REVIEW · HVAR
Private custom Blue & Green Cave tour with yacht from Hvar town
Book on Viator →Operated by Big Blue tours, Tours Hvar · Bookable on Viator
Caves, turquoise water, and no crowd crush. This private Blue & Green Cave yacht day slips you off Hvar’s main scene and into a calmer route with a personal skipper and real swimming time. I especially like having a private skipper who can point out what you’re seeing while keeping the pace comfortable. One consideration: the day needs good weather, and two of the cave stops have admissions not included.
You also get real boat-life perks: sun decks for hanging out, Wi‑Fi onboard, and light refreshments while you’re moving between spots. Another big plus is the variety in one long stretch—Stiniva’s dramatic cove, Budikovac’s quiet lagoon swimming, and then the Pakleni Islands area for beach time and scenic cruising.
For the best day, plan around the fact that the caves and some entry points run on time and conditions. If you’re traveling with kids, everyone must be with an adult, and you’ll want sensible swim gear because you’ll likely be in and out of the water.
In This Review
- Key things that make this yacht day work
- Getting to the boat in Hvar: meet smart, start on time
- Stiniva Cove: the narrow entrance payoff
- Budikovac Island: quiet swimming where the pace slows
- Green Cave: small cracks, strong light
- Cave Bisevo and the Blue Cave: why the rowboat changes the experience
- Pakleni Islands (Palmižana Bay): the beach-and-scenery finish
- Onboard comfort: light snacks, sundecks, and Wi‑Fi
- Your skipper’s role: how you get more value than a fixed itinerary
- Price and value: what $2,028.71 really means
- Weather, timing, and what to do if conditions shift
- Who should book this private Blue & Green Cave yacht tour
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- How many people are on this private tour?
- What’s the meeting point and start time?
- How long is the tour, and when do we return to Hvar?
- Are tickets for the Blue and Green Caves included?
- What’s included onboard during the day?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things that make this yacht day work

- A private route from Hvar with a skipper who can tailor the pace to your interests
- Stiniva Cove’s narrow entrance and wide pebble beach for a classic photo + swim combo
- Budikovac Island for quiet, low-noise lounging with a pebbly beach and turquoise lagoon
- Green Cave light beams through ceiling cracks—simple, unique, and very “look up”
- Blue Cave access via a small rowboat at Cave Bisevo (tickets not included)
- Most admissions included, but Green Cave and Cave Bisevo are extra
Getting to the boat in Hvar: meet smart, start on time

The tour meets at Kroz Burak 12 in Hvar, behind the main promenade area or in front of Hotel Riva (BB Club). The listed meeting time is 10:15 am, while the tour start time is shown as 11:00 am, so I’d arrive ready to check in at 10:15 and keep your shoes and swim bag within easy reach.
This private setup matters because you’re not threading your way through a packed boarding line. You’re dealing with your own schedule, your own skipper, and your own group rhythm. That’s a big deal for a day like this, where cave timing and beach conditions can change.
Also, bring a mobile ticket. You’ll want your phone charged because this kind of outing is all about quick transitions—boat to cove, cove to swim, swim to cave.
Stiniva Cove: the narrow entrance payoff
Stiniva Cove is on the south side, and the defining feature is the very narrow entrance. After you pass that tight gap, the cove opens into a pebble beach about thirty meters wide, framed by steep rocks rising roughly thirty-five meters high.
Why this stop works: it creates a natural “room.” You get the drama of the rock walls without needing a long hike or complicated logistics. And because your time here is about one hour, it’s not a rushed glance—it’s enough time to settle, take a few photos, and get in the water.
Possible downside: because the entrance is narrow, you’ll want to stay mindful while boarding and moving around near the shore. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack what you usually use on boats. The itinerary doesn’t flag it, but caves and coves often mean the boat’s movement changes with wind and chop.
Budikovac Island: quiet swimming where the pace slows

Next up is Budikovac Island, a tiny island on the south-eastern side of Vis, described as far from noise. This is the part of the day where you’re mostly chasing relaxation: a pebbly beach and a turquoise lagoon that’s great for swimming.
You get about two hours here, which feels like a sweet spot. Long enough to actually enjoy the water, short enough to keep energy for the caves later.
What to expect: you’ll likely spend most of that time in and out of the water, then grabbing a moment to just watch how the light changes on the surface. It’s the kind of stop that makes a private trip worth it—there’s no need to “do” the place like a checklist.
If you want a more active vibe, this isn’t marketed as a snorkeling tour specifically, so rely on your own comfort level for what you try. For many people, the appeal is simply calm swimming and sunbathing without crowds pressing in.
Green Cave: small cracks, strong light

The Green Cave stop is about one hour, and it’s known for small ceiling cracks that let beams of light spill down into the cave. Those beams leave a visible trace in the sea inside.
Here’s the key practical point: this is a visual stop. When you’re there, don’t just look straight ahead at the entrance—tilt your attention up and around. The effect comes from the angle of light, so the timing and weather matter.
Drawback to plan for: Green Cave admission is not included. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it does mean you should budget a little extra and be ready for separate payment. Also, cave interiors can be cooler than the deck, so bring a thin layer if you get chilly easily.
Cave Bisevo and the Blue Cave: why the rowboat changes the experience

Then you head to Cave Bisevo, the area where the famous Blue Cave (located in the Baluni cove) is reached. The big detail here is access: the Blue Cave is reachable only by a small rowboat, and local fishermen have known about it for generations.
So what makes it feel different from other “cave” visits? You’re not just sitting in a large vessel at the mouth. You’re transferring into a smaller boat setup that’s closer to the action and the water. That can make the whole moment feel more intimate—more “you’re inside the feature,” less “you’re viewing from a distance.”
Timing is about one hour for this segment. Tickets for Cave Bisevo are not included, so again: budget extra and accept that this is a separate component of the day.
One more thing to know: because the Blue Cave effect depends on conditions, don’t get attached to one exact look. Go for the experience of the ride and the cave atmosphere, not one single perfect photo outcome.
Pakleni Islands (Palmižana Bay): the beach-and-scenery finish

After the caves, you’ll head into the Pakleni Islands, often called the Hell Islands, for a pleasant boat ride and expansive sea views. This is your longer block at about three hours, and it includes time in the Palmižana Bay area—particularly around Vinogradisce cove—where there are sand and pebble beaches.
Why this part is valuable: it balances the day. The caves are focused and structured. Pakleni is about freedom—swim, relax, and reset your energy while the boat cruises between viewpoints. You’re also in an area where the coastline is dramatic enough that even time spent simply drifting counts as part of the sightseeing.
A practical note: since you’ve already had a cave transfer by rowboat earlier in the day, treat this as the “easy” segment. It’s usually where people feel most comfortable switching from photo mode to swim mode.
Onboard comfort: light snacks, sundecks, and Wi‑Fi

This is where private yacht days can either feel fancy or just feel… practical. This one lands in the practical lane: light refreshment is included, plus sundecks and Wi‑Fi.
Wi‑Fi sounds small, but on a long sea day it’s genuinely useful. You can check messages, coordinate photos, or keep logistics simple if you’re meeting anyone later for dinner back in Hvar.
The tour also includes a stop for local specialties and a visit to a traditional fishing town. The exact name isn’t laid out, but the point is clear: you’re not only doing sea sights. You’ll get at least a taste of the local rhythm on land, which adds texture to the day beyond caves and beaches.
Your skipper’s role: how you get more value than a fixed itinerary

A private tour isn’t just about having fewer people on the boat. It’s about having a human at the controls who can adjust the day.
Your personal skipper is there to share insights into the natural scenery and keep the route aligned with what you care about—more swimming time, more photo pauses, or extra quiet time in secluded spots. That flexibility is especially helpful on a route like this, where cave and shore conditions can shift.
It also helps that the operator team is described as hospitable, with a crew that’s helpful and willing to make things easy. One review also highlighted that the company can support additional plans—like arranging lunch and swimming afterward—showing that the team isn’t rigid when your day could use an extra touch.
Price and value: what $2,028.71 really means
The price is $2,028.71 per group, up to 12 people. That’s a wide range in value depending on how many of you actually book together.
If you fill the full group (12 people), you’re around $169 per person for an ~8-hour private yacht day with multiple major stops, onboard Wi‑Fi, sundecks, and light refreshments. Even if you’re smaller—say 6 people—you’re still likely comparing favorably with paying for separate boat transfers plus cave tickets plus the hassle of crowded tours.
Two cave admissions are not included (Green Cave and Cave Bisevo), so factor that in when you do your math. Still, most of the other stops have admissions included, and the structure of the day is built around real time on the water rather than constant moving.
In plain terms: if you can split the cost with friends or family, this is strong value. If it’s just two people and you’d rather pay per person, you might feel the price more.
Weather, timing, and what to do if conditions shift
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That flexibility is important because caves and coves are exactly where wind and wave conditions can change how comfortable things feel.
Plan your mindset accordingly: you’re going out for a day where water conditions matter. Keep your schedule loose that afternoon in Hvar. The tour returns late afternoon, around 6:30 pm, so you’ll have time to shower and still catch dinner without sprinting across town.
Who should book this private Blue & Green Cave yacht tour
This tour fits best if you want:
- Cave scenery plus real swimming time in one long day
- Less crowd stress and more control over pacing
- A private skipper who can explain the coastline while you relax
- A group setup where splitting the cost makes sense
It’s also a good choice for groups who don’t want to choose between “scenic cruising” and “active water time.” The itinerary balances both.
If you’re the type who dislikes surprises, just remember that cave access can come with separate tickets and the day is weather-dependent. But if you travel with a small bit of flexibility, it’s a very satisfying way to spend a day off Hvar.
Should you book it?
I’d book this if your ideal day includes caves, secluded swimming, and a private-yacht feel without turning the day into a rushed sprint. The combination of Stiniva + Budikovac + Green Cave + Blue Cave plus Pakleni Islands is a strong mix, and the onboard touches like Wi‑Fi and light refreshments make the “in-between” time pleasant rather than dead.
Skip it only if you’re traveling as a very small group and don’t want to pay the full private rate, or if you can’t be flexible about weather-driven changes. If you can split the group cost and keep your expectations focused on experience over perfection, this is a smart, high-reward day out of Hvar.
FAQ
How many people are on this private tour?
It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. The pricing is per group up to 12 people.
What’s the meeting point and start time?
The meeting point is in Hvar at Kroz Burak 12 (21450). The meeting time is listed as 10:15 am, and the start time is shown as 11:00 am.
How long is the tour, and when do we return to Hvar?
The duration is approximately 8 hours, and you return late afternoon around 6:30 pm.
Are tickets for the Blue and Green Caves included?
Admission tickets are included for some stops, but not included for the Green Cave and Cave Bisevo (Blue Cave area). Other listed stops include admission.
What’s included onboard during the day?
Light refreshments are included, and there are sundecks and Wi‑Fi onboard.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.









