The amazing Blue Cave Croatia - Biševo Island
Croatia is a country of numerous incredibly alluring islands, and the only bad thing about it is that, unfortunately, you can visit only some of them during your vacation. However, our breathtaking island of Brac is situated in a strategic place from which you can do many day tours on close-by islands like Hvar, Vis, Korcula and many others.
When writing down your places-to-visit list from Bol, be sure to include the breathtaking island of Biševo and it’s Blue Cave Croatia that is part of Vis Archipelago which is a protected UNESCO geo park.
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Why should you visit Biševo island and it's Blue cave?
Biševo island is a pretty small and uninhabited island near the island of Vis, but it hides one of Croatia’s best natural beauty spots – the breathtaking Blue cave Croatia. Like most sea caves, this one was also formed by the action of sea waves that eroded the limestone rock over time. They have created a small entrance, only 2.5 meters wide and 1.5 meters high, making the entry into the cave exciting with a pinch of adventure-like feeling. But then, once you “step” inside, there is a whole other world – something like the Narnia closet, just a summer version of it.
There is an exact time of the day when one should visit the cave to enjoy the play of lights to its fullest. Usually, that happens around midday when the sunlight reflects from the white sea bottom and generates spectacular shades of blue light coloring the water and seafloor silvery white. As the Blue cave Croatia is a small cave, at just 24 meters long, 15 meters high and not more than 12 meters deep, the experience of entering it with a small boat is really thrilling and unique. 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 with relaxing colors.
Organized tours to the Blue Cave are available from the nearby Mezoporat cove, ensuring both access and safety for visitors. Embarking on this unforgettable journey, one can expect an approximately 40-minute expedition after departing from Mezoporat. The experience promises to be nothing short of extraordinary, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting allure of the Blue Cave’s captivating ambiance.
The history of the Blue Cave
In 1884, an Austrian artist named Baron Eugen Ransonnet unveiled a breathtaking wonder to the world—the Blue Cave located on the enchanting Biševo Island. This remarkable discovery sparked the dawn of tourism in the captivating region of Dalmatia, establishing the Blue Cave as an absolute must-see destination in the Adriatic Sea. Recognized as a geomorphological marvel of nature since 1951, this cave holds a mesmerizing natural light phenomenon that leaves visitors awe-struck.
Baron Ransonnet, in his writings, eloquently described how the cave’s luminous illumination bestowed a silvery-bluish hue upon the surrounding rocks, ores, and submerged objects, evoking a reminiscent charm akin to the renowned Capri Blue Grotto. Light permeates the rocky reef from every direction, casting an ethereal glow that transforms the cave into a majestic underwater fortress, fit for a deity of the sea. In 2019, a comprehensive geological survey of the cave shed further light on this captivating phenomenon.
The entrance area of the Blue Cave reveals a sandy expanse, imbued with a light-yellow hue. As the morning sun gracefully bathes this sandy floor, penetrating through the submerged entrance, an abundance of light reflects off the lighter-colored sand grains. This illuminates the cave’s interior, contrasting with the biogenic overgrowth that adorns the surrounding rocks. The spectacle is truly a sight to behold, casting a magical ambiance throughout the cave’s domain.
Aside from its submerged entrance, the Blue Cave boasts two additional access points—one by sea and the other by land. This semi-submerged sanctuary serves as a haven for numerous organisms that thrive amidst the partial darkness. Recent research conducted in 2019 unveiled an astounding discovery, identifying a total of 119 distinct marine species within the Blue Cave, five of which are strictly protected by law. The preservation of this ecological treasure is of utmost importance, necessitating visits to the cave to be conducted under the guidance and supervision of authorized concession-holders.
In conclusion, the Blue Cave stands as a timeless testament to nature’s artistic mastery and remains an emblematic destination that has captivated the hearts and imaginations of travelers since its discovery. As visitors venture into its depths, they are met with a luminescent spectacle that transcends the ordinary, offering a glimpse into an otherworldly realm beneath the sea. The Blue Cave continues to enthrall all who encounter its ethereal beauty, beckoning adventurers from far and wide to witness its mesmerizing allure firsthand.
Are there other natural beauty spots to visit near the Blue Cave?
There are numerous amazing places you can visit in the proximity of the Blue cave Croatia. The island of Vis hides many breathtaking gems like the Stiniva beach bay – a romance-dramatic beach surrounded by cliffs and vibrant turquoise water. Almost all organized tours for the island of Biševo make a stop at this amazing bay where you can spend your time swimming, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the view from the beach or a charming local bar.
On the western side of the island of Vis, you can visit the picturesque town of Komiža. Charming traditional dalmatian houses, winding narrow streets, and rich cultural heritage will be quite enough to impress you. You can relax even more by enjoying the authentic Dalmatian cuisine in konoba restaurant – true gems of an authentic culinary experience.
The tours also include a visit to a small island of Budikovac, where you can enjoy another spectacular movie-like scenery of the Blue Lagoon.
Another wildly beautiful natural spot nearby is the Green Cave on the island of Ravnik, quite larger than the Blue cave, but with harmonious emerald tones which awake powerful emotions. The entrance to the cave is also larger and higher than the one of the Blue cave so you can enjoy the views differently, exploring it while swimming and snorkeling, as you will not be able to do the same in the Blue cave.
You will create some precious memories by visiting these magnificent places – it is really worth your time (and money). The best part is that you can visit all these places in one day, as they are well planned to enjoy each and every new site you visit with ease.
For visiting the Blue cave from Bol, you can choose between group and private tours. Feel free to contact us for more information to select the option that suits you best easily.
The Green Cave on the island Ravnik
The Green cave on the island of Ravnik was protected in 1967. It is located southeast of the island of Vis, and as a geomorphological phenomenon, it is characteristic of the southern exposures of our offshore islands.
Blue and Green caves are abrasion caves. Their formation is determined by the structure of limestone layers and the free impact of waves. The Ravnik cave is a representative example of such a cave and is one of our coast’s largest and most beautiful caves. It is characterized by its considerable dimensions and two large entrances, which are easily accessible. Therefore, it represents first-class scientific and touristic value.
Also one of the largest abrasion caves, was now collapsed, the popular the Stiniva bay beach.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is renowned for its stunning natural phenomenon. Sunlight enters the cave through an underwater opening, reflecting off the white seabed and creating a mesmerizing blue glow that illuminates the entire cave. It’s a unique and magical sight to behold.
All the tours from Bol to visit the Blue Cave are whole day tours with many other spots you will visit. Lunch and swimming breaks are also parts of the tours.
The actual time inside the Blue Cave is roughly 10 minutes, the whole tour takes 10-15 minutes.
The best time to visit the Blue Cave is during the summer months, from June to September when the sea is calmest and the sunlight can penetrate the cave most effectively. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and witness the optimal lighting conditions.
Most people will tell you that the best time to visit the Blue Cave is between 11 am and 12 pm when the sun is at its highest point.
But that is partly true, May to October, the sun is strong all day long and the color of the cave changes the shades of blue evenduring the 10 minute tour inside the Blue Cave. So any time during the day when the sun is strong is the perfect time to visit the Blue Cave.
Yes, there are some restrictions for visiting the Blue Cave due to its protected status. Visitors are not allowed to swim or dive inside the cave to preserve its delicate ecosystem.
No, swimming inside the Blue Cave is not allowed.
You cannot enter the cave swimming and you cannot jump into the water from the boat inside the cave either. It would be too dangerous as there are many boats going in and out all the time and the cave is quite small.
However, you can satisfy your desire to swim at the sandy beaches of Porat and Salbunara on Biševo island. You can also swim inside the Monk Seal Cave on Bisevo Island and Green Cave on Ravnik Island.
It’s highly recommended to book a tour in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. The Blue Cave is a popular attraction, and tours can fill up quickly. Booking in advance ensures your spot and allows you to plan your visit more effectively.
There are no specific age restrictions for visiting the Blue Cave. However, it’s essential to consider the boat journey and the ability to navigate steps or uneven surfaces within the cave, which may pose challenges for very young children or individuals with mobility issues.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for walking on the boat and within the cave. Bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera or smartphone to capture the experience are also advisable.
To capture the vibrant blue color of the cave in photographs, it’s advisable to use a camera with good low-light capabilities. Adjusting the white balance settings and avoiding flash can help preserve the natural lighting and colors. It’s also recommended to compose your shots with interesting angles to showcase the cave’s unique characteristics.