Five islands in one day feels like magic—especially on a brand-new speedboat route to the Blue Cave with swim time and island-hopping views.

What I like most is that you get real water time, not just photo stops. Snorkeling gear is included, and the pace is built around breaks for swimming, photos, and a proper lunch window on the islands. I also like the payoff at the end: you finish with Hvar Island sightseeing, so the day doesn’t feel like it ends the moment you step off the boat.

One thing to consider: Blue Cave entrance tickets aren’t included, and the cave can be affected by weather and may end up closed on some days. Also, depending on timing and conditions, certain shore moments (like Stiniva) can feel more like quick photo time than a long beach hang.

Key points at a glance

• New luxury speedboats for fast, comfortable island transfers
• Blue Cave visit with guided tour and boat cruise (tickets sold separately)
• Snorkelling included at the Blue Lagoon area, plus cold water on board
• Big geography day: Vis, Biševo, Stiniva Bay, Pakleni islands, and Hvar
• English host/guide with an organized plan that keeps you moving

Where You Start on Split’s Riva (and why arriving early matters)

This tour’s meeting point is easy once you know what to look for: stand number 14 at the main promenade, Riva, by the sea. Plan to be there early—your arrival time at the center of Split is 07:45, and boarding starts around 08:00—because speedboat schedules don’t wait for latecomers.

Riva can be crowded, and “near the sea” is exactly the kind of direction that can cost you 10 minutes if you’re searching with your phone. Do yourself a favor: get your bearings fast and head straight to stand 14. If you’re coming from Split’s busier streets, leave a little buffer so you don’t arrive rushed.

The new luxury speedboat ride: comfort, speed, and a full day plan

The day runs for about 10 hours, with a return to Split around 18:00 to 18:30. That’s a long stretch, but it’s the trade you make when you want multiple islands plus Blue Cave and a stop on Hvar without switching transportation.

You’ll be on brand new luxury speed boats, and that matters. Speed boats aren’t just about being quick; they also reduce the dead travel time on the water so you can spend more hours at the places you actually came for. The tour includes fuel surcharge, and you’ll also get cold water on board—small detail, big comfort, especially on warm days in Dalmatia.

Also, the included snorkeling gear is a clue about the tour’s tone: this isn’t a sit-and-stare boat trip. It’s structured for getting in the water and making the day active.

Blue Cave in practice: guided cruise, separate tickets, and weather risk

The Blue Cave is the headline, and the tour starts by going there first. The cave visit includes a photo stop, a guided tour, and a boat cruise segment that totals about an hour at this stage (based on what’s listed for the Blue Cave portion).

Two practical points you should plan for:

1) Blue Cave entrance tickets are not included. Bring cash, since the tour specifically asks you to bring it. You’ll want to handle this so you’re not stuck doing payment while everyone else boards.

2) Weather can change everything. One booking specifically noted that they couldn’t go into the Blue Cave due to bad weather and closure, and the captain compensated by taking the group to other locations. That doesn’t mean your day is ruined, but it does mean you should be flexible in mindset. If you’re going only for Blue Cave and nothing else, this is a gamble worth understanding.

If the Blue Cave is open, you’ll get the classic experience: guided time at the cave and enough structure to know what you’re seeing. If it’s closed, the best way to protect your enjoyment is to treat the day as an island-hopping tour first, with Blue Cave as the top bonus.

Vis and Biševo: the “setup islands” before the big swim stops

Before the Blue Cave, the route includes stops related to Vis and Biševo. The details you’ll feel most are not the names on a map—they’re the pacing and how the day is staged.

Starting with the Blue Cave while your energy is fresh is smart. It avoids a common problem on multi-island trips: when you delay the main attraction, you end up doing it near the end when everyone is tired. Here, the day is planned so you hit Blue Cave early, then gradually build toward swimming and snorkelling.

This kind of route also helps you experience the shape of the coastline differently. Between Vis-area waters and Biševo, the scenery shifts quickly, and the boat ride keeps it moving. If you like to watch for coves and rock formations from the water, you’ll have plenty of those moments.

Stiniva Bay: short, scenic, and built for photos

Stiniva Bay is described as having free time for photos. That’s exactly what to expect here: this is not the stop where you count on spending hours on a long beach.

One booking noted that the Stiniva stop felt like only a few minutes for photos, with no real swimming time. That’s not a surprise if you read the stop description as photo-focused. So if your dream is a lazy beach afternoon at Stiniva, set expectations now.

Still, Stiniva is worth the time because the view from the water and from shore is a big part of why this itinerary exists. Go with the mindset of capturing the angle, walking a bit for the best line of sight, and then getting ready for the next swimming-heavy stop.

Practical tip: bring good sunscreen and keep your camera accessible. If you have one chance for photos, you’ll want to be ready when the boat lines up.

Budikovac and the Blue Lagoon: the part of the day you’ll remember

This is where the day gets physical—in a good way. At Budikovac Island and the Blue Lagoon area, you’ll have time for swimming and snorkelling, and the tour provides snorkeling gear.

That “gear included” point is more valuable than it sounds. Snorkel masks and snorkels are one of those things you either have already or you scramble to rent later. Here, you show up in beachwear and you’re ready.

Also, this is the stop where you should plan to look at the water itself, not just the shoreline. The Blue Lagoon setup is meant for easy water entry and a snorkel-friendly experience. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you can often treat it as a float-and-observe moment, staying where you feel comfortable.

Timing is the only wildcard. The tour includes swimming and snorkelling here, but it doesn’t list exact minutes. In practice, you’ll do best if you think of it as: get in, snorkel briefly, swim a bit, then take a breath and get your bearings for photos.

Pakleni islands and lunch: off-boat time that resets the day

After swimming, the tour includes the Pakleni islands and a lunchtime window. Your schedule includes time off the boat for lunch, which matters because speedboat days can blur together.

This lunch break is likely your easiest moment to grab food, but remember: food is not included. Bring cash for whatever you choose to eat. If you’re prone to decision fatigue on vacation, this is a good moment to know you can keep it simple: a quick meal and back to the vibe.

Also, one booking reported that the lunch stop and shore time didn’t always translate into time spent on Pakleni as expected. That’s a reminder that sea conditions and timing can shift how shore visits work. Your best strategy is to assume “time off the boat” is real, but don’t bank on a long sit-down, multi-stop wandering session.

Hvar Island at the end: city sightseeing with limited time

The day wraps with Hvar Island, including city of Hvar sightseeing. This is where the trip changes gears from nature-and-water to streets and viewpoints.

Hvar old town is compact, so even with limited time you can still get the feel: walkable lanes, Mediterranean stone, and the sense that the island has a pulse beyond its beaches. The tour’s structure helps too—because you’re arriving later in the day, you often get lighting that’s great for wandering and photos.

But again, set expectations: this is sightseeing time, not a full free day. If you want to do museum-level exploring, you’ll likely need a separate visit.

Price and value: is $187 a smart deal?

At $187 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to see the Blue Cave. You’re paying for a lot of moving parts to be handled for you: fuel, a professional guide, insurance for passengers, cold water, and snorkeling gear.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• If you’d otherwise arrange separate transport + a guide + snorkeling rental, the day can look more reasonable.
• You’re getting a high-effort route: multiple islands, a cave visit that includes guided time, plus swimming and snorkelling.
• What you’re not paying for is also clear: food and Blue Cave entrance tickets.

So, the real cost isn’t just the $187. It’s $187 plus what you’ll pay for the cave entry and lunch choices. If you budget cash for tickets and meals ahead of time, the pricing starts to feel more like a “bundle” deal rather than a standalone boat excursion.

Who this tour suits best (and who should choose something else)

This tour fits best if you want a packed day that stays exciting: speedboat travel, a major attraction early, then swim-and-snorkel time. It’s a good match for couples, small groups of friends, and anyone who likes to check off multiple islands without doing extra planning each step of the way.

You might think twice if:

• Blue Cave is your only reason to go and you can’t handle the possibility of closure due to weather.
• You prefer long, slow beach time over structured stops.
• You’re looking for a meal that’s included in the price.

If you’re flexible and you like active sightseeing, this itinerary’s format is a strong one.

Tips to get the most out of the day

• Bring beachwear and plan to be in swim mode. The tour is built around water time.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat. You’ll be outside for hours, and the schedule doesn’t sound like it has long shade breaks.
• Have cash ready for the Blue Cave tickets and for food, since lunch isn’t included.
• For Stiniva, treat it like a photo-and-walk stop. If you want swimming time, aim your hopes at Blue Lagoon instead.
• If you’re sensitive to sea spray or speedboat motion, consider bringing what helps you feel comfortable on the water (even if the tour doesn’t list it).

Should you book the Split 5 Islands and Blue Cave Boat Tour?

I’d book it if you want a fast, well-structured day that combines the Blue Cave with proper swimming and snorkelling, and you also want to end with Hvar city sightseeing. The included snorkeling gear, cold water, insurance, and guide support make it feel like you’re buying a whole experience rather than just transport.

Skip or compare if you’re strict about a long, slow beach day, or if you’re traveling with a high dependence on Blue Cave entry working perfectly on your date. The cave can be closed, and while the captain may adjust with other locations, it’s still the kind of thing where your flexibility becomes part of the value you get.

If your goal is variety—caves, coves, lagoons, and a bit of town—this is a solid pick from Split.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour in Split?

You meet at the selling stand number 14 at the main promenade, Riva, by the sea.

What time does the tour start and when does it return?

You arrive at the meeting point at 07:45, board around 08:00, and return to Split between 18:00 and 18:30.

Are Blue Cave entrance tickets included?

No. Blue Cave entrance tickets are not included.

What’s included in the tour besides the boat ride?

Included items are fuel surcharge, a professional guide, cold water, snorkeling gear, and insurance for all passengers.

Is lunch or food included?

No. Food is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and cash, especially since the Blue Cave entrance tickets aren’t included and food isn’t included either.