Hvar: Blue Cave, Green Cave & Vis Island Private Boat Tour

Swimming Inside a Cave Off Vis Island, Then Lunch in a Bay Only Boats Reach

You board a private boat in Hvar and spend the day swimming in the Blue and Green caves, exploring Stiniva Cove's collapsed-cave cliffs, and snorkelling at Budikovac Island's lagoon. Lunch happens in a secluded bay accessible only by boat. Snorkelling gear and a skipper are included. The route adjusts to what you want to do: cliff jump, relax, or mix both. You return to Hvar in the afternoon or evening depending on how long you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Stiniva Cove
2. Budikovac Island30m

Visit Vis island and Pakleni islands

• Explore Stiniva Cove on Vis island
• Swim and snorkel at Budikovac Blue lagoon
• Have lunch at a Pakleni islands bay

The experience

"The water changes color three times before we even get there," the skipper told us as we cast off from Hvar. He meant it, and he wasn't exaggerating about the caves either. A private boat tour from Hvar takes you to the Blue Cave and Green Cave, two of the strangest swimming spots on the Dalmatian coast, plus Stiniva Cove on Vis Island, which geologists say used to be a massive cave until its roof collapsed thousands of years ago and left behind these cliffs that look almost impossible. You get snorkelling gear included, so you can see what's underneath, and the skipper knows exactly where to anchor so you're not fighting current or crowds.

The itinerary is yours to shape. You can push yourself with cliff jumping at certain spots, or you can take the slow version: cruising, swimming, sunbathing, and letting the boat do the work. Stiniva Cove is the main stop, and it's genuinely strange to look up at those vertical rock walls from the water and realize they're what's left of a cave. From there you'll head to Budikovac Island and its Blue Lagoon, which is exactly as clear as it sounds, then usually anchor in one of the Pakleni islands' protected bays for lunch. The whole day is customizable. You're not on a schedule with thirty other people, so if you want to linger somewhere or skip ahead, that's between you and the skipper.

The boat includes bottled water and snorkelling equipment, so you don't need to pack or rent separately. Fuel is covered. What you're really paying for is the skipper's knowledge of where to go and when, and the freedom to move at your own pace instead of following a group flag. The caves themselves are the draw: the light inside them shifts from blue to green depending on the angle and the time of day, and swimming in them is disorienting in the best way. If you're not a strong swimmer or prefer to stay in the boat, that works too. The skipper will navigate close enough that you see everything.

What’s included

• Your day includes a private skipper, bottled water, snorkelling equipment, and fuel.
• You'll stop at the Blue Cave, Green Cave, Stiniva Cove, and Budikovac Island's Blue Lagoon, with a lunch break in one of the Pakleni islands' bays.
• The exact route and timing are flexible based on your preferences and sea conditions.

Options for this experience

7 options

Aquamax 23Up to 9 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeA great RIB speedboat for comfortably cruising past beautiful scenery with your favourite people.

Crownline 26Up to 10 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeA luxurious speedboat powered by a 420 HP engine, with two sundecks at the front and back and shaded seating in the middle.

Enzo 35Up to 12 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeOur large, budget-friendly speedboat has a spacious, comfortable sundeck at the back and shaded seating at the front, making it well suited to bigger groups.

See 4 more options

Camaro 33Up to 12 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeOne of our finest boats, it offers lounging areas at the front and back, shaded seating, and a small toilet.

Colnago 37Up to 12 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeThis is a very luxurious speedboat. It has large sundecks at the front and back, shaded seating in the middle, and a small toilet on board.

Fjord 36Up to 12 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeA luxury yacht that is ideal for a day charter from Hvar to Vis, the Pakleni islands, or other nearby islets.

Felix 40Up to 12 per booking · Guide in English · No fixed timeA brand-new addition to our fleet, this vessel is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that redefines what a mini yacht can be.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mario Rent

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the caves and coves around Hvar and Vis without arranging a group tour or renting your own boat. The skipper handles navigation and knows which spots work best depending on conditions and what you want to do that day.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

173 verified traveler reviews

5 ★169

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

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.

How long is the private boat tour from Hvar?

Half-day and full-day options are available. The exact duration depends on which stops you choose and how long you spend at each one.

What's included in the boat tour?

A skipper, bottled water, snorkelling equipment, and fuel. Lunch is typically at a bay in the Pakleni islands, though food and drinks are usually extra unless arranged in advance.

Can I cliff jump on this tour?

Yes, if you want to. The skipper knows the safe spots. You can also skip it entirely and just swim and snorkel instead.

Is the Blue Cave tour suitable for non-swimmers?

You can stay on the boat and see the caves from the water. The skipper will position the boat so you get the full view without needing to swim.

What is Stiniva Cove?

A cove on Vis Island formed when a massive cave's roof collapsed. It's surrounded by tall cliffs and is considered one of the most distinctive beaches in the region.

Do I need my own snorkelling gear?

No, snorkelling equipment is provided and included in the tour price.

How many people are on the boat?

It's a private tour, so it's just your group and the skipper. Group size depends on the boat's capacity.

When is the best time to visit the Blue Cave?

The caves' colors are most vivid in bright sunlight. Morning departures often offer the clearest light, though afternoon trips work well too.