Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour

A half-day sail can feel like a week. This Pakleni Islands trip turns the Dalmatian coast into a sequence of crystal-clear swim bays and breezy 42ft sunbathing space. You get a proper sailing experience on a regatta-type boat, then time to cool off and float in water that looks unreal.

What I really like is how the day is built around the water, not just transportation. You’re out long enough to get a satisfying sail, then you stop in the kind of bays where swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photos actually make sense. The main catch to plan for is that lunch is extra, and the exact number of swim breaks can shift with anchorage and weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Regatta-type sailing on a 42ft boat, with room to spread out on deck
• Multiple bay options around St. Klement and Hvar, chosen based on conditions
• Swim time + snorkeling gear + SUP included, so you can change it up in the water
• Wine, water, and light snacks are part of the cruise, but lunch is not
• Small group or private options help keep the day from feeling rushed

Pakleni Islands, Hvar style: why this 6-hour sail feels special

Pakleni Islands are the reason sailors come to this part of Croatia. They sit right across from Hvar, and the coast is cut into sheltered pockets that stay inviting even when the open water feels less friendly.

This tour works because it treats sailing as the main event. You’re not just shuttled to one spot and told to stay busy. You get a half-day at sea where the sailboat actually moves and you still have time for the classic Adriatic routine: swim, float, reset, then do it again.

And because the skipper adjusts stops based on anchor availability and weather, you get the practical version of the “best bays” promise. You’re aiming for the clean water and calmer coves, not a schedule fantasy.

The boat, the space, and the sailing feel on a 42ft regatta-type sailboat

This is a sailing tour on a regatta-type sailboat, not a big party yacht. That matters because you feel the wind and the sailing motion more than you do on a motor-first day trip.

On a 42ft boat, the big win is simple: space. The deck is described as having lots of room for sunbathing, which is how you want to use time on this kind of cruise. You’re not trying to squeeze past strangers every time you want shade, a better photo angle, or a spot to rinse off after swimming.

You’ll also have a live guide who speaks Croatian and English, and a skipper who sets the pace. From the reviews, the skippers vary in how active the day feels, but the best days are the ones where you get a good mix of sailing time and real relaxation in the bays.

One thing to keep in mind: on-water days are always weather dependent. If conditions limit stops, you might end up with fewer swim opportunities than you imagined.

Route and stops: St. Klement bays, the passage, and Zdrilca or Vela Garska

The tour is designed around a couple of possible stop patterns, so the exact bay names and sequence can vary. You’ll typically visit areas around St. Klement (with different bay options), a passage stretch, and then either Bay Zdrilca or Vela Garska Bay on the island of Hvar.

Here’s what that means in real life:

St. Klement area bays

The St. Klement stops are all about getting you into that “clear water fast” zone. These bays are described as pristine and crystal-clear, and that’s the kind of water where snorkeling gear actually earns its place. It’s also where underwater photography can work well because visibility tends to be the main attraction.

Practical tip: if you want to snorkel, plan to put your gear on immediately when you arrive. Water clarity is best early, before the swim chaos sets in.

The passage stretch

The passage segment is where the sailing feel shows up. Even if you’re not a sailor, this is when you get that wind-driven motion and the sense that you’re moving along the coast rather than staying anchored the whole time.

If you’re sensitive to motion, this is also when you should take it easy on snacks and keep water nearby.

Bay Zdrilca or Vela Garska Bay on Hvar

The final swim and relax area is on the Hvar side of the story, and it’s where you’re likely to feel like the day is really clicking. The tour notes these bays as excellent for swimming and snorkeling, so you’re not just stopping for a view.

If anchorage allows, you’ll likely get enough time here for a swim, a second look around, and a calm sit-down before lunch.

Swim, snorkel, and SUP: how the included gear changes your day

This tour includes snorkeling gear plus a SUP (stand up paddle board). That’s not just a checklist item. It changes the day from a passive sit-and-sun cruise into something you can shape.

Snorkeling gear

You’re not expected to be an expert. The key is that the tour is built around bays with clear water, so you can actually see what’s under the surface. Even if you only do a short session, it’s usually enough to justify bringing swimwear and taking a careful look around.

SUP time

A SUP is perfect in sheltered bays. It gives you a way to explore slowly without burning energy like you would with constant swimming. If the water is calm enough, it also helps you position yourself for underwater photos from a stable spot.

Swim stop timing

One review note that stops can vary, including a case where there were only limited swim opportunities. So your best strategy is to be ready to jump in quickly when your bay stop happens, then enjoy the time you get rather than counting on a fixed number of swims.

Lunch at the bays: what to expect since it is not included

After the swim stop, you’ll have a lunch stop at a restaurant on Pakleni Islands. The wording is that your skipper brings you to the best suitable location depending on anchorage capability and weather, aiming for a proper Dalmatian lunch by the sea.

Two important things for your planning:

• Lunch is not included in the tour price.
• The restaurant stop timing depends on where the boat can anchor safely.

So what should you do? Bring cash or a card you trust for Croatia restaurant payments, and plan a bit of hunger. The cruise provides light snacks, but lunch is the meal you should count on to actually feel like a meal, not just a snack.

From the reviews, the lunch can be a highlight when conditions line up and you get a classic spot. Fish and local dishes are the kind of choice you’ll likely want in a place like this.

Price and value: is $141 for 6 hours fair?

At $141 per person for a 6-hour outing, you’re paying for three things that matter in Croatia:

1. A sailing experience on a real sailboat, not a motor-first cruise.
2. Included extras that would cost money separately, like wine, water, snorkeling gear, and SUP.
3. A skipper who chooses where you can swim based on conditions.

Wine and water help set the tone, and the snacks (crackers and chocolate wafers) are enough to tide you over between swim and lunch. The biggest value question is lunch, because it’s extra. If you typically spend carefully on food, make sure you budget for a proper seaside meal so the true day cost still feels fair.

In the reviews, the best-value sentiment is basically this: the shared group version can feel more reasonable when compared with private sailing rates, while still keeping the boat experience more personal than huge bus tours.

Just remember: the “value” depends on how many swim stops you get. If weather and anchorage reduce time in the water, you’ll still have a lovely sailing day, but you might feel the day is lighter on swimming than expected.

Comfort tips: what to bring for a sunny, salty half-day

The tour lists what you should pack, and honestly, it’s the right list. You’ll want:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Jacket
• Towel

Even in summer, a jacket helps because time on a sailboat can get breezy, especially during the passage. Also, sunglasses and sunscreen matter more here than you’d think, because the sun reflects off the water in ways that sneak up on you.

Mobility note: this tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If walking on deck and getting in and out of the water isn’t manageable for you, pick a different style of tour.

And pregnancy is listed as not suitable for pregnant women, so it’s best to respect that.

Who should book this Pakleni Islands sailing tour, and who should skip it

This is ideal if you want a classic Hvar add-on that feels like a true sailing day. You’ll like it if you:

• Enjoy swimming in sheltered coves
• Want snorkeling gear included without extra planning
• Like the idea of SUP in calm bays
• Prefer a small group or private feel

You might want to think twice if you get restless when the day runs slow, because the itinerary can shift with anchorage and conditions. One review example mentioned a pace that felt overly leisurely, and another pointed out that drink service and swim timing can vary.

If you’re the type who wants a strict schedule and maximum time underwater every hour, this tour might feel less predictable. If you’re flexible and you’d rather have a good sailing day plus at least one strong swim stop, it’s a great match.

Also, it helps if you’re comfortable spending a chunk of time on a boat. You’re not hopping on and off a lot.

Should you book this sailing tour of Pakleni Islands?

Yes, if you’re prioritizing a real sail, clear-water bay time, and included water activities. The price can feel very reasonable for a 6-hour experience when you factor in the boat type and included extras like wine, snorkeling gear, and SUP.

Skip or choose carefully if you expect lunch and swim stops to be perfectly consistent hour to hour. With sailing, the sea gets the final vote. If the skipper finds the best anchorage, that’s when the day feels like money well spent.

If you book, do yourself a favor: pack for sun and salt, budget for lunch, and be ready to enjoy what the day gives you once you’re out there.

FAQ

How long is the Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

The duration is 6 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is the price per person?

The price listed is $141 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the skipper or guide, wine, water, snacks (crackers and chocolate wafers), snorkeling gear, and a SUP (stand up paddle board).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a restaurant in one of the bays is not included in the price.

What stops does the tour include?

You may visit different bays around the island of St. Klement, then a passage, and then either Bay Zdrilca or Vela Garska Bay on the island of Hvar, depending on conditions.

What languages are offered by the guide?

The live guide provides Croatian and English.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a jacket, and a towel.

Is the tour cancellable for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.