You would have thought that two neighboring islands such as Hvar and Vis would be better connected via some kind of a public boat route. Unfortunately, that’s not the case and getting from Hvar to Vis is not as easy as you might think so. Vis Island is a beautiful place and if you’re staying on Hvar, we suggest you consider Vis as a day trip option. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get from Hvar to Vis Island, what are the best options, and what to expect out of each of them.
Both Hvar and Vis are among the most stunning islands in Croatia and each of them offers a unique experience. Hvar is known for its vibrant atmosphere and history. Vis, on the other hand, is most famous for its untouched nature, secluded beaches, and the mesmerizing nearby Blue Cave . As you will see in this article, there are 3 main ways of getting to Vis from Hvar and here are your best options.
1. Private Boat Transfer from Hvar to Vis (Best Option) As the first option, we are listing the private boat transfer from Hvar to Vis. If you’re looking for the most convenient and luxurious way to travel between these islands, a private boat transfer is your best choice. You simply book a water taxi from Hvar and make your itinerary. On the route, you can visit Paklinski Islands, you can go to the Blue Cave, or spend a whole day at Stiniva Beach. When you book a private tour from Hvar to Vis, the choice is yours and you can explore at your own pace.
Why Choose a Private Boat Transfer?
Flexible Departure Times: You decide when you want to leave and return.Comfort and Privacy: Enjoy the trip without the crowds that might be present on some other tours.Scenic Stops: You can stop at Pakleni Islands, Stiniva Beach, Blue Cave, or any other point of interest .Speed: Private speedboats are the fastest way to travel between the islands and you can reach Vis in less than 1 hour.
How to Book a Private Boat Transfer?
Private speedboats can be booked through local agencies in Hvar or online in advance .
Prices depend on the boat size and itinerary , but expect to pay around €300-€600 for a round trip.
Perfect option for small groups, couples, or families looking for a private experience.
2. Guided Day Tours from Hvar to Vis (Best for Sightseeing) Second option of getting from Hvar to Vis Island is similar to the first one, but it’s more affordable. If you want to explore Vis and its top attractions , a guided day tour from Hvar is the perfect option for you. There are many tours that leave from Hvar and explore some of the best places on Vis and on the nearby islands. Look for the tours that offer most free time on the island so you can explore it.
What’s Usually Included in a Guided Tour to Vis?
Blue Cave Visit: One of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions on the islands. A place where sunlight makes the most vivid color play as it reflects from the bottom onto the cave walls.Green Cave: A lesser-known but equally beautiful sea cave is also often part of these tours.Budikovac Lagoon: A stunning turquoise bay, perfect for swimming.Komiža Village: A traditional fishing town on Vis Island. Our most favorite place on Vis.
Why Choose a Guided Tour?
Carefree experience: Everything is planned for you. You just board the boat and enjoy the experience.Local Guides: Learn about the area’s history and hidden spots from the guides accompanying each tour.Great for Solo Travelers or Small Groups: This kind of tour is perfect if you want to meet other travelers and explore the most beautiful places of Croatian islands.
3. Ferry from Hvar to Vis (Least Flexible Option) Finally, we reach the last option and that is the ferry from Hvar to Vis Island. There is a direct line, but this one runs only once in a week and it’s not something we would suggest. Taking the ferry from Hvar to Vis is the most budget-friendly option, but you would need to take the ferry to Split first, and then board the ferry from Split to Vis. It will add some time to your travels, but it might save you some money too.
Ferry Route:
Take a catamaran ferry from Hvar to Split (1 hour).
Take another ferry (catamaran) from Split to Vis (1.5 hours).
Why the Ferry is Not Ideal:
Time-Consuming: This journey takes at least 3-4 hours each way.Limited Departures: Only a few ferries operate daily, making planning rather difficult.No Sightseeing Stops: You won’t get to see hidden beaches or caves as you would normally if you take the previously mentioned options.
Which Option is Best for You? It’s up to you to decide which option of reaching Vis Island from Hvar works best for you depending on your preferences. Either of them works just fine, and here are all the means of transport summarized.
Option Best For Pros Cons Private Boat Transfer Luxury & Flexibility Fast, customizable, scenic stops The most expensive option Guided Tour Sightseeing & Adventure Covers top attractions, no planning needed Follows set schedule Ferry via Split Budget Travelers Cheapest option Long travel time, limited departures
Before You Venture from Hvar to Vis Vis is one of our favorite islands in Croatia and we are also saddened because it’s not better connected with some other places along the Dalmatian coast. But with Vis being one of the furthest islands from the mainland, we know there are many reasons preventing its better connection. In the previous years, there was a fast catamaran line that connected the city of Makarska, Bol on Brač Island, Hvar Town, and finally Vis, and it was so convenient to reach Vis this way. Unfortunately, soon enough this line was canceled and Vis became further away from us once again. If you are staying on Hvar, we suggest visiting Vis.
Enjoy your Croatia holiday !
