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

The best part of this Hvar outing is that it feels like a real small-boat sailing trip, not a crowded island shuttle. A 36-foot yacht carries no more than eight people, and the route includes two beautiful bays where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out on deck.

I like the two generous swimming stops and the freedom to bring your own drinks for the yacht’s fridge at no extra charge. The main consideration is shade: there is not much of it, so bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a light long-sleeved shirt.

Key points at a glance

• Two Pakleni Islands bays: Spend roughly 40 minutes to an hour at each stop for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
• Small group sailing: The standard yacht carries up to eight people, with private trips and two-yacht arrangements available for larger parties.
• A proper sailing experience: Your skipper may let you take the helm when weather and conditions allow.
• Bring your own drinks: The yacht fridge keeps them cold, but food and drinks are not included.
• Morning or afternoon departure: Two four-hour trips run each day, making this easy to fit around a Hvar itinerary.
• Strong skipper service: Names praised in the feedback include Vitor, Viktor, Alex, Alexander, Phillip, Stefan, and Mitchja.

A proper yacht ride from Hvar Riva

You meet at the Harbour of Hvar, at Riva 32, though the exact meeting point can depend on the option you book. There is no hotel pickup, so plan to reach the harbor yourself and allow enough time to find the boat without rushing.

The yacht is a 36-foot sailing vessel, which gives the trip a different feel from a fast speedboat excursion. You hear the rigging, feel the wind, and get a slower view of Hvar’s coastline as the boat leaves the harbor. That pace matters. You have time to take photographs, talk with the skipper, and watch the coast recede instead of spending the whole trip bracing against speed.

The first ten minutes are set aside for a safety briefing and an introduction to the yacht. This is short but useful. Your skipper explains the basic safety points, shows you around, and gets everyone settled before heading toward the Pakleni Islands.

The exact amount of sailing depends on the day’s conditions. The planned outward journey takes about an hour, followed by a swimming stop, another 30 minutes of sailing, a second stop, and a 30-minute return to Hvar. Wind can change the feel of the route, and the skipper has the final say on safe sailing and anchoring spots.

Why a group of eight feels about right

The limited capacity is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Eight people can share the yacht without making the deck feel like a floating crowd. You still have a social experience, but you can also sit quietly, read the water, or take a swim without being part of a large organized group.

This setup suits solo visitors and couples particularly well. You may be sharing the boat with people you have just met, but the group is small enough for easy conversation. Families and small friend groups also get room to enjoy the outing together.

Private trips are available if you want the yacht to yourself. Larger parties can be placed across two yachts, which keeps the small-boat character rather than packing too many people onto one vessel.

The shared option offers good value, but it is not a private charter. If you need full control over the music, departure rhythm, or swimming time, confirm the private option before booking. On shared departures, the skipper has to balance different preferences.

Sailing toward the first Pakleni Islands bay

The trip to the islands is part of the attraction, not just transport between swimming spots. Depending on the wind, you may be able to take the helm under close instruction from the skipper. This is not a sailing lesson, but it gives you a hands-on sense of how the yacht responds.

If you prefer to leave the work to someone else, simply enjoy the ride. Skippers including Vitor, Viktor, Alex, and Alexander have been praised for making the journey relaxed, friendly, and informative. Their role is important because a good skipper knows when to explain the islands and when to let the scenery do the talking.

Several people singled out Vitor for his sailing skill, humor, and calm manner. Viktor was also praised for sharing facts about the islands while keeping the atmosphere easygoing. Alexander received similar credit for explaining the islands and helping everyone feel comfortable aboard.

The view from the water is a useful reminder of why a boat trip works so well here. You see small coves and rocky shorelines that are difficult to appreciate from Hvar town. Keep your phone ready, but protect it from spray and avoid spending the whole crossing behind a screen.

First stop: a calm bay for swimming and snorkeling

The first anchorage is usually a quiet natural bay. The boat does not plan a shore visit, so you will not be walking through a village, visiting a beach bar, or touring an island interior. This is a water-based trip, and the focus is on staying aboard or swimming directly from the yacht.

You can use the provided snorkel mask and life jacket, then swim around the boat in clear water. The included stand up paddleboard gives you another way to explore the bay, though only one SUP is listed, so you may need to take turns.

The first stop can last about an hour, with some outings spending closer to 40 minutes depending on conditions. That is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick photo stop. You can also remain on deck, sunbathe, or watch others use the paddleboard.

Set your expectations correctly about snorkeling. The water is often the star, with excellent clarity and turquoise tones, but the marine life may be modest. One person saw only a single fish species, while another skipper attracted fish with food. Come for the clear water and swimming first, with snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book.

Second stop: more time on the water

After the first bay, the yacht sails for about 30 minutes to another Pakleni Islands anchorage. This second stop follows much the same pattern, but the change of scenery keeps the four-hour trip from feeling repetitive.

You can swim, use the mask, paddleboard, or stay aboard with your drink. The ability to choose your own pace is a major strength. You are not required to join a guided beach walk or follow a fixed shore schedule.

The bays are described as calm and strikingly clear, with blue-green water that works well for photographs. Still, the experience depends on sun, wind, and sea conditions. If the water is choppy, snorkeling may be less appealing, and the skipper may adjust the route for safety.

The second stop also gives you a chance to settle into the boat’s relaxed rhythm. Some people use the time to chat with the skipper and other people aboard. Others simply lie back and enjoy a quiet hour away from Hvar’s busy waterfront.

What to bring, and what you can leave behind

Pack lightly. Space on a yacht is limited, and soft bags are easier to manage than bulky luggage. Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen
• A phone or camera for coastline photographs
• Your own drinks and food if wanted

The yacht has a fridge for your drinks, and there is no extra charge for using it. Food and drinks are not included in the price, so plan to buy them before departure if you want refreshments during the four hours.

High-heeled shoes are not allowed. Wear practical, non-slip footwear, and expect to spend at least part of the time barefoot or in swimwear.

Shade is limited. One outing had only a small shaded area near the skipper, so do not assume that the entire deck will be protected from the sun. A hat and long-sleeved shirt can make a real difference, especially on the afternoon trip.

Morning or afternoon: choosing the better departure

Two departures run each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning slot is a good choice if you want the water-based activity finished before a late lunch or an afternoon walk around Hvar.

The afternoon departure gives you a slower start and suits anyone who spent the morning exploring Hvar town. It can also offer softer light for photographs, although the exact conditions depend on the date and weather.

Do not choose based only on temperature. Think about how you want to use the rest of your day. Four hours is long enough to feel like a real outing but short enough to leave room for dinner, sightseeing, or an evening in Hvar.

Bad weather can change the plan. If conditions are unsuitable, an alternative date is offered or you can receive a full refund. That policy is useful for a sea trip, where safety has to come before keeping a fixed route.

Is $94 good value?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the Pakleni Islands. You are paying for a four-hour yacht trip, fuel, a professional skipper, two swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and use of a stand up paddleboard.

I think the price makes sense if you value comfort and a small group. Many cheaper boat outings carry more people and spend more time moving between stops. Here, the limited capacity gives you more room and a calmer onboard setting.

The value is also better if you bring your own drinks and make full use of the stops. The fridge saves you from paying for onboard refreshments, though you still need to purchase your supplies beforehand.

It is less suitable if your main goal is a full island visit. You will not be going ashore during the planned route, and you will not get a long independent stay on one island. For that, choose a different excursion with land time.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would choose this for:

• Couples wanting a relaxed half-day on the water
• Solo visitors who like a small social group
• Families comfortable with swimming from a yacht
• Friends who want swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding without a full-day commitment
• People who prefer sailing to a loud, fast boat ride
• Hvar visitors who want time away from nightlife and crowded waterfront areas

It may not suit you if you dislike open water, need guaranteed shade, or want extensive snorkeling with abundant sea life. It is also not the right choice if you want a beach club, island lunch, or a walking tour.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, but the practical details of boarding and moving around the yacht should be confirmed before booking. The boat is compact, and conditions at the harbor can affect access.

Booking advice and the final call

Book ahead in the high season, especially if you want the morning or afternoon slot that fits your plans. The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available, which helps if your Hvar schedule is still changing.

I would book this tour if you want a well-paced half-day built around sailing and swimming rather than sightseeing ashore. The skipper is central to the experience, and names such as Vitor, Viktor, Alex, Alexander, Phillip, Stefan, and Mitchja have been associated with warm service, sailing skill, and useful local information.

The strongest reason to choose it is the combination of a real sailing boat, a maximum of eight people, and two proper swim stops. The main warnings are limited shade, no included food or drinks, and modest snorkeling wildlife. Bring your own refreshments, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the snorkeling as a bonus. For many Hvar visitors, that is a fair trade for a relaxed trip through the Pakleni Islands.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The stated meeting point is the Harbour of Hvar at Riva 32. The exact point may vary depending on the option booked.

How long is the boat tour?

The cruise lasts four hours. The planned route includes sailing to the Pakleni Islands, two swimming and snorkeling stops, and the return to Hvar.

How many people can join the yacht?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own drinks and store them in the yacht’s fridge without an extra fee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel masks and life jackets are included, along with a stand up paddleboard.

Are there morning and afternoon departures?

Yes. Two trips are offered each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You should check the available starting times when booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

An alternative date will be offered, or you can receive a full refund. The skipper may also adjust the route based on sea and weather conditions.