From Split: Blue Cave, Hvar, Mamma Mia, 5 Islands boat Tour

This experience made our article of Our 12 Favorite Split Cruises And Boat Tours.

Overview of the From Split: Blue Cave, Hvar, Mamma Mia, 5 Islands Boat Tour

Imagine cruising through shimmering waters, visiting some of Croatia’s most iconic islands, and swimming in crystal-clear lagoons—all in one day. That’s exactly what this 5-island boat tour offers, departing from Split and taking you to the Blue Cave, Hvar, Vis, and beyond. It’s a carefully curated adventure designed for those who want a mix of picturesque scenery, cultural highlights, and fun in the sun, all with a small group and modern comforts.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it blends authentic stops—like the filming locations of Mamma Mia—with less crowded, secret swimming spots. Plus, the boat’s luxury seats under a sun shade mean you won’t be battling the elements in uncomfortable, exposed plastic. The only caveat? The Blue Cave visit requires an extra ticket on top of the tour price, and it’s not guaranteed in bad weather.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a combination of sightseeing, swimming, and learning from knowledgeable guides, all wrapped in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. If you’re after a fun-filled day with a good dose of Croatian charm, this trip might just be your perfect match.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small group size (max 12 people) ensures a more personal and relaxed experience.
• Luxury, shaded seats keep you comfortable during the boat rides, even on hot days.
• Multiple stops including the Blue Cave, Hvar, Vis, and secret beaches, provide a variety of scenic and cultural highlights.
• Extra costs apply for Blue Cave entry—be prepared to pay in cash on the boat.
• Flexible itinerary allows for spontaneous stops, swimming, and extra sightseeing based on weather and group energy.
• Expert guides and skippers enhance the experience with stories, recommendations, and fun music.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Early Morning Departure and the Blue Cave

The day kicks off with an exciting 90-minute speedboat ride from Split, giving you a taste of the adventure ahead. The boat is modern, with shade covers and cushioned, comfortable seats—a big plus, according to many reviews. It’s a lively start, with Bluetooth music adding to the upbeat vibe. Expect the ride to be a bit bumpy at times, especially in choppy seas, but your skipper’s expertise is usually enough to keep it smooth.

The highlight of the morning is visiting the Blue Cave on Bievo Island. The timing of this trip is carefully planned to beat the crowds, and many travelers note how the sunlight reflecting through the sea creates a mesmerizing glow inside the cave. Entry to the Blue Cave is an optional extra, typically paid in cash, and involves a brief but stunning visit. While some reviews mention limited time inside (about 10 minutes), the experience of that glowing blue is unforgettable.

Visiting Komiza and Vis Island

After the Blue Cave, the boat heads to Komiza, a charming town on Vis Island. Known for its connection to Mamma Mia filming locations, Komiza offers a taste of authentic Croatian life. Travelers appreciate the free time here, which allows you to explore at your own pace, enjoy local cafes, or simply soak in the atmosphere. One review notes, “Kozimo was a beautiful place and had my best meal of the holiday in Hvar trying some of the local dishes,” indicating that this stop combines sightseeing with culinary delights.

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WWII Bunkers and Stiniva Beach

Next, you might visit the WWII military bunkers on the southern side of Vis, a little slice of history nestled among stunning scenery. Then, the boat stops at Stiniva Beach, voted the best beach in Europe by some sources. The beach is famous for its dramatic, narrow entrance and vivid turquoise waters. Many reviewers highlight how memorable it is to see and photograph, though some note that swimming here depends on weather conditions.

The Hidden Gem: Budikovac Blue Lagoon

The tour’s secret weapon is the Budikovac Blue Lagoon. This tiny island boasts a small white pebble beach and calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Several reviews mention how this spot feels like their own private paradise—“the water was unreal,” and “crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing dip.” It’s a peaceful contrast to the busier stops and offers plenty of time for a swim or just lounging.

Journey to Hvar and Cultural Highlights

As the boat makes its way to Hvar, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Pakleni Islands archipelago. Hvar Town is often called one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, blending history, culture, and lively energy. Once there, you’ll have at least 2 hours for sightseeing and lunch, giving you enough time to explore the fortress, narrow streets, or enjoy a coffee with a view. Many travelers rave about the stunning sunset views, the vibrant atmosphere, and the chance to taste local cuisine.

Returning to Split

After a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring, the boat heads back to Split. The return journey often features a relaxed vibe, with passengers reflecting on the day’s highlights, enjoying the music, and sharing stories. Many reviews mention how organized and smooth the experience was, with the skipper navigating waves expertly when seas got rough.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other options, this tour’s price of $85 per person includes all taxes, fees, insurance, snorkel equipment, and even storage for your belongings. The experience covers a wide range of highlights in one day—something that would take multiple trips or a lot of planning to replicate independently. Most travelers feel they get excellent value, especially considering the small group size, luxury comfort, and expert guides.

The optional Blue Cave entry fee is an extra, but it’s a small price for the chance to see one of Croatia’s most iconic natural wonders. Plus, the tour’s flexibility means you can prioritize certain stops or skip others depending on your preferences and weather conditions.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

One of the best parts of this tour is its authentic feel. The guides are well-versed in local stories and history, often sharing amusing anecdotes or insider tips. As one reviewer said, “Frankie was an amazing skipper with so much knowledge,” which makes the whole journey more engaging.

The small group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd. Many reviewers comment on how this setup fosters camaraderie, making it easy to chat, take photos, and share the experience with fellow travelers.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Be sure to bring snacks, drinks, water, cash, and a towel—the tour provides snorkel equipment but not beach towels or food. The boat is equipped with sun shades and Bluetooth music, creating a comfortable and fun atmosphere. Note that the tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or mobility issues, as the speedboat ride can be bumpy and physically demanding.

A practical tip: bring a long-sleeve shirt for the morning ride outside of July and August, as it can be chilly. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider medication, since some sections of the ride are windy and bumpy.

The Experience You’ll Remember

This tour offers a beautiful balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural sights. The combination of stunning scenery, engaging guides, and well-planned stops makes for a memorable Croatian island day trip. Many travelers emphasize how the small group and comfortable boat contribute to a more personalized, enjoyable experience.

The timed visits to the Blue Cave and other stops mean you beat some of the crowds, which can be a real advantage, especially in high season. The inclusion of secret beaches and less touristy spots ensures that you’ll find quiet, beautiful places to swim and relax.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who love a mix of sightseeing and swimming. It’s perfect if you want to see major highlights without the hassle of organizing your transport or multiple day trips. It also suits those who appreciate comfortable, shaded seating and a small, friendly group environment. If you’re a fan of stories, good music, and authentic Croatian islands, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQs

Is the Blue Cave visit included in the price?
The Blue Cave is an extra, payable in cash on the boat, but the timing is carefully planned to avoid long queues, making it worth the small additional fee.

How long do we spend inside the Blue Cave?
You might find about 10 minutes inside, which is enough to see the spectacular blue light and take photos. It’s a brief but memorable experience.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring snacks, drinks, water, cash for the Blue Cave ticket, a towel, and a windbreaker for the morning ride outside July and August. Don’t forget your camera and swimming gear.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
The tour is generally designed for active travelers comfortable on a speedboat. It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with back or mobility issues due to the bumpy rides.

Can I swim at every stop?
Most stops, including the Blue Lagoon and secret beaches, are ideal for swimming if weather permits. The Blue Cave visit itself involves a quick boat transfer, and swimming isn’t possible inside the cave.

What happens in bad weather?
If the weather prevents visiting the Blue Cave or other stops, the captain will try to offer suitable alternatives or reschedule. If severe weather cancels the tour, you can choose a different date or get a full refund.

Final thoughts

This From Split: Blue Cave, Hvar, Mamma Mia, 5 Islands boat tour offers a fantastic way to explore Croatia’s stunning archipelago in one memorable day. The mix of natural wonders, cultural sites, and secret swimming spots makes it suitable for travelers who want a well-rounded adventure. The small group setting and comfortable boat mean you’re not just another tourist but part of a fun, intimate experience.

You’ll leave with incredible photos, stories, and memories of some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands and caves. It’s a trip that balances adventure and relaxation and is especially valued for its authentic feel and expert guidance. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this tour captures the essence of Croatian coastal charm in a single, exhilarating day.

Happy sailing!

You can check availability for your dates here: