Private tour of Pakleni islands, Red Cliffs & South Shore of Hvar

The Red Rocks cave is the kind of place that makes a boat day around Hvar worth planning: swim beneath its high ceiling, then reach the small beach tucked inside. With skipper Flash, you can also time your stops to beat some of the crowds and change the plan to suit your group.

I like two things especially: the private boat and flexible pace, which let you linger or move on as you wish, and the chance to combine striking swim spots with lunch at a family-run restaurant in Mlini Bay. One consideration: seven hours in the sun and water asks for a moderate level of fitness, and lunch is not included in the price.

What makes this Hvar boat day special

• Red Rocks includes a cave swim. The tall-ceilinged cave and its tiny beach make this more than a quick photo stop.
• You set the pace. This is a private trip, so you can discuss how long to stay at each stop with your skipper.
• Flash brings local context. He shares stories and history about Hvar and the surrounding islands, as well as advice on timing and swimming spots.
• Mlini Bay gives the day a proper lunch break. A family-owned restaurant serves traditional Dalmatian food, but you pay for your meal separately.
• The boat is for your group. The advertised price covers up to five people, while the boat can accommodate up to six.
• An early start can make a difference. The 9 a.m. departure can help you reach popular places before more boats arrive.

Setting out from Hvar at 9 a.m.

The tour starts at the Port of Hvar, at Trg Sv. Stjepana 6, and returns to the same meeting point. Plan to arrive on time. The operator warns that substantial lateness can lead to cancellation, and there is no refund if you miss the trip because your cruise ship arrives late or fails to arrive.

You get about seven hours on the water, with a skipper and guide, fuel, bottled water and snorkeling equipment included. Since the boat and itinerary are private, your group does not have to match the pace of strangers. You can tell Flash if you would rather spend more time swimming, see several different spots or hear more about the places along the way.

The listed price is $579.26 per group of up to five. At five people, that works out to about $116 each; with fewer people, the per-person cost rises. The boat can carry up to six, but the listed group price only specifies a party of up to five, so ask the operator about arrangements for a sixth person before booking.

For a private boat, skipper and fuel over a full day, this can be good value for a small group that wants control over its schedule. It is less compelling if you are travelling alone or as a couple and mainly want a short ride. The main value is not simply the places you visit, but the ability to adjust the day around your interests and conditions.

Red Rocks and its small beach inside the cave

Red Rocks is the signature stop, and the contrast is striking: reddish cliffs rise above clear water, with a cave you can swim into and a tiny beach inside. You get about 30 minutes here, enough for a swim and a look around, though it may feel short if the cave captures your imagination.

Timing matters. An early arrival can mean a quieter visit, while later in the morning more boats may reach the area. If swimming into a cave does not appeal to you, tell the skipper; the private format gives you room to discuss alternatives, though the exact plan depends on conditions and the group.

Bring a swimsuit you are ready to get wet in, and use the snorkeling gear if you want to see more beneath the surface. This stop is not a dry sightseeing visit. You should be comfortable in the water, or at least ready to stay aboard or on the boat while others swim.

Lucisca Beach, a quieter cove beneath high cliffs

Lucisca is described as a calm cove with dramatic cliffs rising above the sea. The planned stop is about 30 minutes, with time for a swim in clear water and a pause away from busier places.

The appeal here is a change of mood after the cave. Instead of focusing on one unusual feature, you can enjoy the cove’s open water and steep rock walls. It is a simple swim stop, so if your priority is a long beach stay, make that clear to Flash and see how the day’s timing allows for it.

The tour’s flexibility is useful because weather and sea conditions can shape which spots work best. The skipper has adjusted routes when the weather changes, so expect the plan to be guided by both your wishes and what is sensible on the day.

Dubovica or Mekićevica for another swim

Dubovica is usually included, though Mekićevica may be used instead. Both are described as attractive beaches for another swim, and the planned stop is about 30 minutes. Dubovica is a particularly good choice if you want to snorkel: there is a small cave nearby that you can enter underwater.

Dubovica also has a small beach bar, useful if you want a coffee or a drink instead of another swim. That makes it a more varied stop than a simple cove, though a 30-minute visit may not leave much time for both a leisurely beach break and a drink. The skipper’s flexibility helps you decide which matters more.

This is one of the places where the tour’s mix of stops pays off. You get several different settings rather than spending the whole day at one beach, while still having enough freedom to choose whether each stop is for swimming, snorkeling or a short rest.

Zaraće as an optional swim stop

Zaraće is an optional stop, with about 20 minutes set aside if it is added. Its beach is presented as a chance to swim, so think of it as a brief extra break rather than a long visit.

The word optional is important. A seven-hour trip can cover several coves, but time spent at each place and the conditions on the water affect what fits. If Zaraće matters to you, mention it early; if you would rather linger at Red Rocks or Dubovica, say so instead.

Mlini Bay and lunch in the Pakleni Islands

The tour cruises along the Pakleni Islands and stops at Mlini Bay for about two hours. This is the longest planned break and the natural point for lunch. The bay has a quiet, clean beach and a family-owned restaurant serving traditional Dalmatian food.

Lunch is not part of the tour price, but it can be arranged. The restaurant is known for seafood and fish, and meals such as tuna steak and octopus salad have been highlights for people who chose to eat there. The food is described as fresh, with a farm-and-sea-to-table approach; local rosé is also available.

I would budget for lunch rather than treat it as an unexpected extra. You can swim or relax at the beach during this longer stop, but the restaurant is a central part of the day for anyone who wants a proper meal. Ask about the lunch arrangement when you book or speak with the operator, and remember that the bill is separate.

The two-hour pause also changes the rhythm of the trip. After several shorter swim stops, you have time to sit down, eat and enjoy the bay instead of rushing straight back to the boat. If you prefer to bring your own food or spend the full break swimming, discuss that with Flash.

What Flash adds to the day

The skipper is commonly called Flash, and some descriptions also refer to him as Gordon. He is a Hvar local who shares information about the island, the surrounding waters and local history. The personal side of the trip is a major part of its appeal: you can ask questions, request a slower pace or tell him whether you want more stories or more quiet time.

His local knowledge also matters for practical reasons. He can choose the order and timing of stops to reduce time around crowds, and can adjust the route when conditions change. That is more useful than a fixed sequence when the main aim is to swim and enjoy the coast.

The boat has a shaded seating area, a welcome feature when the sun gets intense, and a front deck for sitting while underway. These details matter on a seven-hour outing. You are not in the water for the entire day, and having shade and a comfortable place to sit makes the travel between coves more pleasant.

Who will get the most from this private trip

This tour suits a family or small group that values privacy, swimming and an adjustable schedule. The boat can accommodate up to six passengers, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Babies younger than three are not advised to join.

You should be comfortable with a day built around getting on and off a boat and swimming at several stops. The stated fitness level is moderate, and the cave and snorkeling stops are best suited to people who feel at ease in the water. If someone in your group is unsure about swimming, tell Flash. The private setup allows you to discuss what feels comfortable, but do not assume every stop will be suitable for every swimmer.

It is also a good fit if you want local stories along with the scenery. If you prefer a low-cost group excursion with a fixed route, this is probably not the right choice. You are paying for a private skipper and the ability to shape the day, not just transport from one cove to another.

Practical details before you book

The tour is offered in English and includes a mobile ticket, driver-guide, port pickup and drop-off, fuel surcharge, bottled water and snorkeling equipment. It starts at 9 a.m. and lasts about seven hours. Booking is often made well in advance, so reserve early if your dates are fixed.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations made later are not refunded, and changes within 24 hours are not accepted.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection and any personal items you need for a day on the water. The supplied details confirm bottled water and snorkeling gear, but do not specify other onboard provisions. Bring money or a payment method for lunch, since it is not included.

Should you book the Hvar private boat tour?

Book it if you want a full day of swimming, coves and island scenery with a local skipper who can adjust the pace. The combination of Red Rocks, the quieter beaches and a long lunch stop at Mlini Bay gives the day variety, while the private boat makes it easier to focus on what your group enjoys.

Think twice if you want a short, inexpensive excursion, dislike swimming or need a fully fixed schedule. For a small group willing to split the cost, the private format, local guidance and flexible stops make the price easier to justify. If the Red Rocks cave and a relaxed lunch on the Pakleni Islands sound like your kind of day, book ahead and make your preferences clear.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about seven hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at the Port of Hvar, Trg Sv. Stjepana 6, 21450 Hvar, Croatia.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9 a.m.

How many people can join?

The boat can accommodate up to six passengers. The listed price is $579.26 per group of up to five.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour stops at Mlini Bay, where lunch can be arranged at a family-owned restaurant, but the meal is not included in the price.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes a driver-guide, port pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, fuel surcharge, bottled water and the private tour.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Babies younger than three are not advised to join.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.