A speedboat day off Hvar is hard to beat. This private cruise pairs quick hops along the coast with serious swim time on the Pakleni Islands and red-rock cave country around Hvar Town. You’ll get snorkeling equipment and life jackets, plus the freedom to steer the day toward what you actually care about. The main trade-off is cost: it’s $905.12 per group (up to 7), so it’s most valuable if you’ll truly make it a shared, full-day outing.

I especially like how the plan mixes big, iconic beaches with smaller, more personal-feeling spots you can only reach by boat. And the skipper factor matters here: guides such as Franco and Marko/Marco have a reputation for finding secret swimming places and keeping the pace relaxed, not rushed.

One possible drawback: the experience runs about 5 to 8 hours, and it needs good weather. Also, not every stop is fully included—wine tasting at Plenković is listed as not included.

Key Points Before You Go

• Private speedboat with up to 7 people: less waiting, more time in the water.
• Snorkeling gear + life jackets included, so you only need swimwear.
• Dubovica Beach’s cave setup includes a hidden cave with two entrances (sea level and shallow).
• Pakleni Islands time is built in (including Palmižana, gardens, bars, and pebbly secluded bays).
• One structured wine stop at Plenković, with tasting costs not included.
• Skipper-led customization is a real feature, not just a marketing line.

Why This Hvar Private Speedboat Feels Like Your Own Day

Hvar is packed with day-trip ideas, but this one works because you’re not stuck to a bus schedule or a rigid route. You’re in a private boat, so your “how long do we stay here?” question gets answered right away. That flexibility matters on Hvar because the best choice of swimming and beach time often depends on wind, crowds, and how the water looks in real time.

I also like the way the tour balances two types of fun: coast-hopping sightseeing and proper downtime. You’ll see enough coastline to feel like you experienced the area, yet you’ll still have beach and snorkeling windows that don’t feel like a speed-run.

A final reason it’s a good fit for many people: it’s built around the water. The tour doesn’t pretend you’ll enjoy Croatia from a viewpoint. It invites you to get in.

Price and Value: When $905.12 Per Group Makes Sense

Let’s talk money honestly. At $905.12 per group up to 7, this is not a “cheap boat ride” option. It’s closer to a small-charter experience, which means the value depends on how many people you’re actually splitting it with and how much you’ll use the boat time.

Here’s the math that usually makes it feel worthwhile:

• If you have 4–7 people, you’re essentially paying for convenience, comfort, and guided spot-finding instead of solo tickets and waiting around.
• If you want multiple swim stops plus a cave-and-beach mix, a private boat starts to beat the value of hopping between crowded transport options.
• If wine tasting is part of your plan, remember: the tasting at Plenković is not included, so you should budget extra for that.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you’re mainly after one calm beach day, you may find cheaper group options. But if you’re the type who wants to check the big boxes—caves, multiple beaches, snorkeling, and custom timing—this pricing is easier to justify.

Meeting Point at Antonio Rent: Simple Start, Less Stress

Your tour starts at Antonio Rent at Tezacka 5, 21450, Hvar. The stated start time is 10:30 am, and the experience ends back at the meeting point.

That “back where you started” detail matters more than it sounds. On a day that includes swimming, it reduces the mental load: you’re not worrying about transfers back to town while your brain is half in sun mode.

Also, you get a mobile ticket, which is the kind of detail that saves time on a busy travel day.

Dubovica Beach and Its Two-Entrance Cave

Your first major stop is Dubovica Beach, known for its 30m-wide pebble setting and the nearby noble house from the 17th century. This is one of those beaches where the scenery comes for free: you get coast views without having to work for them.

What makes it special is the cave feature. On the right side of Dubovica Bay, there’s a small hidden cave with two entrances:

• one at sea level
• one in the shallow sea

You can spend time exploring it (either by swimming in the appropriate areas or walking into the shallow entrance). In plain terms: it’s not just a pretty beach, it’s an easy “adventure snack” early in the day.

Possible drawback: pebbly beaches can be rough on bare feet, and cave exploration tends to be more comfortable when you can move confidently. I’d bring water shoes if you’re the type who hates stepping on rocks.

Wine Stop at Plenković: What You Pay For

After Dubovica, the tour includes Plaza Sveta Nedelja with wine tasting at the winery Plenković. The stop is listed as 30 minutes, and the big thing to know is this: the wine tasting admission is not included.

So think of it like a short, optional add-on moment. If wine is a priority for your group, you’ll likely feel happy to pay for a tasting there. If wine isn’t your thing, use this portion as a quick break before you head back toward swimming.

Tip: since the tasting cost isn’t included, take a moment before you go to decide whether everyone in your group is doing it.

Zaraće Bays: The Mix of Town Access and Local Food

Next up is Plaža Malo Zaraće (with the area also described as including Velo Zaraće). Zaraće sits on the southern side of Hvar, about 6 km from Hvar town. By boat, that distance feels short, and it lets you focus on the fun part: two bays, multiple beaches, and a chance to eat like locals do.

The tour frames it around food as well as water. At Velo Zaraće, there are several restaurants where you can try local dishes. The stop length here is around 30 minutes, so it’s not a long lunch block—more like a quick, satisfying pause.

Possible drawback: with a short stop window, you’ll want to be decisive about where you want to eat. If your group has “food debate energy,” decide fast once you’re there.

Pakleni Islands: Palmižana, Botanical Garden Walks, and Beach Personality

Now you get the centerpiece time: the Pakleni Islands portion, around 1 hour 30 minutes. This archipelago sits in front of Hvar town and includes plenty of places to swim, hidden beaches, pine woods, restaurants, and bars—so your group can split time between lively lounge scenes and quiet corners.

Here are the key “characters” of the Pakleni lineup you can look for:

Palmižana Beach and the Garden Walk

Palmižana is the most popular sandy beach here, and that’s for a reason: it’s the safest-feeling option in the mix. You’ll also have time tied to the Palmizana botanical garden walk, described as having rosemary shrubs and a range of plants such as agava and opuntia.

That garden detail is more than decoration. It gives your day a texture shift: you’re not just floating and sunning, you’re walking through a small eco paradise and cooling off in shade when you need it.

Laganini Bar and the Lounge Vibe

If your group likes an easy, scenic drink break, the tour mentions Laganini bar at sea level. This is where the Pakleni experience can feel like “vacation mood” rather than just sightseeing.

Naturist Beaches: Jerolim and Stipanska

The itinerary also highlights Jerolim and Stipanska as naturist beaches. Shower and a shop are available there (per the tour info), which is practical if you’re planning to spend more time in that area.

Ždrilca: Pebble Beaches and Secluded Relaxation

For a calmer style of break, look for Ždrilca, described as several pebble beaches with secluded spots. This is the part of the day that tends to work well for people who want to feel like they found their own quiet slice of coast.

Possible drawback: Pakleni has plenty of variety, but that also means you’ll want to choose your “priority mode” on arrival—quiet swimming, lounge time, garden strolls, or a snack stop. Trying to do everything at once can leave you feeling rushed.

Mlini Beach, Lucisca Beach, and the Final Swim-to-Return Rhythm

After Pakleni, the itinerary adds shorter beach stops:

• Mlini Beach (around 30 minutes), described as one of the most beautiful bays on the islands.
• Lucisca Beach / Lucisca (around 30 minutes), also listed as an easy final swimming moment.

These last stops are important because they help you finish the day with something satisfying, not just with a return ride. They also give you a chance to compare vibes: some beaches in this area are lively and easy, while others feel more secluded and still.

Practical note: because this is a private tour with swimming stops, you’ll want to stay flexible on how you pace your energy. If you’ve done a lot of snorkeling earlier, take it slower at the end.

Snorkeling Gear, Life Jackets, and What to Pack

One of the clearest wins of this tour is the inclusion list. You get snorkeling equipment and life jackets, plus bottled water. That means you don’t need to haul your own mask or worry about basic safety gear.

So what should you bring?

• Swimwear (you’re told you only need to bring that)
• Sun protection (this is a long time on open water)
• Towel
• Water shoes if you don’t love pebbles
• A small bag for wet items and phone essentials

From the reviews, the general vibe is that the boat and captain setup makes people comfortable quickly. One recurring theme is that skippers like Franco and Marko/Marco keep checking in so you don’t feel ignored once you’re in the water.

Also, in at least one case, a skipper (Marco) reportedly used a drone to take photos/videos. I can’t promise every guide will do that, but if you want something like that, it’s reasonable to ask your skipper if it’s possible.

The Skipper Factor: Franco and Marko’s Local-Spot Reputation

This tour’s quality isn’t just the route—it’s the person guiding it. In the feedback you can see a pattern: guides such as Franco, Marko, and Marco are praised for:

• finding secret-feeling swimming spots
• handling caves and red-rock exploration safely and confidently
• tailoring the day to what the group wants
• keeping the pace relaxed

That last part is key. A private speedboat can easily become “fast and frantic” if the captain treats it like a checklist. Here, the messaging from guides and the way the stops are timed tends to support a more human pace: swim when you want, break when you need, and don’t feel rushed between locations.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a great fit if:

• you’re traveling with a group up to 7 who wants a private day on the water
• you care about snorkeling and beach-hopping, not just photos from shore
• you like a flexible itinerary that can shift based on your interests
• you want to experience multiple sides of Hvar and the Pakleni Islands without complicated logistics

It might be less ideal if:

• you’re trying to keep costs very low (private boat days cost real money)
• you hate pebbly beaches or rough footing (water shoes help)
• you’re only interested in one short stop and then staying put on land

Should You Book This Private Hvar Speedboat Tour?

If you want a true day on the water—with snorkeling gear included, cave and beach exploration, and serious variety across the Pakleni Islands—this is an easy “yes” for many groups. The price becomes reasonable when you split it across multiple people and when you’ll actually use the boat time for multiple swim stops and a relaxed pace.

I’d book it if you’re the type who wants to pick the mood of the day: secret swimming spots, lounge bars, garden stroll shade, or naturist-friendly beaches. If that sounds like your ideal Hvar day, don’t overthink it.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour from Hvar?

The duration is listed as about 5 to 8 hours.

What is the group size and price?

It’s private and priced at $905.12 per group, for up to 7 people.

What’s included in the tour?

Included are snorkeling equipment, life jackets, bottled water, and fuel surcharge.

What do I need to bring?

You should bring swimwear. The tour provides snorkeling equipment and life jackets.

Where does the tour start and what time does it begin?

It starts at Antonio Rent, Tezacka 5, Hvar. The start time is 10:30 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is the wine tasting included?

Wine tasting at Plenković is listed as not included. The stop itself is 30 minutes.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.