Split & Brac: Blue Cave, Hvar & Vis Private Speedboat Day Trip

Summary

Blue Cave and Hvar day trip with swimming stops and island towns

You’ll ride a fast boat from Split or Brac with a local skipper, duck into the glowing Blue Cave, swim at Budikovac’s Blue Lagoon, and wander stone streets in Hvar and Komiza if time allows. Expect laughter, salty air, maybe a bumped head — but mostly that feeling you get when you’re far from your usual routine.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with me almost missing the boat in Split — classic. I’d misread the meeting point (don’t ask), but our skipper Luka just grinned and waved me over like he’d seen this before. There was already a salty breeze and that kind of sleepy chatter you get when strangers are about to spend a whole day together. The speedboat felt new, even smelled faintly of sunscreen and sea plastic — not sure if that’s good or bad, but it felt right.

We hit the water fast, bouncing past Brac towards Bisevo for the Blue Cave. Luka handed out bottled water and told us to keep our hats down — “sun’s sneaky here.” The cave itself? You have to duck into these tiny paddle boats (I definitely smacked my head), but then it’s suddenly blue everywhere, like someone switched on an underwater lamp. It’s weirdly quiet inside except for drips echoing off the stone. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t really capture it.

If there’s time, they stop at Komiza on Vis — we did, and I’m glad because I needed coffee after all that bouncing around. The harbor is all old stones and fishing boats; an old guy was fixing nets on the dock while his dog snored in the sun. Our guide pointed out the Fishermen’s Museum, which is apparently one-of-a-kind in Croatia (I didn’t go in — sorry, Luka). After that we swam off Budikovac Island in water so clear you could see your toes wiggle. Someone spotted a jellyfish but it turned out to be just a plastic bag — typical.

The cruise through Pakleni islands was slower, more drifting than speeding. By then everyone had stopped talking so much; just sun on faces and wind whipping hair around. We finished up in Hvar town where some folks went straight for lunch and others wandered off into those narrow alleys looking for shade or maybe wine. I found a bakery instead — still thinking about that pastry actually.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Cave, Vis, Pakleni Islands, Hvar

• Visit the Blue Cave by paddle boat
• Optional stop at Komiža on Vis island
• Swim and snorkel in Blue Lagoon
• Cruise through Pakleni Islands archipelago
• Sightsee and lunch in Hvar town

Top questions

How long does the Blue Cave tour from Split take?

The full day trip lasts approximately 10-11 hours including all stops.

Is swimming included on this day trip to Hvar and Vis?

Yes, there are swimming stops at Budikovac Island’s Blue Lagoon or another bay accessible by boat.

Does this tour include pickup from Brac island?

Yes, departures are available from Split as well as Supetar, Sutivan, Postira, and Milna on Brac.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included but there is free time in Hvar town for lunch at your own expense.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board the speedboat.

Can infants join this boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the trip.

Is this private speedboat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes departures from Split or several towns on Brac island with pickup at each port; bottled water throughout; WiFi onboard; use of snorkeling gear; restroom access; plus free time to explore Hvar and possibly Komiza before heading back in the evening.