From Hvar: Pakleni Islands & Red Rocks Comfort Sailboat Tour

Hvar’s best boat day may be the one that gives you time to do very little: sail between islands, swim in clear water, then stretch out on deck with the coastline sliding past. This eight-hour trip pairs the dramatic Red Rocks with quieter bays around the Pakleni Islands, aboard a sailboat limited to eight guests.

I like two things in particular: the small boat, which makes the day feel less like a floating crowd, and the mix of sailing and long swim stops. Captains named on different trips include Mića, Peter, Stefan, Petar, and Marco; who takes your helm can vary.

One caveat: sailing depends on the weather. High winds can mean a changed route or date, and calm conditions may limit how much the crew can use the sails. Bring food and drinks, and be ready for open-water swimming where you cannot simply stand up.

• A 36-foot sailboat with cabins, a kitchen, and a toilet gives you more room and practical comforts than a basic speedboat.
• Up to eight guests per yacht keeps the group small; larger parties go out on two yachts.
• Red Rocks and Dubovica provide two distinct places to swim and snorkel.
• A two-hour lunch stop leaves time to eat at a small bay restaurant or swim some more.
• A paddle board and snorkel masks are included, while food and drinks are not.

Setting Out from Hvar Port

The day begins at Hvar’s main port, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. After a short safety briefing, you’ll board the 36-foot sailboat and head out toward the island’s coastline and the Pakleni chain.

The boat’s size matters. With a maximum of eight guests, there is room to settle in without the feel of a party boat. You can sit back and enjoy the views, or, if conditions allow, ask the captain to show you the basics of handling the sails and steering. This is a chance to get a feel for sailing, not a formal lesson, and the captain makes the call based on the weather.

That weather caveat is worth taking seriously. One trip was rearranged because of high winds, while another had limited sailing for comfort and safety. A sailing tour is not a promise of eight hours under full sail. The route may also change: one afternoon, the boat sailed toward Vis, though the standard day centers on Hvar, Red Rocks, Dubovica, and the Pakleni Islands.

The crew can make a difference to the mood of the day. The captains named on different departures include Mića, Peter, Stefan, Petar, and Marco. The names vary, but the practical qualities to value are a steady hand, clear communication, and a skipper who helps everyone feel at ease.

Red Rocks: A Dramatic First Swim

The boat sails toward Red Rocks near Sveta Nedilja, a striking stretch of Hvar’s coast where reddish stone meets the sea. The first planned stop gives you about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. With masks provided, you can look for marine life in the clear water rather than staying on deck to admire it from afar.

The description of water around 100 meters deep refers to the depth beneath the boat, not a swimming area where you can stand. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the captain before getting in and use the provided life jacket as needed. The open-water setting is part of the appeal, but it is also a reason to follow the crew’s safety instructions.

Red Rocks makes a strong start because it combines unusual coastal scenery with time in the water. Still, this is not a guided natural-history visit with a set commentary at every stop. The day is built around sailing, swimming, and enjoying the surroundings at an easy pace.

Dubovica: A Second Chance to Get in the Water

From Red Rocks, the boat sails toward Dubovica Beach. There is another short stretch under sail, followed by about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. You get a fresh setting without spending the whole day in transit, which is a useful balance on an eight-hour trip.

Dubovica is one of the named swimming stops, but the precise feel of the stop can depend on conditions and the day’s route. Think of it as time to get back in the water, paddle, or relax aboard, rather than a long beach visit with a guaranteed hour on shore. The tour centers on the boat and the sea.

For me, the value of having several swim stops is that you need not make one favorite bay carry the whole day. If the first stop feels brisk or the water is not right for you, another opportunity is coming. Pack a towel and any personal swimming items you rely on, and keep your food and drink handy for between stops.

Lunch in a Quiet Bay

A later stop gives you about two hours at a bay with a small traditional restaurant. Lunch is at your own expense, and food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You can eat at the restaurant, swim, snorkel, or use the time to rest before the boat heads farther out.

This pause is more than a meal break. It gives the day an unhurried middle, with a chance to step away from the boat routine and enjoy a local tavern setting. Notos has been a lunch stop on some trips, and it proved a highlight for one group, but you should not assume that the restaurant is fixed for every departure.

Bring some food and drinks as a backup, as the operator advises. That is especially sensible if you have dietary needs, prefer to keep lunch costs down, or want a snack before the restaurant stop. The supplied details do not specify menu, prices, or whether reservations are needed, so ask the captain if you have a particular concern.

The Pakleni Islands: The Day’s Longest Island Hopping

After lunch, the boat sails toward the Pakleni Islands, a cluster of wooded islands and sheltered bays just off Hvar. The itinerary includes more than one stop here, with swimming and snorkeling periods of about an hour and 40 minutes. That gives you time to explore the water at more than a single quick drop-in.

The Pakleni portion is the heart of the island-hopping idea. Instead of choosing one beach and staying put, you travel by sailboat between coastal settings, with the captain selecting stops that suit the day. A paddle board is included, offering another way to enjoy a calm anchorage if conditions permit.

The schedule includes several sailing legs, but actual sailing time can shift with wind and route. The listed passages are short, generally around 30 to 45 minutes, while the swim and lunch stops make up much of the day. If you want a high-speed ride or a tightly packed sightseeing checklist, this is not that trip. It is for people who like having time to swim, lounge, and let the day unfold.

What the $176 Fare Gets You

At $176 per person, this is a considered purchase, not a cheap transfer between islands. You are paying for an eight-hour trip, a captain, a 36-foot sailboat, life jackets, snorkel masks, and a paddle board. The yacht also has cabins, a kitchen, and a toilet, useful comforts when you are spending most of the day aboard.

The small group is central to the value. A maximum of eight people gives you more space than a large excursion boat, and it is easier to ask questions or talk with the captain. If your party is bigger, the group goes out on two yachts, so you should not expect one boat to hold everyone.

The main extra cost is lunch, along with any food and drinks you bring or buy. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to reach the port yourself. The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, so confirm the exact location rather than assuming every departure leaves from the same spot.

Who Will Enjoy This Sail

I’d choose this trip if you want a full day on the water with a small group, several chances to swim, and a captain who may let you take part in sailing when conditions allow. It suits couples, friends, and small groups who enjoy a relaxed pace more than a loud, high-energy boat outing. The birthday and honeymoon appeal is easy to understand: the day leaves room to talk, swim, and enjoy the scenery without rushing from stop to stop.

It can also work well for people who like snorkeling but do not need a guided underwater tour. Masks are supplied, and the clear water is a big part of the appeal. The paddle board adds variety, though its use depends on conditions and the schedule.

I would think twice if you are uneasy in deep water, require a guaranteed sailing lesson, or want lunch and drinks included. The route and sailing conditions can change, and there is no promise that the sails will be up for a particular length of time. If high winds affect your plans, the operator may rearrange the trip, as has happened on a past departure.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the information provided does not explain how boarding or movement aboard is handled. If access details matter for your plans, contact the provider before booking and ask about the specific boat and departure point.

Practical Details Before You Book

The trip lasts eight hours, and available start times depend on the date. The tour is offered in Croatian and English, with private or small-group options. It includes a captain and safety equipment, but does not include hotel transfers, lunch, or drinks.

Bring food and drinks, swimwear, and a towel. You may want a dry change of clothes for the ride back, though the supplied details do not specify storage arrangements. Ask the captain where you can keep your belongings if you are bringing valuables.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms offer some flexibility, but they do not remove the need to check the meeting point and weather arrangements before the day.

Should You Book the Hvar Sailboat Tour?

Book it if you want the journey to be as much a part of the day as the stops. The best reasons are the small boat, multiple swim opportunities, and time around both Red Rocks and the Pakleni Islands. It is especially appealing if you like the idea of helping with the sails, but are equally happy to lie back when the wind is not cooperating.

Skip it if you need a fixed route, included lunch, or a guaranteed sailing lesson. At $176, the fare makes the most sense when you plan to spend much of the day swimming and enjoying the boat, not just ticking off destinations. Bring provisions, stay flexible about the weather, and this can be a rewarding way to see Hvar’s coast from the water.

FAQ

How long is the sailboat tour?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the sailing passages, swim stops, and lunch break.

How many people can join each yacht?

Each 36-foot sailboat can take up to eight guests. Larger groups go out on two yachts.

Are snorkeling equipment and a paddle board included?

Yes. Snorkel masks and a paddle board are included, along with life jackets.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch at the restaurant stop, and you are asked to bring food and drinks.

Can I learn to sail during the trip?

You may learn the basics of working the sails and steering if weather conditions allow. You can also relax on deck instead.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

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