Hvar: Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour with Brunch

The best thing about this Hvar sailing trip is its small scale. You spend the day on a 40-year-old wooden boat, freshly renovated, with skipper John guiding you around the Pakleni Islands and adjusting the route to your wishes. This is not a fixed beach-hopping run with a loud crowd and a clock ticking at every stop.

I like the quiet anchorages and the freedom to choose how long you stay. I also like the homemade brunch, especially the focaccia prepared by John’s mother, with wine, fruit, and water served on board. The main consideration is the sea itself: if you are prone to seasickness, a full day on a sailing boat may not be comfortable.

Key points

• A traditional 9.5-meter wooden boat: The 40-year-old vessel has been renovated and includes a toilet, refrigerator, and snorkeling gear.
• A flexible route around 21 islands: You can help decide where to stop and how long to stay, with about four stops during the day.
• Skipper John sets a relaxed tone: He is praised for finding less crowded places while still including popular swimming spots when wanted.
• A homemade Croatian-style brunch: Expect focaccia, seasonal fruit, wine, and water, with gluten-free focaccia available by request according to one booking experience.
• Private-group atmosphere: The boat is arranged for a private group, and several bookings had only two or three people on board.
• A long day on the Adriatic: The advertised duration is 450 minutes, with up to eight hours on the boat, so bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and patience for open-water travel.

Setting Out From Hvar’s Riva

Your meeting point is in front of the entrance to Hotel Riva, right on Hvar’s waterfront. That is an easy place to find, but give yourself enough time to get there without rushing. The boat then heads from Hvar toward Sveti Klement and the surrounding Pakleni Islands.

The trip lasts about seven hours according to the route description, while the booking details allow up to eight hours on the boat. In practical terms, plan for most of a day. This is not a quick morning cruise that leaves you plenty of time for another major activity afterward.

The Pakleni group contains 21 islands and islets, each with a different feel. Some spots suit a quiet swim and a bit of sun. Others offer beach bars, waterfront tavernas, or more activity. The value of having a skipper becomes clear here, since the best choice depends on the weather, sea conditions, and how busy each anchorage feels that day.

A Small Wooden Boat With Real Character

The boat is 9.5 meters long and about 40 years old, though it has been freshly renovated. That combination gives the outing more character than a standard motorboat transfer. You get the look and feel of a traditional sailing vessel, but with practical features that matter during a full day at sea.

There is a toilet on board, a refrigerator, and snorkeling equipment. Those are modest details, but they make the trip easier. You do not need to cut a swim short because you need facilities, and you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

This is still a boat, not a floating lounge. Space is limited compared with a large cruise vessel, and the sea may be lively. If you like the idea of a quieter boat with a personal route, the size works in your favor. If you need lots of room to move around or dislike boat motion, think carefully before booking.

The group format is private, and the strongest praise centers on the personal feel. Some bookings had only two or three people on board, while another couple had the boat to themselves. Group size can vary, so do not assume every departure will be just two people, but the setup is designed to avoid the packed-boat experience.

Choosing the Day With Skipper John

Skipper John, also referred to as Johny in one booking, is central to the experience. His job is not just to steer from one named stop to the next. He talks with you about the kind of day you want, then adjusts the route.

You can ask for more swimming, more quiet time, more scenery, or a mix of lively and peaceful places. The boat usually makes around four stops, though the exact locations and length of each visit depend on the conditions and your conversation with the skipper.

That flexibility is a real benefit around the Pakleni Islands. A popular cove may be attractive but crowded. Another nearby place may offer better swimming conditions or a calmer setting. John is praised for knowing corners of the islands where you can get away from the busiest spots, while still taking you to well-known places if that is what you want.

The best approach is to speak up early. Tell him if swimming matters more than sightseeing, if you want time for lunch rather than several short stops, or if you prefer a quieter day. The route is built through conversation, so a clear idea of your priorities helps.

Sveti Klement and the Island-Hopping Route

Sveti Klement is the main island named in the route, but the day is about sailing through the wider Pakleni chain rather than checking off one landmark. Scenic views unfold as you move between islands, with time to look toward Hvar and across the open Adriatic.

The island group gives the skipper room to change plans. You might stop near a clear swimming area, continue to a cave, or pause in a quieter section for sun and sea views. The exact four stops are not fixed in the information provided, which is useful if weather or crowd levels change.

Palmižana, on Sveti Klement, is one of the better-known places in the island group. It has waterfront tavernas and local life, including seafood. The tour description presents it as part of the culture and atmosphere of the islands, but you should not assume that every departure includes a long meal stop there. The homemade brunch is served on board, and your route is set with the skipper.

The strength of this format is that you are not forced to spend equal time at every location. If the first swim is excellent, you can stay longer. If a stop feels too busy, you can move on. That makes the day feel less like transportation and more like a private outing.

Swimming, Caves, and Time to Do Very Little

The clearest reason to book this trip is the time in the water. The Pakleni Islands offer clear sea for swimming and snorkeling, and equipment is provided. You can explore below the surface, look around caves, or simply float and cool off.

Do not expect a guided marine biology lesson or a formal cave expedition. The description promises chances to explore caves and snorkel, not a technical excursion. Think of these as flexible activities you can enjoy at your own pace, with John helping you choose suitable places.

You can also do almost nothing. Stretch out in the sun, watch the islands pass, and let the boat carry you to the next stop. That may sound simple, but it is one of the trip’s strongest features. Hvar can feel energetic, especially around the waterfront, and a full day on the sea gives you a change of pace.

Bring a towel and swimwear, even if you are unsure about swimming before departure. Also pack sunscreen and a camera. The boat has a refrigerator, but you should not treat that as a reason to arrive unprepared. Water is included, along with wine, but your comfort still depends on what you bring for the day.

The Focaccia Brunch on Board

The food is more personal than the usual packaged boat lunch. Brunch includes homemade focaccia, seasonal fruit, wine, and water. Several bookings specifically praised the focaccia, and one person received a gluten-free version prepared for the trip.

The homemade element matters because the meal becomes part of the family-run character of the outing. You are not simply handed a standard snack box. You eat on board, surrounded by sea views, and the food fits the slower pace of the day.

The available details do not describe a full restaurant-style lunch or a menu of several dishes. If you need a large meal, have dietary restrictions, or do not drink wine, ask about arrangements before departure. The most reliable expectation is a generous-feeling brunch built around focaccia, fruit, wine, and water.

Brunch also gives the day a natural pause. After swimming or snorkeling, sitting down to eat on the boat feels more satisfying than grabbing food between rushed stops. If the route includes time near Palmižana, you may see waterfront tavernas there, but the included meal is the food served on the boat.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

The tone is relaxed and responsive. John is repeatedly praised for being friendly without taking over the day, and for asking if the stops suit the people on board. That is important on a private sailing trip. A skipper who ignores your wishes can make a small boat feel confining, while a skipper who listens lets the day develop naturally.

The boat’s traditional design also shapes the mood. You are not signing up for a high-speed ride between beaches. Sailing around the islands leaves room for scenic views and quiet stretches on the water. If you want constant action, you might find the pace too gentle. If you want a day where the journey matters as much as the stops, it should fit well.

The private-group arrangement also suits couples, families, and small groups who want time together without strangers filling every seat. Party groups are not allowed, so this is better for people seeking swimming, food, conversation, and calm rather than a floating nightclub.

Is $107 a Good Value?

At $107 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to reach the Pakleni Islands. You are paying for a long day, a private skipper, fuel, moorings, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, a toilet on board, and brunch. The value depends heavily on group size.

For a couple or a small group, the price buys a more personal route than a standard shared excursion. You are not only paying to see the islands. You are paying for someone to handle the boat, suggest less crowded places, adjust the timing, and provide the equipment and food.

The price is less compelling if you only want a short swim and a quick look at the islands. In that case, a shorter boat trip may suit you better. But for a full day with roughly four stops and the ability to set the pace, $107 can be fair, especially if the boat is lightly occupied.

The strongest value comes from the flexibility. A fixed group cruise may cost less, but it usually cannot stay longer at your favorite cove or shift away from a crowded stop as easily. Here, the route is part of what you are buying.

Who Should Book This Sailing Day?

I would choose this trip if you want a slow day at sea, prefer a small group, and like making decisions as you go. It is especially suited to couples and small parties who care about quiet swimming spots, homemade food, and a skipper who responds to their mood.

It also works for people who want to see several sides of the Pakleni Islands. You can combine popular places with quieter anchorages, then add snorkeling, cave exploring, or simple sun time. You do not need sailing experience, since a private skipper handles the boat.

I would hesitate if you are prone to seasickness, dislike long periods on the water, or need a highly structured sightseeing program. The day is built around weather, sea conditions, and conversation rather than a strict list of guaranteed stops. Bad weather can lead to a cancellation or a changed route, so check the forecast before booking.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Hvar plans are still changing, but they do not remove the need to watch the weather.

Should You Book the Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour?

Book it if your ideal Hvar day includes a wooden boat, clear water, a homemade focaccia brunch, and the freedom to linger. Skipper John’s calm, flexible approach is the main reason this feels more personal than a basic island transfer.

Skip it if you want a cheap, short outing or if boat motion makes you unwell. For everyone else, the combination of a small group, about four stops, snorkeling gear, and a route shaped around your wishes makes this one of the better choices for a full day around the Pakleni Islands.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Meet in front of the entrance to Hotel Riva on Hvar’s Riva waterfront.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The listed duration is 450 minutes, or seven and a half hours. The tour details also allow up to eight hours on the boat, and the route description refers to about seven hours of sailing and stops.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route sails around the Pakleni Islands, a chain of 21 isles, with Sveti Klement named as the main destination. The exact stops can change through discussion with the skipper.

How many stops does the boat make?

The tour usually makes around four stops. You can discuss where to stop and how long to stay with the captain.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The activity is offered as a private group experience. The exact number of people on your boat can vary.

Who is the skipper?

The skipper is John, also referred to as Johny in one booking detail. The listed tour languages are English and Croatian.

What food and drinks are included?

The included brunch consists of homemade focaccia, seasonal fruit, wine, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it in the clear waters around the islands.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. Also check the weather forecast before booking, since poor weather can lead to a changed or canceled tour.