Cave colors and island swims, all in one day. This Hvar speedboat tour strings together famous stops like the Blue Cave and Stiniva Cove with multiple real swimming moments in between.

I love the practical kit you get before you even splash in, snorkeling gear plus windproof jackets and life jackets. I also like how the crew keeps the day moving, with skilled captains and guides such as Andrea, Luca, Marco, and Oliver.

One catch to plan for: the Blue Cave entrance costs extra, it is paid in cash, and it can close in high tides and high winds.

Key things to know before you go

• Expect a real swim itinerary, with quick jumps in at places like the Budikovac Blue Lagoon soon after departure
• Blue and Green Cave time depends on conditions, and sometimes the day shifts if wind or tides make access tricky
• Stiniva Cove is made for photos and shoreline swimming, with slopes around the beach that are perfect for angles
• Pakleni Islands plus Palmižana gives you an extra beach stop on the return, not just a straight ride back
• Windproof jackets and life jackets are included, which matters on a speedboat when sea spray starts flying
• Bring cash for cave entry, and keep it dry, because cards are not accepted for the Blue Cave

Price and logistics: what the $112 actually buys

This tour is priced at $112 per person, and that number is for the speedboat day plus the crew support. Included are the speedboat ride, skipper, guide, snorkeling gear, windproof jackets, life jackets, safety gear, bottled water, and insurance.

What is not included is the thing most people come for: Blue Cave entrance. You pay that separately, and you pay it in cash only. The fee depends on the date:

• 1.4. to 31.5: 12€
• 1.6. to 19.6: 18€
• 20.6. to 10.9: 24€
• 11.9. to 31.10: 18€

So the true cost is your $112 plus the cave fee, if you get to enter. In my opinion, that still pencils out well for a day that can include several swim stops, time at major viewpoints, and transport between multiple islands in one go.

From Hvar meeting point to first swim: your day starts early

Meet at the office of the activity provider, Gajeta Agency, and aim to arrive by 10:15. The boat departs from Hvar at 10:30, then you head out right away.

The early pacing is part of the appeal. You are not spending your morning waiting around. You make your first stop around 30 minutes after departure at the Blue Lagoon near Budikovac Island. That timing matters because the lighting on the water tends to look amazing early in the day, and it gets you in the “sea mode” fast.

The crew also offers real-time guidance. In past groups, I have seen skippers and guides named Andrea, Luca, and Marco run the day smoothly, keeping people safe while still making sure you get to enjoy the stops.

Comfort on a speedboat: windproof jackets help, motion still counts

This is a speedboat tour, so you should expect motion. Even the most careful skipper cannot turn speed into stillness. The good news is that windproof jackets and life jackets are included, which makes a noticeable difference once spray hits your face.

I also think the smaller group feel can help. One passenger noted a cap around 9 people on their boat, and fewer people usually means less waiting, quicker boarding, and an easier rhythm at swim stops.

If you have back issues, you are specifically told this is not suitable for you. And since the itinerary can be weather dependent, you should take sea conditions seriously even if the captain is experienced. You are still traveling by boat, and choppy water can happen.

Budikovac Blue Lagoon stop: the quick taste of Adriatic color

The Budikovac Blue Lagoon stop is often the first moment you will think, yes, this was worth it. The water is described as clear and shimmering, with strong blue-green reflections that make the Adriatic look almost unreal.

Practically, this is where you should use your included gear and your time. If you plan to snorkel, put it on early and get in while you can still move confidently. If you just want a relaxed swim, float, take photos, and let the sun do its work.

One practical tip from real day-life on these tours: bring cash in a waterproof bag. On at least one tour day, there was a bar and snacks at a stop, but people who swam fast sometimes discovered they should have had money with them.

Blue and Green Caves: plan for awe, plan for weather

The caves are the headline. The Blue Cave is famous for the way sunlight reflects inside, creating those signature colors. The Green Cave gets its look from similar reflections, but the experience can feel different depending on the water, wind, and the day’s timing.

Here is the key point: the route is subject to weather conditions, and the Blue Cave has specific closures. The Blue Cave is closed during high tides and high winds. That means your day might be adjusted, even if you booked thinking you would 100 percent enter.

In high season, you may also encounter waiting time around the Blue Cave entrance. One review mentioned a long queue, and the guides handled it by adjusting the itinerary so the group still got to experience the caves and surrounding highlights.

So what should you do?

• Keep your expectations flexible. If it is windy, you might end up with more time at other coves and islands.
• Bring cash for cave entry, because you cannot rely on card payments for the Blue Cave.

Stiniva Cove on Vis: swimming, photos, and a gentle warning

Stiniva Cove on the island of Vis is one of those beaches that looks like it was built for postcards. The tour includes time for relaxing in the water, and you can also access photo angles by swimming toward shore.

One detail that matters for your comfort: people noted jellyfish can be present at Stiniva Beach. The stings are usually not dangerous, but they can hurt for a bit. If you are even slightly cautious about stings, wear swim gear you are comfortable with and rinse after your swim.

Also, treat Stiniva as your “slow down moment” in the middle of a fast day. You are switching from boat motion to beach time, so give yourself a few minutes to orient, then swim.

Pakleni Islands and Palmižana: beach time on the return

On the way back toward Hvar, the itinerary includes the Pakleni Islands. You cruise around these smaller islands briefly and then make a stop at Palmižana, known for a sandy beach.

This part of the day is useful because it gives you a more straightforward beach experience. After cave and cove stops, sandy shore time can feel like a reset. Sit, swim again if you still want it, and let your body cool down from the earlier sun exposure.

If you skipped any swim earlier, Palmižana is a good chance to catch up. If you already swam a lot, treat it as a stretch and snack window.

Snorkeling setup and safety gear that matter in real life

This tour includes snorkeling gear, which is great because you do not have to pack it. You also get life jackets and safety gear, plus windproof jackets that keep you comfortable during the faster boat legs.

What I like most about these included items is that they remove the guesswork. You can show up in swimwear, bring a towel and sunscreen, and you are mostly set.

You will still want to manage expectations. Snorkeling here is about seeing fish and enjoying the clear water, not about long underwater sessions. Use the time efficiently, then hop out, dry off, and repeat if the group moves on.

Lunch, snacks, and spending money without stress

Lunch is not included. Still, the crew often helps you find food. In multiple days, guides and captains have offered recommendations and even helped with plans for lunch at a restaurant during the day.

The best way to keep lunch easy is to:

• Plan for it to be later rather than right after the first stops
• Bring cash for small purchases you might want at stops along the way
• Keep a waterproof bag option ready if you plan to swim more than once

If you have a strict budget, do not assume every place has the same pricing. Some restaurant spots can run pricey, while snack options on islands can be more forgiving.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

I think this tour is best for you if you want to see a lot of coastline quickly and you are comfortable being active in the water. You get caves, viewpoints, and multiple swim moments, all without arranging separate boat transfers.

This also works well for short stays in Hvar. If you only have a day and you want more than beaches along the main town, this style of tour is one of the most efficient ways to sample the surrounding islands.

Skip it if:

• You are pregnant. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women.
• You have back problems. This is explicitly not suitable.
• You have mobility impairments. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

And if you get sea sick easily, consider that speedboat crossings can be bumpy on some days. Even with excellent driving, motion is still part of the experience.

Should you book the Hvar Blue and Green Caves speedboat tour?

Yes, book it if you want a fast, fun day that combines cave scenery with real swim time, and you are okay paying the Blue Cave entrance fee separately in cash. The included snorkeling gear, jackets, and safety setup make it easy to show up and jump in.

Maybe consider another option if you cannot handle boat motion, or if you strongly need the Blue Cave entry itself at all costs. Since the cave can close due to high tides and high winds, you should plan for a day that could shift to other coves and islands.

If you do book, go in with a flexible mindset, bring cash in something you can keep dry, and give yourself permission to enjoy the water, not just collect sights.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the speedboat ride, a skipper and guide, snorkeling gear, windproof jackets, life jackets, safety gear, bottled water, and insurance.

Is the Blue Cave entrance included?

No. Entrance to the Blue Cave is not included. You pay an additional fee for the Blue Cave.

How much is the Blue Cave entrance fee?

The Blue Cave fee depends on the dates: 12€ (1.4. to 31.5), 18€ (1.6. to 19.6 and 11.9. to 31.10), and 24€ (20.6. to 10.9).

Can I pay for the Blue Cave with a card?

No. Cash is required for entrance to both caves, and cards are not accepted.

What time does the tour start and where do I meet?

Meet at the Gajeta Agency office by 10:15. The boat departs from Hvar at 10:30.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

What if the Blue Cave is closed due to weather?

The route is subject to weather conditions, and the Blue Cave is closed to visitors during high tides and high winds. In that case, you should expect the plan to change based on conditions.

Who should not book this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments.