Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour

The best part of this six-hour outing is the chance to experience the Pakleni Islands from a proper sailing boat, not a crowded sightseeing vessel. The 42-foot boat gives you room to stretch out, sunbathe, and watch the coast slide past under sail.

I like the clear water at the swimming bays and the practical extras: snorkeling gear and a SUP are included. I also like the small-group format, which makes a sailing day feel more personal. The main caution is pace. One account describes a long, slow stretch under way, so this tour suits you best if you enjoy time on the water rather than constant activity.

Key points

• A 42-foot regatta-style boat: You get more room for sunbathing and movement than on a small speedboat.
• Swimming in clear island bays: Stops may include Zdrilca or Vela Garska Bay, along with coves around St. Klement.
• Lunch by the sea: Your skipper selects a suitable restaurant stop, but lunch is not included in the $141 price.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddle board are available during the swim stop.
• A relaxed six-hour pace: The day includes sailing, swimming, and lunch, but it is not designed as a rapid island-hopping circuit.
• Weather shapes the plan: Anchorage and conditions determine which bay and restaurant you visit.

Sailing the Pakleni Islands on a 42-foot boat

This is a full half-day on the water, with the boat itself forming much of the experience. The 42-foot regatta-style vessel is large enough to offer plenty of space for sitting or sunbathing, yet it still gives you the feel of a sailing excursion rather than a basic coastal transfer.

That distinction matters. A fast boat can cover more ground, but a sailing boat gives you time to notice the coastline, the rocky coves, and the changing shades of the sea. You may spend part of the route simply sitting back with a glass of wine, watching the islands pass.

The boat is not presented as a luxury yacht, and you should not expect a nonstop entertainment program. Its appeal is room, fresh air, and a more classic sailing feel. If you like the idea of being on deck with space around you, this is a stronger choice than a cramped motorboat.

The day is offered for $141 per person. That is a serious price for a six-hour outing, but the value depends on what you want from it. You are paying for the boat, skipper, sailing time, water, wine, snacks, snorkeling gear, SUP access, and the convenience of a planned swim and restaurant stop. Lunch remains separate, so your final cost will be higher once you order at the island restaurant.

For a private booking, the price may feel reasonable if you want control over the day and a roomier boat. For a shared small group, it is best viewed as a relaxed sailing experience, not as the cheapest way to reach the Pakleni Islands.

Choosing between St. Klement, Zdrilca, and Vela Garska Bay

The route is flexible. Possible stops include bays on St. Klement, the passage between the islands, Zdrilca Bay, and Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. You should think of these places as possible sailing and swimming settings rather than fixed attractions with guaranteed visit times.

St. Klement is one of the main islands in the Pakleni group, and its sheltered coves make it a natural place to stop the boat. The appeal is simple: clear water, a quiet anchorage, and a good setting for a swim away from the mainland.

Zdrilca Bay offers another possible stop among the islands. Vela Garska Bay, on Hvar, gives the skipper a different option if conditions or anchorage make it more practical. The exact choice is made on the day.

That flexibility is useful in a sailing environment. Wind, sea conditions, and the ability to anchor safely can change the plan. You should not book this expecting a fixed sequence of bays. Instead, expect your skipper to choose the most suitable location for swimming and lunch.

The tradeoff is that you may not visit every place shown on the route map. If you want to collect a long list of island names, a faster boat tour may cover more ground. If you care more about a good bay and a comfortable stop, the flexible plan makes sense.

The swim stop, with snorkeling and SUP time

The swimming stop is one of the strongest parts of the day. The bays are described as having pristine, crystal-clear water, suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography. Bring your own camera only if you are comfortable using it around salt water, as no special photography service is included.

Snorkeling gear is provided, which saves you from packing your own mask and fins. A SUP is also included, giving you another way to use the bay. You can swim, paddle, or stay on deck and enjoy the view. The experience is not built around organized water games, so the amount of activity depends on your group and the time available.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A jacket is also listed as something to bring, and that is sensible on an open boat. Even a warm day can feel cooler once the boat is moving or the wind picks up.

Do not expect a full day of repeated swim stops. The schedule includes a swimming break and a lunch break, and one account specifically found only two stops during the day. That can feel just right if you want a calm outing. It may feel limited if your main goal is to swim in many different coves.

Lunch at a seaside restaurant

After the swim, the skipper takes you to a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands, choosing the most suitable location based on weather and anchorage conditions. The plan is to have a proper Dalmatian meal beside the sea rather than eat a packed snack on board.

Lunch is not included. You will pay for your own meal at the restaurant, so allow extra money beyond the $141 tour price. The food can include local fish and other Dalmatian dishes, but the exact menu is not specified and may vary with the chosen restaurant.

This stop adds real value if you want a taste of local dining rather than a quick sandwich between activities. One Italian couple described eating very good fish at a typical local place, while also praising the skipper’s friendly and helpful manner. That gives you a useful picture of the experience: the meal can be a memorable part of the day, but it is a separate purchase and depends on the restaurant selected.

The restaurant stop also shapes the pace. A six-hour tour cannot offer a long sailing route, a substantial swim, and an extended lunch without some quiet time in between. If you prefer a tightly packed schedule, you may find the meal stop too long. If you like sitting by the water with a proper meal, it is a welcome break.

What the skipper adds to the day

The skipper is both your boat operator and your guide. The listed languages are Croatian and English. One skipper was praised for being from Hvar and for sharing local knowledge, which is useful when the route changes with the weather.

You should expect practical guidance about where to swim, where the boat can anchor, and which restaurant works best that day. The skipper also decides how the boat approaches each bay. That role matters more here than on a fixed sightseeing cruise because the route depends on conditions.

The strongest feedback centers on friendly service. One account describes the skipper as very kind and available, while another calls the day beautiful and praises the skipper’s friendly manner. Those comments point to the human side of the outing: the right skipper can make the flexible plan feel thoughtful rather than uncertain.

Still, service may not feel identical on every departure. One person felt they were offered only one drink during the trip, despite wine and water being included. Treat the included wine as a provision, not as an unlimited drinks service. Water is a smart choice in the sun, and you may want to bring any other beverage you specifically need if the booking rules allow it.

A relaxed sailing day, not a speed tour

The length of this outing is both its strength and its risk. Six hours gives you enough time to sail, stop for a swim, eat lunch, and spend time around the islands without rushing from one activity to the next.

The boat may move slowly for stretches, especially when sailing conditions are light or when the skipper is managing the route. One account found about an hour and a half of the trip boring because the boat seemed to move very slowly. That is the clearest warning to take seriously.

I would book this if you enjoy the sound of water, open views, and unhurried time on deck. I would not book it if you need constant motion, frequent stops, or an action-heavy schedule. The boat is the attraction, and sailing can include stretches where not much happens.

The supplied crackers and chocolate wafers help with small hunger, but they are not a substitute for lunch. If you tend to get hungry early, plan around the restaurant timing. You should also use sunscreen regularly, since a long period on the water can leave you more exposed than a day spent walking through town.

Who will get the most from this outing

This tour suits couples, friends, and small groups who want a more personal day around the Pakleni Islands. It is particularly good for you if you value a larger boat, a proper meal stop, and the chance to swim in clear water without organizing every detail yourself.

It also works for people who want a gentler alternative to a high-speed boat circuit. You have room to sit, a SUP to use, and time to enjoy wine and snacks. The route feels more like a day at sea than a checklist of coastal sights.

It may be a poor fit for anyone with mobility impairments or for pregnant women, as the activity is specifically not recommended for those groups. The tour is also less suitable for you if you want a guaranteed list of exact bays, many swim stops, or a quick route around the entire island group.

Private and small-group formats are available. A private departure gives you a more exclusive setting, while a small shared group can reduce the cost compared with hiring the full boat. The exact group size is not specified, so confirm the format before booking if personal space is important to you.

Practical value at $141 per person

At $141, this is not a bargain boat ride. Its value comes from the combination of a large sailing boat, six hours on the water, a skipper, wine, water, snacks, snorkeling equipment, SUP use, and a restaurant stop.

The 42-foot boat is the key detail. If you have previously felt cramped on small excursions, the extra deck space can justify part of the price. The sailing experience also makes this different from a simple transfer to a swimming cove.

You should add the cost of lunch when comparing this with other tours. Since the restaurant and meal are not included, the final bill will be higher than the advertised rate. On the other hand, you get to choose what you order rather than paying for a fixed meal you may not want.

The value is strongest for a relaxed day with a small group and a friendly skipper. It is weaker if you measure value by the number of stops. A slower route with one main swim stop may not satisfy you if a less expensive trip offers several short swimming breaks.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check available starting times before booking, since the departure schedule is not fixed in the information provided.

What to pack for the six-hour trip

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Add a light jacket because wind can make the boat feel cool, even when the day is warm.

The boat provides water, wine, crackers, chocolate wafers, snorkeling gear, and a SUP. Lunch is your responsibility, so bring a payment method for the restaurant. You may also want a small dry bag for personal items, though one is not listed as included.

Do not pack as if this were a long expedition. The important items are sun protection, swim gear, and a layer for the ride. If you plan to take underwater photos, secure your equipment carefully before entering the water.

Should you book the Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

Book this tour if you want a spacious sailing boat, a clear-water swim, and lunch by the sea in one relaxed half-day. The friendly skipper service, included SUP and snorkeling gear, and flexible route make it a pleasant choice for people who enjoy being on the water more than racing between sights.

Think twice if you want several swimming bays, a fast boat, or constant activity. The slow pace has been a real drawback for at least one person, and lunch costs extra. For the right kind of day, though, the 42-foot boat and unhurried time around St. Klement, Zdrilca, or Vela Garska Bay offer a comfortable way to see the Pakleni Islands.

FAQ

How long is the Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

The tour lasts six hours. The time includes sailing, a swimming stop, and a restaurant stop for lunch.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $141 per person. Lunch is not included, so you should budget extra for your meal.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a skipper and guide, wine, water, crackers, chocolate wafers, snorkeling gear, and a stand-up paddle board.

Is lunch included?

No. The skipper takes you to a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands, but you pay separately for your meal.

Which places can the tour visit?

Possible locations include bays on St. Klement, the passage between the islands, Zdrilca Bay, and Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. The final choice depends on weather and anchorage conditions.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The bays have clear water suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is a SUP available?

Yes. A stand-up paddle board is included for use during the swimming stop.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in Croatian and English.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.