Question 1

Is the Blue Cave entrance fee included in the tour price?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. The Blue Cave charges its own entrance fee — around €18 in the shoulder months and up to about €24 in high season — and it's almost always paid separately on the day, at Biševo, often in cash. The online tour price covers the speedboat, skipper and the day's route; budget extra euros for the cave fee and for lunch, which also isn't included. Always check the specific listing's inclusions before you book.

Question 2

What happens if the Blue Cave is closed because of the sea?

Accepted Answer

It can happen even on a sunny day: the cave's only entrance is about a metre and a half high, so mild swell or a southerly wind can make it impassable, and the call is sometimes made only that morning by the local port authority. A good operator will warn you if it's doubtful and offer to rebook, refund or run a modified route. Because it closes on a fair share of days, it's wise not to book the trip for your last day, to leave a spare, and to choose a boat with free cancellation.

Question 3

Can I swim inside the Blue Cave?

Accepted Answer

No — swimming and diving aren't allowed inside Modra špilja. You stay in the small local boat for the short circuit through the glowing chamber. The swimming on this trip happens elsewhere: at the Green Cave on Ravnik, which you can sail into and swim in, and at the shallow turquoise lagoon at Budikovac. So you'll get plenty of time in clear water — just not in the Blue Cave itself.

Question 4

Is this the same as a 'Blue Lagoon' tour?

Accepted Answer

No, and it's the most common mix-up. This is the five-island speedboat trip that includes the Blue Cave on Biševo. The 'Blue Lagoon' three-island tours are a different, shorter and cheaper product that stays closer to Split and does not visit Biševo or the Blue Cave at all. If you want the glowing cave, make sure the itinerary explicitly lists Biševo — a three-island blue-lagoon trip won't take you there.

Question 5

Can I do the Blue Cave as a day trip from Dubrovnik?

Accepted Answer

Not really. The Blue Cave is on Biševo, near Vis, far to the north — the natural base is Split (some boats also depart Trogir). Dubrovnik's day boats visit a completely different set of islands, the Elaphiti and Mljet, and don't reach Biševo. If the Blue Cave is on your list, plan it from Split rather than expecting to fit it in from Dubrovnik.

Question 6

What time of day is the cave bluest, and how long is the day?

Accepted Answer

The blue-light effect peaks when the sun is high — roughly 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., most intense around 11 a.m. to noon, on a calm sea. That's why the boats leave Split early, around 7:30 to 8:00, and run straight to Biševo first: the whole schedule is built to reach the cave in that window. The full day back to Split is about 10 to 11 hours, including the one-and-a-half to two-hour crossing each way.

Question 7

Will I get seasick, and is it suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

The open-water crossing to Biševo can be choppy, so if you're prone to motion sickness take something about an hour before departure and sit toward the middle of the boat. It's an active day with several boat boardings and swim stops, which suits confident families well but is less ideal for those with limited mobility or nervous non-swimmers; life jackets are usually available. Minimum-age and infant policies vary by operator, so check the specific listing if you're travelling with small children.

The Five-Island Speedboat Day, Stop by Stop

An early start and a long first leg

The cave, then Vis

A swim, and hours in Hvar

The run home

More things to do nearby