Blue Cave (Modra Spilja)
One of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the Mediterranean. Explore the Blue Cave by private boat from Hvar - a sea cave on Bisevo Island that glows with an otherworldly blue light.
24 meters
Cave Depth
12 meters
Cave Width
45-60 min
From Hvar
10 AM - Noon
Best Light
€15-17
Per Person
5-10 min
Inside Cave
Apr - Oct
Open Season
Croatia's Most Magical Natural Wonder
Hidden on the tiny island of Bisevo, just 5 nautical miles from Vis, the Blue Cave (Modra Spilja in Croatian) is one of those rare places that genuinely takes your breath away. When the midday sun hits the underwater entrance at just the right angle, the entire cave erupts in an otherworldly silvery-blue light that makes everything inside glow as if lit from within.
First described by Austrian painter Baron Eugen von Ransonnet in 1884, the Blue Cave has captivated visitors for over a century. Today it is Croatia's most famous natural attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. Yet nothing prepares you for the moment you glide through the narrow entrance and the crystal-clear Adriatic waters beneath you turn an impossible shade of electric blue.
Local tip:
The trick is timing. Leave Hvar by 9 AM to arrive before the big group boats. By 10:30 AM the light is at its best, and early boats often have the cave nearly to themselves.
Sunlight refracting through the underwater opening creates the legendary blue glow
What to Expect Inside the Blue Cave
The natural light phenomenon that makes this one of the most unique places on Earth
Entering the Cave
The entrance is only about 1.5 meters high and 2.5 meters wide - just enough for a small boat to pass through. You transfer from your private boat to an official small vessel operated by the Bisevo ticket office. Everyone lies flat as the boatman navigates through the narrow opening. The moment of transition from bright sunlight to the blue interior is truly dramatic.
The Blue Light Phenomenon
The cave is approximately 24 meters deep and 12 meters wide. On the south side, an underwater opening about 1.5 meters below sea level acts as a natural light portal. When sunlight enters through this submerged doorway, it reflects off the white limestone seafloor, illuminating the cave with an intense, shimmering blue light. Objects in the water appear to glow silver, while the cave walls take on an ethereal aquamarine hue.
Inside the Cave
You spend approximately 5-10 minutes inside. Swimming is not permitted for safety reasons, but you can trail your hand in the water and watch it glow with a silver luminescence. Photography is allowed - use no flash and increase your ISO for best results. The experience is intimate and awe-inspiring in equal measure.
Insider Tips for the Visit
The blue glow is most intense on clear, sunny days between 10 AM and noon - plan your arrival for this window
Wear a swimsuit under your clothes - you will want to swim at Green Cave and Stiniva right after
Arrive early to skip the queues - group tours from Split typically arrive after 11 AM
Bring a light jacket - the temperature inside the cave is noticeably cooler than outside
The boatmen at Bisevo are characters - tip them a euro or two and they will point out the best photo spots
How to Visit the Blue Cave from Hvar
Everything you need to know about logistics, timing, and making the most of your visit
Location
Bisevo Island, near Komiza, Vis. About 45-60 min by speedboat from Hvar Town harbor.
Best Light
10:00 AM - 12:00 noon on sunny days. The sun angle is perfect for maximum blue intensity.
Entrance Fee
€15-17 per person. Paid at Bisevo ticket office. Usually not included in tour price.
Time Inside
5-10 minutes. Entry via small official boats only. No swimming inside the cave.
Weather Dependent Access
The Blue Cave entrance is extremely narrow and closes when waves exceed safe levels (especially with south wind - Jugo). About 80% of days during the season have suitable conditions. Local skippers watch the forecast and can usually tell you if closure is likely. If the cave closes, the usual options are rescheduling or an alternative route visiting Green Cave, Stiniva Beach, and other sheltered spots. Ask the skipper about their refund or reroute policy before you book.
Best Time to Visit the Blue Cave
Timing is everything at the Blue Cave. The blue light phenomenon depends on both the time of day and the time of year. Here is what local skippers recommend.
Time of Day: 10 AM - Noon
The sun must be at a specific angle to illuminate the underwater opening. Between 10 AM and noon, the effect is at its most spectacular. Leaving Hvar by 9 AM gets you there in the best light.
Best Months: June & September
While the season runs April to October, June and September offer the perfect balance: strong sun for vivid blue light, warm water (22-25 degrees Celsius) for swimming at other stops, and significantly fewer crowds than July-August.
Weather: Calm Seas Required
The cave needs calm water for entry. North wind (Maestral) is fine, but south wind (Jugo) creates waves that close the cave. Ask your skipper to check the forecast the evening before.
Early morning departure for the best light and smallest crowds
Blue Cave Tour from Hvar
A private boat tour Hvar is the best way to experience the Blue Cave - skip the crowds, customize your itinerary, and explore with a local expert skipper
Private Boat Tour
Your own boat and local skipper for the day. Flexible timing, skip the queues, visit multiple locations.
- Blue Cave + Green Cave + Stiniva
- Lunch in Komiza or Vis Town
- Snorkel gear on most boats
- Arrive before the crowds
Full day (8-10 hours)
Typically from €1,250 / boat
Up to 8-12 guests
Group Speedboat Tour
Join a shared speedboat with other travelers. Lower cost but fixed schedule, larger groups, and less flexibility.
- Fixed departure ~9 AM
- 12-20 passengers
- Standard route, set stops
Per person
€85-120
8-10 hours
Ferry + Local Boat
Take the Jadrolinija ferry to Vis, then a local boat from Komiza to Bisevo. Time-consuming but budget-friendly.
- 2+ hours each way
- Ferry schedules limited
- Ferry + local boat + entry fees
Approx. total per person
€50-70
Full day required
Final price comes from the skipper and depends on boat, season and group size.
Not sure which boat suits your group? Compare boat types before you send a request for your Blue Cave trip.
Nearby Attractions on Your Blue Cave Tour
A Blue Cave tour is not just about the cave - it is a full day exploring the best of Vis Island and the surrounding crystal-clear Adriatic waters
Green Cave (Zelena Spilja)
A massive sea cave on Ravnik Island where you CAN swim and snorkel. Sunlight enters through a hole in the ceiling, creating magical green reflections on the water.
Stiniva Beach
Voted "Best Beach in Europe" - a hidden pebble beach accessed through dramatically narrow cliffs. Arrive by boat and swim through the entrance for unforgettable photos.
Komiza Town
Charming fishing village on Vis with centuries-old traditions. Stop for fresh Dalmatian lunch - grilled fish, octopus salad, and local wines at waterfront restaurants.
Vis Island
Croatia's most remote inhabited island. Filming location for Mamma Mia 2, with untouched beaches, ancient Greek ruins, and award-winning local wines.
A typical full-day Blue Cave private boat trip from Hvar covers all these stops
Local Tips for the Blue Cave
Practical advice on timing, weather, cash and photos for a smoother Blue Cave day
Depart Hvar by 9 AM to reach the cave before the large group boats from Split arrive around 11 AM. Early arrival means shorter queues and a more intimate experience.
June and September are the sweet spot - the sun is strong enough for vivid blue light, the water is warm for swimming at other stops, and you avoid the peak July-August crowds.
If the Blue Cave is closed due to weather, do not be disappointed. The alternative route (Green Cave, Stiniva, Budikovac lagoon) is equally spectacular - some visitors prefer it!
Bring cash (euros) for the cave entrance fee. The ticket office on Bisevo only accepts cash, so get it ready the evening before.
For the best photos inside the cave, turn off your flash, increase ISO, and shoot towards the underwater light source. Video captures the experience better than photos.
After the Blue Cave, most routes head to Green Cave for swimming, then Stiniva for more swimming, and finish with lunch in Komiza. This gives the day a good flow.
Love Snorkeling? Explore More
While swimming inside the Blue Cave is not permitted, the surrounding waters around Vis and Bisevo offer some of the best snorkeling in the Adriatic. Crystal-clear waters with 30+ meter visibility, underwater caves, and diverse marine life make every stop on your tour a snorkeling adventure.
Green Cave swimming
Stiniva snorkeling
Budikovac lagoon
30m+ visibility
Blue Cave FAQs
Common questions before a Blue Cave private boat trip from Hvar
How much does the Blue Cave cost?
The Blue Cave entrance fee is approximately €15-17 per person, paid directly at the Bisevo ticket office. This fee is separate from your boat tour price. Children under 6 enter free. Most private boat tour prices do NOT include this entrance fee, so budget accordingly.
Can you visit the Blue Cave from Hvar?
Yes! Hvar is one of the best starting points for a Blue Cave visit. By private speedboat, the journey takes about 45-60 minutes from Hvar Town. Private boat trips usually leave Hvar harbor around 9:00 AM and combine the Blue Cave with stops at Green Cave, Stiniva Beach, and lunch on Vis Island.
What is the best time to visit the Blue Cave?
The blue light phenomenon is most spectacular between 10:00 AM and noon, when the sun is at the right angle to illuminate the underwater opening. Sunny days produce the most vivid blue glow. The season runs April to October, with June and September offering the best combination of weather, light conditions, and manageable crowds.
Is the Blue Cave worth visiting?
Absolutely - the Blue Cave is one of the most unique natural phenomena in the entire Mediterranean. The ethereal blue glow is unlike anything you have seen, and photographs simply cannot capture the experience. Combined with Green Cave, Stiniva Beach, and lunch in Komiza, it makes for an unforgettable full-day adventure.
How long is a Blue Cave tour from Hvar?
A full-day Blue Cave tour from Hvar typically lasts 8-10 hours (departing around 9 AM, returning by 5-6 PM). You spend approximately 5-10 minutes inside the Blue Cave itself, but the tour includes multiple stops: Green Cave for swimming, Stiniva Beach, lunch in Komiza or Vis Town, and additional swimming stops in crystal-clear Adriatic waters.
Can you swim in the Blue Cave?
Swimming inside the Blue Cave is not permitted due to safety regulations and the narrow entrance. However, the nearby Green Cave (Zelena Spilja) on Ravnik Island allows swimming and snorkeling, and the luminous green light effect there is also spectacular. Your tour will include plenty of swimming opportunities at other stops.
What happens if the Blue Cave is closed?
The cave closes when waves are too high, usually caused by south wind (Jug/Jugo). Local skippers watch the forecast and can usually tell you the evening before if closure is likely. If the cave closes, the usual options are rescheduling to another day or an alternative route visiting Green Cave, Stiniva, and other sheltered spots. Ask the skipper about their refund or reroute policy before you book. About 80% of days during the season have suitable conditions.
Which tour includes the Blue Cave?
A Vis & Blue Cave full-day trip is the most popular option - it includes Blue Cave, Green Cave, Stiniva Beach, and lunch on Vis Island. A combined Blue Cave & Pakleni Islands route also works for those wanting the best of both areas. On a private trip you have your own boat and local skipper, so the itinerary is fully flexible.