Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and its bucolic islands are renowned for their crystalline waters, with turquoise seas washing over white beaches and rocky coves. This full-day boat trip explores the coast near Hvar, taking in the island of Vis and the otherworldly Blue Cave on nearby Biševo. With a private captain to guide you through the waters, point out areas of interest and fill you in on the nautical history of the area, it’s a scenic, peaceful and engaging way to explore the coastline while escaping the crowds.
You’re picked up from your hotel in Trogir, Split, Brač or Hvar on the morning of the tour and taken to the pier in Hvar town. Here, you meet your English-speaking sea captain and take to the Adriatic Sea. During the day, you visit Vis and the smaller island of Biševo, but weather conditions and water traffic may dictate the order in which you see the sights.
Biševo is generally the first stop — its renowned Blue Cave draws visitors from far and wide. In water renowned for its clarity, the Blue Cave is a remarkable sight with sunlight passing through an underwater channel and illuminating the inside of the coastal cave. To get there, you’ll need to take a rowboat across a sometimes choppy stretch of water, but your captain will time things to make your journey as smooth as possible.
From here, you’ll cruise back toward Vis, a larger island that has been inhabited since the 6th century BC. In Komiža, on the island’s western coast, you can explore the narrow streets, discover a jumble of 17th-and 18th-century townhouses, and see traditional falkuša vessels in the bay. We also recommend walking up to the 13th-century Church of Saint Nicholas to admire the views.
You then return to your boat for a trip along the southern coast of the island to narrow Stiniva Bay, a protected area where polished pebble shores lie below dramatic karst cliffs.
Next, you travel along the eastern coast — the most developed part of the island — and moor at Vis town, where restaurants and shops line the relaxed waterfront promenade. Set on a wide, horseshoe-shaped bay, Vis has a long and complex history with vestiges of a Greek cemetery, Roman baths and an English fortress on its winding lanes. You’ll have time to explore, stop for some food or shopping, or simply linger over a drink and admire the views, before heading back to the pier in Hvar and on to your hotel.
Your captain will provide refreshments throughout the day and can recommend suitable stops for lunch, which you can enjoy at your leisure. The boat also supplies snorkeling equipment and towels for your use during the cruise.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Croatia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Brač Island tour
Get a comprehensive introduction to the island Brač and its residents as you explore its karst scenery, fertile valleys and historic towns with a private guide. During the tour, you’ll take in olive presses and stonemasons, wineries and museums.
