Private Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands beach hopping speedboat tour

Hvar’s south coast is best explored from the water, where the cliffs, coves and small beaches come into view one after another. This private speedboat tour links the Red Rocks, Zarace and the Pakleni Islands, with time for swimming and snorkeling along the way.

I like that you can share the boat only with your own group, and that the route mixes striking coastal scenery with proper beach stops. I also like the practical inclusions: bottled water, beer and snorkeling gear are provided, so you can focus on the day rather than packing every last item.

The main consideration is the price: $1,536.93 for the group is a substantial outlay unless you have several people to share it with. Lunch is extra, and the full set of planned stops adds up to about seven hours, so this is a day on the water, not a quick coastal outing.

At a glance: what makes this Hvar boat day worthwhile

• Red Rocks from sea level: Stop to swim beneath Hvar’s tall red limestone cliffs, shaped by the sea.
• Two beaches at Zarace: The east- and west-facing coves offer pebbly shores, clear water and snorkeling.
• Private boat for up to 12: Your party has the boat to itself, making it easier to set a comfortable pace together.
• Lunch break at Palmizana: The popular Pakleni Islands beach is a natural place to stop for a meal, which you arrange and pay for separately.
• A final swim at Mlini: The tour finishes its island-hopping with a stop at one of the Pakleni Islands’ best-known beaches.
• A long, flexible day: The tour is listed at about four to eight hours, while the stated stop times total around seven hours.

Following Hvar’s south shore by speedboat

The tour begins at Obala, Fabrika 27, in Hvar, with a scheduled 10:00 a.m. departure. From town, the boat heads along the island’s south coast, where the views shift from open water to rocky cliffs and tucked-away beaches. The route is designed to make several stops rather than settle in one place for the day.

That variety is the point. You get to see Hvar from the sea, then step off the boat for swims and beach time. If you want one memorable cove and a slow afternoon, this may feel too active. If you enjoy changing scenery and a handful of chances to get in the water, the format makes good use of a day.

The tour is private, with space for up to 12 people. That can make a big difference for families or a group of friends: you are not sharing the boat with strangers, and the day can feel more personal. One account describes the outing as tailored to the group’s wishes, but you should treat that as a possibility rather than a promise. The listed route gives you a clear sense of the places the day is built around.

Dubovica and the Red Rocks: two very different kinds of stop

Dubovica is a pebbly beach known for clear water and a small cluster of old houses. Its simple setting is part of the appeal. You are not arriving at a large resort beach, but a cove framed by stone and water. The tour allows about two hours for this part of the coast, including a separate swim stop at the nearby Red Rocks.

Those cliffs are the day’s most dramatic natural feature. Their red limestone rises above the water, and seeing them from a boat lets you appreciate their scale in a way that is hard to manage from shore. The planned stop is for swimming beneath the cliffs. Bring a waterproof camera if you want photos, but remember that a phone and an unsteady boat deck are not ideal companions.

The two-hour allocation covers a substantial stretch of the day. It gives you time for the beach and the Red Rocks rather than a quick photo pause, although the exact split between the two is not specified. If you are keen to swim, this is one of the main opportunities. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still enjoy the cliffs from the boat, but swimming is central to the tour’s appeal.

Zarace: choose between two pebbly coves

Zarace has two beaches, one facing east and one west. Both sit among distinctive cliffs and are described as good places to swim and snorkel. The tour sets aside about two hours here, so this is more than a brief stop to dip your feet and move on.

The two coves give the route some variety, while the pebbly shore and clear water make water shoes a sensible item to consider bringing. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from having to pack your own mask and snorkel. The tour also names cliff jumping as an activity at Zarace. If you are interested, ask the skipper about the conditions and suitable places before jumping; don’t assume every spot is appropriate.

This is a good section of the day for a group with different levels of energy. Some people can snorkel or swim while others take in the cliffs and beach. Keep in mind that the tour does not specify how long you’ll spend at each of the two beaches, so if one cove is a priority, say so when discussing the day with the crew.

Palmizana and the Pakleni Islands: lunch is on your own

The second half of the tour heads to the Pakleni Islands, a chain of green islets just off Hvar. The islands are known for beaches and sea views, and the boat visits the popular Palmizana area. About two hours are allotted to this part of the route, with time to stop for lunch by the sea or take beach photos.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Plan for that extra cost, and ask in advance what food options are available at the place you intend to stop. The tour information identifies Palmizana as a suitable spot for a seaside meal, but does not specify a restaurant, menu or reservation. If lunch matters to your group, confirm the plan rather than relying on assumptions.

A private boat makes this break easier to shape around your group’s preferences, but the tour still has several destinations to cover. If you want a long meal, a leisurely swim and plenty of time for photos, talk through your priorities with the crew before setting off. An account of the trip describes a customized day, though how much the schedule can change is not stated.

Mlini Beach: one last swim before Hvar

Mlini Beach is the final named stop before the return to Hvar. The tour sets aside about an hour here, enough for another swim in the turquoise water and a little beach time before heading back. After several stops, that last pause can feel like a welcome chance to slow down.

The beach is described as one of the Pakleni Islands’ most beautiful. The appeal is straightforward: clear water, a beach setting and one more chance to get in before the boat ride home. If your group has a favorite stop earlier in the day, remember that the schedule also includes this final beach, so the return is not immediate after lunch.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Hvar. The listed stop times add up to about seven hours, while the overall duration is given as four to eight hours. That range leaves room for differences in pace or conditions, but it is worth planning around a full day rather than expecting the shortest possible outing.

What the price buys, and what it doesn’t

The price is $1,536.93 per group, for up to 12 people. At a full group of 12, that works out to about $128 per person. With fewer people, the cost per person rises quickly, so this tour makes the most financial sense for a larger party that values privacy and private transportation.

The price includes bottled water, beer, snorkeling equipment, private transportation and fees and taxes. It does not include lunch. Those inclusions reduce the number of extras you need to arrange, but they do not make this a budget excursion. You are paying for a private day linking several coastal stops, not simply for a ride to one beach.

The private format is especially useful if you are traveling with children, friends or relatives who want to spend time together. One account praises the comfortable boat and discreet, kind crew, and describes a day that worked for both adults and children. That is encouraging, but comfort is personal, and the exact boat layout is not specified. If you have a particular need, ask the operator before booking.

Crew, timing and a few things to plan ahead

Crew members named in accounts of this tour include Ivana, Ivan and Antonio, along with a skipper. These names may not indicate who will be aboard on your date. The tour is offered in English, and the crew’s role is important: they handle the boat and help your group make the most of a day with several stops.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a way to protect your phone or camera from water. Those are practical suggestions for any long day centered on beaches and swimming, rather than items specified as included. Snorkeling gear and drinks are provided, but no other personal beach equipment is listed.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Who should book this private Hvar tour?

I’d consider this tour if your group wants a full day at sea, several chances to swim and the freedom of having a private boat. It suits people who would rather see a range of beaches than spend the entire day at one, and who are happy to pay more for a shared experience with their own group.

It is less appealing if you are watching your budget, want lunch included or prefer a short excursion. The total price is hard to justify for a very small party unless privacy is a priority. And if your main goal is one long, unhurried beach afternoon, ask whether the route can be adjusted before you book.

My practical verdict: book it if you can fill much of the boat and want Hvar’s coast, Red Rocks and Pakleni beaches in one day. Confirm lunch plans and the expected duration with the operator, then enjoy the best part of the arrangement: a day shaped around your own group, with the sea as the road between stops.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Obala, Fabrika 27, 21450 Hvar, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The approximate duration is four to eight hours. The stated times at the four named stops add up to about seven hours.

How many people can join?

The tour is private for your group, with a maximum of 12 people.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Palmizana is identified as a place to stop for a meal by the sea.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water, beer, use of snorkeling equipment, private transportation, and all fees and taxes are included.

Which beaches and islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Dubovica Beach and the Red Rocks, Zarace, the Pakleni Islands including Palmizana, and Mlini Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.