Hvar FAQ
Everything you need to know about visiting Hvar and booking boat tours, plus how our free trip request to local skippers works.
Booking & Pricing
How do I book a private boat tour in Hvar?
Pick a trip on the boat trips page, or plan your own, and send one free request with your date, group size and the places you want to see. We pass it to licensed local skippers in Hvar. A skipper with a free boat replies with the boat, the price and the meeting point. Sending a request does not commit you to anything.
Read more →How do I pay for the trip?
You pay the skipper or boat company who runs your trip, not us. Sending a request through this site is free. Many local skippers take cash in euros on the day, and some also take card or bank transfer. The skipper tells you which methods they accept before you book.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
That depends on the skipper. Many boat companies in Hvar ask for a deposit to hold a date, mostly in July and August, with the rest paid on the day. The skipper who confirms your trip tells you the deposit amount and how to pay it before you commit. For peak-season dates, send your request at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead.
Are there group discounts?
Private trips are usually priced per boat, not per person, so the cost per person drops as your group grows. A luxury motor yacht carries up to 12 guests. For bigger groups, a skipper can often arrange two boats that travel together. Put your group size in the request and ask about group or multi-day rates.
Read more →What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms are set by the skipper or boat company who runs your trip, so they can differ from boat to boat. Ask for them in writing before you pay a deposit: how much notice you must give, what you get back, and what happens if the skipper cancels because of the weather (a new date or a refund is normal).
Tours & Experiences
How long do boat tours last?
Tour durations vary by route. Half-day tours (Pakleni Islands, South Coast) last 4-5 hours. Full-day tours (Blue Cave & Vis, Vis & Pakleni combo) run 8-10 hours. Sunset tours are about 2-3 hours. See each tour page for typical timings.
Read more →What is included on a private boat tour?
A private trip usually includes the boat, a local skipper and fuel for the planned route. Many boats also carry snorkeling gear, water and soft drinks, towels and a Bluetooth speaker. Lunch and entrance fees (such as the Blue Cave ticket) are usually extra. The skipper confirms exactly what is included when they send the price.
Can I customize the tour itinerary?
Yes - that is the beauty of a private tour. Your skipper will suggest the best route based on weather and sea conditions, but you are free to adjust stops, spend more time swimming, or add destinations. Want to visit a hidden beach or a specific restaurant? Put it in your request or just ask your skipper.
Which tour is best for families with children?
The Pakleni Islands Half-Day Tour is ideal for families. It has calm, shallow bays that suit kids, several swimming stops, and a shorter day that keeps children happy. Boats must carry life jackets; if you have small children, ask the skipper to confirm child sizes. The full-day Blue Cave tour works well for older children (8+) who enjoy adventure.
Read more →What if I get seasick on the boat?
Skippers keep to sheltered waters when they can, and the Adriatic is generally calm in summer. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before departure, sit near the back of the boat, and focus on the horizon. Your skipper can slow down or change the route to reduce motion. The Pakleni Islands trip is the calmest option.
Boats
Which type of boat should I choose?
It depends on group size, budget and route. A private speedboat (7 to 9 m, 6 to 10 guests) is the usual choice and the quickest way to Vis and the Blue Cave. A mini yacht or day cruiser (9 to 11 m, up to 8 guests) has a bigger sun deck and a smoother ride, good for couples and special days. A luxury motor yacht (12 m or more, up to 12 guests) has a cabin and a toilet and suits groups and long days.
Read more →How many people can fit on each boat?
A private speedboat usually carries 6 to 10 guests, a mini yacht up to 8, and a luxury motor yacht up to 12. Every boat has a registered passenger limit that the skipper cannot go over. For groups larger than 12, ask for two boats that travel together.
Read more →What amenities are on the boats?
Most private boats in Hvar have a sun canopy, a swim ladder and a Bluetooth speaker, and many have a freshwater shower, snorkeling gear and a cooler with drinks. Mini yachts and luxury yachts add a larger sun deck, and luxury yachts usually have a cabin with a toilet. Ask the skipper what the boat you are offered has on board.
What is the difference between a speedboat and a mini yacht?
A speedboat is smaller, faster and cheaper - typically from €350 per boat for a half day. A mini yacht is larger, smoother and has more room to lie in the sun - typically from €600 per boat for a half day. Pick a speedboat for long routes such as Vis and the Blue Cave, and a mini yacht for a slower day around the Pakleni Islands. Final price comes from the skipper and depends on boat, season and group size.
Read more →Destinations
What are the best islands to visit from Hvar?
The top destinations from Hvar are the Pakleni Islands (closest, great for swimming), Vis Island (remote, Blue Cave, Stiniva Beach), and Brac Island (Zlatni Rat beach). Each offers a different experience. See our destinations guide for details on each island.
Read more →How do I visit the Blue Cave from Hvar?
The Blue Cave is located on Bisevo Island, about 45-60 minutes by speedboat from Hvar. You need a boat to get there. A full-day Vis and Blue Cave trip usually leaves Hvar around 9 AM and also stops at the Green Cave, Stiniva Beach and Vis for lunch. The entrance fee (about 15-17 EUR per person) is paid separately at the Bisevo ticket office. The blue light is best between 10 AM and noon on sunny days.
Read more →What can I see at the Pakleni Islands?
The Pakleni Islands are a gorgeous archipelago just 10 minutes from Hvar Town. Highlights include Palmizana (beach club and restaurants), Jerolim (secluded swimming), Marinkovac (pristine bays), and Zdrilca (crystal-clear snorkeling). The islands are perfect for a half-day tour with multiple swim stops.
Read more →Getting to Hvar
How do I get to Hvar from Split?
Two main options: Catamaran (fast ferry, 1 hour to Hvar Town) or car ferry (2 hours to Stari Grad + 20 min drive). Catamarans are faster for foot passengers; car ferries if you have a vehicle.
Is there an airport on Hvar?
No. The nearest airport is Split (SPU). From Split, take ferry or catamaran to Hvar, or arrange a private boat transfer for convenience.
Do I need a car on Hvar?
Not essential but helpful for exploring. Hvar Town is walkable. For beaches and villages, rent a car or scooter. Boat tours are the best way to see the coastline.
Weather & Best Time
What is the best time to visit Hvar?
June and September offer the best balance: warm seas (23-25 degrees C), fewer crowds than July/August, and perfect weather. May and October are good for budget travelers willing to accept cooler water. See our full month-by-month guide for details.
Read more →Is the sea warm enough for swimming?
Yes, from June to September. Peak temperatures (25-27 degrees C) in August. May and October are swimmable but cooler (19-22 degrees C). April and November too cold for most swimmers.
Does it rain in Hvar?
Summer (June-August) is very dry. Spring and autumn see occasional showers. Winter has more rain. Hvar is one of the sunniest spots in Europe with 2,700+ hours of sunshine annually.
Practical Info
What should I bring on a boat tour?
Essentials: swimsuit, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat, light cover-up, and a waterproof phone case. Most boats provide towels, snorkeling gear and drinks, but check with your skipper. For full-day tours, bring a light jacket for the afternoon breeze. Water shoes are handy for pebble beaches.
Read more →What happens if weather cancels my tour?
The skipper decides whether it is safe to go out. If it is not, they contact you as early as possible. Usually you can move to another date, switch to a sheltered route, or get your money back, but the exact terms are the skipper's, so confirm them when you book. About 80-85% of summer days have good boating conditions.
Where do I meet for the boat tour?
Most trips start in Hvar Town harbor, near the main square (Trg Svetog Stjepana). Your skipper sends the exact meeting point, and often a photo of the boat, before the trip. If you want to be picked up somewhere else, such as a hotel jetty or Palmizana, ask in your request. Be there about 10 minutes before departure.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? We're happy to help with any questions about visiting Hvar or booking boat tours.
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