123 per person, the price is fair for a full day on the water, especially when you consider the distance covered and the small-group limit. It is not an all-inclusive day, though. You still need money for the Blue Cave, lunch, and possibly the Green Cave.

The value is strongest if you want an overview rather than a slow stay in one place. You will not have hours to wander each island, but you get a useful sampler of beaches, caves, coves, and island towns. I would treat it as a greatest-hits day, not a leisurely beach holiday.

The tour leaves Hvar at 10:30, and you should arrive at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15. The day lasts about 450 minutes, so you return in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on weather and the final route.

The Speedboat Ride: Exciting, Open, and Sometimes Bumpy

The boat is a major part of the experience. You travel quickly between islands, which is what makes this ambitious route possible in one day. It also means you are exposed to wind, spray, and the movement of the sea.

On calm days, the ride feels exhilarating. On windy days, it can be rough. Several departures have dealt with choppy water, and experienced skippers such as Andrea, Andrija, Adrian, Luka, and Doris have been praised for handling the conditions calmly and safely.

Do not book this if you want a smooth, quiet cruise. You should be comfortable sitting on a speedboat for long stretches, holding on when the sea gets lively, and accepting that the route may change. Windproof jackets and life jackets are provided, but bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel.

A small group of up to 12 people is a sensible compromise. You get more personal attention than on a large excursion boat, but this is not a private charter. One past departure had a larger boat that made rough water more comfortable, while another passenger wished the group were limited to nine. Your exact boat can vary.

Budikovac Blue Lagoon: The Best First Swim

Budikovac is usually the first major stop, about 30 minutes after departure. The island’s Blue Lagoon is made for swimming and snorkeling, with clear water that shifts between blue and green depending on the sun and depth.

This is a good early stop because it gets you into the water before the day becomes too busy. You can swim from the boat, use the supplied snorkeling gear, or simply float and enjoy the view.

Bring cash in a waterproof pouch. Budikovac has a bar and snacks, but you may not want to swim back to the boat, dry off, and discover you have no money with you. One useful tip is to keep a little cash accessible, not buried at the bottom of your day bag.

The lagoon can be the tour’s most relaxing stop. The Blue Cave is more famous, but Budikovac gives you time to actually enjoy the sea rather than simply look at it.

Blue Cave on Biševo: Beautiful, Popular, and Weather Dependent

The Blue Cave is the headline stop. Sunlight enters through an underwater opening and lights the cave from below, creating the famous blue glow. The effect is brief and dependent on conditions, but when the entrance is open, it is a memorable natural sight.

You should expect the Blue Cave to involve an additional admission fee. The listed 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

Bring cash because the tour information says cards are not accepted for cave entrance. A later departure reported card acceptance, but you should not rely on that. Cash is the safer choice.

The cave can close during high tides or high winds. This is not a flaw in the tour. The cave is a natural site with strict operating limits, and a skipper cannot force the issue. The practical question is how the crew handles the change.

That is where the flexible route matters. When the Blue Cave has been closed, guides have replaced it with other island stops, secluded swimming places, a beach club, or extra time around Vis. The best guides explain the choice clearly rather than pretending the original plan is still possible.

You should book this tour for the wider day, not only for the Blue Cave. If the cave is your one essential sight, weather-related disappointment is possible. If you see it as one part of a full day at sea, the trip remains worthwhile even when the cave is closed.

The Green Cave: A Quick Look With a Choice

The Green Cave is another colorful cave stop, known for the sunlight effects inside. Its appeal is visual, but not everyone considers it worth the extra cost or time.

The route may include the cave, but the exact visit can depend on weather and group preference. Some groups have chosen to skip it and spend more time at another cove or island. That flexibility can improve the day, especially if the sea is rough or the group prefers swimming to another cave entrance.

Ask your guide about the extra fee before entering. The supplied information says to carry cash for both caves, but it does not give a separate Green Cave price. Do not assume the Blue Cave fee covers both.

I would prioritize the Blue Cave, Budikovac, and Stiniva if time or weather forces a choice. The Green Cave is a pleasant bonus, not the reason to book the trip.

Stiniva Cove: A Dramatic Beach With Limited Space

Stiniva Cove on Vis is one of the day’s most striking stops. High rock walls frame a narrow entrance, opening onto a small beach and clear water. From the boat, the cove looks almost hidden behind its rocky sides.

You may have around 45 minutes here, enough to swim, relax, or swim toward shore for photographs from the surrounding slopes. The beach is small, so do not expect a broad stretch of sand with plenty of personal space.

This stop works best if you enjoy swimming from a boat and looking at dramatic coastal scenery. If you want a long beach session, Stiniva may feel short. The water is clear, but jellyfish have been spotted here, and their stings can hurt for a while even though they are not considered dangerous.

Watch the time closely. A small beach and a beautiful cove can make you forget that the boat is waiting. The tour covers a lot of ground, so punctuality matters at every stop.

Vis and Komiža: A Taste of Island Life

Vis gives the day more than swimming and scenery. Depending on the route, you may stop near Komiža or another town for lunch. Komiža has plenty of food choices, including more casual options, but prices can be higher in popular waterfront areas.

Lunch is not included. The crew may help arrange a restaurant, and guides have recommended lunch spots during the trip. On a quieter day, the stop may be longer, giving you time to eat without rushing.

Plan your spending before you arrive. Keep money dry, and remember that a full day of swimming can leave you hungry well before lunch. Snacks are a smart addition because the meal stop may come later than you expect.

The town stop is useful because it breaks up the boat ride. You get a chance to sit down, eat, and see a little more of island life before returning to the water. Just do not expect a long guided visit or a full tour of Vis. This is an introduction, not a town walk.

Secret Coves, Cliff Jumps, and Route Changes

One of the tour’s strengths is that the day is not always locked to a rigid checklist. Skippers can use local knowledge to choose a small cove, a quieter swimming spot, or a replacement site if wind closes a cave.

Some departures have included a private-feeling cove accessible only by boat, with crystal-clear water and cliff jumping. These stops are not guaranteed, so you should not book expecting a specific secret cove. Still, they show why the skipper matters.

Guides such as Andrea, Andrija, Luca, Dora, Judita, and Adrian have been praised for making sensible adjustments, explaining the area, and helping people feel safe. Names and crews vary by day, but a good skipper can make a big difference when the sea or schedule changes.

If you want cliff jumping, ask first and follow the crew’s instructions. If you prefer a quiet swim, say so. The trip works best when you tell the guide what you are comfortable doing.

Pakleni Islands and Palmižana: A Gentle Finish

On the way back to Hvar, the boat cruises around the Pakleni Islands and stops at Palmižana. This group of small islands is close to Hvar but feels like a fitting final chapter after a long day offshore.

Palmižana is known for its sandy beach, giving you a chance to relax after the faster pace of the earlier route. Depending on the schedule, it may also be connected with lunch or a restaurant stop.

Do not expect a deserted beach in the middle of summer. Popular island stops can fill quickly, and restaurant tables may be limited. If you want to eat here, grab a table early rather than waiting until you are hungry.

The return to Hvar is another open-water run. By this point, you may be tired, sun-warmed, and ready for a shower. The ride is part of the fun, but it can feel long if the sea turns rough.

What To Bring and Who Should Skip It

Pack light, but bring the things that make a day on the water easier:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-factor sunscreen
• Cash in a waterproof pouch
• Snacks
• A windproof layer
• A phone case or dry bag
• Comfortable clothes for the boat ride

The operator supplies bottled water, snorkeling gear, windproof jackets, life jackets, and safety equipment. You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment unless you prefer your own.

This trip is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 70. The fast boat, uneven boarding, and choppy sea are the reasons to take those limits seriously.

I would recommend it to confident swimmers, active couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy a full day outdoors. I would not choose it for anyone who gets seasick easily, needs frequent shade, or wants a slow, polished cruise.

The tour is conducted in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hvar plans depend on the weather.

Is the $123 Price Worth It?

For a full day, a small group, a skipper, a guide, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and multiple islands, $123 is good value. The route covers far more than you could comfortably arrange by local transport in one day.

The extra costs matter. Add up the Blue Cave fee, lunch, possible Green Cave admission, drinks, and snacks. In peak season, the Blue Cave alone costs €24, so the total day will be noticeably higher than the headline price.

Still, the tour offers strong value if you want variety. You see beaches, lagoons, caves, rock formations, and island towns without having to organize each connection yourself. The price is less attractive if you mainly want one beach and several quiet hours in one place.

Should You Book This Hvar Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want to see as much of the central Dalmatian coast as possible in one day and you are happy with a fast, weather-dependent ride. The Blue Lagoon, Stiniva Cove, Blue Cave, and the flexible stops around Vis make a strong combination.

Before booking, accept three things: the sea may be rough, the Blue Cave may close, and several costs sit outside the ticket price. Bring cash, snacks, sunscreen, and a jacket, then let the skipper adjust the route if needed.

For an active day with plenty of swimming and island scenery, I would book it. For a gentle cruise or a guaranteed Blue Cave visit, choose a slower plan and keep your expectations modest.

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.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route covers five islands and includes Budikovac, Vis, Biševo, and the Pakleni Islands, with Hvar as the departure and return point.

Is the Blue Cave entrance included?

No. Blue Cave admission costs extra and varies from €12 to €24 depending on the date.

How much is the Blue Cave fee?

The 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 the Blue Cave close?

Yes. The Blue Cave closes during high tides and high winds, and the tour route can change with the weather.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring money for food. The crew may recommend or arrange a lunch stop.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. Snacks and a jacket are also practical for this long, exposed boat trip.