Private 5 islands Boat Tour: Blue Cave,Hvar &Pakleni islands

The best part of this tour is the private speedboat. You cover a lot of Dalmatia in one day, from the Blue Cave on remote Biševo to Hvar’s stone lanes and the calm waters around Pakleni. I like the mix of swimming, sightseeing, and time ashore, and I like that Captain Metko can adjust the day to suit your group.

The catch is the long ride to Biševo. It takes about 105 minutes each way from the starting point, and the Blue Cave can develop a serious queue in peak season. If you face a two-hour wait, the cave may not be worth sacrificing time at the other islands.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Cave comes first: The boat spends about 30 minutes at Biševo’s famous grotto, but the ticket is extra and waiting times can vary.
• Five-island variety: You get a strong mix of caves, swimming coves, Hvar town, and the Pakleni archipelago.
• Private comfort: Your group has the entire boat, with snorkeling gear, bottled water, fuel, insurance, and safety equipment included.
• Captain flexibility matters: Captain Metko has been praised for responding to requests and choosing attractive swim stops.
• Full-day commitment: The tour lasts 10 hours, with substantial time on the water and several fast boat crossings.
• Best value with a group: At $1,331 for up to eight people, the per-person cost is about $166 when the boat is full, before food and the Blue Cave ticket.

A fast ride to Biševo’s Blue Cave

You meet the boat at Island Discovery, across from St. Francis Church and near the small port with fishing boats. From there, the first crossing to Biševo takes about 105 minutes by speedboat.

That early ride sets the tone for the day. This is not a gentle harbor cruise. You are moving between islands at speed, so you should be comfortable with a long stretch on the water before the first major stop. The reward is one of Croatia’s most famous natural sights.

At the Blue Cave, sunlight enters through an underwater opening and reflects across the grotto. The effect gives the water a strong blue glow, with the cave itself providing a quiet, enclosed contrast to the open Adriatic. You get around 30 minutes for the visit, sightseeing, and photos.

The important practical detail is that the Blue Cave ticket is not included. You also cannot assume the visit will be quick. In August, the wait can reach two hours, according to the captain’s advice shared with one family on the tour. Your group was fortunate to have no wait on one visit, but that is not something you can count on.

I would ask about the current queue before committing to the cave if the line is long. The captain may be able to shape the day around conditions, but the 105-minute ride to Biševo still takes time. If the sea is calm and the line is short, the cave is a memorable opening. If the queue is heavy, you need to decide how much you value the cave compared with extra time for swimming elsewhere.

Stiniva Cove adds a proper swim stop

After Biševo, the boat takes about 15 minutes to reach Stiniva Cove. You have roughly an hour here for photos, swimming, and snorkeling.

Stiniva gives the day a welcome change of pace. The Blue Cave is mainly a short visual experience. Stiniva is where you get into the water and enjoy the setting at your own speed. The cove is known for its enclosed feel, making it a natural place to swim and take photographs.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and gear. The tour description does not promise specific marine life, but the stop is designed for swimming and snorkeling rather than simply looking from the boat.

An hour is enough for a refreshing stop, though you should not expect a long beach day here. This tour keeps moving, and Stiniva is one of several water stops. If your group would happily spend half a day in one cove, a private island-hopping schedule may still feel brisk.

Budikovac Blue Lagoon for an hour in the water

A 15-minute speedboat ride brings you to Budikovac Island and its Blue Lagoon. This is another one-hour stop, with time for lunch, a walk, swimming, and snorkeling.

Budikovac is uninhabited, which gives the stop a simpler feel than Hvar. The clear turquoise water is the main attraction. You can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment, or get out and walk before finding a sunny place to sit.

Food is not included, so lunch needs some thought. The schedule allows time for lunch, but the supplied details do not specify whether you should bring food or buy it at a particular stop. Ask the operator what is practical before departure. Personal expenses are also separate.

I like the way Stiniva and Budikovac work together. Stiniva offers a more enclosed cove, while Budikovac gives you open, bright water and a relaxed island pause. Still, the wording about a Blue Lagoon should not lead you to expect a resort-style facility. This is a small island stop, and the appeal is the water and the setting, not a long list of services.

Hvar town gives the day some culture

From Budikovac, the boat takes about 40 minutes to Hvar City. You have two hours for a photo stop, free time, sightseeing, and walking.

This is the most flexible part of the tour. You can wander through cobbled streets, look into courtyards, and choose a restaurant for local food. After several hours on the water, Hvar gives you a chance to stretch your legs and experience one of Croatia’s best-known island towns.

You can also walk up to Fortica Fortress for broad views over Hvar and the surrounding sea. The route adds effort to an already full day, so it may be better for active groups that want photographs and a higher viewpoint. If you prefer an easy break, stay in town and use the time for food and slow wandering.

Two hours sounds generous, but Hvar can easily absorb it. I would decide before arrival whether your group wants the fortress, lunch, or simply time in the old streets. Trying to do everything could turn this into a rushed stop.

The town is also where the tour shifts from nature to culture. You are no longer looking only at water and rock. You can see how island life, tourism, restaurants, and old stone buildings come together in one compact visit.

Pakleni Islands finish the day with open water

A 15-minute ride from Hvar takes you to the Pakleni Islands, where you have about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

This is a good final stop because it keeps the last part of the tour easy. After the cave, two coves, and Hvar town, you can simply sit in the sun or get back into the water. The archipelago is known for calm waters and beaches, and the boat gives you the freedom to enjoy the area without following a large group on foot.

The final return to Island Discovery takes about one hour. That means the day ends with another substantial ride, so keep some energy for the trip back. Bottled water is included, which is useful on a long summer outing, but bring any other drinks or food you want within the operator’s rules.

The Pakleni stop may feel short if you want a full beach afternoon. Its value is that it gives you one more chance to swim before returning, not that it replaces a dedicated beach trip.

What private really changes

The private format is the central reason to consider this excursion. You are booking the boat for your own group, up to eight people, rather than joining a shared outing with strangers. That gives you more space and makes it easier to speak directly with the captain about the day.

Captain Metko has been singled out for taking requests into account and for finding attractive places around the islands. That kind of flexibility is especially useful when conditions change. The Blue Cave queue is the clearest example. A fixed group schedule has less room to respond, while a private boat can at least discuss the tradeoff with you.

A private boat also makes the ride more comfortable. One family specifically appreciated having the whole boat and shade while other boats appeared to offer less cover. Shade matters on a 10-hour summer day, especially during the long crossings.

The tradeoff is price. The total cost is $1,331 for up to eight people. At eight people, that works out to about $166 per person. For four people, it is about $333 each, and for two people, the cost becomes much harder to justify.

The price includes taxes, handling charges, fuel surcharge, the skipper, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, and boat insurance. It does not include food, personal expenses, or the Blue Cave ticket. Compare it with the cost of separate transport and activities, but remember that your calculation needs to include those extras.

How demanding is the day?

The tour is physically active in a mild but real way. You will spend much of the day moving between stops by speedboat, then swimming, snorkeling, walking, and getting in and out of the boat.

The operator does not recommend the experience for children under three, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or people over 70. The restriction for back problems is worth taking seriously because fast boat travel can be uncomfortable on choppy water.

The tour is also not suitable for anyone who wants a quiet, slow cruise. You are covering a wide area in 10 hours. That is the appeal, but it is also the strain.

Wear swim clothing and bring whatever personal sun protection you need. The tour includes water and snorkeling equipment, but the supplied details do not list towels, meals, or other personal items. Food and personal expenses are your responsibility.

Timing, cancellations, and languages

The tour runs for 10 hours, though the exact starting time depends on availability. Your driver and skipper speak English and Croatian.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while your Croatia plans are still taking shape.

The meeting point is easy to identify: Island Discovery is directly across from St. Francis Church, near the small harbor with fishing boats. Allow enough time to find the boat without rushing, since the first crossing is long and the day follows a tight route.

Who will get the most from this boat tour?

I would recommend this tour to a group of friends or a family that wants a broad sample of the Dalmatian islands in one day. You get natural sights, water time, a historic town, and a private boat without having to organize several separate trips.

It is particularly well suited to groups of six to eight. The cost per person improves sharply when the boat is full, and the private space becomes a real benefit during the long rides.

It is less suitable for a couple on a tight budget, anyone with back trouble, or anyone who dislikes speedboats. It also may not suit you if the Blue Cave is your single top priority and you are unwilling to risk a long wait.

The best question to ask yourself is simple: do you want the Blue Cave, or do you want a full island day? If you want the whole mix, the cave is one piece of a strong route. If you want a slow afternoon at one beach, choose a shorter trip.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you value privacy, variety, and control more than a low price. The route gives you five very different island experiences, and the private boat lets your group stay together and discuss changes with the captain.

Before paying, confirm the plan for the Blue Cave ticket, lunch, and what happens if the queue is long. If you have eight people and want one big day on the water, the price can be good value. If you have only two people, compare carefully.

My practical verdict: this is a strong choice for an active group that wants to see a lot of Dalmatia in one day. Just treat the Blue Cave as a bonus within the wider trip, not as the only reason to go.

FAQ

How long does the private boat tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours, including the boat rides between the islands and the return to Island Discovery.

How many people can join the private group?

The price covers a private group of up to eight people.

Is the Blue Cave ticket included?

No. The Blue Cave ticket is not included in the tour price.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, and personal expenses are also separate.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes bottled water and snorkeling equipment. Safety equipment, boat insurance, the skipper, fuel surcharge, taxes, and handling charges are also included.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Island Discovery, directly across from St. Francis Church and near the small port with fishing boats.