Just a short ride away from the Blue Cave, the Green Cave is another unique stop that’s just as memorable. Located on the islet of Ravnik, it’s known for the surreal green glow that lights up the water when sunlight pours through a hole in the cave’s ceiling.
The Green Cave can be accessed by private speedboat, ferry, or for the adventurous, even by kayak from Vis Island’s southern shores. For a hassle-free experience, join a half-day or full-day cruise that also includes the Blue Cave, nearby sites, and exciting add-ons.
Set into the cliffs of Ravnik Island, just off the coast of Vis, this sea cave is famous for the striking emerald glow that fills its waters. The magic happens when a beam of sunlight streams through a hole in the cave’s ceiling and bounces off the sandy seafloor.
While the nearby Blue Cave tends to draw the crowds, the Green Cave offers a calmer, more intimate atmosphere. It’s bigger than the Blue Cave and the best part is you can swim right into the cave, surrounded by the shimmering green light and the soft echoes of water against stone.
The Green Cave is often included as a short stop on tours heading to the Blue Cave, making it an easy and enriching add-on. It’s part of the UNESCO-protected Vis Archipelago Geopark, making it a site of exceptional geological and aesthetic importance.
Unlike other sea caves with narrow entrances, this one has a wide, arching mouth that lets in both boats and swimmers. As you paddle in, the water suddenly feels cooler, quieter. The stone ceiling rises above you like the dome of a natural cathedral, echoing the faint sound of waves and dripping water.
The striking green glow of the Blue Cave isn’t an illusion, it’s a natural phenomenon caused by sunlight entering through an underwater opening and reflecting off the white limestone seabed. This filtered light mixes with the sea’s natural tones, creating an emerald shimmer that seems to light the cave from below.
The Green Cave is set into the rugged coastline of Ravnik Island, a place that still feels wild and untouched. The cliffs around the entrance are rough and dramatic, dotted with patches of scrub and limestone ledges where seabirds perch. There are no docks, no crowds, no buildings—just raw rock, open sky, and the turquoise sea stretching out in every direction.
The best time to visit the Green Cave is between late May and early October, when the Adriatic offers reliably warm weather, calm seas, and the clearest underwater visibility. If your goal is to see the cave’s signature emerald glow, plan your visit between 11am and 2pm. That’s when the sun is high enough in the sky to shine directly through the natural hole in the cave’s ceiling and illuminate the water below. This light effect is entirely dependent on direct sunlight, so clear skies are key.
Tides in this part of the Adriatic don’t vary dramatically, so you can swim or boat into the cave comfortably throughout the day. However, morning tours tend to offer calmer sea conditions, especially in the peak summer months when afternoon winds can pick up. For fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience, early June and late September strike the perfect balance: the weather is still ideal, but the main tourist rush has either not yet begun or just passed.
Yes, it’s generally safe, but always stay within the designated swim areas. The cave’s interior can be slippery, and lighting conditions shift quickly. Follow your guide’s instructions closely, especially when entering from the water.
You can join a boat tour from Vis or Komiža, with trips typically taking 20–30 minutes. These tours often include other stops like Blue Cave or Stiniva Cove, making Green Cave a seamless part of a half- or full-day excursion.
Absolutely. Many local operators offer combo tours that include both caves, along with time for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing around the Vis archipelago. These are perfect for day-trippers from Split or Hvar.
Yes but with some precautions. The waters are usually calm and boats can enter the cave directly, but it’s still essential to supervise children closely, especially if they plan to swim inside.
Plan your visit between May and September for the warmest weather and best water clarity. This is when the cave’s green light phenomenon is most striking, and sea conditions are ideal for swimming or boating.
You don’t need a special permit if you’re visiting on a guided tour, but some boat operators include a small entrance fee in the ticket price.
Yes, smaller tour boats can enter the cave directly, especially during calm sea conditions. If your boat doesn’t go in, you’ll likely have a chance to swim in while the boat anchors just outside.
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