From Hvar: Boat Tour to Pakleni Islands on a Comfort Yacht

The pleasure here is the pace: you leave Hvar under sail, then spend time in two Pakleni Islands bays where the main plan is to swim, snorkel, paddleboard or relax aboard. I like the small group size, capped at eight, and the chance to bring your own drinks and keep them cold in the yacht’s fridge.

This is a water-focused outing, not a tour of island villages or beaches on foot. The yacht anchors in the bays, and shade can be limited, so bring a hat and be ready to spend much of the trip in the sun.

At a glance

• A real sailing yacht: The 36-foot boat gives you a more relaxed ride than a fast motorboat tour.
• Two swimming stops: Plan on two bays for swimming, snorkeling and SUP use, with no shore excursions.
• A small group: The yacht holds up to eight people, with private trips and two-yacht arrangements available for larger parties.
• Bring your own drinks: You can store them in the onboard fridge without an extra fee. Food and drinks are not included.
• Four hours on the water: Choose a morning or afternoon departure, depending on availability.
• A skipper who shapes the mood: Skippers such as Vitor, Viktor, Alex and Alexander have led trips, sharing sailing and local knowledge while keeping safety in view.

A sailing trip, not a speedboat dash

The Pakleni Islands sit just off Hvar, close enough for a half-day trip but far enough to feel like a proper escape from the harbor. This outing uses a 36-foot sailing yacht, and that changes the feel of the journey. The boat travels at a more leisurely pace than a speedboat, giving you time to watch Hvar’s coastline recede and enjoy the Adriatic air.

You are not signing up for a sailing lesson, but you may get a chance to take the helm if weather and conditions allow. The skipper remains in charge and gives guidance. If you would rather sit back, that is fine too. The point is to enjoy the ride, not earn a nautical certificate.

At the start, the skipper gives a brief safety talk and introduces the boat. After that, the trip moves between sailing and anchored swim stops. The itinerary is simple by design: get out to the islands, spend time in the water, then return to Hvar.

Two bays, with time to enjoy each one

The yacht sails for about an hour toward the Pakleni Islands before anchoring in the first bay. The exact location can depend on weather and sea conditions, but the plan is to find a calm spot suited to swimming and snorkeling. You can use the provided mask and life jacket, or stay aboard and take in the view.

Expect clear water and rocky coves rather than a broad sandy beach. The boat stays at anchor, so there is no planned walk ashore. That is useful if you want a straightforward swim stop, but less suitable if your idea of a beach day means sunbathing on land, finding a beach bar or exploring a village.

After roughly an hour in the first bay, the yacht sails for about 30 minutes to another spot. You then have a second stretch of free time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding or relaxing on board. A stand-up paddleboard is included, along with snorkel masks and life jackets. There may be one SUP to share, so do not count on having one to yourself throughout the stop.

The second bay gives the trip a welcome change of scene, though the basic activity is much the same: get in the water or enjoy the boat. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep expectations measured. The clear water is a treat, but marine life can be limited, and this is not a dedicated wildlife or snorkeling expedition.

The return sail takes around 30 minutes. The stated trip length is four hours, while the listed activity blocks add up to slightly more than that when the safety briefing is included. Treat the timings as a guide rather than a promise to the minute. Wind, weather and harbor conditions can affect the schedule.

A small boat makes the outing feel personal

With a maximum of eight people, the yacht offers a more intimate setting than a large excursion boat. There is room to chat with the skipper and other people aboard, or to settle into your own quiet corner between stops. Couples and solo travelers may find this format especially easy: you can meet people without being committed to a big group itinerary.

The smaller size also means you should expect a shared space, not a private lounge. People will be moving around as the boat sails and anchors, and there may not be a shady spot for everyone. One person aboard may have a seat near the skipper with more cover, but bring a hat and a light long-sleeved shirt rather than relying on shade.

You can book a private trip or join a small group. Larger parties can be accommodated on two yachts, which keeps the boats at a manageable size while allowing your group to travel together. Confirm the exact option when booking, since the meeting point may vary by choice.

Skippers add more than a safe passage

A good skipper matters on a short sailing trip. The job is not only to steer the boat, but also to read the conditions, choose suitable anchorages and help everyone feel at ease. Skippers named on recent trips include Vitor, Viktor, Alex, Alexander, Phillip and Mitchja, though the person leading your departure will depend on the day.

The best fit for this outing is a skipper who balances useful information with an easygoing tone. You may hear about the islands or sailing along the way, but this is not a lecture-heavy sightseeing tour. Some skippers have also kept an eye on changing weather and communicated about safety before departure, a practical detail worth valuing on an open boat.

Music and a relaxed social atmosphere can be part of the trip, but that is not guaranteed. Your group, skipper and sea conditions all shape the mood. Think of this as a shared half-day on the water, not a scripted performance.

What $94 buys you

At $94 per person, the price covers the four-hour cruise, skipper, fuel, SUP, snorkel masks and life jackets. The yacht and small group are a key part of the value. You are not simply paying for transport to a swimming spot; you get a sailing passage, two water stops and equipment to use along the way.

The price does not include food, drinks, hotel pickup or drop-off, or a tip for the skipper. You can bring your own drinks and use the yacht’s fridge at no extra charge, which is handy in the sun. Pack snacks too if you will want something to eat, since food is not provided.

Value depends on what you want from a boat tour. If you like sailing, want a small group and plan to swim, the mix is strong for a half-day outing. If you mainly want a beach club, a meal ashore or a long visit to a particular island, this trip will not meet that brief. Its focus is the boat and the coves.

Morning or afternoon on the water

There are two departures each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Check the available start times for your date and choose the slot that fits your plans. Both include the same basic structure: sailing out, two anchored stops and a return to Hvar.

An afternoon trip may suit you if you want a slower start to the day. One skipper has timed a return to catch the sunset, but do not assume every afternoon departure will do so. The schedule and conditions can vary, so book for the sailing and swim stops rather than a guaranteed sunset.

The morning option gives you the water portion of the day early, leaving the afternoon free. Either way, four hours is a useful length: enough time to reach two bays and enjoy them without making the boat trip your entire day.

Pack for sun, swimming and a wet deck

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. A light shirt that covers your shoulders is a smart extra, particularly if you burn easily or prefer a break from direct sun. Wear practical footwear; high heels are not allowed.

You will be stepping around a boat, so keep your belongings compact and secure. Pack any drinks or food you want, and remember that the fridge is available for your own drinks. Snorkel masks, life jackets and a paddleboard are supplied, so you do not need to bring those.

Hvar’s harbor is the departure area, but the precise meeting point can vary with the booked option. Harbour of Hvar, Riva 32 is listed as a starting and drop-off location. Check your booking details before setting out, rather than assuming every departure uses the same spot.

Weather, access and booking flexibility

The tour runs only when conditions are suitable. If bad weather prevents the trip, an alternative date will be offered or you can receive a full refund. There is also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your schedule is still taking shape.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the practical details of boarding and moving around a yacht can depend on the boat and your needs. Contact the operator before booking to confirm what access will look like for your situation.

The tour is offered in English and Croatian. It is sensible to book ahead, especially if you want a particular morning or afternoon departure, or prefer a private trip. The group cap is small, which helps the atmosphere but also limits the number of available places.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a few hours of sailing, clear-water swimming and time to relax without committing to a full-day cruise. It suits couples, small groups, families comfortable aboard a yacht, and solo visitors happy to share space with a handful of other people.

It is less suited to anyone who needs a shore visit, expects a sandy beach, wants a full snorkeling safari or dislikes being in direct sun. The boat’s small size is part of the appeal, but it also means less room and shade than on a larger vessel.

Book it if the sailing and swim stops are the point. Bring your own drinks, cover up from the sun and think of the Pakleni Islands as a pair of beautiful anchorages, not a day of island-hopping on land.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The trip is listed as four hours. It includes a safety briefing, sailing to the Pakleni Islands, two swimming stops and the return to Hvar.

How many people can join?

The yacht has a maximum capacity of eight people. Private trips are available, and larger parties may be accommodated using two yachts.

What activities are included?

You can swim, snorkel or use the included stand-up paddleboard at the two anchored bays. Snorkel masks and life jackets are also provided.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you may bring your own drinks and keep them cold in the yacht’s fridge without an extra fee.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. High-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Are there morning and afternoon departures?

Yes. Two trips are offered each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Check availability for the exact start times.

Does the tour go ashore on the islands?

No shore excursions are planned. The yacht anchors in two bays, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard or relax aboard.

What happens if the weather is bad?

An alternative date will be offered, or you will receive a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. Harbour of Hvar, Riva 32 is listed as a starting location, so check your booking details for the exact spot.