Split: Blue Cave & Hvar 5-Island Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Five Islands in One Day: The Blue Cave, Hidden Coves & Hvar's Fortress View

You spend the day island-hopping by boat from Split, swimming and snorkeling at four different stops, visiting the famous Blue Cave on Bisevo, and ending in Hvar town with time to explore the fortress and cathedral. The tour includes your guide, snorkel equipment, waterproof jacket and lunch stops, but the Blue Cave entrance fee (24€) is paid separately in cash at the cave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Bisevo Blue Cave15m
2. Stiniva Cove15m
3. Budikovac Island1h
4. Cathedral of St. Stephen30m
5. Hvar Spanish Fortress30m

Blue Cave, Beaches, and Hvar Town

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

The experience

There's something about the moment the boat rounds the rocks and the cave mouth opens up: the water inside shifts from deep blue to something almost electric, and you realize the photos don't quite capture it. The Blue Cave on Bisevo island is the centerpiece of this all-day tour from Split, but it's really the frame around a much longer day on the water. You'll start early, stop at an old fisherman's town for breakfast, then move through a sequence of islands (Vis, Stiniva Cove, Budikovac) each one a different reason to jump in and snorkel or just float and look around. The boat holds a small group, which means there's room to breathe and the skipper (English-speaking) actually knows where the best spots are.

Stiniva Cove is one of those beaches that looks almost impossible: a narrow opening in the cliff face that opens into a sand bay, and in low season you get real time to swim there instead of just a photo stop. Budikovac comes next, a quieter island bay where snorkeling happens naturally. The water is clear enough that you see the bottom without trying. By mid-afternoon you're heading to Hvar town, where the pace shifts. You'll have time to walk the main square, grab lunch at one of the restaurants (not included, but worth it), and if you've got the energy, there's a 15-minute walk up through Mediterranean scrub to Fortica fortress: the Spanish fortress that sits above the town with views across the Pakleni Islands and back toward the mainland. The Cathedral of St. Stephen is right there in the square if you want to step inside, though most people are thinking about the water by then.

One thing to know: the Blue Cave entrance fee (24€, or 18€ in shoulder season) is cash-only and separate from the tour price. Weather and sea conditions can shift the itinerary. If the cave is closed on the day you go, the crew will swap in other stops, but you don't get the money back. The tour runs as a group, so you need to be at the meeting point on time. They won't wait more than five minutes after the start. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for the walk up to the fortress. The waterproof jacket and snorkel gear are included, and life jackets are available if you ask.

What’s included

• Your day includes a skipper and English-speaking guide, snorkel mask and waterproof jacket, life jacket on request, stops at the Blue Cave, Vis island, Stiniva Cove, Budikovac bay for swimming and snorkeling, and time in Hvar town to explore the Fortica fortress and Cathedral of St.
• Lunch at a Hvar restaurant is your choice and cost.
• The Blue Cave entrance fee (24€, or 18€ April–June and September–October) is paid separately in cash.

Options for this experience

2 options

Start from TrogirGuide in English · 07:00Meeting point: in front of the Kamerlengo fortress. Starting point: Obala bana Berislavića, 21218, Trogir, Croatia

Start from SplitGuide in English · 07:30Departure from Split: Meeting point: Matejuska pier, marked by the Blue Flag, beside the Miljenko Smoje statue. Starting point: Matejuška, Trumbićeva obala 3, 21000, Split, Croatia

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 to 88 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 24

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 27

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mayer Charter

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Blue Cave and swim at multiple island beaches without arranging your own boat or navigating between stops: the fixed itinerary and small group size handle the logistics, though you'll need to bring cash for the cave entrance and be ready to leave on time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

Is the Blue Cave guaranteed to be open?

No. Sea and weather conditions can close it several times a day. If it's closed, the crew visits alternative attractions instead, but the entrance fee is non-refundable.

What's included in the tour price?

Skipper/guide, snorkel mask, waterproof jacket, life jacket if needed, and all taxes and fees. Lunch and the Blue Cave entrance fee (24€) are separate.

How long is the full day?

The itinerary covers five islands and runs all day, typically from morning until late afternoon when you return to Split.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Yes, though masks are provided. Bring your own if you prefer a better fit.

What if I'm late to the meeting point?

The tour departs on time and won't wait more than 5 minutes. If you miss the start, no refund is offered.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Life jackets are available on request, and snorkeling is optional at each stop.

What should I bring?

Towel, sunscreen, cash for the Blue Cave entrance fee (24€), comfortable shoes for walking, and a change of clothes. Waterproof jacket is provided.