Clear water beats any postcard. This Sailing and Snorkeling Tour from Hvar turns the Pakleni Islands into your floating swim club, with stop options in bays known for clear, photo-friendly water.

I especially liked two things here: the guide experience and the water time. With skipper Tony, the vibe felt relaxed and safe even with waves and wind, and his island knowledge adds color to what you’re seeing while you’re out on the water.

One thing to plan around: lunch isn’t included, and alcohol (white wine) is only for travelers 18 and up. If you’re picky about meal timing or you’re traveling with kids, that’s the main detail that can change the day.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group feel (max 8 travelers) for easier snorkeling moments and a calmer boat day
• Snorkeling gear, SUP, and water included so you’re not hunting for rentals or extras
• White wine plus salty and sweet snacks keep the mood high without a stop-and-go schedule
• Skipper chooses the best bays around St. Klement and Hvar based on anchorage and conditions
• Bring your own towel and sun protection since these aren’t provided

Pakleni Islands: the kind of scenery that makes snorkeling feel easy

If you want the classic Hvar experience without turning it into a checklist, this tour hits the sweet spot. The Pakleni area is known for multiple bays with clear water, and the whole point of the trip is simple: you sail, you stop, you swim and snorkel, and you repeat—without the stress of navigating the water yourself.

What makes it work is that you’re not stuck with only one swim spot. The plan includes a couple of possible stops around St. Klement (near Pakleni) and on the island of Hvar—including places like Zdrilca Bay or Vela Garska Bay. Clear water plus multiple options means you can get a great swim even when conditions change.

Also, you’re not just floating around. The water is described as ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and underwater photography. That matters if you’re the type who wants photos that actually show something, not just a vague splashy blur.

Meeting at Hvar Adventure and what a max-8 boat day means

You meet at Hvar Adventure, Jurja Matijevića 20, Hvar (start time 10:00 am). The tour ends back at the same place, so you don’t have to think about transportation at the end of the day.

This is set up for a smaller group—up to 8 travelers. On boats, smaller often means less bumping, fewer bottlenecks when it’s time to gear up, and easier pacing when you’re coming and going for snorkel breaks or SUP time. You still get the social feel of a group day, but it doesn’t turn into a crowded cattle-car situation.

The tour is offered in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, as long as there’s availability.

One more practical note: the tour allows service animals, and it’s described as near public transportation. That’s handy if you’re already moving around Hvar by foot and bus.

How the skipper plans your stops around St. Klement and Hvar

The heart of the itinerary is your Pakleni stop, with “couple of possible stops” depending on where the boat can anchor comfortably and what the weather is doing. The tour routes you to bays around:

• the island of St. Klement, and then possibly
• either Zdrilca Bay or Vela Garska Bay on the island of Hvar

Here’s the real value in this structure: instead of promising one exact beach, the skipper aims for the best practical option on the day. In the Adriatic, wind direction and anchorage conditions can shift, so having flexibility is a plus. It’s the difference between showing up at a spot that’s fine in theory and actually getting a good swim area when you arrive.

At each bay, the intention is the same—time to relax and time in the water. The water quality and visibility are the selling point, and you’ll see it quickly once you’re geared up and looking around.

There’s also lunch planning tied to anchorage and weather. If the conditions allow a stop for food on Pakleni Islands, your skipper takes you there for a proper Dalmatian lunch by the sea. If not, the day still works as a sea-focused outing—there’s even an option for you to bring food with you.

Snorkeling gear, clear water, and the SUP included moment

Let’s talk about what’s actually provided for your time in the water. The tour includes snorkelling equipment and SUP (stand-up paddleboard), plus water onboard. That combo is a big part of why this trip can feel good value versus DIY day planning.

Snorkeling part: the bays are described as having pristine, crystal-clear water. That matters because clear water makes snorkeling more comfortable and more rewarding—your goggles are doing something useful instead of just turning the world into a greenish guesswork.

Underwater photography is also mentioned as a natural match for these stops. If you’re bringing a camera or phone for photos, this is the kind of water where you can actually frame shots rather than shooting from the surface.

SUP part: the included paddleboard gives you a second way to enjoy the water beyond just swimming. Even if you’re not a confident paddler, SUP time is usually more about easy movement and enjoying the view at a slower pace.

Snacks, white wine, and the onboard pace you can actually enjoy

This is not a barebones boat trip. You’ll get snacks (salty and sweet), plus white wine included. You can bring additional drinks with you if you want to add variety.

The alcohol note is important: the tour serves alcoholic drinks only for travelers 18 years old and above. Minors get non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re traveling as a family, plan your expectations around that and you’ll be fine.

Practically, what this does is keep the trip from feeling like all effort and no comfort. You’re not waiting for lunch to snack. That matters when you’re out in the sun, spending time in the water, and burning energy without realizing it.

Lunch on Pakleni Islands: how to budget when it’s not included

Here’s the only “gotcha” in the schedule: lunch isn’t included in the price. Your skipper offers a stop for lunch at a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands when anchorage and weather allow it.

That means you have three realistic options:

• Buy lunch at a Pakleni restaurant when the boat can anchor there
• Bring food on the boat if you’d rather control timing
• Adapt to what the day allows, since the skipper chooses the best suitable location

The tour describes the lunch as proper Dalmatian lunch by the sea. Even without cost included, the idea is that you get a real meal moment, not just a quick snack and back to the water.

If you’re budget-conscious, you’ll want to set aside extra money for lunch. If you’re traveling with kids, the lunch flexibility can help—especially if you bring a snack backup.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $134.85

At $134.85 per person for about 6 hours, you’re buying a package, not just a ride. The included items you should value in your head are:

• snorkelling equipment
• SUP
• water onboard
• salty and sweet snacks
• white wine (with the 18+ rule)

In other words, you’re paying for the full “water day” setup: gear, board, and drinks/snacks, plus the skipper’s work finding the best bay options for swimming.

Is it the cheapest boat you’ll find? Maybe not. But it’s often a better deal than piecing everything together—especially once you account for gear and the guided stop structure built around clear water.

Also, small-group format (up to 8) can be part of the value. It’s not just about comfort; it can affect how quickly you get into the water and how smoothly SUP/snorkel breaks run.

Weather, wind, and why timing matters for a 10:00 am start

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So what should you do with that info? Keep your day flexible. A 10:00 am start is ideal because you’re getting your water time earlier, when the day is just getting going. But it also means you’re relying on morning conditions. If you’re staying in Hvar, you’re already close enough to adapt quickly if a date change happens.

The good part: this tour doesn’t ask you to gamble with the sea on your own. The skipper’s decisions about where to anchor and where to stop are part of how the day stays enjoyable.

Who this sailing and snorkeling day suits best

This tour is a solid match if you want:

• an easy, guided way to experience the Pakleni Islands from Hvar
• quality time in clear-water bays for swimming and snorkelling
• a small group day that feels manageable
• included gear and a full “snack and wine” onboard rhythm

Most travelers can participate, and the tour is in English, so it’s friendly for visitors who want a straightforward day plan. If you’re traveling with a mix of ages, just remember the wine rule—alcohol service is 18+, minors get non-alcoholic drinks.

If you’re the type who hates complicated logistics—no searching for snorkeling rentals, no figuring out where to paddle—this is designed to remove that friction.

Should you book the Pakleni Islands sailing and snorkeling tour?

Book it if you want a guided, small-group sailing + snorkel + SUP day that prioritizes clear-water bays and a relaxed pace. The included snorkeling equipment, SUP, snacks, water, and white wine for adults makes it feel like a complete day, not a “pay extra for everything” kind of outing.

Skip it (or at least plan carefully) if you’re very budget-sensitive, because lunch isn’t included. Also think ahead about the alcohol rule if you’re traveling as a mixed-age group.

Finally, if weather can swing your plans, be ready for a date change. That’s not a reason to avoid it—it’s just part of how sea days work here.

FAQ

How long is the Sailing and Snorkeling Tour in the Pakleni Islands?

It runs for about 6 hours (approx.).

Where is the meeting point in Hvar?

The meeting point is Hvar Adventure, Jurja Matijevića 20, Hvar, Croatia.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $134.85 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Is SUP included?

Yes. SUP is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You get salty and sweet snacks, water, and white wine is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can stop for lunch on Pakleni Islands when conditions allow, or you can bring food on the boat.

Do I need to bring a towel and sunscreen?

Yes. Towels, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are not included, so you should bring your own.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.