Sea kayak tour Hvar to Pakleni Islands: Snorkel & swim

Paddle into turquoise bays and snorkel where you choose to stop

A half-day sea kayak tour from Hvar to the Pakleni Islands with an English-speaking guide, where you paddle through sheltered coves, snorkel in vibrant marine spots, and swim at unspoiled beaches like Mlini or Jerolim. Kayak, paddle, life vest, snorkeling equipment and dry bags are included. The pace suits beginners and experienced paddlers alike, and children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sea kayak tour to Pakleni Islands

• Depart from Hvar Town
• Paddle through Adriatic Sea
• Explore hidden bays and coves
• Stop to swim and snorkel
• Relax on Mlini or Jerolim Beach
• Optional meal at local beach bar
• Return to Hvar Town

The experience

How do you get to the quiet side of Hvar without a boat of your own? You paddle there. The Pakleni Islands sit just offshore (a scatter of pine-covered islets with hidden coves and crystal-clear water), and a kayak is the way to move through them without the noise and crowd of a larger tour boat. You'll paddle through turquoise sea along the scenic coastline, stopping at bays where the water is clear enough to see the rocky reefs below. An experienced local guide leads the group at a relaxed pace, which means you're not racing. You're moving through the landscape at the speed it asks.

The snorkeling happens where you stop. Mlini Beach and the bays around Jerolim are the kind of spots where the sea floor teems with marine life and the water stays shallow enough to see it all. You get snorkeling equipment included (mask, fins, snorkel), so you're ready the moment the guide points out where to go in. Between the water time, there's free time to swim, sunbathe on the pebbles, or sit at a rustic beach bar if you want fresh seafood and the sound of the Adriatic instead of silence. The whole outing runs about four and a half hours, which is long enough to feel like you've left Hvar behind but short enough to fit the rest of your day around it.

What you bring is yourself and a moderate level of fitness. The guide handles the navigation and the pace. Kayaks come as single or double sit-ins depending on what you book, paddles and life vests are provided, and dry bags keep your phone and keys safe while you're in the water. Children from age 2 can come along. The only thing to know upfront: this tour isn't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, and you'll want to be comfortable with a few hours of paddling and moving in and out of a kayak.

What’s included

• Sit-in kayak (single or double), paddle, life vest and spray skirt.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• dry bags for personal items.
• instruction from an English-speaking local guide.
• free time to swim, snorkel and relax at Mlini Beach or Jerolim.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (2 to 15 years)

GroupUp to 8

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sea Kayak Hvar

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace relaxed and the bays less crowded than larger tour boats bring: ideal if you want to paddle and snorkel without feeling rushed or surrounded, and if you'd rather move under your own paddle than sit and watch the islands pass.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 15 years).

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's the water like for snorkeling around the Pakleni Islands?

The water around Mlini Beach and the rocky reefs near Jerolim is clear and shallow enough to see marine life easily, with vibrant spots where fish and reef life are visible from the surface. The bays stay sheltered and calm, which is why they're ideal for snorkeling.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

No prior kayaking experience is needed. The guide leads at a relaxed pace suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, and all equipment (kayak, paddle, life vest and snorkeling gear) is included and fitted for you.

What happens if I want to eat during the tour?

There's free time at Mlini Beach where a rustic beach bar serves fresh seafood and local drinks. It's optional, so you can eat there or simply relax on the beach and swim instead.

How long is the whole tour, and what time does it start?

The tour runs about four and a half hours. The specific start time depends on which departure you book. Check the available times at checkout.