REVIEW · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Private custom Blue & Green Cave tour with yacht from Hvar town
Book on Viator →Operated by Big Blue tours, Tours Hvar · Bookable on Viator
That narrow opening to Stiniva sets the tone. This private yacht day off Hvar lines up Blue Cave–area scenery and swim-friendly bays with a skipper who can steer the day toward your pace. The two biggest wins are the relaxed, uncrowded boat time and the way you can build your own priorities instead of following a rigid crowd schedule. One thing to think about: parts of the cave experience rely on conditions, so if the sea or weather turns rough, timing and cave access can change.
I also like that you’re not just “there to see caves.” You’ll spend meaningful chunks of time at Stiniva Cove, Budikovac Island, and the Pakleni Islands, where the real point is often slow swimming, shade breaks, and simple sun time. A small consideration for planning: some cave-related admissions are not included, so budget a bit extra if you’re aiming to do everything inside the caves.
In This Review
- Key things that make this yacht day worth it
- Private yacht off Hvar: what you gain (and what you give up)
- Timing and meeting point: how to set yourself up for an easy start
- Stop-by-stop: Stiniva Cove and Budikovac Island for swim-first moments
- Stiniva Cove: drama, then quiet water
- Budikovac Island: the calm, far-from-noise vibe
- Green Cave and the Blue Cave area: planning for light, timing, and rowboat access
- Green Cave: the light beams effect
- Cave Bisevo and the Blue Cave: famous access, small boats
- Pakleni Islands and Palmižana Bay: beaches, views, and longer boat time
- On-board comfort: WiFi, sundecks, and how to make the day feel easy
- Price and value: when $2,028.71 per group really works
- Weather dependence: how to protect your day (without getting stressed)
- Who this tour suits best on Hvar (and who should pick something else)
- Should you book this Blue and Green Cave yacht tour?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the tour?
- How big is the group for this private tour?
- Where do we meet in Hvar?
- What stops are included in the itinerary?
- Are cave admissions included?
- Is WiFi included on the yacht?
- What time does the tour start?
- What should I wear?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Are children and service animals allowed?
Key things that make this yacht day worth it

- Private boat flexibility: You get a personal skipper and the ability to shape the stops around your interests.
- Cave-light focus: Green Cave is known for small ceiling cracks that throw beams of light into the sea.
- Blue Cave access method: Cave Bisevo’s best-known Blue Cave spot is reached by small rowboat (not directly from the yacht).
- Real beach time: Stiniva Cove (pebble beach) and Budikovac Island (pebble beach + turquoise lagoon for swimming) give you time to actually enjoy the water.
- On-board basics covered: light refreshments, sundecks, and WiFi are included so you’re not “dry docking” between stops.
- Hands-on local guidance: the crew is described as helpful and knowledgeable, and the owner is noted as hospitable.
Private yacht off Hvar: what you gain (and what you give up)

This is one of those Hvar experiences where the value is less about ticking off landmarks and more about getting the timing right. A private group boat means you’re not stuck in a long queue, and it’s easier for your skipper to position you for calmer water and better moments for swimming. You also don’t have to rush from one photo spot to the next, because the itinerary already includes real stretches of time at beaches and bays.
The other thing I like is the mix: caves plus islands plus beach coves. Green Cave and the Blue Cave area are spectacular for their lighting and scale, but the day doesn’t revolve only around paying cave entrances and waiting. You’ll also get Stiniva Cove’s dramatic, narrow entrance and Budikovac Island’s quiet lagoon feel—so you can balance “wow” with actual relaxation.
What you give up is the simplicity of a fixed route that runs regardless of conditions. This trip works best on good weather, and some cave admissions aren’t included, so you’ll be making small on-the-day decisions.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Hvar
Timing and meeting point: how to set yourself up for an easy start

The day is built for an approximately 8-hour outing. You’ll start from the Port of Hvar area and return late afternoon, around 6:30 pm. The meeting point is listed as Kroz Burak 12, behind the main promenade or in front of the hotel Riva (BB Club), with the meeting time shown around 10:15 am, and a start time also listed as 11:00 am—either way, the safest move is to arrive early and avoid being rushed.
Dress code is smart casual, and it’s a yacht day, so plan for a few hours of sun plus at least one or two swims. Mobile ticket included means you won’t be scrambling for paperwork at the dock.
If you’re traveling as a family, children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed. And while the activity says most travelers can participate, it’s also a boat-and-water day—so if you’re prone to motion sickness, pack what you need before you leave shore.
Stop-by-stop: Stiniva Cove and Budikovac Island for swim-first moments

Stiniva Cove: drama, then quiet water
Stiniva Cove is on the south side and it’s famous for a very narrow entrance before the cove opens wider into about a 30-meter pebble beach. The rocks are tall—around 35 meters—and that tight geography is exactly why the cove feels like a protected pocket.
For your day, this stop is valuable because it’s not just a “look from the boat” moment. You get around 1 hour on land and water (with an admission ticket included), and that hour is where you can do the most relaxing thing: get in the water, cool off, then step into the pocket of calmer conditions that cove geography creates.
A practical note: pebble beaches are great, but they’re not the same as soft sand. If you hate pebble pressure underfoot, consider water shoes before you go.
Budikovac Island: the calm, far-from-noise vibe
Budikovac Island is tiny and positioned on the south-eastern side of Vis. The pitch is straightforward: far from noise, ideal for real relaxation. What you’re after here is the combination of a pebble beach and a turquoise lagoon for swimming. You get about 2 hours, with admission included.
This stop is a smart “reset” after the more dramatic landscapes. Stiniva gives you the postcard entrance-and-walls feeling; Budikovac gives you the slower pace. If you want time to swim without constant boat-hopping, this is the part of the day where the itinerary supports that.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Hvar
Green Cave and the Blue Cave area: planning for light, timing, and rowboat access

Green Cave: the light beams effect
The Green Cave stop is about 1 hour, and admission is not included. It’s known for small ceiling cracks that let in beams of light, leaving a trace across the sea inside. The cave is described as spacious, with a depth that varies around 3 to 5 meters.
This is one of those stops where you’ll want to be mentally prepared for what caves do best: atmosphere, reflections, and light patterns—not “wide open views.” Your skipper’s timing matters here. If you arrive when conditions are good, that beam effect is easier to appreciate. If not, you’ll still see the cave structure, but the magic may be softer.
Because admission isn’t included, it’s worth deciding ahead of time if you’re the type who wants to do the cave experience fully. If you love underwater-meets-rock formations and color changes, plan to pay. If you’re more of a “swim and scenery” person, you might weigh the cost vs. time.
Cave Bisevo and the Blue Cave: famous access, small boats
This portion is labeled as Cave Bisevo, with the “best known” attraction described as the Blue Cave in Baluni cove. The key detail: the cave is accessible only by a small rowboat, via local fishermen’s knowledge of the cave area.
Admission is not included here either. Expect a different pace than the other stops: you’ll be transferring from yacht to smaller boats and then moving through the cave experience. That rowboat method is part of the charm, but it also means you should dress for easy re-boarding and water splash—nothing overly delicate.
The Blue Cave is famous for color and light, so it’s the kind of moment you’ll remember even if you only get a brief look inside. Just remember: it’s not a “walk-in-anytime” museum. Conditions and access rules affect what you experience.
Pakleni Islands and Palmižana Bay: beaches, views, and longer boat time

After the caves, the itinerary shifts to a more open-air cruising mood. You’ll head to the Pakleni Islands, described as the Hell islands, with a boat ride that focuses on sea views. This segment lasts about 3 hours, and admission is included.
This is where the boat itself becomes the attraction. Think of it as your “stretch” section: time to sit on the sundeck, take in coastlines, and then get to a beach setup in Palmižana Bay, specifically noted with a sand-and-pebble beach in the Vinogradisce cove area. The itinerary also hints at top-class gourmet restaurants in the area, though the tour is mainly oriented around the day’s boat-and-swim rhythm.
What makes this stop valuable is the balance. You’re already doing cave experiences with transfers, entrances, and light-dependent moments. Pakleni gives you a chance to be practical: eat what you brought or what you can grab nearby (depending on what’s available on the day), swim when you want, and let the boat do the movement.
On-board comfort: WiFi, sundecks, and how to make the day feel easy

This trip includes light refreshments, sundecks, and WiFi on board. That may not sound like a “main attraction,” but in practice it helps a lot. When the day is around 8 hours, being able to check messages, map your next stop, or just keep your phone battery from dying changes your stress level—especially if you’re traveling with kids or a multi-generational group.
Sundecks matter too. On a private yacht, you’ll choose where you sit: shaded spots if the sun gets intense, or open seating if you’re chasing views. And because it’s private, you can often spread out rather than being shoulder-to-shoulder.
Also, with a personal skipper, you’re not left to figure everything out yourself. The skipper’s job here is partly safety and partly interpretation—sharing insight into the natural scenery. That turns “stopping at a cove” into “understanding why it looks like that.”
Price and value: when $2,028.71 per group really works

The price is listed as $2,028.71 per group (up to 12). That’s not “cheap” by any normal standard, but it can be good value depending on how you travel.
Here’s the practical way to think about it:
- If you’re a small group of friends or a family cluster, the cost is easier to justify because the boat is private.
- If you’d otherwise do multiple public or semi-private tickets (plus the time lost to crowds and rigid schedules), private often wins.
- Cave admissions aren’t fully included (Green Cave and Cave Bisevo/Blue Cave area are noted as not included), so your total day cost may go up a bit depending on how many of you want to enter.
The itinerary also includes certain admissions (Port of Hvar stop, Stiniva Cove, Budikovac Island, and the Pakleni Islands segment). So the spending isn’t one big “everything costs extra” situation.
The value here is also time value. You’re getting a structured day—multiple major stops—yet still keeping the private advantage. That’s often what you’re really paying for.
One more planning point: the tour is commonly booked about 82 days in advance. If you have a specific week in mind, don’t wait for “someday.” Yacht availability and cave-day timing tend to be the first things to go.
Weather dependence: how to protect your day (without getting stressed)

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s reassuring, but it also means you should think of the plan as conditional.
Cave trips are especially sensitive. Even when caves are accessible, the “look” depends on light and sea conditions. This is where your skipper helps—because a good operator can adjust how the day feels even when the sea is doing its own thing.
My best advice: travel with a calm mindset. If the day is good, you’ll get the full effect—light beams in Green Cave and the rowboat-access Blue Cave experience. If not, the refund or date change protects you, and you’ll still be able to plan around Hvar with other options.
Who this tour suits best on Hvar (and who should pick something else)
This is ideal if you want:
- A private boat off Hvar with a skipper who can explain what you’re seeing
- A mix of caves plus proper swimming time
- A day designed around your group’s pace (not a mass schedule)
- On-board comfort like WiFi and sundecks, not just “transport”
You might not love it as much if:
- Your idea of the perfect day is purely land-based walking (this is a boat-and-water itinerary)
- You hate pebble beaches and don’t want to deal with water shoes
- You want a low total cost and minimal extras—because some cave admissions aren’t included
If you’re coming for scenery, sun, and that special “we found a quiet corner of the Adriatic” feeling, this fits well.
Should you book this Blue and Green Cave yacht tour?
If your priority is a private, longer day with real beach time and two cave experiences in the Blue/Green cave area, I’d say it’s a strong pick. The private format gives you calmer pacing, the itinerary builds in relaxation, and the included touchpoints (like WiFi and sundecks) make the day feel smoother.
One extra reason to feel confident: the company and crew are described as helpful and knowledgeable, and the owner is mentioned as especially hospitable. That matters on a boat day—because when small problems come up (timing, transfers, weather shifts), it’s nice to know your operator handles it with care.
Just go in with eyes open about two things: weather dependence and cave admissions that aren’t included. If you can handle that, you’ll get a day that feels both scenic and genuinely enjoyable, not rushed.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the tour?
It runs for about 8 hours (approx.), with return to Hvar late afternoon around 6:30 pm.
How big is the group for this private tour?
It’s a private tour, with up to 12 people per group.
Where do we meet in Hvar?
The meeting point is at the Port of Hvar area on Kroz Burak 12, behind the main promenade or in front of the hotel Riva (BB Club). The meeting time is listed around 10:15 am.
What stops are included in the itinerary?
The day includes Stiniva Cove, Budikovac Island, Green Cave, Cave Bisevo (for the Blue Cave area), and the Pakleni Islands, plus time starting from the Port of Hvar.
Are cave admissions included?
Some are included and some are not. Admission is not included for Green Cave and Cave Bisevo/Blue Cave area, while admission is listed as included for Stiniva Cove, Budikovac Island, and the Pakleni Islands segment.
Is WiFi included on the yacht?
Yes. WiFi is included on board, along with light refreshments and sundecks.
What time does the tour start?
A start time of 11:00 am is listed, and the meeting point time is shown around 10:15 am.
What should I wear?
Dress code is smart casual. Since you’ll likely swim, plan for water-friendly footwear and clothing that can handle boat splashes.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Are children and service animals allowed?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and service animals are allowed.































