Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour

Trade roads for wind, water, and island coves. I like the chance to sail on a proper 42-foot regatta-style boat, and I like having room to stretch out, sunbathe, and enjoy the Pakleni Islands without feeling packed in. The clear swimming bays, included snorkeling gear, SUP, wine, and snacks add real value.

The main thing to consider is the pace. One outing felt too slow for one participant, while others praised the sailing time and the friendly skipper. Lunch is also extra, so the $141 price does not cover the full day’s spending.

This six-hour trip works best if you want more than a quick boat ride. You get time under sail, a swim stop, a meal at a sea-view restaurant, and a look at several bays around St. Klement and Hvar. It is offered as a private trip or a small-group outing, with Croatian and English spoken.

Key points to know before booking

• A real sailing boat, not just a motorboat: The 42-foot regatta-style vessel gives you space to sit, lie back, and enjoy the sailing itself.
• Two main parts shape the day: Expect time on the water, a swimming stop, and a separate lunch stop at a restaurant in one of the bays.
• Your bay depends on conditions: Possible areas include Zdrilca Bay, Vela Garska Bay, and bays around St. Klement.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddle board are available during the swim stop.
• The skipper chooses the final route: Wind, weather, and the boat’s ability to anchor affect where you stop.
• Lunch costs extra: Budget separately for a proper Dalmatian meal, often seafood, at the island restaurant.

What makes this sailing trip different

Many island excursions are built around a fast motorboat, a fixed route, and as many stops as possible. This one puts sailing at the center. The boat is a large 42-foot regatta-style vessel, so you are not simply being carried from one bay to the next. You have room to enjoy the movement of the boat and the open water.

I like that distinction. If you enjoy the sound of the wind and want the journey to matter, the sailing time is part of the attraction. You can sit in the sun, watch the coastline pass, and take in the islands at a slower pace.

That slower pace is also the trip’s biggest question mark. One person found the ride monotonous and felt the boat moved too slowly for too long. Other feedback described the sailing as a real highlight, with plenty of time to see the bays. Your experience will depend on the wind, the skipper’s approach, and how much you enjoy unhurried time at sea.

This is not the best choice if you want a tightly packed schedule. It is a better match for you if you would rather spend six hours outdoors, with a few good stops, than race between many locations.

Setting out around St. Klement and Hvar

The route covers parts of the Pakleni Islands, including the island of St. Klement and possible stops on Hvar. The name Pakleni refers to the island chain just off Hvar, a popular area for clear water, sheltered bays, and short swims from a boat.

The exact route is not fixed. Your skipper chooses the most suitable bay based on weather and the boat’s anchoring ability. That flexibility is practical, not a flaw. A beautiful bay is less useful if wind makes anchoring uncomfortable or unsafe.

Possible areas include Zdrilca Bay, Vela Garska Bay, and other bays around St. Klement. Each offers the basic appeal of this part of Dalmatia: clean water, rocky shores, and a quiet setting away from city streets. You should think of the route as a choice among several good options rather than a promise of one exact cove.

The weather matters here. Bring a jacket even on a warm day because the wind can make the boat feel cooler than the shore. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel belong in your day bag.

Sailing time on the 42-foot boat

The boat is one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience. At 42 feet, it offers more usable space than a small open speedboat. You can sunbathe, move around, and find a comfortable place to sit while the skipper handles the boat.

The regatta-style design also suggests a more active sailing experience than a basic sightseeing cruise. The boat is built for sailing, so the ride itself can be the main event. If you enjoy boats, this makes the six-hour duration feel worthwhile.

A friendly skipper adds to the atmosphere. The skipper on one highly praised outing was from Hvar and shared local knowledge while guiding the group around the islands. The overall feedback gives the crew strong marks for being kind and helpful.

Still, expectations matter. This is not a private sailing lesson, and the available information does not promise that every departure will be under full sail for the entire trip. Wind and route decisions shape the day. If you want a fast ride or constant activity, you may prefer a shorter motorboat outing.

If you appreciate the difference between getting somewhere and enjoying the trip there, the sailing format makes good sense. I would choose a spot where you can see the water and the sails, rather than treating the boat as simple transportation.

The swim stop in clear island water

The swimming stop is the other major reason to book. The possible bays are described as having crystal-clear water, with good conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater photography. You can get into the sea directly from the boat and spend time in the water before lunch.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from packing your own equipment. A stand-up paddle board is also available, giving you another way to enjoy the bay if you would rather stay near the surface and paddle than swim for long.

The swim stop is not just a quick photo pause. The six-hour schedule allows proper time for a swim and a meal, though the exact length of each stop depends on the skipper and conditions. One less enthusiastic account described only two swimming stops and found the activity too slow overall. That is useful guidance: expect a relaxed outing, not a series of rapid-fire swim locations.

Bring a towel and secure your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses before getting in. For underwater photography, the clear water can make the stop appealing, but the tour does not list cameras as included equipment.

Lunch beside the sea, with an extra cost

After swimming, the skipper takes you to a restaurant at one of the Pakleni Island bays. The chosen restaurant depends on where the boat can anchor and which location best suits the weather. This means lunch is tied to the day’s practical conditions, rather than being locked to one restaurant in all circumstances.

The meal is not included in the $141 price. You should allow extra money for lunch and drinks beyond the wine and water supplied on the boat. The dining experience is meant to be a proper Dalmatian meal by the sea, and one especially positive account described a very good fish meal in a traditional setting.

That can be a pleasant change from eating a packed sandwich between stops. Sitting down near the water gives the trip a natural pause, and local seafood fits the setting far better than a generic snack. Still, you do not control the restaurant choice or menu from the information provided, so anyone with a strict budget should plan carefully.

The boat includes wine, water, crackers, and chocolate wafers. Those provisions are useful during the sailing and swim portions, but they do not replace lunch. If you need a full breakfast or have specific dietary needs, the tour details do not state what additional food options are available.

What the $141 price really buys you

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap way to reach the Pakleni Islands. You are paying for six hours, a skipper and guide, a large sailing boat, the use of snorkeling equipment and a SUP, plus wine, water, and snacks.

The value improves if you want the sailing itself. A short boat transfer might cost less, but it would not give you the same amount of time on a 42-foot sailing boat or the same relaxed combination of sailing, swimming, and lunch.

Small-group availability also matters. A private charter can feel expensive, especially once lunch is added, but a small shared group gives you access to the boat and route without paying the entire private-boat cost. One Italian couple described a group of six as a good arrangement and recommended the outing for people who want a small group rather than a costly private tour.

Your value calculation should be simple:

• Choose it if you enjoy sailing and want a full half-day on the water.
• Choose it if you value space, swimming, and a sea-side meal.
• Think twice if you mainly want the cheapest way to swim in a nearby bay.
• Think twice if slow sailing makes you restless.
• Remember to add lunch to the total cost.

The strongest praise centers on the friendly skipper, the scenery, and the chance to combine sailing with a swim and lunch. Those are the parts that make the price easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this six-hour outing

I would recommend this trip to couples, friends, and small groups who want a calm day around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands. It suits people who enjoy being on a sailboat, even when the boat is moving at a gentle pace.

It is also a good choice for anyone who wants a little activity without a demanding schedule. You can swim, snorkel, paddle, sunbathe, and eat, but none of those activities is presented as a strenuous requirement.

Families should look closely at the age and comfort needs of everyone in the group, since the supplied information does not specify children’s policies. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women. The boat and swim arrangements may be difficult for anyone who needs easy access in and out of the water.

Language should not be a major concern. The skipper and guide service is available in Croatian and English.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The tour lasts six hours, but the available information does not give one fixed departure time. Check the date you want to see which start times are offered.

Weather affects the route, the anchorage, and the overall feel of the trip. The skipper may select a different bay from the one you had in mind, and that is part of how the outing operates. A flexible attitude will help you enjoy the day.

Pack the following:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• A jacket for the boat
• Any personal items you need for six hours outdoors

Water, wine, crackers, and chocolate wafers are included. Snorkeling equipment and a SUP are supplied, so you do not need to bring those unless you prefer your own gear.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans around Dalmatia are still changing.

My verdict: book it for sailing, not speed

I would book the Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour if I wanted a small-group day built around the pleasure of sailing. The large boat, clear bays, included water equipment, friendly local skipper, and sea-side Dalmatian lunch create a satisfying mix.

I would not book it if my main goal were maximum sightseeing in minimum time. The flexible route and slow pace are part of the appeal, but they can feel dull if you want constant movement. Add the cost of lunch, pack a jacket, and accept that weather may change the exact bay.

For the right kind of day, $141 is fair value. You are buying time on the water, not just a transfer. Book it if that sounds like the point.

FAQ

How long does the Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour last?

The tour lasts six hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $141 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at the island restaurant is not included and must be paid for separately.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes wine, water, crackers, and chocolate wafers.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Is a stand-up paddle board available?

Yes. A SUP, or stand-up paddle board, is included for use during the outing.

Where does the tour stop?

Possible areas include bays on St. Klement, Zdrilca Bay, and Vela Garska Bay on Hvar. The skipper selects the most suitable location based on weather and anchoring conditions.

Is the tour private or shared?

Private and small-group options are available.

What languages are offered?

The live guide service is available in Croatian and English.

What should I bring?

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