Bisevo Blue Cave (Modra Spilja)

The only way to explore the Blue Cave is by boat, and the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour of the surrounding islands. Full-day speedboat tours leave from Split, Trogir, and Hvar, and often take in the five islands of Vis, Hvar, Bisevo, Ravnik, and Budikovac, stopping at attractions such as Stiniva Cove, Smokova Bay's beach, and the Green Cave. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private or small-group tour.

• To help protect the natural environment, only official boats are allowed in the Blue Cave, and boat tours inside are limited to 15 minutes.

• Swimming in the Blue Cave is prohibited but most tours offer a chance to swim or snorkel at other locations, so be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, and sun protection.

• Many tours are suitable for wheelchair users, but it's best to check in advance.

The Blue Cave is located in Balun Bay on the Croatian island of Bisevo along the Adriatic Coast. The only way to reach the island is by small boat from the island of Vis. From Split, it's roughly a 2.5-hour journey by speedboat to Vis, followed by a short transfer to Komiza on the island's west coast, which is the departure point for official Bisevo boats.

Weather permitting, it's possible to visit the Blue Cave year-round, but the most popular time is during the summer months of June to September. Visiting in high season means you will likely have a wait time of up to an hour to enter the cave. Low season visitors will probably be able to head straight inside, although fewer choices for tours and boat departures are available at this time of year. For the most spectacular views and photographs, plan your trip between 11am and 12pm, when the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle.

One of 26 natural caves dotted around Bisevo island, the Blue Cave was accessible only to divers until 1884, when an artificial opening was created to allow small boats to cruise through. At certain times of the day, the mesmerizing light, created by sunlight refracting through the water and bouncing off the white limestone floor, appears to coat the entire cave in iridescent blue.

Yes, visiting the Bisevo Blue Cave (Modra Spilja) is worth it. When light enters at certain times of day, the 78-foot (24-meter) sea cave and the water inside appear to glow a vivid blue. Seeing the cave is a natural phenomenon that’s amazing to behold, especially when combined without the surrounding wonders of the Adriatic Sea.

Island-hopping tours are the most popular way to visit the Bisevo Blue Cave. Many excursions are by speedboat to save time traveling between stops, which might include Komiza, a quaint fishing town; Hvar, famous for its gleaming white architecture; and Budikovac, with its excellent snorkel spots.

It’s best to visit the Blue Cave to see its famous blue light between 11am and 2pm when the sun is at its brightest. Be aware that this is a popular time for visitors, so it’s likely to be crowded with boats. Sea conditions mean you can only access the cave between April and November.

No, you can’t swim inside the Bisevo Blue Cave—it is unsafe due to strong year-round waves, and swimming affects the clarity of the water. However, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dive into the Adriatic Sea on island-hopping tours, which typically make several swim and snorkel stops around the other islands.

Tours of the Blue Cave typically depart from Hvar, Split, or Dubrovnik. From Hvar, you can take an island-hopping tour or the public ferry to Komiza on Vis Island, from which many small boats depart for the Bisevo Blue Cave. If you’re starting from Split and Dubrovnik, you’ll likely take a speedboat to save time traveling.

Yes, there are several other attractions near Bisevo Blue Cave. The Monk Seal Cave is another scenic spot close to by, named after the seals that used to live there. Tours also tend to stop at Stiniva Cove, a secluded, horseshoe-shaped bay lapped by pristine water.