Blue Cave of Biševo and Green Cave by Speedboat from Hvar

What it is

The Blue Cave (Modra špilja) is on the island of Biševo, south-west of Vis. When the sun enters through a crack in the rock under the water, the cave lights up an intense blue, with silvery reflections on the rocks and on whatever is submerged. From Hvar you go by speedboat on a full-day excursion that adds the Green Cave, the cove of Stiniva and other swimming stops, and returns via the Pakleni islands.

Who runs it

Two companies in Hvar town run it as a group trip:

• HvarBoats, departing at 10:30 from Križna Luka bay (or pick-up at your hotel or at the port) and returning around 18:30. €80 to €100 per person, depending on the boat.
• Hvar Adventure, departing at 10:30 from Hvar town and returning between 17:00 and 18:00. €85 per person on an inflatable and €95 on a large speedboat, with a maximum of 12 people.

Both include boat, skipper, fuel, water and glasses or snorkelling gear. Cave entry and lunch are extra.

The day, stop by stop

This is HvarBoats' plan; Hvar Adventure's is similar.

1. Green Cave (Ravnik). After about 35 minutes by speedboat you reach the islet of Ravnik, next to Vis. The emerald-green water is due to light reflected off the algae-covered bottom. You enter by swimming or in a small boat.
2. Stiniva. The Vis cove enclosed between cliffs, with a very narrow mouth. The speedboat anchors in front and you enter by swimming about 20 m or in a small inflatable. You have about an hour to swim; there is a bar on the beach.
3. Blue Cave (Biševo). The speedboat docks at the Biševo quay, you buy the ticket and wait your turn. A 12-seat motorboat takes you in two minutes to the cave mouth, so low that you have to duck your head. Inside the boatman switches off the engine and moves the boat by hand. You spend about 15 minutes and can take photos.
4. Optional stop. Depending on the group and time: the Budikovac lagoon, the sandy Stončica beach, the monk-seal cave, the Second World War submarine tunnels or the towns of Vis and Komiža.
5. Palmižana. Time for lunch and a swim on the Pakleni before returning to Hvar in the afternoon light.

Cave tickets

According to the rate published by HvarBoats, the Blue Cave costs €24 for adults in high season (20 June to 10 September) and €18 in low season (1 April to 20 June and 11 September to 31 October); it is paid in cash or by card. The Green Cave costs €12 in high season and €8 in low, cash only. Children up to age 6 do not pay and those aged 6 to 12 pay half.

If the sea does not cooperate

With a heavy swell or south wind the Blue Cave closes. The companies may cancel or change the route; HvarBoats lets you know before departure and lets you choose between going with another stop instead of the cave, another date or a refund.

Who should not go

The speedboat bounces a lot on open sea. HvarBoats advises against the excursion for anyone with back pain or back surgery, except in very flat seas, and asks pregnant women to tell them beforehand.

What to bring

Swimming costume, towel, sun cream, hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes, a jacket at the start and end of the season and cash for the Green Cave.