Makarska boat tour: Hvar Town, Pakleni Islands & Zlatni Rat

Swim at Zlatni Rat, then anchor among yachts in the Pakleni Islands

A full-day luxury boat tour from Makarska visits Zlatni Rat beach, Hvar Town, and two swim stops in the Pakleni Islands aboard a Colnago 38 OPEN with professional crew, premium cushioned seats and a spacious sunbed. The boat carries small groups and includes snorkeling equipment and bottled water. Lunch and drinks are at your own cost in Hvar Town or on the islands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury boat tour around Adriatic islands

• Photo stop above Nugal hidden bay
• Visit Zlatni Rat beach for swimming
• Swim and relax at Duboka Bay, Pakleni Islands
• Explore Hvar Town and visit Fortica fortress
• Lunch and coffee in Hvar Town
• Swim stop at Marinkovac Island among yachts

The experience

You board at Makarska and head out on a nine-hour itinerary that strings together four distinct stops, each one a different reason to be on the water. The first is a photo stop above Nugal, a hidden bay tucked below dramatic cliffs on the Makarska Riviera, where seasonal waterfalls sometimes pour down after rain. Then the boat takes you to Zlatni Rat, Croatia's most famous beach: a long pebbled spit that shifts shape with the wind and currents, so it looks different almost every day. You get dropped at the beach dock for a 50-minute swim or walk, with easy access to the water and the shoreline.

After Zlatni Rat, the route turns toward the Pakleni Islands. Duboka Bay on Sveti Klement is a quiet cove ringed by pine trees and clear water, the kind of place that still feels untouched. You swim and snorkel here while the boat anchors. Then comes Hvar Town, one of the Adriatic's most historic towns, shaped by Venetian stone architecture and centuries of maritime life. You have time to walk the waterfront, climb to Fortica (the hilltop fortress with the famous view over town and the islands), or sit down for lunch at one of the local restaurants. The crew speaks English and Croatian and can point you toward options.

The final stop is Marinkovac Island, where anchored yachts and turquoise water create a more glamorous summer atmosphere. You swim here before heading back to Makarska. Throughout the day, the boat itself is part of the experience: premium cushioned seats with backrests, a spacious sunbed, snorkeling equipment on board, and bottled water included. The Colnago 38 OPEN is built for comfort on the water, not speed, so the pace feels unhurried even as you cover ground.

What’s included

• Use of snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water.
• luxury Colnago 38 OPEN with two English-speaking crew members.
• premium cushioned seats with backrest for every guest.
• spacious sunbed and lounge areas.
• fuel.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 5 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 to 97 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Croatian

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Palladium Rent a Boat

Is this one for you?Small groups work best on this boat. The Colnago 38 OPEN carries a limited number of passengers, so the atmosphere stays relaxed and the crew can give attention to everyone. Book this if you want a full day on the water with multiple swim stops and time to explore Hvar Town, rather than a fast-paced island-hopping dash.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Croatian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

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 is Zlatni Rat beach like when we get there?

Zlatni Rat is a long pebbled horn that extends into the sea and changes shape almost daily with the wind, waves and currents. It's one of the most photographed beaches in Europe, and the boat drops you at the beach dock for direct access to swim, walk or photograph it. You have 50 minutes there.

Can we snorkel on this tour?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you use it at Duboka Bay on Sveti Klement in the Pakleni Islands, where the water is clear and the cove is quiet. Marinkovac Island is also a swim stop if you want to snorkel there instead.

How much time do we spend in Hvar Town?

The itinerary gives you time to explore Hvar Town, which means you can visit Fortica (the hilltop fortress with panoramic views, about a 15-minute walk uphill), have lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and walk through the stone streets and squares. Lunch is at your own cost. The crew can recommend restaurants ranging from casual to upscale fish dining.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes use of the Colnago 38 OPEN with two English-speaking crew members, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, premium cushioned seats with backrests, and a spacious sunbed. Lunch, drinks and any activities like the taxi to Fortica are at your own cost.