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
A private boat day off Hvar feels like someone turned down the volume. You get the Blue Cave and Green Cave experiences in a calm, flexible way, plus beach time at Stiniva Cove and Budikovac Island. I love that you can shape the day around your pace instead of following a rigid crowd schedule, and I like having a personal skipper to point out what you’re actually looking at. One thing to plan for: this is weather dependent, and two of the cave visits have separate ticketing.
You’ll spend about eight hours on the water, with swims built in where the coast opens up and the light is good. The best part is the rhythm: tight coves for the dramatic views, then longer stretches to relax, sunbathe, and cool off in calmer spots. Still, the caves are the headline, so if you’re aiming for guaranteed cave time, keep your expectations tied to sea conditions and the day’s timing.
In This Review
- Key things you’ll care about before you go
- Why this private Hvar cave-and-islands day is worth the money
- Getting to Big Blue tours in Hvar: meeting point and timing
- The 8-hour rhythm: what the schedule feels like on the water
- Port of Hvar: the quick start before the dramatic coastline
- Stiniva Cove: narrow entrance drama plus a real pebble beach
- Budikovac Island: a calmer island stop for swimming and sun time
- Green Cave: beams of light through cracks in the ceiling
- Cave Bisevo and the Blue Cave: rowboat access and separate ticketing
- Pakleni Islands and Palmižana Bay: longer beach time with great sea views
- On-board comfort: sundecks, WiFi, and light refreshment
- Price and value: $2,028.71 per group up to 12
- Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different day)
- Weather and sea conditions: the one constraint you can’t dodge
- Should you book this Hvar private cave yacht tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the private Blue & Green Cave yacht tour from Hvar?
- Is this a private tour?
- What does the price include?
- Where do we meet in Hvar?
- What time does the tour start?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things you’ll care about before you go

- Private skipper control: Your route can flex to match your interests, not a fixed bus timetable.
- Stiniva Cove beauty: A very narrow entrance that opens into a 30-meter pebble beach backed by tall rock walls.
- Budikovac Island break: A small, quieter island stop with a pebble beach and a turquoise lagoon for swimming.
- Green Cave light effects: Ceiling cracks let beams of light cut through the water while you’re inside.
- Blue Cave rowboat access: The Blue Cave is reached only by small rowboat, and the cave admission isn’t included.
- Pakleni Islands time for beaches: About three hours around Palmižana Bay, with sand and pebble beaches in the Vinogradisce area.
Why this private Hvar cave-and-islands day is worth the money
This kind of trip costs a lot because you’re buying time, access, and privacy in one package. You’re not just hopping between famous sites—you’re doing it at sea, with a personal skipper running the show and a calm pace that helps you actually enjoy the water instead of racing from stop to stop.
The value is strongest if your group will fill the boat (up to 12). Since the price is listed per group, your per-person cost drops as more people come along. If you’re traveling in a smaller group, you’ll feel the cost more—but you still gain the practical benefits: fewer logistics headaches, more flexibility, and more room to linger where the water looks best.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hvar.
Getting to Big Blue tours in Hvar: meeting point and timing

You meet in Hvar town at Kroz Burak 12, at the Big Blue tours office area (listed as Big Blue tours / Tours Hvar). The meeting point notes say it’s behind the main promenade or in front of Hotel Riva (BB Club).
Timing in the details is a bit split: one part lists 10:15 am, and another lists a 11:00 am start time. The safe move is simple: go off your confirmation message and arrive early enough to find the exact spot without stress.
The 8-hour rhythm: what the schedule feels like on the water

This is listed as about 8 hours, with return to Hvar late afternoon, around 6:30 pm. Most of the day is built around a sequence of swims and cave visits, with the longer stretch happening at Pakleni Islands near Palmižana Bay.
What I like about this pacing is that it avoids the usual problem on island boat days: spending too much time traveling and not enough time in the water. You get multiple opportunities to cool off—Stiniva and Budikovac are designed for it, and Pakleni adds a longer beach window.
Port of Hvar: the quick start before the dramatic coastline

Your first stop is the Port of Hvar, with around 10 minutes there and an admission ticket listed as included. This is basically your launchpad: you’ll get set up, meet your skipper, and get oriented before the coast starts doing the heavy lifting.
If you’re prone to getting seasick, this is the time to take it seriously. Once you’re moving out into open water, switching to seasickness meds or remedies takes too long. Plan ahead and bring what works for you.
Stiniva Cove: narrow entrance drama plus a real pebble beach

Stiniva Cove sits on the south side of the island and is known for a very narrow entrance. After that tight entry, the cove widens into a beautiful pebble beach about 30 meters wide, framed by tall rock walls around 35 meters high.
This stop is about 1 hour, which is just enough time to enjoy the sight and still get in a proper swim without rushing. Practical tip: pebbles can mean slick footing—wearing swim sandals helps you move comfortably from boat to beach and back.
Budikovac Island: a calmer island stop for swimming and sun time

Budikovac Island is a tiny, quiet spot on the south-eastern side of the island of Vis. It’s described as far from noise, with a pebble beach and a turquoise lagoon that’s made for swimming.
You’ll spend about 2 hours here, and that extra time matters. Stiniva’s a “see it and swim it” cove, while Budikovac is more of a slow-down break—sit, float, reapply sunscreen, then repeat. If you want a day that includes relaxation rather than nonstop highlights, this is where you’ll feel it.
Green Cave: beams of light through cracks in the ceiling

The Green Cave is famous for small cracks in the ceiling that let beams of light reach inside, creating visible light trails on the water. It’s also described as spacious, with a depth that varies around three to five meters.
This stop is about 1 hour, but one important note: Green Cave admission is not included. So even though the tour covers the visit time, you’ll need to plan for extra ticketing on the day for this particular cave.
What to expect here: less about speed, more about watching the light. If you can, time your looking—pause and let your eyes adjust, because the color effect depends on the light angle and conditions.
Cave Bisevo and the Blue Cave: rowboat access and separate ticketing

The itinerary also includes Cave Bisevo, home to the famous Blue Cave located in the Baluni cove. The key detail is how you reach it: the cave is accessible only by small rowboat, which is part of the famous experience.
This is listed as about 1 hour, and again the cave admission is not included. That means you should be ready for extra payment during the cave segment and keep any needed items handy.
A small but important takeaway: rowboat access can feel like a transition point. You’re moving from a comfortable yacht rhythm to something more hands-on and short-range. If you’re traveling with anyone who gets uncomfortable in small boats, it’s worth considering this cave stop as the most logistically demanding moment of the day.
Pakleni Islands and Palmižana Bay: longer beach time with great sea views
After the caves and coves, you move into Pakleni Islands. The route includes a pleasant boat ride with sea views as you continue toward the so-called Hell islands area, with time spent around Palmižana Bay and the Vinogradisce cove.
This portion is the longest: about 3 hours, and admission is listed as included. The beach description here is useful—there are sand and pebble options in the Palmižana Bay area—so you’re more likely to find the exact footing and vibe you want, whether you prefer to lie on sand or you don’t mind pebbles.
The day also mentions top class gourmet restaurants in the area. You likely won’t be sitting down for a full meal during a boat itinerary like this, but it signals something you can use: Pakleni’s one of the most developed-view zones on this route, meaning amenities and shoreline options are close if you want a snack.
On-board comfort: sundecks, WiFi, and light refreshment
A good cave day is partly about comfort between the highlights. This trip includes sundecks for relaxing, WiFi, and light refreshment on board.
WiFi isn’t just a perk for posting—it helps if you’re syncing up with your group, checking weather vibes, or planning your next stop once you’re back in Hvar. And the light refreshment matters because you’re on the water for hours; a full meal isn’t always built into cave itineraries, but something to nibble keeps energy steady.
The dress code is listed as smart casual, which is friendly. You’ll still want swim-ready clothes under that. Bring a light layer too, because sea breeze can feel cooler late in the afternoon.
Price and value: $2,028.71 per group up to 12
The price is $2,028.71 per group for up to 12 people. That’s high, but on a private yacht day off Hvar, it’s not unusual—you’re paying for the boat, the skipper, and the ability to avoid crowds.
Where the value really comes through is in the mix of inclusions:
- Admission tickets are listed as included for Stiniva Cove, Pakleni Islands, and the Port of Hvar stop.
- Green Cave and Cave Bisevo / Blue Cave admissions are listed as not included, so those are the extra costs you should anticipate.
If you’re comparing options, don’t just look at the headline price. Ask yourself: will your group actually want to linger, swim multiple times, and handle cave tickets with less hassle because you’re going private? If yes, this setup makes sense.
Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different day)
This is a strong match if you want:
- a private day with control over pacing,
- the main cave highlights (Blue + Green),
- multiple swimming moments rather than one quick dip,
- and a plan that mixes dramatic scenery with quieter beach time.
It’s also ideal for groups who care about comfort on board—sundecks, WiFi, and a relaxed skipper-led rhythm make the day feel easier.
It may not be the best match if you hate uncertainty around cave access and ticketing. Since cave admissions are not included for the Green Cave and Blue Cave, and the experience requires good conditions, it’s better for people who are fine with a little flexibility and extra spending on the day.
Weather and sea conditions: the one constraint you can’t dodge
The activity requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. This isn’t just “nice to have”—cave routes and open-water travel are sensitive to conditions.
If you’re planning your broader Hvar stay, I suggest building in buffer time. The cave day is the kind of plan that benefits from having flexibility in your schedule.
Should you book this Hvar private cave yacht tour?
If you’re excited by the idea of doing the Blue Cave and Green Cave without a crowded, rushed feel, this is one of the easier ways to make it happen. I especially like the structure: Stiniva’s dramatic cove first, Budikovac’s quieter beach time next, then the caves, and finally Pakleni’s longer relaxation window.
Book it if your group wants privacy, comfort, and multiple swim stops, and you’re okay handling cave admissions that aren’t included for the Green Cave and Blue Cave. Skip it if your schedule is tight and you can’t afford weather-based changes—because this day is strongly tied to sea conditions.
FAQ
How long is the private Blue & Green Cave yacht tour from Hvar?
The duration is listed as approximately 8 hours, with return to Hvar late afternoon around 6:30 pm.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What does the price include?
The price is per group (up to 12). Admission tickets are listed as included for the Port of Hvar stop, Stiniva Cove, and Pakleni Islands. Green Cave and Cave Bisevo (Blue Cave) admissions are listed as not included. On board you also get light refreshment, sundecks, and WiFi.
Where do we meet in Hvar?
Meet at Tours Hvar / Big Blue tours at Kroz Burak 12, near the main promenade (behind it) or in front of Hotel Riva (BB Club). Your start time is also stated in the details, so follow your confirmation.
What time does the tour start?
The information shows a start time listed as 11:00 am, while the meeting point for the first stop notes 10:15 am. Check your confirmation for the exact pickup time.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.











