Private Speed Boat Tour of Hvar South Shore & Pakleni islands

Blue water, sharp cliffs, and quiet coves await. This private speedboat trip gives you a full day around Hvar’s south shore and the Pakleni islands, with time to swim, sunbathe, eat, and set the pace with your skipper. I like the privacy for groups of up to 10, and I like the range of stops, from cliff views at Red Rocks to a botanical garden at Palmizana. The main consideration is weather: the trip depends on calm enough conditions, and the long list of stops can feel rushed if you want extended beach time at each one.

The skipper can shape the day around your group instead of following a fixed public-boat schedule. Captains Nicolai, Nicholai, and Johnny, also called Marino, are praised for being friendly, attentive, flexible, and good at handling requests. That personal service is a major part of the appeal.

Key points at a glance

• Red Rocks starts the day with a choice of swimming, snorkeling, photos, or cliff jumping.
• Dubovica Beach offers a full hour at one of Hvar’s most scenic bays.
• Mala Milna and Velo Borče give you extra swim and lunch options along the south shore.
• Palmizana combines beach time, food, drinks, and a walk through a botanical garden.
• Mlini Beach adds one of the Pakleni islands’ best swimming stops, especially later in the day.
• The private boat fits up to 10 people, making the $420.08 group price more attractive for families and friends.

Why a private speedboat works well around Hvar

Hvar’s best swimming spots are spread along the coast and across the Pakleni islands. A private boat lets you connect them in one outing without joining a larger group or waiting for a public boat to fill and depart.

The price is $420.08 for the whole group, up to 10 people. That is not a cheap solo excursion, but it can be good value for a couple of families or a group of friends. Split ten ways, the cost is about $42 per person before any food or drinks. Split among four people, it becomes much less of a bargain, but you gain privacy and control over the day.

The tour lasts about five to eight hours. That wide time range matters. A shorter outing can cover the main swimming stops, while a longer day gives you room for lunch, coffee, cocktails, and a proper walk at Palmizana. Ask about the expected length when you book so you know how much time you are likely to have on shore.

The boat leaves from HvarBoats on the Riva at Šetalište put Križa 3. Pickup is offered, and the tour returns to the same meeting point. Since the starting point is on Hvar’s waterfront, it is easy to combine the trip with a day or evening in town.

Red Rocks: cliffs, clear water, and the first swim

Red Rocks is a strong opening stop because it offers more than a quick photo. The red stone cliffs rise directly from the sea, creating a dramatic setting for pictures and a natural place to get into the water.

You can swim or snorkel here, or simply enjoy the view from the boat. If you like a little excitement, cliff jumping is also possible. I would treat that as an optional extra, not a required part of the experience. The tour description does not promise a particular jump height or specific safety setup, so ask the captain before taking the leap and follow local guidance.

The planned stop is about 30 minutes. That is enough for a swim and a few photographs, but not enough for a slow, long session. Bring your swimwear under your clothes and keep your camera ready. This is the kind of place where the boat itself may provide the best viewpoint.

Dubovica Beach gives you a proper hour ashore

Dubovica is often considered one of Hvar’s most beautiful bays, and the schedule gives it a full hour. That makes it more than a quick boat stop.

Here you can stretch out on the beach, swim, sunbathe, or sit with a coffee or cocktail at the small beach bar. The pace is gentler than at Red Rocks. If your group includes people who do not want to jump from cliffs or snorkel, Dubovica offers an easy break.

An hour can pass quickly once you include getting off the boat, finding a place to sit, swimming, and ordering a drink. You should not expect a long beach afternoon here unless the captain adjusts the timing. The benefit of a private trip is that your group may be able to discuss the pace, but the final route still depends on the day’s conditions and schedule.

Mala Milna adds food and flexibility

Mala Milna is an optional stop, which is useful if your group has different priorities. Some people may want another swim. Others may prefer lunch at a traditional restaurant or a meal at a newer restaurant and bar.

The planned time is 30 minutes, so this is probably best treated as a short pause unless the captain agrees to extend it. A meal may feel hurried within that window, especially if the restaurant is busy. If lunch matters to you, ask about spending more time here or at Palmizana.

This stop also helps make the trip work for mixed groups. You can swim, sit by the water, or eat instead of spending every minute on the boat. For families and friends with different tastes, that choice is worth more than another identical swim stop.

Velo Borče is a quick jump-off-the-boat stop

Plaža Velo Borče is near Mala Milna and is scheduled for only 15 minutes. The point here is simple: see the water, jump from the boat, and swim.

I would think of it as a short bonus stop rather than a destination that needs a long visit. Fifteen minutes gives you time for a quick plunge and a look around, but it does not leave much room for settling onto a beach or ordering food.

That short pause can still break up the boat ride nicely. If your group loves swimming, it gives you another chance to get in the water without giving up too much time at the main stops.

Palmizana combines beach time with a garden walk

Palmizana is the longest scheduled stop, at about 90 minutes. It is one of the most popular beaches on the Pakleni islands and offers several ways to spend your time.

You can have lunch, order coffee or cocktails, swim, or walk through the botanical garden. That mix makes Palmizana more than a sun-and-sea stop. You can split up for a while, with some of your group eating and others walking or swimming, then meet again before departure.

The garden is a useful change of pace after several coastal stops. The tour does not state what plants you will see or how extensive the garden is, so think of the walk as a pleasant extra rather than a formal garden tour.

Ninety minutes is generous compared with the shorter stops, but it still may not cover a long meal and a relaxed swim. If food is important, decide before arriving whether you want to eat here or at Mala Milna. Your skipper can help you plan the order of stops, but restaurant service and the day’s conditions can affect timing.

Mlini Beach brings the Pakleni island day together

A visit to the Pakleni islands is not complete without Mlini Beach. It is described as one of the prettiest beaches in the island group, with especially striking sea color in the afternoon.

The schedule does not give a fixed length for this stop. That means the timing may depend on the rest of the day, your group’s choices, and the weather. If Mlini is a priority, tell the skipper early rather than assuming it will receive a long visit.

The afternoon light is part of the appeal. If the route allows, saving Mlini for later can make sense. The color of the water should be at its best, and the stop can feel like a final swim before returning to Hvar.

The captains are a big part of the experience

The strongest praise goes to the skippers. Nicolai and Nicholai are named in the comments, while another captain is called Johnny, or Marino. The details differ, but the consistent picture is of captains who are friendly, attentive, capable, and willing to adjust the day.

That matters on a private boat. You are not simply being carried from one fixed stop to another. You can explain what your group wants, such as more swimming, more beach time, or a meal along the coast.

I would still be clear about your priorities at the start. A five-hour trip cannot give every stop equal attention, and an eight-hour day allows more breathing room. Tell the skipper if you care most about snorkeling, cliff views, lunch, or the Pakleni beaches.

The praise also makes this sound suitable for a young family or a group of friends. A good captain can make the day easier for a mixed-age group, but the boat trip still includes swimming and access to beaches, so everyone should be comfortable with those activities.

What the five to eight hours feel like

The day is built around variety rather than one long stay. You move from cliffs to a bay, then to beaches, restaurants, a garden, and more open water.

A possible rhythm looks like this:

• Begin at Red Rocks for photos, swimming, or snorkeling.
• Spend a longer break at Dubovica Beach.
• Add Mala Milna for a swim or meal.
• Make a short stop at Velo Borče.
• Continue to Palmizana for lunch, drinks, swimming, and the garden.
• Stop at Mlini Beach before returning to Hvar.

That is a lot for one day. I like the variety, but you should not expect every location to feel unhurried. The private format gives you some control, not unlimited time. If you prefer slow beach days, ask to trim the number of stops. If you want to see as much of the coast as possible, the full route suits you better.

The five-to-eight-hour range also makes this experience adaptable. A shorter version may work for a morning or afternoon plan. A longer version makes more sense if you want lunch and time at the Pakleni islands without watching the clock every few minutes.

Price, group size, and real value

At $420.08 per group, this tour makes the most financial sense when shared. A group of eight to ten people gets private use of the boat at a per-person price that can compare favorably with several separate activities. A group of four pays more per person, but may value the extra space and freedom.

The price does not include stated meals, coffee, cocktails, or other purchases at the beaches and restaurants. Plan for those separately. Admission to the listed stops is free, but that does not mean food and drinks are included.

The best value comes from the combination of transport and flexibility. You are not paying just to reach one beach. You are covering Hvar’s south shore and the Pakleni islands in one private outing, with a captain who can respond to your group.

For a couple seeking a quiet, low-cost swim day, this may be more boat than you need. For a family or group of friends marking a special day, the cost can be sensible.

Who should book this Hvar boat tour

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Groups of friends who want a private day on the water.
• Families who value a flexible route.
• Couples willing to pay more for privacy.
• Swimmers who want several chances to get into the sea.
• People who want both Hvar’s south coast and the Pakleni islands in one day.
• Groups that enjoy deciding between beach time, food, drinks, and short walks.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a fully fixed timetable, or want to spend the whole day at one beach. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a formal guided tour of local history or nature. The focus here is the sea, scenery, swimming, and relaxed movement between stops.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience is offered in English, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Hvar South Shore and Pakleni boat tour?

Book it if your ideal Hvar day includes a private boat, several beautiful swimming spots, and the freedom to adjust the pace. The standout features are the captain’s personal attention, the ability to fit up to 10 people, and the mix of Red Rocks, Dubovica, Palmizana, and Mlini.

Before booking, decide how much time you really want at each stop. If you want lunch, tell the skipper. If you want cliff jumping, ask about the conditions. If you want Mlini in the afternoon, make that clear.

For a group that can share the cost, this is a strong way to see Hvar by sea without being tied to a large boat schedule. Just keep your expectations sensible: it is a busy coastal day with many short stops, not a slow afternoon at one secluded cove.

FAQ

How much does the private Hvar speedboat tour cost?

The price is $420.08 per group for up to 10 people.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five to eight hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at HvarBoats, Riva, Šetalište put Križa 3, 21450 Hvar, Croatia.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Hvar.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Which language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Which places are included on the route?

Stops include Red Rocks, Dubovica Beach, optional Mala Milna, Plaža Velo Borče, Palmizana Botanical Garden, and Mlini Beach on the Pakleni islands.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

Because the experience requires good weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.