Blue cave, Mama Mia and Hvar, 5 island speedboat tour from Trogir

The day’s big prize is the Blue Cave on Biševo, where sunlight slips through an underwater opening and turns the cave’s water an intense blue. From there, you cross the open Adriatic by speedboat, stop at a fishing village, swim in a sea cove, pause at the Mamma Mia beach, and finish with time in Hvar.

I like the way this tour packs far-flung places into one long day, and I like the mix of scenery and free time. You are not trapped on the boat all day: Komiža gives you a waterfront stroll, Budikovac offers swimming and snorkeling, and Hvar gives you two and a half hours for lunch and sightseeing. The tradeoff is comfort. This is an open-air speedboat ride, not a quiet cruise, and the sea can be rough.

Key points before you book

• Blue Cave access is arranged for you, but the admission fee is extra and must be paid in cash.
• You visit five islands and several coastal sites in roughly 10 to 12 hours, a lot of ground for one day.
• The boat carries up to 12 people, giving the ride a small-group feel, although the overall activity can have more departures.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built into the day, especially at Budikovac Island and Stiniva Cove.
• Hvar is your main independent stop, with time for lunch, the cathedral, or the Fortica fortress.
• The ride can be loud and bumpy, so this suits active sightseers more than anyone wanting a calm sea cruise.

Why this tour covers so much coast in one day

The tour leaves from Obala bana Berislavića 30 in Trogir and returns there. The listed price is $111.26 per person, which is a fair price for a full day of boat transport, an English-speaking driver-guide, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, and visits spread across the islands.

The value comes from the distances covered. Biševo and Vis are not quick add-ons from the mainland, and Hvar is another substantial run across the water. Doing these places independently would mean sorting out ferry schedules, local transfers, and timing between islands. Here, the skipper handles the long crossings.

Still, the price does not cover everything. You pay separately for food, drinks, and Blue Cave admission. The cave fee changes by date: €12 from April 1 to May 31, €18 from June 1 to June 19, €24 from June 20 to September 10, and €18 from September 11 to October 31. Bring cash for this fee.

The schedule is ambitious. Each stop is timed, and some are brief photo pauses rather than proper visits. I would book this for variety, not for slow exploration of every island.

Biševo and the Blue Cave: the morning centerpiece

Biševo is the first major stop. The island is small, and the Blue Cave is its main draw. Your boat’s skip-the-line arrangement is useful because waiting times can eat into a day like this, especially during the busiest summer period.

Inside the cave, the effect comes from light entering below the surface. The water takes on a blue glow, and the short visit feels unlike a normal beach stop. You spend about 20 minutes inside the cave, while the broader Biševo stop can last about 45 minutes depending on the season and the queue.

There is a practical catch: the cave visit depends on weather and sea conditions. If the entrance is unsafe or the cave is closed, the captain can change the plan. On one departure, the Green Cave was used instead, and the day still continued with the other stops. That is a sensible safety decision, but you should not book this day expecting the Blue Cave as a guaranteed sight.

Also note the confusing wording found in some tour descriptions: Blue Cave admission is described as included in the highlights, but the detailed inclusions say the entry ticket is not included. The safest assumption is that the booking covers the arrangement and priority access, while you pay the separate entrance fee in cash.

Komiža on Vis: one hour at a real fishing port

Komiža is one of the most rewarding stops because it breaks up the sightseeing rush. You get about an hour to walk along the waterfront, have breakfast, or sit with a coffee.

This is not a grand museum stop. Its appeal is the working harbor feel, the compact waterfront, and the chance to see Vis at a human pace. After the early start and the cave visit, a simple drink can be exactly what you need.

Breakfast is not included, so plan to buy it yourself if you want something more than coffee. The stop is short enough that you should keep an eye on the time. A relaxed stroll is realistic, but a long meal is not.

Stiniva Cove and Srebrena Beach

Stiniva Cove is reached from the sea, with no ordinary road access. The boat pauses for about 20 minutes, giving you a chance to swim and try to reach the beach from the water.

This is a scenic stop, but the short timing matters. You are not settling in for a full beach afternoon. If several people want to swim, take turns quickly and be ready to return to the boat when called.

Next comes Srebrena, the beach associated with the film Mamma Mia. The boat slows for about five minutes so you can take photos. That is all. Think of Srebrena as a viewpoint from the water, not a beach visit.

This distinction helps set the right expectation. You will see the coast and get a photo opportunity, but you will not have time to walk ashore, find a quiet corner, or recreate a film scene on the sand.

Budikovac Island: the best water stop

Budikovac is where the schedule allows a proper swim and snorkeling session. You get about an hour in a Blue Lagoon area near Vis, and snorkeling equipment is supplied.

I would treat this as the day’s main water break. Stiniva is brief, while Budikovac gives you enough time to get in, look around, and dry off before the next crossing. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and use the supplied wind or life jacket as directed by the crew.

The quality of this stop depends on what you want from it. If you enjoy swimming and snorkeling, it may be one of the highlights. If you prefer wandering ashore, the beach setting may feel limited, particularly if the nearby beach bar is closed outside the high season.

Do not expect a long, quiet stay. This is a busy island-hopping schedule, and the boat moves on after roughly an hour.

Pakleni Islands and Hvar: two very different stops

The Pakleni Islands receive only about five minutes, mainly for a view and photographs. The stop gives you a quick look at the chain of islands near Hvar, but it is not a shore visit.

Hvar is the day’s longest stop, with about two and a half hours. That is enough time to eat lunch, walk the old town, visit Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, or climb to Tvrdava Fortica. Lunch and entry fees are your responsibility.

You will need to choose. A leisurely lunch and a fortress visit may leave little time for the cathedral. A quick meal lets you see more of the town. The cathedral visit takes roughly 20 minutes, while the climb and visit to Fortica can take about 30 minutes, not counting the time needed to walk there and back.

Fortica is the stronger choice if you want a broad view over Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands. The cathedral is better for a short architectural stop. You cannot comfortably do everything at a slow pace, so decide on the boat or shortly after arrival.

Hvar is also where you can make your own plans. If the speedboat ride has been tiring, a shaded café and an easy walk may be wiser than trying to tick off every sight.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The boat is open air and carries up to 12 people. That small capacity can make the outing feel more personal than a large excursion boat, and the English-speaking driver-guide can keep the day moving.

It also means you are exposed to sun, wind, spray, and the motion of the sea. The ride between islands can be rough, particularly on the open water. Some departures include loud music, and the captain may make fast turns or adjust course around waves and boat wakes. Some people find this thrilling. Others find it noisy or uncomfortable.

The supplied safety equipment includes wind and life jackets, plus standard safety gear. Wear clothing that can handle spray and bring sun protection. Bottled water is not supplied, so carry enough for a long day, especially if you plan to swim.

The feedback about the ride is mixed in a useful way. Some people have loved the speed, the music, and the excitement of crossing the water. Others have wanted a calmer trip and left the group in Hvar. The honest advice is simple: if you want gentle sightseeing on a smooth boat, choose another type of excursion. If you like speed, open water, and a full active day, this format may suit you well.

Skippers and guides vary by departure. One especially praised pairing was Lucy as guide and Z as skipper. You should not assume they will be on your boat, but the detail gives you a sense of the friendly, informal approach some groups receive.

Timing, fitness, and who should book

This is a long day, lasting about 10 to 12 hours. The early departure, multiple crossings, swimming stops, and return to Trogir require energy. You should arrive on time at the meeting point because the boat cannot wait for late arrivals without disrupting the whole schedule.

The activity is not suitable for children under 10. It is also forbidden for people with back problems, mobility issues, or those who are pregnant. The open boat and rough-water crossings are the reason these restrictions matter.

The tour suits you best if you:

• Want to see several islands in one day
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling
• Can handle a fast, bumpy boat ride
• Prefer a packed day to a slow beach holiday
• Are happy to choose your own lunch and Hvar sights
• Like small-group outings with a casual atmosphere

It is less suitable if you want long visits at each place, quiet travel, or a soft ride. The five-minute photo stops are useful for seeing more, but they are not deep visits.

Practical cost and preparation advice

The base price is $111.26 per person. Add the seasonal Blue Cave fee, lunch, and drinks. Since water is not included, buy or bring it before departure. You should also have cash ready for the cave ticket.

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are wind and life jackets. Optional outerwear is available, which matters on a fast boat when the wind picks up. Even on a warm day, the ride can feel cool after swimming.

The tour is offered in English and includes an English-speaking driver-guide. Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Bad weather can force a change in the route. If the operator cancels for weather or because too few people have booked, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The captain can also alter the itinerary during the day for safety.

Should you book this Trogir speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a big Adriatic sampler rather than a restful boat day. The Blue Cave, Komiža, Stiniva, Budikovac, the Mamma Mia beach, the Pakleni Islands, and Hvar make a strong list of sights, and the small boat helps connect them in one day.

Skip it if you dislike loud music, fast crossings, or uncertain sea conditions. The most important decision is not the price. It is your comfort with an open boat and a tightly packed schedule.

For active visitors who want to swim, take photos, and see Hvar without arranging several ferry trips, this is a strong-value day. Bring cash, water, sun protection, and realistic expectations about the rough ride. If the Blue Cave closes, the day can still work, but its main attraction is no longer guaranteed.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Obala bana Berislavića 30 in Trogir, Croatia.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $111.26 per person. Food, drinks, and the Blue Cave admission fee are extra.

Is the Blue Cave ticket included?

The detailed tour information says the Blue Cave admission fee is not included. You should prepare cash for the seasonal fee, which ranges from €12 to €24 per person.

What happens if the Blue Cave is closed?

The captain may change the itinerary because of weather or safety conditions. A different cave, such as the Green Cave, may be visited instead.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, wind and life jackets, and safety equipment are included.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is strictly forbidden for children under 10. It is also not suitable for people with back problems, mobility issues, or pregnant people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of bad weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.