Hvar: Blue Cave, Green Cave & Stiniva Beach Speed Boat Tour

Blue light, cliff walls, and open sea await. This private boat trip packs Hvar’s best coastal sights into one flexible day, with stops at the Blue Cave, Green Cave, Stiniva Cove, Blue Lagoon, and Pakleni Islands. I like the private boat for up to 12 people, since your group avoids the feel of a large excursion. I also like the mix of famous sights and quiet swimming spots.

The main catch is cost. At $1,100 per group, it offers good value for a full boat shared by a larger family or group of friends, but less value for only two or three people. Cave admission costs extra, and the included drinks may mean little more than bottled water. Clear communication with the guide matters here, since one disappointing report described a guide who gave few explanations and did not respond well to requests.

• The Blue Cave is the headline stop, with changing blue light inside Biševo Island.
• Stiniva Cove gives you a dramatic swim stop, reached through a narrow opening between high cliffs.
• The private format lets you shape the day, at least in principle, around swimming, snorkeling, and quiet coves.
• The Blue Lagoon offers calm water, with good conditions for goggles and a relaxed swim.
• Cave fees are not included, so add that cost before comparing the tour with other boat trips.
• The meeting point is Croffers travel agency, but check the address carefully because one booking voucher listed the wrong street number.

What the $1,100 private boat price really buys

The $1,100 price covers one group of up to 12 people, not 12 separate tickets. At full capacity, that works out to about $92 per person before cave admission. For a family reunion, wedding group, or group of friends, that can be a fair price for a private speed boat and a custom day on the water.

For two people, the calculation changes. You would be paying the full group rate without filling the boat, so a shared excursion may offer better value if keeping costs low is your main goal. The private format is most useful when you care about personal space, a flexible pace, and choosing how much time to spend swimming.

The package includes drinks, an icebox, ice, snorkeling goggles, life jackets, and travel insurance. Still, plan with modest expectations about refreshments. One passenger found that the promised drinks amounted to water only, while another advised bringing food and extra drinks because some stops have bars that accept cash.

The Blue Cave and Green Cave entrance charges are separate. One account put Blue Cave admission at €18 per person for a short visit of about 15 minutes. That amount may change, but it shows why you should budget for the cave ticket rather than treating it as a minor surprise.

Leaving Hvar from Croffers travel agency

The tour starts at the Croffers travel agency and returns there at the end. The supplied meeting information has a small but important warning: one voucher gave the wrong street number, listing 15 instead of 17. Confirm the exact meeting address before setting off, especially if you are carrying beach bags and trying to find the boat on a busy morning.

The provider lists English as the tour language. That makes it reasonable to expect basic explanations in English, but the quality of guiding may depend heavily on the individual crew member. One passenger praised a friendly, attentive guide who offered useful suggestions about beaches and caves. Another found the guide rude and said little information was provided.

That contrast is worth keeping in mind. A private boat gives you direct access to your guide, which can make the day personal and useful. It also means a weak guide has a greater effect on your group because there is no larger tour leader or group energy to fill the gaps.

The Blue Cave and its short burst of blue light

The Blue Cave is located on Biševo Island and is the tour’s most famous sight. Sunlight enters through an underwater opening, filling the cave with blue light that can shift in tone during the day. The effect is brief, visual, and best understood as a natural light show rather than a long cave exploration.

Your speed boat takes you toward the cave, but the admission fee is not part of the tour price. The separate ticket is an important detail because the cave visit may be handled by local cave staff rather than simply by your private boat crew.

One account described the Blue Cave visit as lasting around 15 minutes and costing €18 per person. That passenger felt the stop was too quick for the price. I would set your expectations accordingly: you are paying for access to a rare natural sight, not an extended cave tour.

The visit may appeal most to photographers and anyone who enjoys unusual natural effects. If you prefer long swims and unhurried time on a beach, the Blue Cave may feel like a costly, fast stop. Either way, it is the part of the route most likely to draw crowds and fixed admission rules.

Green Cave, swimming, and the chance to get wet

The Green Cave is presented as the next major cave stop. Its water reflects sunlight in green tones, creating a calmer mood than the famous Blue Cave. The appeal here is less about a single iconic image and more about the chance to see a different rock formation and, depending on the conditions and guide, spend time in the water.

The tour description lists a separate Green Cave fee, so you should expect another admission charge. No exact price is supplied, which makes it sensible to carry enough money for both caves.

The actual route may include another free cave as well. One passenger recalled visiting a place called Bear Cave, where swimming inside was possible, and described it as an excellent stop. Since the exact route can be tailored and may depend on conditions, ask the guide which caves are included, which require tickets, and where swimming is allowed before leaving Hvar.

This is where the private format can work well. If your group wants more water time, you can ask for it. If someone is less comfortable swimming, you can ask for a slower stop or a beach break. The promise of flexibility is a strength, but you should speak up early rather than assume every preference will be understood automatically.

Stiniva Cove and its narrow entrance

Stiniva Cove is one of the route’s most striking coastal stops. High cliffs shelter the cove, with a narrow natural opening leading into a small beach and clear water. Approaching from the sea gives you the best sense of its shape, since the entrance frames the cove like a stone gateway.

This stop is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and taking photographs from the boat. The setting feels more enclosed than the open-water stops, and the cliffs offer a sharp contrast to the bright Adriatic around them.

The beach is described as pristine and sandy, but space in a small cove is naturally limited. You may find the stop more enjoyable from the water than from the beach, particularly if several boats arrive at once. Stiniva works best when you treat it as a scenic swim stop rather than expecting a private beach all to yourself.

Ask how long you will have there. The tour is private, but the day still includes several major sights, and each stop competes for time. A group focused on swimming should say so before the route begins.

Blue Lagoon for snorkeling and calm water

The Blue Lagoon provides a more open and relaxed setting. Small islands surround the bay, helping create calm, clear water that suits swimming and snorkeling. The tour supplies goggles, so you can look below the surface without bringing your own mask and snorkel equipment.

I would use this stop as a reset after the caves and cliff-lined coves. Instead of rushing toward another landmark, you can float, watch the water, and enjoy the coast at a slower pace. The lagoon also gives less confident swimmers a chance to stay near the boat and enjoy the scenery without entering a tight cave or narrow cove.

The description promises abundant marine life, but no specific fish or underwater sights are guaranteed. Snorkeling conditions can vary, and the supplied information does not state how long the stop lasts. Bring your own mask if you care about a precise fit, but the included goggles should cover a simple swim.

Pakleni Islands and a flexible final stretch

The Pakleni Islands add variety to the day. This chain of small islands is known here for beaches, coves, caves, natural scenery, and cultural features. Since the itinerary is private, this part of the tour has the most room for personal choices.

You might ask to focus on a quiet beach, a swim, or a cove with time to explore. If your group has different priorities, agree on them before the boat leaves. A family may want a beach and easy water access, while friends may prefer snorkeling and longer time offshore.

The phrase personalized itinerary should not mean unlimited choice. The route still depends on the planned destinations, boat schedule, sea conditions, and cave access. One negative account said the guide did not accommodate requests despite the promise of a tailored trip. That makes a clear conversation at the start essential.

The islands are also a practical place to ask about food and drinks. Bars are available at some stops, but cash may be needed. Since food is not listed among the inclusions, pack something for the day instead of assuming a meal will be provided.

What the crew can add to the day

The best account of the guiding came from a passenger who described the guide as friendly and attentive, with useful advice about beaches and caves. That kind of local input can make a real difference. A guide who knows the coast can help you choose a better swim stop, explain which cave requires a ticket, and point out where to spend your limited time.

The weaker account is equally useful. One passenger received almost no explanation about the route or the available icebox and found the guide unwilling to answer questions. Since the boat is private, you cannot simply listen in on another guide’s commentary. Ask direct questions and confirm what is included before departure.

The provider is Hvar Boating, and the listed tour language is English. No individual guide names are supplied, so you cannot request a specific captain from the available information.

What to bring and who should skip it

Pack swimwear and a towel. Those are the only items specifically requested, but food and extra drinks are practical additions because they are not included in the published package. Carry cash for cave tickets and possible purchases at bars along the route.

Life jackets are supplied, and snorkeling goggles are included. Pets are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. Those restrictions matter because the day involves a speed boat, cave access, swimming, and beach landings.

This trip fits active groups who want several coastal stops in one outing. It is especially suitable for people who value a private boat and want to combine sightseeing with swimming. It is less suitable if you need step-free access, dislike speed boat travel, want a fully guided history lesson, or are looking for a low-cost outing for a small party.

The published score is 4.4 from 25 ratings. That suggests a generally positive experience, but the mixed comments show why expectations matter. Friendly service and beautiful stops can produce a superb day, while poor explanations or a rigid guide can make the same route feel rushed.

Cancellation, payment, and practical booking details

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hvar plans are still changing. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour returns to the starting meeting point. Since no duration is provided, ask for the expected departure and return times before booking if you have a ferry, dinner reservation, or another activity planned.

The two cave fees should be part of that conversation. Ask for the current Blue Cave and Green Cave prices, confirm whether both caves are operating on your date, and check exactly what the private itinerary includes.

Should you book this Hvar boat tour?

Book it if you have a larger group, want a private boat, and care more about access to beautiful swimming spots than about keeping every cost fixed. The route gives you a strong mix: blue cave light, green water, dramatic Stiniva cliffs, snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon, and flexible time around the Pakleni Islands.

Think twice if you are traveling as a couple, need a cheap day on the water, or expect the guide to provide a detailed commentary without prompting. The cave tickets cost extra, refreshments may be limited to water, and the guide experience can vary.

My practical call: this is a good group booking when you confirm the meeting address, cave fees, food plan, and route before departure. Go in ready to ask for the swimming time you want, and the private format should work in your favor.

FAQ

How much does the private speed boat tour cost?

The tour costs $1,100 per group of up to 12 people. Blue Cave and Green Cave entrance fees are not included.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the Croffers travel agency in Hvar. The tour also ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The package includes drinks, an icebox, ice, snorkeling goggles, travel insurance, and life jackets.

Are Blue Cave and Green Cave admission fees included?

No. You must pay the Blue Cave and Green Cave fees separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Food and extra drinks are also practical because food is not listed as an inclusion, and some bars along the route may require cash.

What language is the tour offered in?

The listed tour language is English.

Can children join the tour?

Children under four years old are not permitted on this tour.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the tour and pay later.