Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

The best part of this Hvar boat trip is its small scale. You and up to five companions sail aboard a restored 2023 boat rather than joining a packed excursion, with the Pakleni Islands opening out around you. The day mixes gentle sailing with swims at clear-water coves, starting commonly at Mlini Beach.

I like the freedom to shape the outing around your group, and I like the simple comforts that matter on hot water days: a sun canopy, cushioned sun deck, icebox, toilet, and snorkeling masks. Skipper Jura also keeps the mood easy and informal, and several groups appreciated his friendly help and local information.

The main consideration is that the exact number of stops depends on your booking length and the wind. A two-hour outing cannot offer the same island-hopping pace as a full day, and towels are not included, so pack your own.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to six: You get the whole small vessel for your group, making this a good fit for families, couples, and friends who want room to set their own pace.
• Mlini is usually the first stop: Expect time for swimming, snorkeling, and views before moving on to other Pakleni coves.
• Stops change with time and wind: Possible locations include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce.
• Useful onboard gear: You have masks, an icebox, Bluetooth speaker, USB port, Wi-Fi, canopy, cushions, and an onboard toilet.
• Optional island lunch: You can add a stop at one of the island restaurants if you want food during a longer outing.
• Good value for a full group: At $471 for up to six people, the maximum group price works out to $78.50 each when six people join.

Setting out from Riva 27 in Hvar

You meet the boat at Riva 27, Hvar’s waterfront departure point. From there, the trip heads toward the Pakleni Islands, the chain of small islands directly offshore from Hvar. The crossing itself is part of the pleasure. You are not simply being carried from one swimming stop to the next, since the route includes time under sail when conditions allow.

That sailing element gives the trip a calmer rhythm than a fast sightseeing boat. You can sit under the canopy, stretch out on the sun deck cushions, or listen to your own music through the Bluetooth speaker. If the sun is strong, the shade is more than a nice extra. It gives you a break between swims and makes a longer outing easier.

The boat carries no more than six passengers, which is a major part of the experience. A private group can decide how much time to spend in the water, when to move on, and if an island restaurant stop suits the day. You do not have to match the pace of a large party.

The boat was last restored in 2023, and the equipment list is practical rather than fancy. There is an icebox for drinks and food, a USB port, Wi-Fi, snorkeling masks, and a toilet. Bring towels, since those are specifically not provided. You may also want to bring food or drinks for the icebox, although some water is supplied.

Mlini Beach makes a strong first stop

The usual first destination is Mlini Beach. This is where you get your first proper swim and snorkeling session, with time to take in the setting before the day spreads across the islands. Starting here makes sense: you can settle into the boat, see how warm the water feels, and decide how much time you want to spend in the sea.

The water around the Pakleni Islands is one of the main reasons to book this trip. Swimming is not squeezed into a short photo stop. The schedule is built around getting into the water, and the small boat can take you to coves and beaches rather than keeping you only at the main Hvar waterfront.

Snorkeling masks are included, which saves you from bringing or hiring your own equipment. Expect simple recreational snorkeling, not a guided marine-life lesson. The appeal is the clear water, rocky edges, and chance to look below the surface at your own pace.

Mlini can be especially pleasant early in the day, before a longer route brings you to other points. Still, conditions matter. Wind, the length of your booking, and the skipper’s judgment all affect how long you stay and which stop comes next.

Sailing between Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce

After Mlini, the route can include several scenic locations in the Pakleni group. Possible stops include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. You should treat these as examples rather than a fixed promise. The number of places depends on whether you book two hours, a half day, or up to eight hours, along with the wind on the day.

Each additional stop gives the outing a different feel. One cove may be best for a quick swim, another for sitting on the boat and looking across the islands, and another for a longer break. The advantage of a private tour is that you can tell Jura what sounds right for your group, while still allowing the skipper to adjust the plan for safe and comfortable sailing.

Jerolim and Palmizana are useful names to know when you look at a map of the Pakleni Islands. They help you understand the sort of route involved: short island passages, rocky shores, small beaches, and repeated chances to stop in clear water. You are not touring every island in detail. You are getting a relaxed view of the archipelago from the sea, with swimming as the main activity.

The scenery between stops matters too. From the boat, Hvar and the islands appear in a broad sweep rather than as separate land visits. I like this part because it lets you enjoy the coast without spending the whole day on foot or in a busy harbor.

A boat day built around swimming

This trip suits you if swimming is more important than a packed sightseeing schedule. The time on the water is divided between sailing and breaks, but the breaks are the heart of the outing. You can jump from the boat, swim toward a beach, or use the snorkeling masks around a quiet cove.

The boat has sun deck cushions, so you can dry off in the sun after a swim. The canopy gives you another option when you have had enough heat. That choice is useful for mixed groups, especially when one person wants to sunbathe while another prefers shade.

Music is also part of the setup. The Bluetooth speaker lets you create a soundtrack for your group, and the icebox keeps drinks cold. These touches make the boat feel more like a private day out than a basic transfer between islands. Keep the volume considerate, since the islands are also a place for quiet water and open views.

The onboard toilet is another small but important benefit. You do not need to plan the day around finding facilities on shore, particularly on a shorter trip or between swimming stops.

Choosing two hours, half a day, or eight hours

The stated duration ranges from two to eight hours, so the booking length changes the character of the experience.

A two-hour trip is best if you want a short taste of sailing and a swim without giving up most of your day in Hvar. You should expect fewer stops and less flexibility. It works well for a tight schedule, but it will not feel like a full island tour.

A half-day trip gives you a more satisfying balance. You can reach Mlini, spend real time swimming and snorkeling, and visit another scenic location or two. Several groups chose this format and found it relaxed rather than rushed. For many people, this is the sweet spot.

An eight-hour outing gives you the most room to adjust the pace. You can linger at a favorite cove, add more stops, and include lunch at an island restaurant if you choose. A full day also gives you more time to enjoy the sailing itself, instead of treating it as a short link between swims.

The best length depends on your group. If you have young children or mixed interest in swimming, a shorter trip may be enough. If you are celebrating, want a long lunch, or simply prefer a slow day on the water, the longer option offers better value.

What the $471 group price is worth

The price is $471 per group of up to six. At the full six-person capacity, that works out to $78.50 per person. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are still paying for a private boat rather than buying six places on a shared cruise.

That distinction is important. You are paying for control over the pace, a small boat, and a skipper focused on your group. You also get snorkeling masks, Wi-Fi, an icebox, Bluetooth speaker, USB port, toilet, canopy, and sun cushions. Towels are not included, and lunch is an optional extra if you stop at an island restaurant.

The value is strongest for six friends or a family group that wants privacy. It is also attractive for a special occasion, since the boat can be used at your own rhythm and the skipper has helped groups mark birthdays and family days on the water.

For two people, compare the cost with your priorities. If a shared trip would feel crowded or too fixed, the private format may be worth the premium. If you mainly want one quick swim, a shorter booking keeps the cost more sensible.

Jura’s relaxed approach

Jura is the skipper most closely associated with this trip. His style, based on the way the outing is run, is friendly and casual without losing the professional side of handling the boat. He provides information about the islands, answers questions, and adjusts the route when wind or group preference calls for it.

That balance matters on a private boat. You want a captain who can manage the sailing but does not turn the outing into a formal lecture. You also want someone willing to explain what you are seeing and help make the day work for first-time sailors.

First-timers are well suited here. The boat gives you a chance to try sailing without having to manage the vessel yourself. At the same time, experienced swimmers and regular boat users can enjoy the route without being held to a basic introduction.

One practical note: the provided material identifies the guide as Jura, while one past account uses the name Jurica. Confirm the meeting details and guide name when you book if that distinction matters to you.

Who will enjoy this Hvar sailing trip most

I would choose this for a group that wants a quiet, flexible day on the sea rather than a checklist of sights. It is a particularly good match for:

• Families of up to six who want a private boat and easy swimming stops
• Couples looking for a more personal outing
• Friends who want music, cold drinks, and several coves
• First-time sailors who want a gentle introduction
• Strong swimmers who care more about clear water than formal sightseeing
• Anyone celebrating a birthday or special day in Hvar

It may be less suitable if you want a detailed tour of every island, a large social party, or guaranteed stops at specific beaches. The route changes with wind and timing, and the trip is centered on swimming and sailing rather than a fixed list of landmarks.

Practical details to sort out before leaving

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. Since towels are not included, this is the easiest item to forget. Pack sun protection, and use the canopy when you need a break from direct sun.

You can bring food and drinks for the icebox. The boat has a bottle opener and wine glasses according to information shared about the outing, so a group planning a relaxed drink on board may find that useful. An island restaurant lunch can also be added on longer trips.

The meeting point is Riva 27, and the activity returns there. The guide speaks English and Croatian. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option gives you some room when your Hvar schedule is still changing.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 65 ratings, with 98 percent giving the transport a perfect score. That lines up with the strongest parts of the experience: the boat, the skipper, the swimming spots, and the calm private format.

Should you book this Pakleni Islands boat trip?

Book it if you want the Pakleni Islands from the water, with genuine time for swimming and a skipper who can keep the day relaxed. The half-day option looks like the best balance for most people, while six-person groups get the clearest value from the $471 price.

Choose the longer trip if you want lunch, extra coves, and plenty of time to sit under the canopy or on the sun deck. Choose the short option only if your schedule is tight. Bring a towel, accept that wind may change the route, and you will be set up for a flexible Hvar day that feels personal rather than packaged.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip start and finish?

The trip starts and returns at Riva 27 in Hvar.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat has capacity for up to six passengers, and the booking is for a private group.

How long does the experience last?

Available durations range from two to eight hours. The starting time depends on availability.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route explores the Pakleni Islands. Possible stops include Mlini, Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce.

Is Mlini Beach always the first stop?

The usual start to the day is a trip to Mlini Beach, but the exact route can change with wind and the length of the booking.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the trip, and snorkeling masks are included.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. The boat has an icebox, and you can bring food and drinks. On longer trips, you can also choose to stop for lunch at an island restaurant.

What equipment is available on the boat?

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

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and Croatian.