Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

A private sailing trip around Hvar is interesting because you do not just look at the islands, you move through them, then drop into some of the clearest water in the Adriatic. The Pakleni Islands bring that classic “Croatia postcard” feel, but from the deck, it looks even better.

I really like two things about this trip. First, the private boat setup for up to 6 people keeps the day calm and flexible. Second, I love that the focus stays on water time, with swimming and snorkeling stops built into the plan.

One drawback to consider is that your exact route and stop timing can shift with wind conditions, and towels are not provided, so pack that before you head to the marina.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small private group (up to 6) means more personal attention and an easier pace
• Pakleni Island swim stops in clear water, with snorkeling masks included
• 2023-restored boat with a sun canopy, cushions, an icebox, and an onboard toilet
• Bluetooth music and USB charging keep the mood relaxed and your devices topped up
• Stops depend on wind so the captain can choose the best bays that day
• Riva 27 is your starting point and return point, making the day simple to plan

Private Sailing From Hvar: The Real Appeal of a Small Boat Day

This is the kind of day that starts with “just one stop” and ends with “wait, can we stay longer?” The magic comes from how the experience is set up: you leave Hvar by boat, spend the day gliding around the Pakleni Islands, and then you jump in to swim and snorkel whenever conditions and the crew’s instincts say it is best.

The private size matters. With up to 6 passengers, you are not stuck watching other groups unload gear or waiting in line for a photo at the water’s edge. Instead, you settle on board, spread out on cushions, and get a rhythm going. That calm vibe is echoed in how people describe the trip as relaxed and paced at your comfort level.

Another plus: the boat itself is not an afterthought. It was restored in 2023 and comes with the practical items you need for an easy day on the water, like snorkeling masks, an icebox, a sun canopy, and an onboard toilet. That means less time “figuring things out” and more time doing the fun part.

Riva 27 Check-In and What a 2 to 8 Hour Day Feels Like

Your start and finish point is Riva 27, which makes planning pretty straightforward. You get on the boat from the same place you return to, so you are not guessing about logistics later.

Duration is where the experience can feel different. The trip can run from 2 to 8 hours, and the number of scenic locations you visit depends on (1) how long you booked and (2) the wind. In practice, shorter trips tend to mean fewer stops and more focus on “one or two great swims,” while longer trips give the captain space to hop between multiple bays and viewpoints.

If you are the type who likes to do a lot, the longer option lets you string together sailing time and multiple dips. If you want a half-day reset, a shorter booking can feel perfect, especially when you simply want sun, water, and time with your group.

Pakleni Islands by Sail: Why the Views Look Better From Water Level

The Pakleni Islands sit right off Hvar, and they are famous for coves, beaches, and that clean-water look that makes people pull out their phones. What is different here is you are seeing them from the moving perspective of a sailboat, then arriving at spots by boat, where the shoreline is often quieter than it looks from the road.

Many people love the “arrival by boat” feeling, and it makes sense. From the water, you can actually judge the geography: where the bay gives you sheltered swimming, where the rocks create natural snorkeling areas, and where the light hits the surface in a way that turns the sea into glass.

The itinerary also includes sailing between stops, not just “park and jump.” That matters because it gives the day a flow. Even when wind is not perfect, you still get boat time, and then the captain chooses the best moments for swimming and snorkeling.

First Stop at Mlini Beach: Views, Then a Proper Swim

Your day usually begins with a sail to the first swim stop at Mlini beach. This is where you get that early payoff: you arrive, look around, and then it is time to get in the water.

Why this stop works early is simple. You are fresh, the sun is high, and you have enough energy to snorkel properly or just swim until you are ready to return to the boat. Mlini beach also sets the tone for the rest of the day, because it helps you judge how the water looks and feels that day.

What I recommend you bring to make this part smooth:

• reef-safe sunscreen, because you will likely reapply
• a simple swim plan, snorkel for a bit, then switch to lounging
• a swimsuit you can actually live in for hours, since you are on the boat for the whole block of time

And remember: towels are not included, so pack one if you do not want to scramble later.

Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, Tarsce: How Wind Shapes Your Stops

After Mlini, you visit a few scenic locations around the Pakleni Islands. The exact list and number can vary, but names you may hear include Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce. The reason those places are chosen is practical, not just scenic. Each bay tends to offer a different mix of shelter, swim entry options, and water clarity.

You also get a built-in flexibility factor. If the wind is strong, sailing legs can be more fun, but swimming spots might be chosen differently for comfort and safety. If the wind is light, you may still get plenty of sailing time, and the captain will usually focus more on the best bays when conditions are right.

One more good detail: there is no pressure to snorkel constantly. You can treat snorkeling like an optional extra. The masks are included, so you can just grab one when you want to check out the underwater look, then go back to swimming or relaxing.

The Onboard Setup That Makes the Day Easy

A lot of boat trips claim you can relax. This one is set up for it. You have a sun canopy for shade, plus sun deck cushions so you can actually sit comfortably instead of balancing on awkward surfaces. There is also an icebox, which is ideal for keeping drinks cool, especially in summer when you want something cold without leaving the water’s edge.

Music is part of the comfort too. The boat includes a Bluetooth speaker, and the vibe is meant to be casual. People also talk about how the skipper is friendly and helpful, which matters because you are sharing a small space for hours.

Practical touches also show up in what is included:

• snorkeling masks (so you do not have to pack your own)
• USB port for charging
• Wi-fi on board for quick messages
• an onboard toilet, which seems minor until you are already out there enjoying the day

One more thing that stands out in the experience descriptions is how the boat is “ready to go,” not barebones. People mention the boat is in great shape, and that reduces that slightly stressful feeling you can sometimes get on smaller charters.

Snorkeling Here Is About More Than Gear

Yes, snorkeling masks are included. But the bigger point is where you do it. This trip is designed around stopping in areas with clear water, and guests repeatedly highlight how beautiful and clean the sea looks. That matters because snorkeling is not just about having a mask, it is about seeing something once you are in.

Also, with a small private group, you are not getting rushed by a schedule that barely leaves time to get settled. You get time for swimming and snorkeling, then you can switch back to lounging on the cushions.

Tips to get the most out of your swim:

• if you are new to snorkeling, take it slow, start with short sessions
• keep your entry relaxed, avoid kicking up sand or sediment if the bay has a sandy bottom
• use the time between stops to rest in the shade, then do your next dip when your head is clear

If you are not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy the trip by focusing on swimming at the stop points and using the boat’s easy rhythm. The experience is still built around relaxing as much as it is built around water play.

Sailing Time, Music Time, and Lunch If You Want It

Between swim stops, you sail. That sailing time is where the day feels like a vacation instead of a sequence of chores. When you are moving, the light shifts, the islands change shape, and you start noticing details you would never catch from shore.

There is also an optional lunch angle. You may have time for some local food at one of the island restaurants if you decide to add a lunch stop. It is not forced, which I like, because not everyone wants a restaurant break when they are already in vacation mode.

If you bring snacks or drinks, the onboard icebox makes it easier. You can keep things cool instead of trading your comfortable time on board for a frantic shopping run after you arrive.

Skipper Matters: The Role of Jura in the Overall Experience

On a private boat trip, the guide or skipper is half the experience. Here, the captain is often described as friendly, organized, and responsive. Many guests specifically name Jura, and the recurring theme is that he runs a smooth day while staying casual and approachable.

People also mention that Jura pays attention to small needs, like offering extra help with snorkeling masks, keeping the mood light, and giving practical guidance about the islands and stops. One detail that stuck with me is how someone noted the captain followed up to help return a forgotten item. That tells you something about how serious he is about the overall experience, even after the trip ends.

If you care about a calm, well-managed day, this is where it shines. You do not feel like you are being herded. You feel like you are in competent hands.

Price and Value: What You Really Get for $471 per Group

The price is $471 per group up to 6, so the value depends on how you travel. If you are a pair or a small family, you still pay as a group, which can feel steep compared to public boat options. But you are paying for private time, private pacing, and the ability to focus on swimming and snorkeling without sharing the experience with strangers.

Here is what makes the math work better:

• You get a full private boat day structure, not just “transport to a spot.”
• The boat includes practical amenities that reduce add-on costs, like snorkeling masks, icebox, Wi-fi, USB port, Bluetooth music, and even an onboard toilet.
• You are not locked into one beach. You get multiple stops depending on your chosen duration and the wind.

In other words, you are not only paying for scenery. You are paying for time on a small, comfortable vessel, plus water activities designed around clarity and convenience.

Who This Trip Is Perfect For (and Who Should Rethink It)

This trip is a great match if you want:

• a private day with a small group feel
• lots of water time, not just sightseeing
• an easy on-board setup with shade, cushions, and practical gear
• an experience built around Pakleni Islands, ideally without the stress of crowded shore setups

It might not be the best fit if you are hunting for nonstop, high-action snorkeling. The plan is flexible and dependent on conditions, so it is more about enjoying the day at a relaxed pace than about a strict underwater mission.

Also, if you forget basic swim needs like towels, you will feel it. This is the kind of day where one small missing item can change your comfort level.

Should You Book This Hvar Private Sailing Trip?

I think you should book if you want a straightforward, high-comfort way to spend time around the Pakleni Islands. The combination of a small private group, real time to swim and snorkel, and onboard basics like an icebox, Bluetooth speaker, and onboard toilet makes this feel like a “do it right” day.

You should also lean in if you care about getting away from the crowd feel and prefer quieter coves you reach by boat. The sailing itself, even when winds are not perfect, still makes the day feel special because the stops are chosen for the water and the view.

Just go in with two expectations set: your exact bay lineup can shift with wind, and you will want to bring your own towel. If you do that, this trip has a strong chance of turning into one of your best memories in Hvar.

FAQ

How many people are on the private boat?

It is a private group with a boat capacity for up to 6 passengers.

Where does the trip start and end?

The starting location is Riva 27, and you arrive back at Riva 27.

What is included for swimming and snorkeling?

Snorkeling masks are included, along with time for swimming and snorkeling at the stops.

Does the boat provide towels?

No, towels are not included.

How long is the tour?

The duration ranges from 2 to 8 hours, depending on availability and the option you book.

What amenities are on board?

You’ll have a sun canopy, sun deck cushions, an icebox, a Bluetooth speaker, a USB port, Wi-fi, an onboard toilet, and snorkeling masks.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.