Split: 5 Islands Full-Day Tour to Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar

If you’re dreaming of soaking up the sun on shimmering beaches, exploring secret caves, or wandering through charming historic towns, a boat tour around the Dalmatian coast might be just what you need. The Split: 5 Islands Full-Day Tour to Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar, offered by Salty Experience, promises an adventure packed with natural beauty, cultural highlights, and relaxed island hopping. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from 258 reviews and a reasonable price of $128 per person, this trip is catching many travelers’ eyes—and for good reasons.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines the must-see sights like the Blue Cave with off-the-beaten-path stops such as quiet beaches and hidden coves. Plus, the small-group setup ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd. However, one thing to keep in mind is the Blue Cave entrance fee—it’s not included in the price and needs cash payment. This tour suits travelers who love a mix of scenic cruising, swimming, and cultural exploration, especially those who appreciate comfortable boats and knowledgeable guides steering the way.

This experience made our article of The 12 Best Full-Day Tours In Split.

Key Points

• Small group trips create a more relaxed and personal experience
• Blue Cave visit is a highlight, with stunning optical effects, but ticket costs aren’t included
• Island hopping to Vis and Hvar offers both natural beauty and historic charm
• Comfortable speedboat with plush seating and sun deck enhances the journey
• Multiple swimming stops and snorkeling gear included for underwater adventures
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour is designed to tick off Croatia’s most iconic spots in one day, making it perfect for travelers with limited time or those who want a comprehensive look at the Dalmatian coast. The journey begins early morning, with a meeting point conveniently marked on Google Maps or Apple Maps, right next to the large “SPLIT” sign. The boat departs from a comfortable, spacious vessel—much more inviting than the typical rigid inflatable—featuring plush seats and a generous sun deck, perfect for lounging and soaking up the Croatian sun.

The Blue Cave: A Natural Wonder

The Blue Cave is often the star of any Dalmatian island trip. The tour promises to take you to Bisevo island, where you’ll step into a world transformed by sunlight filtering through an underwater opening, creating that mesmerizing, glowing blue effect. Many reviews, such as one from a traveler who called it “really beautiful,” confirm that this natural spectacle is well worth the extra effort and the ticket price, which is currently $24 for adults and $12 for children. Remember, you’ll need to bring cash for this fee, as it’s not included in the tour price.

While some might hope for a longer stay at the cave, the tour balances this with other stops, ensuring you get the full experience without feeling rushed. Weather can impact cave access, so flexibility is key—some trips might visit alternative sites like the Green Cave if the Blue Cave is temporarily unavailable, which is a good backup plan.

Island of Vis: Cliffs, History, and Quiet Beaches

Next, your boat will glide towards Vis Island. Known for its dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches, Vis offers a more tranquil and authentic Croatian vibe. As one reviewer pointed out, the sightseeing here was “stunning,” and the experience of exploring this less touristy island really resonates with travelers looking for genuine moments. The crew is praised for their local knowledge, sharing stories about the island’s history and natural formations.

Stiniva Bay: A Top European Beach

In 2016, Stiniva Bay was named the most beautiful beach in Europe**. Sitting at the bottom of a narrow, cliff-lined bay, it’s a perfect spot for a swim or simply basking in the scenery. The shoreline’s unique shape is a result of natural geological processes, giving it a wild, untouched feeling. The tour includes a stop here for swimming and relaxing, with some reviews noting it’s a “really beautiful” beach that’s well worth the visit.

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Budikovac Lagoon: Snorkeling and Underwater Exploration

One of the most praised aspects of this trip is the visit to Budikovac Lagoon. Snorkeling gear is included, and many travelers enjoy exploring the underwater world, which is described as “rich” and full of vibrant fish. The lagoon’s waters, framed by tiny islands, create a blue oasis perfect for swimming and taking photos. The lagoon also features two islands, Veliki and Mali, between which lies this beautiful blue stretch of water. The fact that the crew is attentive—offering snorkeling gear and helping everyone feel comfortable—makes this stop particularly memorable.

Hvar Island: Culture, History, and Vibrant Atmosphere

The tour’s highlight for many is the visit to Hvar, often called the “Sunniest Island” of Croatia. You’ll get about two hours here, enough to wander the narrow streets, visit the Old Town, or peek into the Spanjola Fortress. Many reviewers mention how charming Hvar is, with its lively cafes, historic architecture, and Europe’s oldest public theater. It’s a perfect balance of culture and leisure.

A Hidden Gem and Final Stop

The last stop is a secret location chosen by the local crew—a place less crowded and just as breathtaking, according to travelers. This “hidden gem” allows for one last swim or photo opportunity, rounding out a full day of discovery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $128 per person covers most of the essentials: transportation in a comfortable speedboat, an English-speaking crew, snorkeling gear, and insurance. It’s a solid value considering the variety of sights and the small group size, which generally means fewer crowds and more personalized service.

However, you do need to bring cash for the Blue Cave tickets—which range from $24 for adults in high season to $18 for adults in the shoulder months—and cover your own food and drinks. Packing some snacks and water is advisable, especially since the day involves a lot of time on the water and walking around island towns.

The tour duration is a full day, starting early and returning to the meeting point in Split. The boat’s design ensures comfort with shaded areas and sunbathing spots, as many reviewers highlight how relaxing the experience is, even during longer rides.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for adventurers, nature lovers, and culturally curious travelers. It’s perfect if you want a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and leisure, all with the added comfort of a well-equipped boat and knowledgeable guides. It’s great for those who appreciate small group dynamics, as reviews frequently mention how much they enjoyed the personalized touch.

However, it might not be ideal for young children under 4, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, given the boat rides and walking involved. Also, be prepared for weather variability—some days the Blue Cave might be inaccessible, but the crew’s flexibility usually ensures you won’t miss out on equally stunning sights.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

In a nutshell, this Split 5 Islands Full-Day Tour offers an incredible value for the experience. You’ll see some of Croatia’s most famous sights, from the glowing Blue Cave to the lively streets of Hvar, all aboard a comfortable, small-group boat. The itinerary balances popular highlights with less crowded spots, thanks to the crew’s local knowledge and flexibility.

The stunning scenery, friendly guides, and opportunity to swim and snorkel often get rave reviews, making it clear that many travelers find this trip a highlight of their Croatian adventure. If you’re after an active, scenic, and culturally engaging day with good value, this tour will likely tick all your boxes.

It’s particularly suitable if you love small-group experiences and prefer quality over quantity. Just remember to carry cash for the Blue Cave tickets, bring your sun gear, and set your expectations for a day full of natural beauty and relaxed fun.

FAQ

Does the Blue Cave ticket cost include in the tour price?
No, the Blue Cave entrance fee is not included. You’ll need to prepare cash—currently around $24 for adults—to buy your ticket on-site.

What is the boat like?
The boat is described as comfortable, with plush seating and a spacious sun deck. It’s a smaller vessel than RIBs, making for a more relaxed ride.

How long do we spend at each stop?
The tour offers ample time at each destination, including swimming and sightseeing. For example, Hvar gets about two hours, and the Blue Cave is visited in the early part of the day with enough time to enjoy.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the price, allowing you to explore the underwater world at spots like Budikovac Lagoon.

What should I bring?
Pack essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for the Blue Cave tickets and potential extras.

Is food and drink included?
No, you should bring your own snacks and drinks, as they are not included in the tour price.

What’s the maximum group size?
While not explicitly stated, the reviews mention a small-group setting—generally around 12 people—making for a more intimate experience.

To sum it up, this tour offers an authentic, scenic, and fun-filled day exploring some of Croatia’s most gorgeous islands and caves. Perfect for those who want a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, all in the comfort of a well-rated, small-group boat trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: