Located off Vis’ southwestern tip on the island of Biševo, the Blue Cave is one of Croatia’s most famous natural sights.
(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
The Blue Cave may no longer be a well-kept secret, but it still lives up to every expectation. The ethereal grotto is illuminated by bright blue light, created when the sun’s rays reflect off the limestone floor of the cave. Beneath the water, rocks sparkle and tiny fish dance around underneath the boats. The quickest and easiest way to get to the cave is to take a tour, and there are dozens to choose from. We’ve rounded up five of the best Blue Cave tours from Split based on itinerary, value for money and additional extras like skip-the-line and small group tours.
From Split: Blue & Green Cave Day Tour
This relaxed half-day tour ticks off two of Croatia’s most mesmerising caves: the Blue Cave and the Green Cave. Plus, you’ll get to travel by exhilarating speedboat the whole way. The Islet of Ravnik, home to the Green Cave, is the first stop. After splashing about in its emerald green waters, you’ll hop back on the boat to the Island of Biševo to explore the Blue Cave by shuttle boat. Then, it’s onwards to the Pakleni Islands for a whistlestop tour and lunch before you head back to your hotel. From €70 per person.
Blue Cave & Hvar Island Day tour from Split
(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
This island hopping experience sets of from Split early in the morning. The Blue Cave is the first stop on the tour, and the price includes admission to the star attraction too. Afterwards, you’ll hop to the Monk Seal Cave, once home to the famous Mediterranean monk seal. From here, it’s a short journey to Komiža, a small coastal town to explore old-world architecture and stunning clifftop views. After a couple of hours of snorkelling and swimming on the southern side of the island in an isolated bay, you’ll head to the final stop of the tour, Hvar. From €112 per person.
Blue Cave Tour from Split
This action-packed 12-hour tour from Split combines an early morning Blue Cave tour with a handful of other blockbuster islands. From the Blue Cave, the itinerary includes a trip to Stiniva Beach, which was once a Yugoslav naval base and has since become one of Europe’s best beaches (it even won the accolade in 2016). From here, it’s a short hop to the Blue Lagoon on Budikovac Island for two hours of swimming and snorkelling. Lunch on the palm-fringed Palkeni Islands is next on the list, followed by a historical tour of the Adriatic town, Havar. From €119 per adult and €99 per child.
Deluxe Blue Cave Tour: Grilled lunch and Early Entry
(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
This luxurious Blue Cave tour includes a delicious grilled lunch in a traditional summer house on a private bay on Vis island, in Milna. Alcohol is included in the price too. It’s an early start at 07:15 AM, but that means you get a good head start on the other tour groups and stand a better chance of getting into the Blue Cave swiftly. Other tour highlights include a coffee at Komiža and snorkelling in Budikovac island’s Blue Lagoon, a white pebble beach and turquoise waters filled with tropical fish. The final stop Hvar, before heading back to Split. From €162 per person.
From Split: Hvar Five Islands and Blue Cave Private Tour
Unlike most tours to the Blue Cave, this tour from Split is totally private. While you might baulk at the eyewatering price at first glance, the boat can accommodate up to 12 people at once, so it’s well worth the investment if you’re travelling as a large group. The 10-hour trip ticks off five different islands, including Hvar, Bisevo, Vis, Budikovac and the Pakleni islands. The price includes private transportation by speedboat, a friendly skipper and host, and all snorkelling equipment too. From $1,100 for a group of 12 people.