Carved into the cliffs of Biševo Island, the Blue Cave is one of Croatia’s most celebrated natural wonders. Sunlight filters through an underwater opening, reflecting off the limestone seabed and turning the water an electric blue. The glow lasts only a short time, so choosing the right tour and visiting around mid-morning is key. Most travelers arrive by speedboat from Split, Hvar, or Trogir, often as part of a multi-island day trip.
Set out from Split and discover five islands in one day. Cruise on a comfortable speedboat with just 8–12 guests, visiting the Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon, and more.
The Blue Cave is located on Biševo Island and can only be reached by sea. The most popular routes are via boat tours departing from nearby coastal towns.
Note: There’s no public ferry directly to the Blue Caves. Even if you take a ferry to Vis or Biševo, you’ll still need to join an official boat tour for entry into the cave itself, as access is limited and regulated by small boats that fit into the narrow cave entrance.
A full-day Blue Cave tour will take you across five Adriatic islands of Biševo, Vis, Hvar, Budikovac, and the Pakleni Islands. You'll get enough time to swim and snorkel in Budikovac’s Blue Lagoon, explore Stiniva Cove, stroll Hvar’s lively promenade, and unwind in Pakleni’s hidden bays.
A picturesque fishing village on Vis Island, famed for its stone houses, narrow lanes, and waterfront cafés. It’s also known as a filming location for the popular movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Remember the scene where the crew arrives at a port? That was here.
A striking sea cave on Ravnik Island, where sunlight beams through an opening in the ceiling and illuminates the water in greenish tones. Unlike the Blue Cave, you can swim inside the cave, making it a refreshing stop for snorkelling and photos.
A white-pebble beach on Vis Island, famous for its wide shoreline and crystal-clear waters framed by pine trees.
A narrow sea entrance opening into a hidden pebble beach, surrounded by dramatic cliffs on Vis Island. This secluded gem is best reached by boat and is a highlight for swimming and snorkeling in turquoise waters.
No, you can’t access the Blue Cave independently. Entry is only allowed via small, licensed boats operated from Biševo Island, which are part of organized tours.
No, there isn’t a direct ferry. You can take a ferry to Vis Island or Hvar, but from there, you must join a speedboat tour to reach the Blue Cave.
Visitors typically spend around 10 to 15 minutes inside. The experience is brief but unforgettable, thanks to the unique blue glow created by sunlight beneath the water.
Yes, tours may be canceled if sea conditions are rough. Policies vary by provider, but most offer refunds or the option to reschedule.
Generally yes, but speedboat rides can be bumpy. It’s best to check with the operator and choose calmer weather days if traveling with young children or elderly guests.
Midday between 11am and 1pm is ideal for seeing the cave’s blue light effect at its brightest. Morning tours usually time their arrival for this window.
Not always. Many tours exclude the €12–€24 Blue Cave entry fee, which must be paid in cash upon arrival at Biševo. Always check what's included before booking.
Meet your skipper and group on Split’s Riva promenade near Diocletian’s Palace. Board a spacious, sun-covered speedboat and head out across the Adriatic. First stop is Biševo Island for the Blue Cave where the water glows with its surreal electric-blue light.
Continue to Vis Island and the dramatic cliffs of Stiniva Cove, a perfect spot for a swim. Then move on to Budikovac Island, home to the Blue Lagoon, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
Pause for a relaxed lunch (not included) at Palmižana Bay on the Pakleni Islands, surrounded by fragrant pines and turquoise water. Afterward, cruise on to Hvar Town to explore its historic streets, Venetian architecture, and lively waterfront.
Address: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 5, 21000, Split, Croatia
From Split: ~1.5–2 hr by speedboat
From Trogir/Podstrana: Similar travel time with coastal departures
Access: Only reachable by sea. You'll be boarding another smaller boat to enter the Blue Cave
Recommended tour: From Split: Full Day Tour to Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon & 5 Islands
Split is the most popular starting point for Blue Cave tours.
If you’re staying on Hvar Island, you’re already halfway there.
Komiža is the closest access point to the Blue Caves.
If you're in Vis Town, getting to the Blue Cave involves a short drive and boat combo.
Book your private tours now
Your Blue Cave visit begins with a speedboat ride from your departure point most often Split, Hvar, or Komiža. These are modern, open-top boats designed for fast travel across the Adriatic. The ride can take anywhere from 15 minutes (from Komiža) to up to 2 hours (from Split), depending on where you start. Sea conditions vary. On calm days it’s smooth sailing, but choppier waters are common, especially early or late in the season.
Once you arrive at Mezoporat Bay on Biševo Island, you’ll hop off your speedboat and wait for a smaller motorboat operated by the official concession. These are the only boats allowed into the cave, as the entrance is very narrow. You’ll queue for a few minutes, then board one of these compact vessels with your group.
The Blue Cave visit lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. As your small boat enters, sunlight filters through an underwater opening, lighting up the water in a glowing blue. It’s quiet and surreal but know that swimming isn’t allowed inside.
From Split: Full Day Tour to Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon & 5 Islands
From Trogir: Full Day Tour to Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon & 5 Islands
From Podstrana: Full Day Tour to Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon & 5 Islands
#Private Tour from Split/Trogir (Upto 10 people): Full Day Tour to Blue Cave, Blue Lagoon & 5 Islands