Top three best rated Hvar boat tours

When designing your itinerary for Hvar, make sure not to forget to put a boat tour on the list. This is a unique way to explore all the beauties this area has to offer. 

Located in south-central Croatia, Hvar is a perfect spot to do some island hopping and explore the Adriatic. In its immediate vicinity are Pakleni islands, Split, Brač, Vis, Korčula, Šolta; all of which are beautiful in their own way. Therefore, it does not surprise that the go-to activity for most visitors of Hvar island are daily boat tours. Here you will get a glimpse of the most popular boat tours from Hvar, their pricing, advice on which boats to select, and much more.
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When selecting a boat tour from Hvar, you need to have a couple of parameters in your mind:

time of the year – as we all know, Hvar is a very popular holiday location. It does not surprise then that some of the locations that will be on your bucket list will find their spot on other people’s list, too. Generally speaking, July and August are the busiest months of the season. Therefore, if you wish to avoid crowded locations, you should choose your boat tour carefully.

budget– more distant locations require more gas and therefore cost more. Also, some tours can be done both as a group tour and as a private tour. Naturally, private tours will be more expensive, but they will also allow for more flexibility.

weather conditions – Last, but definitely not least, the wind situation is something that can significantly impact your experience at sea. Surprisingly, while most people dread the rain, there is one thing that is worse for sailors: the wind. While rain does bring a whole different mood on your trip, it doesn’t impact significantly the ability to sail, and can even bring a totally charming and romantic setting to your day out on the sea. However, on windy days, one must be careful to select those spots that are secluded from the wind that is blowing on that particular day. In Dalmatia, the most notorious winds are Bura (NE) and Jugo (SE).

BOAT TOUR PRICE RANGE

Prices of a boat tour from Hvar can range from 60 euros to 300 euros or more per person. This greatly depends on the size of the group, the time of year, and on whether you prefer a private tour or a group excursion.
The more budget-friendly version is the group tour. In Hvar town there is only one daily excursion: The Blue cave tour. Its price ranges from 60 euros in the pre-season to 80 euros in the peak season (June, July and August). The price does not include the entrance fee to the Blue cave (about 18 euros, for a more detailed pricing check here).
The prices of private boat tours are expressed per boat, rather than per person. They range from 350 euros (usually max 4 persons, gasoline included) to 1500 euros or more ( for 2 to 12 persons, gasoline included). Closer destinations like Pakleni island and Red rocks will generally cost a bit less than the tours to Vis or Brač, as the latter two are further away.

Smaller boats naturally cost less, but they can also accommodate fewer people, so in some instances, a bigger boat might even be a cheaper option if you are part of a bigger group.

WHICH BOAT TO SELECT

Boats near the south shore of HvarThere are many options to select from so we will show you the 3 most popular low, mid and high-budget options.

Low budget: Aquamax 21

Average price: 500 euros (price depends on tour, gas and skipper included)
Capacity: 4 + 1

This small RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is perfect for groups of up to 4 persons + a skipper. RIB boats are soft on the waves and it has enough shade in the back to keep your party safe from the summer sun. Recommendable for closer destinations like Pakleni islands and Red rocks, but perfectly safe for further islands as well.

Mid budget: Crownline

Average price: 750 euros (price depends on tour, gas, and skipper included)
Capacity: 8+1

If you are searching for something very comfortable and with plenty of room both in the front and in the back, Crownline-style boat will be ideal for you. Pair it with a good sound system and cushioned sundeck, and you got yourself a perfect boat for exploring Hvar archipelago, including Vis and the Blue cave.

High budget: Colnago

Price range: 1300 euros (price depend on tour, gas and skipper included)
Capacity: 12+2

For ultimate comfort on the sea select Colnago-type boats. Colnago is where luxury meets comfort. A spacious boat with plenty of room in the shade and in the sun, a good Soundsystem, and speed are only some of the qualities this boat boasts. This vessel is also perfect for Bachelor or bachelorette party boat tours, or for families searching for a comfortable boat to explore the area.

MOST POPULAR BOAT TOURS FROM HVAR

1. Blue cave and Pakleni islands tour

   Pros: very diverse scenery, includes 4 different islands
   Cons: the busiest one
   Price: 400-1600 euros per boat (private tour) or 80 euros per person (group tour)
   Additional fees: Blue cave entrance (12-18 euros), Green cave (optional)
   Best time to visit: pre- and post-season (May, June, September, October)
   Highlights: Blue cave, Stiniva, Palmižana

   

   By far the most popular boat tour from Hvar is the Blue cave and Pakleni islands, sometimes also known as 4 or 5 island tour (depending on whether you depart from Hvar or Split). Its popularity is not accidental, as the locations visited are truly stunning. You can read more about this tour here.
   As it can get quite busy in the peak season (July and August), in that period it is better to visit it with a private boat tour or, instead, consider the following:

   2. Red rocks and Pakleni islands tour

   Pros: beautiful beaches, less busy than the Blue cave
   Cons: focused only on Hvar and Pakleni
   Price: 400-1200 euros (private tour only)
   Best time to visit: any time during summer
   Highlights: Red rocks, Zaraće, Palmižana

   

   A truly stunning route, ideal for those who wish to stay away from busy areas, yet see amazing scenery and Hvar’s most beautiful beaches. This tour includes a lot of beach stops and swimming, so it is best to be done in warmer months of the year, so you don’t miss out on swimming and snorkeling. In colder months (spring and autumn) Blue cave tour might be more advisable. Winetasting can also be done as a part of this tour, but make sure to let your booking agent know in advance. You can read more about this tour here.

3. Golden horn and Pakleni islands tour

   Pros: has the most authentic hidden locations
   Cons: Golden Horn gets busy in July and August
   Price: 400-1600 euros (private tour only)
   Best time to visit: any time during summer
   Highlights: Golden horn, secluded bays on Hvar and Pakleni

   

   One of the most famous beaches of the Adriatic, Golden Horn, also known as Zlatni rat beach, is the highlight of this tour. What is unique about this boat tour is that it also takes you to some stunning secluded locations on Pakleni islands and Hvar’s mainland. These locations are popular among the locals, yet not well known among the tourists, and they offer a truly unique and authentic experience of Hvar island, far from the crowds. You can read more about this tour here.

While some people prefer to experience authentic intact locations, others prefer party spots or just need beautiful swimming locations.  Hopefully, these guidelines helped you select the perfect boat tour that would suit your needs in Hvar. Bear in mind that all private boat tours in Hvar are highly customizable, so you can talk to your skipper and tell him about your needs and preferences, and he will do his best to accommodate them. The skippers are very knowledgeable about the area so they will know all the secluded bays or good restaurants, and much more.  Nonetheless,  whichever boat tour you select from this list, we guarantee you will not regret it. Each tour is beautiful and special in its own way, so if you have time and resources, definitely give it a go!

In case you are searching for the best ways to get to Hvar, make sure to check Kayak.com, where you can find cheap flights and exclusive deals.