One boat, three islands, your own pace. This full-day private Split escape is built for island-hopping by water, so the views keep changing without the stress of constant stops on land. I really like that you spend real time in Hvar and the Pakleni Islands for swimming and photo breaks, and that the day is shaped around the crew’s guidance rather than a rigid, cattle-car schedule.

The only thing to watch: pickup isn’t always included. If you need to be picked up outside the marina or waterfront, there’s an additional fee.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private boat time for up to 12: you’re not sharing the experience with other groups.
• Snorkeling gear included: you can switch from sunbathing to snorkeling without extra planning.
• Hvar’s quieter bays: Zarace, Milna, Dubovica, plus Pakleni Beach highlights like Mlini and Palmizana.
• Pakleni Islands wine tasting: included admission tied to an underwater wine cellar.
• Flexible moments on the water: stop for photos or a swim when conditions and timing allow.
• Crew-led lunch guidance: get practical recommendations for local seafood where it makes sense.

Split to the Open Sea on the Colnago 35

This is a “go by boat” day, and that matters more than you’d think. In Split, you start from the water level, not the top of a hill. That simple switch turns the coastline into something you can actually enjoy—angles change fast, islands look bigger from offshore, and every stop feels like a fresh scene.

The boat is a Colnago 35, and the tour is priced per group (up to 12), which is what makes it feel like a real charter day rather than a group bus tour. The schedule runs about 9 hours, with time carved out for Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, and a shorter Brac stop.

You’ll also be traveling in English, with a mobile ticket used for the experience. It’s set up so most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. One more small plus: since it’s a private tour, you’re not negotiating your day around strangers who want a different pace.

The vibe you’re paying for

The best value isn’t only the route. It’s the feeling of space and control. When you have the boat to yourselves, you can actually linger at a cove that feels right, ask for a swim spot, or take a few extra photos without the whole day falling behind.

Hvar Stop: Quiet Southern Shores, Real Swim Time

Hvar is the first big win of the itinerary, and not just because it’s famous. You’re aiming for the southern shores and nearby Pakleni area beaches—places where you can swim and hang out for a solid stretch without the day turning into a rushed checklist.

This stop lasts about 3 hours, and the admission ticket is listed as free for your time there. That matters because it keeps your day flexible: you can focus on what you actually want to do—shade, swimming, snorkeling, or a slow walk along rocky shorelines.

What you can expect at Hvar

You’ll be guided toward swim-friendly areas, including mentions of beaches and coves like Zarace, Milna, and Dubovica, plus time around the monumental Red Rocks area. If you like water that’s calm enough for an easy snorkel, this is the kind of stop that usually works well because the day’s structure gives you time to do more than one activity.

Here’s how I’d plan your 3 hours on Hvar:

• Start with a quick survey from the boat and pick one swim point that looks safest and easiest to enter.
• Use snorkeling gear early if you want it while you’re still fresh and motivated.
• Save time for a second swim or a longer sit if the first cove feels perfect.

A realistic drawback to consider

Hvar time is great, but it’s still only 3 hours. If you’re the type who wants a long lunch and a long beach layover, you’ll need to choose your priorities fast. The good news is the rest of the day includes more water time, so you’re not forced into “all or nothing” here.

Pakleni Islands: Coves, Beaches, and Underwater Wine Tasting

If Hvar sets the tone, the Pakleni Islands are where the day starts to feel like a true island day. This is the longest stop at about 5 hours, and the itinerary notes admission included here.

One of the most unique elements: a wine tasting connected to an underwater wine cellar. Even if you’re not a hardcore wine person, this is one of those experiences that gives the water-hopping day a story. The tour doesn’t just show you coastlines; it adds a local twist that fits the setting.

Expect a long, playful stretch

During Pakleni time, you’re looking at:

• stopping at coves and beaches
• more swimming breaks
• relaxed cruising around the islands
• specific highlighted beaches such as Mlini Beach and Palmizana Beach

This is also where you’ll appreciate the private setup most. You can move at the crew’s pace, which usually means better timing for water entry and more realistic chances to snag a calm spot.

Lunch guidance that’s actually useful

You’ll also get lunch recommendations from your crew, specifically for great local seafood. Since lunch details aren’t listed as included, this is the kind of support that protects your day from decision fatigue. You won’t be guessing what’s good nearby—you’ll have crew advice on where to go for food that fits the vibe of the islands.

Practical tip: ask your crew what to order based on what you’ve already planned. If you’re snorkeling a lot that day, you may want something filling but not heavy.

Brac Island: Short Stop, Coffee Break Energy

Then the day shifts to Brac. This stop is short—about 1 hour—and it’s described as a coffee break.

So think of Brac less as another big “sightseeing block,” and more as a reset. After hours of boat time, swimming, and sun, a quick coffee and a chance to reset helps you enjoy the day instead of just surviving it.

How to use the Brac hour

Use it strategically:

• Drink something hot or refreshing, then decide if you want to take one last photo from a viewpoint the crew suggests.
• If you’re feeling tired, this is where you can slow down and recharge without feeling like you missed a long shore program.

Because the stop is brief, I’d treat it as a bonus break, not a core reason to book.

The Most Valuable Part: Snorkeling Gear and Flexible Sea Time

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, plus bottled water and soda/pop. That’s a strong combo for a day where you’ll be in and out of the water. It also keeps the “what do I need to bring?” list short.

The itinerary also says you can stop for photos or a swim as you wish. That flexibility is key, because it turns the day into something you can tune to weather, comfort, and energy. When sea days go well, it’s usually because you’re not stuck doing one activity no matter what.

What’s not included (and why it matters)

A few costs and items aren’t included:

• fuel
• crew
• pick up outside marina or on the waterfront (listed as $50)

Those items are the reason the headline price can look different depending on how your pickup works and how your group size fills out the boat’s capacity. Still, for a private 9-hour sea day with snorkeling gear and multiple island stops, it’s often easier to justify once you split the group cost.

Price and Logistics for a Private Boat Day From Split

The price is $1,321.54 per group, up to 12 people. On paper, that sounds like a lot—until you break it into what you’re actually buying: a private boat day that hits Hvar + the Pakleni Islands + Brac, includes snorkeling equipment, and includes a notable Pakleni wine tasting component.

A quick value check (how to think about the math)

• If you fill more seats, the cost per person drops fast.
• If you travel as a small group, it costs more per person, but you’re still buying privacy and time on the water without public tour friction.

This is a tour that tends to make sense if you have a group of friends, a multi-generational family setup, or anyone who hates feeling rushed.

Pickup reality

Pickup is offered, but with a catch: if your pickup location isn’t in the marina or waterfront area, there’s an additional $50 fee. If you’re staying slightly inland or far from the port, this fee can add up—so I’d plan your meeting point around the most convenient waterfront access you can.

Weather matters

The experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s normal for a boat day, but it’s still worth considering if your Split trip has only one day you can spend on the water.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a strong match for:

• people who want private boat time with family or friends
• swimmers and snorkelers who want gear provided
• travelers who like a day paced by the water instead of constant land transit
• anyone who enjoys “less crowded” island areas, especially around Hvar’s southern coasts and the Pakleni coves

It may be less ideal if:

• you need lots of land time for long walks, museums, or structured sightseeing
• you’re trying to keep every cost ultra-low, since pickup adjustments and excluded crew/fuel costs can affect the final total

The crew factor

One of the best parts of this kind of tour is how the crew handles the day in real time—where to swim, when to linger, what to eat, and how to keep things running smoothly. The tour is designed around that crew support, including lunch recommendations for local seafood, which is the kind of help that saves your energy.

Should You Book This Split Colnago 35 Full Day Escape?

Book it if you want a real boat day with privacy, good swimming time, and at least one “only on this kind of tour” experience like the underwater wine cellar tasting connected to Pakleni. The snorkeling gear and drink basics included mean you’re not constantly spending or planning just to enjoy the water.

I’d especially consider it if:

• you’re traveling in a group that can fill the 12-person capacity and lower your per-person cost
• you care more about coves, beaches, and sea views than ticking off landmarks
• you want an itinerary that gives you both structure and room to choose when to swim or take photos

If you’re hoping for lots of long, guided time on land, or you’re not comfortable with the idea that the day depends on good weather, then you might want a more land-based plan in Split.

Bottom line: this is the kind of tour that works best when you treat it like a full-day sea outing—show up ready to swim, eat well, and enjoy the coastline from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day Escape with Colnago 35 Sightseeing Tour?

It’s about 9 hours.

What is the price for the tour?

The price is $1,321.54 per group, up to 12 people.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Do I need to arrange pickup myself?

Pickup is offered. If pickup is outside the marina or on the waterfront, an additional $50 fee is charged.

What’s included in the tour?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and soda/pop are included.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point.