A Genuine Look at the 2025 Blue Cave and 5 Islands Tour

Is the Blue Cave and 5 Islands Tour Right for You?

So, you are probably scrolling through pictures of Croatia, and that, like, crazy clear turquoise water is definitely calling your name, right? It’s almost impossible to ignore. A very common way people choose to see the best of the Dalmatian islands is on one of these big day trips by speedboat, and you know, the ‘Blue Cave and 5 Islands Tour’ is pretty much the most famous one out of Split or Trogir. It is basically a full-day adventure packed with sun, some unbelievable swimming spots, and a little bit of town exploring too. It’s actually a very long day, typically around 10 to 12 hours, on a speedboat with a small group of other travelers. You sort of have to be okay with that fast-paced style, moving from one amazing place to the next. Anyway, if you want to see a lot in a single day, this trip is very much designed for that.

First Stop: The Magical Blue Cave (Biševo Island)

Frankly, the Blue Cave on Biševo island is the headliner, you know, the main reason a lot of people book this. The boat ride out there is an experience in itself, just cutting through the open Adriatic sea; it gets a bit windy, so hold onto your hat, really. Once you arrive, you typically transfer to a smaller wooden boat because the entrance to the cave is just incredibly tiny. The whole process can sometimes involve a bit of a wait, especially in the busy season, so just be prepared to relax for a little while. At the end of the day, it’s absolutely worth it. You have to duck your head as you go in, and then, you know, the cave itself is filled with this unearthly, silvery-blue light that seems to come up from the seafloor. It’s not a huge space, but the effect of the light is seriously something you will not forget. You’re only in there for a few minutes, sort of gliding around, but it is a really stunning moment.

Next Up: Stunning Stiniva Cove and the Blue Lagoon

After the Blue Cave, the speedboat tour typically whisks you away to some spots that are, like, made for a postcard. One of those is Stiniva Cove on the island of Vis, which is just an incredible sight. You’re basically floating in a boat looking at this perfect little pebble beach that is framed by two gigantic cliffs that nearly touch, leaving just a narrow opening to the sea. Actually, because it’s a protected area, most boats can’t go all the way in, so it’s usually a swim-through-the-gap kind of stop, or you just admire it from the boat. It is very beautiful either way. Next, you will probably head to a place like the Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island. It is more or less a shallow, sandy-bottomed bay where the water is unbelievably clear and calm. It’s a bit like swimming in a giant natural pool, and honestly, this is where you get to just jump off the boat and enjoy a really good swim or snorkel. The water is often a slightly warmer temperature here too.

Free Time in Hvar Town: What to Do

Hvar Town is kind of a change of scene from all the quiet coves and swimming spots. It is a bit more glamorous and has this really great energy about it, you know? The tour gives you some free time here, usually an hour or two, to just do your own thing. To be honest, there is a lot you can fit in. You can wander through the shiny, marble-paved streets, which are filled with little shops and galleries. A very popular thing to do is make the climb up the hill to the Španjola Fortress, or as the locals call it, the Fortica. The walk up is a little bit of an effort, with some steps and a winding path, but the view from the top over the town and the islands beyond is just fantastic, seriously. Or, if you would rather just relax, you could find a nice café in the main square, which is one of the most handsome in all of Croatia, and just watch the world go by. It’s a really nice place for a quick lunch or a refreshing drink.

A Refreshing Swim at the Pakleni Islands

So, just before you begin the long boat ride back to Split or Trogir, there is often one last stop for a swim. This is usually at the Pakleni Islands, a beautiful chain of little, tree-covered islets right off the coast of Hvar Town. Unlike the open sea, the bays here are very sheltered and peaceful. It is sort of the perfect spot to wash off the salt from the day and just have one final, refreshing dip in that amazing Adriatic water. The atmosphere here is typically very laid back. Your boat will probably drop anchor in a quiet bay where you can jump in, float around, and just take in the scenery. By the way, this stop feels like a very natural end to the island-hopping part of the day before the powerful boat speeds you back to the mainland as the afternoon sun starts to get a little lower in the sky.

What to Pack for Your Day at Sea

Okay, so let’s chat about what you should actually put in your bag for this trip. To be honest, being prepared makes the whole day a lot more comfortable. It is basically a long day on an open boat, so you are very exposed to the elements. You really want to make sure you have everything you need, and you might not be able to buy things along the way.

Swimsuit and Towel: This is a no-brainer, right? You will likely be wearing your swimsuit under your clothes to start the day. A quick-dry towel is a really good idea.
Sun Protection: I mean, this is a big one. You need high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat that won’t fly off on the boat, and some decent sunglasses. The sun reflecting off the water is actually very strong.
Change of Clothes: It’s always nice to have something dry and comfortable to change into for the trip back, you know? Just a simple t-shirt and shorts will do.
Windbreaker or Light Jacket: Even on a hot day, the speedboat ride can get surprisingly chilly, especially in the morning or on the way home. A lightweight jacket is something you’ll be glad you have.
Cash: So, the entrance fee for the Blue Cave is often not included in the tour price. You will also need cash for lunch in Hvar and any drinks or snacks you might want.
Water and Snacks: While some tours offer water, it is always smart to bring your own big bottle. A few snacks are good to have too, as lunch can be quite late in the day.
Waterproof Bag: Not a must, but a dry bag for your phone, camera, and wallet is really handy to protect them from any spray from the sea.

“At the end of the day, this tour is an amazing sampler of the Croatian islands. It’s fast, it’s fun, and you get to see places of just incredible natural beauty all in one go.”

This is a very full-on, long day trip, often lasting 10+ hours.
The speedboat ride can be bumpy and windy; it is an adventure, not a lazy cruise.
The Blue Cave entrance fee is almost always an extra cost you pay on the spot.
You will get plenty of time for swimming in some absolutely stunning locations.
The trip perfectly balances natural wonders with the charm and history of Hvar Town.

Read our full review: [Blue Cave and Hvar Tour – 5 Islands Tour from Split and Trogir Full Review and Details]
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