Blue and Green Cave Speedboat Excursion from Hvar Town

Seven hours, five island stops, and plenty of salt spray. This speedboat trip gives you a full day on the Adriatic, with standout stops at the Blue Cave, Stiniva Cove, the Green Cave, Budikovac, and the Pakleni Islands. I especially like the mix of famous sights and swimming time, plus the small group limit of 12 people.

I also like that snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included, and that guides such as Captain Peter, Skipper Ivo, and assistant Lucia have been praised for making the day enjoyable when conditions changed. The main drawback is comfort: 12 people can feel cramped on a speedboat, especially when the sea turns rough. Blue Cave entry and food are also extra.

Key points to know before booking

• The Blue Cave is weather-dependent: High seas can close it, and the admission fee is not included in the tour price.
• You visit five major stops: The route includes the Blue Cave, Stiniva Cove, Green Cave, Budikovac Island, and the Pakleni Islands.
• Swimming is a major part of the day: Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and clothes that can handle spray.
• The boat ride can be bumpy: Front seats offer the best wind and splash exposure, but less shelter in rough conditions.
• Food is not included: You will need money for lunch, drinks, and any cave admission fees.
• The group limit is 12: That is smaller than a large ferry excursion, but some people may still find the boat crowded.

What this Hvar speedboat day is really like

The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. at Hvar Cruise speedboat tours, transfers & rent on Šetalište put Križa 21 in Hvar Town. It returns to the same meeting point after roughly seven hours, so you get a full day on the water without arranging your own boat or piecing together separate trips.

At $119.47 per person, this is not a cheap beach shuttle. The value comes from the amount of ground you cover. You reach islands that are difficult to visit independently in one day, and the speedboat allows the group to move between them far faster than a standard excursion boat.

The trip is offered in English, with an in-person guide, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment supplied. Food and drinks are not included, so plan for lunch and extra purchases. Blue Cave admission is also separate, and Green Cave admission is listed separately as well.

The boat is limited to a maximum of 12 people. That keeps the group more manageable than a large cruise, but do not picture a private yacht with endless room. One direct account found 12 people too many when the water became choppy, especially for those sitting near the front.

The Blue Cave, the day’s headline stop

The Blue Cave, also called Modra špilja, sits on the island of Biševo in a bay called Balun. Sunlight enters through an opening in the cave roof, passes through the sea, and reflects off the seabed. The result is a silvery blue glow inside the cavern.

This is the trip’s most famous sight, and it is easy to understand why. The color comes from a natural effect, not artificial lighting, so the look changes with the sun and sea conditions. It is brief, atmospheric, and very different from simply swimming at a beach.

The scheduled stop allows about one hour, but the Blue Cave admission fee is not included in the tour price. You should also know that entry is not guaranteed. High seas and poor weather can close the cave, and one excursion had to skip it because of high tide and rough conditions.

That risk matters when you are judging the price. If seeing the Blue Cave is your main reason for booking, ask about current sea conditions before departure and keep your expectations flexible. The tour provider cannot control the cave’s access rules or the Adriatic weather.

A closed Blue Cave does not automatically ruin the day. Captain Peter received particular praise for replacing the planned visit with secluded swimming areas and other island stops when the cave was closed. Another outing included extra swimming, a lunch stop, a visit to Tito’s tunnel, and a chance to see dolphins.

Those changes are valuable, but they are not guaranteed parts of the standard route. Think of them as examples of how the crew may adapt the day, not promised additions.

Stiniva Cove and its narrow entrance

Stiniva Cove is on Vis Island, and its setting is one of the tour’s best reasons to leave Hvar Town. The cove is enclosed by steep green cliffs, with a pebbly beach and clear turquoise water at the center.

The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for a swim and a quick look around, but not a long beach afternoon. You will want to move efficiently if you hope to swim, take photographs, and enjoy the view before the boat leaves.

Stiniva was named Europe’s Best Beach in 2019, which helps explain its popularity. The award also brings attention, so do not expect a deserted cove in the middle of the summer. One direct account found all the main sites crowded but still beautiful.

The pebbles make water shoes useful, although the tour information does not say that they are supplied. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can use the stop for more than a quick swim if water conditions and time allow.

The Green Cave on Ravnik Island

The Green Cave is on Ravnik, a small island near Vis. It was formed by wave erosion and has two entrances, along with an opening in the roof. Sunlight enters from above and reflects through the water, casting green tones on the cave walls.

The cave has a different mood from the Blue Cave. The Blue Cave is about a concentrated blue glow in darkness. The Green Cave feels more open and connected to the sea, with light coming from multiple directions.

The scheduled visit lasts around 30 minutes. Admission is not included, so keep some money available. One direct account also described a small boat arrangement inside the cave and said visitors were told this was required, despite there being no need to pay simply to swim in the water. Because the details can vary, ask the crew exactly what is included before paying an additional fee.

The cave also served as shelter for smaller warships during the Second World War. That detail adds a human layer to a natural stop, although the experience remains mainly about the cave’s light, water, and unusual shape.

Budikovac Island’s shifting turquoise water

Budikovac Island sits off the southeast side of Vis. Its lagoon is formed by the main island and two smaller islets, Small Budikovac and Sanak. The water here is described as a blue lagoon, although the color is often closer to turquoise and changes as the sun moves.

This is a good stop for swimming, simple photographs, and underwater shots. The scheduled time is about 30 minutes, and admission is free. You are not visiting for a major town or museum. You are visiting for clear water and a quiet break between cave stops.

That rhythm helps the day. The caves provide spectacle, while Budikovac gives you open water and a chance to cool off. If you prefer beaches and swimming to sightseeing on land, this may be one of your favorite stops.

The excursion supplies snorkeling equipment, but food and drinks remain your responsibility. Bottled water is included, which is useful on a sunny day, but you should still plan ahead for the length of the outing.

Two hours around the Pakleni Islands

The final major section of the trip gives you about two hours in the Pakleni Islands, the chain of wooded isles directly in front of Hvar Town. The route can include areas such as Palmižana and Mlini, along with clear water, small beaches, and quiet lagoons.

This is the longest stop, so it provides the most breathing room. After a day of short cave and swimming visits, two hours lets you slow down, swim without rushing, and enjoy the setting at a gentler pace.

The Pakleni Islands are close to Hvar, but they feel removed from the town’s busy waterfront. You still need to remember that popular places such as Palmižana can be busy during the high season. The word deserted should not be taken literally at the busiest times.

Because lunch is not included, this part of the day may be your best chance to buy food if the route allows. The supplied tour details do not promise a specific restaurant or meal stop, so do not assume that lunch is arranged. Bring money and ask the guide about timing early in the day.

Speed, weather, and comfort on the boat

The speedboat is the practical reason this excursion can fit five major areas into seven hours. You spend less time making slow crossings than you would on a standard sightseeing vessel, leaving more time for swimming and shore stops.

The trade-off is a rougher ride. One direct account described the trip as extremely bumpy after the Blue Cave closed because of high seas, with the front of the boat especially uncomfortable. If you are sensitive to motion, this deserves serious thought.

The front offers a more exposed ride, while those seeking shade may prefer another position. A separate account described a boat change after the original vessel developed problems, with the replacement being a semirigid boat. The driver remained friendly, but people wanting shade had a harder time.

These are not reasons to reject the tour outright. They are reasons to dress sensibly and accept that the Adriatic may dictate the day. Wear secure footwear, protect your phone, and expect spray. If you need a very smooth, shaded ride, a larger boat may suit you better.

The small-group format is another mixed point. A maximum of 12 people is far better than being one passenger among dozens, but 12 on a compact boat may still feel tight. The issue matters most during long crossings, when you are sitting rather than swimming.

What the guides add to the experience

The crew can make a real difference on a weather-sensitive day. Captain Peter was praised for finding worthwhile alternatives when the Blue Cave was closed, including quiet swimming spots, local food, the Green Cave, and a dolphin sighting.

Skipper Ivo and assistant Lucia were also singled out for their help during a trip from Hvar Port. Another outing praised two crew members for showing parts of the islands that would be difficult to find alone.

The supplied information does not promise specific guides, so you should not book solely on the expectation of meeting Peter, Ivo, or Lucia. Still, these examples show the value of a crew that can adjust the route rather than simply cancel every enjoyable part of the day when one stop becomes unavailable.

The experience is family-friendly, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The main question for families is comfort on the boat, particularly if children are likely to struggle with a long, bumpy crossing.

Is $119.47 good value?

The price makes reasonable sense if you want to see several islands in one day and would otherwise need to arrange multiple boats. The guided transport, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and access to a broad route are included.

The value is weaker if you mainly want one cave visit or a relaxed beach day. You still pay extra for Blue Cave admission, Green Cave admission, food, and drinks. Those add-ons can make the final cost noticeably higher than the advertised price.

I would also compare the price against your tolerance for uncertainty. The Blue Cave may close, the sea may become rough, and the boat may feel crowded with 12 people. The best value comes when you see the trip as a full Adriatic outing, not as a guaranteed Blue Cave ticket.

The rating of 4.5 from 76 ratings reflects that the day usually delivers a strong mix of scenery, swimming, and boat travel, while also leaving room for complaints about meeting instructions, crowding, fees, and rough conditions.

Practical advice before you go

The meeting point is at Šetalište put Križa 21 in Hvar Town, with departure at 10:30 a.m. Check the location carefully before leaving, because one booking party had trouble finding the boat and received poor help with directions.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a light cover-up. Add a waterproof phone pouch if you want photographs from the boat or water. Since lunch and drinks are not included, carry money for those costs.

If the sea looks rough, ask where the most sheltered seats are. The front can be exciting in calm weather but uncomfortable when the boat hits chop. Also ask about the exact cost and process for Blue Cave and Green Cave admission before the boat leaves.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a new date or full refund. The trip also requires a minimum number of people, so a cancellation for that reason comes with the same choice of another date or a refund.

Who should book this Hvar boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active day, enjoy swimming, and like seeing several places rather than staying at one beach. It is particularly useful if you have limited time in Hvar and want to reach Vis, Biševo, Ravnik, Budikovac, and the Pakleni Islands without arranging separate transport.

Families can find it a good fit, provided everyone is comfortable on a speedboat. Couples and small groups who care more about scenery and swimming than long meals or quiet shade should also like the format.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed Blue Cave visit, dislike bumpy rides, or want every cost included upfront. In those cases, look for a slower boat with more room, or choose a simpler beach outing.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if you see the Blue Cave as one highlight among several, not the entire reason for going. The strongest parts are the range of islands, the swimming stops, the two hours in the Pakleni Islands, and the crew’s ability to keep the day worthwhile when weather changes the plan.

Before paying, confirm the meeting point, ask about current sea conditions, and budget for cave entry and lunch. If you can accept a compact boat, occasional spray, and a flexible route, this is a lively and efficient way to experience the waters around Hvar.

FAQ

How long is the Blue and Green Cave speedboat excursion?

The excursion lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the tour begin?

The tour starts at 10:30 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Hvar Cruise speedboat tours, transfers & rent, Šetalište put Križa 21, 21450 Hvar, Croatia. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is Blue Cave admission included?

No. Admission to the Blue Cave is not included in the tour price.

Is Green Cave admission included?

No. The tour information lists Green Cave admission as not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Bottled water is provided.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Can the Blue Cave close?

Yes. The Blue Cave can close because of high seas, high tide, or other poor conditions. If that happens, the crew may adjust the route.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.