From Hvar: Pakleni Islands & Red Rocks Comfort Sailboat Tour

The best part of this day is the small boat. With a maximum of eight people per yacht, you get a real sailing experience rather than a crowded ride from one swimming stop to the next. The 36-foot boat takes you past the Pakleni Islands, to the Red Rocks, and into clear coves around Hvar.

I like the chance to help sail and steer when conditions are right, and I like the generous time in the water. The paddle board and snorkel masks add useful variety, while the stop at a small local restaurant gives the day a pleasant taste of island life. The main drawback is the weather: strong wind can change the route or leave you with less actual sailing.

Key points

• Eight-person maximum: A small group makes the boat feel calm and personal, and larger parties are split between two yachts.
• Three main water stops: You swim and snorkel at Red Rocks, Dubovica Beach, and several spots around the Pakleni Islands.
• Weather-dependent sailing: You may learn to work the sails and steer, but calm or difficult conditions can limit that part of the day.
• A practical boat for a full day: The 36-foot sailboat has cabins, a kitchen, a toilet, lifejackets, a paddle board, and snorkel masks.
• Lunch is separate: You can buy a meal at a traditional restaurant in a quiet bay, but bring your own food and drinks if you prefer.
• Strong guide element: Captains including Peter, Petar, Stefan, Mića, and Marco have been praised for safe handling, good company, and flexible planning.

Why a small sailboat changes the day

Hvar has no shortage of boat trips, but many use larger motorboats packed with people. This one keeps the group to eight on each yacht. That matters most during the quiet parts of the day, when you can stretch out on deck, talk with the captain, or simply watch the coast slide by without a crowd around you.

The boat is a 36-foot sailboat with cabins, a kitchen, and a toilet. It is not a luxury yacht, but it has the practical features you want for eight hours on the water. Lifejackets are provided, and the boat carries a paddle board and snorkel masks.

You meet the captain at Hvar’s main port, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. The day begins with a short, ten-minute safety briefing. From there, your captain sets a course toward Hvar’s southern coast and the islands offshore.

The tone is relaxed rather than formal. Captains such as Peter, Petar, Stefan, Mića, and Marco have been singled out for making people comfortable and keeping the day easygoing. That is especially useful if you have never sailed before and do not know when to ask questions or where to sit.

Sailing from Hvar toward the Red Rocks

The first sailing section lasts about 45 minutes and takes you toward the area near Sveta Nedilja. If the wind cooperates, the captain can show you the basics of handling the boat, working the sails, and steering.

This is one of the strongest features of the trip because it gives you something to do beyond taking photographs. You do not need sailing experience. You can take part when invited, or remain on deck and enjoy the ride.

The weather decides how much of this is possible. A sailboat needs the right wind, and high winds may force the captain to alter the route or reschedule the trip. That is not a flaw in the boat, but it is worth understanding before you book. You are paying for a day on the Adriatic, not a guarantee of constant sailing under full canvas.

One recent outing was rearranged because of high winds, and another gained an unexpected afternoon route toward Vis when conditions improved. The captain’s judgment is important here. A safe, comfortable day is more valuable than forcing the planned route in rough water.

Red Rocks: dramatic cliffs and clear water

The Red Rocks, or Crvene Stijene, are a memorable first major stop. The name comes from the reddish rock faces rising directly from the sea. From the boat, you see the formation at water level, where the cliffs and blue sea make a strong contrast.

The stop allows about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. The water below the boat is described as around 100 meters deep, so this is an open-water swim rather than a shallow beach paddle. That makes the stop exciting, but it also means you should be comfortable entering deep water and following the captain’s safety instructions.

Snorkeling here is less about a marked reef and more about seeing what appears beneath the boat in clear water. Bring your mask if you have a favorite one, though snorkel masks are included. The boat also carries a paddle board, giving you another way to enjoy the stop without spending the entire hour swimming.

The Red Rocks are best appreciated from the water. You do not spend the day hiking around them, so choose this tour for a boat-level view, swimming, and coastal scenery rather than a land excursion.

Dubovica Beach and the rhythm of repeated swim stops

After sailing for roughly 30 minutes, the boat reaches Dubovica Beach. The area is known for its attractive cove and clear water, and the schedule allows about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

This second stop gives the day a good rhythm. You are not expected to stay in the water at every opportunity, and you can use the time to sit on deck or take the paddle board out. Still, if swimming is your main reason for booking, the repeated stops are a real advantage.

There is a small tradeoff. Because the tour includes several water breaks, the day may feel less focused if you want long periods of sailing or sightseeing from the boat. The schedule splits time between sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. That balance suits people who want variety, but not those seeking an intensive sailing lesson.

Dubovica also helps break up the longer day. After the first open-water stop at Red Rocks, this cove offers another chance to get in, cool off, and enjoy the coast at a slower pace.

Lunch at a quiet bay on Hvar Island

The boat later anchors at a tranquil bay near a local restaurant. The lunch stop lasts about two hours, with time to eat, swim, and snorkel.

Food and drinks are not included in the $176 price, so plan for this expense. The restaurant is optional in practical terms, since the instructions also ask you to bring food and drinks. You can buy lunch ashore, or bring supplies if you want more control over cost and timing.

This is one of the more authentic touches in the day. Instead of returning to Hvar for a meal or eating on a busy boat, you stop at a small traditional restaurant beside the water. One group particularly enjoyed a meal at Notos and considered it a highlight of the trip, while another described the lunch stop as an excellent part of the day.

You should not assume the same restaurant will always be used unless your operator confirms it. The information names a local restaurant and identifies Notos in one outing, but the exact lunch arrangement may depend on the route and conditions.

Two hours is generous. It gives you time to eat without rushing, then return to the water if you still have energy. If you are bringing lunch, pack something that travels well and remember that drinks are your responsibility.

The Pakleni Islands, with time to swim and explore

The final sailing sections lead toward the Pakleni Islands, the string of wooded islands opposite Hvar. The boat spends a total of about an hour and 40 minutes on swimming and snorkeling around two stops in the island group, separated by a short sail.

This is where the tour feels most like island hopping. You move between small bays and open water rather than staying at one famous beach all day. The captain chooses places based on the route and sea conditions, so the exact experience can change from one departure to the next.

The water is the main attraction. You can snorkel with the provided masks, swim from the boat, or try the paddle board. Clear visibility makes even a simple swim more interesting, since you can look below the surface and spot marine life.

The Pakleni Islands are popular, so privacy is relative. A small sailboat gives you a quieter base than a large excursion vessel, but it does not make the islands empty. Your best chance for a peaceful stop comes from the captain’s choice of bay and the timing of the visit.

After the final swim, you sail back toward Hvar. The full day lasts about eight hours, with drop-off at Riva 32 or the designated return point for your booking.

What $176 gets you

At $176 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Pakleni Islands. You can find basic boat trips for less, particularly those using larger boats and simpler schedules.

The value here comes from the small group, the full-day duration, and the sailboat itself. You are not only buying transportation. You are paying for a captain, a private-feeling boat, equipment for the water, several stops, and the possibility of learning basic sailing.

The price makes the most sense for couples, families, and small groups who want a comfortable day without hiring a full private yacht. A private or small-group option is available, and groups larger than eight use two yachts. If your party has eight people, the per-person cost may compare favorably with arranging a separate private charter.

The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, food, or drinks. You need to reach the port yourself, and the meeting point can vary by booking option. In Hvar, that is usually a manageable arrangement, but check the exact location before departure.

The boat’s cabins, kitchen, and toilet add comfort, though you should not mistake those features for a hotel-standard interior. Most of your time will be outside, which is exactly where you want to be on a good-weather sailing day.

How the weather affects your plans

Weather is the one condition you cannot ignore. Sailing activity may be limited if the wind is too light, and high winds can make the planned route uncomfortable or unsafe.

The operator has rearranged a trip after strong winds, which shows why flexibility matters. A captain may shorten a sailing section, adjust the order of stops, or choose different waters. One outing even included a route toward Vis when afternoon conditions allowed.

Think of the itinerary as a good outline rather than a fixed promise. You should expect the Red Rocks, Dubovica Beach, a restaurant stop, and the Pakleni Islands as the main targets, but the captain has the final say on the safest and most pleasant route.

If you get seasick, take sensible precautions before leaving port. The boat makes several open-water crossings, and the day is long. The supplied information does not specify sea conditions or motion-sickness arrangements, so bring anything you normally use.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this tour if you want a full day that mixes sailing with frequent chances to swim. It suits people who like being on the water but do not need a formal sailing course.

It is especially good for:

• Couples looking for a quieter Hvar day
• Small groups celebrating a birthday or honeymoon
• Families and friends who value swimming time
• First-time sailors who want a simple introduction
• People who prefer a small boat to a crowded excursion

The tour may not suit you if you want a strict timetable, guaranteed sailing under sail, or a low-cost transfer to the Pakleni Islands. It also requires some comfort with deep open water, boat movement, and changing weather plans.

Wheelchair access is listed as available, but the boat’s exact boarding arrangements are not described. If you need specific assistance, confirm the details before booking rather than assuming every part of the boat is easily accessible.

The live tour is offered in Croatian and English. That is enough for the safety briefing, sailing guidance, and general conversation for English-speaking passengers.

Practical advice before you leave Hvar

Bring food and drinks unless you plan to buy lunch at the restaurant. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a light layer for the boat ride, although only food and drinks are specifically listed as required items.

Arrive ready for a full day outdoors. The itinerary includes several sailing legs, two stops around the Pakleni Islands, time at Red Rocks, Dubovica Beach, and a two-hour lunch break. You will want to keep your personal gear compact so the deck remains comfortable for everyone.

The snorkel masks and paddle board are included, along with lifejackets. If you have your own mask, you may prefer to bring it, but you do not need to rent basic equipment separately.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the departure options before building the rest of your Hvar plans around the boat.

Should you book the Pakleni Islands sailboat tour?

Book it if you want to see Hvar from the sea without spending the day on a packed boat. The small group, capable captains, Red Rocks, Dubovica Beach, repeated swim stops, and quiet restaurant break create a well-balanced day.

The strongest reason to choose it is the mix of personal space and activity. You can learn to sail with captains such as Peter, Petar, Stefan, or Mića, then stop for a swim, snorkel, paddle board, or simply lie on deck.

Skip it if your priority is the lowest price or a guaranteed sailing lesson. For everyone else, $176 is a fair price for eight hours on a well-equipped 36-foot sailboat, provided you budget separately for lunch and accept that the weather may reshape the day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The boat trip lasts eight hours, including sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and the restaurant stop.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet the captain at Hvar’s main port. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the booking option, with Riva 32 listed as a starting and drop-off location.

How many people can ride on one yacht?

Each yacht can accommodate a maximum of eight guests. Larger groups are placed on two yachts.

Is the boat a sailboat or a motorboat?

The boat is a 36-foot sailboat with cabins, a kitchen, and a toilet.

Can I learn how to sail?

You may learn the basics of working the sails and steering if weather conditions allow. Sailing activity can be limited by wind and sea conditions.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming and snorkeling at Red Rocks, Dubovica Beach, and several places around the Pakleni Islands.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel masks are included. The boat also carries a paddle board and lifejackets.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch at a local restaurant in a quiet bay, or bring your own food and drinks.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is offered in English and Croatian.