REVIEW · HVAR
Boat Tour at Delfina Hvar
Book on Viator →Operated by Delfina Excursions - Hvar · Bookable on Viator
One boat, three swim breaks, and the kind of views that make time slow down. Delfina Hvar turns a half-day on the water into a simple, swim-first plan around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands, with onboard WiFi so you can stay connected while you’re anchored in crystal-clear coves.
What I like most is that you get proper time in the water (with short sailing, then a real swim slot), plus a family-run feel that keeps the day relaxed. The only drawback to plan around is the usual one for shared boats: it can feel busy at times, and drinks like cold water are not included.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- Why this Hvar boat day feels like good value
- Meeting at Riva 5 and what the 11:30am start means
- Stop 1 on Hvar: Red Rocks, short sailing, and real swim time
- Pakleni Islands swimming: St. Clement and Marinkovac coves
- The food, WiFi, and the small comforts that matter on a 5-hour boat ride
- Who this Hvar and Pakleni tour is best for
- Practical tips to get the smoothest day
- Booking this Delfina Hvar boat tour: should you?
- FAQ
- How long is the Delfina Hvar boat tour?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What time does the tour depart?
- How many swimming stops do you get?
- What’s included in the price?
- Can I bring alcoholic drinks on board?
- Is bottled water included?
- What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?
Quick hits before you go

- Three swim stops built into one easy route around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands
- Complimentary onboard WiFi so you’re not totally offline at sea
- Hvar’s Red Rocks with a cave-and-cliff vibe plus jump-off spots
- Two Pakleni bays (St. Clement and Marinkovac) for different moods and water feel
- Restroom on board and a small onboard brunch/snack setup
- Max group size of 50, with a real chance you’ll be closer to 40 than 20
Why this Hvar boat day feels like good value

At $98 per person for about 5 hours, this boat tour is priced like a “do the highlights” experience rather than a lounge-and-sun rental. You’re paying for the route, the boat time, and the built-in swimming, not just transportation from A to B. For many people, that’s the point: Hvar’s best water isn’t always convenient to reach on your own without planning.
This is also a comfort-forward kind of day. There’s a restroom on board, and the boat is described as stable and clean, with enough seating so you’re not stuck in one miserable spot. WiFi being included is a small thing until you want to message home, coordinate plans, or just post a few photos without burning your phone battery in heat.
One practical watch-out: bottled water isn’t included, and alcohol from outside isn’t allowed. You can still buy drinks cold on board, but you should treat the boat as a place where you bring swim stuff and plan on paying for extras.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hvar.
Meeting at Riva 5 and what the 11:30am start means
The tour meets at Riva 5, 21450 Hvar, Croatia and runs from an 11:30am start, ending back at the same meeting point. That timing matters. You’re not wasting your morning in transit, but you also avoid the harshest part of midday on the dock. You’ll still be out in beach weather, but the day is set up to lean into swimming once you’re anchored.
Because this is a mobile-ticket experience, you don’t need extra paperwork. It’s also capped at 50 people, which helps keep the vibe from turning into full-on chaos. Still, plan like it’s a shared tour: pick a swim slot you care about most, and be ready to move with the group when they pull up to a stop.
Stop 1 on Hvar: Red Rocks, short sailing, and real swim time

Your first swim focus is Hvar Island, sailing along the south coast before the boat heads to the Red Rocks area. This stop includes swimming time of about 30 minutes. That might sound short, but it’s exactly the right length for a quick plunge, a couple of swims, and a little time to take photos without turning it into a half-hour full of indecision.
The Red Rocks area is known for dramatic cliff formations, and this tour leans into that. People mention opportunities to swim into rocky nooks and even a cool cave in the cliffs, plus the chance to jump off certain rock sections. In practice, this stop gives you a “wow” setting without requiring technical swimming skills. You’re anchoring close enough to enjoy the rock texture and the cliff shapes, not just looking at them from far away.
A smart consideration: if sea conditions or timing make a planned spot less workable, the day can shift to a different beach area. That’s not a failure. It’s how shared boat tours stay safe and keep the day moving.
Pakleni Islands swimming: St. Clement and Marinkovac coves

Then you head to the Pakleni Islands, where the boat builds in about 3 hours for the island side of the day. The key detail is that you get swimming in two different bays on St. Clement and Marinkovac. That means you’re not stuck doing the same “one cove all day” routine.
This portion is where the tour feels most like a vacation day. You spend time navigating between islands and then settle into water time that’s about the feeling of the bay: one cove can be quieter, while another may feel more active depending on the day. The overall setup gives you a choice in how you want your swim session to go. Want calmer water for floating and chilling? You’ll likely get that. Want a more lively anchorage vibe? You’ll probably run into that too.
This section is also longer than the Red Rocks stop, so you can be more flexible. If you want to get in early, swim, and then rest on the boat, you can. If you want to wait a bit and go in after the crowd shifts, you can do that too. Just remember the group schedule will move, so don’t treat it like a private beach with no clock.
The food, WiFi, and the small comforts that matter on a 5-hour boat ride

I like that this isn’t a “buy everything yourself” boat trip. You get brunch with extra snacks or fruit included, plus sandwiches are served onboard. People describe fresh bread and simple, satisfying combos like cheese and meat. It’s not a five-course meal, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s there for a very practical reason: swimming makes you hungry fast, and you don’t want to scramble for lunch after you’ve already spent the morning getting sun and salt water.
You also get complimentary WiFi. On a boat day, this is one of those perks that feels almost unnecessary until it suddenly becomes useful. You might want to check messages, post a quick update, or sort your next reservation plans before you get back to land.
Restroom access on board is another comfort that improves the whole experience. For a full half-day on the water, that matters more than people think.
Drinks are a different story. Alcoholic beverages can’t be brought from outside, and bottled water isn’t included. Cold drinks are sold on board, and people describe the prices as reasonable. So yes, budget a little for water and whatever you’d like to drink during the day.
Who this Hvar and Pakleni tour is best for

This tour is ideal if you want a short, structured day on the water with three swim opportunities and minimal planning stress. It’s also a good fit if you like the idea of a family operation rather than a huge corporate machine. The crew is described as polite and friendly, with many interactions staying light and simple. That works well if you’re there for the water, not for a long lecture.
You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:
- Care about swimming in Hvar’s famous coves and want a guided route
- Like the idea of onboard snacks without committing to a heavy meal
- Want convenience, including WiFi and a restroom
- Don’t mind shared-group timing and pulling back onboard together
If you prefer a quiet, private feel with lots of personal space, you might feel the group size more. The tour max is 50, and some people report around 40 on board. It’s still described as comfortable, but if you’re the type who hates crowded seating, consider that before booking.
Practical tips to get the smoothest day

Here’s how I’d set yourself up for success, based on what this tour is built around.
Bring swim-ready essentials. You’ll be in and out of the water at multiple stops, so arrive ready to go. Wear what you can handle in sun and salt, and bring something you’ll be happy to sit in afterward.
Plan for onboard purchases. Bottled water isn’t included, and drinks are for sale on board. If you don’t want to think about it mid-day, bring a few extras set aside for water and anything else you’d like.
Aim for the stops you care about most. The Red Rocks section is shorter, then the Pakleni portion gives you more time across two bays. If you’re chasing the cave-and-cliff feel, prioritize your timing there.
Use WiFi wisely. If your phone battery is precious, don’t treat WiFi as permission to scroll for hours. Use it for quick updates and planning, then enjoy the day offline.
Keep expectations on the snack style. The brunch setup is simple and functional. It’s not a fancy buffet. It’s enough to keep you satisfied after swims.
Booking this Delfina Hvar boat tour: should you?

If your goal is a swim-focused Hvar day with three water stops, onboard snacks, and a boat that’s set up for comfort, I’d say this is a strong booking choice. At $98 for roughly 5 hours, the value comes from the combination: route + multiple swimming locations + included food + WiFi.
I’d only think twice if you’re extremely sensitive to crowding or you want a strict all-inclusive drinks experience with no onboard purchasing. Otherwise, this is the kind of half-day plan that fits perfectly into a Hvar itinerary without turning it into logistics homework.
FAQ
How long is the Delfina Hvar boat tour?
The tour duration is about 5 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Riva 5, 21450 Hvar, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.
What time does the tour depart?
The start time listed is 11:30am.
How many swimming stops do you get?
You’ll have swimming time at the Red Rocks on Hvar, plus swimming in two different Pakleni Island bays (St. Clement and Marinkovac).
What’s included in the price?
Included features are a restroom on board, WiFi on board, and brunch with extra snacks or fruit.
Can I bring alcoholic drinks on board?
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed from outside. You can buy cold drinks on board.
Is bottled water included?
No, bottled water is not included.
What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.





