Sun, islands, and a RIB ride in one day. This private tour stitches together Fortica Fortress views and Pakleni snorkeling stops with towels, gear, snacks, and drinks all handled for you, at your pace. The one thing to weigh: it’s an almost-9-hour outing on open water, so if you’re prone to motion sickness or you prefer slow land days, plan around that.

You’ll leave Split in the morning and return to the same meeting spot. It’s priced per group (up to 10), so it can be great value if you’re traveling with friends or family and want a day that feels custom, not cattle-car schedule. Just remember: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to eat beforehand or plan a post-tour meal.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private pacing from Split: Your group goes as one, with the option to adjust the day to your needs.
• Snorkeling gear plus towels: Bring a swimsuit—towels, jackets, and snorkeling equipment are provided.
• Hvar Town + Fortica Fortress: You get the best photo views and a real chunk of time to wander.
• Pakleni Islands across the bay: Fourteen islands, quiet coves, pine shade, and multiple swimming spots.
• Food and drinks on board: Fruits, snacks, soda, water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Why Hvar and Pakleni Together Feels Like the Right Mix

Hvar and the Pakleni Islands are the kind of coastline that makes you slow down without trying. On this tour, you get the best of both worlds: a lively, historic town base on one side, and a quieter island playground on the other.

Hvar is famous for being sunny (they even call it the sunniest city in Europe) and for its celebrity-and-yacht vibe. But it’s not all flash. The town has centuries-old architecture and the first ever public theater in Europe. That matters, because it gives your day more than just scenery—you get streets and landmarks that tell a longer story than a single beach afternoon.

Then you cross the water to the Pakleni Islands: fourteen islands with hidden beaches, deserted lagoons and bays, and pine forests rising right out of the sea. It’s the part where the day turns from sightseeing to relaxing and swimming—often with multiple spots, not just one.

The best part for me is the balance: you don’t have to choose between a town you can explore and water time you can actually enjoy.

Meeting in Split and Getting on the RIB (Marlin 790 Dynamic)

You start at Trumbićeva obala 1, 21000 Split. The tour begins at 9:00 am, and you’ll want to arrive 10 minutes early. It’s easy to reach from the city, and it’s described as being near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying in the center and don’t want a separate transfer.

Boarding is on a RIB—specifically the Rib boat Marlin 790 Dynamic. RIBs are the practical choice for this kind of route: you can cover distance without a slow ferry feel, and you can reach smaller coves that bigger boats often skip.

Also, the day is set up as a private tour, meaning only your group is on board. That usually changes the vibe. You’re not trying to manage 30 strangers during bathroom stops, snack moments, or sudden weather changes. It’s just you.

Fortica Fortress in Tvrdava Fortica: Views First, Stress Last

The first stop is Tvrdava Fortica. Think of it as the quick “welcome to Hvar” checkpoint—high enough for the bay views, historic enough to feel worth the effort.

From what you can expect there, Fortica sits above the bay and helped keep the town safe over the centuries. Even if you don’t become a fortress person, you’ll likely enjoy what this stop gives you: orientation. From above, the shape of the coastline and the layout of the harbor becomes obvious, so when you later wander Hvar Town and look back at it from the water, it feels like one connected place.

Possible drawback: fortress viewpoints can mean uneven ground and some steps. The tour is “most travelers can participate,” but if you have mobility limits, you’ll want to consider how much walking you’re comfortable with before choosing this style of day.

Hvar Town Free Time: Old Streets and Real Food Time

Next comes Hvar, where you get a chunk of free time to explore. This is where the day becomes yours. You can take your time with the eight centuries old architecture, or just wander and get your bearings.

Hvar’s identity is a mix: high-end tourism energy in the waterfront areas, plus genuine local life and historic landmarks just a few streets inland. The tour experience is set up so you’re not stuck at one rigid viewpoint. Instead, you get freedom to step into the town rhythm.

And yes, this is also a food day. The tour description points toward great local food, and one of the best-service moments people mention is the guide arranging practical help for meals—like setting up a restaurant reservation for good seating. That’s the sort of detail that turns a scenic day into a “we nailed this” day.

One thing to keep expectations realistic: you’ll be on a boat day. So don’t over-plan. If you want a relaxed town walk, you’ll be happiest using the free time for a proper stroll, photos, and an easy meal—not for squeezing in a long museum plan.

Palmizana Botanical Garden: A Green Reset on a Sun Day

Then you head to Palmizana Botanical Garden. This is the calmer interlude between town time and island time. Botanical gardens tend to work well on a travel day because they give you shade and visual variety without requiring a major physical effort.

What I like about adding this stop is the pacing. After boats, sun, and town streets, a green pocket helps you reset. It also breaks up the day so the Pakleni Islands later feel even more dramatic once you return to open water and bright bays.

Possible drawback: gardens can be hit-or-miss depending on your interests. If plants and shade walks don’t grab you, treat this as a quick, comfortable pause rather than a must-see life highlight.

Pakleni Islands: Fourteen Islands, Quiet Bays, and Snorkel Gear

The main story of the day is Pakleni Islands. Your boat time brings you to a unique cluster of islands described as untouched, with hidden beaches, deserted lagoons, and bays. This is the kind of coast where the photos look good, but the real point is how it feels: pine shade near the shoreline, still water pockets, and the sense that you’re away from the big tourist trails.

This is also where the tour gives you the included gear that makes the day more than sightseeing. Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided, plus jackets. That’s a big deal because it lowers friction. You don’t have to rent anything or scrounge for a mask last minute.

Bring a swimsuit, and you’re basically ready. When the time comes for swimming, you can cool off fast and then spend time looking around underwater. The snorkeling focus means the day supports both types of fun: those who want a lounge-with-a-book moment and those who want to get out and explore the water.

A practical note: snorkeling spots depend on conditions and the captain’s judgment. So if you care a lot about a specific type of underwater viewing, you’ll want to be flexible and go with what the day offers.

Dubovica Beach: Where the Day Gets the Most Relaxing

After the Pakleni area, you’ll stop at Dubovica Beach. This is your “slow down” moment—time to swim, rest, and take in the coastal look without constantly moving.

Beach time is often where boat tours either win or disappoint. Here, the setup helps because you already have the right basics: towels, snorkeling gear, and the vibe of multiple swimming spots rather than one quick, rushed stop.

If you want to make Dubovica Beach work for you, plan for two modes:

• Do a swim early while the light and energy feel fresh.
• Then settle in with water, snacks, and shade when you’re ready.

You’ll likely appreciate having a fridge on board too—small comfort, but it helps keep drinks and food enjoyable instead of warm and flat.

Snacks, Drinks, and the Little On-Board Comforts That Matter

This tour isn’t just about getting to islands. It also takes care of the in-between. Included are snacks, bottled water, soda, fruits, alcoholic beverages, and towels. There’s also a fridge, which is a surprisingly useful detail on a warm day.

Why does this matter? Because it keeps you from turning the day into a series of tiny logistically annoying moments:

• You don’t need to chase a drink stop every time someone gets thirsty.
• You don’t need to ration snacks to avoid hangry drama.
• You can actually stay in the flow during switching stops and swim breaks.

It’s also private, so your group isn’t stuck waiting while someone else deals with ordering. The day moves with your pace.

What You Should Pack (So You Don’t Waste Island Time)

Because snorkeling equipment, towels, and jackets are included, your packing list stays simple. I’d focus on comfort and sun protection:

• A swimsuit under your clothes so you’re ready when the water time starts
• Sunscreen and something to protect your head
• Sunglasses with a secure strap or case
• A small dry bag for phone and valuables
• Basic cash/card for a meal after the tour (since lunch isn’t included)

The tour is offered in English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket. That’s helpful for smooth check-in, especially if you’re bouncing between locations during your Croatia days.

Price and Value: How $1,437.92 Per Group Can Work

The price is $1,437.92 per group, for up to 10 people, over about 9 hours. That’s not cheap on paper, but it changes shape once you think in group terms.

• If you fill most spots, your per-person cost becomes far more reasonable.
• You’re also getting a lot included: snorkeling gear, towels, jackets, fruits, snacks, soda/water, and alcoholic beverages.
• You’re buying convenience and control: private boat routing, plus a day that can be adapted to your group’s needs.

If you’re traveling as two or four people, you’ll likely feel the price more. In that case, the question becomes: do you really want a private boat day rather than joining a shared group? If you’re set on the privacy and you want multiple swimming options with minimal hassle, this style still makes sense.

One more practical clue: this tour is often booked about 125 days in advance. That’s usually a sign of seasonal demand. If you know your dates, I’d lock it in sooner rather than later.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong match if you:

• want Hvar Town without losing the beach and snorkeling side of the day
• prefer a private boat where your pacing is respected
• like a mix of history + water time + quiet island coves
• travel with a group that can fill more of the 10-person capacity

It might not be the best fit if you:

• dislike boats or get motion sick
• want an all-land day with minimal sun time
• need lunch included as part of the package

Should You Book This Private Hvar and Pakleni Tour?

I’d book it if you want a single, well-paced day that checks the core boxes: Fortica views, meaningful Hvar Town time, a calmer garden pause, and then the Pakleni Islands with snorkeling gear and real swim breaks.

You should think twice if your plans revolve around long, slow sightseeing sessions or if you don’t like being on the water for a big chunk of the day. Also, because lunch isn’t included, plan your food either before you start or for right after you return.

Overall, it’s one of those days that feels like you paid for ease. Everything essential is built in, and the island time is the point.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Hvar & Pakleni Islands private tour?

It runs for about 9 hours.

What does the tour include besides the boat ride?

Snorkeling equipment, towels, jackets, fruits, snacks, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Where do we meet, and what time does it start?

You meet at Trumbićeva obala 1, 21000 Split, Croatia at 9:00 am. Arrive about 10 minutes early.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Pickup is offered (and you should confirm the exact pickup details when booking).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

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