Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

The best part of this Hvar outing is the small private boat. With room for only six people, you can enjoy the Pakleni Islands without being packed onto a large excursion boat. The day starts from Riva 27 and usually heads first to Mlini Beach, where clear water, swimming, and snorkeling set the tone.

I like the freedom to choose between a short two-hour outing and a full eight-hour day. I also like the practical setup: sun canopy, cushions, icebox, toilet, and snorkeling masks. The main thing to consider is the price. At $471 per group, it is good value for six people, but costly for one or two.

Key points at a glance

• Mlini Beach is usually the first stop, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• The route changes with wind and tour length, so the number of bays is not fixed.
• Jura is a friendly, hands-on skipper, with English and Croatian available.
• The boat was restored in 2023 and includes a canopy, sun cushions, toilet, icebox, USB port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth speaker.
• You can bring drinks and food, then keep them cold in the onboard icebox.
• The private format suits families, couples, and groups of friends who want a quiet day on the water.

Setting Out From Hvar’s Riva 27

You meet the boat at Riva 27, Hvar’s waterfront starting point. From there, the trip turns away from the town and toward the Pakleni Islands, a chain of small islands and coves just offshore.

The first stretch is part of the pleasure. You get scenic views of the islands from the water, with sailing between stops rather than a simple motorboat transfer. The amount of sailing depends on the wind, and that is worth keeping in mind. On calm days, the boat can still make the trip, but the sailing may be gentler and less dramatic.

The group limit of six makes a real difference. You are not working around dozens of other people, and you can settle into the pace that suits your group. Several families and groups of friends used the boat for a relaxed half-day outing, while others booked a full day with several swimming stops and lunch.

Jura is the skipper most often named in the feedback, and he is described as friendly, casual, professional, and helpful with first-time sailors. Another name, Jurica, also appears in the experience details. You can expect an English or Croatian-speaking guide who handles the boat and helps shape the day around conditions.

Mlini Beach Starts the Swimming Day

The usual first stop is Mlini Beach. This gives you an early chance to get in the water, try the included masks, and see how the day feels before deciding how much time to spend at later locations.

The attraction here is simple: clear water, a scenic island setting, and a quiet break from Hvar town. You can swim from the boat or enjoy the beach area, then return aboard for more sailing.

The snorkeling is suited to a relaxed holiday outing rather than a formal underwater tour. Masks are provided, so you do not need to pack your own gear. Bring a towel, though, since towels are not included.

Mlini also works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head into the water, while anyone who prefers to stay aboard can use the canopy or sun deck cushions. That flexibility is one reason the trip fits families and groups with different ideas of fun.

Exploring Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce

After Mlini, the skipper chooses additional locations according to your tour length and the wind. Possible stops include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. You may visit two attractive swimming spots on a half-day booking, while a full-day trip allows more time for several bays and a lunch stop.

Palmizana is one of the better-known destinations in the Pakleni Islands, and the approach by boat is part of its appeal. Jerolim offers another island setting for swimming and sunbathing. Perna and Tarsce add variety, especially if you want to see more than one kind of cove during the day.

Do not expect a fixed checklist of every island. The route is deliberately flexible. Wind conditions affect where the boat can sail comfortably, and the length of your booking affects how many places fit into the day. That is useful when conditions change, but it also means you should not book expecting a precise number of stops.

At each location, the rhythm is easy. You can jump into the water, snorkel, sit on the cushions, or stay beneath the canopy. Some groups choose to add lunch at an island restaurant. Lunch is not included, so treat it as an optional extra rather than part of the base price.

What Sailing Adds to a Regular Boat Tour

A private speedboat can cover more distance, but sailing gives you a slower, quieter way to see the islands. You get time to watch the shoreline pass, feel the movement of the boat, and enjoy the trip between swims instead of treating those stretches as dead time.

That matters most on a full-day booking. Eight hours of nonstop swimming can become tiring, while a mix of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and rest feels more balanced. The shorter two-hour option makes sense if you simply want a quick taste of the Pakleni Islands or have other plans in Hvar.

The boat was last restored in 2023, which is reassuring for anyone concerned about comfort and condition. The included sun canopy is useful during the strongest part of the day, while the sun deck cushions give you a place to stretch out when you want more sun.

The setup is practical rather than luxurious. You have an onboard toilet, USB port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speaker, and icebox. Those features matter more than they might sound on paper. The toilet means you do not need to plan every stop around finding facilities, and the icebox lets you keep drinks cold for the ride.

You can play your own music through the Bluetooth speaker. Keep the volume sensible, especially when enjoying quiet coves, but it is a nice touch for a private group. One past group also noted that the boat had wine glasses and a bottle opener, so bringing a bottle for your group may be possible, though food and drinks are not listed as included.

Swimming and Snorkeling in Clear Water

The main activity is swimming. The Pakleni Islands are known for clear sea, and the stops are chosen for time in the water rather than for a long list of land attractions.

The included snorkeling masks remove one small packing problem. You can look around beneath the surface without renting equipment separately, though the experience is informal and conditions can vary by cove and wind.

You should bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. Towels are specifically not included. The boat has shade, but you should not assume that every passenger can stay out of the sun all day without planning for it.

This is a good outing for people who want a mix of activity and rest. You can swim at every stop, or simply use the boat as a floating lounge. One group described having a beach almost to themselves, but that should be treated as a fortunate possibility rather than a promise, especially during the busiest summer weeks.

Choosing Between Two and Eight Hours

The wide duration range is helpful, but it also makes the experience feel different depending on what you book.

A two-hour trip is best for a quick escape from Hvar. You will have less time for multiple locations, but you can still enjoy the feeling of sailing, see the Pakleni Islands, and fit in a swim if conditions allow.

A half-day trip gives you a more satisfying balance. You have time for sailing and at least a couple of swimming or snorkeling stops without giving up most of your day. Several groups described this format as relaxed and uncrowded, which is likely the sweet spot for many visitors.

The full eight-hour option suits you if the boat day is one of the main events of your Hvar stay. You can reach more locations, linger longer, add lunch at an island restaurant, and avoid rushing back after one swim.

The tradeoff is cost and stamina. At $471 per group, the price works out to $78.50 each when six people share it. For a couple, the same boat costs $235.50 per person, so the private format makes much more financial sense for a full group.

Price, Group Size, and Overall Value

The $471 group rate buys privacy rather than a long list of included extras. The boat, skipper, tour, snorkeling masks, Wi-Fi, USB port, icebox, and Bluetooth speaker are included. Towels and lunch are not.

For six people, this is a reasonable way to spend a day on the water. You get your own route, your own space, and the chance to set the pace. A private boat also avoids the common problem of being tied to a large group’s schedule.

For fewer passengers, the price needs more thought. Couples may still find it worthwhile for a special day, but it is not the cheapest way to reach the islands. If you mainly want one swim and a quick view, the two-hour option is easier to justify than a full-day booking.

The strongest value comes from the flexibility. You can ask for more swimming, more sailing, a lunch stop, or extra time at a favorite cove, subject to the wind and the skipper’s judgment. That personal approach is more useful than a rigid route when conditions are changing.

Who Will Enjoy This Hvar Sailing Trip

I would choose this for a family or group of friends who want a private day with room to relax. The capacity of six is especially useful for a small family, and the boat has enough amenities to make several hours on the water comfortable.

It also suits first-time sailors. Several people used the experience as their first sailing outing and appreciated the relaxed pace and friendly skipper. You do not need sailing experience to take part.

Couples can enjoy it too, particularly if they value privacy and are willing to pay more per person. The boat’s cushions, canopy, speaker, and icebox make it easy to create a simple celebration or a quiet day away from town.

I would be more cautious if you dislike sun, swimming, or flexible plans. This is a water-based outing, and the main rewards come from being outside, getting wet, and allowing the route to respond to the wind. It is also not the right choice if you want a detailed historical tour of every island, since the emphasis is on sailing, scenery, and swimming.

Practical Details Before You Go

The meeting point is Riva 27 in Hvar, and the trip returns there. The tour is private, with English and Croatian available. The boat includes Wi-Fi and a USB port, although you should still protect your phone from spray and bring only what you need.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and any food or drinks you want for the day. The icebox can keep drinks cold, and the boat has been noted to carry useful small items such as wine glasses and a bottle opener, but you should not rely on extra supplies beyond what is stated for your booking.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hvar plans are still shifting.

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 65 reviews, with especially strong praise for the skippers, boat condition, swimming spots, organization, and relaxed mood. The transport received a 98 percent perfect score, a useful sign for anyone worried about the boat itself.

Should You Book It?

Book this Hvar sailing trip if you have up to six people, want private time on the water, and care more about swimming and scenery than a fixed sightseeing script. Jura is repeatedly praised for being friendly, professional, and easygoing, while the restored boat gives you the basic comforts needed for a half-day or full-day outing.

I would choose the half-day option for most groups. It offers enough sailing and time at beautiful coves without requiring a full day or making the price harder to justify. Choose eight hours if you want lunch, several stops, and a complete day around the Pakleni Islands.

Skip it if you are traveling alone, avoiding the sun, or looking for the cheapest possible island transfer. For everyone else, especially a family or group of friends willing to share the cost, this is a practical and personal way to see Hvar from the water.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip start and finish?

The tour starts and returns at Riva 27 in Hvar.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat has a capacity of six passengers, and the activity is offered as a private group experience.

How long does the trip last?

You can book a trip lasting from two to eight hours. Available starting times depend on the date you choose.

Which places might the boat visit?

The usual first stop is Mlini Beach. Other possible locations include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. The number of stops depends on the booking length and wind conditions.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included with the boat and tour.

Are food and towels included?

Towels are not included. Lunch at an island restaurant can be added as a stop, but food is not included in the stated price.

What languages does the skipper speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Croatian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the activity and pay later.