Snorkeling Hvar: Red Rocks, Pakleni Islands & Private Boat

Red Rocks plunge into clear water. You swim and snorkel among hidden caves and formations.

A private boat snorkeling tour from Hvar explores the Red Rocks, Dubovica Beach, the Green Lagoon and Pakleni Islands over 8 hours, with a local captain, snorkeling gear and hotel pickup included. The boat size and group limit vary by vessel. Choose from five options ranging from 8 to 14 passengers. The itinerary is fully customizable: you decide which stops matter most and how long to stay at each one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Red Rocks and Pakleni Islands

• Meet at Hvar meeting point at 09:30
• View panoramic island Hvar with commentary
• Explore Red Rocks and swim/snorkel
• Relax and swim at Dubovica Beach
• Swim and snorkel in Green Lagoon
• Visit Pakleni Islands at own pace
• Explore Palmizana sandy beach and lagoons
• Visit Zdrilca and Mlini lagoon

The experience

The boat leaves Hvar at 09:30 with a local captain who narrates the route and knows where the underwater caves open up. You'll start at the Red Rocks on Hvar's south side, where vibrant red cliffs drop straight into the Adriatic and snorkeling reveals hidden formations and small caves beneath the surface. Dubovica Beach comes next: a tranquil bay with pebbly shore and stone houses, where the water stays clear enough to spot an underwater cave while you swim. The Green Lagoon (Velo Borče) sits in emerald water ringed by rocky cliffs and vegetation. It's the kind of place that feels removed from everywhere else.

Afternoon brings the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago of coves where you choose what matters to you. Palmižana has a sandy beach and restaurants; Ždrilca and Mlini are quieter lagoons favored by locals; Carpe Diem draws crowds who want the energy. Because this is a private tour, the captain adjusts the stops and timing to what you want. If one beach holds you longer, another gets skipped without anyone watching the clock. Snorkeling equipment is provided. Bottled water comes with you all day.

The boat size depends on which vessel you book: options range from 8 to 14 passengers maximum. A smaller boat (Barracuda 150HP or 200HP, 8–10 people) means tighter maneuvering into shallow coves. A larger one (Flyer 250HP, Enzo 35 or Colnago 38, 12–14 people) spreads the group wider but still moves as one unit under the captain's eye. Port pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport to the dock.

What’s included

• Private boat with a local captain speaking English.
• snorkeling equipment and bottled water.
• hotel pickup and port drop-off.
• all taxes and fuel surcharge.

Options for this experience

5 options

Barracuda 150HP, up to 8 peopleUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 1 May 2027Speedboat trip lasting 8 hours with bottled water, covering Red Rocks and the Pakleni Islands, on a Barracuda 150 HP for up to 9 people; the Barracuda 150HP provides a roomy covered seating area and a front sundeck, offering both comfort and versatility.

Barracuda 200HP, up to 10 peopleUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 16 Jun 2027Boat tour lasting 8 hours with bottled water, covering Red Rocks and the Pakleni Islands, on a Barracuda 730 with 200 HP

Flyer 250HP, up to 12 peopleUp to 12 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 1 May 20278-hour boat tour with bottled water, covering Red Rocks and the Pakleni Islands, on a Flyer 828 with 250 HP; ideal for larger groups seeking style and comfort.

See 2 more options

Enzo 35, up to 14 peopleUp to 14 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 1 Jun 20278-hour boat tour with bottled water, covering Red Rocks and the Pakleni Islands, on a Speedboat.

Colnago 38, up to 14 peopleUp to 14 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 1 Jun 2027Luxury speedboat

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

GroupPrivate

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by HvarBoats

Is this one for you?Book the smaller vessel if your group wants to explore shallow coves and hidden bays. Choose the larger boat if you prefer a more stable platform for less confident swimmers.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Red Rocks on Hvar and what can you do there?

Red Rocks are vibrant red cliffs on Hvar's south side that drop directly into the Adriatic. You swim and snorkel in the water below, exploring hidden caves and unique rock formations beneath the surface.

Can I choose which Pakleni Islands stops to visit, or is the itinerary fixed?

The itinerary is fully customizable. You and the captain decide which islands and beaches to visit (Palmižana, Ždrilca, Mlini, or Carpe Diem), and how long to spend at each one based on your preferences.

Is snorkeling equipment included, and what about lunch?

Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included. Lunch is not included, though restaurants operate at some stops like Palmižana if you want to eat on the islands.

How many people can book this tour, and does group size affect the experience?

The tour is private, with a maximum of 8 to 14 passengers depending on which boat you choose. Smaller vessels (8–10 people) navigate shallow coves more easily. Larger ones (12–14 people) still move as a single group under the captain's guidance.

What is the Green Lagoon and why is it worth visiting?

The Green Lagoon (Velo Borče) is an emerald-green lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky cliffs. The water is clear for snorkeling to observe marine life, and the secluded setting creates a tranquil atmosphere away from busier beaches.