Hvar full-day yacht sail: Pakleni Islands and Red Rocks

Eight hours sailing past rust-colored cliffs and turquoise island coves

A full-day sailing tour in Hvar, Croatia on a modern 11-meter yacht with a professional skipper, stopping at the Red Rocks, Pakleni Islands and natural bays for swimming and optional lunch. Groups stay under 8 people. No sailing experience needed. You bring your own drinks, use snorkeling equipment and SUP boards at no extra cost, and the skipper adjusts the route based on wind and weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day yacht sail around Hvar

• Meet at Hvar port
• Sail to Bay Lučišća for swim
• Pass by The Red Rocks cliffs
• Visit Dubovica Bay for swim
• Swim and lunch at Notos restaurant
• Stop at Pakleni Islands, Bay Stipanska
• Visit Mlini beach on Pakleni Islands
• Return to Hvar port

The experience

You meet at Hvar port and sail south toward Bay Lučišća, a sheltered pebble beach ringed by pine forest near Sveta Nedjelja. The route then moves to the Red Rocks, a geological formation of rust-colored limestone cliffs that rise from the Adriatic and shift color through the day. They're known for cliff diving and the contrast they make against deep blue water. The skipper navigates based on wind direction, so the exact stops can shift, but the itinerary typically includes Dubovica Bay (with a historic stone house at its edge and clear water for snorkeling) and Zaraće Bay, a quieter cove enclosed by cliffs and vegetation.

Around midday you stop for lunch at Notos restaurant in a bay on the Pakleni Islands, where the owners source local ingredients and the menu runs to typical Dalmatian food at affordable prices: lunch is optional, so you can bring your own instead. The Pakleni Islands themselves are an archipelago of about 20 small islands off Hvar's southwestern coast, dense with pine forest and ringed by hidden coves. You'll visit Bay Stipanska and Mlini, a beach known among couples for its turquoise water and vegetation. Both are good for swimming and snorkeling. The yacht has a fridge for drinks you bring aboard, enough deck space to lie down and tan, and quiet spots to read. Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are included, so you can move between the boat and the water without extra gear to arrange.

The skipper is a professional guide who speaks English and manages the boat while you swim, snorkel or rest. If your group is larger than 8, the operator runs multiple yachts that sail together, so families and friend groups stay intact. The day ends back at Hvar port after eight hours on the water.

What’s included

• Professional skipper who speaks English.
• snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboard.
• fridge on board for your drinks.
• stops at the Red Rocks, Pakleni Islands, Bay Lučišća, Dubovica Bay and Zaraće Bay for swimming.
• optional lunch at Notos restaurant with local Dalmatian food.
• local taxes and fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by The Day Sail

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a full day on the water with multiple swim stops and the flexibility to bring your own drinks and food. The fixed eight-hour schedule and small group of up to 8 people mean you get a relaxed pace and enough space on deck to rest between swims, making it suitable for couples, friends and families who want sailing without the learning curve.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Red Rocks in Hvar and why do people visit them?

The Red Rocks are rust-colored limestone cliffs on Hvar's southern coast that rise from the sea and shift color through the day, especially at sunset. They're known for their geological layers and the contrast they make against the deep blue water. Visitors swim, snorkel, cliff dive or simply ride along the shoreline to see them.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the yacht?

You can bring your own alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The yacht has a fridge to keep them cold. Lunch is optional. If you skip the restaurant stop, you can bring your own food, or you can eat at Notos restaurant in one of the bays for local Dalmatian dishes at affordable prices.

Do I need sailing experience to join this tour?

No sailing experience is needed. A professional skipper guides the yacht and manages all sailing. Your role is to swim, snorkel, relax on deck or explore the islands and bays the boat visits.

What's included in the price besides the yacht and skipper?

Snorkeling equipment and a stand-up paddleboard are included at no extra cost. Local taxes and fuel surcharge are also built in. Lunch is not included unless you choose to eat at the restaurant stop.

How many people can fit on the yacht?

The yacht holds up to 8 people comfortably. If your group is larger, the operator runs additional yachts that sail together so everyone stays as one party.

What are the Pakleni Islands like?

The Pakleni Islands are an archipelago of about 20 small islands off Hvar's southwestern coast, characterized by crystal-clear turquoise water, hidden coves, dense pine forests and secluded beaches. You'll visit Bay Stipanska and Mlini, a beach popular with couples for its turquoise color and surrounding vegetation, both good for swimming and snorkeling.