Vis & Pakleni Islands Full Day Tour
8 hours, 6 stops, 1 unforgettable day. Circumnavigate Vis Island, swim in hidden coves, lunch in a fishing village, and finish at the Pakleni Islands — all on your own private boat.
8 hrs
Duration
6 stops
Unique Locations
€1,250
Typically From / Boat
Up to 8
Guests
100%
Private
May–Oct
Season
Why This Is the Ultimate Private Boat Tour from Hvar
Of all the boat trips departing Hvar, the Vis & Pakleni Islands full-day tour is the one that fits the most into a single day. It combines everything the central Dalmatian islands have to offer — remote sea caves on the southern Vis coastline, a leisurely lunch in a centuries-old fishing village, the famous Mamma Mia filming beach, and a golden-hour swim at the Pakleni Islands — all in one 8-hour adventure.
Unlike shared group excursions that rush from stop to stop, this is a 100 % private boat tour with a local skipper who knows the hidden coves, the sheltered bays and the restaurants worth your time. The itinerary is yours to customise: linger longer at a beach, add the Blue Cave, or skip a stop entirely. Your boat, your rules.
Yacht Rental Hvar does not run boats. You send one request, we pass it to licensed local skippers in Hvar, and the skipper who takes the trip confirms the boat and the price. This route typically costs from €1,250 per boat for up to 8 guests. Final price comes from the skipper and depends on boat, season and group size.
Local Tip
Plan this trip early in your stay, not on your last day. If the wind is too strong for the crossing to Vis, you still have time to move it to another day.
One of the hidden coves along the southern Vis coastline — accessible only by boat
Your Stop-by-Stop Itinerary
Six carefully chosen stops across Vis Island and the Pakleni archipelago. Every stop is flexible — spend more time where you love it, skip what does not appeal.
Southern Vis Coastline
45 min cruise
The adventure begins as you leave Hvar harbour and head west towards Vis Island. The southern coastline is a world the ferry passengers never see — dramatic sea cliffs, hidden caverns just wide enough for small boats to slip inside, and secret bays known mostly to local skippers. Skippers often idle the engine here so you can photograph the turquoise water glowing inside a cave mouth. Keep your camera ready; this stretch alone makes the trip unforgettable.
Local Tip
Leave early so morning light floods the caverns — the turquoise glow is strongest before 10 AM.
Smokova Bay
30–40 min swim stop
Smokova Bay is one of only a handful of sandy beaches in the central Dalmatian islands. The crystal-clear Adriatic waters here are calm, shallow near the shore, and ideal for snorkeling along the rocky edges where sea urchins and small fish dart between the stones. This is where your first swim of the day usually happens, and on a calm day the water visibility is excellent. Snorkeling gear is usually on board, so you can explore underwater without missing a thing.
Local Tip
The sandy bottom makes Smokova perfect for families with small children. Water shoes are not needed here.
Komiza
90 min lunch & explore
Komiza is a charming fishing village on the western tip of Vis Island where time genuinely seems to stand still. Narrow stone streets wind past colourful shuttered houses, and the harbour is lined with traditional wooden fishing boats. Lunch here is a highlight of the day — the well-known lobster-trap-shaped restaurant serves fresh Dalmatian seafood, paired with local Vis wines that rarely leave the island. Try the grilled catch of the day with a glass of Vugava, a white grape grown mainly on Vis. After lunch, stroll the waterfront, browse the small artisan shops, or simply sit at a harbourside cafe and soak in the atmosphere of a genuine Croatian fishing town.
Local Tip
Ask for the Vugava wine — the grape is grown mainly on Vis and pairs well with grilled fish. It is hard to find off the island.
Mamma Mia Beach (Barjoska)
30 min photo & swim stop
Film fans will recognise this cove instantly: it is where young Donna first arrives on the island in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. Even if you have never seen the movie, the scenery speaks for itself — a crescent of white pebbles backed by wild Mediterranean scrub, framed by crystalline water that shifts from emerald to sapphire as the seabed drops away. It is one of the most photographed spots in Croatia, and arriving by private boat means you avoid the crowds that pile off tour buses on the landward side. Boats can anchor right in front of the beach so you can jump straight in.
Local Tip
Come here after 2 PM when the organised tour groups have left. You will often have the beach almost to yourself.
Vis Town
30–45 min harbour stroll
Vis Town is the oldest settlement on the island, founded by Greek colonists in the 4th century BC as Issa. The harbour is ringed by elegant Venetian and Austrian-era stone buildings, and the waterfront promenade is one of the prettiest in Dalmatia. Because Vis was a closed military island until 1989, it has an authenticity that more touristy places lost decades ago. Wander past the archaeological museum, peek into the centuries-old wine cellars, or grab an artisan gelato at the harbour before you set course for the final leg of your full-day private boat tour from Hvar.
Local Tip
Vis was a closed Yugoslav military base until 1989, which is why it feels so unspoiled compared to other Croatian islands.
Pakleni Islands
45–60 min final swim
The crown jewels of Hvar's archipelago are the perfect finale to the day. As afternoon light bathes the 21 islands in gold, the skipper anchors in a quiet cove — away from the water taxis and beach bars. The water here is some of the clearest in the Mediterranean, with visibility exceeding 30 metres on a calm day. This is your last swim of the day, and the golden-hour light makes it utterly magical. On the cruise back to Hvar harbour, the setting sun paints the sky behind the islands — an easy, quiet end to a long day.
Local Tip
Pakleni is usually saved for last because the golden-hour light here is so good. The return cruise to Hvar harbour at sunset is the perfect ending.
What's Included — and What's Not
What a typical offer for this route covers. Each skipper's offer lists the exact inclusions.
Usually Included
- Private boat — just your group, no sharing
- Local skipper
- Fuel for the full 8-hour itinerary
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Snorkeling gear
- Beach towels (on most boats)
- All safety equipment (life jackets, first aid)
- Freshwater shower (on larger boats)
- Bluetooth sound system
Not Included
- Lunch in Komiza (budget approx. €15–30 per person)
- Blue Cave entrance fee (about €15 per person, optional add-on)
- Gratuities (appreciated but never expected)
Good to know: Lunch in Komiza typically costs €15–30 per person for fresh seafood and local wine. Your skipper can recommend restaurants.
Choose Your Boat
Three boat types suit this route. Every trip is fully private with a local skipper at the wheel. Not sure which suits you? Say so in your request and the skipper will suggest one.
Private speedboat
Speedboat · usually 6–10 guests
Fastest option — the usual choice for Vis, with more time at swim stops
View Private speedboat
Mini yacht
Day cruiser · up to 8 guests
Big sun deck and more shade — a smoother ride for families and comfort-seekers
View Mini yacht
Luxury yacht
Motor yacht · up to 12 guests
Cabin, toilet and the most space — best for bigger groups
View Luxury yachtMost trips depart from Hvar harbour. Want a different pickup point? Add it to your request.
Local Tips — Before You Board
Practical tips for the Vis and Pakleni route, based on sea conditions, light and season.
Morning Departure Is Best
Aim for a 9 AM start. The sea is usually calmest in the morning, the caves have the best light, and you arrive in Komiza before the lunch rush.
Try the Local Wine
Vis Island produces Vugava, a white wine from a grape grown mainly on Vis. Order it with grilled fish in Komiza — it is a classic pairing.
Waterproof Your Phone
Bring a waterproof phone pouch. Some of the best photos happen when you jump off the boat near the caves, and a dropped phone here ends up at the bottom of the Adriatic.
Book Early for Peak Season
July and August fill up weeks in advance. If you know your dates, send your request at least two weeks ahead. June and September have fewer boats on the water and warmer sea than most people expect.
Best Time for This Tour
The Vis & Pakleni tour runs from May through October. Here is how each part of the season compares, so you can pick the best time to visit Hvar for your private boat tour.
May & October
- Water: 20–22 °C
- Very few tourists
- Calmer seas usually
Quietest months. Water is cooler but the coastline is yours.
June & September
- Water: 24–26 °C
- Moderate crowds
- Long sunny days
A good balance of warm water and space on the beaches.
July & August
- Water: 26–28 °C
- Busiest period
- Request 2+ weeks ahead
Warmest water. Busiest attractions. Send your request early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Vis & Pakleni Islands tour?
The tour is a full 8 hours, typically departing at 9:00 AM and returning around 5:00 PM. This gives you plenty of time for swimming, lunch in Komiza, and exploring at a relaxed pace. Departure time can usually be adjusted — mention your preferred time in your request.
How much does the private boat tour cost?
The Vis & Pakleni Islands full-day tour typically costs from €1,250 per boat (not per person) for up to 8 guests. That usually covers a local skipper, fuel for the full route, drinks, snorkeling gear and safety equipment. Lunch and optional Blue Cave entry (about €15 pp) are extra. Final price comes from the skipper and depends on boat, season and group size.
Can we add the Blue Cave to this tour?
Yes! The Blue Cave on Bisevo island is a short detour from the Vis coastline. Entry costs about €15 per person and is managed by the national park. Your skipper will check availability on the day — in peak summer the queue can be 1-2 hours, so an early visit is best. Adding the Blue Cave extends the tour by roughly 1.5 hours.
Is lunch included in the tour price?
Lunch is usually not included so you have full flexibility. Most people eat at a seafood restaurant in Komiza (budget €15-30 per person). Your skipper can recommend places based on your preferences, and some skippers can arrange a packed lunch if you prefer to eat on the boat.
What should I bring on the boat trip?
Snorkeling gear and drinks are usually on board. Bring: sunscreen (reef-safe if possible), a hat, sunglasses, a light cover-up for the boat ride, swimwear, a camera, and some cash for lunch and the optional Blue Cave entry. Check our full packing guide at /planning/what-to-bring.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. This is a private tour, so the pace and stops are tailored to your group. Families with children love Smokova Bay (shallow, sandy) and the Pakleni Islands. Ask for child-size life jackets in your request so the skipper brings the right sizes. The price is per boat, so children count toward the guest limit but do not change the price.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsuitable for the open-sea crossing to Vis, the skipper usually tells you the evening before and offers another day or a sheltered route like the Pakleni Islands and south coast. Cancellation terms are set by the skipper or boat company that runs your trip. You see them in the offer before you pay, including what happens if bad weather stops the trip.
When is the best time of year for this tour?
Trips on this route run May through October. June and September are the sweet spot — warm water (24-26 °C), fewer crowds, and calmer seas. July and August offer the hottest weather but the busiest attractions. May and October are quieter and more affordable, though water temperatures are cooler (20-22 °C). Read our full seasonal guide at /planning/best-time-to-visit.
Explore More Boat Trips from Hvar
Hvar's Southern Coast & Pakleni Islands
8 hours · Typically from €1,250
Red Rocks cliff jumping, wine tasting at Sv. Nedija, hidden beaches.
Southern Coast Half Day
4.5 hours · Typically from €850
Perfect introduction: Dubovica, Red Rocks, and a hidden cove.
Split to Hvar Private Transfer
80 min · Typically from €550
Skip the ferry. Private speedboat from Split Airport to Hvar.
Plan Your Perfect Day on the Water
This private boat tour from Hvar visits two of Croatia's most spectacular destinations. Vis Island is the country's most remote inhabited island, famous for its untouched beauty, historic towns, and the Blue Cave on nearby Bisevo. The Pakleni Islands are an archipelago of 21 islands with crystal-clear Adriatic waters just 10 minutes from Hvar Town.
During the tour you will enjoy snorkeling in hidden coves, swimming in turquoise bays, and optional wine tasting in Komiza. Check our what to bring guide for packing tips, and read about the best time to visit Hvar to choose the perfect date.
Looking for more ways to explore? Browse all private boat tours from Hvar, or compare the speedboat, mini yacht, and luxury yacht boat types.