Private Speed Boat Tour of Hvar South Shore & Pakleni islands

Our review looks at a popular private speed boat tour around Croatia’s beloved Hvar island, focusing on the South Shore and Pakleni islands. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect. If you’re after a day of sun, sea, and sea-scapes with a local touch, this tour offers a taste of the best without breaking the bank.

Two standout features catch our eye: the customizable stops that let you snorkel, relax, or explore hidden caves, and the local guides—experienced skippers who are keen to show off their home waters. One potential consideration is the weather dependency; since this is a boat-based experience, poor weather could lead to cancellations or changes.

This tour is ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a flexible, scenic day on the water that combines natural beauty with local insider tips. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and enjoy active or leisure-filled days in Croatia’s stunning surroundings.

This experience made our article of What Are The Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Hvar? Our Top 12 Picks.

Key Points

• Tailored experiences: Choose stops for snorkeling, cliff jumping, relaxing on beaches, or exploring caves.
• Local guides: Skippers are knowledgeable locals eager to share the best spots and hidden gems.
• Flexibility: The tour lasts 5 to 8 hours, with options to customize the itinerary.
• Great value: For around $420 per group (up to 10 people), the price offers personalized, private access to prime locations.
• Comfort and entertainment: The boat is equipped with Bluetooth stereo for your favorite tunes, plus snorkeling gear and an underwater GoPro are available on request.
• Weather-sensitive: Cancellations due to poor weather are possible, but full refunds are offered if the experience is canceled.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Setting

The tour kicks off at HvarBoats Rivaetalite put Kria, a well-located spot in Hvar town, close to public transportation and easily accessible. The private nature of the trip means your group won’t be mixed with strangers, making it perfect for a more intimate experience. The boat itself is equipped for comfort, with a Bluetooth stereo system to set your preferred mood as you glide across the water.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

1. Red Rocks, Hvar — Your first stop is this iconic spot, renowned for its striking red-hued rocks and excellent photo opportunities. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or even take a daring jump from the cliffs if you’re feeling brave. The 30-minute stop is a quick but memorable introduction to the area’s natural beauty. Reviewers praise this stop for its photogenic scenery and fun cliff-jumping spots, with one guest noting, “Great day out on the water with Nicholai. He was friendly, attentive and a great boat captain.”

2. Dubovica Beach — Often called the most beautiful bay on Hvar, Dubovica’s clear waters and charming setting make it an ideal place to relax. You can sunbathe on the pebble beach, dip into the sea, or enjoy a coffee or cocktail at the small beach bar. The hour-long stop allows plenty of time to unwind, and guests frequently mention how stunning this bay is, with one reviewer describing it as a “must-see” spot.

3. Beach Mala Milna — This optional stop offers a more relaxed vibe, with opportunities to swim and enjoy lunch at a traditional or modern restaurant. The 30-minute window is perfect for a quick refresh or a bite, and the flexibility means you can skip it if you prefer more time elsewhere.

4. Plaa Velo Bore — A brief 15-minute stop near Mala Milna provides a chance to jump from the boat into the inviting sea and snap some photos of the scenic coastline. This stop adds a fun, spontaneous element to your day, especially appreciated by those who love water activities.

5. Palmizana Botanical Garden — As one of the most popular beaches on the Pakleni islands, Palmizana offers a lush setting for a walk, a drink, or a lazy lunch. With 1.5 hours on the island, you can explore the botanical gardens or simply soak up the atmosphere. Guests love this stop for its combination of natural beauty and culinary options, with one mentioning it as a “great place for lunch or just a walk.”

6. Mlini Beach on Pakleni Islands — No visit to the Pakleni islands is complete without a visit to Mlini beach, often highlighted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The afternoon light enhances the turquoise sea, making it ideal for swimming and photos. This stop caps off your day with a spectacular view and relaxing vibe.

Additional Highlights

• Snorkeling gear and an underwater GoPro are available on request, allowing you to capture your adventure beneath the waves.
• The boat’s Bluetooth stereo lets you listen to your favorite music, making the experience more personalized.
• The local guides are praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly attitude—guest reviews mention skippers like Johnny and Nicholai as highlights of the day.
• Flexible durations mean you can spend more or less time at each stop, tailoring the experience to your preferences.

What the Reviews Say

With a perfect 5-star rating from 18 reviews, this tour consistently impresses. Visitors mention the “friendly, attentive” skippers and the “stunning views” that make every moment memorable. One reviewer happily noted, “We loved our day with Johnny. He was fun, knows what he’s doing, and very knowledgeable.” This personal touch is what we love about this tour.

The Practical Side: Price, Booking, and Cancellation

At around $420 for a group of up to 10, the tour provides good value, especially considering it’s private and customizable. Booking on average occurs 33 days in advance, so securing your spot early is advisable, particularly in peak season.

Cancellation policies are straightforward—full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the start, making it less stressful to plan. Weather can impact the trip, but if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a substitute date or a full refund.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This private speed boat tour is perfect for travelers who value customization—you decide how long you stay, which spots you visit, and what activities you do. It’s well suited for families, friends, or couples seeking a laid-back yet adventurous day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and explore. The knowledgeable guides and scenic stops make it a memorable way to see Hvar’s coast and the Pakleni islands.

The Sum Up

This private speed boat tour offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, fun activities, and local insight. The ability to tailor your day means you get a personalized experience that maximizes your time on the water, whether you’re after snorkeling, cliff jumping, or simply soaking up the views. The professionalism and friendliness of the guides elevate the experience further, making it feel more like exploring with friends than part of a crowded tour.

For those wanting a flexible, authentic Croatian boat day with stunning scenery and good company, this tour hits the mark. Its affordability and private setup are especially appealing, ensuring you get the most out of your Hvar adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs from about 5 to 8 hours, giving you flexibility based on your interests and pace.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
You’ll visit Red Rocks for photos and jumping, relax at Dubovica Beach, stop at Mala Milna for swimming and lunch options, see Plaa Velo Bore for a swim, explore Palmizana Botanical Garden, and enjoy Mlini beach on the Pakleni islands.

Are snorkeling masks provided?
Snorkeling masks and an underwater GoPro camera are available upon request, so you can easily capture underwater moments.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, making it a good choice for families with older children or teenagers who enjoy water activities.

What is the price for the tour?
The cost is approximately $419.63 per group (up to 10 people), offering good value for a private, flexible experience.

Do the guides speak English?
While not explicitly stated, the reviews suggest guides are knowledgeable and friendly, likely speaking English and eager to share local insights.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses. Equipment like snorkeling gear is available if requested.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations, but if that happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This private speed boat trip around Hvar and the Pakleni islands offers an authentic, flexible, and scenic way to experience Croatia’s stunning coastline—perfect for making your Croatian holiday truly memorable.