Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

Clear water, quiet coves, and a small boat make this a fine way to see Hvar. This private sailing trip takes up to six people from Hvar toward the Pakleni Islands, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and scenic sailing between stops. I especially like the small-group format and the freedom to shape the day around the wind and your interests. The restored 2023 boat also has a canopy, cushions, icebox, toilet, Bluetooth speaker, and snorkeling masks, which makes a long spell on the water much easier.

I also like that skipper Jura gets repeated praise for being friendly, punctual, and flexible. He can adjust the route to suit the weather, and the boat may stop at Mlini, Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, or Tarsce. The main consideration is price: at $471 per group, this is a serious expense for one or two people, but it becomes far better value when shared by five or six. Towels are not included, so you need to bring your own.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to six: You get the whole vessel rather than sharing space with a large tour group.
• Mlini is usually the first stop: Expect early swimming, snorkeling, and views across the Pakleni Islands.
• The route changes with wind and tour length: A two-hour outing will feel very different from a full-day sailing trip.
• Skipper Jura is a major strength: He is described as friendly, professional, informative, and easygoing.
• Useful onboard comforts: You have snorkeling masks, an icebox, sun canopy, cushions, USB port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speaker, and toilet.
• Bring your own towel and possibly lunch supplies: Food and restaurant stops are optional, and towels are excluded.

Setting out from Riva 27 in Hvar

The trip begins at Riva 27, right on Hvar’s waterfront. From there, the boat heads out toward the Pakleni Islands, a group of small islands and coves just off Hvar. The first part of the trip is about the pleasure of being on the water: open views, changing angles on the islands, and the quiet rhythm of sailing.

The boat holds a maximum of six passengers, which matters more than it may sound. You are not trying to claim a corner of a crowded deck or squeeze past a large group to reach the swimming ladder. A private boat also gives you room to set the mood, use the Bluetooth speaker, and talk with your skipper about how much time you want to spend in the water.

If you have never sailed before, this is a gentle introduction. You can sit under the sun canopy, stretch out on the sun deck cushions, or watch the skipper manage the boat. The experience is relaxed rather than technical, but the sailing itself remains central. One useful detail from the feedback is that Jura still managed to sail when the wind was light, although exact sailing conditions can never be guaranteed.

Why the Pakleni Islands work so well for a boat day

The Pakleni Islands are best appreciated from the water. Their appeal is not one single landmark. It comes from the pattern of small bays, rocky shorelines, clear water, and beaches that look different as you approach them by boat.

A private sailing trip gives you a better view of that variety than a simple ride to one beach. You spend time moving between locations, then stop where the conditions are right for a swim. The trip can include Mlini, Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce, though the exact route depends on your booking length and the wind.

That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not treat the named places as a fixed checklist. A shorter trip may include only one or two swimming areas. A longer outing can reach more coves and allow time for lunch. If a particular location matters to you, ask Jura about it before setting off, while understanding that wind and sea conditions may change the plan.

Mlini: a practical first swim

The usual first stop is Mlini beach. Starting here makes sense because it gets you into the water early rather than keeping you seated for a long sightseeing ride.

You can swim, use the provided snorkeling masks, and take in the views around the bay. The clear sea is the main attraction, and the snorkeling is likely to be most enjoyable for people who want a simple look below the surface rather than a formal guided marine tour.

Mlini also helps you settle into the day. You can test the water, find a comfortable place on deck, and decide how much swimming you want at later stops. The drawback is that a first stop can feel brief on a shorter booking, especially if you want both sailing time and a long swim. On a two-hour trip, the route has less room for lingering.

Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce

The possible later stops give the day its variety. Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce are mentioned as scenic locations where you might stop for another swim, more snorkeling, or a meal at an island restaurant.

Palmizana is particularly useful as a possible lunch stop because it lets you add a proper break rather than eating only what you bring aboard. Lunch is not included, so you should treat this as an optional addition to the day, not part of the base price.

Jerolim and the other coves may suit you better if your main goal is a refreshing swim and a quiet spell on the boat. Several groups had time at two beautiful locations during half-day trips, and some found a beach or cove with very few people around. That sort of privacy is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing over a larger boat excursion.

Still, the experience is not a promise of an empty beach. Conditions, timing, and the route on the day all matter. The honest expectation is a chance to reach attractive swimming spots away from Hvar’s waterfront, with the skipper making sensible choices as the day unfolds.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear Croatian water

The water is the star here. You can jump or step into the sea from the boat, swim in sheltered areas, and use the included masks to look below the surface.

This is easygoing snorkeling, not a specialist excursion. There is no mention of fins, underwater instruction, or a dedicated marine guide, so bring your own equipment if you want more than the supplied masks. The boat’s snorkeling gear is handy for a casual swim, especially if you do not want to pack your own mask.

The sea is described repeatedly as crystal clear, and the strongest praise focuses on the beauty of the swimming spots. The practical catch is that you need to be comfortable getting into open water from a boat or beach. If you prefer to stay dry, much of the point of the trip is lost, although the sun deck and canopy provide a pleasant alternative.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. The operator supplies the boat and masks, but towels are specifically not included. You may also want a dry layer for the ride back if the wind picks up.

Life aboard the restored 2023 boat

The boat was last restored in 2023, and the condition of the vessel receives strong praise. That matters on a private trip because you spend several hours using the same small space. A clean, well-kept boat makes the difference between a relaxing outing and an uncomfortable one.

The layout supports two kinds of passengers. You can sit beneath the sun canopy if you want shade, or use the sun deck cushions if you want more sun. The onboard toilet is another useful feature, especially on a full-day booking when you may be away from shore for longer stretches.

The icebox lets you keep drinks cold, and the USB port helps keep a phone charged. A Bluetooth speaker is available for your own music, and Wi-Fi is included. These details are not the reason to book a sailing trip, but they make the boat feel more practical for a private group.

Bring food and drinks if you like, using the icebox. One group noted that Jura had water aboard, and another mentioned that the boat had wine glasses and a bottle opener. Those details suggest you can make the outing feel celebratory, though you should still confirm what you plan to bring and avoid assuming that meals or drinks are included.

What the skipper adds to the day

Jura is repeatedly praised as the person who makes the outing work. Descriptions of him point to a skipper who is friendly, professional, casual, and happy to answer questions. Several groups also appreciated his knowledge of the islands and the history of the area.

That mix is valuable. You want someone who can handle the boat and the route, but you do not necessarily want a nonstop lecture during a relaxing swim day. The feedback suggests Jura gives useful information without taking over the experience.

He also appears to be responsive before the trip. One group noted that he answered questions and accommodated their needs, while another praised the fact that the boat left on time. A small personal detail is also worth noting: when a passenger left a top aboard, Jura contacted the group and helped arrange its return. That is a good sign of careful service.

If you want a formal historical tour with a set script, this may feel too informal. If you want a competent skipper who can explain the islands, suggest swimming spots, and let you enjoy the boat at your own pace, the style should suit you well.

Choosing between two hours and a full day

The advertised duration ranges from two to eight hours, so the length you select shapes the entire experience.

A two-hour trip is best for a taste of sailing and one quick swimming stop. It works if your Hvar schedule is tight or you want to add a short water outing without giving up most of the day. The compromise is obvious: less time for multiple coves, lunch, and relaxed sailing.

A half-day trip gives you a better balance. You can reach two swimming locations, snorkel, sit in the sun, and still have time for the boat ride between stops. This length received especially warm praise from families and small groups looking for a calm day rather than a packed schedule.

A full-day trip, lasting up to eight hours, gives you the most room for the Pakleni Islands. You can visit several scenic locations, add a lunch stop, and spend longer at the places you like. It also makes the onboard toilet, icebox, shade, and cushions more important.

The longer booking is not automatically better. If you do not enjoy extended time in the sun or repeated swims, a half-day may be enough. If you are visiting Hvar with five friends or family members and want one shared highlight, a full day spreads the cost and gives you time to settle into the pace.

Is $471 good value for a private group?

The price is $471 for up to six people. For one or two people, that is expensive compared with a shared boat excursion. For six, it works out to about $78.50 per person before any optional food or restaurant costs.

That price covers the boat, skipper-led tour, snorkeling masks, icebox, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speaker, USB port, and the private format. It does not cover towels or lunch. You are paying mainly for control over the pace and the space, not for a long list of included meals or special equipment.

I think the value is strongest for a full or half-day group booking. Six people can share the cost while enjoying a boat reserved only for them. Families also gain something from the private setup, since they can adjust swimming time and music without coordinating with strangers.

For a couple, the value depends on priorities. If you want privacy, flexible stops, and a skipper focused on your day, the price may feel fair. If you mainly want a quick swim and a boat ride, a shared option could cost less. The private format is the main reason to pay more.

Who will enjoy this Hvar sailing trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families or friend groups of up to six
• People who want swimming and snorkeling more than formal sightseeing
• First-time sailors who want a relaxed introduction
• Couples who value a private boat and can accept the higher cost
• Anyone who prefers a flexible route to a fixed group schedule
• Visitors looking for a peaceful half-day or full-day on the water

It may be less suitable if you want guaranteed stops, a fixed restaurant reservation, extensive underwater equipment, or a fully scripted history tour. The route changes with the wind, and the boat’s main pleasures are sailing, swimming, scenery, and time together.

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 you need to check availability for your chosen duration.

Final call: book it for privacy and time in the water

I would book this trip if I had a group of four to six people and wanted a calm day around Hvar without a crowded boat. The strong points are clear: beautiful Pakleni Island scenery, very good swimming water, a comfortable restored boat, and a skipper named Jura who receives consistent praise for his friendly and capable approach.

Choose a half-day trip if you want the best balance of cost and variety. Choose the full day if lunch, several coves, and an unhurried pace matter to you. Bring a towel, plan for your own food or drinks, and remember that the wind may change the route.

For a small group that values privacy, this is a well-priced way to make the sea the main event of your Hvar visit.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip begin and end?

The trip begins and returns at Riva 27 in Hvar.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat has capacity for up to six passengers.

How long does the experience last?

Available durations range from two to eight hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, along with the boat, tour, icebox, USB port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth speaker.

Is lunch included?

No. You may choose to stop for local food at an island restaurant, but lunch is not included in the price.

Can I cancel the booking?

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