50 Shades of Blue: Blue Cave & 5 Islands Boat Tour from Hvar

If you’re searching for a way to truly soak in the beauty of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, this “50 Shades of Blue” boat tour from Hvar promises an eye-popping adventure. It’s a full-day escape designed to give you a taste of everything—spectacular caves, pristine beaches, and charming islands—all from the deck of a fast speedboat. With glowing reviews and a competitive price, it’s garnering attention as a top choice for travelers craving authentic, picture-worthy moments.

What makes this tour special? First, you get to visit multiple destinations in a single day, including some of the most iconic spots like the Blue Cave and the Blue Lagoon. Second, the expert guides are praised for their local insights, which add context and fun to each stop. Third, the small group size (max 14 participants) means more personalized attention and less crowding—perfect for those wanting a more intimate experience.

A potential snag? The Blue Cave’s accessibility depends heavily on weather and sea conditions. On days with high tide or strong wind, the cave might be closed for safety reasons, which could alter your plans. Nevertheless, the tour’s flexible approach and inclusion of alternative destinations keep the experience worthwhile.

This tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy boat rides, stunning scenery, and a good mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, if you love exploring off-the-beaten-path spots with knowledgeable guides, you’ll likely find this trip a highlight of your Croatia visit.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Day Trip: Visit 5-6 different destinations across five islands in one day.
• Caves and Beaches: Experience unique caves like the Blue, Green, and Monk Seal caves, along with top-rated beaches.
• Expert Guides: Guides share local stories, secrets, and insights that enrich the experience.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 14 people for a more personal and relaxed adventure.
• Flexible Itinerary: Depending on weather and sea conditions, the stops may vary, ensuring safety and quality.
• Affordable Value: The base price is $12, but add-ons like boat type and cave tickets are extra.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction: Why This Tour Stands Out

If you’re looking to make the most of a day in Hvar, this speedboat trip offers a fantastic balance between adventure and relaxation. We love how it combines multiple island visits, giving you plenty of chances to find your favorite spot—whether that’s a secret lagoon or a glowing cave. The expert guidance is another highlight, with Marina and her team weaving local tales and insider tips into the journey, making each stop more meaningful.

The tour’s small group size ensures you won’t feel like just another face in a crowd, and the boat options—standard, comfort, and luxury—allow you to tailor the experience to your comfort level. Plus, the price at around $12 per person is incredibly appealing, especially considering the inclusions like snorkeling gear, bottled water, and music.

However, it’s worth noting that weather conditions influence the itinerary, especially the Blue Cave, which can be closed if the sea is too rough. Still, with the tour’s flexible approach, you often get an alternative itinerary, so you won’t miss out on the stunning scenery. This trip is best suited for active, curious travelers who love discovering new places from the water and appreciate guided insights.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point and Meeting

Your adventure begins at a small, colorful stand next to the Carpe Diem Bar in Hvar’s port. Marina, your friendly hostess, will be there, ready to welcome you with a smile and a quick briefing. The tour starts promptly around 10:30 am, with a return between 5:30 and 6:30 pm.

The Boat Ride and Group Size

You’ll be on a speedboat, and depending on your choice of boat type—standard (€80), comfort (€90), or deluxe (€100)—the ride can be more or less plush. The small group limit of 14 ensures that everyone gets plenty of space and attention. The ride itself is a major part of the fun, with the wind in your hair and the sea spray adding to the thrill.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

First Stops: Caves and Hidden Wonders

The tour always includes a visit to three caves — the Blue, Green, and Monk Seal caves. The Blue Cave is the star attraction: you’ll enter a luminous cavern filled with glowing blue light, a phenomenon caused by sunlight reflecting inside. The Green Cave offers a different spectacle, with its emerald waters that WWII battleships once used for shelter. One reviewer mentioned how the guide shared stories about the battleships, adding historical intrigue to the natural beauty.

In some cases, if weather allows, you’ll also visit the Monk Seal Cave, known for its tranquility and unique shape.

The Beaches and Lagoon Delights

After exploring caves, you’ll hop off at stunning beaches like Stiniva and Blue Lagoon — voted the best in Europe! The Blue Lagoon’s clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and you’ll love the chance to splash around or simply relax on the soft sands. The tour often includes a stop at a beach where sea baby seals are believed to have once called home, making the setting feel almost untouched.

Island Encounters and Unique Stops

One of the tour’s highlights is meeting the “king” of a tiny uninhabited island in a breathtaking lagoon. You can chill on his cozy beach terrace, sip refreshing drinks, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. The guide’s stories make these moments more lively, sharing local legends about the island and its “royal” resident.

The Final Leg: The Chain of Islets

As the day winds down, you’ll cruise past the wooded chain of small islands, often called “pearls” in front of Hvar. This is a perfect spot for a final swim and snorkel, with tranquil waters and lush greenery creating a postcard scene. If you’re lucky, you might even see playful dolphins racing alongside the boat—something many guests cherish.

The Value: Is It Worth It?

For just around $12 (plus the optional boat upgrade and cave entrance tickets), this tour packs an impressive punch. The inclusions—snorkeling gear, water, safety equipment, and music—add comfort and convenience. The real value lies in the variety of sights, the expert guidance, and the intimate group atmosphere, which makes the experience more personal.

The cave tickets are purchased separately (about €18 for the Blue Cave and €8 for the Green Cave), but the guides will assist you in buying them on-site. This setup means you can choose whether to enter the caves based on weather and your interest, adding flexibility.

How the Tour Feels

Guests describe the day as “delightful,” with one praising Marina’s storytelling and local knowledge. The small group size means more interaction with the guide and a relaxed pace, allowing you to truly enjoy each spot. The boat ride itself is a highlight, giving you the chance to see Croatia from a different perspective.

Considering the Price and Experience

While the base price seems low, remember that the boat ride and cave entry are extras. Still, the overall experience is competitive compared to other Croatia boat tours. The price reflects the small group intimacy, the diversity of sights, and the professional guidance, creating a balanced value for a full day of exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and small-group intimacy. It’s well-suited for those comfortable on a boat, curious about Croatia’s coastal secrets, and eager to see caves and beaches without feeling rushed. Since the tour involves swimming and snorkeling, a basic level of comfort in the water is helpful.

It’s less suitable for pregnant women, people with back or mobility issues, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the boat and access to some sites. Kids who love water and boats will also find plenty to enjoy.

The Sum Up

The “50 Shades of Blue” boat tour from Hvar offers a remarkable way to experience Croatia’s coast, combining natural wonders with expert insight in a small-group setting. You’ll visit stunning caves, relax on picture-perfect beaches, and meet the “king” of a hidden lagoon—all in one exciting day. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a memorable, value-packed adventure that captures the essence of Dalmatia’s natural beauty.

While weather conditions can influence the itinerary, the flexible approach and high-quality guides ensure you’ll still enjoy a diverse and visually stunning day. The mix of caves, beaches, and island encounters makes it a well-rounded experience that’s hard to beat for the price.

If you’re up for a fun, scenic, and intimate boat ride with plenty of picture-worthy moments and authentic Croatian charm, this tour is a brilliant way to make your Hvar visit truly special.

FAQs

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour begins at the #vitaminSEAhvar stand next to the Carpe Diem Bar in Hvar’s port, where Marina and the team will greet you.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the reservation, skipper & guide, safety gear, bottled water, snorkeling goggles, icebox, and onboard music. The boat ride and cave tickets are paid separately.

How much are the cave entrance tickets?
Tickets for the Blue Cave cost around €18, and the Green Cave costs about €8. These are paid directly at the cave entrances.

Can I choose the type of boat?
Yes, you can select from standard (€80), comfort (€90), or deluxe (€100) boats. Your choice affects comfort and price.

What if the Blue Cave is closed due to weather?
The tour may be modified or rescheduled depending on sea conditions. The guides prioritize safety and will offer alternative stops if needed.

How long does the tour last?
The full-day adventure runs from approximately 10:30 am to between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, depending on sea conditions and time spent at each stop.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling goggles are provided free of charge, allowing you to explore the underwater scenery.

Who should avoid this tour?
Pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or back problems should consider the physical demands. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable on boats.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a long-sleeved shirt, water shoes, and a change of clothes for after swimming.

How many people are on each tour?
The group is limited to 14 people, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

This detailed, balanced review aims to help you decide whether the “50 Shades of Blue” tour fits your travel style. With its focus on natural beauty, expert guidance, and small-group intimacy, it promises a memorable slice of Croatia’s coast that’s worth every euro.

You can check if your dates are available here: