Hvar: Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour with Brunch

The Adriatic looks best from a small wooden boat. I like the 40-year-old renovated sailing boat and the freedom to shape the day with skipper John, who takes you toward quieter corners of the Pakleni Islands instead of following a fixed route. I also like the homemade brunch, especially the focaccia made by his mother, served with wine, water, and seasonal fruit.

The main consideration is time on the water. This is a long outing of about seven to eight hours, and it may not suit anyone prone to seasickness. It is also a relaxed private-group experience, not a high-energy party cruise, which is exactly why the ban on party groups makes sense.

Key points at a glance

• A small traditional boat: The 9.5-meter wooden sailing boat has been renovated and carries a toilet, refrigerator, and snorkeling gear.
• A flexible island route: You help decide where to stop and how long to stay, with about four stops during the day.
• Quiet spots near Hvar: Skipper John is praised for finding less crowded anchorages as well as a few livelier places.
• A memorable homemade brunch: Focaccia, wine, water, and seasonal fruit turn a simple boat ride into a generous day out.
• Private and personal: The boat is designed for a private group, with the skipper adjusting the pace to your wishes.
• A full day at sea: The advertised duration is 450 minutes, with up to eight hours on board.

Leaving Hvar’s Riva for a slower day

You meet in front of the entrance to Hotel Riva, right on Hvar’s waterfront. From there, the boat heads toward Sveti Klement and the wider Pakleni Islands, a chain of 21 isles scattered just off Hvar.

The first pleasure is simply the change in pace. Hvar Town can feel busy, especially in summer, while a sailing boat gives you open water, shifting views, and time to settle into the day. The boat is not a sleek modern yacht. It is a traditional wooden vessel, 9.5 meters long and about 40 years old, freshly renovated for comfort.

That character matters. You get the feel of an old-fashioned Adriatic sailing trip without giving up the basics. There is a toilet on board, a refrigerator for refreshments, and snorkeling equipment for the swim stops. You should still expect a compact boat rather than a floating resort. Bring only what you need for the day.

The tour is guided in English or Croatian. Since the group is private, you have more say than you would on a large excursion boat. You can ask for more swimming time, a quieter cove, a stop near a beach bar, or a little more sailing between anchorages.

Sveti Klement and the 21-island chain

Sveti Klement is the main island named in the route, but the day is really about the Pakleni group as a whole. Each island has its own character, and the skipper chooses stops based on conditions, your interests, and the level of activity around the islands.

You might spend part of the day at a peaceful anchorage with little more to do than swim and lie in the sun. Another stop may offer a livelier setting, with the option of a beach bar or waterfront tavern. This mix is useful because it keeps the day from becoming repetitive. You are not simply taken to one beach, dropped off, and collected later.

The route can also include places suited to snorkeling or cave exploration. The clear Adriatic water is the star here. Bring your camera, but remember that saltwater, bright sun, and wet hands are a poor combination for unprotected electronics.

The skipper’s local judgment is a real part of the experience. John is repeatedly praised for being friendly, responsive, and good at avoiding crowded areas. He does not appear to force a set schedule. Instead, he asks what kind of day you want and adjusts the stops accordingly.

That flexibility is especially valuable in high season. Popular island spots can feel very different at midday than they do in the morning. A private skipper who knows where to look can help you spend less time circling busy anchorages and more time enjoying the water.

Four stops, with your say in the schedule

The plan is to make around four stops, though the exact route depends on conversation with the skipper. That is an important detail. This is not a hop-on, hop-off boat service with a strict minute-by-minute program.

At one stop, you may want to snorkel. At another, you may prefer to stay dry and enjoy the view. You can also simply remain on board, sunbathe, talk, and watch the islands pass. The best choice depends on your group, so think ahead about the balance you want.

Families or couples who want quiet time will appreciate the ability to avoid a loud crowd. Friends who want a more social day can ask to include a busier stop. The boat can serve both styles, within the limits of the weather and the day’s sea conditions.

Still, flexibility has a tradeoff. You do not receive a rigid sightseeing checklist. If your priority is to visit every named attraction at a precise time, this may feel too loose. If you prefer a day that responds to the moment, the open plan is a strength.

The islands also offer more than scenery. Palmižana, for example, brings a touch of local life, with waterfront tavernas and opportunities to interact with residents. The tour description presents local food and island communities as part of the experience, although the included meal is served on the boat rather than at a restaurant.

The homemade focaccia brunch

Food is one of the most praised parts of this outing. The brunch includes homemade focaccia, wine, water, and seasonal fruit. Several details make it feel more personal than a standard packed lunch, especially the fact that the focaccia is made by the skipper’s mother.

That family touch comes through in the practical details, too. One couple received gluten-free focaccia after making the request, so it is worth asking in advance if you have a dietary need. The available information confirms that this was accommodated, but you should not assume every special request can be met without prior notice.

The meal is suited to a day at sea. Focaccia is easy to share, fruit adds something fresh, and the wine fits the setting. You can eat while looking across the islands rather than stopping at a formal restaurant and losing time to a long meal.

Do keep expectations realistic. The included brunch is described as focaccia, wine, water, and seasonal fruit. It is not presented as a full restaurant lunch with a broad menu. If you need a large meal, have a substantial breakfast before meeting the boat.

Snorkeling, caves, and time to do nothing

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to arrange your own gear. The clear water around the islands gives you a chance to look below the surface, while caves add another small sense of adventure.

You should bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen is essential, too. Much of the appeal comes from being exposed to sun and open water for hours, and the boat may offer only limited shade depending on where you sit.

The good news is that you do not have to turn every stop into an activity. Some of the best time may be spent doing almost nothing. Sit on the boat, watch the coastline, and let the skipper handle the route. The private format makes that easier because you are not trying to match the energy of a large mixed group.

The bad news is that long hours on a boat can feel tiring if you do not enjoy motion, heat, or saltwater. The experience specifically advises against booking if you are prone to seasickness. Take that seriously. A day that sounds idyllic can become uncomfortable if the sea is moving and you have no easy way to leave until the boat returns to Hvar.

A skipper who sets the tone

The skipper can make or break a boat tour, and John receives unusually strong praise for his manner. He is described as friendly, helpful, and responsive without being overbearing. That last point matters on a private boat, where an overly chatty or controlling guide would be hard to escape.

You can expect him to ask what you want from the day and respond to your preferences. He has taken couples, small groups, and parties who wanted a mix of popular and quieter locations. The common thread is that he lets the group set the pace.

The family-run feel adds warmth. The focaccia from his mother is a small detail, but it gives the outing a local connection that a generic catering box cannot match. The focus is not only on transporting you around the islands. It is on hosting you for a day.

You should also remember that a pleasant skipper does not remove the need for clear communication. Tell him early if you want more snorkeling, less time at busy stops, a slower pace, or extra time for lunch. The tour is built around conversation, so speak up.

Is $107 a good value?

At $107 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to see the Pakleni Islands. Public boats and water taxis may cost less, but they will not give you a private skipper, a full day on the water, included fuel, moorings, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, or a homemade brunch.

The value improves if you are traveling as a couple or small private group and care about personal control. You are paying for the boat, the skipper’s local decisions, the flexible route, and the time saved by not having to arrange each swim stop yourself.

The private format is also important when comparing prices. Several outings can feel almost private if demand is low, with only two or three people on board, but you should book with the expectation that this is a private-group experience rather than a large shared cruise.

I would consider the price fair for a full day that includes food, drinks, equipment, fuel, and the skipper. It is less compelling if you only want a quick swim near Hvar or if you plan to spend most of the day on shore.

Timing, weather, and what to bring

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours. The route description also refers to about seven hours, while the inclusions allow up to eight hours on the boat. In practical terms, plan for a long day rather than relying on an exact return time.

Weather can change the plan. The tour may be canceled or modified in bad conditions, so check the forecast before booking. A flexible route is helpful, but it cannot overcome unsafe sea conditions.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• A camera
• Any personal medication you need for a full day away from shore
• A light layer if you tend to feel cool on the water

The last item is practical advice rather than a listed requirement, but long hours at sea can feel different from a warm afternoon on land. Keep your bag small, and protect electronics from spray.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hvar plans are still taking shape.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would recommend it most to couples, families, and small groups who want a calm island day with a personal guide. It is particularly good for people who care more about quiet swimming, good food, and flexible stops than about ticking off a long list of sights.

It also suits first-time sailors who want the feel of a traditional boat without needing sailing experience. The private skipper handles the trip, while you choose how active or relaxed the day becomes.

It is less suitable for anyone prone to seasickness, anyone wanting a party cruise, or anyone who dislikes spending most of a day outdoors. The boat has a toilet and useful equipment, but it is still a small vessel. You should be comfortable with compact spaces and a schedule shaped by the sea.

Should you book this Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

I would book this tour if your ideal Hvar day includes clear water, several swim stops, homemade food, and a skipper who listens. The strongest reason to choose it is the combination of a traditional wooden boat and a flexible route. You are not simply being delivered to a famous beach. You are given room to decide what the day feels like.

Before booking, check the forecast, consider your tolerance for boat motion, and tell John about dietary needs or preferred activities. If you want a quiet, personal day around Sveti Klement and the Pakleni Islands, $107 offers solid value. If you want nightlife, a fast boat, or a short outing, choose something else.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour meet?

The meeting point is in front of the entrance to Hotel Riva on Hvar’s Riva waterfront.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. The boat is available for up to eight hours, and the route description refers to around seven hours.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route sails around the Pakleni Islands, with Sveti Klement listed as the main destination. The exact stops are chosen during the day with the skipper.

How many stops are included?

The tour usually makes around four stops. You can discuss where to stop and how long to stay with the skipper.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included on the boat.

What food and drinks are included?

The homemade brunch includes focaccia, wine, water, and seasonal fruit.

Can the tour be changed because of bad weather?

Yes. The tour may be canceled or modified in bad weather. You should check the forecast before booking.