Hvar: Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour with Brunch

The best part of this Hvar sailing day is the freedom to shape it as you go. Captain John takes you around the Pakleni Islands in a 40-year-old wooden boat, stopping at roughly four places for swimming, snorkeling, caves, quiet anchorages, or a livelier beach bar. You set the pace, not a rigid timetable.

I like the small private-group feel and the homemade brunch, especially the focaccia prepared by John’s mother. I also like that John aims for less crowded spots and keeps asking what you want from the day. The main drawback is simple: a long day on open water is not a good match for anyone prone to seasickness, and bad weather can change the plan.

Key points to know

• A traditional 9.5-meter wooden boat: The boat is about 40 years old but freshly renovated, with a toilet, refrigerator, and snorkeling gear.
• John is the skipper to look for: He is repeatedly praised for being friendly, responsive, and good at finding quieter corners of the islands.
• Flexible route: Expect around four stops, chosen through conversation with the captain rather than a fixed sightseeing script.
• Homemade brunch: Focaccia, seasonal fruit, wine, and water are included, with gluten-free focaccia available by arrangement according to one booking experience.
• A full day at sea: The outing lasts 450 minutes and may run up to eight hours, so pack for sun, swimming, and a long stretch aboard.
• Best for relaxed explorers: This suits couples, families, and small groups seeking swimming and scenery more than a loud party cruise.

Setting Out from Hvar’s Riva

You meet in front of the entrance to Hotel Riva, right on Hvar’s waterfront. From there, the boat heads out toward the Pakleni Islands, a chain of 21 islands scattered just off Hvar.

The sailing time is part of the experience, not dead time between stops. You get open Adriatic views, a changing look back toward Hvar, and the pleasure of moving under sail on a boat with some character. This is not a shiny speedboat designed to rush from one swimming spot to the next.

The boat measures 9.5 meters and is around 40 years old, though it has been freshly renovated. That gives you a more traditional sailing setting, along with practical comforts that matter on a long day: a toilet, refrigerator, fuel, moorings, and snorkeling equipment.

The listing describes the outing as lasting 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours, with up to eight hours on the boat included. I would plan for most of the day. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera, but keep your packing light enough to leave room for the brunch and snorkeling equipment.

Why the Pakleni Islands Work So Well for a Flexible Tour

The Pakleni Islands are not one single attraction. They are a collection of small islands and anchorages, each with a different feel. Some offer quiet water for swimming. Others have caves, beach bars, or villages such as Palmižana, where you might stop for a waterfront meal or a look at local life.

That variety makes a flexible route valuable. If you want a peaceful day, John can seek out less crowded areas. If you prefer more activity, you can ask for a livelier stop or spend more time near places with beach bars. The plan is discussed during the day, so you are not locked into a route that does not fit your mood.

You should still keep expectations realistic. The tour promises around four stops, not a complete visit to all 21 islands. The charm lies in choosing a few good places and enjoying them properly instead of collecting quick photos from every corner of the archipelago.

The islands also give the day some cultural interest. Palmižana, in particular, connects the water experience with island life, seafood tavernas, and local residents. The focus remains on sailing and swimming, but you are not limited to an empty beach and a snorkel mask.

Captain John and the Small-Group Atmosphere

John is the captain most often named in the booking information. His role is important because this tour depends less on a scripted commentary and more on good judgment at sea.

The strongest pattern in the feedback is his balance. He is described as friendly and helpful without being overbearing. He asks what you want, suggests places, and adjusts the day rather than forcing everyone through the same sequence of stops.

That matters on a private-group boat. One couple had the boat to themselves, while another booking had only three people aboard. A separate booking that was not arranged as a private tour still ended up with just two people on board. Those examples do not guarantee your exact group size, so confirm the arrangement when booking, but they show the kind of personal setting this operator can provide.

You also get an English and Croatian-speaking guide. John’s practical role is more important than a long history lecture. He is there to handle the boat, find suitable places, and help you make decisions about swimming, snorkeling, and time ashore.

The family-run touch comes through in the food. John’s mother makes the focaccia, and one person with dietary needs received gluten-free focaccia. If that matters to you, ask ahead rather than assuming it will always be available.

Four Stops, Chosen Around Your Interests

The exact stops can change, which is one of the tour’s main strengths. You should expect about four stops around Sveti Klement and the nearby Pakleni Islands, with sailing and scenic views linking them together.

Sveti Klement and the wider island chain

Sveti Klement is the main island named in the route. It gives you the classic Pakleni experience: clear water, rocky coast, small anchorages, and views across the Adriatic.

The island is large enough to offer different moods. You might spend time at a calm swimming area, stop near a more social spot, or explore part of the coast by water. The boat’s flexible route lets you spend longer at a place that suits you instead of moving on simply because the schedule says so.

Quiet swimming anchorages

For many people, the best stop is the quiet one. John makes a point of avoiding the most popular locations when possible, so you can spend time in a more private-feeling area.

Do not read private as guaranteed solitude. The Pakleni Islands are a popular summer destination, and conditions can change. Still, a skipper who knows the area and listens to your wishes gives you a better chance of avoiding the most crowded places than a large, fixed-route cruise.

Swimming is central to the day. You can get off the boat at selected stops, cool down in the clear water, and return aboard when you are ready. Pack sunscreen and a towel, and expect the sun to be a major part of the experience.

Caves and snorkeling spots

The tour also allows time for caves and snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The snorkeling is best understood as a relaxed addition rather than a specialist excursion. You get the chance to explore clear water around the islands, then return to the boat for food and sailing. If your main goal is extensive marine wildlife viewing, this may feel too broad and easygoing. If you want a swim with a bit of underwater exploration, it fits well.

Caves can add variety to the day, though the information does not promise a particular cave or a guided cave visit. Ask John what conditions allow on the day.

Palmižana and livelier island stops

Palmižana offers a change from quiet anchorages. You might find waterfront tavernas, seafood, beach bars, and a little more local activity there.

This is useful if your group cannot agree on a single mood. One person can enjoy the social side of the islands, while the rest of the day can return to swimming and calm water. Keep in mind that any meal at a taverna or drink beyond the included wine and water is not part of the stated package.

A Brunch That Feels Part of the Day

The included food is simple, local, and well suited to a boat. You receive homemade focaccia, seasonal fruit, wine, and water.

The focaccia is the star. It is made by John’s mother, giving the meal a family touch that a standard packaged lunch would not have. One booking also arranged a gluten-free version, which is a useful detail for anyone with that dietary need. Ask in advance, since the information does not promise gluten-free food for every departure.

The brunch is not presented as a formal restaurant meal. Think of it as a generous spread enjoyed aboard with sea views. The refrigerator helps keep drinks and food practical during a full day in the sun.

Wine is included, but pace yourself. You still have a long boat ride, swimming stops, and the return to Hvar ahead. Water is included as well, and you should bring extra personal supplies if you need more than the listed refreshments.

The food also improves the value of the tour. At $107 per person, you are not paying only for transport to the islands. You are paying for a skipper, fuel, moorings, equipment, a full day on the boat, and a prepared meal. Compared with a short transfer followed by arranging your own food and activities, that is a fair package for people who will use the full day.

What the Boat Is Like for a Full Day

The wooden boat gives the experience its character, but it also shapes what you should expect. This is a traditional sailing boat, not a large vessel with lots of separate indoor space.

The freshly renovated condition and onboard toilet make the long outing easier. The refrigerator is another useful feature, especially in July and August. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so the boat has the basic gear needed for the day.

Still, you should be comfortable spending many hours outdoors. Shade, seating, and exact onboard arrangements are not specified, so do not assume the facilities of a modern yacht. Bring sunscreen and a towel, and protect your camera from water and spray.

The boat is also not suited to every sea condition. Bad weather can lead to a changed or canceled tour, so check the forecast before booking. The operator allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps when Hvar’s weather forecast is unsettled.

Who Should Book This Sailing Day

I would choose this tour if you want the islands at an unhurried pace. It is especially well suited to:

• Couples looking for a private or small-group day
• Families who want swimming, food, and flexible stops
• Friends who prefer a boat day without a party atmosphere
• People who enjoy local food and traditional boats
• Visitors who want a skipper to find quieter locations
• Anyone who would rather spend one full day exploring than book several short activities

The tour is not suitable for party groups, and the operator specifically warns against booking if you are prone to seasickness. That warning deserves attention. Even a calm-looking Adriatic day involves boat movement, and you may spend seven and a half to eight hours at sea.

It may also disappoint you if you want a tightly planned sightseeing program, a large amount of historical explanation, or guaranteed visits to named beaches. The flexible format is the point. You help decide where to go, and that means the day can feel personal, but it also means the final route depends on weather, sea conditions, and conversation with John.

Practical Value at $107 Per Person

The $107 price makes the most sense when you treat this as a full-day private-style outing rather than a simple boat transfer.

You receive up to eight hours aboard, a private skipper, fuel, moorings, a toilet, snorkeling equipment, brunch, wine, water, and seasonal fruit. The ability to choose stops adds value for couples and small groups who do not want to follow a crowded group itinerary.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quick swim or a short ride around the harbor. In that case, a shorter excursion may suit you better. But if you plan to spend most of the day on the water and would otherwise pay separately for food, equipment, and transport between islands, the package is easy to justify.

The private-group wording is worth checking carefully at the time of booking. The experience is designed around a private group, and several outings were very small, but your exact arrangement should be clear before you pay.

Should You Book the Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour?

Book it if your ideal Hvar day includes a traditional wooden boat, clear-water swimming, homemade focaccia, and a skipper who adjusts the route to your group.

John’s strengths are his friendly manner, local route choices, and willingness to avoid crowds when possible. The homemade brunch, especially the family-made focaccia, adds a personal touch that helps this feel different from a standard island cruise.

Skip it if you get seasick, want a party boat, or need a fixed itinerary with guaranteed stops. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for a slow, flexible day around the Pakleni Islands, with enough structure to keep the day moving and enough freedom to make it your own.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet in front of the entrance to Hotel Riva on Hvar’s Riva waterfront.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The tour lasts 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours. Up to eight hours on the boat is included.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route sails around the Pakleni Islands, with Sveti Klement named as the main destination. The chain includes 21 islands, and the exact stops can vary.

How many stops are included?

You can expect around four stops during the tour. The captain discusses the locations and timing with you.

What food and drinks are included?

The brunch includes homemade focaccia, seasonal fruit, wine, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included on the boat.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour can be canceled or modified in bad weather. Check the forecast before booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.