Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

Pakleni Islands are best seen from the water, where a small boat can pause at quiet coves for a swim rather than simply pass by. This private sailing trip from Hvar puts your group of up to six aboard a recently restored boat with skipper Jura, and leaves room for a relaxed pace between stops.

I like that you can choose a short outing or spend most of the day afloat, and that snorkel masks, an onboard toilet, an icebox, and shade are provided. One thing to plan for: towels are not included, and the exact route depends on your tour length and the wind.

At a glance

• A private boat for up to six: The $471 group price works out to $78.50 each if you fill all six places.
• A flexible two-to-eight-hour trip: More time usually means more room for swimming and scenic stops.
• Mlini is often the first stop: Expect time to swim, snorkel, and take in the bay before moving on.
• The route can include several Pakleni spots: Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce are among the possible stops, not a guaranteed checklist.
• Comforts are built in: Use the canopy, sun deck cushions, snorkel masks, icebox, Bluetooth speaker, USB port, Wi-Fi, and toilet.
• A well-regarded skipper: Jura is praised for a friendly, professional approach and flexibility on the water.

A private sailing day from Hvar

The appeal here is not a packed sightseeing schedule. It is the chance to reach the Pakleni Islands by boat, then spend time in the water and move on when your group is ready. You have a skipper to handle the sailing, while your own small group gets the boat to itself.

The boat was restored in 2023 and has room for up to six passengers. That size is a practical middle ground: large enough for a family or a few friends, but small enough to feel personal. You are not sharing swim stops with a boatload of strangers.

The experience is also adaptable. A two-hour trip is a short taste of sailing and swimming; an outing closer to a full day can fit more stops and possibly a meal ashore. The length you choose matters, because the number of places visited changes with tour duration and wind conditions.

Leaving from Riva 27

The trip starts at Riva 27 in Hvar. From there, you head toward the Pakleni Islands, with the sailing itself part of the day rather than just transport between beaches. You can watch the coast slide past, enjoy the views, and settle into the slower rhythm of being on a boat.

Jura is the named skipper associated with the trip. The experience is conducted in English or Croatian, and the way the trip is described suggests a casual, helpful host rather than a formal lecture. He can answer questions and adapt the stops, but this is chiefly a sailing and swimming outing, not a history-focused tour.

Wind can affect how much sailing you get. One outing still included sailing in light conditions, but no one can promise a particular amount of wind on your date. If sailing under sail is your main reason for booking, ask about conditions and expectations before setting off.

The first swim at Mlini

The usual first stop is Mlini beach, where you can take in the views, swim, and use the snorkel masks. This is a useful start to the day: you get a chance to settle in, cool off, and get comfortable moving between boat and water before the route continues.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, which makes snorkeling an easy add-on even if you are not planning a serious underwater excursion. Masks are included, so you do not have to bring your own. The trip’s focus is on enjoying the coves and water at a leisurely pace, not on a guided snorkeling lesson or a set of underwater sights.

You may want to bring a towel, since those are not supplied. The boat has an onboard toilet and a sun canopy, but time in the sun and repeated swims still make a towel and sun protection sensible packing choices.

Exploring the Pakleni Islands by boat

After Mlini, the skipper visits a few scenic locations around the archipelago. Possible stops include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. The exact number and choice depend on how long you book and on wind conditions, so treat these names as possibilities rather than a fixed route.

Each stop gives you a different reason to leave the boat for a while: a refreshing swim, time with a snorkel mask, or a chance to sit and enjoy the setting. Some groups may prefer to keep moving between coves; others may want longer at one favorite spot. Since this is a private trip, you have more scope to talk through those preferences with Jura than you would on a shared excursion.

You may also choose to add a stop for lunch at an island restaurant. That can make a longer outing feel like a proper day out rather than a sequence of swims, but it does use time that could otherwise go toward another bay. If lunch matters to your plans, discuss it with the skipper and clarify the restaurant arrangements and costs before departure.

Do not expect every listed island or beach to appear in one trip. The route is flexible by design, and a shorter booking naturally leaves less time for stops. If there is one particular place you hope to see, ask whether it is realistic for the duration you are considering.

A boat set up for an easy day

The boat’s amenities are more useful than they may sound on paper. A sun canopy offers a break from direct sun, while cushions on the sun deck give you a place to stretch out between swims. The onboard toilet can also make a longer trip more comfortable, especially for families or anyone who would rather not rely on facilities ashore.

There is an icebox for keeping drinks cool, plus a Bluetooth speaker for your music. A USB port and Wi-Fi are included as well. Bring your own drinks or snacks if you want to use the icebox, and agree on music with your group so the soundtrack suits everyone aboard.

The gear list includes snorkel masks, but does not promise fins or other snorkeling equipment. If you have particular needs, bring what you prefer or check in advance. The boat also has a toilet, but no towels are included.

What the price buys

The listed price is $471 for a private group of up to six. At full capacity, that comes to $78.50 per person, a reasonable way to split the cost of having a skipper and boat reserved just for your group. For two people, the per-person cost is considerably higher, so value depends on how much you care about privacy and control over the pace.

The price covers the boat and tour, snorkel masks, Wi-Fi, USB access, an icebox, and a Bluetooth speaker. The price is not just for a ride between islands: you are also paying for a private setting, the skipper’s time, and the ability to linger at swimming stops. For a group of friends or a family of six, that combination can make the cost easier to justify than booking separate seats on a shared trip.

The tour lasts from two to eight hours, with starting times depending on availability. A shorter trip can work if you want a quick taste of sailing and a swim; a longer one gives the route more breathing room. The trade-off is straightforward: more time on the water costs more in time and planning, but lets you enjoy the stops without watching the clock as closely.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would consider this for a family, a couple, or a small group of friends who want a calm day on the water rather than a high-speed excursion. The small capacity suits people who value privacy, and the included masks make it easy to add snorkeling without making equipment the focus of the day.

It is also a good option if you have never sailed before. Several first-time sailors have found the experience relaxing, and the trip gives you the chance to enjoy sailing without needing any sailing experience yourself. You can swim, lounge, listen to music, or simply take in the views while Jura handles the boat.

This may be less suitable if you want a rigid itinerary, guaranteed visits to particular beaches, or a full-on snorkeling adventure. The route changes with the weather and booking length, and the emphasis is on a relaxed outing. If your priority is sailing under sail, wind conditions are another variable to keep in mind.

Small details that make the day smoother

Bring towels, swimwear, and whatever sun protection you normally rely on. The canopy provides shade, but you can also choose to lie on the sun deck cushions and soak up the sun. Pack drinks or snacks if you want them chilled, and bring a USB cable if you expect to use the port.

If you hope to stop for lunch, mention it while planning the day. It is an option, not an automatic part of every route, and time ashore means less time swimming or sailing. For birthdays and other special occasions, the private format gives your group room to set a relaxed tone; the boat’s speaker can add music, and a guest has noted that wine glasses and a bottle opener were available. If those extras matter, confirm them rather than assuming they will be on board.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 65 reviews, and the transport rating is especially strong, with 98% of reviewers giving it a perfect score. The feedback consistently points to the same strengths: Jura’s friendly manner, beautiful swim stops, a comfortable boat, and an easygoing pace. Those are precisely the features that make this trip appealing, though the best day still depends on the weather and your choice of duration.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the trip, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Those terms are handy if your Hvar plans are still taking shape, but the more important choice is how long you want on the water.

Should you book the Hvar sailing trip?

Book it if you want a private, unhurried way to see the Pakleni Islands, with time for swimming and a skipper who can adjust the route. It is especially good value when six people share the cost, and the boat’s shade, cushions, toilet, and icebox make a longer outing more comfortable.

Think twice if you need a fixed itinerary, expect towels or a full snorkeling kit, or have a strict preference for sailing in strong wind. For most small groups seeking clear water, scenic coves, and a genuinely relaxed day, this is a strong choice. Choose the longest duration you can comfortably fit if swimming stops and a possible lunch are central to the plan.

FAQ

How much does the private sailing trip cost?

The listed price is $471 per group of up to six people. If all six places are filled, that works out to $78.50 per person.

How long is the trip?

You can book a trip lasting from two to eight hours. Available starting times depend on the date.

Where does the trip start?

The listed starting point is Riva 27 in Hvar, and the boat returns there.

Which places might the boat visit?

Mlini beach is usually the first stop. Other possible locations include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce, depending on the trip length and wind conditions.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included.

Are towels included?

No. Bring your own towels.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English and Croatian.