Boat trips from Hvar: the basics
A boat ride, a private crossing and a scheduled catamaran are different services, and the right one depends on how long you want to be out and where you want to go. The short option is a water taxi from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands. The long option is a full-day trip to Biševo and the island of Vis. Everything is weather-dependent. Sea state decides whether a trip runs, and rough water can change the route.
Some providers offer faster boats, private charters or evening departures. Treat these as formats to ask about with the provider, not as something every trip includes, and check the length, the stops, the group size and the price on each offer. A published offer does not show free seats on your date.
Our picks: boat trips from Hvar
The yacht cruise is a four-hour way to reach the Pakleni Islands, the sunset sail fits one evening, and the five-hour boat tour adds a restroom and Wi-Fi on board.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Four-hour yacht cruise to the Pakleni Islands
- Skipper and fuel
- Stand-up paddleboard
- Snorkelling masks
Four hours on a comfort yacht with a skipper, a stop for swimming and a stand-up paddleboard to try. Confirm the exact meeting point for your date when you book.
Check availability →Five-hour boat tour from the main port
- Restroom on board
- Wi-Fi on board
A half-day boat trip with a restroom and Wi-Fi on board. Ask before booking which stops are on the route.
Check availability →
Two-hour sunset sail from Hvar
- Skipper
- Two-hour cruise
- Fuel included
A short evening sail in a small group with a skipper, a good first time on the water if you have only an evening free.
Check availability →Boat trips from Hvar
Boat days, Blue Cave trips and island hopping, with live prices and availability.
Which kind of boat trip suits you
Four common choices.
| Trip | Length | Goes to | Depends on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water taxi | 10 to 20 minutes each way | Jerolim, Stipanska, Mlini, Ždrilca, Palmižana | Summer service, no fixed return time |
| Half-day boat tour | A few hours | Pakleni bays and coves | Sea state, season |
| Blue Cave day | A full day | Biševo, often with Vis | Weather and cave access |
| Scheduled boat | 40 minutes to Vis, 1 hour 20 minutes to Korčula | Vis, Korčula, Dubrovnik | Timetable for your date |
For most visitors, the water taxi plus a swim is the simplest start. Book a full-day trip once the forecast is settled.
The sea around Hvar
What to know about protected areas.
The Pakleni Islands are a protected landscape, and the sea around them is a Natura 2000 area. Anchoring and heavy boat traffic damage the sea floor, so do not expect to anchor freely in every bay. Seagrass meadows and reefs are protected, and seagrass is not a safe place to drop an anchor. If you rent a boat yourself, ask the rental company about local rules and licences. Do not assume you need no licence.
Details on the islands are on the Pakleni Islands page.
Blue Cave and Vis by boat
The cave is not on Hvar.
- The Blue Cave is on the east side of Biševo, about 8.3 km from Komiža on Vis.
- Entry is €24 for adults from 20 June to 10 September and €18 otherwise. Children 6 to 12 pay €12 or €9, under 6 is free.
- Swimming, diving and anchoring in the cave area are not allowed.
- The best light is roughly 10:00 to 14:00. There is no promise of entry on a given day.
- Stiniva on Vis is a protected bay. Unrestricted boat access and cliff jumping are not safe to assume.
- The Green Cave is on Ravnik, a separate site. Check entry and swimming rules for the day.
See the full Blue Cave guide.
Scheduled boats to other islands
For an island day without a tour.
A published timetable from 19 October 2026 shows a Tuesday sailing from Hvar at 15:55 to Vis at 16:35, and back from Vis at 07:00 to Hvar at 07:45. That does not give a same-day return for a day visitor from Hvar. Another sailing runs from Hvar at 09:10 to Korčula at 10:30, which is 1 hour 20 minutes. Dubrovnik takes 3 hours 20 minutes on the same sailing. Timetables change by season, so check the date before you plan. More options are on the day trips page.
Boat trips from Hvar: frequently asked questions
How much is a water taxi to the Pakleni Islands?
There is no single rate. Expect roughly €6 return to €8 to €15 per person each way, depending on the destination and operator. Ask before you board and confirm the last return time.
Is swimming allowed on every boat trip?
No. You cannot swim in the Blue Cave. Elsewhere, sea conditions and local rules decide. Do not count on calm water.
Can I rent a boat without a licence?
Do not assume that. Rules depend on the boat and the rental terms, so ask the company before you book.
Will I see dolphins?
They cannot be promised. If you see wildlife, do not chase or disturb it.
What happens if the sea is rough?
The trip can change route or be cancelled. The cave can be closed as well. Read the cancellation terms before you book.