REVIEW · BLUE CAVE TOURS
Private speedboat tour to Blue cave, Vis and Hvar
Book on Viator →Operated by Absolut Charter · Bookable on Viator
A glowing cave is the warm-up act. This private speedboat tour from Split sets up a full day of Blue Cave light, island swims, and an easy walk in Hvar town. You hit famous sights around Vis and Hvar without the chaos of shared boats, and you get plenty of time in the water.
What I like most is the mix of big-ticket sights with genuine swimming time. I especially like that you get snorkeling gear plus extras on board like a water tube and a SUP board, so you can make the day active rather than just sightseeing. I also like the skipper factor here: reviews highlight skippers like Marsel (spelled both Marsel and Marcel in different places) as professional, very responsive, and helpful with where to go once you’re on Vis and Hvar.
One thing to consider: the most famous grottos require separate admission tickets (Blue Cave and Green Cave), and the whole plan depends on good weather for smooth sailing and the right light.
In This Review
- Key highlights you should know before you go
- A private day on the Adriatic: from Split in one clear plan
- Blue Cave timing: aquamarine light and a guided story
- Komiza on Vis: slow fishing-village time with easy Mediterranean vibes
- Stiniva Bay: narrow inlet swimming and white pebble payoff
- Green Cave and Ravnik: boat entry plus that silver-green light
- Budikovac Island: a blue-lagoon swim with optional light lunch
- Pakleni Islands cruise and Hvar town: old walls, coffee stops, and real walking time
- What’s included, what’s not: how the price makes sense for a group up to 11
- Skippers and service: why Marsel, Marcel, Toni, and Vinko came up repeatedly
- Weather, sea conditions, and what to pack for this kind of day
- Should you book this Blue Cave, Vis, and Hvar speedboat tour?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the private speedboat tour?
- How many people can be in a group?
- Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
- Which parts of the itinerary have admission tickets?
- Is lunch included?
- What snorkeling and on-board gear is included?
- Do you stop at Pakleni Islands?
- Is the tour dependent on weather?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you should know before you go

- Blue Cave is timed for the best light so the cave turns aquamarine and the water glitters.
- You get to do real water time, not just quick photo stops at most locations.
- Stiniva Bay’s narrow inlet ends at white pebbles, a fun place to swim and snorkel.
- Green Cave allows boat entry when the conditions are right, thanks to shallow depth (listed as 3–5 meters).
- Hvar is included as a walkable finale, with old walls still standing and time for coffee.
- The boat setup is built for comfort, and the day is praised for clean, comfortable gliding on the water.
A private day on the Adriatic: from Split in one clear plan

This is a private speedboat tour that runs about 10 hours. The meeting point is Trumbićeva obala 2 in Split, and the tour ends back there. Your group size is up to 11, which matters because it keeps the day feeling personal instead of like you’re herding together with strangers.
The itinerary is built around efficient cruising: you start with the sea-cave hit, then island towns and beaches, then finish with Hvar town. That sequencing isn’t random. The schedule focuses on sights that are weather- and light-dependent (Blue Cave and Green Cave), then balances it with calmer time for swimming and strolling.
You’ll also have practical comforts on board. The tour includes bottled water, fruit, towels, a bottle of wine, and soft drinks. That doesn’t replace lunch, but it does mean you’re not relying entirely on whatever you find at each stop.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Split
Blue Cave timing: aquamarine light and a guided story

Blue Cave is the tour’s signature opening act, and it’s scheduled for the moment when sunlight reflects through the sea floor and lights up the cave interior. The plan is very specific: you arrive at the time of day when the cave is bathed in aquamarine light and the water looks like it’s shimmering silver.
You’ll also get more than a drive-by view. At this stop, there’s a story from an official local guide about how the cave was discovered and what creates that magic effect. That matters because Blue Cave is easy to photograph, but it’s more interesting when you know what to look for inside—how the light behaves in a sea cavern like this.
You’ll have about 45 minutes here. Blue Cave admission is not included, so you’ll want to budget for tickets separately. The time on site is long enough to see it in real-life lighting, and short enough that you’re not rushed across the rest of the day.
Komiza on Vis: slow fishing-village time with easy Mediterranean vibes
After the glow of Blue Cave, the tour shifts gears to Komiza, a picture-perfect fisher village on Vis. You get about 1 hour to explore at an easy pace.
This hour is valuable because it gives you a break from constant swimming and cave-watching. Komiza is the kind of place where the goal is wandering: small streets, waterfront energy, and that relaxed island rhythm. If you want coffee, a cold drink, or a quick snack before the beach stops, this is the moment to do it.
Komiza admission is free, and there’s no special gear requirement—just bring shoes you’re comfortable walking in and some sun protection.
Stiniva Bay: narrow inlet swimming and white pebble payoff

Next up is Stiniva Bay, listed as the best European beach in 2016. The standout feature is the layout: you’re stopping in a narrow bay that ends with a beach of white pebbles. That “end-of-the-world” feel is exactly why Stiniva works so well on a speedboat day: you get a dramatic setting without a long hike.
You get 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This stop tends to be the point where your day turns from sightseeing into play. Because it’s a tucked-in bay, it’s often more sheltered than open-coast stops, which can make water time more pleasant.
No tickets are required here, which is nice. Still, come prepared: the tour provides snorkeling equipment, towels, and a water tube, but you should bring your own sunscreen and anything else you want for comfort.
Green Cave and Ravnik: boat entry plus that silver-green light
Green Cave is one of the coolest parts of this itinerary because it’s not just a viewing stop. When the sun is high, light enters through a large opening at the top of the cave, creating silver and green colors. And the cave is described as spacious with sea depth listed as 3 to 5 meters, which lets the boat go inside.
You’ll get about 45 minutes at Green Cave. Green Cave admission is not included, so plan on another ticket cost. But the trade-off is that you’re experiencing the cave from very close range, with the sea cavern structure around you instead of just in front of you.
The best time for this kind of stop is when light is strong, which is part of why the tour also has a “good weather required” condition. If the sea is rough or visibility is poor, this stop won’t feel as magical—even if you still see the cave.
Budikovac Island: a blue-lagoon swim with optional light lunch
Then the tour heads to Budikovac Island, described as peaceful with a blue lagoon in front. This is a calmer, swim-first stop. You’ll have about 1 hour to enjoy the water, snorkel, and sunbathe or walk around the island.
There’s also an option mentioned for a light lunch on a local farm. The catch: lunch is not included in the tour price. So you can treat this as your “grab something small” moment if you want, but don’t count on it being part of the included package.
This stop is also a good place to recharge. Your included supplies help here: towels for when you get back on board, bottled water, and the snorkel gear so you can keep switching between floating and exploring.
Pakleni Islands cruise and Hvar town: old walls, coffee stops, and real walking time

On the way to Hvar town, the boat cruises by the Pakleni Islands—forested islands stretching out in front of Hvar. You’re not stopping to hop off here, but cruising past them is a nice visual change. It’s also a good wind-down before you dock.
In Hvar, you get about 1 hour. This is your walking window: see the harbor area and the seven-century-old walls that still exist. The itinerary also suggests an easy stroll to discover the town’s charms, plus time for coffee in one of the famous coffee bars.
One-hour town time is short, so you’ll get more out of it if you pick what you care about most: views from the harbor, a quick loop through central lanes, or a simple sit-down break with a drink.
What’s included, what’s not: how the price makes sense for a group up to 11
Price is listed as $1,387.73 per group, up to 11 people. That sounds high if you’re thinking per person, but a private boat changes the math. For a family or a group of friends, you’re effectively paying for privacy, speed, and the ability to hit multiple islands and caves in one day without changing boats.
Included items that meaningfully improve the day:
- snorkeling equipment
- water tube
- SUP board
- towels
- bottled water
- bottle of wine
- fruits
- soft drinks and water on board (mentioned in the tour overview)
Not included:
- Blue Cave and Green Cave admission tickets
- lunch
This is one of those tours where the included stuff actually gets used. If your group plans to swim and snorkel, you’re saving time and hassle, because you’re not renting gear or scrambling for towels once you’re already at sea.
Skippers and service: why Marsel, Marcel, Toni, and Vinko came up repeatedly
The biggest common theme in the praise is the skipper. Names like Marsel (also shown as Marcel), Toni, and Vinko appear in reviews, and the message is consistent: the skipper makes the day run smoothly and feel personal.
What you should take from that:
- A professional skipper helps the boat feel calm and controlled, especially when you’re bouncing between islands.
- Good local guidance improves your experience even without adding extra stops. You’re more likely to find the best spots to swim, and you’ll waste less time asking basic questions.
- Responsive communication before the day matters. Reviews mention a skipper and operator being accommodating with enquiries, which can reduce stress when you’re coordinating a private tour.
If you book this, consider asking who your skipper will be. Reviews strongly suggest that a certain skipper experience level can make the day feel even more fun and easy.
Weather, sea conditions, and what to pack for this kind of day
This experience requires good weather. That’s not just small print. Cave timing and comfort both depend on sea conditions and visibility. If weather turns, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
For packing, keep it simple and practical since the tour includes towels and snorkeling gear, plus water and drinks:
- swimwear under clothes
- reef-safe sunscreen (if you use it)
- sunglasses with a strap if you hate losing them
- a light layer for wind when you’re cruising
- a small dry bag for phone and wallet
Bring comfy footwear for dock-to-town walking in Hvar and any stroll time in Komiza. You don’t need hiking boots, but you want something that can handle short walks on uneven stone.
Should you book this Blue Cave, Vis, and Hvar speedboat tour?
Book it if you want a private day that combines famous caves with real swimming time. This tour works best when your group cares about water: snorkel, swim, and enjoy beach stops like Stiniva and Budikovac.
You should think twice if you’re sensitive to costs from optional extras, since cave tickets and lunch are not included. Also, if you’re visiting during a period where weather is often rough, the tour’s good-weather requirement becomes the main decision factor.
If you’re traveling with a family, a small friend group, or anyone who likes efficient island-hopping without complicated transfers, this is strong value for a private charter day. The schedule is long enough to feel like you got your money’s worth, and the included gear means you’ll actually use the sea time rather than just look at it.
FAQ
What is the duration of the private speedboat tour?
The tour is listed as approximately 10 hours.
How many people can be in a group?
It’s a private tour/activity, and the group size is up to 11.
Where do we meet and where does the tour end?
You meet at Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Which parts of the itinerary have admission tickets?
Blue Cave and Green Cave admission tickets are not included.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included.
What snorkeling and on-board gear is included?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a water tube, a SUP board, towels, and bottled water.
Do you stop at Pakleni Islands?
You cruise by the Pakleni Islands on the way to Hvar town, but the itinerary does not list a separate stop there.
Is the tour dependent on weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.





























