From Split: 5 Islands and Blue Cave Boat Tour

This full-day boat tour from Split offers a chance to explore some of Croatia’s most captivating islands and the legendary Blue Cave. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of a day packed with scenic stops, crystal-clear waters, and expert guides.

What truly stands out are the luxury brand new speedboats, the chance to see the Blue Cave, and the well-paced time for swimming, sightseeing, and lunch. However, some travelers mention that the itinerary can change unexpectedly, which might be frustrating if you’re hoping for a strict schedule.

This experience is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day on the water with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of Croatia’s beautiful islands. If you enjoy small-group adventures, snorkeling, and exploring islands by boat, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Good To Know

• Luxury speedboats ensure a comfortable and stylish ride.
• The Blue Cave is a major highlight, even though entrance tickets are not included.
• The tour offers ample free time for swimming, photos, and sightseeing at each stop.
• The itinerary includes visits to five islands, guaranteeing a diverse experience.
• Guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the trip.
• The tour’s flexibility allows for weather-related adjustments and changes.

This tour promises a full day of exploring Croatia’s stunning coastline with visits to five different islands plus the Blue Cave, all aboard brand new, luxury speedboats. The price—around $175 per person—is a solid investment considering the length, variety of stops, and quality of the boats involved.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Meeting Point & Departure

You’ll start your adventure early, meeting at 07:45 am at stand number 14 on the Split Riva, right by the sea. The early start is ideal for maximizing daylight and avoiding crowded spots later in the day. The tour departs promptly at 08:00 am, so arriving on time is key.

The Route & Itinerary Breakdown

The itinerary is fairly packed, giving you a taste of Croatia’s best islands and coastal sights. Here’s what you can expect:

• Blue Cave: Your first stop is the Blue Cave, a cavern famous for its glowing blue waters caused by sunlight filtering through underwater openings. Be aware that tickets for the cave are not included, so you may want to bring some cash if you plan to enter. The cave is often busy, and weather conditions can influence access, as some reviews mention.

• Vis Island & Stiniva Bay: After the cave, the boat heads to Vis Island, passing through beautiful scenery. A quick stop at Stiniva Bay provides opportunities for taking photos and enjoying the dramatic cliffs. Some travelers note it’s mostly a photo stop, with limited or no swimming here, but the views are worth capturing.

• Budikovac Island & Blue Lagoon: Next, expect a stop at Budikovac Island and the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll have time for swimming and snorkeling. The water in these spots is crystal clear, often described as perfect for cooling off and enjoying the vibrant underwater life with provided snorkeling gear.

• Pakleni Islands & Hvar: The tour then moves to the Pakleni Islands for a lunch break (note: food is not included, but plenty of options are available). Finally, you’ll visit Hvar Island, known for its lively town and historic sights, where you get some free time for sightseeing or a quick stroll along the promenade.

• Return to Split: The day wraps up with the boat returning to Split around 6 to 6:30 pm, giving you time to unwind after a full day of adventure.

The Experience on the Water

Travelers consistently praise the luxury boats—they’re described as new, comfortable, and easy to handle, making the long day more pleasurable. The small group size (around 12 people) allows for a more intimate experience, and guides are often highlighted as friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the areas visited.

The crew’s explanations are appreciated, especially when weather conditions shift plans — as one reviewer noted, the captain “made up for” a missed Blue Cave visit by exploring other spots. This flexibility can turn a potentially disappointing weather day into a memorable adventure.

Highlights and Practicalities

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Blue Cave Experience

While the Blue Cave is a major attraction, remember that tickets are not included in the tour price. The cave’s popularity means it can be crowded, and access is weather-dependent. Some reviews mention missing the cave altogether due to weather or timing, but overall, the boat route attempts to maximize your chances.

Island Stops & Sightseeing

Each island offers a different vibe: from the dramatic cliffs at Stiniva to the lively streets of Hvar. The free time is generally sufficient for photos, quick walks, or relaxing at the beaches. The Blue Lagoon and Budikovac are praised for their swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with the included gear making it easy for novices to enjoy.

Lunch and Food

The tour includes no specified meals, so travelers should bring cash for lunch in Hvar or snacks for the day. Some travelers found the schedule tight, and a few wished for more time in certain locations, but the plan covers a lot of ground.

Timing & Group Size

Starting early and ending late, the tour is well-structured for those wanting a comprehensive day. The small group size means more personal attention, and guides tend to be friendly and informative, adding value beyond just transportation.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One traveler shared, “The boat seemed fairly new,” which matches the description of brand new boats. Another noted that explanations and interactions with the crew were “just enough,” emphasizing that the guides are knowledgeable but not overly verbose.

However, some reviews mention unexpected itinerary changes with little explanation, and a late start can be a minor annoyance, so flexibility is key. The weather can influence the Blue Cave visit, so be prepared for possible adjustments.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see a variety of islands in one day, enjoy comfortable boat rides, and are comfortable with a flexible schedule. It’s ideal if you’re interested in snorkeling, scenic photography, and island sightseeing without worrying about planning each stop yourself.

If you’re traveling with friends or a small group, you’ll likely appreciate the intimate atmosphere and the friendly guides. It’s also a good choice for those seeking value for money—considering the boat quality, multiple stops, and expert guidance, it’s a substantial experience for the price.

Keep in mind that some stops might be brief, and weather can influence your plans. If you’re eager to explore every detail or have specific sites you want to see, you might prefer a more tailored or private tour.

This From Split: 5 Islands and Blue Cave Boat Tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized way to explore Croatia’s stunning coast. The luxury boats, friendly guides, and diverse itinerary make it a popular choice for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

It’s particularly valuable if you’re after a full day of island hopping, swimming, and sightseeing without the stress of planning each detail. The flexible approach and focus on comfort mean you can relax and enjoy the views, knowing you’re in good hands.

While the schedule can sometimes shift unexpectedly, the overall experience promises a memorable day on the water, with plenty of photo opportunities and chances to cool off in beautiful spots. If you’re seeking a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and Croatian charm, this tour could be just the ticket.

Is the Blue Cave entrance ticket included in the price?
No, the Blue Cave tickets are not included, so you’ll need to bring cash if you want to enter.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring beachwear, cash for entrance tickets and lunch, and anything else you might need for swimming and sunbathing, like sunglasses and sunscreen.

How long is the boat ride between stops?
While specific durations aren’t detailed, expect the boat rides between islands to be relatively short but scenic, allowing plenty of time at each location.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?
The tour’s comfortable boats and moderate travel times make it suitable for most ages, but always consider individual mobility and preferences.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather can impact the Blue Cave visit, and some itinerary adjustments are possible. Guides typically do their best to find alternative stops if needed.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, allowing you to keep your plans flexible until you’re ready to confirm.

How many people usually join this tour?
The group size is small, with around 12 travelers, creating a more personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: