Sailing here feels like the coast is handing you a postcard. This Pakleni Islands cruise runs on a regatta-type sailboat, so you get actual sailing, not just a motor ride while you stare at water. I like that the boat is a 42ft size with room to spread out, and that it’s built for time in the sun and a proper coastal rhythm.

Two things I particularly enjoy: the swim-and-cove style stops around St. Klement and nearby passages, and the fact that the day includes gear for getting in the water. You’re set up with snorkeling equipment and even a SUP, so you can choose how active you want to be.

One possible drawback to plan around: the day can include multiple stops, but they aren’t guaranteed in the same exact way for everyone because weather and anchorage decide what’s possible. Also, lunch is not included, so you’ll want to budget extra once you’re out there.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Regatta-style sailing on a 42ft boat with lots of sun space, so you can actually relax between moves.
• Multiple bay options around St. Klement and Hvar, picked for the best conditions.
• Snorkeling gear + SUP included, which means you can swim, float, or explore at your own pace.
• Wine, water, and small snacks are part of the cruise, helping the day feel like a real outing.
• Lunch stop depends on anchorage and weather, so the timing and exact location can shift.

Sailing the Pakleni Islands from a 42ft regatta-style boat

This tour is built around a simple idea: spend six hours on the water where the islands are the main event. You’re on a large 42ft sailing boat, and that matters more than you’d think. With more space on board, you can choose your spot—shade if you need it, or open deck if you don’t.

The boat type is also part of the fun. A regatta-style sailing setup feels livelier than the slow-andsteady approach some boat tours use. When the crew lets the sails work, you notice the change in pace, and you feel like you’re actually traveling under sail rather than being transported.

Group size tends to be small or private, and that usually translates into a more personal day on the water. In one booking experience, the group was six people, and the day felt flexible and friendly rather than rushed. You still get the social vibe, but without the chaos.

Route choices: St. Klement bays, the passage, and Hvar options

You’ll sail along the Dalmatian island chain with a couple of possible routes. The day can include St. Klement-area waters, sailing through passages, and then a bay stop option on Hvar like Zdrilca or Vela Garska.

What I like about this approach is that it keeps the day responsive. Instead of locking everyone into one “tick-box” location, the skipper can aim for bays that fit the conditions. That’s exactly what you want in Croatia’s island hopping days, where wind, swell, and anchorage can change hour to hour.

In practice, you should expect the itinerary to feel like a series of coastal reveals:

• you move from one stretch of water to another under sail,
• you pause for swimming in a clear bay,
• you settle into a longer stop for lunch later.

If you hate uncertainty, you might find it annoying. But if you like being out there and letting the conditions guide the plan, it’s a good match.

Swim and snorkel time in crystal-clear coves

The best part of the Pakleni Islands day is the water. These bays are known for clarity, and the tour is designed around that. You get time to swim and to use the provided snorkeling gear to look around underwater.

The water is also ideal for underwater photography, which you’ll notice right away once you’re in the right bay. Clear visibility means you can actually see what you’re photographing, not just “something blue” in a camera view.

What you get included makes a difference:

• Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t have to pack your own.
• SUP (stand up paddle board) is included, so you can glide along the surface if you don’t want to snorkel the whole time.

A practical tip: bring sunscreen and a towel you’ll actually use. You’ll likely be wet at least once, and you don’t want to be improvising with whatever’s in your bag. Also pack swimwear and plan to leave sunscreen on board—don’t assume the deck shade will save you.

One caution based on real experience: the number of swim stops can vary. In at least one booking, the day included only two swimming opportunities and one drink was served during the cruise. Translation: expect a main swim stop, and be pleasantly surprised if you get more.

Lunch by the sea on Pakleni Islands (and why timing can shift)

After the swim time, you’ll head to a restaurant stop on Pakleni Islands for lunch. This part is very “Croatia,” in the best way: proper seaside eating with the boats anchored and the salt air doing the work.

But here’s the detail that affects your expectations. Lunch is dependent on:

• anchorage capability, and
• weather conditions.

So you might not arrive at lunch at the same exact time as other people on other days, even if you share the same overall tour duration. That’s normal for sailing days. Wind can help or it can slow everything down, and anchoring is the bottleneck.

Also, lunch is not included in the price. You’re paying for the sail, the water time, and the included onboard basics (wine, snacks, hydration). Then lunch is the extra you budget for once you’re there.

In one booking, lunch was especially praised—fish and the typical spot vibe stood out, and it felt like a real local meal rather than a rushed tourist stop. If you’re picky about food, you might want to check with your skipper on the meal options once you’re close, but you shouldn’t expect a fully gourmet menu from the info given. Think hearty, coastal, and straightforward.

Wine, snacks, and the onboard comfort that makes the day work

This cruise includes wine and water, plus small snacks like crackers and chocolate wafers. It’s not a full bar situation, and you shouldn’t plan around it as your main food source. But it does keep the day from feeling dry and purely logistical.

In one review, wine and water were described as good, and the vibe included sailing plus a meal stop. That pairing is exactly what makes six hours feel like a complete outing instead of a short splash and zoom.

On the comfort side, the big win is deck space. A lot of island tours feel tight. Here, you get room to sit, lie down, and enjoy the sun-bathing side of the day. That’s not just comfort for comfort’s sake. It’s also about not feeling like you have to rush from one activity to the next.

If you get motion-sick easily, consider bringing a light layer too. A jacket is on the suggested packing list, and it can help if you’re on deck and the breeze changes. The same goes for sunglasses and a hat.

Skipper-led sailing: local knowledge matters on these coasts

A sailing tour stands or falls on the skipper. You’re dealing with real coastlines, real wind, and bays that look similar until you’re actually there. This tour includes a skipper/guide, and they speak Croatian and English.

One booking specifically called out a skipper from Hvar and highlighted local knowledge. That’s more than trivia. Local experience helps you understand which areas are best for a swim, where conditions are calmer, and how to time the sailing so you still get enough time moving under sail.

You’ll also feel the difference in how a skipper manages pacing. One negative experience described a slower rhythm with a long stretch where the group felt stuck on board, which can make the day feel less dynamic. That doesn’t mean all days are like that, but it’s a real reminder: ask yourself what you want from a six-hour sailing day—fast hopping or a slower savoring.

Price and value check for $141 per person

At $141 per person for about six hours, the price sits in the “worth it if you’ll use the included extras” category.

Here’s what that cost is buying:

• the skipper/guide,
• wine and water,
• snacks (crackers and chocolate wafers),
• snorkeling gear,
• SUP,
• and the actual sailing boat time on a spacious 42ft vessel.

Lunch is not included, so you should expect to pay for that separately once the lunch stop is confirmed. If you’re budgeting, treat lunch as the main add-on rather than an unexpected surprise.

What makes it good value is the combination. You get sailing time, then water time with equipment, then a seaside restaurant meal afterward. If you only wanted one swim and nothing else, you might feel like you could do it cheaper. But if you want the full day experience—sail + swim + snorkel + paddle + wine—the inclusions help justify the cost.

And group size matters. Small groups generally mean more personal attention and less waiting around. One booking mentioned a small group and called the tour recommended even though it wasn’t private, which lines up with why this format can feel like a sweet spot.

What to bring for a smooth day on the water

You’ll enjoy this trip more if you show up prepared for salt, sun, and getting in the water.

Bring:

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

One practical thought: if you plan to snorkel and use SUP, make sure your towel dries fast and that you keep a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet. You’ll be on the boat, but you’ll also be in the water, and you don’t want to end the day worrying about gear.

Who this Pakleni Islands sailing tour suits best (and who should skip)

This is a great fit if you like:

• time in the water with included snorkeling gear,
• a laid-back day with a real sail and not just sightseeing from a deck,
• small-group energy and skipper-led local decisions,
• a seaside lunch stop that feels like part of the journey.

It’s likely less ideal if you:

• expect lunch to be included,
• want a perfectly fixed schedule that never changes,
• dislike variations caused by anchorage and weather.

The tour is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and not suitable for pregnant women. If either applies, look for a different format that’s more accessible and easier on movement.

Should you book this Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour?

I’d book it if you want a real sailing day with water time and included equipment, and you’re comfortable paying for lunch separately. The boat size and deck space make the time on board feel relaxing, and the included snorkeling gear plus SUP means you can choose your level of activity without extra rental fees.

I’d think twice if you hate schedule changes caused by wind and anchorage, or if you’re looking for a tour with multiple swim stops guaranteed every time. The day has options, and some bookings mention fewer swim opportunities depending on conditions.

If you want one simple decision rule: book when you’re flexible, bring your sunscreen and towel, and show up ready to enjoy the bays—because that’s where the day earns its price.

FAQ

How long is the Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour?

The tour duration is 6 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It runs in Dalmatia, Croatia, with stops around the Pakleni Islands, St. Klement, and bay options that can include areas on Hvar like Zdrilca or Vela Garska.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a skipper/guide, wine, water, snacks (crackers and chocolate wafers), snorkeling gear, and a SUP (stand up paddle board). Lunch is not included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. There is a restaurant stop after the swim, but the exact location and timing depend on anchorage capability and weather.

Do I need to bring snorkeling or paddle gear?

No. Snorkeling gear and the SUP are included.

What should I bring for the day?

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

What languages are spoken during the tour?

The guide speaks Croatian and English.