Budikovac Island and the Blue Lagoon Vis – Turquoise Waters and Boat Excursion
Budikovac and its Blue Lagoon are among the most beautiful swimming spots in the Vis archipelago. This small island lies off the southeastern coast of Vis, opposite the areas of Milna and Rukavac. The reason for visiting is found between Veliki Budikovac, Mali Budikovac, and the surrounding low reefs – a shallow lagoon with such bright waters that it has simply been dubbed the Blue Lagoon by visitors.
On official maps and in local sources, the name Veli Budihovac is often used, while the shorter form Budikovac is much better known among tourists. What is more important for visitors is that there are no roads or ferries to the island, so access is exclusively by boat.
This is a place for a few hours of swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing by the sea, rather than an island to explore for its settlements or numerous attractions.
Why is the Water in the Blue Lagoon So Turquoise?
The first impression of Budikovac is almost always the colour of the sea.
The lagoon is very shallow, and beneath the clear water lies a light sandy and fine gravel bottom. Sunlight reflects off this substrate, giving the entire bay an intense turquoise hue, especially in calm and sunny weather.
The water is so clear that from a boat, the bottom, rocks, and the shadow of the vessel can often be seen distinctly beneath the surface.
The geology of Budikovac further explains why this small island appears different from most of Vis. Approximately 25,000 years ago, the sea level was about 120 metres lower than today, and strong southern winds deposited sand across what is now the island. Some of these ancient sandy deposits can still be found among the rocks and on the beaches of Budikovac.
The Beach at the Blue Lagoon
At the end of the main lagoon, there is a light natural beach of very fine pebbles mixed with sand.
This is not a classic long sandy beach like Zaglav, but the fine light material underfoot and the shallow water provide a completely different feel compared to the large pebbles common on Vis.
The entry into the water is gentle, and due to the shallow bottom, this is a very pleasant place for swimming. In some areas, one can venture quite far from the shore before the water becomes significantly deep.
The shallow water is particularly appealing for children, but it should be noted that small boats and excursion speedboats move around the lagoon during the day. When swimming further from the shore, it is essential to keep an eye on the traffic on the water.
Excellent Spot for Snorkelling
Budikovac is not only interesting for its water colour.
The clear sea, rocky edges of the lagoon, and the transition from very shallow areas to deeper water provide good conditions for snorkelling. In the middle of the lagoon, the bottom is mostly light and open, while the rocky edges host more marine life and more interesting spots to explore.
If visiting on an organised trip, there is usually enough time for at least swimming and a brief exploration of the underwater world. With a private boat, one can stay significantly longer and explore other parts of the coast.
Budikovac Actually Has Two Beaches
Most visitors only see the main beach in the Blue Lagoon, but Veli Budikovac has two main beaches.
The second beach is located on the eastern side of the island, in a smaller and more secluded cove. It can be reached by crossing the island or by boat.
If the main Blue Lagoon is crowded with excursion boats, this second part of Budikovac is appealing to those seeking a quieter atmosphere.
How to Get to Budikovac and the Blue Lagoon?
Budikovac can be reached only by sea.
The simplest way is to take a taxi boat or a smaller local excursion from the southeastern part of Vis. Budikovac is particularly close to Milna and Rukavac, so there is no need to book a large all-day trip if staying in this part of the island.
During the season, shorter trips to Budikovac are organised from Milna and Rukavac, while the islet is a regular stop on excursions departing from the town of Vis and other parts of the island.
Budikovac is often linked with the Green Cave on Ravnik, as the two islets are located close to each other. If taking a private boat, a combination of Ravnik – Green Cave – Budikovac makes for a very natural half-day route.
Approaching by Private Boat Requires Caution
The Blue Lagoon may seem straightforward for navigation due to its clear waters, but its shallowness is the greatest danger for sailors unfamiliar with the area.
There are more shallows around Mali Budikovac and the surrounding reefs, and at lower sea levels, the depth in certain places within the lagoon can drop to approximately two metres.
Therefore, it is not wise to simply follow another boat and assume that every route will be deep enough.
With a smaller vessel and good knowledge of the depths, access is easier, while sailing boats and larger vessels with deeper drafts need to be significantly more cautious and often remain in deeper areas.
Anchoring in the Blue Lagoon
The lagoon is a well-known anchorage, and its position between the islets provides some shelter from certain winds.
The bottom is partly sandy, which is favourable for anchoring, but due to the shallow depths, rocky shallows, and the large number of vessels during the season, it is essential to choose an anchoring spot carefully and leave enough space for manoeuvring.
However, Budikovac is not a marina or a completely safe haven for all weather conditions. In stronger southern and south-western winds, the situation can be quite different from a calm summer day.
If planning to stay longer or overnight, the forecast, the draft of the vessel, and the specific anchoring location are more important than how calm the lagoon appears upon arrival.
Is There Food and Drink on Budikovac?
During the summer season, a seasonal catering offer appears on Budikovac, but it is not advisable to rely on it for the entire trip.
Facilities and operating hours on the island can change, so it is particularly important to bring enough water if planning to stay for several hours.
There are no shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, or infrastructure one would expect in a proper settlement on the island.
If a seasonal catering facility is operating, it is good for a drink or a bite to eat, but Budikovac should primarily be planned as a natural excursion and swimming spot.
Plavac Mali on the Small Island
One detail that many swimmers do not notice is that Plavac Mali is cultivated on Budikovac.
The sandy soil formed from ancient deposits has favoured the growth of vines, and small vineyards can be seen behind the beach.
This clearly shows that Budikovac is not just a barren rock around a popular lagoon. Behind the shore lies a small Mediterranean land that has long been used for agriculture.
Is There Shade?
In the open areas of the main beach, one should not expect serious natural shade throughout the day.
There is some vegetation, but Budikovac is not like Srebrna with large pines just behind the shore. If visiting with children or planning to stay for several hours in the height of summer, sun protection is very useful.
It is particularly important to bring water, as the heat can be quite intense on the shallow and open beach under strong sunlight.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
If one wishes to see the true intense turquoise colour for which Budikovac is known as the Blue Lagoon, a sunny day is the best choice.
For a more tranquil experience, the timing of arrival is even more important.
During July and August, Budikovac is a regular stop for a large number of excursion boats from Vis, Hvar, and other nearby areas. Therefore, the lagoon can be quite busy in the middle of the day, with many anchored boats and swimmers.
If arriving by private boat or taxi boat and there is an option to choose the timing, early morning or late afternoon provide a much nicer sense of space.
In June and September, the atmosphere is usually calmer, and the water remains pleasantly warm for extended swimming.
Budikovac, Ravnik, or Both?
If staying in the Milna or Rukavac area, there is little reason to choose just one islet if organising a private trip.
Ravnik is interesting primarily for the Green Cave and swimming inside the large sea cave.
Budikovac is completely different – its main value lies in the open shallow lagoon, turquoise sea, and swimming on the light seabed.
For this reason, they work well together. At Ravnik, one can explore the natural phenomenon of the cave, while at Budikovac, it makes more sense to stay longer in the water and explore the underwater world with a mask and snorkel.
Is a Visit to the Blue Lagoon Worth It?
If one expects a completely hidden lagoon that no one else knows about, Budikovac in July and August is no longer such a place. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular stops on boat excursions around Vis.
However, its popularity does not change the reasons for visiting.
Shallow turquoise waters, a light bottom, a small natural beach, and low islets enclosing the lagoon create a scene that is not common on Vis itself.
It is best experienced without haste – not just to arrive, take a photo, and leave after ten minutes. It is worth swimming, taking a mask and snorkel, strolling around the island, and, if time allows, checking out the other beach on its eastern side.
For guests staying in Milna or Rukavac, Budikovac is particularly good choice as one of the most well-known spots in the Vis archipelago is practically on their doorstep, just a short boat trip away.
Name: Veli Budikovac / Veli Budihovac
Also Known As: Plava Laguna / Blue Lagoon Vis
Location: Southeast of the island of Vis, in front of the areas of Milna and Rukavac
Access: Exclusively by boat
Beaches: Two natural beaches
Main Beach: Small light pebbles mixed with sand
Sea: Very shallow, clear, and distinctly turquoise
Snorkelling: Very good conditions
Natural Shade: Limited
Anchoring: Possible, but caution is needed due to shallows and low depths
Facilities: Seasonal catering options may vary
Best For: Swimming, snorkelling, and boat excursions
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