Hvar & Pakleni Islands: Boat Tour with Red Rocks Swim

Summary

Swim under Hvar’s Red Rocks then drift to quiet Pakleni bays

You’ll ride along Hvar’s coast with a local crew, swim beneath dramatic Red Rocks, snack on fruit under open sky, and drift between two peaceful Pakleni Island bays. Expect laughter, salty air, and moments you’ll replay long after you’ve rinsed off the sea.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly dropped my phone in the harbor trying to snap a photo of our captain waving — he had this sun-bleached grin and shouted something in Croatian that made everyone laugh, even if we didn’t catch a word. The boat rocked gently as we pulled away from Hvar town, and I could smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the air. There was this nervous little flutter in my stomach — I’m not usually a “boat person,” but something about the way the morning light hit those low stone houses made me forget that.

The first stop was these wild cliffs called the Red Rocks. Our guide (I think her name was Ana?) handed out slices of melon while telling us how locals used to climb here as kids — she pointed at a spot where someone once dove straight into the blue. The water was cold at first, almost shocking, but after a few strokes it felt like silk. I floated on my back staring up at those rusty-red walls and thought, okay, this is worth getting out of bed early for. We had maybe half an hour there, just enough time for one guy to lose his goggles and another to find them again.

After that we motored out toward the Pakleni Islands — St. Clement first, then Marinkovac. The engine hummed low and someone put on music (80s pop, which weirdly fit). Each bay had its own mood: on St. Clement it was quiet except for cicadas; on Marinkovac you could hear laughter echoing off the rocks from another boat nearby. I tried saying “Pakleni” right and Ana laughed — apparently it means “hellish,” but honestly it felt more like heaven out there with fruit juice in hand and feet dangling over the side.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and swimming at Hvar

• Boat ride along South Coast of Hvar
• Swim at the Red Rocks for 30 minutes
• Navigate to Pakleni Islands
• Swim in bays at St. Clement and Marinkovac islands

Top questions

How long does the Hvar boat tour last?

The daily trip includes multiple stops and lasts several hours, with swimming time at each location.

Is swimming included during the day trip to Pakleni Islands?

Yes, you’ll have time to swim at Red Rocks plus two different bays on St. Clement and Marinkovac islands.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

Yes, some extra snacks or fruit are available for guests during the tour.

Is there WiFi available during the boat tour?

Yes, WiFi is included on board throughout your trip.

Can infants or small children join this boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

Is there a restroom available on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom available for guests during the journey.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed aboard the boat.

Does this tour require high physical fitness?

No, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes WiFi onboard so you can share photos instantly (if you want), fresh fruit or snacks passed around by your guide as you cruise between stops, plus an onboard restroom for comfort throughout your journey between Hvar’s coast and both Pakleni Island bays.