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

The best part of this Hvar boat tour is its small scale. You sail aboard a 36-foot yacht with a maximum of eight people, then stop in two beautiful Pakleni Island bays rather than rushing through a crowded checklist of sights. The focus is simple: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and time to relax.

I like the freedom to bring your own drinks and keep them cold in the yacht’s fridge. I also like the choice between a morning and afternoon departure, which makes this easy to fit around a Hvar stay. The main consideration is shade: there is not much of it, so bring a hat and perhaps a light long-sleeved shirt.

Key points at a glance

• Two swimming stops: Spend about an hour at each bay for swimming, snorkeling, SUP, or relaxing aboard the yacht.
• Small yacht setting: The boat carries up to eight people, creating a quieter feel than a large excursion boat.
• Skippers make the difference: Vitor, Viktor, Alexander, Phillip, and other captains are praised for their sailing skill, humor, safety focus, and local explanations.
• Bring your own refreshments: Food and drinks are not supplied, but you can store your beverages in the yacht’s fridge at no extra charge.
• Morning or afternoon sailing: You can choose the time that best matches your plans in Hvar.
• Four hours on the water: The trip gives you a half-day at sea without taking over your entire day.

Leaving Hvar on a 36-foot sailing yacht

You meet at the Harbour of Hvar on Riva 32, though the exact meeting point can vary with the option you book. Allow enough time to find the boat and settle in, especially during Hvar’s busy summer hours.

Before setting off, the skipper gives a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. You’ll get a quick introduction to the yacht, lifejackets, and the basic rules for moving around aboard. This is useful even if you have sailed before, since every boat has its own layout.

The yacht is a genuine sailing boat rather than a basic speedboat dressed up with a few ropes. If the wind and conditions allow, your skipper may let you take the helm under close instruction. You can also simply sit back while the skipper handles the boat. The choice matters: some people want a taste of sailing, while others want a peaceful ride with no responsibility beyond holding on to their sunglasses.

The first hour is mainly spent sailing toward the Pakleni Islands. That gives you time to enjoy views of Hvar’s coastline from the water and settle into the pace of the day. The return journey includes about 30 minutes of sailing, followed by another 30-minute sailing stretch between the two bays.

Skippers such as Vitor, Viktor, Alexander, Phillip, and Stefan are repeatedly singled out for being friendly, careful, and good at judging how much information to share. Some add facts about the islands and sailing. Others keep the mood light and social. The experience can feel guided without becoming a lecture.

Why a small group changes the experience

The advertised maximum is eight people, with private trips also available. That is a useful middle ground. You get the social side of a shared excursion, but you are not packed onto a large boat with dozens of people.

A small group also gives you more room to choose your own pace. At each bay, you can swim while someone else uses the SUP, snorkel near the yacht, sunbathe, or stay aboard and talk. You are not required to take part in every activity.

This format works well for couples and solo visitors alike. Couples get a more personal setting than a large party boat, while solo visitors have an easy chance to meet a few people without being swallowed by a crowd. Families can enjoy the relaxed format too, provided everyone is comfortable with swimming and being on a yacht.

For larger parties, two yachts can be arranged. That keeps the small-boat character while allowing friends or family to travel together. Check the exact arrangement before booking if your group is bigger than eight.

The first Pakleni Island bay: calm water and a long swim stop

After roughly an hour of sailing, the yacht anchors in a natural bay. The exact bay can depend on weather and sea conditions, but the goal is a protected, scenic place with clear turquoise water.

You get around an hour here. That is generous compared with many short boat tours, where the swimming stop feels like a hurried dip. Here, you can take your time with the snorkel mask, try the stand-up paddleboard, or simply float and enjoy the silence.

The first cove is often the more sheltered stop, which can make it especially pleasant if the sea is moving outside the bay. The yacht remains your base, and there is no planned shore excursion. That is important to understand: this is a water-based outing, not a beach-hopping tour where you walk onto each island.

The included gear is practical. Snorkel masks and lifejackets are supplied, and one SUP is available. If several people want the paddleboard at once, you will need to share, but the long stop gives the group time to take turns.

The water is the main attraction. You can expect the best scenery above the surface, with bright sea colors, rocky coves, and open views around the islands. Snorkeling is included, but keep your expectations sensible. One account found little marine life and saw only one type of fish, while another described fish gathering near the boat after food was thrown into the water. The snorkeling can be fun, but it is not the Adriatic equivalent of a major reef destination.

I would not choose this tour mainly for underwater wildlife. Choose it for clear water, easy swimming, a pleasant yacht, and the chance to use a mask and SUP in attractive bays.

The second bay: more time to swim, paddle, or rest

The yacht then sails for about 30 minutes to another bay in the Pakleni chain. This short passage breaks up the day and gives you another chance to enjoy the boat itself. Depending on wind conditions, the skipper may sail rather than rely only on the engine.

The second stop lasts about an hour. Like the first, it is designed for water time rather than sightseeing on land. You can swim and snorkel, paddleboard, or stretch out on the yacht.

This second stop is valuable because it gives the day variety. If the first bay is busy, windy, or not quite right for your group, the next one may feel calmer. Conditions guide the skipper’s decisions, so you should not expect a fixed list of named coves in a guaranteed order.

There is also a practical advantage to staying aboard. You avoid the fuss of carrying bags onto a beach, finding a place for your belongings, or dealing with a formal shore stop. Your towel, drinks, and other items remain on the yacht while you use the water.

The tradeoff is that you do not get much time to walk around the islands. If you want cafés, beach clubs, pine-covered paths, or a land-based look at the Pakleni Islands, you should plan a separate visit.

Sailing back to Hvar at an easy pace

After the second swim stop, you return to Hvar with another 30-minute sailing section. This is a quiet way to finish the outing. You can dry off, enjoy the coastline, and chat with the group.

The afternoon departure may be especially appealing if you want softer light on the way back. One skipper adjusted the timing so the group could enjoy sunset, though you should not assume every departure will include sunset. The morning option is better if you want cooler conditions and a free afternoon.

The sailing time also keeps this from feeling like a simple transfer to two swimming spots. The yacht ride is half the point. You feel the wind, watch Hvar recede behind you, and get a more traditional sailing experience than you would from a fast motorboat.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and plenty of sunscreen. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, and sensible flat footwear is the obvious choice. Shade is limited, especially when the yacht is full, so sun protection is not a minor detail.

What you need to bring, and what you can leave at home

Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own supplies, and the yacht has a fridge for cold drinks without an added fee. That is a welcome money saver in Hvar, where buying refreshments for a half-day outing can quickly add up.

Keep your packing simple:

• Sunglasses and a hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Your own drinks and snacks
• A light shirt for extra sun protection

The yacht supplies fuel, a skipper, a SUP, snorkel masks, and lifejackets. You do not need to arrange separate equipment rental or pay a fuel surcharge.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to the harbour, and the tour ends back at the harbour. The skipper’s tip is also not included, so budget for one if the crew gives you a safe and enjoyable outing.

Is $94 good value for four hours?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Pakleni Islands. Hvar offers many boat trips, including larger and more basic options. The price makes more sense if you value the sailing yacht, the small group, the included fuel and equipment, and the freedom to bring your own drinks.

You are paying for four hours, with roughly one hour of sailing to the islands, two one-hour swim stops, and sailing time between and back from the bays. That is a well-balanced half-day rather than a quick photo stop.

The small capacity is the biggest value point. Eight people or fewer means you are likely to have more space and a calmer atmosphere than on a large excursion boat. Private trips will make more sense for a special occasion or a group that wants complete control, but the shared version already offers a fairly personal setting.

The cost is less compelling if you mainly want to walk ashore, visit beach clubs, or see lots of different islands. It is also not the best choice if snorkeling wildlife is your top goal. In that case, look for a tour built around marine life rather than swimming bays.

Morning or afternoon: which departure should you choose?

The two daily departures let you shape the outing around your Hvar plans.

Choose the morning if you want to enjoy the water before the strongest afternoon sun, or if you want the rest of the day free for Hvar Town. This option may suit families and early risers.

Choose the afternoon if you prefer a slower start, want to combine the boat trip with morning sightseeing, or like the idea of returning in warmer late-day light. Sunset timing can sometimes be arranged around conditions, but it is not guaranteed.

Both departures follow the same basic plan: safety briefing, sailing to the islands, two swimming stops, and a return to Hvar. Weather can change the exact route or timing. If conditions are poor, an alternative date or a full refund is offered.

Who will enjoy this Pakleni Islands tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A relaxed half-day on the Adriatic
• A real sailing boat rather than a large party vessel
• Two long swim stops
• A small shared group
• The option to snorkel, paddleboard, or do nothing at all
• A friendly skipper who adds local details without taking over the day

It is particularly good for couples, solo visitors, small families, and friends who want a scenic break from Hvar’s nightlife. The easygoing mood also suits anyone who prefers conversation and quiet swimming to loud music and crowded decks.

You may want another kind of excursion if you need a firm beach landing, a full meal, extensive island sightseeing, or serious snorkeling. There is no hotel transfer, food, or drink service, and the yacht has limited shade.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but boat access can vary by vessel and harbour conditions. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the boarding arrangement before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the best balance of sailing and swimming in a four-hour format. The strongest reasons are the small yacht, two substantial stops, capable skippers, included gear, and no extra fee for chilling your own drinks.

I would book in advance, especially in the busy season, and choose the morning or afternoon based on your Hvar plans. Bring serious sun protection, keep your snorkeling expectations modest, and treat the trip as a beautiful water day rather than a full island tour. At $94, it is a fair buy for a comfortable small-group sailing experience, particularly if you use the SUP and bring your own refreshments.

FAQ

How long is the Hvar to Pakleni Islands boat tour?

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

Where does the tour start and finish?

The stated harbour location is Hvar Harbour at Riva 32. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, and the tour returns to the harbour.

How many people can join the shared yacht?

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

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes time for swimming and snorkeling at two Pakleni Island bays. Snorkel masks and lifejackets are provided.

Is a stand-up paddleboard included?

Yes. A stand-up paddleboard is included for use during the swimming stops.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. Food and drinks are not provided, but you may bring your own beverages and store them in the yacht’s fridge without an extra fee.

Are morning and afternoon departures available?

Yes. Two trips are offered each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Starting times depend on availability.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather prevents the trip, an alternative date will be offered or you can receive a full refund.

What should I bring on the yacht?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. High-heeled shoes are not allowed.