BLUE CAVE & 5 islands tour from Hvar

The Blue Cave & 5 islands tour from Hvar offers a compact, personalized adventure across the stunning waters of Croatia. For $113.23 per person, this 7.5-hour trip allows up to 12 people to explore some of the most captivating sights in the area. Departing from Fabrika 26 in Hvar, the tour emphasizes an intimate atmosphere, avoiding the crowds of larger boats. With a friendly skipper and guide leading the way, participants enjoy snorkeling gear, bottled water, and a surprise stop to enhance the experience. While tickets for the Blue Cave and Green Cave entrance fees are additional, the overall value includes multiple scenic stops, beach swimming, and island visits.

This tour suits those looking for small-group comfort, excellent guidance, and a variety of sights including sea grottos, bays, and islands. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see the Blue Cave without the hassle of big tour boats, but those sensitive to sea conditions should note that choppy waters are common, and the boat ride can be bumpy at times. The tour’s reviews highlight its well-organized nature and knowledgeable crew, making it a popular choice for those wanting a personalized, relaxed day on the water.

Key Points

• Small-group experience limited to 12 people for comfort and intimacy
• Includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, and a surprise stop
• Highlights are the Blue Cave, Stiniva Cove, and Palmizana Botanical Garden
• Tickets for caves are extra, with specific prices for entrance fees
• Departure at 10:30am from Fabrika in Hvar and approximate duration of 7.5 hours
• Good for travelers seeking a less crowded, guided boat trip with friendly crew

Starting Point and Daily Schedule in Hvar

The tour begins at Fabrika 26 in Hvar at 10:30am and returns to the same meeting point. It’s designed for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 12 to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience. The departure time allows plenty of daylight for exploring the sea caves and islands, making the most of the summer months.

The Blue Cave on Bisevo Island

The Blue Cave is the star attraction and a true highlight of this tour. Known for its spectacular natural beauty, it’s a small water-logged sea cave that offers a breathtaking visual experience when the sunlight hits the water. The admission ticket for the cave costs extra, and guests should expect a short wait—which is common during peak seasons. The guided commentary explains its formation and significance, making the visit more meaningful.

Exploring Stiniva Cove and its Unique Formation

Between the caves, the Stiniva Cove stands out as a most popular bay in Europe. It features a sea cave that has collapsed, creating a dramatic, enclosed beach that’s perfect for swimming and relaxing. Because of its popularity, docking isn’t possible, but the view from the boat makes for fantastic photos. The 45-minute stop allows enough time for swimming or snorkeling.

The Green Cave: A Quick, Visual Stop

The Green Cave is a brief 5-minute stop where guests can enjoy a view of the cave’s entrance. Admission fees are not included, and it’s primarily a photo opportunity rather than a prolonged visit. This cave offers a different hue and adds variety to the trip’s sea grotto explorations.

Budikovac Island and its Turquoise Lagoon

The 30-minute visit to Budikovac Island centers on its protected beach and the natural turquoise lagoon it forms with two small surrounding islands. It’s a prime spot for swimming, snorkeling, and summer activities. The free admission makes it an accessible highlight, perfect for relaxation and water play.

The Paklinski Islands and their Name Origin

The tour includes a stop at Paklinski Otoci, often translated as “Hells Islands”. In reality, the name derives from paklina, a type of pine resin historically used for waterproofing boats. The group gets a quick view of these islands, known for their pine forests and rocky shores, providing a scenic backdrop during the cruise.

Palmizana Botanical Garden and Bay Vinogradie

A 2-hour stop at Palmizana Botanical Garden stands out as a highlight. Here, the crystal-clear sea and dense pine forest create a peaceful setting for swimming, relaxing, and exploring. Visitors can also enjoy the bay Vinogradie, which is perfect for all-day lounging and water activities. This stop is a favorite for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

The Crew, Equipment, and Onboard Comfort

The speedboat provided is well-sized for 12 guests, ensuring plenty of space to sit, swim, or snorkel comfortably. The skipper and guide are praised for their local knowledge, friendly demeanor, and safety awareness. Snorkel gear, life vests, and bottled water are included, making the day both comforting and practical.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Guests should prepare for choppy waters at times, as noted in reviews, which may cause bouncing on the boat. It’s recommended to bring snacks and drinks if desired, as the cooler is available but food and drink are not included in the price. Water shoes are suggested for certain beaches, and tickets for caves cost extra, so planning accordingly helps avoid surprises.

The Overall Experience and What Sets It Apart

This small-group tour distinguishes itself by offering a more personal experience compared to larger, crowded excursions. The expert crew, custom stops, and snorkeling gear enhance the day’s enjoyment. While the seas can be choppy, the breathtaking sights like the Blue Cave and Stiniva Cove are well worth the slight discomfort.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This trip is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, guided experience with limited crowds. It appeals to water lovers, nature enthusiasts, and small-group travelers who appreciate personalized attention. Beach lovers will enjoy the stops at Budikovac and Palmizana, while adventurous spirits will value the snorkeling opportunities and sea cave explorations.

Final Thoughts on the Blue Cave & 5 Islands Tour from Hvar

In terms of value, the tour offers a well-rounded day exploring Croatia’s most stunning sea spots for $113.23. The friendly crew, organized stops, and beautiful scenery make it a strong choice for a full-day adventure. The main limitation is the extra costs for cave tickets and potential sea conditions, but the overall positive reviews and small-group format make it an appealing option for many.

This tour suits those who want an efficient, personalized way to see the Blue Cave and surrounding islands without the hassle of large tourist boats. It promises excellent guidance and beautiful sights, with enough flexibility for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers speedboat and fuel, a skipper and guide, snorkel masks, life vests, bottled water, and a surprise stop.

Are tickets to the caves included?
No, tickets for the Blue Cave and Green Cave are not included and must be purchased separately. Fees are approximately 8 euros for Green Cave in low season and 12 euros in high season.

How many people are on each boat?
The tour operates with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Guests are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks, as these can be purchased at stops. Water shoes are helpful for certain beaches, and sun protection is recommended.

Is the boat ride rough?
Some guests report choppy waters and bumpy rides, especially in sea conditions, but the skipper is experienced in handling these and prioritizes safety.

How long do stops last?
Stops vary from 5 minutes at the Green Cave to 2 hours at Palmizana, giving ample time for swimming, relaxing, and exploring.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but the guide offers informative commentary and surprise stops to enhance the experience.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
The tour operates in summer months, with cave tickets available from April to October; early mornings provide calmer seas.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but sea sickness and sea conditions should be considered for young children or elderly guests.

How do I book and cancel?
Booking is easy online, with free cancellation available 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.