var pid = 'ca-pub-6145023705656770'; If youre heading to the Blue Lagoon from outside of Split, its six miles southwest of Trogir. If you are looking for a Blue Cave tour from Split, it might look that everyone who has a boat also runs a tour However, not all of them are the same not just in terms of itinerary, but also the boats that they use, safety onboard, insurance they have, etc. Close to Pula, and one of the most celebrated of Croatias eight National Parks, Brijuni offers unforgettable snorkelling thanks to its many natural and historical treasures. The city is also known for its gastronomic offer, top restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish specialties, homemade olive oil and quality wines from nearby vineyards. Nowadays, though, with Croatian tourism booming and so, so many people flocking to the Blue Cave during summer, its absolutely not worth it. We never expected to see dolphins on the Blue Cave tour, but apparently, they are often seen in the area. Theres no doubt about it the Blue Lagoon is one of the best places to snorkel in Croatia! } There are many companies who will take you out there for a day or half day is best Blue Cave tour with boat rides and snorkeling included in the price. Blue Cave is located on the eastern side of Bieovo island near Vis (Croatia). TWO HOURS!!! The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular places to visit near Split. The 5 island tour goes to both of those places, and its amazing! @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'manymoremaps_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Originally, the cave was discovered by local fishermen and was only accessible by diving, but an entryway was blasted into the rock once the painter Baron Eugen von Ransonet visited in 1884 and spread the word of its beauty around Austria. A maximum of 3 boats can enter the cave at a time. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Snorkelers are welcome on weekdays when we do not have as many scuba students who need the space. On my 3 Islands tour I arrived at the Blue Lagoon at around 10am, and it was delightfully quiet. The tour vessels anchor at Meuporat. The green light is very small and incomparable to the Blue Cave. Some Blue Lagoon boat trips moor on the island, whereas others drop anchor further out so that its deep enough to jump into the lagoon from the boat. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 10 Days in Europe Super Europe Itinerary Ideas, Coolest Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, The First Timers Guide to Visiting Split, Croatia, A First Timers Guide to Visiting Zagreb, Croatia. But it absolutely was! Is the Blue Cave in Croatia really worth going to? ", Dubrovnik has a temperate climate with warm dry summers and cooler winters. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Youd also still only be able to enter the Blue Cave on one of the Blue Caves official boats. The Blue Cave, also known as the Blue Grotto, is one of the most renowned natural attractions in Croatia and a sight to behold. Honestly, my answer was almost a flat - no. ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; I have realised it is not really for me to say. So, I have had a lot of friends and family visit so far this year, which has meant me playing tour guide again. Here is some practical information for visiting the Blue Cave with a tour. Blue Cave Croatia (Bievo Blue Grotto) - Complete Guide For this reason, I actually recommend visiting the Blue Cave from Split in Croatia Provided its on the 5 Island Tour. In addition, the 5 islands tour includes a visit to the Blue Cave and Stiniva Beach, two of Croatias most popular tourist destinations. Nowadays, more than 100,000 tourists visit this small sea cave every summer. Here Is How You Say It. Sunday June 5, 2022 An increasing number of people are discovering the Blue Cave in Croatia, thanks in part to the hit series 'Game of Thrones' that revealed the delights of this spectacular country. With the summer sun beating down on us, the thought of taking a dip to cool off was unbelievably inviting. "acceptedAnswer": { We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. During that time, we could have been exploring a different tourist attraction or island that was, you know, actually good. This 16th-century fortress offers incredible views not just over the picturesque Hvar town, but also of the Pakleni islands in the distance. You might have to wait in a queue during the peak summer season. The Blue Cave (Modra pilja) on the island of Bisevo is one of the most beautiful secrets of the Adriatic sea. Although the initial entrance to the cave was accessible only by diving, today swimming in the Blue Cave is not allowed. Well, check out the video below. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'manymoremaps_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_11',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); You need to visit the Blue Lagoon because its just so darn gorgeous! Given how hot Croatia gets in the summer, the water was surprisingly cold when I jumped in. On arrival at Bievo island, our tour guide told us we could wander around the island as he purchased our tickets. The second stop, just a short boat ride from the Blue Cave, was the picturesque village of Komia on Vis island. Cave Bisevo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) A hypnotizing silver-blue light illuminates the space inside the cave when the sunlight hits the surface of the ocean through a crack or vault (natural opening) on its arched roof and reflects off the seabed. Other places to see in Hvar include the Cathedral and the nice town square around it, Franciscan Monastery, and also the historic Bishops Palace (now a hotel thats being renovated). The sailing is smooth more or less with rough phases in between. More info:Disclosure. FWIW, we cheerfully skipped the Capri grotto based on having see the grotto in Croatia. Bievo island has 3 ferry ports Porat, Meuporat, and Salbunara. It became world-famous due to its bright blue color that has intrigued me ever since I first saw a picture of the Blue Cave. Theres a genuine reason for it. Hvar is an expensive luxury resort with a beautiful little harbor and a waterside promenade. If you found this post helpful, dont forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. I wouldsugar-coatmy response to sound as neutral as possible, but inside I was rooting for them to pass it up. But, so what. The waterlogged sea cave we call the Blue Cave is in a bay on the island of Bievo, an island in the Adriatic sea about 70km from Split in Croatia. ), Day Trip to Hvar from Split: Ultimate Guide + Top Tips, Currency in Croatia: Full Guide to Money in Croatia (2023). While inside the blue cave, look around, look deep into the water, breathe and take it all in. That being said, you can always contact a few companies directly and ask how/if it could be arranged. Palmiana bay is the most popular stop of the Paklinksi islands, best known as a place to party. Just duck your head and enjoy the passage from a slightly chaotic open sea environment with lots of boats and tourists to a super calm world filled . What do you think? As I mentioned, it takes quite some time to get to the Blue Grotto from Split so it would be a shame to travel that far just for that. It was early September, we were in the only boat, and it was spectacular. More often than not, a tour guide will buy you the ticket upon arrival on the island (included in the tour price). Show more, Dan-yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi), Genga. For example, the tour I went on had a sun lounging area on the back of our speedboat. In April, we didnt experience any delays at all and could immediately board the little boat that brought us inside the Blue Cave. As your wooden boat enters inside the Blue Cave, make sure to bend down your head, so you dont hit the ceiling. }] And today Im sharing my honest opinion on whether or not the Blue Cave is worth adding to your Croatia itinerary. "@type": "Answer", So, is visiting the Blue Cave worth it? The beaches are pebble beaches though, so it might be pretty uncomfortable. We also share some practical tips based on our experience with the Blue Cave tour from Split. Can you get a boat from Torquay to Brixham? More than 10,000 visitors per year decide to go on the magical Blue Cave tour, and its beauty makes the 3-hour boat ride worthy! Tulip Stairs & Queens House in Greenwich, London (Complete Guide), Croatia Itinerary: See the Best Places in 2 Weeks (+ Map & Tips). You could charter a boat to go straight to Bievo, but youd still have to wait around in the queue. By the time, we came back like after 15 minutes, the queue started building up so yes It can get crowded in the peak months of June, July, and August. The Blue Cave is a unique natural phenomenon that only recently opened for visitors. Im Jurga, a traveler with a camera, a mom of three boys, and the founder of Full Suitcase, one of the world's leading family travel blogs. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'manymoremaps_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); I have some strong opinions, guys. This is the best Blue Lagoon tour. This is the place where the rich and famous dock their luxury yachts in summer. However, some people have argued that this place is not worth visiting because its not unique enough or it does not give much more than what any other cave would give. When your number appears on the screen, its your turn to board a boat set for the Blue Cave. You dont need to pack anything special to visit the Blue Lagoon that I havent already mentioned in my Croatia packing list. The ideal moment to visit the cave is between 11 a.m. and noon. Grand Tour d.o.o.VAT No: HR72135626612IBAN: HR0223400091111009675, Contact:Phone: + 385 99 70 30 885Email: grandtour@grandtourcroatia.comMajstora Jurja 9, 21000 Split, Croatia, Working hours: Mon Sun: 9 9pm CETContact Sandra +385 99 7030885. The thing is, I hadn't even been inside before, I had just heard about how bad it was. So, although I dont recommend visiting the Blue Cave, I do recommend the 5 Island Tour. When it comes to main tourist attractions around the world, people queue up for crazy amounts of time. Blue Cave Croatia (+ Best Tours from Split, Hvar & Trogir) Hi, I'm Ella - a Londoner fitting a travel obsession around my 9-5. 05/03/22 11:46 AM 2009 posts We saw the blue cave in Bisevo, near the island of Vis. If you want to organize the trip by yourself, heres how you need to go: If you dont feel like an adventure and risking staying on Bisevo island with no ferry to take you back, you can always take an organized tour from Split especially if you want to make it to the cave between 11am and 2pm and witness its peak of beauty. You can visit the cave on a boat, but diving or snorkeling in the Blue Cave is worth trying to fully appreciate its beauty. Thus, local authorities, as well as tour guides, should be consulted before planning a trip to the Blue Cave. var ffid = 1; When you enter this marvelous cave, you'll be surrounded by a sapphire glow - a natural occurrence that happens when sunlight enters through the cave's underwater opening and reflects off of the white seafloor, illuminating the water into a vibrant blue hue. All Rights Reserved. ins.dataset.adChannel = cid; Dont want to share your day with a bunch of strangers? The entire Blue Cave experience lasted under 10 minutes. Is Blue Cave Croatia worth it? A Guide to Croatia's Blue Cave Grotto - Culture Trip Not only is the 5 Island Tour totally awesome, but since the Blue Cave is approximately a 90-minute journey away from Split by speedboat, getting to the Blue Cave costs a pretty penny in fuel. Bol, Croatia The Complete Travel Guide (+ Best Things to Do! Want to visit Blue Cave what is the best location to visit from? The Blue Lagoon is around 14 miles southwest of Split, which is a 30-minute journey by speedboat. As ever, all opinions are my own. After taking both tours, I highly recommend taking the 5 islands tour. Thus, the tours operate only when the sea is calm and safe to sail. It was still busy, however, and immediately after us, two other boats entered the cave. There you will board a small boat that takes you inside the Blue Cave itself. 11 am to 12 pm during a clear summer day is the best time to visit the Blue Cave. } "text": "All I can say is that no matter the time of year you come, the Blue Cave will be worth it." thanks for the tips! Is the Blue Cave in Croatia Worth it? Check out my top picks for the best boat trips from Split! The water inside of it is so clear that you can see down to the bottom of it, which is about 20-30 feet below you. It takes 1.5 hrs to get to Blue Cave from Split or Trogir by speedboat and about an hour from Hvar. I'm Anjali, a storyteller, writer, and content creator from the colorfully diverse country of India. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-leader-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'manymoremaps_com-leader-1','ezslot_2',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-leader-1-0'); But first, lets set the scene. And, before we knew it, we were back to the port and speeding away to our next destination. Before you book a tour with a tour company, make sure to do your research, compare prices, check the itinerary (what all islands and attractions are covered), and most importantly, read customer reviews before making a booking. Blue Grotto is primarily a scuba diving facility. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are many tours and day trips that visit the Blue Cave from Split, Hvar, Vis, or Trogir. Im not sure but Ive heard they have enough space for luggage in a boat, however, its always a good idea to ask your tour provider to be doubly sure. Children under 6 years old free. Since Blue Cave tours are quite long (10-12 hours) and expensive (usually around 100-180 EUR per person or more), I strongly suggest that you do some research upfront and book your tour online. In this article, we'll share everything we know about the Blue Cave with you, explain how to get there, describe what it's like from the inside. There are many companies who will take you out there for a day or half day tour with boat rides and snorkeling included in the price. Once you reach the Vis port, you need to find a bus, car, or motorcycle and ride for 15 minutes to the other side of the island. The Guardian Chooses 10 of the Best Small Islands in Croatia, Blue Cave is Red Hot: Visitors wait for Hours in Queue on Bievo Island, Underwater Photography Cup on Bievo Island, Smile, Fishie! A lot of people probably dont take that extra second to breathe and take it all in. Its also impossible to anticipate how slowly the number-calling really goes. Read on! There are several restaurants and bars in Palmiana where you can enjoy in local gourmet specialties. "@context": "https://schema.org", For the best bang for your buck, I recommend the 5 Island Tour. Our boat entered the cave and we could see it from the inside, but since this stop wasnt mentioned in our itinerary, Im not sure if they also do this in high season, or only once in a while when the weather isnt suitable for swimming (and they, therefore, have more time for other places). ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Get 1-2 emails a month with the latest articles on Slavic culture, mythology and history. This is quite a unique place and a protected natural monument. window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId, 'adsensetype', 1); In Komiza, you need to hop a ferry again and go to the island of Bisevo. However, even if its not sunny outside, the cave will still look stunning. Swimming inside Blue Cave is not an option. There are few dangerous species in the Adriatic, and animal attacks are incredibly rare. It is considered rude to place ones hands below the table. Thank You in Polish? Aside from a bar/cafe for Blue Cave visitors, you wont find much else on the island. We saw the blue cave in Bisevo, near the island of Vis. So I really wouldnt recommend this option unless you are staying on Vis island for at least a couple of days. } Ferry or speedboat will take you to Porat, where you can buy a ticket for the Blue Cave tour. You can read my full review about it here! Although its sometimes possible to visit the cave out of season, the sea conditions from October to May usually make entry into the cave impossible. Since theres a solid number of boats in the cave at any given moment, swimming would be a dangerous idea anyway. Dont forget to carry sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a scarf as the sun is harsh. Take care in busy tourist areas, where pickpockets are known to operate. In order to make it more accessible to tourists, dynamite was used to blow up a somewhat bigger entrance to the cave just big enough for a very small boat, but luckily not too big to ruin the cave. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And if this post helped you in any way, can I ask you to please share it with the world? The cove is surrounded by two high cliffs with just a narrow opening to the sea. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); The Blue Cave is a centuries-old cave at the Balun Cove on the eastern side of the Vis island. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When our tour groups number came up we clambered into a boat run by the people on the island and travelled a couple of minutes to the entrance of the cave. Worth going? (I would not make the long boat journey from another island for it.) With a tight-knit community and generally well-lit areas. 5 Island Tour From Split Is It Worth It? The cave is pretty tiny (24 m long, about 10 to 12 m deep, and around 15 m high) with a narrow entrance (1.5 m high and 2.5 m wide). Knowing that I would need to report on it, I also did the same. With a tight-knit community and generally well-lit areas, Dubrovnik remains a very safe city, both day and night. The best time to visit Dubrovnik is between June and August. You need to get to the cave in the first place, whether by a private tour from Split, Hvar or Vis. Although It was known to local fishermen since ancient times, the broader public and visitors knew nothing about it. My mum and her husband loved the day, and I was pleasantly surprised. However, it didnt take long before it became one of the Croatian tourist hotspots due to its mesmerizing blue hue. I worked as a hostess on a luxury yacht for three years and guaranteed, every week, I was asked this question. Hi Eliana, I doubt that any tour company will let you take any bag bigger than a small day backpack with you. After quite some research, we settled on this particular tour for several reasons: Below, you can find more details of all the places that we visited on this Blue Cave tour from Split.