Private Custom Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Hvar

Exploring Croatia’s Islands by Private Speedboat: An Insider’s View

Our review covers the Private Custom Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Hvar, a highly-rated experience that promises a leisurely yet adventurous day on Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian islands. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary give us a clear picture of what travelers can expect.

What we love most about this tour are its flexibility and personalized approach—it’s designed for groups up to 12, making it ideal for family, friends, or couples who want a tailored day on the water. The chance to visit iconic sites like the Blue Cave and Stiniva Beach in a private setting is a real draw, offering both comfort and exclusivity.

A potential consideration is the cost, which is around $1,640 for a group. While this might seem steep at first glance, the private nature of the tour, combined with the ability to customize your stops and the inclusion of bottled water and a skipper, makes it a good value for travelers seeking a personalized experience away from crowds.

This experience suits those who appreciate authentic scenery, flexible schedules, and comfortable private transport. If you’re after a hassle-free way to explore multiple islands with the freedom to choose what you see and do, this tour is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Private and customizable, making it ideal for personalized island visits
• Visit at least four islands, including notable caves, lagoons, and beaches
• Flexible stops for swimming, snorkeling, or exploring at your pace
• Includes bottled water and private transport, with a knowledgeable skipper
• High customer ratings (5.0/5 based on 29 reviews), with many praising the comfort and guides
• Good for groups up to 12, offering an intimate, stress-free day

Introduction: A Private Taste of Croatia’s Island Life

If you’re dreaming of a day spent cruising around Croatia’s sparkling islands, this Private Custom Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Hvar might be just what you’re looking for. With a focus on flexibility, comfort, and personalized service, it offers a great way to see some of the most beautiful spots in the region without the crowds or rigid schedules.

What makes this tour stand out is how it balances adventure and relaxation. You’ll be on a private speedboat, which means you can tailor your stops—whether you want to swim, snorkel, or simply soak in the views. The fact that it’s a private tour means fewer strangers, more control, and a more intimate experience with your travel companions.

One thing to consider is the cost—roughly $1,640 for a group of up to 12—that’s a significant investment, but one that could be worth it for a seamless, personalized day on the water. The tour’s flexibility and the high praise from past travelers suggest it offers good value, especially for those craving a private adventure.

This experience suits travelers who love nature, discovery, and custom planning. If you’re looking for a flexible, scenic day with knowledgeable guides and stunning views at every turn, this tour is likely to hit the mark.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Actually Do

Stop 1: Green Cave on Ravnik Island

Your day begins with a visit to the Green Cave near Vis, a slight departure from the more famous Blue Cave but equally captivating. Here, you’ll have the option to swim inside the cave (admission not included). For those not interested in cave entry, guides might take you to a nearby secret cave—highlighting the tour’s flexibility.

Authentic tip: The Green Cave’s greenish hue, caused by light filtering through underwater openings, offers a striking contrast to the Blue Cave’s famed shimmer. It’s less crowded, rewarding those willing to venture slightly off the beaten path.

Stop 2: Budikovac Island and the Blue Lagoon

Next, you’ll head to Budikovac Island, home to the Blue Lagoon, where waters are so clear and vibrant they look photoshopped. It’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with the tour offering an hour to relax on the sand or explore the shallow waters.

Review insight: Past travelers loved the calm, turquoise waters and appreciated the chance for a swim in a tranquil setting, remarking on the “perfect spot for cooling off.”

Stop 3: Blue Cave on Bisevo Island

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave, accessed via a shuttle-boat from Bisevo. This natural wonder is famous for its luminous blue glow, caused by sunlight filtering through an underwater opening. Admission isn’t included, but it’s well worth the extra ticket if you want to see this iconic site.

Authentic note: The Blue Cave often draws crowds, but traveling with a private boat may allow for more flexible timing or skipping the line. Guides are typically knowledgeable, sharing the cave’s fascinating geology and history.

Stop 4: Stiniva Cove

A short cruise takes you to Stiniva Cove, a hidden gem surrounded by towering cliffs. Its narrow entrance opens into a small beach that’s perfect for a swim or simply soaking in the impressive scenery.

Traveler feedback: Many say Stiniva is an “amazing swimming location” and a highlight of their trip, with the enclosed nature making it feel like your own private cove.

Stop 5: Pakleni Islands & Mlini Beach

The last major stop is the Pakleni Islands, a favorite spot for lunch and relaxing. Here, you can enjoy a meal at a local spot or just unwind on the boat. If time permits, the guide may take you for a final swim at Mlini Beach, a peaceful stretch with calm waters.

Review note: The two-hour stretch here allows enough time for a leisurely lunch or a quick dip before heading back to Hvar.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour provides bottled water, private transportation, and a skilled skipper—a setup that emphasizes comfort and safety. The skipper is vital since they’re your expert guide to navigating the islands and sharing insights along the way.

Not included are lunch, as you might want to choose your favorite spot or bring a picnic, and entry tickets to the Blue Cave and Green Cave, which you need to purchase separately. This allows for some flexibility based on your preferences or budget.

Pro tip: Past travelers appreciated the well-stocked boat, describing it as “clean and comfortable,” with plenty of water, fruit, and Croatian music played to set the mood.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour begins at 10:00 am from Obala, Fabrika 27 in Hvar, and lasts approximately 8 hours. It’s designed to be a fully private experience, meaning only your group will be on board—ideal for those wanting a more intimate day. Since most travelers book about 35 days in advance, securing your spot early is wise.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is near public transportation options. Since weather conditions are a factor, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, giving peace of mind in case of bad weather.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Melissa_C, one of the reviewers, described her experience as “fabulous,” noting the boat’s cleanliness and the friendly, capable guides who played Croatian music and shared stories. She emphasized the relaxed yet professional attitude of her skippers, Dario and Antonio, which made the trip all the more enjoyable.

Others appreciated the stunning views and the personalized stops, highlighting how the flexibility allowed them to skip crowded sites or spend more time swimming in their favorite spots.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This private island-hopping experience offers a combination of exclusivity and flexibility that suits travelers who want to avoid large tour groups and enjoy a tailored day on the water. The stunning scenery, especially the caves and coves, makes it perfect for fans of natural beauty and tranquil swimming spots.

While the price may seem high, the value is in the personalized service, private transport, and ability to choose your stops. It’s especially well-suited for groups who want a memorable, stress-free adventure with a knowledgeable skipper guiding the way.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic landscapes, flexible scheduling, and comfortable private transport, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip to Hvar.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Tour Answered

• How many islands will I visit on this tour?
  You’ll visit at least four different islands: Bisevo, Pakleni, Budikovac, and Vis.

• Is the tour suitable for children or the elderly?
  Yes, most travelers can participate. The boat is private and comfortable, making it suitable for a wide range of ages.

• What is included in the price?
  The tour includes bottled water, private transportation, and a skipper. Entry tickets to caves are not included.

• Can I customize the stops?
  Yes, the tour is private and customizable to your preferences, within the available itinerary.

• How long do we spend at each stop?
  Stop durations vary, but each main site generally allows for about an hour, with some exceptions like the longer Pakleni Islands stop.

• Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
  You should book about 35 days in advance since the experience is popular. Cave tickets are separate and should be purchased if desired.

• What should I bring?
  Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and perhaps some snacks if you prefer not to buy lunch on the islands.

• How do I meet the boat?
  The meeting point is at Obala, Fabrika 27, Hvar, with the tour starting at 10:00 am.

• What happens if the weather is bad?
  The tour can be canceled or rescheduled for poor weather, with a full refund available if canceled.

• Is there a maximum group size?
  Yes, up to 12 people, ensuring an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

This private speedboat tour offers a fantastic way to explore Croatia’s stunning islands comfortably and flexibly. With its high ratings, excellent reviews, and emphasis on personalized experiences, it’s a great choice for those eager to see the best of Hvar’s waters without the crowds.