Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour

The best part of this six-hour outing is the sailing itself. You spend the day aboard a roomy 42-foot regatta-style boat, with plenty of deck space for sunbathing, rather than being packed into a small motorboat. The route takes you around the Pakleni Islands and may include bays on St. Klement or Hvar.

I like the chance to swim in clear water and then use the included snorkeling gear and SUP. I also like the relaxed meal stop at a waterfront restaurant, where you can order a proper Dalmatian lunch instead of eating only snacks on board. The main drawback is that the pace depends heavily on the skipper, wind, and anchorage conditions. One slow day felt tedious, and lunch and drinks beyond the included supply cost extra.

Key points to know

• A spacious 42-foot sailing boat: There is room to stretch out, sunbathe, and move around while the boat is under sail.
• Two main swimming areas: Possible stops include Zdrilca Bay, Vela Garska Bay, and other coves around St. Klement and Hvar.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are available during the swim stop.
• Lunch is separate: The skipper chooses a suitable restaurant stop based on weather and anchorage conditions.
• Wine, water, and light snacks are included: Expect crackers and chocolate wafers, not a full meal.
• A small-group feel is possible: Private and small-group options are available, though the exact group setup should be checked before booking.

Six hours around the Pakleni Islands

This is a full half-day on the water, not a quick boat transfer with a short photo stop. The six-hour schedule gives the skipper time to sail, pause for swimming, and bring you ashore for lunch.

The exact route is flexible. The boat may visit bays on St. Klement, pass through the channels around the island group, or stop near Zdrilca Bay or Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. That flexibility matters because wind and anchorage conditions can change the best choice for the day.

I see this as a good fit for you if you want the sea to be the main event. The tour does not promise a fixed list of every cove, and the number of stops may be limited. In return, you get a proper sailing outing rather than a rigid sightseeing circuit.

The route also gives you time to appreciate the setting from the boat. The Pakleni Islands are close to Hvar, but the coves and open water create a pleasant change from town streets and waterfront cafés. You get the islands from sea level, with time to watch the coastline pass while the boat moves between bays.

What sailing on the 42-foot boat feels like

The vessel is described as a regatta-type sailing boat with a length of 42 feet. That is a useful detail for anyone comparing this with standard speedboat excursions.

A boat of this size gives you more room to sit, lie down, and shift around during the day. The generous deck is especially helpful on a six-hour trip. You are not expected to stay in one cramped seat, and the boat has space for sunbathing between activities.

The tradeoff is speed. A sailing boat may move more slowly than a motorboat, particularly when the wind is light or the skipper is sailing at a relaxed pace. One particularly unhappy customer found the ride slow and felt that about an hour and a half passed without enough action. That is a real consideration if you want constant movement and a packed schedule.

I would choose this tour for the feel of being under sail, not for covering the greatest possible distance. On a good day, you get time to enjoy the boat and the water. On a windless or poorly paced day, the same open time can feel long.

Ask yourself what kind of boat day you prefer. If you want room, a slower rhythm, and a sailing boat rather than an engine-powered runabout, this design works in your favor. If you want several fast stops and a tightly timed route, a speedboat tour may suit you better.

The swimming stops around St. Klement and Hvar

The possible swim areas include bays on St. Klement, Zdrilca Bay, and Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. The water is described as clear and suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography.

These stops are the practical heart of the outing. You can get into the water, use the supplied mask and snorkeling equipment, and bring the stand-up paddleboard out for a short paddle. The tour does not require you to book a separate water-sports activity, which helps explain some of the price.

The number of stops is not guaranteed. One account of the day described two swimming stops, while the overall plan refers to a couple of possible stops. Read that as a flexible swim-focused route, not a promise of a long list of coves.

Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. A jacket also belongs in your day bag, since conditions can feel cooler while the boat is moving or if the weather changes. The supplied list includes all of these items for good reason.

Underwater photography makes sense here because the water is clear, but the tour does not promise special marine life or a particular snorkeling site. Bring your camera only if it is suitable for water use. The main reward is the clean, open water and the chance to pause in a quiet bay.

Lunch beside the water

After swimming, the skipper aims to bring you to a restaurant in one of the bays. The exact restaurant depends on where the boat can anchor safely and what the weather allows.

This stop gives the day a more local rhythm. Instead of eating packaged food aboard the boat, you can sit near the sea and order a Dalmatian meal. Fish is one appealing choice, based on the food described by one diner, but the specific menu and restaurant are not fixed in advance.

Lunch is not included in the $141 price. Plan for the meal as an extra cost, and remember that the included onboard snacks are only crackers and chocolate wafers. The supplied water and wine help, but they are not a substitute for lunch.

The restaurant stop is also one reason the route cannot be treated like a fixed sightseeing timetable. The skipper needs an anchorage that works for the boat, and the weather may change the choice of bay. A flexible plan is useful here, but it means you should not book this expecting a specific restaurant or exact menu.

I like the combination of swimming and a sit-down meal. It breaks up the six-hour outing and gives you a chance to dry off, eat properly, and enjoy the coastline from a different angle. Just budget for lunch before you board.

What is included, and what is not

The price includes a skipper and guide, wine, water, crackers, chocolate wafers, snorkeling equipment, and a SUP. That is a solid set of basics for a small-group sailing day.

The skipper handles the boat and chooses the most suitable location for the conditions. The guide also speaks Croatian and English. Several strong experiences have come from the skipper’s friendly approach and local knowledge of the Hvar area.

The included wine adds a pleasant touch, though you should keep your expectations sensible. One person felt that only one drink was offered during the ride. The written inclusions promise wine and water, but they do not specify unlimited quantities or a full drinks service.

Bring your own water if you prefer to drink often, especially in warm weather, but do not count on that as a replacement for the advertised supplies. Also bring sunscreen and a hat. There is plenty of sun exposure on an open boat, even when the breeze feels mild.

Lunch is the clear extra. The tour also does not list hotel pickup, transportation to the boat, or additional food as included, so check the meeting details when booking. The available information confirms the boat experience and onboard supplies, but not a transfer service.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Pakleni Islands. The value comes from the length of the outing, the larger 42-foot sailing boat, the skipper, the water activities, and the chance to eat at a waterfront restaurant.

A six-hour motorboat trip may cover more ground, but this experience is selling time on a sailing boat. If you enjoy sitting on deck, watching the water, and taking a swim without rushing, the price can make sense.

The value is also better if you use what is included. Try the SUP, bring a mask for snorkeling, and make full use of the open deck. If you only want a short ride and one swim, you may find the price harder to justify.

Lunch adds to the total, so compare the full cost rather than the booking price alone. You will need to pay for the restaurant meal separately. That is normal for this kind of outing, but it should be part of your planning.

Private and small-group options are available. A private departure will usually be the more expensive choice, but the supplied price is listed per person and the experience can also be arranged for a small group. Check the exact group size and price before you reserve.

The skipper can make or break the pace

The strongest part of the human side of this outing is the skipper. The best feedback describes a friendly skipper who shared local knowledge and made the day feel easy. A skipper from Hvar can add useful context to the route and help select a good bay when conditions change.

That personal service matters because the itinerary is not fully fixed. You are trusting the skipper to balance sailing time, swimming, anchoring, and lunch. A good decision can turn a changing-weather day into a pleasant one.

But the pace is not guaranteed to suit every person. One account described the boat as moving very slowly and the long ride as boring. Another praised the sailing but felt there was only one drink and just two swimming stops.

I would book this with the understanding that the skipper has room to adjust the plan. If you need a particular number of swim stops, a set departure time, or a fast route, ask before paying. If you are happy to let the day respond to the sea and weather, the flexible style is more likely to work for you.

Who should book this sailing day?

I recommend it most for couples, friends, and small groups who want a comfortable boat day with a swim and meal built in. It is also a good choice if you prefer sailing to a noisy, high-speed ride.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy:

• Sitting in the sun between stops
• Swimming in clear coastal water
• Trying a SUP or snorkeling gear
• Eating a Dalmatian meal by the sea
• Spending six hours on one boat at a relaxed pace

This is less suitable if you have mobility limitations, since the activity is specifically not recommended for people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.

Families should check the details for their own group before booking, since the available information does not state a minimum age or child policy. The same applies to anyone worried about seasickness or needing easy access in and out of the water. Those points are not specified, so ask the provider directly.

Practical tips for a better day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. You will want sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat before the boat leaves, not after the first swim stop.

Bring a light jacket. The boat may feel warm in the sun and cooler when moving, and the supplied packing advice specifically includes one.

Do not arrive expecting a full lunch onboard. Eat breakfast first, then plan to pay separately for the restaurant meal. The snacks are useful between stops but are light.

If snorkeling is important to you, ask how much time is planned in the water. The route includes swimming and snorkeling possibilities, but the number and length of stops can change.

Finally, keep your schedule open around the six-hour duration. The tour is weather-dependent, and the skipper may change the bay or restaurant to find a safer anchorage. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

My verdict: a good choice for a relaxed sailing day

Book this if you want a spacious sailing boat, clear bays, a swim, and a proper meal by the sea. The friendly skipper service, included SUP and snorkeling gear, and generous deck area give the day more substance than a short island transfer.

Skip it if you want a fast route, many tightly scheduled stops, or an all-inclusive price. Lunch costs extra, drinks are not described as unlimited, and a slow sailing pace may frustrate you.

For the right kind of day, $141 is reasonable. You are paying for time on a real sailing boat and a flexible route around the Pakleni Islands, not simply transportation. Go in expecting a relaxed six-hour outing, pack for sun and wind, and this should be a rewarding way to see the coves around Hvar.

FAQ

How long is the Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

The tour lasts six hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $141 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at the waterfront restaurant is not included and must be paid for separately.

What food and drinks are included?

Wine, water, crackers, and chocolate wafers are included.

Which places may the boat visit?

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

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes a swim stop in bays with clear water suitable for swimming.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is a paddleboard available?

Yes. A stand-up paddleboard is included for use during the outing.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Croatian and English.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and pregnant women.