The Blue Caves, or Modra Špilja, are a natural marvel where light filters through an underwater opening, creating a shimmering blue glow. A Blue Cave tour pairs this spectacle with stops at Croatia’s island highlights: swim and snorkel in Budikovac’s Blue Lagoon, explore hidden coves on Vis, and soak up Hvar’s vibrant harbor with its seafood spots and boutique charm all in one memorable day.

Overview:

  • Best time of year: Mid-June through early September
  • Starting points: Tours from Split, Trogir, Podstrana and Dubrovnik
  • Key stops: Blue Cave at Biševo Island, Blue Lagoon, Vis Island, Budikovac Island, Pakleni Islands, Hvar Town on Hvar Island
  • Most popular tour: From Split: Full Day Tour to Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon & 5 Islands

Blue Cave tours boarding points

Islands you’ll explore on your Blue Cave tour

Things to know before booking your Blue Cave tours

  • Guided tours only: The Blue Cave can only be accessed as part of a licensed skipper-led tour. The journey from the mainland is long and can involve choppy seas, so going independently isn’t possible.
  • The classic tour: If you want the full experience, this is the most popular option. The full-day speedboat itinerary includes the Blue Cave on Biševo, plus must-see stops like Hvar, Budikovac, and the Pakleni Islands. Expect a mix of sightseeing, swim breaks, and snorkeling opportunities, a great choice if you want to cover the region’s biggest highlights in one day.
  • For a quick half-day tour: Opt for the Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour from Split. The tour is designed for travelers who can’t commit to a full day. In around 4-5 hours, it combines sightseeing with relaxation, including a swim at Krknjaši Bay (the Blue Lagoon) and a visit to charming Trogir, nicknamed the “Stone Beauty.”
  • Private tour thats exclusive & flexible: If you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends and want to avoid sharing your boat with strangers, a private tour is worth the premium. With a speedboat exclusively for you (up to 10 people), you can set your own pace, spend more time at the stops you love, and skip those you don’t.
  • Departure points: Tours depart from Split, Trogir, Podstrana, and Dubrovnik. Split has the widest choice of departures, Trogir is convenient if you’re staying near the airport or north of Split, and Podstrana is best for those in resorts south of Split. Dubrovnik departures, on the other hand, don’t go to Biševo’s Blue Cave, instead they visit a different, smaller Blue Cave near Koločep Island.
  • Boat types & cave entry: Most tours use modern, covered speedboats with padded seating for comfort on longer rides. Once you arrive at Biševo, you’ll transfer into a smaller wooden boat that can pass through the Blue Cave’s narrow entrance, the only way to enter and see its glowing blue interior.
  • Blue Cave entry fee: Access to the Blue Cave requires a separate entry ticket (around €12–24 per person, depending on the season), which is paid on-site in cash unless it’s already included in your tour.

Blue Cave tours explained

TourBoarding pointDurationStart timeInclusionsTransfers typeGroup sizeStarting from
Full day tour from Split

Split (Riva, near Diocletian’s Palace)

10 – 11.5 hrs

7:30am

Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, 5 Islands, Stiniva Bay, swim/snorkel gear, skipper/guide, bottled water, insurance

Speedboat

Small group (8–12)

€99
Private full day tour

Split (Trumbićeva obala) or Trogir (Obala bana Berislavića)

~10 hrs

7am from Trogir and 7.30am from Split

Private tour (up to 10 people), Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, 5 Islands, Stiniva Bay, swim/snorkel gear, skipper/guide, bottled water, insurance

Private speedboat

Private group up to 10

€1,300
Full day tour from Trogir

Trogir (with transfer to Split departure point)

~10 hrs

7:30am

Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, 5 Islands, Stiniva Bay, swim/snorkel gear, skipper/guide, bottled water, insurance

Speedboat

Small group (8–12)

€99
Full day tour from Podstrana

Podstrana (Marina Lav)

~11 hrs

7am

Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, 5 Islands, Stiniva Bay, swim/snorkel gear, skipper/guide, bottled water, insurance

Speedboat

Small group (~12)

€145
Shipwreck & Šolta with Lunch

Split (Gray Line Office)

9 hrs

9am

Blue Lagoon, Shipwreck, Šolta, swim/snorkel gear, skipper/guide, lunch, unlimited drinks, bottled water, insurance

Wooden boat cruise

Group tour

€55
3 Islands Speedboat Tour

Split (City Center)

4 hr 30 min

9.30am and 2.30pm

Blue Lagoon, 3 Islands, swim/snorkel gear, skipper/guide, bottled water, insurance

Speedboat

Group tour

€60
Skip the crowds, opt for a Blue Cave private tour

With a maximum of 10 guests, Blue Cave private tours offer a more personal experience. Starting from Split or Trogir, they take you across five islands covering highlights such as Komiža village, Stiniva Cove, and Srebrena Beach.

Fun fact: Many parts of the hit movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! were filmed on Vis Island, one of the stops on Blue Cave boat tours. The island's enchanting landscapes and crystal-clear waters perfectly capture the film's vibrant spirit. Walking through Vis, you might recognize some charming locations from the film, adding an extra layer of magic to your visit.

Blue Cave tours map

Blue Cave tour map showing stops at Hvar, Vis, and Biševo Islands in Croatia.

Blue Cave tour itinerary

  • 7am departure: Your adventure begins early with departures available from Split, Trogir, or Podstrana. Speedboats operated by licensed skippers take you across the Adriatic. The ride is fast and fun, and expert handling ensures a safe journey over open waters.
  • 9:30am at Blue Cave, Biševo Island: The ride to Biševo takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once there, you’ll transfer into a smaller wooden boat to enter the Blue Cave. Inside, you’ll spend about 10-15 minutes admiring the magical blue light- only a few boats are allowed at a time to preserve the cave’s serene atmosphere.
  • 11am at Vis Island (Stiniva Bay & Komiža): Continue to Vis Island, where you’ll stop near the entrance of Stiniva Bay, a secluded cove with high cliffs and a pebble beach. Some itineraries also include a short stop at the charming fishing town of Komiža, known from Mamma Mia! filming for lunch.
  • 12:30pm at Budikovac Island (Blue Lagoon): Next, head to Budikovac Island, where the turquoise Blue Lagoon offers shallow, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This is one of the most relaxing and photogenic parts of the tour.
  • 1:30pm at Pakleni Islands: Cruise through the Pakleni Islands, a chain of pine-covered islets dotted with coves, beach bars, and waterfront restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch or grab a drink by the sea.
  • 3:30pm at Hvar Island: Arrive in Hvar Town, one of Croatia’s most vibrant island towns. Stroll around St. Stephen’s Square, explore boutiques and cafés, or hike up to the fortress for stunning harbor views.
  • 6pm return: After a full day of island-hopping, your skipper takes you back to Split, Trogir, or Podstrana.

Plan your Blue Cave tour

Frequently asked questions about Blue Cave tours

The 5-Islands Blue Cave tour takes you on an island-hopping adventure across the Dalmatian Coast. You will start your journey from Bisevo, after which you will be taken to Vis Island, Hvar Town, Budikovac Blue Lagoon, and the Pakleni Islands. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing, all at once. The tour also includes an English-speaking captain and a licensed skipper to help you navigate the choppy waters.