Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour

Sailing the Pakleni Islands feels like a private postcard. On this 6-hour sail, I like that you’re on a 42ft regatta-type boat with plenty of room to stretch out, and you get snorkeling gear plus an included SUP for time in the water.

I also like how the skipper structures the day around the St. Klement area, sailing passages, and then Hvar’s bay stops like Zdrilca or Vela Garska. One consideration: lunch is not included, and depending on the day’s conditions you may not get as many swimming breaks as you hoped.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Room to sunbathe on a 42ft sailing platform that feels less cramped than typical day boats
• Island-to-island bay hopping, with options around St. Klement and Hvar (like Zdrilca or Vela Garska)
• Water time is built in, with swimming plus included snorkeling gear and a SUP
• Wine and snacks are part of the deal, so you are not surviving on just seawater
• Lunch at Pakleni is extra, and your exact anchorage stop depends on weather and where the boat can anchor
• Small-group or private options are available, which matters when you want a calmer vibe

Why This Pakleni Sailing Day Feels Worth the Half-Day Time

The Pakleni Islands sit just off Hvar, and they are the kind of place where you start the day on land, then quickly stop thinking like a land traveler. This tour leans into that shift. You spend a big chunk of your time underway on a 42ft regatta-style sailing boat, not stuck watching the dock.

You’ll love the boat’s layout if you care about comfort. It is not a tiny sailboat where everyone is wedged shoulder-to-shoulder. Instead, you get space to find sun, swap positions as you cool off, and generally relax. That matters because the day is only 6 hours, so the less time you feel crowded, the more you feel like the day is working for you.

Entering the Route: St. Klement, Passages, and Hvar Bay Options

Here’s the pattern you can expect: the skipper plans a couple of possible stops, adjusting to what’s safe and doable that day. Your route is built around the island of St. Klement, a sailing passage, and then a bay stop on Hvar such as Zdrilca or Vela Garska Bay.

Why this matters in real life: bays are where the water clarity and swimming comfort show up. Time on open water is great for sailing, but it is the sheltered coves that give you the best swim windows and easier water entry. If you hate rushing, this route style is usually a good match because it naturally mixes sailing time with planned pauses.

One more practical note. Your lunch stop is tied to your swim stop and then anchored to conditions. If the sea is rough or anchorage is limited, the skipper will choose a suitable location for lunch and relaxation. That’s not a drawback when you realize the alternative is forcing the boat into the wrong spot just to hit a checklist.

The Swim Bays: Where the Water Play Actually Happens

This is a swim-focused outing, and you should plan your body like a swim day, not a sightseeing bus day. After sailing to your bay area, you’ll get a swim stop in the Pakleni region, with crystal-clear water that is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and even underwater photos.

If snorkeling is high on your list, take a minute before you jump in to get comfortable with the snorkeling gear. Fit matters more than people think. A small adjustment at the start saves you from fiddling in water.

SUP is included too, and you can use it during your water time. Just be realistic about conditions. If the wind is up or the water is busy, SUP can be more work than fun. If it is calm, it is a great way to enjoy a bay at your own pace without needing a long hike or extra transport.

One review note to keep in mind: one person felt the day had only two swimming stops and not much else between them. That doesn’t mean it will be your experience, but it is a useful expectation check. If you are the kind of swimmer who wants multiple brief dips, you’ll want to be mentally ready for a smaller number of longer swim windows instead.

Lunch at Pakleni: The Best Part That Costs Extra

Here’s the thing with this tour: lunch is not included in the price. After your swim, you’ll be taken to a restaurant on the Pakleni Islands for lunch, depending on anchorage capability and weather.

This setup can actually work in your favor. You are not locked into a pre-set meal that tastes like it came from a parking lot. You choose to pay for lunch when you’re hungry, not when the operator schedules you. And because it happens after swimming, you usually arrive with real appetite.

In the feedback I saw, one person specifically called out a typical spot and said the fish was good. That lines up with what you hope for on a day like this, a simple dalmatian meal eaten by the sea.

Budget tip: treat lunch as a separate spend and plan for it now. If you only budget for the $141 tour price, you might feel surprised. If you treat it as part of your day in Pakleni, it tends to feel like a fair trade for the setting.

Onboard Comfort: Wine, Water, Snacks, and That Sunbathing Space

This tour includes wine and water, plus snacks like crackers and chocolate wafers. It also includes snorkeling gear and a SUP, which is a big value signal because you are not renting anything once you are out at sea.

The tone on board is typically relaxed, especially for a sail day. Still, it helps to know what you are really getting with the included drinks. One reviewer said they were only offered a single drink during the trip, which suggests the wine may be casual rather than an all-you-can-drink situation.

What I recommend: think of the wine as a nice bonus, not a promise of constant refills. If wine matters a lot to you, bring your expectations down to match how sailing days often work. It also helps keep the day comfortable if the boat is moving and you want to stay steady during boarding and snorkeling.

Also pack like you are on deck. You get sun, and you also cool off once you swim and when the breeze hits. A jacket is on the recommended list for exactly that reason.

What the Skipper Adds: Local Knowledge and the Pace You’ll Feel

The skipper is the heart of a sailing tour like this. You’ll have a live tour guide who speaks Croatian and English, and the skipper planning is tied to real conditions like weather and where anchorage is possible.

One review highlighted that the skipper had local knowledge from Hvar and was friendly and helpful. That makes a difference because the best part of sailing is not just where you stop, it’s why those stops are chosen. A skipper who understands the coast can steer you toward bays that feel calm, swimmable, and photogenic.

Pace can be a deal-breaker for some people. One reviewer described the tour as monotonous because the captain moved slowly and they spent a long time sitting inside the boat. That complaint is a reminder: if you love constant action, you might find a sail day too slow at times. If you like an easy rhythm, where you move from wind to swim to lunch, you’ll probably fit right into this style.

Who This Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour Is For

This tour makes the most sense if you want a classic coast day with sailing, swimming, and a meal by the sea. I’d point it toward people who:

• like being on the water more than touring museums
• want included snorkeling gear and SUP without extra rentals
• enjoy a small-group or private feel (small groups are available, and one booking was in a group of six)
• can handle the idea that stops depend on weather and where the boat can anchor

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not suitable for pregnant women. That’s important to respect because sailing involves boarding steps, deck movement, and getting in and out of the water.

Price and Value: $141 for 6 Hours, With Drinks and Gear Included

At $141 per person for about 6 hours, the price is in the midrange for a half-day sailing experience around Hvar. The best way to judge value is to add up what you get versus what you’d otherwise rent or pay for.

You get:

• wine and water
• snacks (crackers and chocolate wafers)
• snorkeling gear
• SUP
• skipper/guide and live language support (Croatian and English)

The only major item not included is lunch. If you plan to buy lunch anyway, and you want the convenience of being served and guided to a restaurant on the islands, the overall package can feel fair.

If you are price-sensitive, keep your expectations aligned with group size and service level. One review suggested the tour felt recommended because it was a small group version of a type of sailing trip that can otherwise cost more if you go fully private. So, if you want a calmer day but still want to keep the cost reasonable, this format is often where it lands.

What to Bring (So the Day Stays Fun, Not Miserable)

You’ll be happier if you show up ready for sun, water entry, and wind. Pack:

• sunglasses
• swimwear
• sunscreen
• hat
• jacket
• towel

Optional but smart: a small dry bag for your phone and keys. You’ll be near water the whole time, and you do not want your only nice camera ruined by a quick spill.

Should You Book This Pakleni Islands Sailing Tour?

Book this tour if you want an easy, water-centered half-day that mixes sailing time with swim bays and includes the gear to actually enjoy the water. The roomy 42ft boat, the included wine and snacks, and the snorkeling plus SUP make it feel like a full experience for the price.

Skip it or think twice if you are sensitive to slower pacing, or if you expect a packed schedule of many short swim stops. The tour is designed around a couple of key bay moments, and your exact number of swims depends on conditions and where anchorage is possible. Also, remember lunch is extra.

If you match those expectations, this is a strong way to experience the Pakleni Islands without turning your day into a checklist.

FAQ

Where is this tour located?

This tour operates in Dalmatia, Croatia, around the Pakleni Islands and Hvar area.

How long is the Pakleni Islands sailing tour?

The duration is 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a skipper/guide, wine, water, snacks (crackers and chocolate wafers), snorkeling gear, and a SUP (stand up paddle board).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the price.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide is offered in Croatian and English.

Do you get swimming time?

Yes. The tour includes swim stops in the bays, with water that is described as suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

What should I bring with me?

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

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.