Split or Trogir: Blue Cave, Vis and Hvar Speedboat Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day spent exploring Croatia’s most captivating islands and caves, this speedboat tour promises a memorable adventure. Covering some of the Dalmatian coast’s top highlights — including the Blue Cave, Vis Island, and Hvar — it offers a taste of Croatia’s natural beauty, charming villages, and vibrant seaside towns.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances exhilarating boat rides with plenty of opportunities to relax, snorkel, or explore on your own. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the day both fun and informative.

A potential downside? The tour’s schedule is packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or fewer stops, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the Blue Cave entry fee isn’t included in the price and needs to be paid in cash, which can be an extra hassle.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and cultural sightseeing. It’s perfect for those who want a full day out on the water, discovering Croatia’s best-known spots with a knowledgeable crew guiding the way.

Key Points

• All-in-one Experience: Combines caves, islands, beaches, and towns into one full-day trip.
• Active & Relaxing: Swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and downtime on beautiful bays.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed for their friendliness and helpfulness.
• Value for Money: At $117, it offers a comprehensive day out with included snorkeling gear and safety equipment.
• Flexible Experience: Multiple meeting points and a flexible booking/cancellation policy.
• Challenging Schedule: The day is packed, so expect a lot of moving around on the boat.

The Journey Begins: Fast-Paced and Scenic

Starting from either Trogir or Split, the tour kicks off early with a lively 75-minute speedboat ride across the shimmering Adriatic. This initial thrill sets the tone for the day — fast, fun, and full of anticipation. The boat is comfortable enough for the long ride, and the crew tends to keep energy levels high with plenty of water and friendly chatter.

The first major stop is the Blue Cave, perhaps the highlight for most visitors. The cave’s signature silvery-blue glow, created by sunlight refracting through a crack, is genuinely mesmerizing. As one reviewer put it, “The blue cave is amazing — the tour is a perfect combination of nature, relax, and beautiful towns.” Visiting the cave involves a guided tour, with the crew helping facilitate entry tickets, which have to be paid separately in cash.

The experience of seeing the cave’s glow is heightened by the fact that the guides often stay with guests during wait times, making the process less stressful. But keep in mind, depending on the day, there might be a wait for your turn, so patience is key.

Exploring the Islands and Bays

After the cave, the journey continues with a 15-minute boat ride to Stiniva Cove, a secluded spot known for its rugged cliffs and clear waters. The stop is brief — just enough for some photos and soaking in the views. The cove’s dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters are perfect for snapping pictures, and the short stop means you won’t get too cold if the wind picks up.

Next, it’s on to Veliki Budikovac, a small island renowned for its pristine beaches and calm, transparent seas. Here, you get about 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge in the sun. The reviews consistently highlight this stop as a highlight — “Swimming was a highlight,” one guest mentions, emphasizing the clarity of the water and the relaxing vibe.

The crew provides snorkeling gear, which many reviewers found helpful. For those wanting a break from the boat’s motion, this is a prime spot for floating in the calm waters, admiring the underwater world or just soaking up the sunshine with a drink from the small bar nearby.

The Vibrant Towns and Cultural Highlights

After a hearty swim and some downtime, the boat heads to the Pakleni Islands, a cluster of smaller islands known for their lively beaches and picturesque scenery. The most popular stop is Palmizana on Klement Island, where you’ll find options for lunch, swimming, or exploring local art galleries and cafes. Many reviewers appreciate the free time here — “Enjoyed free time to have lunch, swim, or snorkel,” notes one.

The last major stop is Hvar Town, Croatia’s trendiest destination. With a colorful history and vibrant nightlife, Hvar offers a mix of cobbled streets, historic architecture, and lively cafes. Visitors get about two hours here, enough to stroll, take photos, or enjoy a quiet drink. One reviewer enjoyed “exploring the town, and the guides were helpful in providing suggestions for local spots.”

The trip concludes with a relaxed cruise back to Split or Trogir, offering stunning views of the coastline and islands, perfect for reflecting on the day’s highlights.

The Practical Details: What’s Included & What to Expect

For $117, this tour includes a boat ride with a knowledgeable skipper, safety gear, insurance, and snorkeling equipment. It’s a comprehensive package, especially given the amount of ground covered and sights visited.

However, there are a few costs to keep in mind. Entry to the Blue Cave is paid separately in cash (cost varies), and food and drinks are not included — so bringing some snacks and water is advisable. Many travelers find the cost reasonable considering the full day of sightseeing and activities.

The tour runs about 10 hours, starting early to make the most of daylight and to avoid crowds at the caves. Meet-up locations are flexible, with options in Trogir or Split, and the tour operates in English, with friendly, approachable guides.

What You’ll Need to Bring

Given the day’s nature, packing a few essentials will make your experience smoother: Sunscreen, swimwear, towel, hat, sunglasses, a wind jacket for the boat ride, and a change of clothes for after swimming. Reviewers recommend comfortable shoes for walking around Hvar and other towns.

It’s also worth noting that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 3, or those with certain medical conditions, due to the boat ride and physical activity involved.

Authentic Experiences from Other Travelers

Reviewers have consistently praised the guides for their helpfulness and local knowledge. Ashley from Australia called it “the most amazing day” on her European trip, and Leah from the UK said, “the Blue Cave was beautiful, and our guide even took us to the Green Cave and a little beach,” adding extra value to the experience.

Lucy from Australia highlighted the importance of snorkeling gear, noting that “swimming was a highlight,” and Jacobo from Spain appreciated the crew’s effort in securing Blue Cave tickets, which often involve waiting in line.

Many reviews also mention dolphin sightings or the sheer beauty of the scenery, making the cruise a highlight rather than just a sightseeing checklist. The overall sentiment is that this trip offers a rich, varied experience packed into a single day.

This Blue Cave, Vis, and Hvar speedboat tour offers a lively, scenic, and engaging way to explore Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want to see multiple highlights without renting a boat or planning extensive logistics. The balance of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring makes it a standout option for active travelers who love being on the water.

The knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes elevate the experience, ensuring you leave with lasting memories of Croatia’s natural and cultural beauty. While the schedule is full and costs for certain entries extra, the overall value and convenience make this tour worth considering for your Croatian adventure.

Whether it’s the mesmerizing Blue Cave, the calm bays of Veliki Budikovac, or the lively streets of Hvar, this trip hits most of the must-see spots in a single, well-organized day — a fantastic way to maximize your time and impressions.

Is the Blue Cave entry fee included in the price?
No, the Blue Cave entry fee is payable only in cash and is not included in the tour price.

How long is the boat ride from Split or Trogir?
The initial speedboat ride is about 75 minutes, setting an energetic start to your day.

What should I bring with me?
You should bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, hat, sunglasses, a wind jacket, and a change of clothes. Snacks and water are recommended since food isn’t included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and there are multiple stops where swimming and snorkeling are possible, such as Veliki Budikovac and around the bays.

How much free time do I get at Hvar?
You’ll have about 2 hours to explore Hvar town, enough to walk around, take photos, and enjoy a drink or snack.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It isn’t suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or those with certain health or mobility issues due to the boat rides and physical activity involved.

This detailed review should help you decide if this Croatian adventure is right for your travel style. With its mix of natural wonders, charming towns, and the thrill of the open sea, it promises a day packed with memorable experiences.