Blue Cave & Hvar: 5 Islands Speedboat Tour with Shade

Summary

Speed across Croatia’s islands from Split to Hvar with Blue Cave magic

You’ll cruise from Split to five Croatian islands by speedboat—with shaded seats that make all the difference—see sunlight turn Biševo’s Blue Cave neon blue, wander Komiža’s stone alleys, swim off Budikovac’s pebbles, and end up in lively Hvar town for lunch or a swim. Expect salty air, local stories, music on deck—and maybe a moment or two you’ll replay later.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll see why we call it Modra Špilja,” our skipper Toni said as we slowed near Biševo. I could hear the engine’s hum fade into the slap of waves against the hull. The air smelled salty and a bit metallic—maybe from the morning mist or just my nerves. We’d left Split early, bundled in light jackets because even in summer, that wind bites when you’re flying over water at 30 knots. The boat had these cushy shaded seats (not those hard banana ones), which honestly saved me after an hour and a half of bouncing across blue nothingness.

I didn’t expect the Blue Cave to feel so…otherworldly? Sunlight slipped through an underwater crack and turned everything electric blue—my hands, Toni’s oar, even this old fisherman’s cap someone left behind. Our local guide told us how fishermen stumbled on the cave centuries ago while hiding from a storm (I think he winked when he said it). It was crowded but quiet inside; everyone just stared at the water like they’d never seen color before. When we got back out into daylight, I actually squinted—the world looked too yellow for a second.

Komiža was up next—a little fishing town where they filmed Mamma Mia 2 (which made me laugh because I haven’t even seen the first one). We wandered narrow alleys smelling of grilled sardines and sunscreen. Toni pointed out some WWII bunkers carved right into the cliffs on Vis; he joked about hiding there as a kid when his mom called him home for dinner. Then Stiniva Cove appeared around a bend—just this pinch of white stones between cliffs, voted Europe’s best beach but honestly it felt like stumbling onto something private. Swimming at Budikovac Lagoon was colder than I thought but worth it for that turquoise water—I still think about how clear it was, like swimming through glass.

The last stretch took us past Pakleni Islands—Toni played Croatian pop on Bluetooth and everyone sang along except me (language barrier). By Hvar town, my skin tasted of salt and sunblock. We had time for lunch by the harbor walls before heading back to Split, tired but grinning. If you’re after a day trip from Split to Blue Cave and Hvar that feels both wild and easy—with shade when you need it—this one’s probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Blue Cave and Hvar Islands

• 90 min ride to Blue Cave
• Visit Blue Cave with local guide
• Free time in Komiža Mama Mia town
• See WWII military bunkers on Vis island
• Panoramic ride past Stiniva bay
• Swim and snorkel at Budikovac Blue Lagoon
• Panoramic view of Pakleni Islands
• Free time in Hvar for lunch and sightseeing

Top questions

How long is the speedboat ride from Split to Blue Cave?

The ride takes about 90 minutes each way from Split to Biševo's Blue Cave.

Is there shade on the boat during this tour?

Yes, all passengers have sun cover protection with comfortable shaded seats—not banana seats.

What islands are visited on this day trip?

The tour visits Biševo (Blue Cave), Vis (Komiža & WWII bunkers), Stiniva Cove, Budikovac Island (Blue Lagoon), Pakleni Islands, and Hvar town.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included for swimming stops like Budikovac Lagoon.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, lunch is not included but you'll have free time in Hvar town to eat or swim.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The tour is not recommended for children under 3 years old or travelers with certain health conditions.

Can I take public transport to the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Split.

Is there a local guide on board?

A local skipper/guide leads the tour and shares stories at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes safety equipment for every passenger, shaded luxury seating throughout the boat ride (no hard banana seats), use of snorkeling gear at swimming spots like Budikovac Lagoon, music via Bluetooth speakers if you want it, insurance coverage during activities, plus guidance from your skipper at every island stop before returning to Split in the evening.