Hvar: Private Sailing Boat Trip with Swimming and Snorkeling

Coves by sail, not by tour bus. This private Hvar trip gives you that slow, scenic feeling as you cruise the Pakleni Islands and stop for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

I love the small group size (up to 6), because the day stays flexible and you can actually enjoy time at each bay. I also like the boat itself, restored in 2023, with a sun canopy, comfy cushions, snorkeling masks, and practical onboard extras.

One thing to keep in mind: the exact number of stops and which coves you hit depends on wind conditions, so the pace can shift during the day.

Key things to know before you go

• Private boat for up to 6: You get the space and timing that big tours can’t offer.
• Pakleni Islands coves: Stops like Mlini, Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and more fit the “jump in, then relax” rhythm.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks are on board, plus you’ll have time to swim more than once.
• Boat comfort details: Sun canopy, sun deck cushions, Bluetooth speaker, and an icebox for keeping drinks cold.
• A local skipper named Jura: Clear, friendly guidance, plus smooth day-of problem solving when needed.

Why sailing the Pakleni Islands feels different

Hvar’s coastline is stunning from shore, but it’s another experience when you’re moving by sail. The Private Sailing Boat Trip has that best kind of freedom: you choose your pace while the boat does the work. You’ll glide around the Pakleni Islands, watching the shoreline slide past, then you’ll drop anchor or pull into coves where the water is clear enough to make snorkeling feel effortless.

What makes this trip especially appealing is the mix of scenery and water time. You’re not just staring at views from deck. You’re repeatedly stepping from boat to swim spot, then back again to rest under shade. It’s a simple formula, but it’s built for satisfaction.

I also like the “small boat” vibe. With capacity for 6 passengers, it feels calmer. The day doesn’t turn into a constant shuffle for space on crowded docks. If you want a Hvar day that feels personal and unhurried, this kind of itinerary matches that mood.

Getting on board at Riva 27 and the 2023 boat setup

You start at Riva 27, which is an easy reference point in Hvar. Once you’re aboard, the boat details matter more than people think. A lot of sailing days are either comfortable or they’re not. This one is set up to be comfortable.

First, the boat was restored in 2023. That signals a newer-feeling ride and well-kept equipment, and the day stays pleasant even when you’re out on the water for hours. You’ll have a sun canopy for shade and sun deck cushions for lying back. There’s also an onboard toilet, which is a big quality-of-life upgrade on longer outings.

For electronics and music, you’ll find a Bluetooth speaker and USB port. That means you can keep a playlist going without hauling extra gear. Wi-Fi is also included, which can help if you want to stay connected between swim breaks. And because the sea day is all about small conveniences, an icebox on board is clutch. Keep drinks cold and you avoid the “warm water in the afternoon” problem.

Only one practical catch stands out: towels are not included. If you want to be fully relaxed when you get back on board, bring your own.

How the day actually moves: Mlini first, then Pakleni coves

The route has a clear rhythm. You set off from Hvar, and your first stop is usually Mlini Beach. That’s where you get early momentum, with time to swim and snorkel while the day is still fresh. The water clarity in this region is a big part of the fun, so starting with a swim helps you feel like you’re getting the best part quickly.

After that, you visit a few more scenic locations around the Pakleni Islands. The exact number of stops depends on the tour length you book and the wind conditions of the day. You might sail past and stop at places like Perna, Palmizana, Jerolim, and Tarsce, then return to the boat for the in-between cruising time.

Here’s what I find useful when planning: don’t expect every stop to be identical. Some coves are better for a quick jump and float. Others are better for a longer hangout where you can swim more slowly and snorkel for multiple rounds. This itinerary is designed so you’re not stuck doing just one long swim and then nothing else.

If you want food, there’s an option to add a stop for lunch at an island restaurant. That can turn the day from “swim and chill” into “swim, chill, and refuel in a scenic setting.” Just remember lunch timing will affect how many swimming stops fit in.

Swimming and snorkeling in clear Hvar water

This is the heart of the experience, and the water time is built into the schedule. You get swimming and snorkeling time at your first stop at Mlini Beach, then you’ll hit additional locations where you can do it again. The sea around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands is known for visibility, and the trip’s structure uses that advantage.

Snorkeling masks are included, so you don’t need to rent anything or pack extra gear. The practical win is simple: you can spend less time preparing and more time actually in the water. When the boat stops, you can hop in, look around, then return to the deck. If you want to keep it casual, you can just float and swim, no pressure to “perform” at snorkeling.

Also, because it’s a private group, you have more freedom to choose your own rhythm. If you want to snorkel for a while, you can. If you want to swim more than snorkel, that’s fine too. The day stays comfortable because you have shade on board and cushioned seating when you come out of the water.

One thing to note for comfort: towels aren’t provided, so plan for that after each swim break. Bring what you need so you’re not dealing with damp hands and no place to dry off.

On-board comfort: shade, cushions, music, Wi-Fi, and an icebox

This trip gets the little things right. When you’re out on the water, “small upgrades” become big ones.

The sun canopy and sun deck cushions help you stay comfortable between swim stops. You’re not constantly searching for shade, and you can relax like you’re on a day off, not just a moving transport.

For entertainment, the Bluetooth speaker is included. That’s a fun detail for groups, especially if you want music without shouting over engine noise. There’s also a USB port if you bring devices you want to keep charged during the day.

The icebox is another smart touch. If you bring drinks, you can keep them cold instead of warm by mid-afternoon. Add in the onboard toilet and you get a day that feels more complete, especially for trips that run toward the longer end of the schedule.

Wi-Fi being included is not essential, but it can be useful if you like quick check-ins, maps, or messaging between coves. Either way, it helps the day feel modern and well equipped.

One more detail I appreciate: the boat includes snorkeling masks. That turns “we’ll snorkel if we remember to bring gear” into “we snorkel because it’s ready.” It’s the difference between a plan and an automatic good time.

How long to go: 2 to 8 hours and choosing your ideal pace

The duration you book changes the whole feel of the trip. With 2 to 8 hours, you’re not locked into a single style.

A shorter outing works if you want the highlights without committing to a full day. You still get the sailing vibe, you still get the first swim stop like Mlini Beach, and you may get fewer total locations depending on wind and timing.

A longer trip is better if you want multiple coves and more repeated time in the water. In that case, you’ll likely get a fuller circuit across the Pakleni Islands, with additional spots beyond the first stop. You’ll also have more breathing room for lunch if you want it, and more time to settle into the relaxed pace that makes sailing so good.

Wind conditions are a real factor here. Sailing time and stop choices depend on what the day’s weather allows. I’d treat that as part of the charm. If the day is breezier, the boat may be able to move more freely. If it’s lighter, your skipper will still work the route, and you’ll still get the swimming breaks. Just keep your expectations flexible.

Price and value: $471 per group up to 6

The price is $471 per group, for up to 6 passengers. That structure is why this trip can actually feel like good value.

If you fill the boat, the math is straightforward: $471 divided by 6 is about $78.50 per person. If you only have a couple of people, your per-person cost rises, but you still get the privacy and the full boat experience.

What you’re really paying for is time plus access. You’re not sharing a crowded catamaran with strangers, you’re not waiting on a large group schedule, and you’re not giving up your swim breaks to the logistics of other boats. The itinerary is built around multiple scenic coves and snorkeling time, with amenities onboard that support a comfortable day.

Also, the boat is restored in 2023 and comes with practical extras like an icebox and onboard toilet. Those details matter on the day, not just in a brochure.

In short, if you’re traveling with friends or family and you can reach the 6-person limit, this is one of the most cost-justified ways to do a sailing day from Hvar that doesn’t feel rushed.

Who should book this private sailing trip

This is a great fit if you want a Hvar day that blends sailing, snorkeling, and calm downtime in the same block of time.

It works especially well for:

• Small groups up to 6 who want privacy and flexibility
• People who care about time in the water, not just photo stops
• Families or friend groups celebrating something, since the boat setup supports a comfortable “together” day
• First-time sailors who want a relaxed experience, since the day is structured around stops and easy lounging between them

One more reason it fits: you’re guided by a friendly, capable skipper, often named Jura. He comes across as informal and communicative, and he helps the day run smoothly, including with problem solving if something gets left behind. That kind of care makes the experience feel safer and more personal.

Should you book this Hvar private sailing boat trip?

Yes, if your ideal Hvar day includes private time, repeated swim breaks, and a boat that’s actually comfortable for lounging. The route design around the Pakleni Islands, plus snorkeling gear on board and an icebox for drinks, matches that goal well.

Book it if you can do one of two things: either bring a group close to the 6-person capacity to keep per-person value strong, or choose a longer duration (toward the high end) so you get multiple coves and enough time to savor the day.

Skip or reconsider if you’re very fixed on one specific cove or a precise number of stops. The schedule shifts with wind conditions, and the day is planned to make the best use of what the weather allows.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Riva 27 and returns back to Riva 27.

How many people can join the private boat trip?

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

How long is the trip?

The duration is 2 to 8 hours, depending on the option you book.

What is the first planned swimming stop?

The day usually starts with a first stop at Mlini Beach, where you can swim and snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included.

What onboard amenities are included?

The boat includes a sun canopy, sun deck cushions, Bluetooth speaker, USB port, icebox, Wi-Fi, and an onboard toilet.

Are towels included?

No. Towels are not included.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide speaks English and Croatian.

What are the cancellation terms?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option.