Considered one of the most unique natural wonders of the world, Blue Cave is definitely on the top of the must-see list while visiting Croatia. Known as Modra spilja in Croatian, this phenomenon is located on the small island of Bisevo, hidden within the Dalmatian archipelago. Blue Cave is only one of 26 caverns located on Bisevo island.
With its infinite shades of blue, the cave has a certain charm that attracts many visitors during Croatia’s warmer months.
The cave is carved into limestone cliffs formed by the waves of the Adriatic Sea over centuries and is best to visit between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a sunny day to be able to witness the full beauty when the sun shines through the roof and hits the limestone floor of the cave flooding it with a mesmerizing emerald color. For many centuries, this cave was a secret known only to local fisherman, with no opening from the open sea where boats could enter, so the only way in was to dive under. In 1884, locals decided to open the cave by blowing up a small entrance with dynamite to make it accessible to small boats for others to enjoy. Accessing Blue Cave is a rather difficult feat, but as with anything else that is extraordinary, it is worth the hassle.
Since the cave has a small opening of 2.5 meters and a rather small size inside, private boats are restricted from entering the cave.
Only official boats from Bisevo are authorized to enter, and even then there are restrictions on how many boats can be inside at a time.
Swimming inside the cave is also not permitted due to safety reasons and boats are limited by the concessionaire to a maximum of 15 minutes inside the cave.
Getting to Blue Cave on the island of Bisevo
There are two different ways to get to Blue Cave. The first way is a 3-step trip that you can do on your own.
It requires taking a ferry to the island of Vis from the town of Split, then taking a bus to the small town of Komiza, where then you hire a boat to the island of Bisevo.
The safest and less complicated way of getting to Blue Cave on the island of Bisevo is by a day trip from the town of Split. Day trips are great in general for visiting many spectacular locations in Central Dalmatia that don’t require much time to experience, such as Blue cave tours from Split, Hvar, Trogir and so on.
Travel agencies organize these tours with other locations to see including the island of Vis and its Stiniva Bay, Green cave, and some even offer a stop at Hvar town. When you arrive at Bisevo, expect at least a 30 minute or even up to a 3-hour wait during high season to enter Blue Cave.
Being one of the most beautiful destination in Croatia you can expect big crowds in high season, same as in Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National park.
An official ticket is required to enter the cave, priced at approximately 70 kunas (10 euros) per person, but in most events, it will be bought on behalf of your skipper. Your wait to enter the cave will be far from boring though. The area offers a cafe and a bar near the cave so that visitors can sit back, relax, and take in all that the beautiful scenery has to offer. There is also the option of taking a quick swim to cool off, or even taking a stroll through the small town of Bisevo that boasts a ruined Benedictine monastery that was abandoned centuries ago due to the threat of pirates.
When you finally get the chance to enter Blue Cave, remember that swimming is not permitted but photographs are, take many.
You certainly will not be disappointed by all this stunning beauty has to offer. Happy sailing!
