Sail and escape to Pakleni islands | Half day sailing on a modern 36ft yacht

Exploring the Pakleni Islands by Sail: A Practical Review of the Half-Day Yacht Trip from Hvar

If you’re looking for a way to escape the busy streets of Hvar and enjoy some serene time on the water, this half-day sailing trip to the Pakleni islands might be just what you need. Offered by The Day Sail, this experience promises a relaxed cruise on a modern 36ft yacht, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the beautiful surroundings.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its flexibility—it’s easy to book, cancel, or reschedule if needed, and you don’t have to commit the entire day. Plus, the chance to learn a bit about sailing and have some local guides onboard makes it a nice balance of relaxation and engagement.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some reviews point out that the skipper’s level of engagement can vary, which might affect your experience if you’re hoping for a more educational or lively trip. This trip is best suited for those who want a calm, scenic outing with good company and don’t mind basic sailing instruction. It’s perfect if you’re after a laid-back day on the water, with enough time to swim and enjoy the scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who enjoys being on the water, values stunning views, and doesn’t mind a bit of a relaxed vibe, this trip could be a good fit. It’s suitable for those who want to take a break from crowded beaches and are happy to share the boat with a small group. While children are allowed if accompanied by an adult, the focus is more on a peaceful sailing experience rather than kid-friendly activities.

Key Points

• Flexible booking: Free cancellation and rescheduling make it easy to plan around your other activities.
• Relaxed vibe: The trip emphasizes unwinding, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard.
• Informal sailing experience: You’ll learn some basic sailing, but don’t expect a detailed or highly structured guide.
• Stunning scenery: The Pakleni islands offer crystal-clear waters and beautiful bays perfect for swimming.
• Small group size: With a maximum of 16 travelers, it’s intimate enough to feel personal.
• Mixed reviews on skipper engagement: Some travelers found the skipper less involved, while others loved the guides’ friendliness and knowledge.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

This tour lasts around 4 hours, starting in the morning or early afternoon, with two daily departures. Here’s what you’ll typically encounter:

Meeting Point and Timing

You meet at the Harbour of Hvar (Riva), around 10 am or 2:30 pm, depending on your chosen departure. The experience starts with a brief introduction, then the yacht sets sail toward the Pakleni islands.

Sailing Towards the Islands

The first part of the trip involves a relaxed sail from Hvar, giving you a chance to enjoy the breeze and scenery. The guides will typically teach you some basic sailing maneuvers, though reviews suggest some skippers might not be particularly instructive or interactive.

Swim Stops and Water Activities

The highlight of this trip is the swim stop in a natural bay with crystal-clear waters. You’ll have around an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding with snorkeling gear and SUPs provided. The water quality is often praised, making it an ideal spot to cool off and enjoy the marine life.

One reviewer mentioned, “Swimming was fun,” but also noted that the skipper did not set up the paddleboard or provide much explanation about the area. So, if you’re expecting a guided snorkeling tour, be aware it’s more about free time.

Sailing Around the Islands

After the swim, you’ll continue sailing around Pakleni islands, enjoying more scenic views and the chance to see the coastline from the water. The trip includes a second swim stop at a “gorgeous bay,” which offers another opportunity for taking in the surroundings and cooling off.

Final Stop and Return

The last segment involves sailing back towards Hvar, with the possibility of another swim or simply relaxing on deck before returning to the harbor. The entire experience wraps up after about 4 hours, leaving you with a sense of having explored some of Croatia’s loveliest waters in a laid-back manner.

The Water Play and Snorkeling Experience

One of the main draws of this tour is the water activities. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards makes it easy to get in and out of the water as often as you like. The water quality and scenery are praised, with many guests noting how clear and inviting the waters are.

However, reviews show some inconsistency in the level of guidance. One guest shared, “No explanations of where we were going or activities,” and that the skipper just sat on his phone during parts of the trip. While others appreciated the laid-back vibe and stunning snorkeling spots, if you’re looking for a tour with a knowledgeable guide or detailed activity setup, this might not fully meet that expectation.

Sailing and Learning: What’s the Skipper Like?

This trip offers some sailing instruction, which is a nice touch for those interested in learning a bit about navigating the yacht. You might find, as some travelers did, that the skipper’s involvement varies—some guides are engaging and informative, while others are more reserved or distracted.

One reviewer mentioned a lack of explanations and even noted that “one of the passengers ended up steering the sailboat,” suggesting a more casual, hands-off approach at times. Conversely, others describe the guides as friendly and attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable.

If you’re a sailing enthusiast or just want to learn a bit about how boats work, you might be disappointed if the skipper isn’t inclined to teach or share stories. But if you’re happy to sit back, enjoy the views, and take in the sun, this relaxed style can be quite pleasant.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $107.40 per person, this trip isn’t exactly a bargain, but it’s in line with similar water-based tours in Croatia. For that price, you get roughly 4 hours of sailing, multiple swim stops, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, bottled water, and a friendly skipper.

The value hinges on what you’re looking for—if your priority is to relax, swim, and experience the beauty of the Pakleni islands without a packed schedule or heavy guide involvement, it’s a solid choice. The small group size and flexible booking options add to the appeal, especially if you prefer a less commercialized feel.

Keep in mind that the trip is not a guided tour of the islands’ history or culture, but rather a scenic, water-focused experience. If you’re after a more educational or adventure-packed excursion, you might want to explore other options.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want to unwind on the water in a stunning setting. It’s ideal if you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding and are happy with a relaxed, informal sailing experience. Families with older children, friends, or couples looking for a peaceful escape will find it a good fit.

If you’re expecting a highly interactive, guided sailing lesson or a comprehensive island tour, you might find this trip a bit too casual. However, if your goal is to enjoy sunshine, sea, and scenery with some water fun thrown in, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Try?

All in all, this half-day sailing trip offers a pleasant way to explore the Pakleni islands without the hassle of a full-day tour. The scenery is stunning, and the water activities are a real highlight. While the guides’ engagement levels vary, many travelers have praised the professionalism and friendliness of the crew.

If you’re after a laid-back, scenic water adventure that allows plenty of swimming and chilling, this trip will likely satisfy. It’s especially suitable for those who value flexibility and small group sizes and are okay with a less structured experience.

Just remember, if you’re hoping for a deep dive into sailing or local history, this might not be the right fit. But if your main goal is to kick back in some of Croatia’s most beautiful waters, you’ll probably find this a worthwhile addition to your Hvar itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the trip?
The experience lasts about 4 hours, including sailing, swimming, and relaxing time.

When does the trip depart?
There are two trips per day—one in the morning at 10 am and one in the afternoon at 2:30 pm. In certain months (May, September, October), the start times are earlier.

What is included in the price?
You get a skipper, snorkeling gear, bottled water, fuel, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by an adult, though the experience is more relaxed and water-focused rather than kid-oriented.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Absolutely. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before and free changes to the date, making it flexible if your plans shift.

How many people will be on the boat?
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and comfortable.

Where do we meet?
At the Harbour of Hvar (Riva), a central location near public transportation.

This sailing adventure around the Pakleni islands offers a straightforward, scenic escape for those wanting to enjoy Croatia’s stunning waters without a complicated schedule. It’s a nice balance of relaxation, water fun, and casual sailing—perfect for travelers who love to unwind and soak up the views.