Hvar: Private Blue Cave and Vis Speedboat Tour

Turquoise water, private boat, and secret caves.

This Hvar to Vis day trip mixes the big-name highlights with quieter coastlines, and you do it on a private 11-meter speedboat instead of a crowded group. I like how the route is built around Blue Cave time plus real swimming stops like Stiniva Bay and Budikovac Blue Lagoon. One thing to consider is that the tour is weather-dependent, and it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

The best part, though, is how the crew runs the day like it is for you and your group. In the recent feedback, guides like Captain Stepo/Stipe and Skipper Ivonna/Ivona come up again and again, especially for finding good swim and jump spots and keeping the vibe relaxed.

Finally, check what you are paying for. Lunch is not included, and Blue Cave tickets are extra, so you may want to budget for that on top of the tour price.

Key Points That Make This Tour Worth It

• Private speedboat for up to 12: more space on board, more control over timing, and fewer “watch everyone else” moments.
• Stiniva Bay swim time: you get to plan your own water breaks at a beach that was voted best in Europe in 2016.
• Snorkeling gear included: you can go straight from sun deck to water without hunting for equipment.
• Blue Cave plus lesser-known caves: you are not only doing postcards, you are also seeing quieter shoreline.
• Friendly English-speaking crew: the guides help shape your day and handle the details so you can focus on the water.
• Comfort features for the ride: a large sundeck and bathing platform make the day feel built for excursions.

Why the Blue Cave and Vis Combo Works So Well

Hvar is great, but it is also busy. This tour makes a smart move: it uses a private boat to get you away from the crowd and over to Vis, where the coast has a more laid-back feel. The itinerary is designed to hit multiple kinds of beauty in one day: dramatic cave color, easy beach access, and then calmer coves around the island.

What I like is the pacing logic. Instead of just “arrive, snap photos, leave,” you get time to swim and snorkel in the spots that earn their reputation. You also get a mix of famous and lesser-known places, so the day feels varied rather than repetitive.

The private part matters. With a group size up to 12, you are still social, but you are not squeezed. That changes how you experience cave stops and swim breaks, because your crew can help you organize your time without juggling 40 people.

Your 11-Meter Speedboat Setup, Plus Comfort on Real Water Time

This is an 8-hour tour on an 11-meter speedboat, and the boat design is clearly meant for day excursions. You get a large sundeck for sun time, plus a bathing platform so getting into the water is not a hassle.

That matters on a day like this because you will likely do multiple water moments:

• Blue Cave area time (and whatever the local cave process requires when you arrive)
• Swimming and snorkeling stops
• Jumps or quick re-entries if you want them, depending on conditions

Also included are bottled water, safety equipment, and snorkeling gear. Those are small items until you are out there and realize you are not managing extra logistics while everyone else is ready to get in the water.

Starting at Kabina Boats in Hvar Harbor

The meeting point is Kabina Boats, in the main port of Hvar harbor, next door to Hotel Adriana. The address is Obala, Fabrika 27, Hvar, Croatia.

Practical tip: arrive early enough to get your bearings in the harbor area. Once the crew meets you there, they guide you to the boat. In a port like this, it is easy to be a few minutes late just from getting oriented, and private tours run on a schedule so you do not waste daylight.

Blue Cave: The Main Event, With Ticket Reality

The headline stop is the Blue Cave. The plan is to see it as part of your private island-hopping route, and it is the kind of spot where you want your attention focused, not split between phones and traffic.

Two things you should know going in:

• Blue Cave tickets are not included in the price, so you’ll likely need to pay separately.
• The whole day is subject to weather, and that can change cave access and timing.

If you care about photography, the cave is exactly the kind of place where lighting matters. If the crew suggests timing or positioning, take it seriously. A good cave moment usually comes from being ready when you arrive, not from scrambling for the perfect shot after the fact.

Stiniva Bay: A Swim Stop Built for People Who Actually Swim

After the cave, you get to Stiniva Bay, a beach voted best in Europe in 2016. That is not just marketing. Stiniva is the sort of place where the water and the sheltered setting make swimming feel like a real activity, not a quick dip.

Because this is private, you can use your time the way you want:

• Longer swim if you are comfortable in open water
• Short swim plus snorkeling if you want to conserve energy
• Jumping or re-entering if the conditions feel right

One more thing I like about this tour format is flexibility. You are not forced into a rigid “one person per minute” flow. Your crew can help you choose where to get in and where it is easiest to enjoy the water.

Budikovac Blue Lagoon: Snorkeling Time That Fits the Day

Budikovac Blue Lagoon is another key stop, described as crystal waters, and it is included as a swimming and water time moment. With snorkeling gear provided, you can treat this as a proper snorkeling pause rather than just a scenic stop.

What makes this valuable is the combination of:

• Cold water refresh between sightseeing blocks
• A chance to look around underwater without extra rental costs
• Another color-filled location that gives you variety beyond caves

If you are worried about getting the most out of snorkeling, focus on comfort first. A relaxed pace usually leads to better sightings, and you’ll remember the day as enjoyable, not frantic.

Secret Caves on Vis: Where the Private Part Becomes the Point

The route also includes lesser-known areas, including secret caves on the southern shore of Vis. This is the section where a private boat actually changes the day.

On big group tours, the itinerary often feels like a checklist. Here, the crew can build in time so you are not constantly rushing from one stop to the next. That gives you a better chance to enjoy smaller coves, and it can lead to better water moments because you are not stuck with the first available entry time.

In the feedback, the guides are praised for going out of their way to find beautiful places to swim and jump in the water. That lines up with this “secret caves” idea. When you are on a private boat, you are not only going where the guidebook points, you are also going where it makes sense for your group.

Pakleni Islands: Finishing With Island Scenery and More Water Time

After exploring Vis, the tour moves on to the Pakleni Islands. This is a classic way to end a day because it keeps the scenery moving while still feeling calm and coastal.

Even if you only have limited energy left by then, the setting helps. You are still on a boat excursion, so you keep the feeling of travel, not “stuck on land.” And since the day already includes multiple swim stops, Pakleni becomes a natural continuation rather than an abrupt change.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $1,344 per group up to 12 people, for an 8-hour tour. At full capacity, that works out to roughly $112 per person. If you book for fewer people, the per-person cost rises, but you are still buying what matters most here: a private ride with your own schedule, plus guide help and included gear.

So what are you getting for the money?

• A powerful speedboat sized for comfort on excursion days
• A friendly English-speaking crew handling the routing and stop flow
• Fuel and bottled water included
• Snorkeling gear, plus safety equipment and insurance
• Time in the places people usually spend hours trying to reach from Hvar on their own

Is it expensive? Private tours usually are. But the math makes it more reasonable when you have a group. If you are traveling as a couple, it may still feel worth it if you care deeply about avoiding crowds and maximizing water time.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great fit for:

• Families and small groups up to 12 who want a shared day without losing flexibility
• People who want both cave sights and actual swimming, not just short photo stops
• Travelers who prefer having the boat and guide attention focused on them

It may not be a great fit for:

• Pregnant women and people with back problems, since the tour is listed as not suitable
• Anyone who gets anxious when weather changes plans, because conditions can affect operations and may lead to rescheduling or a refund option

If you like planning your own swim time and want the crew to help you find the best entry spots, this format is made for that.

Practical Tips to Get More Out of Your Day

A private day on the water runs smoother when you show up ready.

• Bring swimwear and plan for more than one water stop. With snorkeling gear included, your main job is getting your body comfortable with the water temps and rhythm.
• Pack a dry layer for moving around after swims. Even in good weather, the wind on a speedboat can cool you down quickly.
• Budget for Blue Cave tickets separately and consider lunch on your own. The tour includes water, but it does not include meals.
• If you care about photos, stay flexible with the crew’s suggestions. Short timing changes can make a huge difference around cave color and water lighting.

Should You Book This Private Blue Cave and Vis Speedboat Tour?

If you want a day that feels like an experience, not a route, I think this is an easy yes for the right group. The combination of Blue Cave, Stiniva Bay, Budikovac Blue Lagoon, secret caves, and the Pakleni Islands in one private day is exactly how you turn Vis from a name on a map into a place you actually remember.

I would book it if:

• You have a group of friends or family (up to 12) and can share the cost
• You care about swimming and snorkeling, not just sightseeing
• You want guides who actively help with swim spots and timing, like Captain Stepo/Stipe and Skipper Ivonna/Ivona are known for

I would think twice if:

• Your group includes someone who cannot do this type of boat day, especially based on the pregnancy and back-problem restriction
• You are traveling in a period where weather changes frequently, since the tour is weather-dependent

FAQ

How long is the private Hvar Blue Cave and Vis speedboat tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

How many people can be on this private tour?

It is a private group tour for up to 12 people.

Where do we meet the crew in Hvar?

The meeting point is Kabina Boats in the main port of Hvar harbor, next to Hotel Adriana. Address: Obala, Fabrika 27, Hvar, Croatia.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The live tour guide is English.

What is included in the price?

Included are the private boat, a friendly English-speaking crew, fuel, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment and insurance.

Are Blue Cave tickets included?

No. Blue Cave tickets are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour affected by weather?

Yes. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and if it is cancelled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.