Hvar: Private Blue Cave and Vis Speedboat Tour

A private speedboat turns Vis into your movie. I love the 11-meter comfort for a full day on the water, and I like how the itinerary stacks the big hits like the Blue Cave with quieter stops off the main path. You get a true private setup for groups up to 12, so you are not squeezing your day into someone else’s schedule.

The crew is friendly and focused on making the day flow, and they help you build your own rhythm at each swimming and viewing moment. One catch to plan around is weather, since this is a boat tour and the activity can shift or be rescheduled if conditions are poor.

Key Things You’ll Notice

• Private boat, up to 12 people: You get the speedboat just for your group, with a lounge-ready sundeck.
• Blue Cave plus Vis water stops: The tour links the famous cave experience with swim time at major Vis-area spots.
• Snorkeling gear and safety included: You are set up for the water time without extra shopping.
• Hidden caves on Vis: After the highlights, you head to the lesser-known southern shore caves.
• Pakleni Islands finish: The day keeps moving after Vis, ending with the best of the Pakleni Islands.
• Crew-led pacing: Captain and crew help shape an itinerary that fits how long you want to stay.

Why a Private 11-meter Speedboat Makes This Day Feel Different

This is the kind of tour where the boat choice matters as much as the sights. A private 11-meter speedboat means you have space to spread out, plus a big sundeck for sunbathing, drying off, and taking in the coastline without constantly packing and unpacking.

It also changes the timing. Instead of rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint, you get enough time to linger at each area as long as you wish. That sounds simple, but on a coastline like this, it is the difference between seeing places and actually using the water, shade, and jump-in moments.

And with a crew that is English-speaking and ready to help you organize your plan, you are not spending your day decoding directions, translations, or logistics. You show up, and they take it from there.

Meeting in Hvar, then Pointing Straight at the Good Water

Your day starts at Kabina Boats in the main port of Hvar harbor, right next door to hotel Adriana. The crew meets you there and guides you to the boat, which is a small detail, but it removes a lot of stress. In places like Hvar, speed and clarity at the start matter because the day is only 8 hours.

Once you are aboard, you will feel the speedboat’s role immediately: this tour is built for moving efficiently between Vis-area highlights and the quieter spots on the way. The bathing platform and excursion-focused setup are there so you can transition smoothly from cruising to swimming, which is what you came for.

The Blue Cave Experience, and the One Cost You Must Budget Separately

The tour’s signature moment is the magical Blue Cave. You see it as part of the island-hopping route, and the experience is centered on that contrast between rock and water color that everyone talks about.

Important detail for your budget: Blue Cave tickets are not included. So even though the tour includes the boat, fuel, crew, and safety gear, you will still want to budget separately for cave entry. If you are planning a group trip, it helps to think of this tour price as the boat-and-crew cost, plus add the cave ticket and lunch on top.

Also, because this is subject to weather conditions, the exact flow can be affected. If conditions are rough, plans may need to adjust. That is normal for a boat-based cave day, but it is worth keeping in mind when you are choosing your dates.

Stiniva Bay Swim Time, a Famous Beach Stop with Real Water Minutes

After the Blue Cave, the tour includes swim and snorkeling time at Stiniva Bay, noted as the best beach in Europe in 2016. I like this stop because it is not just another quick photo moment. The schedule explicitly builds in water time, so you can get your feet wet, cool off, and take advantage of the snorkeling setup.

What makes this valuable is the match between the boat style and the activity. The speedboat setup includes snorkeling gear and a bathing platform, so you are not left figuring out how to get in and out safely. The tour keeps things practical: you are moving, then you are swimming, then you are back on the water.

If you are the kind of traveler who wants your day to include an actual swim, not just sightseeing, this is a strong element of the day.

Budikovac Blue Lagoon, where the Day Slows Just Enough

Next on the route is the Budikovac Blue Lagoon, with time in the crystal waters. This is one of those stops that feels like a reset button. By the time you reach it, you have already checked the headline sights, so the lagoon becomes the reward for a day of moving between coves.

The tour’s emphasis here is straightforward: water time. Snorkeling gear is included, bottled water is provided, and the boat is set up for excursions, not just transport. That means you can treat this as a proper break, not a rushed stop.

I also like the way private pacing changes how you use a lagoon. If you want to stay longer floating and re-snorkeling, you can. If you want to jump in, swim a bit, and move on, the crew can help you keep the day feeling smooth.

Secret Caves on Vis’ Southern Shore, When the Day Gets Personal

After covering the main attractions, the tour shifts to lesser-known areas, including secret caves on the southern shore of Vis Island. This part is where private touring really earns its keep.

A group like yours can spend time where it feels right, instead of following a fixed script. If you want to linger near a cave entrance, you can. If you want more time in the water, you can aim for that. The crew is on hand to help organize your itinerary and keep things stress-free, which matters more here than at the headline sites. Quiet caves are more about timing and comfort than checklists.

Based on how Captain Stepo and Skipper Ivonna guide the day, the emphasis is on giving you real choices at each stop, not just delivering you to a location and moving on immediately. That approach tends to make the secret-cave portion feel like a highlight, even for people who usually want only the famous stops.

Pakleni Islands After Vis, Finishing with More Water and More Views

Once you have explored Vis, the tour moves on to the best of the Pakleni Islands. I love the logic of this ending. You are not starting your day with the last chapter, you are saving the final stretch for after you have already had your big cave and swim moments.

Because the tour is private, the Pakleni portion can feel more like an extension of your day than an optional add-on. You keep cruising, you keep getting views, and you keep getting opportunities for a water break. The boat’s sundeck and bathing platform help here too, since you can alternate between soaking up sun and getting in for a quick refresh.

The Crew Factor, Captain Stepo and Skipper Ivonna’s Practical Help

This tour stands or falls on how the crew runs the day, and it sounds like Kabina Boats does it well. Captain Stepo and Skipper Ivonna are described as gracious and excellent guides, and the overall tone from their hosting style is calm and helpful.

One detail I really appreciate: they offer options, not commands. In practical terms, that means you are more likely to find the best water spots for your group rather than being steered into only one kind of experience. People also mention great photos, which usually comes down to pacing and positioning. If the crew times stops well and gives you enough time at each point, you get better angles and less rushing.

It also helps that the crew takes care of the “everything” part. You do not have to track fuel logistics, safety equipment details, or snorkeling gear. You can focus on the actual experience.

Price and Value, What $1,344 Covers (and What It Does Not)

The price is $1,344 per group up to 12 for an 8-hour private tour. If you book as a full group, the cost per person becomes surprisingly reasonable. At 12 people, it works out to about $112 each. Even at smaller groups, it can still feel fair because you are paying for a whole private boat, fuel, an English-speaking crew, and the snorkeling setup.

Here is what you do get included:

• Private boat
• Friendly English-speaking crew
• Fuel
• Bottled water
• Snorkeling gear
• Safety equipment and insurance

And what you do not get:

• Lunch
• Tickets to the Blue Cave

So the real “all-in” cost is your tour price plus cave tickets and lunch. If you are comparing options, do not just look at the sticker. Think of this as a full-day boat experience where you are paying to control the day, use the water, and avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple activities.

Also, consider that this is an 8-hour day. You are getting a lot of coverage: Blue Cave, Stiniva Bay swim and snorkeling, Budikovac Blue Lagoon, secret caves on Vis’ southern shore, and the Pakleni Islands. That’s a lot of geography packed into a private day, which is usually where private tours earn their keep.

What to Pack and How to Make the Most of the Water Time

This tour is built around swimming and snorkeling, plus lots of time on open water. So plan for comfort, water access, and quick changes.

At minimum, think about:

• Swimwear you can get on fast
• A towel or something you can dry with after water time
• Sun protection like sunglasses and a hat, especially for long sundeck stretches
• Any personal snorkeling comfort items, though snorkeling gear is provided

Because the schedule includes multiple water stops, you will feel the value of being ready without rushing. The boat’s bathing platform and excursion setup help a lot, but your comfort still depends on what you bring.

One more practical note: the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. That is not about judgment, it is about the reality of speedboat travel and time on a boat. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, plan carefully.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Pick Another Option

This is ideal if you:

• Want a private day with up to 12 people
• Care more about water time and pacing than a rigid group schedule
• Like the idea of stacking Vis highlights with quieter cave moments
• Prefer having a friendly English-speaking crew handling the flow

It is also a good choice for groups who want flexibility. The tour is personalized in the sense that you can choose how long you stay at each area. That is great for mixed preferences, like people who want to snorkel longer and people who prefer shorter swims.

It is not a good fit if you or someone traveling has back problems, or if anyone is pregnant. Also keep weather in mind, because the whole experience is dependent on being out on the water.

Should You Book This Hvar to Vis Private Speedboat Tour?

I would book it if you want a private, boat-first day in Dalmatia where the schedule includes real swim and snorkeling time, plus a route that connects big-name sights with quieter caves. The included snorkeling gear, bottled water, safety equipment, and insurance make it feel complete, and the up-to-12 group size keeps it personal without being cramped.

I would think twice if your dates are tight due to weather risk, or if you are counting on lunch being provided (it is not). Also, budget for Blue Cave tickets separately, since that is the one major attraction cost not wrapped into the tour price.

If you want a day that feels tailored and you are excited about the water, this is the kind of tour that tends to pay off fast.

FAQ

How long is the Hvar: Private Blue Cave and Vis speedboat tour?

It lasts 8 hours, and starting times depend on availability.

How many people can be in the group?

It is a private group for up to 12 people.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour includes a live English guide.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Kabina Boats in the main port of Hvar harbor, next to hotel Adriana, Obala, Fabrika 27, Hvar, Croatia. The crew will meet you there and guide you to the boat.

What is included in the price?

A private boat, a friendly English-speaking crew, fuel, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and safety equipment and insurance are included.

Is lunch included, and are Blue Cave tickets included?

Lunch is not included, and tickets to the Blue Cave are not included.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes, the tour is subject to weather conditions. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.