Little Blue Cave – Small Blue Cave on the Coast of Zastražišće

Little Blue Cave is a hidden sea cave located on the rocky northern coast of Hvar, between the bays of Kruševa and Pokrivenik in the area of Zastražišće. Unlike the famous Blue Cave on the island of Biševo, there is no large tourist terminal, ticket office, or queues of boats here – it is a much smaller and simpler natural attraction that can only be accessed by sea.

The most interesting moment occurs after entering the darker interior. Once your eyes adjust to the dim light, the sea and rocks take on pronounced blue and turquoise shades. This effect is created by the passage and reflection of sunlight through the water and the cave opening, which means the appearance of the interior depends on the time of day, the position of the sun, and the sea conditions.

Small Cave, Unique Experience

Little Blue Cave is not a large cave that requires extensive navigation. The entrance is relatively small, and the main experience is a brief swim and exploration of the interior.

From the outside, the opening may appear quite dark and inconspicuous. Only after entering does it become clear why the place is named so – the light coming from the sea illuminates the water and creates a blue reflection on the rocky walls.

Its small size is its greatest difference compared to more well-known sea caves. The visit is more intimate and most enjoyable when there are not many people inside.

How to Reach Little Blue Cave?

You cannot reach the cave by car. The road access ends in the surrounding bays, and the last part must be traversed by sea.

The most practical way to get there is by small boat, and from the nearby Pokrivenik, it is also possible to start with a SUP board or kayak when the sea and wind are calm. Local guides recommend Pokrivenik as one of the natural starting points for heading to the cave.

Short trips by small boats connecting Kruševu, Pokrivenik, and Little Blue Cave are also organized. One of the local excursions departs from the bay of Milna in the Zastražišće area and includes a stop for swimming in the cave.

Can You Swim There?

Theoretically, it is possible to swim to the cave from a closer part of the coast, but this is not an option that should be recommended to the average tourist.

The distance, open sea, passing vessels, wind, and the possibility of sudden changes in conditions make this approach significantly less safe than arriving by boat, kayak, or SUP. Local guides also state that access without a vessel is suitable primarily for very capable swimmers.

For most visitors, a small boat is by far the simplest and safest choice.

Entering and Swimming in the Cave

Little Blue Cave is interesting precisely because swimming is possible inside. Local excursions plan stops for swimming within the cave, and its interior is spacious enough for access by smaller boats under suitable conditions.

When entering, care should be taken with the rocks, especially if there are waves. Sea caves are not organized swimming areas – there are no handrails, platforms, or supervision, and the rocks along the edge can be sharp and slippery.

It is best to enter slowly, avoiding climbing on wet rocks and maintaining a safe distance from any vessels that may be entering or exiting.

When is the Cave Most Beautiful?

The appearance of Little Blue Cave strongly depends on the sun. A sunny day and relatively calm sea are needed for a pronounced blue effect.

Unlike the Blue Cave on Biševo, where a specific part of the day is known for the strongest lighting, there is no reliably established universal "ideal hour" for this small cave. The angle of light changes throughout the season, so it is better to expect different shades rather than plan a visit for one exact minute.

Calm seas are as important as the sun. When the waves are stronger, entering through the small opening becomes less pleasant and potentially unsafe.

The Bora Wind is Important on This Side of Hvar

Little Blue Cave is located on the northern coast of Hvar, so it is advisable to check the bora and other northern winds before departure.

Even when the sea is relatively calm in the deeper bays of Pokrivenik or Kruševa, the open part of the coast between them may be more exposed to waves. This is especially important for SUP and kayak, which should only be used in stable weather.

If the sea is rough, it is better to postpone the visit to the cave for another day.

Little Blue Cave is Not the Blue Cave on Biševo

Due to the name, it is easy to confuse them, but they are completely different attractions.

The famous Blue Cave is located on the island of Biševo near Vis and is one of the most visited excursions in central Dalmatia. Little Blue Cave is located right along the coast of Hvar and is much smaller, without an organized entry system and large tourist infrastructure.

The focus here is on swimming and briefly exploring the small natural cave, rather than organized sightseeing from a tourist boat.

Combine Your Visit with Kruševu and Pokrivenik

Little Blue Cave does not make much sense to visit as a standalone all-day destination. It is much better as part of exploring this area of the northern coast of Hvar.

To the west lies the peaceful bay of Kruševa, while to the east is Pokrivenik, one of the largest and most protected bays in the Zastražišće area. Local excursions connect these locations into a short sea route.

For guests with their own small boat, kayak, or SUP, this is one of the more interesting parts of the coast to explore, provided the weather conditions are good.

Useful Information

  • Name: Little Blue Cave
  • Croatian Descriptive Name: Mala plava špilja / mala Modra špilja
  • Location: northern coast of Hvar, area of Zastražišće
  • Position: between the bays of Kruševa and Pokrivenik
  • Type of Attraction: sea cave
  • Car Access: not possible to the cave itself
  • Most Convenient Access: by small boat
  • Alternative Access: by kayak or SUP on calm seas
  • Swimming from the Shore: possible only for very capable swimmers and under safe conditions; not recommended as a usual means of arrival
  • Swimming in the Cave: yes, when sea conditions allow safe entry
  • Entrance Fee: there is no organized entry system or entrance fee for the cave
  • Equipment: snorkeling gear can enhance the experience, and water shoes are useful due to the rocks
  • Wind: due to its location on the northern coast, it is important to check the bora
  • Best Conditions: sunny day and calm sea
  • Nearby: Kruševa and Pokrivenik
  • Important: do not confuse with the Blue Cave on the island of Biševo
  • Special Feature: blue-turquoise reflections of the sea and rocks inside the small natural sea cave