REVIEW · HVAR & PAKLENI ISLANDS TOURS
Private speedboat tour to Blue cave, Vis and Hvar
A private speedboat day is the easy button for Croatia. This one links the famous stops, like Blue Cave glow-time and Hvar harbor time, with enough swimming and snorkeling to make it feel like more than a checklist. You get a full day on the water, run as a true private group up to 11.
What I like most is the way the schedule is built around light, especially the Blue Cave timing when sunlight turns the water and cave walls into that aquamarine shine. Second, the guiding gets serious, with skippers such as Marsel or Marcel singled out for professional driving and smooth handling so the ride stays comfortable.
One thing to keep in mind: Blue and Green Cave entrance tickets aren’t included, and the whole day depends on good weather since the experience is marked as weather-dependent. If conditions are off, expect changes.
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

- Blue Cave at the right light moment for shimmering aquamarine and silver reflections (45 minutes).
- Stiniva Bay swim in a narrow cove, with a quick window for snorkeling and pebbly beach time (45 minutes).
- Green Cave on Ravnik Island with boat access, since the sea depth is listed as 3 to 5 meters (45 minutes).
- Budikovac’s blue lagoon and island time, plus an option for a light lunch on a local farm (1 hour).
- A proper Hvar town walk, after cruising the Pakleni islands, with about an hour on land (1 hour).
- Onboard comfort and toys, including snorkeling equipment, an SUP board, towels, bottled water, fruits, and a bottle of wine for the group.
Why This Private Speedboat Day Works From Split

If you want the Adriatic, but you do not want to spend the day on ferries and long waits, this route is built for speed and comfort. You start from Split (or another prearranged location) and spend the day hopping between coastlines and islands, with swimming stops placed where the water is the point.
The private format matters. With a group size up to 11, you are not stuck sharing the day with strangers who hop off at different times or disappear mid-snorkel. And because it is private, your skipper can usually run the day with a bit more common sense about pacing, crowding, and when people actually want to get back in the water.
You should expect about 10 hours total, so pack the mindset for a real day out, not a quick cruise.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Split
Getting There: Trumbićeva obala and a Mobile Ticket Day

The meeting point is Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, and you return there at the end. It is listed as near public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside the center and need an easy way in.
You also get a mobile ticket, so you are not hunting for paper vouchers. On a day where you will be wearing sunscreen and chasing your phone like it is a beach towel, anything that keeps logistics simple is a win.
Blue Cave Timing: That Aquamarine Light Window

Blue Cave is the headline, and the plan is aimed at the exact moment when the light hits right. The cave visit is designed around sunlight reflecting through the sea floor, turning the cave into that aquamarine glow where objects in the water look like they are shimmering silver. You also get a story from an official local guide about how the cave was discovered and what makes the magic.
You get about 45 minutes here, and it is noted that the Blue Cave admission ticket is not included, so budget for it separately.
Practical tip: bring your best “I am not getting my camera wet” stance. You can still take photos safely, but the strongest visuals happen through the opening and reflections, so be ready when the group settles in.
Komiza on Vis: Fisherman Village Time Without Rush
Next up is Komiza, a picture-perfect fisherman village on Vis. This stop is intentionally calmer: about 1 hour, with time to wander and enjoy an easy Mediterranean rhythm.
The upside of Komiza is that it is not just a backdrop. You get enough time to slow down, look at the harbor life, and grab a coffee or a simple snack if you want to add a little local flavor between swim stops. Since the stop is listed as free (admission free), the cost stays controlled.
The tradeoff is also simple: you are on a speedboat day, so you will not have hours and hours for deeper exploring. If you want a long, serious Vis food and history day, you might want a separate trip. If you want a great breather in between caves and swims, Komiza does that well.
Stiniva Bay: Swim in the Narrow Cove and Breathe In the Sea

Stiniva Bay is the kind of beach that looks like it belongs on a postcard, and then you realize you are actually there. The bay is described as a narrow cove that ends with a white pebble beach, and it is listed as having been voted best European beach in 2016.
You get about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, plus time to soak up the sun. Admission is free for this stop.
What to watch for: Stiniva can feel like a “stop and go” scene because everyone arrives wanting the same thing, quick swim time. If you care about snorkeling, use the early part of your window to get in calmly. That way you are not spending your best water time fighting your way to the entrance.
Green Cave on Ravnik Island: Spacious and Boat-Accessible

After the Vis coast time, you move to the Green Cave on Ravnik Island. The magic here is light again, but the effect is different. When the sun is high, light enters through a large opening at the top of the cave, creating silver and green colors. And unlike caves where you are stuck outside the action, this one is described as spacious with sea depth listed as 3 to 5 meters, so the boat can go inside.
You get 45 minutes here, and, like Blue Cave, admission is not included for the Green Cave.
Practical note: wear your snorkel gear ready to go. The best views depend on the light, and that often lines up with when you are already in the water, not when you are still assembling your kit on a deck.
Budikovac Island: Lagoon Swim, Beach Time, and a Light Lunch Option
Budikovac is listed as a peaceful island with a blue lagoon in front. Here you get your “breathe and play” hour, with swimming and snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk around the island.
You get about 1 hour, and admission is free for this stop. There is also an optional note about finishing with light lunch on the local farm, but lunch is listed as not included, so treat it as a buy-on-day choice.
If your group is the kind that wants a little structure, this stop is great. It gives you one more swim window, plus a way to reset before you head to the more lively energy of Hvar.
Pakleni Islands Cruise-By and Hvar Town Walk
Before you dock and step into the town scene, you cruise past the Pakleni islands, a group of forested islands stretching in front of Hvar town. There is a legend attached to their origin, but the practical point is what you will see from the boat: a wall of island shapes and shoreline colors right where the day is starting to feel special.
Then you get about 1 hour in Hvar, including an easy walk around the town and time to stop for coffee in one of the famous coffee bars. The harbor is described as one of the most beautiful with seven-century-old walls still standing.
This is where the day turns from water time to people time. If you have been swimming all morning, use Hvar to slow down and take in the streets, views, and the port atmosphere at a human pace.
What’s Included On Board (And Why It Matters)
This tour packs a lot of convenience into the boat day. You are not just paying for motion, you are paying for the stuff that lets you actually enjoy the water.
Included items are:
- Snorkeling equipment
- A water tube
- A SUP board
- Bottled water
- Towels
- A bottle of wine for the group
- Fruits
This is exactly the kind of inclusion that improves real value. When snorkeling gear and a towable water toy are included, you do not lose time, and you do not spend vacation money on gear you barely use.
What I’d still plan to bring: swimwear, sunscreen, and anything personal you want for comfort. The tour gives you towels, but you still need your own basics.
Price and Value for a Group Up to 11
The price listed is $1,387.73 per group, up to 11 people. That can sound steep at first glance, but for a private speedboat day that hits multiple “wow” stops, you are really paying for the combination: boat time, private routing, and the onboard extras.
To judge value, I look at what you would otherwise pay:
- Separate transport options (ferries and transfers) would add up fast.
- Private time cuts crowd stress and gives you control over pacing.
- You get snorkel equipment, towels, SUP, plus a bottle of wine and fruits, which turns the day into a full experience rather than a bare transfer.
One more value detail: cave entrances are not included for Blue and Green caves. So treat the $1,387.73 as your main boat cost, then add cave ticket cost on top when you plan your budget.
If you are traveling as a couple, this is still doable, but it is best when you spread the cost across a small group of friends or family.
Skippers Matter: Marcel, Marsel, Toni, and Vinko
The strongest praise in the write-ups centers on the skipper. Names that come up: Marcel (professional, best skipper), Marsel (cool guy, funny and open-minded, and excellent driving), Toni (responsive and accommodating), and Vinko (linked to a pickup in Hvar in one account).
What that tells me is simple: this tour is not just a boat with a route. You are riding with someone who knows how to find the right feel of the day, keep it smooth even on moving water, and manage the stops so time actually gets used.
If you want the best experience, ask about your skipper by name when you book. The difference between a “works fine” day and a “hard to forget” day is often how that person handles the day minute by minute.
Who This Trip Fits Best
This works especially well if you:
- Want a peaceful private day on the water rather than a busy group excursion.
- Care about snorkeling and swimming at multiple stops.
- Like mixing famous sites with a calm break like Komiza.
- Travel in a group where splitting the group price feels reasonable.
The tour says most travelers can participate, but you should still think about your own comfort with boats. If you are sensitive to motion, you will want to plan with that in mind. And because caves and swims depend on weather, you should be flexible with expectations.
Should You Book This Blue Cave, Vis, and Hvar Speedboat Day?
I’d book it if you want one long, satisfying day that combines famous sights, real water time, and onboard convenience. The route is built around light in the caves, then it keeps giving you swim moments, plus a proper Hvar walk at the end.
The smart caution is about planning for cave tickets and weather dependence. Since Blue and Green cave tickets are separate, I would budget for them early so you do not hit the day surprised. And because the experience requires good weather, you should pick dates when you are comfortable with the idea that nature can change the schedule.
If that fits your style, this is a strong choice. It is the kind of day that feels like Croatia, not like you are rushing through it.
FAQ
How long is the private speedboat tour?
The duration is listed as approximately 10 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Is this tour private, and how many people can be in the group?
Yes, it is private. Only your group participates, with up to 11 people per group.
What is included in the price?
Included items are snorkeling equipment, a water tube, an SUP board, bottled water, towels, a bottle of wine, and fruits. Blue and Green cave admission tickets are not included.
Do I need tickets for the Blue Cave and Green Cave?
Yes. The Blue Cave admission ticket is noted as not included, and the Green Cave admission ticket is also noted as not included.
What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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