A water taxi from Hvar harbour to the Pakleni islets for swimming, Croatia

Boat Trip

Water Taxi to the Pakleni Islands

Hvar · Central Dalmatia

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CATEGORY: Boat Trip
COUNTRY: Croatia
REGION: Hvar · Central Dalmatia
DURATION: A half-day to a full day.
DIFFICULTY: Easy — a short boat crossing and swimming from coves.
BEST TIME: May to October; mornings for calm water.

ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE

A water-taxi trip to the Pakleni islands is the standard Hvar summer activity — a few minutes from the harbour to one of the wooded islets, where you spend the day swimming in a clear cove, snorkelling over the rocks and relaxing in the pine shade. The water offshore is clearer and quieter than in the town, and the crossing itself is part of the pleasure.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

What you’ll experience

You board a water taxi at the harbour, cross to one of the Pakleni islets in a few minutes, and spend the day at a cove — swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in the pine shade. A few islets have seasonal beach clubs for food and drinks; others are quiet and simple. You can return on any taxi, and the day is as long as you like.

THE EXPERIENCE IN DETAIL

What it’s really like

More here soon — the road is still being mapped.

HIGHLIGHTS

Moments worth savouring

The short water-taxi crossing from the harbour to the islets.

Clear swimming coves with pine shade on the larger islets.

Snorkelling over the rocks and the seagrass meadows.

The seasonal beach clubs on a few of the coves.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Good to know before you go

Water taxis run regularly in season from the harbour; the fare is paid on board. The islets have little shade beyond the pines and only seasonal bars, so bring water and sun protection. Mornings have the calmest water for swimming and snorkelling.

WHY IT MATTERS

Why it matters

The Pakleni trip is the swimming heart of Hvar — the clear water and the quiet coves that make the town a beach destination, and the natural second activity after the old town.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Before you go

Where

Water taxis depart from Hvar harbour.

When

May to October, with the most frequent service in July and August.

Duration

A half-day or full day on the islets.

Bring

Water, sun protection, snorkel gear and sea shoes.

THROUGH THE LENS

From the road

MAP & LOCATION