Blue light, fast boat, and no crowds. This private day mixes Blue Cave magic with serious swimming time around Vis and the Pakleni Islands, all handled by a friendly crew. I also love that you’re in a private island-hopping setup, so you’re not stuck timing your day to other boats. One thing to consider is that the route is weather-dependent, and it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

You’ll ride on an 11-meter speedboat built for excursions, with a roomy sundeck and a bathing platform that makes getting in and out easier. I like the down-to-earth approach too: English-speaking crew members help you shape the day so you can stay longer where you want and move on when you’re ready.

Expect an 8-hour itinerary focused on standout water moments: the Blue Cave, a swim and snorkel at Stiniva Bay, time in the Budikovac Blue Lagoon, then secret caves on Vis’s southern shore, and finally the best of the Pakleni Islands. Blue Cave tickets and lunch are not included, so plan for those separately.

Key things that make this Hvar to Vis speedboat tour special

• Private boat for your group (up to 12), with the flexibility to linger at the good spots
• Blue Cave + multiple swimming stops, not just a quick photo drive-by
• Stiniva Bay and Budikovac Blue Lagoon are built into the day for classic turquoise water time
• 11-meter comfort setup, including a sundeck and bathing platform for easier water access
• English-speaking crew support, with help in planning your exact order and timing
• Snorkeling gear included, plus safety equipment and insurance

Blue Cave entry: where the day gets its wow-factor

The Blue Cave is the headline for a reason, and in a private format you feel the advantage right away. Instead of juggling a crowd schedule, you get a smoother flow through the area so your crew can work with the conditions and timing on the water.

Here’s what I think makes the Blue Cave stop so satisfying: it’s visual first, but it turns into a sensory stop the moment you’re in the boat area and the light starts doing its thing. You’re surrounded by that famous turquoise look, and it’s the kind of sight that makes you stop rushing your photos. It feels more like a moment than a checkbox.

One practical note: Blue Cave tickets are not included, so you’ll want to budget time and money for that add-on. If you’re the type who hates last-minute surprises, you’ll be happier if you handle tickets in advance.

Stiniva Bay swim and Budikovac Blue Lagoon snorkeling time

After the cave, the tour shifts into what I consider the best mode for this coastline: get in the water. You’ll have time for swimming and snorkeling at Stiniva Bay, plus water time at the Budikovac Blue Lagoon.

At Stiniva Bay, the big win is the chance to experience it beyond a postcard. You’re there long enough to actually swim, rinse off salty hair, and enjoy the water color up close. This stop is often a highlight because it’s recognized as a top beach in Europe (voted in 2016), but what matters for your day is that it’s built for comfort and time in the water, not just a quick stop.

Then comes Budikovac Blue Lagoon, which is all about that crystal-clear look. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, the included snorkeling gear means you can keep things simple. The water is the attraction, so you can focus on where you’re looking instead of figuring out equipment.

A quick reality check: water time always means sun exposure. Bring sunscreen, and if you’re sensitive, cover up between swims. The day is 8 hours, and you’ll likely spend enough time on open deck to feel it.

Secret caves on Vis’s south shore, and why “lesser-known” matters

Between the famous stops, you’ll also get to visit lesser-known areas, including secret caves on Vis’s southern shore. This is where the private nature becomes more than a marketing phrase.

When you’re not locked into a fixed group route, the crew can adjust based on what looks good and what the conditions allow. That translates into a day that feels more like a guided exploration and less like a transport service. You’re still going to the headline sites, but you also get detours that make the day feel personal.

These cave-and-bay segments are especially good if you care about photos and variety. You’ll see different angles of the coastline, different shades of water, and more “wait, what is that place?” moments than you’d get on a faster tour.

The bonus, based on how guests describe the experience, is that the crew gives you options for what you want to do once you’re there. Some people want to swim longer, some want jump-in moments, some just want to hang on the platform and watch. In a private setup, those preferences actually shape the flow.

The Pakleni Islands finale: finishing strong with island-hopping

After Vis, the day continues with the best of the Pakleni Islands. This part matters because it rounds out the experience with more coastline variety and more time on the boat while you’re still in a good rhythm after all the swimming.

The Pakleni Islands are a strong closer because they keep the feeling of island-hopping going without turning the trip into a long slog. You’re still moving, still seeing new spots, and still in that classic Dalmatian-water zone where each bay can look like a different world.

If your goal is a full day of “see it, swim it, repeat,” this ending helps. It also gives you the chance to wind down naturally rather than finishing immediately after the cave or the beach stop.

The boat setup: 11 meters, a sundeck, and a bathing platform you’ll use

The tour runs on a spacious 11-meter speedboat designed for excursions, with a large sundeck and a bathing platform. That combination is more important than it sounds.

A sundeck gives you a place to cool down, dry off, and take breaks without crowding around one tiny corner. And a bathing platform means the water access is easier and more comfortable. When you’re doing multiple swim stops, reducing friction matters. You spend more time actually in the fun and less time fiddling with gear or trying to get in smoothly.

The group size is up to 12, which is a sweet spot. It’s private, but it still feels lively, especially for families or small friend groups. The boat also makes it easy for the crew to check in with everyone and help manage the flow between stops.

From the way guests describe the hosts, there’s also a practical side to the water time. They make sure you have choices for swimming and jump-in moments, rather than treating it like one rigid routine.

Meet your crew: Captain Stepo and Skipper Ivonna guiding the pace

A good guide changes everything on the water. Here, the crew is a big part of why this trip gets high marks.

Guests highlight that Captain Stepo and Skipper Ivonna are gracious, attentive, and truly invested in making the day go well. That shows up in small ways, like helping you choose the best places to swim and jump in the water and offering options so you can match the experience to your comfort level.

It also helps that the crew is English-speaking. Language matters most when you’re trying to understand how the day will move, what to expect at each spot, and what’s possible depending on conditions.

The most valuable part of their approach is the low stress. A private day can either feel overly managed or wonderfully relaxed. This tour’s crew approach sounds like they aim for relaxed, with clear guidance and help shaping your itinerary.

Itinerary flow, stop-by-stop: what you should plan for each segment

Here’s how I’d think about the day’s structure so you can match it to your own energy.

• Blue Cave stop: expect a visual highlight first, then transition into water time planning. This is where tickets are an add-on you must account for.
• Stiniva Bay: your main swim and snorkel moment. Plan for sunscreen, water shoes if you use them, and time to actually enjoy the water, not just a quick dip.
• Budikovac Blue Lagoon: another water-focused segment with included snorkeling gear. If you want to snorkel more than you swim, this is your chance.
• Secret caves on Vis’s south shore: a variety stop that benefits from private timing. This is where you can slow down and let the coastline surprises land.
• Pakleni Islands: the closing stretch that keeps the island-hopping vibe alive so the day doesn’t abruptly end right after the big swim sites.

Because it’s private, you should also feel free to tell the crew what you want more of. If you want longer in calmer water, say so. If you want more photos and fewer quick changes, ask. That’s the point of this style of trip.

Price and value: what $1,344 per group really buys you

The price is listed at $1,344 per group up to 12 for an 8-hour private tour. The value math works best when you split the cost across a group, because then the per-person rate drops fast.

But even if you’re not filling all 12 spots, you’re still paying for a setup that includes what can quietly add up on other boat tours. This one includes fuel, bottled water, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and insurance, plus the private boat and a friendly English-speaking crew.

What’s not included is also clear: lunch and Blue Cave tickets. So if you’re the kind of person who likes to pre-plan every meal, you’ll want to bring food or arrange it separately. The same goes for the Blue Cave ticket portion, which you’ll pay on top.

My take: this is good value if your priorities are (1) private boat time and (2) real swimming and snorkeling stops. If what you want is mostly scenic cruising with minimal water time, you might find cheaper options. But if you want to spend the day in the water with a boat that’s truly yours, the pricing starts to make sense.

What to pack for a smooth day on the water

You’re going to be on deck, in the sun, and likely getting in and out more than once. Bring what keeps you comfortable.

• A swimsuit plus an extra dry layer for after swims
• Sunscreen (and a hat if you use one)
• Water shoes if you prefer secure footing around swim access points
• A small dry bag for phone, camera, and passport if you carry them
• Towels if you have your own preference (the tour includes snorkeling gear, not towel details)

If you’re sensitive to motion or sun, plan a relaxed pace between swims. You can also ask the crew to help you time breaks based on how your group is feeling.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is especially good for groups who want a tailored day around water time. Families, friend groups, and couples who want privacy with enough space to spread out on the sundeck will likely love it.

It’s also a smart match if you care about multiple stops, not just one famous attraction. The day is built around Blue Cave, Stiniva Bay, Budikovac Blue Lagoon, secret caves, and the Pakleni Islands. That variety helps keep the day from feeling repetitive.

Two clear exclusions are listed: it is not suitable for pregnant women and not suitable for people with back problems. If either applies to someone in your group, you should pick a different style of tour.

Should you book this private Blue Cave and Vis speedboat tour?

Book it if your ideal Hvar day looks like this: you want privacy, an English-speaking crew, snorkeling gear included, and a full 8 hours built around swimming stops. The combination of Blue Cave plus Stiniva Bay and Budikovac is a strong lineup, and the private setup is what turns it from a basic sightseeing day into one with breathing room.

Skip it or rethink it if you want a fully packaged meal plan and you dislike planning for add-ons like Blue Cave tickets. Also skip it if mobility or back issues are part of your group’s needs.

If you’re deciding between a crowd tour and this private format, lean private when water time is a top priority. This one is built for it, and the crew style, including Captain Stepo and Skipper Ivonna, is a big reason people rate it so highly.

FAQ

How long is the Hvar private Blue Cave and Vis speedboat tour?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

What is the price for the private tour?

The price is $1,344 per group, up to 12 people.

Is the tour private, and how many people can be in your group?

Yes, it is a private group tour, with a maximum of 12 people.

What is included in the tour?

It includes the private boat, a friendly English-speaking crew, fuel, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment and insurance.

Are Blue Cave tickets included?

No, tickets to the Blue Cave are not included.

What if weather cancels the tour?

The tour is subject to weather conditions. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or request a full refund.