From Split: Blue Cave, Hvar & Mamma Mia, 5 island tour

Exciting 5-Island Speedboat Tour from Split for $176

This speedboat tour offers a lively exploration of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, starting from Split and visiting five islands, including the famous Blue Cave. For $176 per person, travelers enjoy a well-organized day filled with stunning scenery, secret beaches, and lively towns, all led by passionate local guides. The tour features comfortable seats and sunshade on a modern speedboat, making the journey both stylish and practical.

The tour’s highlights include exclusive access to hidden spots like secluded coves and the Blue Cave, plus visits to Hvar Town, known for its medieval walls and vibrant nightlife. Although the Blue Cave entrance fee is not included in the price, the overall experience provides a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. The group size is limited, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate exploration of these gorgeous locations.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy adventurous boat rides, scenic views, and exploring multiple islands in one day. It’s perfect for those who want a guided experience with local insights but should be aware that weather conditions can affect the itinerary, especially the Blue Cave visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: $176 per person, including speedboat ride, guide, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment
• Duration: Full-day tour, from meeting in Split to returning at the same point
• Highlights: Blue Cave, Hvar Town, Pakleni Islands, Budikovac, Stiniva Cove
• Guides: Led by passionate local experts sharing authentic stories
• Included: Snorkeling equipment, safety gear, water, and windproof jackets
• Not included: Entrance tickets for the Blue Cave, food, and drinks

From Split to the Blue Cave: A Scenic Speedboat Journey

The tour departs from Booth Number 15, near the historic core of Split, with the boat ride beginning early in the day. The modern speedboat is equipped with comfortable seats and sunshades, perfect for enjoying the Croatian sunshine and ocean breeze. The trip is designed for small groups, ensuring a friendly atmosphere and attentive guidance throughout.

The route is carefully planned to maximize sightseeing while considering safety and weather. The Blue Cave is typically the first stop, offering a chance to see the famous blue light created when sunlight filters through an underwater opening. Though tickets (costing between €12–18 depending on the date) are paid separately in cash, the experience of entering this natural wonder is considered well worth it.

If the Blue Cave is crowded or weather conditions are poor, the guides may suggest visiting a nearby area instead. The ride can be bumpy, emphasizing the importance of wearing comfortable clothing and sun protection.

Exploring the Blue Cave: Natural Light and Underwater Beauty

The Blue Cave on Bievo Island is a major highlight of this tour. Known for its mesmerizing blue glow, the cave’s stunning lighting results from sunlight entering through an underwater opening, reflecting off the seabed. This creates a magical atmosphere that photos and videos can’t fully capture.

Access to the Blue Cave is subject to weather conditions, and sometimes delays or closures happen during busy summer periods. Swimming inside the cave is not permitted, but opportunities are available at other stops along the tour. The ticket for Blue Cave entry is not included in the tour price, so travelers should prepare in advance for this additional fee.

Even if you don’t get a chance to go inside, the surrounding scenery and the boat ride itself make this stop worthwhile. Many appreciate the expert guidance explaining the cave’s formation and the best angles for photos, making the experience both informative and visually stunning.

Discovering Hvar Town’s Historic Charm and Nightlife

Following the Blue Cave, the tour visits Hvar Town, a lively hub with a 13th-century fortress offering sweeping views over the port. The town’s Renaissance-era Cathedral of St. Stephen adds to its historic charm, while the bustling harbor is packed with yachts, cafes, and restaurants.

Hvar’s atmosphere combines historic elegance with vibrant modern life. The guides share stories about the town’s past and current attractions, making the visit engaging. Travelers often spend free time exploring the charming streets, enjoying local cuisine, or relaxing at waterfront cafes.

In the late afternoon, the tour transitions to the Pakleni Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters and hidden coves. These lush islands are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with calm bays perfect for unwinding after a busy morning.

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Relaxing at Budikovac and Secluded Stiniva Cove

The tour includes stops at Budikovac Island, famous for its Blue Lagoon. This small, tranquil bay offers shallow, turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting, far from crowds, where they can relax and soak up the sun.

Another highlight is Stiniva Cove on Vis Island. Known for its dramatic cliffs and pebble beach, the cove’s secluded nature makes it a favorite among those seeking privacy. The waters here are clear, providing excellent conditions for snorkeling and observing underwater life.

Both stops provide a wonderful contrast to the busier parts of the tour, offering moments of peace amid Croatia’s scenic beauty. The guides provide snorkeling gear and ensure safety, making these tranquil spots enjoyable for all skill levels.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Prepare

Included in the $176 price are the speedboat ride, skipper and guide, snorkeling equipment, life vests, safety gear, insurance, and a bottle of water. These essentials ensure a smooth and safe experience on the water.

Not included are tickets for the Blue Cave (payable in cash on the boat), as well as food and drinks. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a towel, and beachwear. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with limited mobility, or babies under 1 year.

The favorable weather conditions are crucial for the tour’s success. If sea weather is poor, the captain may modify the itinerary or cancel the trip, offering rescheduling options or full refunds. The adventurous ride can be bumpy, especially in rough seas, so preparation and caution are advised.

The Unique Experience of the Mamma Mia and 5 Island Tour

This tour embraces the Mamma Mia vibe with stops at picturesque islands and coves, many of which have appeared in movies or are associated with film scenes. The five island exploration showcases Croatia’s diverse landscapes, from lively towns to peaceful bays.

The combination of expert-guided narration, hidden beaches, and the thrill of the speedboat ride makes this a memorable day out. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the local guides share stories that add depth to each location.

While the Blue Cave is a major draw, the various stops give you a taste of Croatia’s natural beauty and lively coastal culture. The tour is ideal for those comfortable with short boat rides and seeking a mixture of scenic sights and relaxed beach time.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This speedboat adventure is best suited for travelers who enjoy active sightseeing and water-based activities. It’s perfect if you want to explore multiple islands efficiently without the hassle of arranging separate boat trips. The expert guides and small groups help create a friendly, engaging atmosphere.

However, those prone to seasickness or seeking a very relaxed, land-based experience might find the bumpy ride and short stops less ideal. The tour’s adventurous nature and weather dependency should be considered, especially during peak summer months.

Final Thoughts on the Split: Blue Cave & 5 Islands Tour

This $176 tour from Split offers a comprehensive day of exploring Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian islands. The highlight remains the Blue Cave, with its incredible blue glow, complemented by visits to Hvar Town, the peaceful Budikovac Lagoon, and the dramatic Stiniva Cove.

The guided experience combines local insights with practical amenities like snorkeling gear and safety equipment. Although ticket costs for the Blue Cave are extra, the overall value remains strong given the variety of stops and the scenic beauty.

This tour is a solid choice for adventure lovers and those eager to see multiple islands in one day. It’s a lively, fun, and scenic way to discover Croatia’s coastal treasures, with the caveat that weather conditions can impact the schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Cave ticket included in the price?
No, the Blue Cave ticket is paid separately in cash, with costs ranging from €12 to €18 depending on the season.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and waterproof clothing. The boat provides snorkeling gear and safety equipment.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day tour begins in the morning and returns to Split in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it is not suitable for pregnant women, travelers with mobility issues, or babies under 1 year.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If sea conditions are unfavorable, the captain can modify the itinerary or cancel the tour. Refunds or rescheduling are available if cancellation occurs due to weather.

Can I customize this tour?
Private tours are available and often offer more flexible itineraries tailored to your preferences, although this is not included in the standard package.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby