Snorkeling in Hvar: Kayak the Pakleni Islands

Paddle to the clearest water and the quietest beaches, then drop below the surface.

Guided kayaking and snorkeling around Hvar's Pakleni Islands, a chain of 14 pine-covered islets about 10 km long with numerous bays and beaches. You paddle modern sit-on-top kayaks (single or tandem) with a certified local guide who teaches you the skills to feel safe in the water, chooses the route based on your group's level and the weather, and shows you the best snorkeling spots for underwater flora and fauna. Half-day (4 hours) or full-day (6 hours) options depart daily at 10 a.m. from Bonj Beach. Life jackets, dry bags, snorkeling masks, all kayak gear and a 10% restaurant discount on the islands are included; groups stay under 15 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayaking tour around Pakleni Islands

• Receive kayaking training from guide
• Explore Pakleni Islands by kayak
• Visit hidden bays and beaches
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Enjoy local food and drinks at island restaurant
• Learn about local flora, fauna, and history

The Experience

What makes this different from renting a kayak alone is the guide's knowledge of which bays stay quiet, which underwater spots hold the richest life, and how to read the water so the day stays safe. The Pakleni Islands stretch about 6 miles with an indented coastline that opens into dozens of small beaches and coves — most of them less than an hour's paddle from the starting point at Bonj Beach. Your guide will teach you the paddling techniques you need before you leave the shore, then adjust the route as the day unfolds based on your group's comfort level, the weather and what you want to see. Groups stay small, under 15 people, so the guide can actually watch and respond.

The kayaks are sit-on-top models (Feelfree brand) with deluxe seats and wide, stable bottoms — they fit all body types and there's no risk of being trapped if one tips. You get paddles, life jackets, dry bags (choose 3L or 30L) to keep phones and cameras completely dry, and snorkeling masks. Once you reach the islands, you'll have time to swim at one of the pebble beaches like Mlini, relax in the shade of the pine trees, and snorkel at the spots your guide knows hold the best variety of fish and sea plants. There's a restaurant on the islands where you get a 10% discount, so you can eat or drink something without leaving the water behind.

The half-day option runs 4 hours; the full-day is 6 hours and covers more distance (up to 20 km total). Either way, the guide carries all the information about the islands' history, the local life on Hvar, the flora and fauna, and the kayaking itself. You don't need experience — the guide's job is to make sure you're comfortable and safe, and the route adjusts to match what your group can handle.

What’s included

• Modern sit-on-top kayak with deluxe seat and paddles.
• life jacket.
• dry bag (3L or 30L) for personal items.
• snorkeling mask.
• sun hat if needed.
• accident insurance.
• certified local guide in English.
• 10% discount at Tri Grede restaurant on the Pakleni Islands.
• free storage for belongings you leave behind.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kayak SUP Hvar

Is this one for you?Book the half-day if you want a morning or afternoon on the water without committing your whole day; the full-day suits anyone who wants to paddle farther, explore more bays, and spend longer snorkeling at multiple spots. Both options work for beginners — the guide adjusts the route and pace to your group's level — so choose based on how much time you want to spend paddling and how far you want to go.

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Top questions

What are the Pakleni Islands actually like when you get there?

The Pakleni Islands are a chain of 14 small, mostly untouched islets about 10 km long, covered in pine trees and ringed with numerous bays and pebble beaches. The coastline is deeply indented, creating sheltered spots and hidden coves. Most of the attractive beaches and snorkeling areas are less than an hour's paddle from the starting point, so you spend more time in the water than traveling to reach it.

Do I need to know how to kayak before I book?

No. Your certified guide teaches you the paddling techniques you need on the shore before you leave, and adjusts the route and pace to your group's skill level. The kayaks are stable and forgiving, designed for beginners as well as experienced paddlers.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Included are the kayak with paddles and deluxe seat, life jacket, dry bag, snorkeling mask, sun hat if needed, accident insurance, and a certified English-speaking guide. You should bring sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, a cap or hat, and bottled water or another drink. Food and drinks at the restaurant on the islands are not included, though you get a 10% discount there.

Can I choose between a half-day and full-day, and what's the difference?

Yes — you pick either the 4-hour half-day or the 6-hour full-day at checkout. The full-day covers more distance (up to 20 km) and gives you more time to explore multiple bays and snorkeling spots, while the half-day stays closer to the starting point and covers less ground.

What time does it start, and where do I meet the guide?

Every day at 10 a.m. from Bonj Beach, in front of the Amfora Hotel. Public transportation options are available nearby. All your belongings that you don't take on the kayak are stored safely at the center while you're out on the water.

What kind of snorkeling will I see?

Your guide will show you the best underwater spots around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands, where you'll see a variety of underwater flora and fauna. The exact locations depend on the route your guide chooses based on conditions and your group's preferences.