BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Boat Rental in Hvar and the Pakleni Islands

Rent a boat in Hvar to reach the Pakleni Islands and Vis: anchorages, coves, indicative prices and weather tips for a great week sailing in Dalmatia.

Hvar is one of the most sought-after stops in the Adriatic, and for good reason: a Venetian old town, remarkable light, and, right across the water, the string of Pakleni islands. Renting a boat here means trading the harbour queues for turquoise anchorages ten minutes' sail away. It is also a natural springboard towards wilder Vis, and towards the island's southern bays, far quieter than the centre.

The Pakleni, a short sail away

Palmižana remains the obvious choice, with its sheltered bay and waterside restaurants, but it fills quickly in high season. Look instead at the nearby Vinogradišće coves, or the small island of Marinkovac for a quieter anchorage. These islets are only a few miles apart, which makes them perfect for a stress-free day of swimming and snorkelling. Keep a backup anchorage in mind, as the weedy bottom does not hold equally well everywhere.

Pushing on to Vis

A longer offshore crossing away, Vis rewards the effort: closed to tourism for decades, it has kept a distinct atmosphere. Komiža bay, the coves of the south coast and, in calm weather, the trip to the Blue Cave on Biševo are all worth it. Plan this leg in settled weather, as the passage is more exposed than the sheltered Pakleni lagoon, and check the cave access slots, which are often full by midday.

Which boat and what budget

For this area, a sailboat (1,500 to 4,000 € per week) or a catamaran, steadier at anchor, both work well; a day cruiser is enough if you stay around Hvar. A local skipper at 150 to 350 € a day knows which anchorages hold when the maestral picks up in the afternoon. On Boat-Comparator, the same boat can show a 10 to 25 % gap between platforms, so the comparison pays off fast.

When to enjoy Hvar at its best

Hvar is very busy in July and August, when the nightlife is in full swing and the Pakleni anchorages fill up early. For a calmer stay, prefer June or September: the water stays warm, the light is superb and you find a quiet spot more easily. Plan your crossings for the morning and keep one evening alongside in the old town for the atmosphere. Book early if you want a catamaran, as supply goes fast on this popular island.

Practical tips

Book a mooring buoy or arrive early at Palmižana, where the bay saturates by midday. Check the cancellation policy, which varies from one owner to the next, and keep a weather margin for Vis. To organise your departure, see our boat rental in Hvar and Croatia boat rental pages. A useful reminder: platforms belong to their owners and Boat-Comparator is affiliated with none of them.

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