Hvar: Blue and Green Caves Boat Tour with Stiniva Beach

Setting out on a boat tour around Hvar offers a fantastic way to see some of Croatia’s most iconic natural sights. This Blue and Green Caves tour, combined with stops at Stiniva Beach and the Budikovac Blue Lagoon, promises an exciting day packed with stunning views, crystal waters, and a splash of adventure. While the experience is generally well-loved, with a 4.5-star rating based on 49 reviews, it’s not without considerations—mainly the extra fees for accessing the caves and the crowds during peak season.

What we really appreciate about this excursion is how it balances adventure and relaxation. The thrill of speeding across the Adriatic, combined with tranquil swims in some of Croatia’s clearest waters, makes it an appealing choice. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and the chance to enjoy local snacks and drinks add a personal touch. However, potential travelers should keep in mind that during high season, queues for the Blue Cave can be long, and additional fees apply for cave access, which some guests found a bit frustrating.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy the water, stunning scenery, and a lively boat ride. It’s perfect for those who want an active day with plenty of time for swimming and sightseeing—just be aware that it’s not ideal for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Stunning natural sights like Blue and Green Caves that create unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Thrilling speedboat ride through the Adriatic, offering a sense of adventure and adrenaline.
• Clear waters and snorkeling gear included, making it easy to explore underwater life.
• Expert guides provide interesting commentary, adding context and local knowledge.
• Extra cave fees are not included in the price, so budget accordingly.
• Peak season queues might mean waiting longer for Blue Cave access.

This boat tour from Hvar is designed as a full-day adventure, taking you to some of the most celebrated spots along the Dalmatian coast. Starting from the town’s central Croffers travel agency, the experience begins with a briefing about what’s to come, followed by stepping aboard a comfortable, fast boat that’s well-equipped for both comfort and safety.

Blue Cave: A Magical Encounter

The highlight for many travelers is visiting the Blue Cave. As the boat approaches, you’ll notice the increasing glow of sunlight reflecting off the cave’s walls, creating that famous intense blue hue. Our review mentions that guides like Thomas are especially praised for their knowledge, often sharing fascinating facts about these formations. However, during high season, a long queue forms, and cave fees are paid separately, which guests should be prepared for. Despite that, many say the spectacle is worth the wait, with one reviewer describing it as “amazing.”

Green Cave: A Luminous Surprise

Next on the itinerary is the Green Cave, known for its shimmering green light that filters through the water, illuminating the interior. This stop offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to the Blue Cave. The sunlight’s effect makes for fantastic photos and a peaceful moment to soak in the natural beauty.

Stiniva Beach: Nature’s Hidden Gem

One of the most breathtaking sights on this tour is Stiniva Cove. Surrounded by dramatically steep cliffs and accessed by a narrow sea entrance, this tiny pebble beach feels like a secret hideaway. The reviews highlight how steep cliffs create an awe-inspiring backdrop, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The environment is fairly serene, making it ideal for those craving a break from crowded beaches.

Budikovac Blue Lagoon: Crystal Clear Waters

After the beach stop, you’ll head to the Budikovac Blue Lagoon, widely praised for its extraordinarily clear waters. With snorkeling gear provided, guests can explore the underwater world teeming with colorful fish and aquatic plants. Several reviewers mention how refreshing the swim feels and how easy it is to see the seabed due to the water’s clarity.

Palmizana Bay: The Perfect Final Stop

The last stop is Palmizana Bay, a lush, secluded bay where travelers can relax, enjoy a light lunch, or simply lounge in the sun. It’s a softer ending to an action-packed day, with some reviews noting that despite the weather not always cooperating, the skipper made sure everyone still had a memorable experience.

This tour is priced at $115 per person, which many reviewers feel offers good value, especially when considering the included snorkeling gear, water, and the expertise of the guides. However, it’s important to note that Blue and Green Cave entrance fees are not included, so you should budget extra—these costs can add up and are often described as “extremely expensive” for what they are.

The tour lasts around several hours, with the start and end points both conveniently located in Hvar town. It’s suitable for travelers over the age of 5, but not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues. The activity is in English, and booking is flexible—pay later options allow you to reserve your spot without immediate payment.

What to Bring

• Swimwear and a towel for swimming stops
• Cash for cave fees and souvenirs
• Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the sun
• A waterproof camera or phone for photos

A Few Tips

• During peak season, arrive early to avoid long queues for the Blue Cave.
• Be prepared for potential delays or additional costs for cave entries.
• Respect the environment by avoiding smoking on the boat, as per the restrictions.

The reviews paint a clear picture of what this tour offers. Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides, with Thomas being singled out as “amazing” for providing ample time to swim and enjoy the sights. Several mention the stunning scenery, describing the Blue Cave as “magical” and the Stiniva Beach as “one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.”

The value for money is generally viewed positively, especially considering the included snorkeling gear and the boat ride itself. However, some mention the extra cave fees as a disappointment, as these costs can be surprisingly high. One guest appreciated the flexibility, noting that despite poor weather preventing Blue Cave visits, the skipper took them to other swim spots so that they didn’t feel like they missed out.

In terms of the experience flow, guests like Molly appreciated the longer swim time, which allowed for a more relaxed pace, and others noted the thrilling boat rides as a highlight. The overall consensus is that this tour provides a balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and educational insight.

This boat trip from Hvar is truly a fantastic way to see Croatia’s coastal treasures. The combination of stunning caves, secluded beaches, and clear waters makes it a memorable experience. The expert guides and well-organized itinerary add a lot of value, especially for those who enjoy being active and exploring natural sites.

While the additional fees for cave entries can be a bit of a surprise, most guests agree that the spectacle of the Blue and Green Caves is worth the extra cost. The speedboat ride ensures you’ll get plenty of adrenaline rushes, and the stops at Stiniva Beach and Palmizana Bay provide perfect spots for relaxing and soaking up the scenery.

This tour is ideal for adventure-loving travelers who appreciate stunning vistas, underwater exploration, and a lively day on the water. It’s less suited to those seeking a slow, leisurely experience or traveling with very young children or people with mobility issues.

If you’re after a full-day adventure that combines spectacular scenery, exciting boat rides, and opportunities to swim in some of Croatia’s most pristine waters, this Hvar boat tour checks all the boxes. The knowledgeable guides, beautiful stops, and good value make it a worthwhile addition to any Dalmatian itinerary.

While you should be prepared for additional cave fees and possibly crowds during high season, the overall experience promises beautiful vistas, fun-filled moments, and plenty of opportunities to make memories. For anyone who loves nature, water activities, and scenic beauty, this tour offers a balanced, engaging, and authentic taste of Croatia’s coast.

Are cave entrance fees included in the price?
No, the fees for entering the Blue and Green Caves are not included and need to be paid separately. These costs can be quite high, so it’s good to be prepared.

What is the best time to go on this tour?
This tour runs during the high season, but be aware that queues for the Blue Cave can be long during peak times. Morning departures may help avoid some crowds.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for children over 5 years old, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with mobility issues due to the boat ride and walking involved at stops.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimwear, a towel, cash for cave fees, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera or phone to capture the moments.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience spans several hours, with plenty of time at each stop for swimming, photos, and relaxing.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

In summary, this Hvar boat tour offers a balanced adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, fun water activities, and knowledgeable guides. It’s a great choice for those who want to see Croatia’s coastal highlights with a bit of thrill thrown in—robustly recommended for active travelers and nature lovers alike.