From Split: Blue cave & 5 Islands tour

Planning to explore Croatia’s famous Dalmatian coast? This Blue Cave & 5 Islands tour offers an exciting day out on the water, packed with iconic sights, swimming opportunities, and a taste of island life. While the experience is highly rated and offers excellent value, it’s important to understand what’s included and what to expect so you can decide if it suits your travel style.

We love the chance to see the Blue Cave, with its glowing water and natural beauty, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of visiting several islands in one day. The small group size (max 12 travelers) makes for a more intimate experience, and the knowledgeable skipper adds a layer of local insight. On the downside, the tour involves quite a bit of boat time, which might be tiring for some, and some reviews mention that a few locations are just quick photo stops rather than full visits. Still, if you’re after a full day of scenic cruising, swimming, and island hopping, this tour hits many of the right notes.

Ideal for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and swimming, and who appreciate having a dedicated guide and quality equipment, this trip is best suited for travelers comfortable with boat rides and looking for a comprehensive day out. Family groups, first-time visitors to Split, and adventure-seekers will find a lot to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience
• All-in-one tour covers the Blue Cave, Hvar, Stiniva, and Pakleni Islands
• Includes snorkeling gear and travel insurance, adding value and safety
• Timing is flexible, with around 11-12 hours of exploring
• Some stops are brief photo opportunities, not full visits
• Weather conditions can impact the trip, especially on windy days

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The Blue Cave: A Glimpse of Natural Magic

The tour kicks off with a visit to Bievo Island, home to the world-famous Blue Cave. Here, you’ll spend about 15 minutes inside with a professional guide, on a wooden boat, to learn about the cave’s formation and why its waters glow with vibrant shades of blue. Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included unless you select that option in the booking, so plan accordingly. The cave’s captivating light makes it a highlight, but the brief time means you won’t get a long swim here—swimming is not allowed inside.

Stiniva Cove: A Hidden Gem

Next, you’ll cruise along the southeast side of Vis Island to Stiniva Beach, renowned for its unique, narrow entrance and stunning surroundings. This stop, which lasts around 40 minutes, is perfect for a quick dip or just relaxing on the pebbly shore. It’s been voted as one of the most interesting beaches in Croatia, and the rocky cliffs surrounding it provide a dramatic backdrop. According to reviews, this is a favorite spot for many, described as a “beautiful place to take a dip” and “a must-see”.

Budikovac Island: A Quiet Retreat

The tour then heads to Budikovac Island, home to a charming beach bar and excellent swimming spots. With about 40 minutes here, you can either swim or simply enjoy a cold drink at the beach bar. Several reviewers have praised this stop for its relaxed vibe and picturesque scenery, though some mention it’s a quick visit – a “charming spot for a brief refreshment”.

Hvar: The Trendy Hotspot

After island hopping, you’ll arrive at Hvar, the Croatian celebrity of islands. You’ll have approximately 2 hours of free time—enough to stroll the lively streets, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or explore historical sites. Hvar is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and stunning harbor views. The reviews consistently describe this as a highlight, with visitors loving the chance to “check out the town, take photos, and soak in the lively ambiance”.

Pakleni Islands: The Scenic Endnote

Finally, you’ll visit the Pakleni Islands, a collection of uninhabited islands just off Hvar’s coast. This 40-minute stop is all about taking in spectacular views, perhaps snapping photos, or relaxing in a peaceful setting. Visitors often remark on the islands’ breathtaking scenery and tranquility, making it a perfect way to wrap up the day.

What’s Included & What to Bring

Your ticket covers safety equipment, snorkeling gear, the skipper and sailor, and travel insurance—a package that adds real value and peace of mind. Admission to the Blue Cave is optional and must be selected during booking; otherwise, you’ll only see the cave from the outside. Food and drinks aren’t included, so packing a snack or planning to buy lunch during your free time in Hvar is advisable.

Travelers should prepare for the boat ride by wearing sun protection, bringing a light jacket (it can be breezy), and packing essentials like a towel, hat, sunscreen, water, and a swimsuit. The small group size (maximum 12) makes for a cozy, friendly atmosphere, but it also means you’ll want to be punctual.

A Note on Weather and Comfort

The tour is weather-dependent. If it’s windy, the boat ride can get bumpy, which some reviewers found exciting, but others considered less comfortable. Also, swimming in the Blue Cave isn’t permitted, but you’ll get a good look from the boat and receive plenty of interesting facts from your guide.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

Many guests praise the professionalism of the guides and skipper, often noting their punctuality and knowledge. Words like “fantastic landscapes,” “breathtaking views,” and “excellent crew” come up repeatedly. For example, one reviewer admired the “perfectly fast boat,” while others appreciated the small groups that allowed for a more personalized experience.

A few critiques are worth considering—some mention that stops can be quite brief, and a few found boat rides a bit bumpy, especially on windy days. There’s also a note that in August, locations can be quite busy, and wait times or crowded stops might affect your experience.

Value for Money

At approximately $143.87 per person, this tour offers a full day of varied experiences—multiple islands, stunning caves, and charming town visits. Considering the inclusion of snorkeling gear and insurance, many travelers find it an excellent value for a memorable day out on Croatia’s coast.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for culture and nature lovers who want to see a variety of sights in one day. It’s perfect for small groups seeking a more intimate adventure, and for those comfortable with boat rides and quick stops. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy swimming, sightseeing, and lively coastal towns will find plenty to love.

However, if you prefer longer stays at each location or are sensitive to boat motion, you might want to consider how the quick stops and boat time fit into your travel plans.

The Sum Up

This Blue Cave & 5 Islands tour packs a punch for anyone wanting to experience the best of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. It offers a well-rounded mix of natural wonders, island charm, and scenic cruising, with the added bonus of small group intimacy and professional guides.

It’s a great option for travelers who value quality equipment, safety, and authentic local insights. The tour delivers a memorable day filled with striking views, fun swimming spots, and lively island atmospheres. While it’s not designed for those seeking lengthy visits at each stop, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to see as much as possible in a single day—especially if you’re eager to experience the Blue Cave and Hvar’s legendary allure.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and immersive experience that balances sightseeing with leisure, this tour delivers on all counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Cave visit included in the tour?
You can choose to include the Blue Cave entry ticket when booking. If not, you’ll only see the cave from the boat and won’t go inside.

How long do we spend at each island or stop?
The itinerary provides approximately 20 minutes inside the Blue Cave, 40 minutes at Stiniva Cove, 40 minutes at Budikovac Island, 2 hours in Hvar, and 40 minutes at the Pakleni Islands. Some stops are quick photo opportunities rather than full visits.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the tour, allowing you to enjoy the water at various stops.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, water, swimsuit, and a light jacket—especially since it can be breezy on the boat. Pack snacks or plan to buy lunch during your free time in Hvar.

Are the stops suitable for children or less mobile travelers?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but be aware that boat rides might be bumpy on windy days, and some stops are brief. Children up to age 12 must pay an entrance fee for the Blue Cave if they go inside.

Is the group size small enough for a personalized experience?
Yes, the maximum group size is 12, which fosters a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the activity might be postponed or canceled, and you would be advised to contact the booking provider for a refund or reschedule.

This Blue Cave & 5 Islands tour offers an engaging, scenic, and well-organized way to explore Croatia’s stunning maritime landscape. Perfect for those wanting a mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic island atmosphere, it’s a day that many find well worth the price.