Blue Cave & Hvar day tour from Split: Skip the crowds

The crowds hit the Blue Cave by mid-morning, so this tour reroutes to catch it first.

A private day tour from Split visiting the Blue Cave, Komiza village, Stiniva Bay, Budikovac Island and Hvar, with an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment and hotel pickup included. The itinerary is built to sidestep the peak-hour queues that clog the standard route. You swim at Budikovac during the midday lull and reach Hvar in the late afternoon when most groups have left. Lunch is not included in the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Bisevo Blue Cavepass by
2. Stiniva Cove1h
3. Budikovac Island45m

Blue Cave and Island Exploration

• 7:30am Departure from Trogir
• 8:00am Departure from Split
• 9:45am Stop at Mezoporat for Blue Cave tickets
• 10:00am Explore Komiza village
• 11:15am Blue Cave tour
• 11:45am Panoramic cruise to Budikovac and Stiniva Bay stop
• 12:30pm Relax at Budikovac Blue Oasis
• 2:00pm Lunch at Milna, Hvar
• 4:15pm Free time in Hvar town
• 6:45pm Return to Split or Trogir

The experience

The boat leaves Split at 8am or Trogir at 7:30am, giving you a head start on the day-trippers who book the standard departures. By 9:45am you're at Mezoporat buying your Blue Cave ticket while the crowds are still boarding their boats. The cave itself takes about thirty minutes. You'll motor through the narrow opening into the chamber where the water glows electric blue, then back out before the tour buses arrive. Komiza, the old fishing village on Vis Island, gets a full hour on the schedule: time to walk the waterfront and the narrow streets without feeling rushed.

After Komiza comes a panoramic cruise toward Budikovac, with a stop at Stiniva Bay to take the photo everyone wants: the cove wedged between two cliffs, the water turquoise and still. Then you anchor at Budikovac Island for forty-five minutes of swimming and snorkeling in the shallows. The guide provides the gear. The water is warm enough that most people stay in longer than planned. By the time you motor toward Hvar at 2pm, the morning crowds have either left the island or retreated to their hotels.

Hvar town gets two hours of free time, starting around 4:15pm. The harborfront is quieter than it was at noon. There's a family-run restaurant in Milna (the port on the other side of the island) where the operator eats lunch. It's not included in the price, but the guide can point you there or to other spots in town. The return to Split or Trogir leaves at 6:45pm, landing you back by 7:30pm or 8pm depending on your pickup point.

What’s included

• Private guide in English.
• snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Split or Trogir.
• all taxes, fees and fuel charges.

Options for this experience

2 options

Up to 6 per booking · Guide in English08:00

Up to 11 per booking · Guide in English08:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tamaris Charter

Is this one for you?Choose the small-group option if you're traveling with family or friends and want the flexibility of a private boat. The big-group option works if you're solo or a couple and don't mind sharing the boat with other travelers, and it costs less per person.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the boat leave from Split, and how early do I need to arrive?

Departure from Split is 8am. Pickup from your hotel is included, so the guide collects you in time to reach the port for boarding. Exact pickup time depends on where you're staying in the city.

Is the Blue Cave ticket included, or do I pay separately?

The Blue Cave ticket is not included in the tour price. You buy it at Mezoporat around 9:45am when the boat stops there. The guide handles the transaction.

What is Budikovac Island like, and how much time do you spend swimming there?

Budikovac Island is a small, rocky island with shallow turquoise water and a sandy bottom: the operator calls it the "Blue Oasis." You anchor there for forty-five minutes, and snorkeling gear is provided. Most people swim the whole time.

Can I get lunch on Hvar, or is it included?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. During the two-hour stop in Hvar, you can eat at restaurants in the town or at the family-run spot in Milna where the guide eats. You pay separately for whatever you order.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer or have snorkeling experience?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Snorkeling happens in shallow water at Budikovac where you can stand. The equipment is provided and the guide is there. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes the guide, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all taxes and fuel charges. Bring sunscreen, a towel, cash for lunch and the Blue Cave ticket, and wear smart casual clothes. You'll change into swimwear on the boat.