Hvar: Sunset and Pakleni Islands with a Speed Boat

The best part of this 90-minute speedboat ride comes at the end, when the boat stops near the Pakleni Islands and you watch the sun drop over the Adriatic from the water. Before that, you get a quick look at several of Hvar’s famous nearby islands and a proper swim at Mlini and Ždrilca lagoon.

I like the easy mix of sightseeing and swimming, and I like that beer, water, and snorkeling gear are included rather than treated as extras. The main drawback is the short running time: with several islands to pass and only about 30 minutes at the beach, this is a sunset sampler, not a full island day.

• Sunset from the boat: Finish offshore among the Pakleni Islands, with about 20 minutes set aside for the evening light.
• Mlini and Ždrilca lagoon: Spend around 30 minutes swimming or snorkeling from a pretty pebble beach.
• Several famous sights in one trip: Pass Galesnik, Jerolim, and the Carpe Diem Bar area.
• Drinks included: Bottled water and beer are part of the price, along with snorkeling equipment.
• Skippers with personality: Domi, Tony, and Leo have all led departures, with Domi receiving especially warm praise for his explanations and friendly manner.
• Useful limits: The ride is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back problems, or anyone over 95.

A Fast Route Into Hvar’s Island World

Hvar Town sits beside a chain of small islands known as the Pakleni Islands. They are close enough to reach quickly by speedboat, yet they give you a sharp change of scene from the town’s stone quays, cafés, and busy harbor.

This trip uses that short distance well. You do not spend hours getting to a far-off island. Instead, you skim across the water, see several recognizable spots, pause for a swim, and finish with the sunset.

That format suits you if your time in Hvar is limited or if you want one pleasant outing without giving up most of an afternoon. It also works well as a lighter activity after sightseeing in town. You are outside, on the water, and moving often enough that the 90 minutes feels active rather than slow.

The trade-off is simple. This is not a leisurely island-hopping cruise with long stops, a meal, or time to explore on foot. The schedule is compact, and the speedboat is used to cover more ground in less time.

Meeting the Boat at Hvar’s Main Pier

The Hvar Charter and HvarBoats office is on the main pier in Hvar Town, next to the post office. That is a practical meeting point, especially if you are staying in or near the old town and want to walk there without arranging another transfer.

The boat and fuel are included in the $84 price per person. Bottled water, beer, snorkeling gear, and passenger insurance are also included. Food is not provided, and gratuities are not included, so plan to eat before or after the ride.

English is the tour language. The skippers named in the feedback include Domi, Tony, and Leo. Domi is singled out for interesting explanations, constant attention to the group, and a friendly style. You may not get the same skipper on every departure, but the experience is clearly built around a personable captain rather than a recorded commentary.

Bring beachwear, comfortable clothes, and a camera. You will want clothing that works for both a moving boat and a swim. A camera or phone with a secure grip is sensible, since the boat ride and sunset provide the most memorable pictures.

Galesnik, Jerolim, and Carpe Diem From the Water

The first part is mainly a moving tour. You pass Galesnik Island, Jerolim, and the Carpe Diem Bar area rather than getting off at each place.

Galesnik is especially interesting because the island house was fully renovated in 2023 and is intended for weddings. You will see it from the boat, so this is a quick visual detail rather than a property visit. Still, it adds a modern note to the island scenery and gives the skipper something specific to point out.

Jerolim is known for its nudist beach. You do not stop there for a beach visit, but passing it helps you understand the range of experiences offered around Hvar. The island attracts people looking for a more open approach to sunbathing, so do not expect every beach in this area to have the same atmosphere.

You also pass Carpe Diem Bar, which has two different moods. In daylight, it works as a beach spot. After dark, it becomes a music and nightlife venue. Seeing it from the boat gives you a quick sense of how the Pakleni Islands change as the day moves into evening.

These pass-bys are useful, but keep your expectations in check. You will not have time to inspect the renovated house, use the nudist beach, or spend the night at the bar. The value is in getting a quick orientation to places that are otherwise easy to miss from Hvar Town.

Thirty Minutes at Mlini and Ždrilca Lagoon

The main swimming stop is at Mlini beach in the Mlini and Ždrilca lagoon area. It is a pebble beach in a sheltered bay, with clear water suited to swimming and snorkeling.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a refreshing swim, a look beneath the surface with the supplied snorkeling gear, or a short spell on the beach. It is not enough time for an unhurried beach day, so you will need to move fairly promptly if you want to do both swimming and snorkeling.

The water is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Several departures have included swimming in turquoise-blue water, and the clear conditions make the snorkeling equipment worthwhile. The available information does not promise particular marine life or a specific snorkeling route, so think of this as a chance to look around in the water, not a guided marine-life excursion.

The beach itself is pebbly. Beach shoes may be useful if you dislike walking over stones, although they are not listed as required equipment. Since only beachwear is specifically requested, you should bring whatever you normally use for a comfortable swim.

This stop also gives the trip a welcome physical break. The speedboat ride is the focus, but 30 minutes in the water keeps the outing from becoming a simple sightseeing loop. If swimming is important to you, this is the part of the itinerary that deserves your attention.

Sunset Near the Pakleni Islands

After the swim, the boat moves into the final portion of the trip: a stop near the Pakleni Islands for sunset. About 20 minutes are set aside for this.

The timing is the heart of the experience. Instead of watching the sun disappear behind buildings from a town promenade, you are out on the water, with the islands around you and open sky ahead. The boat floats while the light changes, giving you a quiet pause after the faster ride and the swim.

Sunset times change through the season, so the exact departure time will vary. Check the available starting times for your date rather than assuming a fixed hour. The operator also requires good weather, which matters more for a sunset boat trip than it would for a museum visit.

The reviews consistently praise this part of the outing. Domi is noted for creating a good atmosphere, while other departures with Tony and Leo were described as friendly and enjoyable. Music may be part of the mood, and drinks are available on board, but this is not presented as a full party cruise.

That distinction is useful. If you want loud music and a long night out, the nearby Carpe Diem area is a better match. If you want a short, scenic ride with a drink in hand and the sun going down around you, this trip hits the mark.

What $84 Really Buys You

At $84 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the water around Hvar. You are paying for a speedboat, fuel, a captain, insurance, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a carefully timed sunset outing.

The value depends on what you would otherwise arrange yourself. If you would need to find a boat, pay for fuel, rent snorkeling gear, and organize a sunset trip separately, the package is convenient. You also avoid spending time working out the route between the nearby islands.

The price is less compelling if you want a full beach day. There is no food, no long stop on an island, and no extended time at a single beach. You are paying for movement, access, and timing rather than a large amount of time ashore.

I would compare it with the cost of a private boat or a longer group excursion before booking. This experience makes most sense when you want a short, structured ride and do not need a full-day charter.

The included beer and bottled water are small details, but they help. You do not need to buy a drink during the ride, and the snorkeling gear saves you from arranging equipment separately. Food remains your responsibility, so have a meal before departure if you are likely to get hungry after swimming.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most

I would recommend the trip to you if you want to see the Pakleni Islands but have only a short window. It is also a good choice for couples and friends who want sunset photographs, a swim, and a few drinks without committing to a long cruise.

It suits confident swimmers who enjoy getting in and out of the water quickly. The Mlini stop is scenic and useful, but the schedule is tight. If you prefer a slow beach day, you will probably find the 30-minute stop too brief.

The experience is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or people over 95. A speedboat can be a rougher ride than a larger boat, so the warning about back problems should be taken seriously.

You also need reasonable weather. If conditions are poor, the trip can be canceled and you will be offered another date or a full refund. A minimum number of participants is required as well, with the same choice of another date, another experience, or a refund if the departure does not operate.

A Few Practical Ways to Improve the Experience

Arrive at the main pier with enough time to find the Hvar Charter and HvarBoats office beside the post office. The meeting point is central, but Hvar’s waterfront can be busy, especially around the evening departure period.

Wear your beachwear under comfortable clothes. That makes the change from sightseeing to swimming much easier, particularly when the schedule allows only a short stop.

Keep your camera protected from spray. You will want pictures of the islands and the sunset, but a speedboat is a wet environment even when the weather is calm.

Use the 30-minute swim stop wisely. You can swim first and snorkel afterward, or spend the whole break in the water. Trying to spend much of the time lounging on the pebble beach will leave less time for swimming.

Finally, keep your expectations focused on the sunset. The passing views of Galesnik, Jerolim, and Carpe Diem are useful extras, but the trip’s strongest memory is the final stop near the islands.

Should You Book the Pakleni Sunset Speedboat?

Book it if you want a short, well-packed outing with a swim, snorkeling, drinks, and sunset views. The strongest features are the clear water at Mlini and Ždrilca lagoon, the direct route from Hvar Town, and the chance to watch sunset from offshore rather than from land.

Skip it if you want long beach time, a meal, extensive island exploration, or a relaxed full-day cruise. The 90-minute format is efficient but not generous.

For most people with limited time in Hvar, I think the trip offers good value when the sunset is your priority. Choose a clear-weather evening, bring beachwear and a camera, and treat the pass-bys as a quick introduction to the Pakleni Islands rather than full visits.

FAQ

How long does the Hvar sunset speedboat experience last?

The experience lasts 90 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The Hvar Charter and HvarBoats office is on the main pier in Hvar Town, next to the post office.

What islands and sights will I see?

You pass Galesnik Island, Jerolim, and the Carpe Diem Bar area before stopping near the Pakleni Islands for sunset.

How long is the swimming stop?

The stop at Mlini beach in the Mlini and Ždrilca lagoon area lasts about 30 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and beer are included. Food is not included.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide language is English.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, comfortable clothes, and beachwear.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience may also be changed or refunded if poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes cancellation.