Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

The best part of this Hvar outing is its small private boat. Instead of following a large group from one crowded stop to the next, you can spend the day sailing between the Pakleni Islands, stopping for a swim when the conditions and your chosen tour length allow. Mlini is usually first, followed by other coves such as Palmizana, Jerolim, Perna, or Tarsce.

I like the flexible pace and the fact that the boat carries no more than six people. I also like the practical touches: snorkeling masks, an icebox, sun cushions, a canopy, an onboard toilet, and a Bluetooth speaker. The main consideration is that the exact route depends on wind and timing, so you should not book this expecting a fixed list of beaches.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat holds up to six people: This is best for a family or small group that wants a private day on the water.
• Mlini is usually the first stop: Plan on swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the views before visiting more Pakleni Island spots.
• The route changes with wind and tour length: A two-hour outing and an eight-hour day will not cover the same ground.
• Skipper Jura leads the trip: He is also identified as Jurica in one account, and his friendly, relaxed style is a repeated strength of the experience.
• The 2023 restoration matters: The boat has sun protection, cushions, a toilet, snorkeling gear, an icebox, Wi-Fi, USB charging, and a Bluetooth speaker.
• Bring your own towels: Towels are not included, and food is not part of the listed package.

Setting out from Hvar’s Riva

You meet at Riva 27, along Hvar’s waterfront. From there, the boat heads toward the Pakleni Islands, the low, wooded island chain scattered just offshore from Hvar Town.

The crossing is part of the experience, not just transport. You get open views back toward Hvar and forward to the islands, with time to settle into the easy rhythm of sailing. On a calm day, the boat may move gently and quietly. If the wind is light, the skipper can still take you out, though the trip may feel more like a relaxed motorboat ride with some sailing than a full day under sail.

That distinction matters if sailing itself is your main goal. Several outings included sailing even when the wind was not strong, but conditions always shape the experience. The upside is that the route can be adjusted rather than forcing you to sit in one place waiting for perfect wind.

Jura, the skipper, is described as friendly, casual, professional, and good at answering questions. That makes a difference on a private trip. You can ask about the islands, request a little more time at a swimming spot, or settle into a quiet ride without the formal feel of a big organized excursion.

Mlini beach usually comes first

The first stop is usually Mlini Beach. This gives you an early chance to get into the water, try the provided snorkeling masks, and see how the sea conditions feel before the day moves on.

Mlini works well as an opening stop because it offers the main pleasures of the outing in one place: clear water, a scenic island setting, and time to swim from the boat or near the beach. If you are new to snorkeling, this is a good point to start. You can test the mask, get comfortable in the water, and spend as much time as the schedule allows.

Do not expect a guided marine-life tour. The focus is swimming and casual snorkeling, not a formal lesson or a naturalist presentation. The water is the star here, and the boat gives you a pleasant base between swims.

The exact stop can be affected by wind. That may mean a change of cove or a different order on the day. I see that as a fair trade for safer and more comfortable sailing, but it is worth keeping in mind if you have seen a particular beach in promotional photographs and expect to visit that exact place.

Exploring the Pakleni Islands by boat

After Mlini, the route may include several scenic locations. Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce are named as possible stops, though the number depends on whether you book a short outing, half-day trip, or full day.

Each stop is less about checking off a famous sight and more about finding a good place to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or pause for a drink. The islands look best from the water, where you can take in the coves, rocky edges, and green hills without needing to walk from one beach to another.

A private boat also lets you avoid the rigid pace common on group excursions. You might spend longer at a quiet bay if the conditions are right, or move on if the water is busy. The skipper’s flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a shared boat tour.

Still, flexibility has a limit. You are not hiring the boat for unrestricted use, and weather remains in charge. The provider does not promise a fixed number of stops, so choose the longer duration if you want the best chance of visiting several parts of the archipelago.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear water

Swimming is the heart of the trip. You can jump in from the boat, paddle around a cove, and use the snorkeling masks provided on board. The water around the Pakleni Islands is known for its clarity, and the setting gives you a refreshing break from sightseeing in Hvar Town.

The snorkeling here is informal and self-guided. You should think of it as a chance to look beneath the surface and enjoy the clean sea, not as a specialized snorkeling expedition with fins, a guide, or a planned underwater route. The included masks are useful, especially if you do not want to pack your own gear.

The boat also has a sun canopy and sun deck cushions. That gives your group two useful options: shade for cooling off and a padded place to stretch out between swims. On bright summer days, having shade is more than a nice extra. It lets you enjoy the water without spending every minute in direct sun.

Bring a towel, since towels are not included. You should also plan your sun protection carefully, since several hours on reflective water can feel stronger than a normal beach afternoon. Those are simple details, but they make the difference between a comfortable day and a tiring one.

A boat made for a small private group

The boat was last restored in 2023, which helps explain why the onboard equipment feels suited to a relaxed day rather than a bare-bones transfer. You get sun cushions, a canopy, an onboard toilet, snorkeling masks, an icebox, a USB port, Wi-Fi, and a Bluetooth speaker.

The icebox is especially useful. You can bring drinks and snacks, keep them cold, and avoid needing to return to Hvar between stops. One outing also notes that the skipper had water available, but you should not assume a full supply of drinks or meals is included. Bring what you want for the day.

The Bluetooth speaker lets you provide your own soundtrack. That can be fun for a birthday, family outing, or group of friends, but it also means your group should be considerate. On a private boat, your music becomes part of the atmosphere for everyone on board.

The onboard toilet is another practical advantage. It may not matter much on a short two-hour trip, but it becomes valuable on a half-day or full-day outing, especially when the boat is visiting remote coves rather than returning to town between stops.

The six-person limit creates a comfortable setup for a small party. You have enough room to move between the shaded area and sun deck, and the skipper can give attention to your group. For a larger party, you would need to split up or choose another type of excursion.

Choosing between two hours and eight

The advertised duration ranges from two to eight hours, so the value depends heavily on the time you select. A two-hour trip is useful if you want a quick taste of sailing and a swim near Hvar without giving up most of your day.

A half-day is the better middle ground for many people. It gives you time to visit at least a couple of attractive swimming spots, enjoy a little sailing, and avoid the rushed feeling of a short harbor outing. Several families and small groups chose a half-day and found it relaxed rather than packed.

The full eight-hour option makes more sense if you want the boat to be your main activity for the day. You have more room for scenic sailing, several stops, and a possible lunch break at one of the island restaurants. The route can include more locations, though wind and sea conditions still decide what is practical.

The price is $471 per group of up to six. That is a serious amount for a short trip, but it becomes much more reasonable when six people share it. At full capacity, the cost works out to $78.50 per person before any food or additional expenses. For a private boat with a skipper, equipment, and several hours on the water, that can be good value for a group that wants privacy.

For two or three people, the per-person cost is much higher. In that case, compare it with shared boat tours in Hvar. You are paying for control over the pace, a smaller setting, and the ability to spend the day with only your own group. If those things matter to you, the premium may be worthwhile.

Adding lunch to a full day

A lunch stop at an island restaurant can be added if you want a longer break from the water. This is a nice option for an eight-hour outing, since a full day of swimming and sun can work up an appetite.

The lunch stop changes the mood of the day. Instead of remaining on board throughout, you can sit down somewhere on the islands and make the outing feel like a complete day trip. Keep in mind that food is not listed among the included features, so plan to pay for your meal separately.

You can also keep things simpler by bringing food and drinks for the boat. The icebox makes that practical, and the skipper has a bottle opener and wine glasses according to one outing. Those details suit a relaxed private trip, though you should bring your own provisions rather than count on a catered meal.

What the skipper adds to the day

Jura is one of the most important parts of the experience. His role is not limited to steering. He sets the tone, explains the islands, answers questions, and decides how to handle the wind and sea conditions.

The feedback consistently describes him as friendly, responsive, and professional without being stiff. That combination is useful on a private tour. You get guidance when you want it, but you are not locked into a constant stream of commentary.

He has also helped with practical details, including returning a forgotten item left on the boat. That suggests a careful approach to the small responsibilities that can make a day on the water run smoothly.

One outing included use of a GoPro, though that is not listed among the standard included features. You should not rely on having one available, but it may be worth asking the skipper before departure if underwater photos matter to you.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this trip for a family of six, a group of friends, or a couple willing to pay more for a private boat. It suits people who want a calm day of swimming and scenic sailing rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.

It is also a good first sailing experience. You do not need to know how to sail, and the skipper handles the boat. The relaxed pace gives you a chance to enjoy the movement of the vessel without turning the day into a lesson.

This is less suitable if you want a fixed itinerary, guaranteed stops, or a specialist snorkeling guide. It may also be poor value for one or two people unless privacy is your main priority.

The trip works well for birthdays and family outings. Several groups used it for those occasions, and the speaker, icebox, cushions, and flexible stops make it easy to shape the day around your group.

Booking details worth noting

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also keeps your plans open, which is useful when your Hvar schedule depends on ferry times or changing weather.

The tour is offered in English and Croatian. The meeting point is Riva 27, and the boat returns there after the island stops.

The activity has a rating of 4.8 from 65 reviews, with 98 percent of customers giving the transport a perfect score. The strongest praise centers on the skipper, the clean and comfortable boat, the beautiful swimming areas, and the relaxed pace.

Should you book this Hvar sailing trip?

Book it if you have up to six people and want a private, easygoing day around the Pakleni Islands. The strongest version of the experience is a half-day or full-day outing, when you have time for several coves, snorkeling, and a proper stretch of sailing.

Choose the shorter option only if your schedule is tight or you mainly want a quick swim from a boat. Bring towels, drinks, snacks, sun protection, and a willingness to let the wind shape the route.

For a small group that values privacy, clear water, and time to set its own pace, the $471 group price can be fair. For solo visitors or couples watching every kuna, a shared boat may offer better value. This private trip earns its price through space, flexibility, and the chance to enjoy Hvar’s islands with your own people.

FAQ

Where does the private sailing trip start?

The trip starts at Riva 27 in Hvar and returns to the same location after visiting the Pakleni Islands.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat is for a private group of up to six passengers.

How long does the experience last?

You can book a trip lasting from two to eight hours. The available starting times depend on the date you select.

Which Pakleni Island stops might I visit?

Mlini Beach is usually the first stop. Other possible locations include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. The route and number of stops depend on the tour length and wind conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is lunch included in the price?

No food is listed as included. You can choose to add a stop at an island restaurant for lunch, or bring food and drinks for the boat.

What languages does the skipper speak?

The tour is available in English and Croatian.