Bucket list experience:
Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia
On the unspoilt islet of Bisevo, take a boat that passes through a narrow tunnel into a vast chamber, illuminated an amazing shade of luminescent blue – the so-called Modra Spilja (Blue Cave).
The unique blue glow inside this cave is caused by a partial submarine hole in the cave entrance, which lets in direct sunlight at certain times of day. From inside the cave, the light seems to emanate from the water itself, which casts an aquamarine glow on the walls, while objects in the water appear to be silver.
It’s an unearthly, magical sight.
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Destination Guide >The cave lies just a five-minute boat ride from the Komiza harbour, on Vis’s south coast.
A number of operators offer tours and it’s usually possible just to turn up on the day and find a space on one of the boats – though to be sure, book in advance with the Blue Cave Tourist Agency.
Most organised excursions continue to the tiny sandy beach of Porat for a couple of hours’ bathing. There are a couple of informal seafood eateries in Porat where you can have lunch – the pick of the bunch is Konoba Porat.
Scuba divers should contact Issa Diving, based in Komiza on Vis – they can arrange diving trips to the Blue Cave, so you can experience it from an underwater perspective.
Access to the cave is usually limited to June to September, when the weather is calmest. During this period, it is possible to catch a boat to the cave seven days a week. Although it’s sometimes possible to visit the cave out of season, the rougher seas from October to May usually make entry into the cave impossible.
All organised excursions depart around 9am-10am, being timed to coincide with the optimal time of day for the blue glow – from 11am to midday.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia[9.1 miles]
This ten-room hotel and gourmet restaurant offers boutique bliss on the unspoilt island of Vis. Ten-minute walk to the port, and hotel bikes for hire for exploring.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Dalmatia, Croatia
A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings
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Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia[7.2 miles]
A picturesque, secluded pebble cove, hidden by rocky cliffs and accessible by boat – the perfect getaway beach experience for a secluded swim and snooze.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia[7.8 miles]
Hearty casseroles cooked in fire embers at Roki’s farm eatery, prepared using an ancient and traditional process still used in rural Dalmatia.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15 | 2-3 hours
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Former travel editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine James Fair round-ups the earth’s greatest natural wonders, which will literally take your breath away.
