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

The best part of this Hvar boat trip is its scale. You sail aboard a 36-foot yacht with a maximum of eight people, rather than on a crowded party boat. The route leads to two quiet bays in the Pakleni Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on deck.

I especially like the relaxed pace and the fact that you can bring your own drinks and keep them cold in the yacht’s fridge. Skippers such as Vitor, Victor, Alex, and Phillip have earned praise for their sailing skill, humor, and calm attention to safety. The main drawback is that the snorkeling may be modest: the clear water is lovely, but you should not expect a major reef or a huge range of fish.

At a glance

• Two swimming stops: Spend roughly 40 minutes to an hour at each of two bays, with time for swimming, snorkeling, or the SUP.
• A real sailing experience: Depending on wind and conditions, your skipper may let you take the helm under supervision.
• Small-group comfort: The yacht holds up to eight people, with private trips also available.
• Bring your own refreshments: Food and drinks are not included, but your beverages can be stored in the onboard fridge at no extra charge.
• Four hours on the water: Choose a morning or afternoon departure, both with a safety briefing and return to Hvar.
• Strong guide service: Skippers including Vitor, Victor, Alex, and Phillip are praised for friendly conversation, local facts, and careful boat handling.

A small yacht makes a big difference

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Pakleni Islands. It is priced as a sailing outing rather than basic water transport, though, and that distinction matters. Fuel, a skipper, snorkeling masks, lifejackets, a stand-up paddleboard, and four hours aboard are included.

I like that the boat carries a small number of people. With eight as the stated maximum, you have room to sit, sunbathe, talk with others, or find a quiet corner. It is still a shared outing unless you book privately, but it should feel far more personal than a large excursion boat.

The yacht is described as comfortable and modern, with room to relax on deck. There is not much shade, so bring a hat and consider a light long-sleeved shirt. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, which is sensible on a sailing boat with wet decks and limited footing.

For larger parties, two yachts can be arranged. That gives a group the chance to sail together without putting everyone onto one crowded vessel.

Leaving Hvar Harbor under sail

The meeting point is at Hvar’s harbor, listed as Riva 32, though the exact point can vary with the option booked. Plan to arrive ready for the water, with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat already packed.

The first ten minutes are used for a safety briefing and an introduction to the yacht. This is short but useful. You learn how to move around the boat, where the safety equipment is, and how the day will run.

Then the yacht heads away from Hvar. The first hour is mainly sailing, giving you views back toward Hvar’s waterfront and coastline as the town gradually falls behind. The amount of actual sailing depends on wind and weather. When conditions allow, the skipper may invite you to handle the wheel for a little while, always with guidance.

This is one reason to choose this trip instead of a fast motorboat transfer. You feel the wind, hear the water, and move at a more leisurely pace. If you prefer a quiet ride, you can simply sit back while the skipper handles the yacht.

The skippers are a major part of the experience. Vitor has been praised for mixing sailing facts with humor and for making people feel at ease. Victor is noted for strong boat handling, including in high winds. Alex, Phillip, Alexander, and others have also been praised for clear explanations and warm, attentive service. The exact skipper depends on the day, but the common thread is an active, personable guide rather than a silent driver.

First bay: swimming in clear, calm water

After about an hour of sailing, the yacht anchors in a natural bay in the Pakleni Islands. This first stop lasts about an hour and is the best time to settle into the water.

The bays are selected according to weather and sea conditions, so the exact location can change. That is a benefit when conditions shift, since the skipper can look for a calmer, more comfortable place to stop. You stay aboard the yacht and swim from it rather than taking a shore excursion.

The water is the star here. It is often described as clear, blue-green, and calm, with rocky coastal scenery around the bay. You can use the provided mask and lifejacket, swim on your own, or take the stand-up paddleboard for a slower look around the cove.

I like that this stop is not over-programmed. You are not being pushed from one activity to the next. You can spend the whole hour in the water, sit on the deck, or alternate between swimming and resting.

That freedom also explains what the trip is not. It is not a guided walking tour of the islands, and there is no plan to go ashore at either stop. If you want cafés, beach bars, historic sites, or time on land, choose a different Pakleni excursion.

The snorkeling is pleasant but should be kept in perspective. You may see fish in the clear water, and one skipper reportedly used small pieces of food to attract them. Still, Hvar is not being presented as a major snorkeling destination. The strongest reason to bring the mask is the pleasure of seeing below the surface in a beautiful bay, not the expectation of a full marine-life show.

Sailing between bays on the open Adriatic

After the first swim, the yacht sails for about 30 minutes to a second bay. This middle stretch breaks up the water time nicely. You dry off in the sun, enjoy the coastline, and chat with the small group.

The second bay follows the same basic pattern, with about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or relaxing aboard. The two-stop format gives the outing variety without making it feel hurried. If the first cove is busy or the water is less calm than hoped, the next one gives you another chance at a better swim.

Many people find the second stop especially easygoing because the rhythm of the day is now clear. You know where the equipment is, how to get into the water, and how much time remains. You can choose your own pace rather than follow a strict activity schedule.

The SUP is a useful extra, especially for anyone who does not want to swim continuously. There is one board, so people may need to take turns. Snorkel masks and lifejackets are supplied, but food and drinks are not. Pack what you want to eat and drink, then use the fridge to keep beverages cold.

A few practical details improve this part of the trip:

• Bring sun protection: Shade is limited, and the open deck reflects the sun.
• Secure loose items: Wind can pick up while sailing.
• Pack light: You need swim gear and a towel more than bulky luggage.
• Wear practical footwear: High heels are prohibited, and comfortable shoes are the sensible choice.
• Bring a dry layer: A light shirt can help after swimming or during the return sail.

Returning to Hvar after four hours

The final 30 minutes are spent sailing back to Hvar. By this point, you have had two water stops, about two hours of swimming and water activities, and roughly an hour and a half of sailing split between the outward, middle, and return legs.

The afternoon trip can be especially appealing if you want warm light on the water and a more relaxed finish to the day. One skipper adjusted the timing so a group could catch the sunset, though that should not be treated as a guaranteed part of every departure. The morning option is better if you want to keep your afternoon free or avoid the strongest heat.

The return is not merely a ride back. It gives you another chance to enjoy the yacht under sail, look back toward Hvar, and talk with the people in your group. Some skippers allow music, and one group particularly enjoyed being able to play its own selections. Keep the volume considerate, since the small boat works best when everyone can relax.

You return to Hvar Harbor, with the listed drop-off at Riva 32. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the harbor.

What $94 gets you

The $94 price makes the most sense if you value the boat itself and the small group. You are paying for a four-hour sailing outing with fuel, a professional skipper, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, a SUP, and access to two attractive swimming bays.

That is good value compared with booking a private yacht, but it is not the right choice if you only want transportation to a beach. A lower-cost boat may get you across the water, while this outing gives you time under sail and the chance to take the helm if conditions permit.

The private option changes the value calculation. For a couple, family, or group that wants control over music, timing, and space, paying more for privacy may be worthwhile. Solo visitors and pairs can save money with the shared trip while still benefiting from the small capacity.

You should also budget for your own drinks and snacks. There is no extra fee for using the fridge, but food and beverages are not included. That arrangement is convenient because you choose exactly what you want, and it avoids paying inflated onboard prices.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. If bad weather prevents the trip, an alternative date or full refund is offered. Those terms are useful in Hvar, where wind can affect sailing plans.

Who will enjoy this Hvar sailing trip?

I would choose this excursion for someone who wants a half-day on the water without giving up the rest of the day. Four hours is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough to fit around sightseeing, dinner, or an evening in Hvar.

It suits:

• Couples wanting a calm shared activity
• Solo visitors who enjoy meeting a small group
• Families comfortable with swimming from a yacht
• Friends who want sailing, sun, and casual water activities
• People who prefer a quiet alternative to Hvar’s nightlife
• First-time sailors curious about handling a yacht under instruction

It is less suited to anyone seeking a full island tour, a long beach stay, a large snorkeling site, or a guaranteed shore visit. You should also think carefully about sun exposure if you are sensitive to heat, since shade is limited.

The activity is advertised as wheelchair accessible, but the practical details of boarding and moving around a yacht are not given. If accessibility is important for your party, confirm the exact boat and boarding arrangement before paying.

Morning or afternoon?

The two departures make this easy to fit into a Hvar schedule.

Choose the morning if you want cooler conditions, a fresh start, or an open afternoon for Hvar’s old town and other plans. Morning water can also feel especially inviting after the initial sail.

Choose the afternoon if you prefer a slower start and like the idea of sailing during the warmer part of the day. Late light can be beautiful, and the afternoon timing may offer a pleasant finish, but sunset is not guaranteed.

The best choice depends less on the route, which follows the same general pattern, and more on how you want to use the rest of your day. In either case, check the exact departure time and meeting point when booking.

Should you book it?

Book this Pakleni Islands sailing trip if you want two beautiful swim stops, a real sailing boat, and a small group in a compact four-hour outing. The strongest parts are the skipper service, the comfortable scale, and the freedom to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or do nothing at all.

I would not book it expecting a major snorkeling adventure or time ashore. The water and scenery carry the experience more than the marine life. At $94, it is a fair choice for a polished half-day on the Adriatic, especially if you bring your own drinks and make good use of the yacht’s relaxed pace.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including the safety briefing, sailing, and two swimming stops.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The listed harbor location is Riva 32 in Hvar. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, and the return is also to Hvar Harbor.

How many people can join the shared yacht?

The yacht has a maximum capacity of eight people. Private trips are also available, and larger parties can be arranged across two yachts.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to bring your own food and drinks, but you can store your beverages in the yacht’s fridge without an extra fee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks and lifejackets are included. A stand-up paddleboard is also provided.

Can I choose between a morning and afternoon departure?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

An alternative date will be offered, or you will receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.