Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

The best part of this Hvar outing is the freedom of a private boat for up to six people. You sail away from the town waterfront, stop at clear-water coves, and set the pace with your skipper instead of following a crowded group schedule. Jura, the usual skipper, keeps things friendly and easygoing while explaining the islands and finding good places for a swim.

I like the small group size and the useful onboard setup: a sun canopy, cushions, toilet, icebox, snorkeling masks, USB port, and Bluetooth speaker. The main thing to weigh is the price, $471 per group, which is a fair deal for six people but much less attractive for just one or two. Wind and tour length also affect how many stops you make.

Key points to know before you book

• Start at Hvar’s Riva: Meet at Riva 27 and head straight toward the Pakleni Islands.
• Mlini is usually first: Expect a scenic opening stop for swimming and snorkeling.
• Your group has the boat to itself: The vessel carries up to six passengers, a good fit for families or friends.
• Stops depend on time and wind: Longer trips can include places such as Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not included, though snorkeling masks and an icebox are provided.
• Plan for a relaxed day, not a sightseeing checklist: The pleasure is sailing between coves, swimming, and lingering where conditions are best.

Sailing away from Hvar on a boat made for six

Hvar’s waterfront can feel busy in summer, so the first pleasant change is simply leaving it behind. From Riva 27, you board a private boat and head toward the Pakleni Islands, a spread of small islands and bays just off Hvar.

This is not a high-speed island-hopping trip. The boat lets you enjoy the movement of the sea and the views between stops. When there is enough wind, you get the proper sailing experience. When conditions are lighter, the skipper can still take you around the islands, as one outing did even on a day with little wind.

That distinction matters. If you want a fast boat racing between famous beaches, this is not that sort of excursion. If you like time on the water, a cool breeze, and the chance to stop at a cove because it looks inviting, the slower pace works well.

The boat was restored in 2023 and carries a maximum of six passengers. That limit gives you room to sit comfortably without the cramped feeling common on larger day boats. You can stretch out on the sun deck cushions or sit beneath the canopy when the sun becomes too strong.

Skipper Jura is usually at the helm. He has been praised for being friendly, professional, responsive, and relaxed, which is a useful combination on a private trip. You can ask questions, talk about the islands, or simply enjoy quiet time without having to make conversation.

Mlini beach makes a strong first stop

The usual first stop is Mlini beach. This gives you a quick taste of what the day is about: clear water, a scenic island setting, and time to swim rather than just photograph the cove from offshore.

Bring swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water soon after arrival. Snorkeling masks are included, so you do not need to pack your own equipment. The trip is built around swimming and snorkeling, but it is not described as a guided marine-life tour. You should expect to explore at your own pace rather than receive a formal lesson about fish or underwater sites.

Mlini is also useful as a test of the day’s conditions. You can see how warm the water feels, decide how much sun you want, and get comfortable moving around the boat. If you are new to sailing, this relaxed beginning helps you settle in.

The water is one of the main reasons to book this trip, but a practical warning is worth making: you need to bring your own towel. An icebox is available for drinks and food, and the boat includes some useful comforts, but towels are not part of the package.

The Pakleni Islands are best enjoyed between stops

After Mlini, the day becomes flexible. Depending on the time you book and the wind, you may visit several scenic locations around the Pakleni Islands. Possible stops include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce.

Each name matters less than the pattern of the day. You sail from one attractive section of coast to another, stop for a swim, and decide how long to stay. A shorter two-hour outing may provide a taste of the islands with one swimming stop. A half-day trip gives you more time for two or more coves. An eight-hour booking allows the most room for a leisurely route and lunch.

Palmizana is among the better-known places in the group and may offer the option of eating at an island restaurant. Lunch is not included, so check the plan with your skipper before settling in for a meal. If you prefer to keep moving, use the icebox and spend more time in the water instead.

Jerolim and the other coves are appealing because the boat can bring you close to settings that are hard to appreciate from Hvar town. The focus is not on checking off a fixed list. The route changes with wind, sea conditions, and the length of your booking, so you should treat the named locations as possibilities rather than promises.

That flexibility is a real advantage for a private group. You can spend longer swimming if everyone is enjoying the water, or move on if a cove is busier than expected. It also means you should not book this expecting a rigid timetable with exact arrival times at every island.

Swimming and snorkeling are the heart of the outing

The clear sea makes this trip more than a boat ride with a view. You can jump or climb into the water, swim along the shore, and use the provided masks to look below the surface.

Several outings have included two beautiful swimming locations, while longer trips have covered more ground. The experience is especially suited to people who want active stops without committing to a full day of organized water sports.

You should be comfortable getting in and out of a small boat and swimming in open water. The information provided does not specify special flotation equipment or a formal snorkeling guide, so anyone needing extra water support should ask before booking.

Families can make good use of the private format, provided everyone is happy around the water. A group of six friends also fits the boat well, and the private setting lets you keep the mood quiet and casual. Couples may enjoy the intimacy, though the group price is harder to justify unless you value having the entire boat to yourselves.

A few useful extras add to the fun. The Bluetooth speaker lets you choose the soundtrack, and one outing included use of a GoPro for water photos. The GoPro is not listed among the standard inclusions, so do not count on it being available every time. Still, it is worth asking Jura if underwater pictures matter to you.

Comfort on board is simple but well judged

The boat is not a floating lounge, yet it has the features that make several hours at sea easier. The sun canopy gives you shade, while sun deck cushions provide a place to stretch out between swims.

The icebox is especially practical. You can keep drinks cold and bring food for a longer trip. One skipper had a bottle opener and wine glasses available, so a small picnic or bottle of wine may suit the relaxed mood. Bring your own supplies unless you have arranged an island restaurant stop.

A USB port helps with phone battery, and Wi-Fi is included. You should still protect your phone from spray and sun, especially if you plan to use it for music or photos.

The onboard toilet is another small but important benefit. It means you do not have to plan every stop around finding a beach facility. That is useful on a longer tour, though the boat remains a compact vessel rather than a full-size yacht.

The main missing item is a towel. Pack one for each person, along with sunscreen, a hat, dry clothes, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. These are basic additions, but they make a noticeable difference after repeated swims.

Choose the trip length that matches your plans

The listed duration ranges from two to eight hours, so the same activity can serve different kinds of holidays.

A two-hour booking works if you have limited time in Hvar or want a quick escape from town. You will get the sailing experience and a swimming stop, but there is little room for a long lunch or several coves.

A half-day trip is the strongest middle option for many people. It gives you time to visit two attractive swimming places, snorkel without rushing, and enjoy the boat ride between them. Several outings followed this pattern and included enough time to relax rather than hurry.

An eight-hour day suits a group that wants a full outing on the water. You can visit more locations, stop for lunch, and spend longer at the places that appeal most. The tradeoff is exposure to sun and wind for much of the day, so make sure everyone in your group genuinely wants a full boat day.

The wind can change the feel of the route. Stronger or lighter conditions may affect where you go and how much pure sailing you experience. Your skipper decides the safest and most enjoyable plan, so flexibility is part of the deal.

Is $471 good value for your group?

At $471 per group of up to six, the price breaks down to about $78.50 per person if you fill every seat. For six people, that is a reasonable way to secure a private boat, skipper, snorkeling gear, and several hours around the Pakleni Islands.

For four people, the cost is about $117.75 each. For two, it is $235.50 each, which makes the trip a much bigger splurge. The private format is the key value here. You are paying for control over the company, the pace, the music, and the stops, not simply for transport from one island to another.

The included amenities also reduce small extra costs. You have masks, an icebox, Wi-Fi, a speaker, and a USB port. You still need to pay for any restaurant lunch, and towels are not provided.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning less risky. Starting times vary, so check the available slot that suits your day in Hvar.

Who will enjoy this private Hvar trip most?

I would choose this for a family of six, a group of friends, or a couple celebrating something special. The private boat makes it easy to keep the day calm, play your own music, and stop for swims without fitting into another group’s timetable.

It also works well for first-time sailors. Jura has helped beginners feel at ease, and the setting gives you a gentle introduction to sailing without requiring any sailing experience from you.

This is less suitable if you dislike swimming, want a detailed historical tour, or need a guaranteed list of exact stops. The guide can share information about the islands and their history, but the main attraction is the sea, not a long lecture.

You should also think about the group price before booking. If you can fill the boat, the value is strong. If you are traveling alone or as a pair, compare it with larger shared boat trips in Hvar.

Practical details that make the day smoother

Meet at Riva 27 in Hvar. The tour operates as a private group, with English and Croatian available.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a dry layer, and any food or drinks you want. Use the icebox for cold items, and ask about lunch if you would rather eat at an island restaurant.

Keep your plans flexible around the route. The exact number of stops depends on your booking length and wind conditions. That is not a flaw, but it means the trip is better understood as a private day on the water than as a fixed sightseeing circuit.

The transport rating is very high, with 98 percent of ratings giving it a perfect score. The overall rating is 4.8 from 65 ratings. The strongest pattern is clear: people value the skipper, the boat’s comfortable condition, the beautiful swim spots, and the relaxed pace.

Should you book the Hvar sailing trip?

Book it if you want a private, low-key way to experience the Pakleni Islands and you have at least four people to share the cost. The half-day option offers the best balance for most groups, with time for sailing, two swimming areas, snorkeling, and a little lounging.

Choose the full-day version if lunch and several coves sound better than a quick outing. Choose two hours only if your schedule is tight.

I would not book it for a guaranteed itinerary or a formal snorkeling lesson. I would book it for the simple pleasure of leaving Hvar by boat, swimming in clear water, and letting Jura shape the route around the day’s wind and your group’s mood.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is Riva 27 in Hvar.

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The boat has capacity for up to six passengers.

How long does the experience last?

You can choose a duration from two to eight hours, depending on availability.

Which islands and locations might the boat visit?

Possible locations include Mlini, Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce in the Pakleni Islands.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming is a central part of the trip, with stops at scenic bays and beaches.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is lunch included?

No. You may add a stop for lunch at an island restaurant, but the meal is not included.

What amenities are available on the boat?

The boat has a sun canopy, sun deck cushions, Bluetooth speaker, USB port, icebox, onboard toilet, Wi-Fi, and snorkeling masks.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is available in English and Croatian.