Private Speed Boat Tour of Hvar South Shore & Pakleni islands

Hvar’s best scenery is often reached from the water, and this private speedboat tour gives you a full day to chase it. You’ll cruise past the south shore, stop at Red Rocks for swimming or cliff jumping, and reach the Pakleni islands, where Palmizana and Mlini bring clear water and easy beach time.

I like the private format, since your captain can respond to your group instead of following a fixed public-boat schedule. I also like the range of stops, from a quick swim at Velo Borče to a longer break at Dubovica or Palmizana. The main drawback is the loose 5 to 8-hour duration, which makes the day flexible but less predictable.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to 10 people: The $420.08 group price becomes much better value when shared by a larger party.
• Red Rocks includes several choices: Swim, snorkel, take photos, or jump from the cliffs if you are comfortable.
• Dubovica gives you a proper beach break: Plan time for swimming, sunbathing, coffee, or a cocktail.
• Palmizana is the longest planned stop: You have about 90 minutes for lunch, drinks, a walk, or the botanical garden.
• Mlini adds another Pakleni swim stop: Its sea color is especially appealing in the afternoon.
• Captains can shape the day: Nicolai and Johnny Marino are named as captains associated with the experience.

Why this Hvar boat trip works so well

This is not just a fast ride from one port to another. It is a day built around the south coast of Hvar and the nearby Pakleni islands, with enough time to stop, swim, sit down, and change the pace.

That matters in Hvar. A beach that looks close on a map may be much easier to reach by boat than overland, and a private speedboat lets you link several coves in one outing. You are not forced to spend the entire day at one beach, nor are you limited to the short stop pattern of a large group cruise.

The private setup is the strongest reason to consider this tour. The boat takes only your party, with a maximum of 10 people. A group of four pays about $105 per person, while a full group of 10 pays about $42 each, based on the listed $420.08 total. That is a fair price for a long private outing, especially if your group values control over the pace.

You should still think about what the price does and does not cover. The listed stops have no admission charge, but lunch, coffee, cocktails, and any other purchases at beach bars or restaurants are separate personal expenses. The tour price is mainly buying you the boat, captain, and route.

Leaving Hvar for the Red Rocks

The tour starts at HvarBoats Riva, at Šetalište put Križa 3 in Hvar. Pickup is offered, and the activity returns to the same meeting point at the end, so you are not left arranging a separate ride from another harbor.

The first listed stop is Red Rocks, a striking coastal area where the main attraction is the combination of rock, open sea, and swimming water. You can take photos, snorkel, or simply get in for a swim. If you enjoy a little more adventure, cliff jumping is also possible.

Cliff jumping is optional, and I would treat it that way. This is a chance to jump, not a requirement or a supervised feature described in the tour details. If you prefer an easy start, use the stop for photos and a swim instead.

The planned stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim and a look around, but not a long beach session. Bring your swimming things ready before you board, since you will want to make the most of this short break.

One hour at Dubovica Beach

Dubovica is given about an hour, making it one of the more relaxed stops on the south shore. Many people consider it Hvar’s most beautiful bay, and its appeal is easy to understand: you get a proper beach setting rather than only a quick jump from the boat.

Use the hour for sunbathing, swimming, or sitting with a coffee or cocktail at the small beach bar. This stop gives the day a useful pause after the quicker Red Rocks visit.

The small bar is part of the charm, but it also means you should not expect a full resort setup. The experience is about a scenic bay and a simple break, not a long list of facilities. If your group wants a quiet beach hour, Dubovica should fit well. If everyone prefers constant movement, you may find the stop feels long.

Because the tour is private, this is one of the places where your captain may be able to adjust the rhythm of the day. The information describes the route as flexible, and the captains are praised for responding to requests. Still, exact changes depend on conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Optional beaches near Mala Milna

Mala Milna is an optional stop, which gives you another useful choice. You can swim and sunbathe, or use the time for lunch at a traditional restaurant or a meal at a newer restaurant and bar.

This stop is especially useful for groups with different tastes. One person can focus on the water, while another may prefer to sit down for food. It also gives you a chance to choose between a more traditional restaurant setting and a modern bar and restaurant option.

The listed time is about 30 minutes, so check your expectations. That is enough for a short swim or a brief stop, but it may not allow a leisurely meal if the restaurant is busy. Since the stop is optional, it may be best for groups that want another short coastal pause rather than a long lunch.

A quick swim at Velo Borče

Plaža Velo Borče is another stop close to Mala Milna. The planned time is only 15 minutes, so think of it as a water break rather than a full beach visit.

The point here is simple: see the sea, jump from the boat, and swim. This stop works well if your group wants several chances to get in the water. It may feel unnecessary if you have already had enough swimming at Red Rocks or Dubovica.

That is where a private boat has an advantage. You can appreciate a short stop when you want variety, or spend more time elsewhere if your group prefers a longer beach visit. The route includes several options, not a demand that every stop must receive equal attention.

Crossing to Palmizana Botanical Garden

Palmizana on the Pakleni islands is the longest stop in the published schedule, at about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That extra time changes the feel of the day. You are not simply stepping off the boat for a quick swim. You have time for lunch, coffee, cocktails, or a walk through the botanical garden.

Palmizana is described as the most popular beach on the Pakleni islands. Popular can mean more activity and more people, but it also means the stop offers more ways to spend your time. You can keep the visit active with a walk, settle in for food, or use it as another chance to swim.

I like this stop for groups that do not all want the same thing. A couple can sit with drinks, friends can explore the garden, and swimmers can make the most of the beach. The 90-minute break also gives you the best chance to eat without making the whole excursion revolve around lunch.

Food and drinks are not listed as included, so budget for them separately. If you want a meal here, the amount of time is more practical than the 30-minute stop at Mala Milna.

The afternoon color of Mlini Beach

A visit to the Pakleni islands is paired with a stop at Mlini beach. The schedule does not give a precise duration for Mlini, so this is one part of the day where the final timing may vary.

Mlini is described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the island group, with especially striking sea color in the afternoon. That timing detail is useful. If your boat day runs toward the longer end of the five to eight-hour range, Mlini may arrive when the light is at its best.

You can expect another scenic beach and swimming opportunity, but do not plan your day around a fixed number of minutes here. The route is designed to respond to the day’s conditions and your group’s choices, so ask the captain how much time is available when you arrive.

What the captain adds to a private day

A good captain matters more on a private boat than on a basic transfer. You are spending several hours together, asking about stops, and relying on the person at the helm to keep the day comfortable.

Nicolai, also spelled Nicholai in the supplied information, is named as a captain for the tour. Johnny Marino, also called Marino, is another named captain. The feedback attached to the experience repeatedly praises the captains for being friendly, attentive, accommodating, and good at handling the boat.

Those details point to the tour’s strongest human feature: the captain is not simply driving you from point to point. You can make requests, ask for a different balance of swimming and beach time, and get help shaping the day around your group. The exact limits are not specified, so you should still treat the listed stops as the framework.

The perfect five-star rating from 20 reviews is encouraging, but it is a small sample. I would read it as strong evidence that the private service and captains are working well, not as a promise that weather, sea conditions, or every personal preference will line up perfectly.

Timing, comfort, and practical planning

The tour lasts approximately five to eight hours. That is a wide window, but it is useful if you want either a half-day outing or a longer day on the water. The difference of three hours can affect your lunch plans, your energy, and the number of stops you enjoy.

A shorter day could focus on the south shore and a few swims. A longer day gives more room for Palmizana and Mlini without rushing. Since the duration is approximate, confirm the expected start and finish timing when you book.

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. It is wise to book ahead, since the experience is booked on average 47 days before the date. That pattern suggests you should not leave a popular summer date until the last minute.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and pickup is offered. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. No special restriction is provided for mobility, swimming ability, or age, so if your group has specific needs, ask the provider before booking.

Good weather is essential for a boat day. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will get the most from this speedboat tour

This is a strong match for families, couples, and groups of friends who want a private day with several choices. One review specifically describes it as a good day tour for a young family or a group of friends, and that fits the route well.

Families should appreciate the ability to mix short swim stops with a longer beach break. The cliff jumping at Red Rocks is optional, so the more adventurous people in your group can choose it while others simply swim or take photos.

Friends may like the flexible pace and the chance to combine swimming, cocktails, lunch, and short boat rides. A full group of 10 gets the best per-person value, but four people would still have a reasonable private outing if that privacy matters to you.

This may be less suitable if you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour with a guide explaining every stop in detail. The emphasis is on the coast, the water, and captain-led flexibility. It is also not ideal if bad weather is likely during your visit, since the experience depends on safe boating conditions.

What to bring and how to use the day well

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep a towel ready. The tour includes several chances to swim, including stops where you jump directly from the boat.

Bring a phone or camera for Red Rocks and the south shore views. If you plan to snorkel, confirm what equipment is available before departure, since the supplied information says you can snorkel but does not state that gear is provided.

Allow extra money for coffee, cocktails, and lunch at Dubovica, Mala Milna, or Palmizana. The beaches and stops have no admission charge, but that does not mean food and drinks are part of the booking price.

Tell the captain early if your group cares most about swimming, food, quiet beach time, or seeing as many stops as possible. Nicolai and Johnny Marino are associated with a responsive, attentive style, and a private trip works best when your priorities are clear.

Should you book the Hvar south shore and Pakleni tour?

Book it if you want a private day that mixes Hvar’s coast with the Pakleni islands, especially if you are traveling with four to 10 people. The route gives you cliff scenery, several swim breaks, two strong beach stops, and enough time at Palmizana for lunch or a walk.

The price is easiest to justify with a larger group. At 10 people, the cost per person is modest for a private boat lasting up to eight hours. At four people, it becomes a more expensive choice, but the privacy and control may still be worth it.

I would choose this tour for a sunny day when you want to spend most of your time outside and in the water. I would skip it if you need fixed timing, guaranteed restaurant arrangements, or a fully guided cultural tour. For the right group, this is a practical way to see more of Hvar without turning the day into a race between beaches.

FAQ

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $420.08 per group for up to 10 people.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum group size of 10 people.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at HvarBoats Riva, Šetalište put Križa 3, 21450 Hvar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.