Hvar: Private Pakleni Islands, Red Cliffs & South Shore Tour

Summary

Swim caves under Hvar’s red cliffs then lunch in a quiet Pakleni bay

You’ll swim beneath Hvar’s dramatic Red Cliffs, snorkel crystal coves near Dubovica beach, and share stories over Dalmatian food in a quiet Pakleni island bay—with time to pause, breathe salty air, and feel like you belong here for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hvar's south shore and islands

• Visit stunning red cliffs
• Swim in cave with tiny beach
• Swim in quiet cove with cliffs
• Swim at Dubovica or Mekićevica beach
• Optional swim at Zaraće beach
• Cruise Pakleni islands to Mlini bay
• Lunch at family-owned Dalmatian restaurant

Top questions

How long does the private tour of Pakleni islands & Hvar south shore last?

The tour typically lasts a full day with several stops for swimming and lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Hvar boat tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are available on board for guests to use.

Does this tour include pickup from our hotel or port?

Port pickup and drop-off are included; hotel pickup is not specified.

Are meals or drinks included during the tour?

Bottled water is included; lunch at Mlini bay is optional and not included in the price.

Can infants or young children join this private boat tour?

Babies under 3 are not advised to join; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What are some highlights of this Hvar day trip?

Highlights include swimming at Red Cliffs cave, Dubovica beach snorkeling, Zaraće beach stop, cruising Pakleni islands, and lunch at Mlini bay.

Who leads the private Pakleni islands tour?

The skipper Gordan serves as both your captain and guide throughout the day.

Is there a lot of walking or physical activity required?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; swimming is part of most stops.

What’s included

Your day includes port pickup and drop-off in Hvar town, all fuel charges covered by your skipper-guide Gordan (who knows every cove), bottled water chilled on ice in a cooler aboard the boat, plus use of snorkeling equipment whenever you want to jump in. Lunch isn’t included but can be arranged at a family-run restaurant on one of the Pakleni islands if you’re hungry after all that swimming.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color—those wild red cliffs south of Hvar just exploding against the blue. Gordan, our skipper (he grew up here), slowed the boat and grinned like he knew we’d be stunned. There was this salty tang in the air and that sound boats make when they nudge to idle—sort of soft and hollow. We jumped off for a swim into a cave with a ceiling so high it felt like being inside some secret cathedral. Inside, it was cool and echoey, and there was this tiny patch of sand where we just sat for a minute, not talking much.

Later, we drifted along the coast—past Zaraće beach (I can’t pronounce it right even now)—and stopped at Dubovica. The water’s so clear you almost lose your sense of depth; I tried snorkeling and nearly swallowed half the Adriatic because I got distracted by these little silver fish darting around my feet. Gordan pointed out an old stone house tucked behind the trees—he said his uncle used to fish from there. We grabbed coffee at this tiny beach bar; I tried to order in Croatian and totally butchered it, but the woman just laughed and poured me an extra shot.

Pushing on toward the Pakleni islands, I started feeling that slow-burn happiness you get when you realize you’re far from crowds but close to something real. In Mlini bay we stopped for lunch (not included in the price but worth every kuna). The family who runs it still cooks everything old-school Dalmatian style—grilled fish, olive oil so green it glows. We ate barefoot on warm stones while cicadas buzzed somewhere above us. Afterward, nobody was in any hurry to leave. That’s what sticks with me most about this private tour of Hvar’s south shore—just how unrushed everything felt.