When people hear “Blue Cave” they usually think of the famous Modra spilja on Biševo island, near Vis. That one is spectacular, but it’s also a 4-hour round trip by boat and you can only peek inside from a small rowing boat. Our 3 Islands Blue Tour visits a different cave: the Little Blue Cave on the coast of Hvar. It’s closer, less crowded, and you can actually swim inside it.
The whole tour takes about 5 hours and departs from Brela harbour. Here’s what each stop looks like.
Pokrivenik Bay
The first stop is a hidden bay on the northern coast of Hvar called Pokrivenik. There’s no road access, so the only way in is by boat. The water here is a deep turquoise that looks almost unreal, and the bay is sheltered from wind on most days.
You’ll have time to swim, float, and ease into the day. It’s a gentle start, and a good way to get comfortable on the water before the highlight comes next.
The Little Blue Cave
This is the stop everyone remembers. The Little Blue Cave is a small sea cave carved into a cliff on Hvar’s coastline. Sunlight enters through a submerged opening and bounces off the white stone floor, filling the cave with a soft blue glow.
Unlike the Biševo Blue Cave, where you sit in a rowing boat and observe, here you swim right in. You slip off the boat, paddle through a narrow opening, and suddenly you’re floating in blue light. It’s one of those moments that’s hard to describe and impossible to forget.
The effect is best on clear, sunny days when the light is strongest. Our skippers know exactly when the angle is right.
Jelsa
After the cave, the boat heads to Jelsa, a small town on the northern side of Hvar. Jelsa doesn’t get the attention that Hvar Town does, and that’s part of its charm. The streets are narrow, lined with stone houses, and mostly free of crowds.
You’ll have free time here to walk through the old town, grab a coffee on the waterfront, or try a scoop of gelato from one of the local shops. It’s a relaxed pause in the middle of the tour, and a chance to stretch your legs on solid ground.
Zečevo Island
The next stop is Zečevo, a small island between Hvar and the mainland. The water around Zečevo is some of the clearest you’ll find anywhere on the Adriatic, and the rocky seabed makes it excellent for snorkeling.
There are no buildings, no beach bars, no crowds. Just calm water, sea urchins clinging to the rocks below, and the occasional fish darting past your mask. If you like quiet swimming spots, this one is hard to beat.
Hidden bay on Brač
Conditions permitting, the final stop is a secluded bay on the island of Brač. The skipper picks the spot based on wind and waves that day, so it’s always a bit of a surprise. These sheltered coves are some of the most beautiful swimming spots along the coast.
It’s a last chance to swim before heading back to Brela.
Who is this tour for?
The 3 Islands Blue Tour works well for just about anyone. It’s 5 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real adventure but short enough that kids don’t get restless. The swimming stops are in calm bays, the cave is shallow and safe, and the free time in Jelsa gives you a break from the sun.
Couples, families, and small groups all enjoy it. If you want to see a different side of the Croatian islands without committing to a full-day trip, this is a strong choice.
You can find all the details, including pricing and departure times, on the 3 Islands Blue Tour page. Or just get in touch and we’ll answer any questions you have.