Sailing and Snorkeling Tour in the Islands of Pakleni

The best part of this outing is its flexible route through the Pakleni Islands, where your skipper can choose among clear-water bays instead of forcing the boat into one fixed stop. You might swim and snorkel off St. Klement, pass through to Zdrilca, or head to Vela Garska Bay on Hvar, depending on wind and sea conditions.

I like the small maximum group of eight people, and I like that the boat carries snorkeling equipment, a SUP, water, salty and sweet snacks, and white wine. The tradeoff is simple: lunch costs extra, and the exact route is not guaranteed.

Key points to know

• Flexible bay selection: The skipper chooses between several Pakleni and Hvar locations according to weather and anchorage conditions.
• Six hours on the water: The 10:00 start gives you a substantial half-day away from Hvar town.
• Small group size: A maximum of eight people should make the outing more personal than a large party boat.
• Snorkeling and SUP included: You do not need to rent the basic water equipment separately.
• Lunch is your responsibility: Eat at a Pakleni Islands restaurant or bring food for the boat.
• Tony may be your skipper: He has been praised for handling waves and wind calmly, creating a safe, friendly day, and explaining the islands’ past.

Six Hours Among the Pakleni Islands

Hvar is a place where the sea is not just scenery. It is the main road, the best swimming pool, and often the easiest way to escape the crowds around town. This six-hour trip uses that setting well, taking you toward the Pakleni Islands and nearby bays for swimming, snorkeling, and time on the water.

The route is deliberately flexible. That matters in the Adriatic, where wind and anchorage conditions can change the feel of a bay. Instead of promising one beach regardless of the day’s conditions, the skipper can select a suitable stop among several options.

That flexibility also means you should not book this expecting a precise checklist of islands. You are buying time on the water, access to attractive swimming spots, and the judgment of a skipper who can adapt the plan.

The tour begins at 10:00 am at Hvar Adventure, Jurja Matijevića 20 in Hvar. It finishes back at the same meeting point after about six hours. The start time leaves the afternoon available, though you should allow some breathing room after returning if you have dinner plans or a ferry to catch.

Choosing Between St. Klement, Zdrilca, and Vela Garska

The possible stops give this trip its character. Several bays lie around St. Klement in the Pakleni group, while Zdrilca and Vela Garska Bay are additional options. All are described as having clear water suited to swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography.

You should think of the stops as water-based pauses rather than formal sightseeing visits. The appeal is the chance to get into the sea, look below the surface, paddle on the SUP, and enjoy a quieter setting than Hvar’s waterfront.

St. Klement offers several possible bays, which gives the skipper room to find a suitable anchorage. That can be useful on a breezy day. A bay that looks perfect on a map may not be the best place to stop if the boat cannot anchor comfortably or the water is less settled.

Zdrilca provides another possible setting for a swim and snorkel. Vela Garska Bay, on Hvar itself, gives the route another choice when local conditions make that the better stop. You may appreciate this practical approach more than a rigid island-hopping schedule.

The drawback is that the final selection belongs to the skipper. If you have your heart set on one specific bay, this is not the right kind of excursion to book. If you care more about finding a good place to swim on the day, the flexible plan works in your favor.

Snorkeling, SUP, and Underwater Time

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can use the clear water without arranging a separate rental. The trip also includes a stand-up paddleboard, giving you another way to enjoy a calm bay.

The wording here matters: the equipment is provided, but the tour does not promise a particular marine-life encounter or a guided snorkeling lesson. You should see this as easy access to recreational water time rather than a specialist snorkeling expedition.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Those items are not supplied, and the Croatian sun can make a long day on the water feel much longer if you arrive unprepared. A towel is especially useful after several swims, while sunglasses and a hat make the ride and time at anchor more comfortable.

Underwater photography is listed as a good use of the clear water. If you bring a phone or camera, protect it properly. The tour provides the setting, but not underwater camera equipment.

The SUP adds variety for anyone who does not want to snorkel the whole time. You can alternate between swimming, paddling, sitting aboard, and taking in the bay. That mix helps the six-hour duration feel less repetitive.

What Is Included in the Boat Day

The inclusions are well chosen for a relaxed half-day:

• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP use
• Drinking water
• Salty and sweet snacks
• White wine for adults
• Space to bring additional drinks or food

The snacks are useful, but they are not a meal. If you tend to get hungry after swimming, bring something more substantial. You are allowed to bring extra food and drinks, which makes this easy to manage.

White wine is included for people aged 18 and over. Anyone under 18 receives non-alcoholic drinks instead. The rule is clear, and families should note that the included drink service is not the same for every age group.

You can also bring additional beverages, but do not assume lunch is covered. The price includes the boat experience and the listed refreshments, not a restaurant meal.

Lunch at a Pakleni Island Restaurant

Lunch is the main extra expense to plan for. Depending on where the boat can anchor and what the weather allows, your skipper may take you to a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands for a proper Dalmatian lunch by the sea.

That option gives the day a pleasant local rhythm: swim first, eat near the water, then continue or return. It also means the restaurant choice and timing depend on the practical conditions of the day, not simply on a fixed dining reservation.

You can instead bring food and eat on the boat. This is the more predictable and potentially more economical choice, especially if you have dietary needs or want a quick meal that leaves more time for swimming.

At $134.85 per person, the value depends on how much use you make of the full six hours. You are paying for a small-capacity boat outing, a skipper, snorkeling equipment, SUP access, water, snacks, and wine. Lunch is extra, and the price is higher than a basic short transfer, but this is a half-day experience rather than simple transportation.

Group discounts may improve the cost for a larger booking. Since the maximum is eight people, the trip can suit a family group or a circle of friends that wants a private-feeling day without necessarily booking a much larger vessel. Check the available discount before paying, since the final value depends on your group size.

A Small Group Changes the Feel

The maximum of eight people is one of the strongest practical features. A small group gives you a better chance to ask questions, hear the skipper, move around without a crowd, and spend time in the water without feeling part of a mass outing.

It also makes the food decision easier. A small group can agree on bringing lunch or stopping at a restaurant, rather than following a large group’s fixed meal plan.

The flip side is that the tour requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, Hvar Adventure may cancel and offer another date or experience, or provide a full refund. You should keep that possibility in mind if your schedule is tight.

The trip is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can take part, though you should be comfortable with a six-hour boat outing and swimming activities.

The Skipper Matters on Windy Water

The clearest praise attached to this experience concerns Tony, a guide who has been described as calm and reassuring in waves and wind. He was also praised for explaining the history of the islands and for being a good host.

That combination matters. On a boat trip, a skipper’s job is not only to steer. You want someone who takes changing water conditions seriously, keeps the day friendly, and can add context without turning the outing into a lecture.

Tony may not be the skipper on every departure, so treat his presence as something to ask about rather than a guarantee. If he is leading your trip, you can expect a guide who has earned particular praise for safety, hospitality, and island background.

The water conditions still control the day. This experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy protects you from being sent out in unsuitable conditions, though it means you should avoid building an inflexible schedule around this one activity.

Who Will Like This Excursion

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a balanced day at sea, with some activity and plenty of time to relax. The snorkeling gear and SUP keep the day active, while the snacks, wine, and flexible stops make it easy to slow down.

It suits friends, couples, and families who value a smaller group. The maximum of eight is especially useful if you want more space than a large excursion can offer.

It is also a good choice if you prefer a skipper who adapts to conditions. The route is not a fixed island checklist, but that is a benefit when the wind makes one bay less comfortable than another.

You may want a different experience if you need a guaranteed lunch, a guaranteed specific island, or a highly structured itinerary. You should also think twice if you do not enjoy swimming or spending long periods on a boat, since the main attractions are the bays and the water.

What to Bring From Hvar

Pack more than a swimsuit. You will need your own towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, and you may want extra food if snacks will not carry you through six hours.

A practical packing list includes:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Extra food if you do not plan to buy lunch
• Additional drinks if desired
• A protected camera for underwater photos

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear or a SUP, since both are supplied. Water and snacks are also included.

Wear or pack items that can handle a wet boat day. The supplied information does not specify changing facilities, storage, or boat seating, so avoid bringing anything delicate or difficult to keep dry.

Booking and Cancellation Details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so check your dates carefully before paying.

Weather is the important exception. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund. The same type of choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

That makes weather protection useful, but it does not remove all planning risk. If you have only one free day in Hvar, consider booking with enough notice to leave room for a replacement date.

Should You Book the Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour?

Book it if you want a small-group day built around swimming, snorkeling, SUP use, and clear-water bays, and if you are happy to let the skipper adjust the route. The included equipment and six-hour format give the $134.85 price reasonable value, especially when group discounts apply.

Plan for lunch separately, bring your own sun protection, and do not expect a fixed stop at one named island. Ask who will skipper your departure if Tony’s calm handling of wind and waves is important to you.

I would skip it if your priority is a guaranteed restaurant meal, a strict sightseeing schedule, or a short, low-cost boat ride. For everyone else, this is a practical way to trade Hvar’s busy waterfront for a day of open water and well-chosen swimming bays.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Hvar Adventure, Jurja Matijevića 20, Hvar, Croatia, at 10:00 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

Which islands and bays does the tour visit?

Possible stops include different bays on St. Klement in the Pakleni Islands, Zdrilca Bay, or Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. The skipper chooses the most suitable location based on weather and anchorage conditions.

Is lunch included?

No. You can eat at a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands or bring food to eat on the boat.

What equipment and refreshments are included?

Snorkeling equipment, SUP use, water, salty and sweet snacks, and white wine are included. Alcoholic drinks are served only to people aged 18 and over, while minors receive non-alcoholic drinks.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can also receive a different date or experience, or a full refund.