Hvar Blue Cave & 5 Islands Speedboat Tour with Swim Stops

Summary

Swim in turquoise lagoons, see the Blue Cave glow, relax on hidden islands

You’ll ride a speedboat from Hvar with a local skipper, explore the glowing Bisevo Blue Cave, swim in Budikovac’s turquoise lagoon, and float beneath Stiniva’s cliffs. Enjoy lunch on Palmižana island and end your day salty-haired and sun-warmed, with stories you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—my hat blew off before we’d even left Hvar harbor. The skipper (Marko) just shrugged and grinned like this happens every day, which maybe it does. Anyway, that set the tone: salty hair, wind everywhere, and not much you can do about it except laugh. There were only six of us plus Marko, and he started telling us about Paklinski Otoci before I could even get my sunscreen open. He said the name comes from old pine resin used to waterproof boats—not “hell islands” like some guidebooks say. I liked that detail.

The first real stop was Bisevo Blue Cave. You have to transfer to a tiny boat to squeeze inside—felt a bit like sneaking into someone’s secret hideout. Inside, it’s dark at first but then suddenly everything glows this unreal blue from below. It almost made me forget how cold the water splashing over my feet was. Marko pointed out a heart shape on the cave ceiling; I probably wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. People got quiet for a second in there—just the echo of water and camera clicks.

After that we swam at Budikovac Island, which is one of those places where the sea looks fake—like someone turned up the color filter too high. The sand was gritty between my toes (not powdery), and there was this faint smell of pine needles when you walked up past the beach bar. At Stiniva Cove we couldn’t dock because it’s so popular now, so we just jumped off and swam in. My arms are still tired thinking about it but floating there between those cliffs felt worth it.

Lunch was on Palmižana—nothing fancy but fresh grilled fish and cold beer under some scraggly shade trees with other travelers chatting nearby. There was one last “surprise stop” (Marko refused to say where until we got there), but honestly by then I didn’t care where we went next—I just wanted to stay out on that boat forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Cave and 5 Islands Tour

• Visit Blue Cave and admire light
• Stop in front of cave
• Swim at Stiniva Cove
• Swim and snorkel at Budikovac Island
• Explore Paklinski Islands by boat
• Lunch break at Palmižana and Vinogradišće bay

Top questions

How long is the Hvar Blue Cave & 5 islands tour?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops including swimming and lunch breaks.

Is snorkeling gear included on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are provided for all participants.

Can you dock at Stiniva Cove beach?

No, due to popularity boats cannot dock directly—you swim in from offshore.

Are drinks or food included?

Bottled water is included; lunch is at your own expense during the Palmižana stop.

Is pickup included in Hvar for this tour?

The tour departs from Hvar harbor; hotel pickup is not mentioned as included.

What should I bring for the Blue Cave day trip?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, towel, hat (if you can keep it!), and cash for lunch or drinks.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What languages does the guide speak?

The skipper/tour guide speaks English; other languages are not specified.

What’s included

Your day includes speedboat transport from Hvar with fuel covered, all guidance from your skipper Marko (or whoever’s at the helm), bottled water to keep you going between swims, snorkeling masks for exploring underwater at Budikovac or wherever you fancy jumping in next—and always life vests if you want them. Plus that little surprise stop nobody tells you about until you’re already smiling too much to care.