Hvar Delight: Private Speed Boat Tour

A private speed boat day around Hvar is one of the best ways to escape the usual walking pace and jump straight into the sea. You start from Riva in Hvar, then spend the afternoon hitting swim spots that most people only see from far away.

I especially like two things. First, you get snorkeling equipment and a planned stop at the Red Rocks area, where you can swim near sea caves and check out the seabed. Second, the tour builds in real downtime for a meal and relaxation around Palmižana bay and the Pakleni Islands, instead of rushing you through everything.

One consideration: this is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, you will need to switch dates, and you should expect that a speed boat schedule can move based on sea conditions. Also, lunch is not included, so plan your budget accordingly.

Key points before you go

• Private group up to 7 people means you are not squeezed with strangers or stuck with a rigid group rhythm.
• Red Rocks snorkeling stop includes snorkeling gear and time to swim near caves and clear water.
• Palmižana bay lunch window gives you a proper meal break near the Pakleni Islands.
• Pakleni Islands secret-bay time is built for relaxing on the boat and doing a few more swims.
• Skipper-led planning with clear communication, including guide support from Klara and skipper knowledge from Tonci.
• Fuel surcharge and snorkeling equipment included, so the price covers more than just the ride.

A private Hvar speed boat day, planned for sea time

This is a 5 to 6 hour private boat outing based out of Riva, Hvar. The big idea is simple: you trade most of the day for sea time, with several intentional stops for swimming and snorkeling, plus a longer break around the Pakleni Islands.

The boat day is also practical in how it is paced. You get multiple swim moments instead of one long beach stop, and you still have time to eat, rest, and enjoy views back toward Hvar town as you head home.

And since it is a private tour for up to 7 people, you can set the tone. If your group wants more snorkeling time, or wants to spend extra minutes floating and taking photos, the skipper can generally work with you within the schedule.

Getting out to the south shore: Dubovica Beach and Red Rocks

Your first stop is Dubovica Beach, with the day shifting right away to the south shore of the island of Hvar. This is where the tour starts feeling different from a standard boat cruise, because the focus is swim spots, not just sightseeing.

You get about 45 minutes at this first swimming cluster. One of the highlights here is the Red Rocks area. The attraction is the underwater scenery, including the chance to swim near caves and look at the seabed while snorkeling. It is the sort of stop that makes the whole day feel worth it, even if you only get one or two “wow” moments.

A practical tip: if you are bringing your own mask, check it before you leave Riva. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but having a mask that fits your face comfortably makes it much easier to actually use it right away, not after fiddling.

Also, pack swim essentials you can reach fast. Since your time at each stop is limited, you do not want your sunscreen buried in a bag at the bottom of the boat.

Palmižana Botanical Garden stop and lunch break on the Pakleni Islands

Around 1 p.m., the schedule shifts into food and downtime. You stop at Palmizana Botanical Garden for about 2 hours 30 minutes, and lunch happens at a top restaurant located on Palmižana bay on the Pakleni Islands.

Important detail for your budget: lunch is not included. The upside is you get a meal location that fits the day, meaning you are not paying for a rushed lunch in a crowded tourist area and then sprinting back to the boat. You get a real break, and you are still surrounded by water and island scenery.

If you like gardens, this portion gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the boat ride. If you prefer just resting, you can treat it like a scenic break before the next swim round.

Based on how the trip is run, I like that the lunch part is planned in a way that feels supportive, not hands-off. In the past, communication has been praised for being clear from the start, and the skipper has helped with getting lunch lined up. That matters, because midday in the high season can get busy, and it is nice when someone keeps the day flowing.

Pakleni Islands calm time: more bays, more swimming options

After lunch, you get about 1 hour in the Pakleni Islands area. This is not a “look only from the water” section. The boat time is designed for relaxing on board and exploring secret bays you can reach faster by speed boat than on foot.

This is a good slot for groups who want variety without committing to a long hike. You can change pace: swim, float, take photos, then switch back to quiet boat time when you want a break from saltwater.

One reason I like this stop as part of the itinerary is that it protects your energy. After the morning travel and the lunch break, you still have a swim window before the final leg. The day feels balanced, not like a nonstop sprint.

Mlini Beach in late afternoon, then the return cruise

Next up is Mlini Beach, your final longer swimming stop. You get about 1 hour here, and the timing is typically around 5 to 6 p.m. before you slowly start heading back.

This is a smart move on timing. In late afternoon, the light on the water often looks great for photos, and you are less likely to feel worn out by the heat compared to a mid-day beach plan.

After Mlini, you begin sailing back while taking in the last views of the Pakleni Islands and the scenery around Hvar town. You will still have plenty of “on the water” moments, but the schedule shifts from active swim stops to a relaxed cruise home.

If you are sensitive to sun, this is a good time to reapply sunscreen and put on a hat. Even when you are not on a beach, the sun on open water can sneak up on you fast.

Taršće bay in Hvar for a quiet final swim

The last stop is Hvar, with a swim-time stop at Taršće bay. You get about 30 minutes here, and it is described as a peaceful retreat, popular with private yachts and people who want calm, crystal-clear water away from the busy edges.

I like how this final stop works. After you have already had multiple swims and a longer lunch break, the end is a short, satisfying finish rather than another major time commitment. It is the kind of stop that makes the day feel complete, especially if you enjoy swimming more than wandering.

If you plan to bring a phone for photos, this is also a great moment. The water and the bay setting tend to look good in natural light, and a quick final swim gives you just enough chance to get those “I am really here” shots before you pack up.

What is included, and why it matters for the value

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and a fuel surcharge. That is more meaningful than it sounds. Snorkeling gear is one of those “small add-ons” that can quietly increase your total cost if you are renting, and fuel charges are often where boat tours can surprise you later.

What is not included is lunch, and you should plan on paying for that portion separately. Since the lunch is at Palmižana bay, you are paying for a proper meal at a setting that matches the day, not just food anywhere.

Price-wise, it is $780.16 per group, up to 7 people. That can sound steep if you are comparing per person. But boat tours are usually priced by the vessel and time, not by headcount. If you split it across a few people, the cost starts to look more like a premium “private access” deal, especially since snorkeling gear and fuel are handled.

A good way to decide: think about what you would pay for (1) a private boat ride for your group, (2) snorkeling gear, and (3) transport between multiple swim locations without wasting hours on logistics. If those are exactly what you want, this pricing structure makes more sense.

Private means personal: the skipper and communication style

This experience is run as a private tour by Delfina Excursions – Hvar. Private is not just a buzzword here. It is how you get a day that can match your interests.

From past experience with how it is run, communication matters. Klara has been praised for clear instructions and responsive guidance before departure. Then Tonci, the skipper, has been highlighted for genuine knowledge of the stops and for making sure the day includes the activities people actually care about, like snorkeling and finding good spots for swimming and lunch.

Why you should care: when the person driving the boat also understands the area and manages timing, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying. In a sea-based tour, that can be the difference between feeling rushed and feeling like the day is truly yours.

How long it feels in real time

The total duration is about 5 to 6 hours. There is also mention that around 2 hours is cruising time, so do not expect all the time to be hands-on swimming.

That is normal for a speed boat itinerary. Distances and repositioning matter, and the itinerary structure is designed so you still get meaningful time in the water, not just transit.

If you are the type who hates standing around, you might love this. The tour keeps the rhythm moving, and every segment is connected to a specific purpose: swim, eat, relax, swim again, then finish with a calmer final bay.

Who this Hvar speed boat tour is for

This is a great fit if you want a private, water-focused day in Hvar with multiple swimming opportunities. It works especially well for couples who want their own pace, and for small groups who want to share the boat cost.

It is also a good choice if you care about snorkeling, since gear is included and Red Rocks is built into the schedule. If you prefer long beach lounging with a single swim location all day, you might find the stop sizes feel short. But if you like variety, this itinerary is exactly that.

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting area is near public transportation, so it is not a complete hassle to reach the start point.

When it may not be the best match

If your plan is mostly about inland walking, museums, or long guided history tours, this might feel too sea-centric. This is about water, stops, and time on the boat.

Also, if you get seasick easily, a speed boat can be a concern even though the tour is not described as extreme. You might want to consider that before booking.

Finally, since it is weather-dependent, you should be flexible in your travel schedule. If your dates are locked and you cannot shift, you might feel stressed if conditions force a change.

Should you book Hvar Delight: Private Speed Boat Tour?

I would book this if you want a private Hvar day that is built around swimming and snorkeling, with real downtime for lunch and relaxing. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment, plus a fuel-inclusive price, makes it easier to plan without surprise add-ons.

I would skip it if you are on a strict budget and the group splitting math does not work for you, or if you prefer a slower day with one beach and more time ashore. And if weather can ruin your whole itinerary, keep your schedule flexible.

If you do book it, I suggest you bring a small, easy kit: sunscreen, a hat, quick-dry gear, and anything you need for snorkeling within reach. Then you can spend the stops doing the fun parts, not searching for essentials.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Hvar Delight private speed boat tour?

The tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Riva, Hvar, Croatia, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the price for this private tour?

The price is $780.16 per group, up to 7 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

What stops are included during the tour?

The tour includes stops at Dubovica Beach (with Red Rocks snorkeling), Palmizana Botanical Garden (for lunch in the Palmižana area), the Pakleni Islands, Mlini Beach, and Taršće bay in Hvar.

What time does the activity run?

The opening hours given are 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Sunday, during the season listed (06/20/2026 to 10/01/2026).

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.