Split Island Boat Tours: Blue Cave, Hvar & the Pakleni Islands
Split is the launch pad for Croatia's best island hopping, from the glowing Blue Cave on Biševo to the beaches of Hvar, Brač and the Pakleni archipelago. Here is how to plan a day on the water from Split, plus the top-rated speedboat and catamaran tours to book for each stretch of the Adriatic.
At a glance
- 1Blue Cave on Biševo at first light
- 2Swim stop at the Blue Lagoon
- 3Lunch and old town on Hvar
- 4Pakleni islands & Brač beaches
The Blue Cave and the five-islands classic
The signature day trip from Split is the five-islands speedboat tour, built around the Blue Cave on the islet of Biševo. Boats leave early to reach the cave before the swell and the crowds, when sunlight refracts through an underwater opening and floods the chamber with electric blue. From there most routes weave on to Vis, the Stiniva cove and Hvar town, packing the Adriatic's greatest hits into a single full day.
Swim stops and the Blue Lagoon
If you would rather swim than sightsee, a shorter half-day cruise to the Blue Lagoon near Trogir trades distance for time in the water. The shallow turquoise channel between Drvenik and Krknjaši is ideal for snorkelling, and these trips usually add a quiet cove or two plus lunch on board. They are the easy, family-friendly alternative to the long Blue Cave run and leave plenty of afternoon back in Split.
Hvar, Brač and the Pakleni islands
For a slower pace, a catamaran or sailing cruise links Hvar, Brač and the Pakleni islands, where pine-fringed coves and the golden spit of Zlatni Rat replace the rush between caves. You get more swimming, long lunches with local wine and time to wander Hvar's marble old town. Whichever boat you choose, bring reef shoes, sun protection and a light layer for the fast, breezy ride back to Split.
Book the experiences in this itinerary
Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Split — prices per person.
