Blue Cave day, then Hvar by speedboat. I love the small-group max 12 setup and the included snorkeling masks, so you get time for actual swims between islands. The trade-off is that Blue Cave entry is not included and, on bad-weather days, the cave can be closed so you may switch to other nearby stops.

You meet at Republic Square Prokurative at 7:00 am, which sounds early until you watch the Adriatic wake up. Many skippers, including Luka or Simon (names you’ll see in the reviews), share island stories while the boat keeps moving and a Bluetooth playlist sets the mood.

In one long run from morning to evening, you hop from Vis to Hvar with stops in Komiza, Stiniva Cove, and Budikovac. The pace is active, so if you get motion-sick or hate fast rides, plan smart and pack for wind and chop.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group experience (max 12) means less waiting and more elbow room at stops
• Blue Cave is not guaranteed and the entry ticket is not included, but your skipper may pivot to other caves
• Swim time is real with Budikovac and snorkeling masks included
• Komiza to Hvar town time gives you both quiet coves and a proper lunch break
• Start early from Prokurative to beat crowds at the first big sight
• Fast boat comfort and safety includes sunshade, safety vests, and insurance

Why this Split to Hvar speedboat day feels worth the cost

This tour works because it’s built for speed and access. Instead of spending your day watching ferries and schedules, you get a straight-line day of island hopping by boat, which is the only practical way to see Bisevo, Vis, the Pakleni islands, and Hvar in one go.

I also like that the trip doesn’t feel like you’re racing through everything. Between rides, you get real time to get off the boat, walk a town, and actually swim, especially at Budikovac where the sea turns that bright turquoise color you come for.

The other value piece is what’s included. You’re not only paying for driving, you’re also getting snorkeling masks, sunshade on board, safety vests, and insurance, which matters on an active day out on open water.

Timing and meeting point: the 7:00 am start from Prokurative

The tour starts at 7:00 am and meets at Republic Square, Prokurative, 21000 Split, Croatia. You’ll come back to the same meeting point at the end, so you don’t have to figure out transfers for a long day.

If you’re tempted to roll your eyes at an early start, don’t. Several reviews point out that getting to the Blue Cave early helps reduce the hassle of waiting around. It also means you’ll be riding the Adriatic before the day gets hot and busy.

Plan to dress for morning wind. Even in summer, the early boat ride can feel chilly and the breeze stays consistent while you’re moving.

Boat comfort, safety vests, and what to expect on choppy water

This is a speedboat day, so expect the ride to feel fast. The boat type and model can vary depending on weather and passenger count, but the essentials are covered: safety vests and insurance are included, along with a sunshade.

Bluetooth music is on board, and more than one skipper name shows up in reviews, like Luka, Viktor, Simon, and Tomas. The common thread is that the skipper also acts like a guide, sharing stories and pointing out what to look for as you cruise.

One practical caution: some reviewers mention the ride can be rocky and that it is not for people who hate speed. You don’t have to panic, but you should treat motion as a real possibility. If you know you get seasick, consider bringing a motion sickness remedy that works for you.

Stop 1: Blue Cave on Bisevo, where sunlight does the work

Your first big moment is Bisevo’s Blue Cave. You’ll ride for about 90 minutes before arriving, and then you get to listen to the guide’s story about how the sunlight reflects off the sea bottom into the cave.

The key detail to know is simple: Blue Cave entry ticket is not included. If the cave is open, you’ll pay that extra. If it’s closed due to weather, your skipper may substitute other caves and swim spots so the day stays special.

That adaptability is one of the most praised parts of this tour. Reviews mention captains staying positive and delivering other spectacular cave options when the Blue Cave couldn’t be visited. So while you should still hope for the classic blue glow, don’t bet your whole day on one single entrance.

Stop 2: Komiza on Vis for breakfast coffee and that Mamma Mia filming vibe

Next is Komiza, a fishing town on the island of Vis. You get about 1 hour 15 minutes, which is enough time to grab coffee or breakfast and walk a few streets without feeling rushed.

Komiza is also known as a Mamma Mia filming village, and that pop-culture link is part of why the town feels instantly recognizable once you’re there. It’s a good contrast after cave time, because you’re back in human-scale life: harbors, locals, and the slower rhythm of a working coastline.

Use Komiza time for the basics you’ll want later. Eat something light, refill water if you need it, and use the break to reset before the next series of scenic stops.

Stop 3: Stiniva Cove, a quick stop for that postcard perspective

Your next shore break is Stiniva Cove. The time here is short, about 15 minutes, but it’s a highly photogenic moment with unique scenery.

Stiniva Cove is noted as being voted the best European beach in 2016. In practice, that matters because the cove form creates dramatic views from multiple angles, and a speedboat approach gives you a good panoramic view without needing a long hike.

Since it’s brief, treat this like a camera and legs stop. Get your photos fast, take a few minutes to look at the water color and cliffs from where you’re positioned, and then be ready to hop right back on.

Stop 4: Budikovac Blue Lagoon swim, white pebbles and turquoise water

Then comes one of the most “yes, I came for this” stops: Budikovac Island, often called the Blue Lagoon. You’ll get about 1 hour 15 minutes here, and the description focuses on a longer swim on a white pebble beach with turquoise sea color.

This is where the included snorkeling masks can matter. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy the surface swim and the look of the water, and if snorkeling is your thing, you’ll be glad the masks are already there.

Also, this is the time to pace yourself. You’ve got swimming time now, not just viewing time, so plan a relaxed effort: rinse, take a breath, and then enjoy the ride back toward Hvar.

Pakleni islands panorama: the ride that makes Hvar feel close

On your way to Hvar, you’ll cruise past the Pakleni islands and enjoy panoramic views from the boat. You don’t get a long landing here, but you get what many people want from a boat day: seeing how the islands scatter across the Adriatic, with coves and small communities you can’t easily reach by land.

This segment often feels like the glue of the itinerary. It bridges the quieter Vis stops with the more lively Hvar town arrival.

Stop 5: Hvar town, harbor views, lunch time, and easy roaming

When you finally reach Hvar Island, you’ll arrive in town Hvar for about 2 hours 30 minutes. This is your main on-shore time for food and walking, and it’s also the part of the day where the tour becomes more than just sea time.

Hvar town is described as having one of the most beautiful harbors in the world and being the nautical center of the Adriatic. What you’ll feel on arrival is the change in atmosphere: more architecture to look at, more places to sit, and more energy near the waterfront.

You’ll also have time for lunch, plus a chance to explore for a bit. Reviews often mention good recommendations from the skipper, and that’s useful here because Hvar has plenty of options and you don’t want to waste time guessing.

What you’re paying for: $94.37 and the real value math

At $94.37 per person, you’re paying for speed, access, and the structured route that links multiple islands in a single day. Ferries can be great, but they don’t easily produce the same “see caves, swim, then land in town” mix without burning hours.

Here’s what’s included that helps justify the price:

• Snorkeling masks
• Driver or guide and a music setup via Bluetooth
• Sunshade on board
• Safety vests and insurance

The big thing not included is Blue Cave entry ticket if it’s open. That matters because it can change your final cost slightly, and it’s also the one component tied to weather.

In other words, you’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re buying a plan that tries to hit the iconic sights while still leaving you time to enjoy the islands instead of only sightseeing.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This is a great fit if you want a big day with a strong mix:

• cave time and sea views
• island towns
• at least one solid swim stop
• a proper lunch and roaming in Hvar

It also suits you if you like having a guide who calls out what you’re seeing. Multiple reviews mention guides and captains sharing history, local context, and even marine life spotting, which makes the boat ride feel more purposeful.

Think twice if you’re sensitive to motion, because speedboats can feel rough in waves. One review even suggests it’s not for faint hearts. Also, if you need the Blue Cave to be open no matter what, be aware that weather can close it and the ticket is not included.

What to pack for an early start, sun, and swim time

Pack for comfort in layers. The morning ride can be cold and windy, and you’ll be much happier with a wind jacket than with just a light T-shirt.

Bring:

• swimsuit
• towel
• sun block
• a wind jacket to stay warm early in the day

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing your preferred solution. One reviewer specifically said a motion sickness patch helped them handle the fast rides.

And don’t forget the simple stuff: a dry change of clothes for later and anything you need for sun protection while you’re in and out of the water.

If the Blue Cave is closed, here’s what usually happens

Weather can shut down cave visits. Reviews mention that on some days the Blue Cave was closed, but the captain still made the day work with other caves and swim options that were just as spectacular.

Sometimes those alternatives include other named caves, like the Green Cave, and sometimes the substitutions are described more generally as private caves for swimming. The consistent message is that the skipper doesn’t just turn the day into a waiting game.

So yes, you should hope for Blue Cave light. But you should also feel confident that the tour is designed to keep you moving and keep the scenery coming.

Should you book this 5 islands speedboat tour from Split?

Book it if you want one day that covers the icons: Blue Cave area on Bisevo, Vis with Komiza and Stiniva, a real swim at Budikovac, and Hvar town time. The small-group limit helps make the day feel personal, and the included snorkeling masks plus the sunshade and safety gear make it easier to show up with less hassle.

Skip it or look for a calmer alternative if you strongly dislike speedboat rides, know you get sick easily on open water, or you’re traveling with the kind of schedule where an early start at 7:00 am is a problem.

Given the high ratings and the repeated praise for both navigation skill and trip flexibility, this is one of the better ways to turn a day in Split into a full island-hopping story.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the Blue Cave and Hvar 5 islands tour?

You meet at Republic Square, Prokurative, 21000 Split, Croatia. The activity also ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 10 to 11 hours.

Is the Blue Cave entry ticket included?

No. Blue Cave entry ticket is not included, and admission may depend on whether the cave is open.

What’s included for swimming and comfort?

Snorkeling masks are included, along with a Bluetooth music setup, sunshade, driver or guide support, safety vests, and insurance.

What should I bring?

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sun block oil, and a wind jacket that will keep you warm early in the morning.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.