Explore the Pakleni Islands, a series of 16 wooded islands closely packed together just off the southern coast of Hvar. This half-day kayaking tour of the archipelago hops between islands, gliding silently though the translucent water to isolated areas where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Discover hidden coves and bays, pebble beaches and quiet lagoons, many of which can only be reached by sea. Along the way, your local guide will talk to you about the islands’ history, local plants and animals, and the changes in the islands’ fortunes over the years.
Your private guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the pier in Hvar town, where they will set you up with your own kayak and life vest and give you a quick tutorial on how to operate the sea kayaks. From here, you’ll paddle out into the Adriatic with your instructor leading the way.
You’ll learn that the islands are named after the pine resin that was once harvested here and used to coat the hull of ships and fishing boats. The islands are still densely forested and the first that you’ll pass, at the port entrance, is Galešnik, a former Franciscan quarantine for the sick.
From here, you’ll cross the channel to the main body of islands and have the option to explore different areas by kayak, combine paddling with a quick hike in the shade of the pine forests, or simply find a secluded place to stop and relax as you see fit.
Some options include visiting the rugged coastline of uninhabited Borovac or Planikovac where you can explore well away from the crowds, or paddling to Jerolim, an island of wide pebble beaches backed by white limestone and pine forests which is popular with naturists. Marinkovac Island by contrast, is best known for the good snorkelling conditions off Mlini Beach in the southwest, while Carpe Diem on the eastern side of the island, is a cocktail and lounge bar by day and internationally acclaimed nightspot after dark.
The islands cover a length of 10 kilometres (about 6 miles) and your guide can advise you on the different places to visit by water or on foot. Your guide will carry refreshments for you to enjoy during the tour and you can stop in secluded bays, relax on a pebble beach in a deserted cove, or paddle from one cove to the next until it’s time to return to the pier in Hvar town.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Croatia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Bike tour of Hvar
Explore ancient agricultural terraces, limestone cliffs, small villages and olive groves on this private cycling tour of Hvar with a local guide who can fill you on the history of the island and its people as you pedal.
Biševo and Vis boat tour
Discover dramatic cliffs, historic coastal towns and the Blue Cave, an underwater grotto, on a private, full-day boat trip from Hvar. Visiting the islands of Vis and Biševo, you’ll gain a scenic introduction to the Dalmatian Coast.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
