Blue Cave: Day Trips and Tours from Split

The Blue Cave is one of the most famous landmarks in Croatia. Sculpted by the sea over the centuries, the cavern is hidden away on a remote yet accessible island in the Adriatic.

This natural wonder is renowned for the ethereal light that penetrates the cavern at certain times of day, creating an enchanting blue aura – making a Blue Cave tour from Split an absolutely mesmerizing trip!

Here's all you need to know about visiting the Blue Cave, one of the best day trips from Split.

How can I get to the Blue Cave from Split?

The Blue Cave is on Biševo, one of the islands lying offshore from mainland Croatia.

By public transport

First, you need to board the ferry from Split to Vis Island from the port, which takes 2.5 hours. There you'll need to hop on a bus for a 15-minute drive to Komiža before hopping on the ferry from Vis to Biševo Island.

You can book your ferry ticket through a number of companies although Jadrolinija is the main ferry operator in the country.

On a guided tour

Taking a guided Blue Cave day trip from Split is the easiest way to visit – make your way to the meeting point and board a cruise along the coast, with island spotting and swimming along the way.

These guided excursions last a full day with round-trip boat transport from Split harbor.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Blue Cave cost?

Entrance tickets to the Blue Cave are usually included in the price of your tour, but it's always advisable to confirm.

If you are visiting independently, you can purchase tickets at the gift shop beside the cave entrance, and will pay the following prices:

Adults

• April – June: 75 HRK ($11.40)
• July – August: 100 HRK ($15.25)
• September – October: 75 HRK ($11.40)

Children (6 to 12)

• April – June: 35 HRK ($5.30)
• July – August: 50 HRK ($7.60)
• September – October: 35 HRK ($5.30)

Children (under 6)

• Free

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour?

Although a few operators offer a hotel pick-up, most Blue Cave day trips from Split have a meeting point at the harbor. You’ll be traveling by motor boat and visiting five or six different islands on this full-day tour.

First up is the Blue Cave so you can visit when the light is at its best. Entrance is on smaller boats with timed slots.

The Blue Cave day tour continues with refreshments at Komiža village on Vis Island, swimming in Stinivia Cove, and snorkeling off Budikovac Island.

Many tours finish with some free time and lunch in the historic town of Hvar before returning you to Split.

What are the best tours from Split?

Guided boat tour to the Blue Cave from Split

The most popular Blue Cave day trips from Split are the small-group excursions that also take in several other sights along the way. This shared experience is a great way to keep costs down while seeing the scenery in style.

You will travel by motor yacht or speedboat and depart from the harbor in Split.

Our pick: Blue Cave & Five Islands With Hvar Boat Tour

• Price: From €75 per person
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Tour guide, snorkeling gear

All-inclusive boat trip to the Blue Cave from Split

These day tours to the Blue Cave from Split operate in a similar way to the guided trips above but head off earlier to beat the crowds.

All-inclusive excursions provide breakfast as well as a delicious grilled lunch by a summer house in a private bay. You can also enjoy alcoholic drinks and snacks on board while you are sailing between destinations.

Towels, restrooms, and wi-fi are all available onboard.

Our pick: All-inclusive Gastro Blue Cave Tour from Split

• Price: From €206 per person
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Hostess, snorkeling gear, breakfast, lunch, drinks, towels

Private tour to the Blue Cave from Split

Up the luxury with a private Blue Cave excursion and avoid the crowds by having your own customizable itinerary. Wind jackets are provided on some boats in case it gets a bit blowy out on the water.

Some tours offer all-inclusive options with lunch in a private restaurant on Vis Island, plus breakfast and snacks back on the boat.

Our pick: Private Blue Cave Tour from Split, Brač, Trogir and Hvar

• Price: From €1,500 per group (up to 12 people)
• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes: Private boat, bottled water

How much does a tour to the Blue Cave from Split cost?

Guided day trips to the Blue Cave from Split cost between €100 - €150 per person, depending on the size of vessel, and length of tour. Lunch and snacks are not included.

All-inclusive Blue Cave excursions cost around €200 per person and include breakfast, lunch, snacks, alcoholic drinks, and towels.

For private Blue Cave tours from Split expect to pay around €1,500 per boat.

What will I see at the Blue Cave?

The only way to experience the Blue Cave is on a boat trip, since it is only accessible by sea. Small vessels can float through the low tunnel entrance, transporting you into a secretive and otherworldly realm.

Inside, the cave is 79 feet long and 50 feet high in places, so only a few boats can enter at once.

The Blue Light

Also known as the “Blue Grotto”, this magical cave is a true wonder of nature. It’s one of the most famous show caves in Europe, thanks to the mysterious blue glow that lights up the rocky limestone walls.

You’ll learn how this hypnotizing grotto was formed and discover why the color inside is so vivid. When conditions allow, the sun’s rays shine through a small opening in the roof and reflect off the seabed.

You will have about 15 minutes inside the Blue Cave, which is plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and take some photos from the boat.

Biševo Island

The Blue Cave is located on the tiny island of Biševo in the heart of the Dalmatian archipelago. While you are waiting for your entry slot into the cave, you can explore this remote islet and its pretty coves.

It’s a tranquil island, with just a handful of permanent inhabitants.

When can go to the Blue Cave?

The Blue Cave is actually open all year round, but you can only access it between April and October when boat tours are in operation. The sea conditions are generally too unpredictable for excursions to run during the rest of the year.

When is the best time to visit the Blue Cave?

The optimum time for a day trip to the Blue Cave in Croatia is between June and August when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is peak season, so it does get busy.

To avoid the crowds and still enjoy pleasant temperatures, come in May or September.

For photography, the best light falls in the cave between 11 AM and noon on sunny mornings, although it’s beautiful at any time of day.

Are there any tours to the Blue Cave from other cities in Croatia?

Yes, there Blue Cave tours from Trogir as well as Blue Cave day trips from Hvar.

Travel tips

• Book your Blue Cave day tour online, well in advance of your visit as places do sell out during summer.
• If you are taking an independent day trip to the Blue Cave from Split, you will be given a ticket number. Watch the display and when your number is shown, you can enter.
• Most tours offer swimming stops along the way so dress appropriately and take a towel if one is not provided. Swimming in the cave itself is prohibited.
• Flash photography is not allowed inside the cave, but otherwise, you are welcome to snap away.