Hvar: Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour with Brunch

Best day on the water starts with a sail. This Pakleni Islands cruise turns Hvar’s shoreline into a string of 21 isles, with plenty of time to swim, peek at caves, and just slow down while sailing. I especially like the homemade focaccia brunch served on board, paired with wine, water, and seasonal fruit, so your meal feels part of the day instead of an afterthought.

One note before you book: it is not a great fit if you get seasick, since you will be out on open water for up to about 8 hours. And like all sea days, bad weather can lead to changes, so it helps to check conditions ahead of time.

Key things I’d plan around

• Traditional wooden sailing boat (about 9.5 meters), freshly renovated, with a toilet and fridge
• Private skipper who matches your pace, including how long you stay at each spot
• About four stops in a typical tour day, mixing scenic sailing with swim breaks
• Snorkeling gear on board, plus options for caves and quiet anchorages
• Homemade focaccia brunch, often described as excellent, with wine and seasonal fruit

Pakleni Islands sailing: why this part of Hvar hits different

The Pakleni Islands sit right off the coast of Hvar, and from land they can look like scenery. From the water, they turn into choices. One cove can feel calm and private. Another can be lively with beach bars nearby. And because you are on a boat, you are not stuck with one view and one spot.

This tour is built for that flexibility. You are not just touring past islands, you are moving between anchorages and doing short, practical activities like swimming and snorkeling. The pace is also adjustable, which matters on a day when you might want more time floating in the water or more time exploring a cave or shoreline.

The other big reason I like this area is how varied it is. The Pakleni chain is made up of 21 islands, each with its own feel, so you get variety without having to travel far. In other words, it is a long day in one compact region, which is exactly how you want a boat day to work.

The boat and skipper setup: private, renovated, and comfortable

You sail on a traditional wooden sailing boat about 9.5 meters long, described as around 40 years old but freshly renovated. That combination is a sweet spot. You get the classic wooden-boat feel, not some plastic, generic dayboat. At the same time, the practical stuff is handled.

On board you have a toilet, a refrigerator, and snorkeling equipment. Those may sound like small details, but after a few hours in salt air, they matter. The fridge means your drinks and refreshments stay more pleasant, and having a toilet saves you from planning your day around bathroom timing.

The skipper is the real engine of the day. This is a private group format, and you will be with a dedicated captain who handles fuel, moorings, and navigation. A repeated theme in the experience is that the skipper stays friendly and helpful without taking over. You can set the vibe.

Captain John (spelled John or Johny in different bookings) is a name that comes up often, and the way people talk about him is consistent: he knows corners of the islands and chooses spots to avoid crowds when possible. That means your day has a better chance of feeling like yours.

A real sailing day: pacing, stop rhythm, and making it yours

Expect a day structured around sailing time plus breaks. The tour offers up to about 8 hours on the boat. In practice, you will get a mix of time moving between areas and time stopped to swim, snorkel, or explore.

A key part of the experience is how the stops are decided. You will talk with the captain about where you want to go and how long you want to stay at each location. That is not a nice-to-have. On a trip like this, your preferences are everything. Some people want more snorkeling time. Others want more sun and less gear. Some want calm anchorages. Others want to see where the more popular beach scenes are.

Most tours of this type make around four stops, so you are not bouncing nonstop. You have enough rhythm to feel like you are seeing the islands, but enough stillness to actually enjoy the water.

From the start, the day flows like a traditional sail. You begin at Riva, sail past scenic spots, and then work your way through island time in chunks. The itinerary specifically includes Sveti Klement as a stop, so you can look forward to at least one named place in the day, not just vague island hopping.

Sveti Klement and the first sailing hours

Sveti Klement is listed as the first real stop, and that matters because it sets the tone early. This is when the day shifts from leaving Hvar behind to starting the island rhythm.

Before you even reach your first anchorage, you get the sailing part of the experience: views, breeze, and that steady feeling of moving across the Adriatic. If you like sailing, you will appreciate the fact that the tour does not just treat the boat as a taxi. You are on it long enough to feel like the boat is part of the attraction.

One thing I like about this structure is it gives you a warm-up. You see how the conditions are. You gauge whether you want more swim time soon or later. Then the captain can steer the day accordingly based on your answers.

If you are worried about discomfort or wind, this first section is where you can adjust your expectations. Bring sunscreen and plan to layer if it cools down. It is an open-sea day, so being prepared makes the whole experience feel calmer.

Snorkeling, caves, and beach time without the stress

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and the experience is built around options: you can snorkel in clear water, explore caves, or just swim and hang out where the water looks best.

The practical takeaway: do not think of this as one forced activity. Think of it as several possible windows. Some spots lend themselves to a quick snorkel. Some are better for an easy entry and lounging. Some offer cave exploration, which typically means slower, more careful movement and time spent spotting where you can safely go.

Because the captain controls the stops, you get the benefit of local judgment. In the feedback, people emphasize that the skipper helps you find a mix of more popular sights and quieter, less crowded areas. That blend is what keeps a day like this from feeling either too chaotic or too boring.

Also, you are not dealing with the usual crowd problem of a speedboat run where everyone jumps at once. In the private setting, you can often enjoy your swim break with less waiting, less jostling, and more time to settle into the water.

The brunch on board: focaccia, wine, and small details that make it feel special

This is one of the biggest reasons people love the tour. Your brunch is served on board and includes homemade focaccia, plus wine, water, and seasonal fruit.

What makes it better than a generic snack is the emphasis on real food. Focaccia is not complicated in theory, but in practice it is hard to get right. Multiple bookings call out that it tastes excellent, and the homemade angle comes up repeatedly.

There is also a detail worth knowing if you have dietary needs. One booking specifically notes gluten-free focaccia was available. The exact phrasing suggests the skipper’s family can accommodate, so if you need a gluten-free option, it is worth asking in advance when you confirm.

You eat while still on the move or shortly after sailing to a calm spot, which changes the whole feeling of the meal. It is not, Where do we eat? It is, You get to take in the island views and then slow down for food.

If you like the combo of salt air plus carbs plus a glass of wine, you will probably treat this meal as a highlight, not fuel.

Price and value: what $107 buys you on the water

At around $107 per person, this can look like a big number until you add up what is included.

Here is what your money covers based on the provided details:

• a private skipper
• fuel, refreshments, and moorings
• a boat with a toilet
• snorkeling equipment
• a homemade brunch with focaccia, wine, water, and fruit

In other words, you are paying for the full day flow. You are not arranging your own boat, not hiring a skipper separately, and not packing your own meal and snorkeling gear. You also avoid the classic hassle of paying for a different transfer, different snacks, and then finding you still need to wait in line with everyone else.

Is it the cheapest way to see the Pakleni Islands? No. But it is also not just a scenic boat ride. It includes the kinds of pieces that usually cost extra if you DIY it.

For many people, the deciding factor is the combination of time on the water plus private pacing plus real food. That is a strong value formula for a day you want to feel relaxed, not rushed.

Who this trip fits best, and who should skip it

This is best for couples, small parties, or anyone who wants a calmer, more personal sailing day.

It is a private group experience, which typically means you spend the day with your own group rather than mixing with random strangers. The vibe described is friendly, relaxed, and pace-driven, with the captain checking what you want to do and how long you want to stay.

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you know you struggle on boats, this one is a gamble. If you are unsure, think carefully about how you usually handle ferries and windy days.

One more fit consideration: the tour says party groups are not allowed. That is good news if you want a more laid-back atmosphere. It also means the day is not designed for loud, disruptive energy.

Practical packing for Hvar sailing

For a day like this, packing is simple, but it matters. Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

I’d add one mindset: treat this like a full outdoor day. Even if you spend time in the shade, you are exposed while sailing and while snorkeling. Sunscreen is not optional.

Also, think about comfort. You will likely want something easy to wear for the water, plus a plan for drying off after you snorkel.

If you want to make the day smoother, consider bringing a small dry bag for your essentials. The tour includes a toilet and snorkeling gear, but your phone and camera still need basic protection in salty sea conditions.

Weather and sea conditions: the one thing you cannot control

This tour notes that if the weather is bad, it is possible to cancel or modify the tour. That is not a reason to avoid it. It is just a reminder to check the forecast when you can.

If the wind is strong or the sea looks rough, it affects comfort more than you might expect. Since the trip is not recommended for people prone to seasickness, weather day-of is an extra important variable for you.

Should you book this Pakleni Islands sailing tour with brunch?

Book it if you want a classic sailing day near Hvar, with real time to swim, snorkel, and explore, plus a meal that feels homemade and part of the day. The best match is someone who values flexible pacing and quieter anchorage time, and who appreciates that a captain can steer you away from crowds.

Skip it if boats make you feel sick, or if you are only looking for a quick photo stop. This works best as a full day experience, not a short taste.

If you do book, send a note to the captain about what you want most, swimming vs. caves vs. just relaxing. Then show up ready to set the pace together. That collaborative feel is a big part of why this sailing day earns such consistent praise.

FAQ

How long is the Pakleni Islands sailing tour with brunch?

The duration is listed as 450 minutes, and the experience includes up to 8 hours on the boat.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet in front of the entrance of Hotel Riva.

Is snorkeling included, and is there snorkeling equipment on board?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat is set up for snorkeling in the clear waters around the islands.

What is included in the brunch?

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

Does the tour have restroom facilities?

Yes. There is a toilet on board.

Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No, it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.