Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour

Set sail for a quieter side of Hvar. This six-hour trip takes you around the Pakleni Islands on a 42-foot regatta-style boat, with room to stretch out, sunbathe, and enjoy open-water views. I like the mix of real sailing and relaxed island time, especially the chance to swim in clear bays and use the included SUP and snorkeling gear. The main thing to consider is the pace: one booking found the sailing too slow, while another praised the amount of time spent under sail.

I also like that the route stays flexible. Your skipper chooses between bays on St. Klement, Zdrilca Bay, or Vela Garska Bay on Hvar, based on weather and anchorage conditions. That makes sense on the Adriatic, but it also means you should not book this expecting a fixed list of stops.

At $141 per person, this is not a bargain boat ride. It makes better value for people who care about sailing on a proper large boat, rather than simply reaching the islands as quickly as possible. Lunch costs extra, though wine, water, crackers, chocolate wafers, snorkeling gear, and a SUP are included.

Key points to know before booking

• A real 42-foot sailing boat: You get plenty of room for sunbathing and a more traditional sailing feel than a compact motorboat excursion.
• Flexible island route: Stops may include St. Klement, Zdrilca Bay, or Vela Garska Bay, depending on weather and anchorage.
• One main swim period: The water is suited to swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography, but the exact number of stops can vary.
• Lunch by the sea costs extra: The skipper selects a suitable restaurant, but your Dalmatian meal is not part of the $141 price.
• Small-group or private formats: The experience can be arranged for a private party or a smaller shared group.
• Good onboard basics: Wine, water, light snacks, snorkeling gear, and a stand-up paddle board are provided.

Sailing from Dalmatia on a proper boat

The boat is a 42-foot regatta-style sailing boat, which is the central reason to choose this excursion. You are not simply being ferried to a beach. The sailing itself is part of the day, and the size gives you room to sit, lie down, and move around without feeling packed in.

That extra space matters during a six-hour outing. You can take in the sun for a while, then find shade or a quieter place to sit. Bring a light jacket, even in warm weather, since wind on the water can feel cool once the boat is moving.

The sailing time seems to be one of the strongest parts of the experience when conditions are right. One booking described the sailing as a genuine highlight, with enough time to enjoy the boat and see several bays. Another found the trip monotonous because the skipper moved very slowly for a long stretch. That contrast is useful: this is best for people who enjoy the rhythm of being on a sailboat, not for anyone who wants nonstop action.

The skipper speaks Croatian and English and also acts as your guide. One highly praised skipper was from Hvar and brought local knowledge to the day. Since the route changes with weather and anchorage conditions, a good skipper matters. You should expect practical decisions about where the boat can safely anchor, not a rigid schedule.

St. Klement and the possible bays

Much of the outing centers on the Pakleni Islands, a chain scattered off Hvar. The suggested stops include bays on St. Klement, the largest island in the group, as well as Zdrilca Bay and Vela Garska Bay on Hvar.

You may not visit every named place. The skipper decides where to go based on wind, sea conditions, and whether the boat can anchor properly. That flexibility is useful because a beautiful bay is not much fun if the boat cannot settle safely or if the weather makes a stop uncomfortable.

The bays are valued for their clear water. Swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography are the main activities, and the supplied equipment means you do not need to organize a separate rental. The water clarity should give you a good look below the surface, although the tour information does not promise a particular type of marine life or a formal snorkeling guide.

I would treat the swim as a refreshing stop rather than a full snorkeling expedition. The schedule allows time for swimming and lunch, but one booking specifically noted only two swim stops. The exact number depends on how the day unfolds. If you want long, repeated water breaks, ask about the planned route before departure.

The swim stop and onboard equipment

The swim stop is where the day shifts from sailing to easy island recreation. You can jump into the clear water, use the snorkeling gear, or try the included stand-up paddle board. For many people, this is the most active part of the trip.

You should bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. The boat provides water and wine, plus simple snacks such as crackers and chocolate wafers. Those snacks are useful between sailing and lunch, but they are not a meal. If you tend to get hungry on the water, eat before departure and plan to buy lunch at the restaurant stop.

The SUP adds a nice option for anyone who wants more than floating around. It also gives you a way to explore close to the boat without committing to a long swim. Since the tour does not provide detailed instructions about paddleboard use, the skipper will be your point of help onboard.

Underwater photography is also possible in these clear bays. Bring waterproof protection for your phone or camera, since the provided snorkeling gear does not mean photography equipment is included.

Lunch in a bay, with the bill separate

After swimming, the skipper takes you to a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands or at another suitable location. The goal is a proper Dalmatian lunch by the sea, and one booking singled out the fish meal as especially good and the setting as very typical.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so allow extra money for the meal. This is important when judging the total cost. At $141, you are paying for the boat, skipper, sailing time, equipment, and small refreshments. You will then pay separately for the restaurant.

The restaurant location is not guaranteed in advance. It depends on where the boat can anchor and what the weather allows. That means you may not be taken to the same bay every time, and you should not plan the day around a specific restaurant.

I like this approach more than carrying a cold packed lunch, because it keeps the day tied to local food and the seaside setting. Still, the meal stop can take a large part of a six-hour tour. If you care more about swimming than lunch, ask how much time is planned at the restaurant before you board.

Is $141 a fair price?

The price makes the most sense when you compare it with the type of boat and the length of the outing. Six hours on a spacious 42-foot sailing boat, with a skipper, wine, water, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and SUP access, is a different product from a short island transfer.

The shared option also helps keep a private sailing experience from becoming even more expensive. A private trip is available, but the supplied information does not give a separate private price. If you want the boat to yourself, ask for the exact cost before booking.

The value drops if you dislike slow travel or if you measure the trip by the number of stops. One booking felt that nearly an hour and a half passed too slowly, while another praised the generous amount of sailing time. Your satisfaction will depend heavily on what you want from a day at sea.

For me, the best value comes from the combination of boat comfort and a flexible route. You are paying for time on the water, not just for transportation between attractions. If that sounds enjoyable, the cost is easier to justify. If you only want a quick swim and lunch, a shorter boat trip may suit you better.

Who should book this sailing trip?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and small groups who enjoy unhurried time on the sea. It is also a good fit if you want to combine several simple pleasures: sailing, swimming, a drink, and a local meal without arranging each part yourself.

It suits confident swimmers and people who are comfortable moving around on a boat. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women, according to the supplied safety information. The boat setting and swim access may be difficult for anyone who needs step-free or specially adapted facilities.

Families should think about the six-hour duration and the slow periods under sail. Children who like boats and water may have a good time, but anyone needing constant activity could become restless. The supplied information does not state a minimum age, child price, or specific family facilities, so ask before booking with young children.

The trip is also a good match for anyone who wants a taste of Dalmatian food. The included crackers and wafers are modest, but the restaurant stop gives you a chance to order a proper meal, often with fish available. Remember that lunch is an additional expense.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

The tour lasts six hours, and starting times depend on availability. That is long enough for a full half-day on the water, so do not treat it as a quick morning outing unless the departure time suits your plans.

Pack lightly. Your most useful items are:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• A light jacket for wind
• A waterproof case for your phone or camera
• Extra money for lunch

Wine and water are included, but the supplied information does not promise unlimited drinks. One booking felt that only one drink was offered during the ride, so it is sensible to carry any additional water you need, if permitted by the operator.

Weather can shape the entire day. It affects the route, anchorage, swimming conditions, and sailing speed. A flexible attitude will help you enjoy the tour more than a fixed expectation about visiting every named bay.

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 you are still arranging your Dalmatian schedule.

The overall sailing experience

What I like most here is the balance between a real sailing outing and a simple island day. You get the pleasure of a large boat, time to sunbathe, clear water for swimming, and a meal stop that connects the outing to local food.

The main weakness is that the experience may feel slow if the wind is light or if the skipper takes a cautious pace. You may also get fewer swim stops than expected. That is not necessarily poor service, since weather and anchoring control much of the plan, but it is worth understanding before you spend six hours aboard.

The skipper’s attitude can make a big difference. The strongest feedback praised a friendly, helpful skipper and good local knowledge. That personal touch matters on a small-group trip, especially when the route is flexible and the day depends on practical choices.

Should you book the Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

Book this tour if you want sailing time first, followed by swimming and lunch. The spacious 42-foot boat, included SUP and snorkeling gear, flexible route, and friendly guiding make it a strong choice for a relaxed day around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands.

Skip it if you want a fast itinerary with many stops, a fully included lunch, or constant activity. Also think twice if slow sailing frustrates you. For the right kind of day, this is a pleasant way to see the islands from the water, with enough room to enjoy the journey rather than simply rush toward the next stop.

FAQ

How long is the Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

The tour lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

What islands and bays might the boat visit?

Possible stops include bays on St. Klement, Zdrilca Bay, and Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. The final route depends on weather and anchorage conditions.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No. Lunch at a restaurant by the sea is arranged as part of the outing, but you pay for the meal separately.

What is included?

The price includes a skipper and guide, wine, water, crackers, chocolate wafers, snorkeling gear, and a stand-up paddle board.

Is this a private tour?

Private and small-group options are available. The supplied information does not specify the group size or private-tour price.

What languages does the skipper speak?

The tour is offered in Croatian and English.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a jacket, and a towel. You may also want waterproof protection for a phone or camera, especially if you plan underwater photography.