Private Tour of Red rocks, Pakleni Islands and Hvar’s Southern Beaches

Exploring Hvar’s Waters: A Private Tour of Red Rocks, Pakleni Islands & Southern Beaches

If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, personalized day on the water while visiting Hvar, Croatia, this private boat tour could be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally been on this specific experience, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it clear that it offers a memorable way to see some of the island’s most stunning sights, all without the crowds or the chaos of larger tour boats.

What I love about this experience? First, the intimate setting—it’s just your group, which means you can customize your route and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Second, the knowledgeable skipper—from multiple reviews, it’s obvious that the guides are friendly, engaging, and well-versed in the local sights and stories.

One thing to consider is the price point—at over $800 per group, it’s a bit of an investment, but for a full 7.5 to 8-hour day with personal attention, it can be worth it, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. This tour really suits those who love a laid-back, flexible, and scenic day out on the water, valuing quality and personalization over big crowds.

Key Points

• Personalized Private Experience: Only your group participates, giving you full control over the route and pace.
• Expert Local Skipper: Guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, adding depth to your trip.
• Multiple Stunning Stops: From Red Rocks and various beaches to the Pakleni Islands, each spot offers unique scenery and swimming opportunities.
• Flexible & Customizable: Chat with your skipper to tailor the route to your interests.
• All-Inclusive Snorkeling & Water: Equipment and drinks are provided, making it easy to stay comfortable and cool.
• Good Value for the Right Group: For up to 9 people, the cost averages out to a manageable amount for a full day of private sightseeing.

A Closer Look at the Experience

This tour is designed for those seeking a more relaxed, personalized alternative to the busy tourist boats that crowd Hvar’s waters. You’ll start at the central meeting point in Hvar, ready to spend around 7.5 to 8 hours exploring the coast and islands. The entire experience is private, meaning you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers—just friends, family, or your chosen travel companions.

What makes this trip stand out is its well-planned itinerary that balances swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing. With stops at Red Rocks, Lucisca Beach, Dubovica Beach, and the Pakleni Islands, you get a taste of the most photogenic and inviting spots around Hvar.

The Stops in Detail

Red Rocks, Hvar

The tour kicks off at this striking formation of red cliffs emerging directly from the sea. This spot is a favorite among those who love a bit of adventure—cliff jumping, snorkeling beneath the cliffs, and exploring small caves. The reviews highlight this as an amazing swimming and snorkeling spot, with one traveler noting how special it was to explore beneath the cliffs. Expect to spend about 40 minutes here, giving you ample time to take photos, swim, and perhaps try a jump or two if you’re feeling brave.

Lucisca Beach

Next, you’ll visit a crystal-clear beach backed by dramatic cliffs. It’s a quieter, more secluded alternative to the busier beaches, offering a perfect pause for swimming or relaxing. For those who love diving, there’s even a “hidden gem” on the side of the beach—an intriguing detail that makes this stop a highlight for underwater explorers.

Dubovica Beach

Dubovica is often called one of the largest and most beautiful beaches on Hvar, and for good reason. It’s a classic postcard scene—long, inviting shoreline with charming beach bars. The cave nearby adds an extra element of curiosity, and the sandy area is perfect for lounging or paddling. The review from David was glowing, calling it a “must-visit,” and appreciated the charming vibe and the cave exploring opportunity.

Pakleni Islands

Spending about four hours exploring the Pakleni Islands is truly the heart of this tour. These islands are famous for their bays, beaches, and lively beach bars, but the real joy is just soaking in the scenery, snorkeling, and relaxing without the crowds. You might find the local guides helpful in customizing your visit, whether it’s finding the perfect spot to swim or enjoying some downtime at a beach bar.

What’s Included & What to Expect

The tour includes bottled water and snorkeling gear, so you stay refreshed and can explore underwater sights comfortably. The flexibility here is appreciated—your skipper is open to chat about the route, tailoring the experience to your preferences if you wish.

However, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan a stop for a meal during your day. The tour’s price, at over $800, reflects the private nature and the extensive itinerary—if you’re traveling with a group, it can be quite reasonable considering all the stops and the personalized experience.

The Skipper & Service

The reviews commonly praise the skippers, with mentions of their professionalism, friendliness, and local knowledge. One reviewer specifically appreciated a skipper named Nino, who was caring and attentive, making the trip all the more enjoyable. Another highlighted Harris’s accommodating attitude, which enhanced their day.

On the downside, one review pointed out issues with communication about the start time, highlighting the importance of confirming details beforehand. The boat was also described as small and not very clean by one reviewer, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm, and generally, guides are seen as helpful and engaging.

Booking & Practical Considerations

Most travelers book about a month in advance, indicating good planning is wise, especially in peak seasons. The meeting point is conveniently located in Hvar, and the experience runs around 7.5 to 8 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is accessible via public transportation, making it easier to coordinate your day.

If weather turns poor, you’re covered—there’s a full refund or the option to reschedule, which adds peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private boat experience is perfect if you’re after a more relaxed, customizable day on the water. It appeals to those who prefer personalized service, enjoy snorkeling and swimming, and want to explore Hvar’s coastline away from the crowds. It’s also a great choice for small groups or families who value the comfort of a private trip but don’t need a formal or guided sightseeing tour with a strict schedule.

However, if your main priority is visiting an iconic attraction like the Blue Cave or you’re on a tight budget, other tours might suit you better. Still, if you want to craft your perfect day with a friendly skipper leading the way, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this private boat tour of Hvar’s southern beaches and Pakleni Islands offers a flexible, scenic, and comfortable way to experience Croatia’s stunning coast. The reviews show consistent praise for the skippers’ local knowledge and the breathtaking spots visited, making it clear that many find this to be a highlight of their trip.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the value lies in the personalized experience and beautiful stops that you can enjoy at your own pace. If you’re traveling with a group and want a bespoke adventure on the water, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Just remember to confirm the details beforehand, and pack some snacks for the day—you’ll be set for an unforgettable Croatian day out.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes bottled water and snorkeling equipment. You’ll have the chance to swim, snorkel, and relax at various stops around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 7.5 to 8 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, you can chat with your skipper about personalizing the route based on your interests, whether that means spending more time swimming or exploring specific spots.

Is lunch provided?
No, lunch is not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan a stop for a meal during your day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible, keep in mind it involves boat riding and swimming. It’s best for families with kids comfortable around water, but check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What if the weather is bad?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund or reschedule if weather conditions are unsuitable on the scheduled day.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and private way to soak up Hvar’s coast, this tour seems to offer just that—an intimate day on the water with some of the most beautiful sights Croatia has to offer.