Split & Trogir: Blue Cave, Hvar & 5 Islands Day Tour

Summary

Blue Cave colors, Vis swims and Hvar food from Split

You’ll start early from Split or Trogir and head out by speedboat with a small group to see Croatia’s Blue Cave—a real natural phenomenon—before swimming off Vis Island beaches and snorkeling at Budikovac Bay. There’s time for lunch in Hvar Town (try the grilled fish) plus a walk up to Fortica fortress for sweeping views you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I still laugh thinking about how we started this tour half-awake in the chilly morning air at Split’s harbor—then suddenly, two hours later, I was squinting into this wild blue glow inside the Blue Cave on Biševo. Our skipper, Ivan, kept making jokes about “Dalmatian time” but he was all business getting us into the cave before the crowds. The light inside really does something weird to your eyes—everything turns silver-blue and quiet except for a few whispers bouncing off the stone. Didn’t expect it to feel so peaceful in there.

After that, we zipped over to Komiža for breakfast. It’s this old fishing town on Vis Island; you can smell bread baking somewhere and locals already arguing over coffee (I mean, it was barely 10am). I tried to order in Croatian—got a smile and something that tasted like a doughnut with cheese inside. We stopped at Stiniva Cove next. The cliffs are so close together you have to squeeze through by boat. Some people jumped straight in; I just dangled my feet and watched tiny fish scatter below. Water felt colder than I thought it’d be for July.

We had time to swim again at Budikovac Bay—clear water, soft sand underfoot, and some folks grabbed cocktails from this little bar right on the beach. Ivan handed out snorkel masks if you wanted them (I did), but honestly I mostly floated around watching clouds move over the islands. Then Hvar Town came up out of nowhere—white stone streets glowing in late afternoon sun. Lunch was grilled fish with olive oil and tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes (not always a given where I’m from). Our guide pointed us up to Fortica fortress above town; it’s a steep walk but worth it for that view across all those islands scattered like coins.

I didn’t want to leave Hvar yet—the air smelled like pine needles and sea salt up at the top—but eventually we wound back down through alleys full of cats and laundry lines. On the boat home everyone got quiet for a while, just wind and spray and the engine humming. Still think about that blue light in the cave sometimes, especially when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Cave and Hvar Island Tour

• Visit Blue Cave on Bisevo Island
• Explore natural caves near Stiniva Bay
• Stop at Stiniva Cove for photos and swim
• Swim and snorkel at Budikovac Bay
• Breakfast in old fisherman’s town
• Visit Hvar town and Cathedral of St. Stephen
• Taste traditional Croatian lunch in Hvar
• Walk to Fortica fortress for panoramic views

Top questions

How long is the Blue Cave & Hvar 5 Islands tour from Split?

The tour lasts all day, starting early morning from Split or Trogir and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Blue Cave day trip?

No set lunch is included but you’ll have free time in Hvar Town with restaurant options suggested by your guide.

Can you swim during this tour?

Yes, there are swimming stops at Stiniva Cove on Vis Island and Budikovac Bay if sea conditions allow.

Do I need cash for entrance fees?

Yes, bring €24 cash per person (€18 during spring/fall) for Blue Cave entry; other fees are included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkel masks are available onboard for use at Budikovac Bay or other stops.

What happens if the Blue Cave is closed due to weather?

If sea conditions close the cave, alternative attractions will be visited instead; decisions are made on-site.

Is this tour suitable for young kids?

The minimum age is 6 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the trip.

Are life jackets available on board?

Yes—all boats carry life jackets; ask staff if you want one during any part of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes speedboat transport from Split or Trogir with an English-speaking skipper-guide, all taxes and handling charges covered except for Blue Cave entry (bring cash), waterproof jackets if needed, use of snorkel equipment at swimming stops like Budikovac Bay—and plenty of advice from locals about where to eat once you reach Hvar Town before heading back in the evening.