Boat Rental Hvar — Complete Nautical Guide 2026

Hvar Town is one of the rare Adriatic destinations where the best beach is only a 10-minute boat ride away — the Pakleni Islands lie almost directly across from the town harbor. Unlike excursions departing from Split, renting a boat directly in Hvar means you can pick a new cove every day without a long transfer, while the town offers restaurants and nightlife right at the dock in the evening.

The Pakleni Islands — 10 minutes from the harbor

The island chain of Sveti Klement, Marinkovac, Jerolim, and Stipanska offers dozens of anchoring coves, from the well-known Palmižana to quieter bays without a single restaurant. Their proximity to town makes the Pakleni Islands ideal for a shorter half-day trip or for anchoring overnight away from the town crowds.

Zaraće Bay — the north coast's hidden gem

Zaraće, on the north side of Hvar island, is hard to reach by land, which keeps it calmer than the coves on the busier southern side. A pebble beach surrounded by pine forest and crystal-clear water make it a favorite for boaters looking to escape the bustle of Hvar Town.

Milna and the island's west side

The western part of Hvar, toward Milna Hvarska, is considerably calmer than the eastern side around Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Less-visited coves and a traditional fishing-village atmosphere reward those willing to sail a bit further from the main harbor.

A full-day trip to Vis

Vis island is reachable from Hvar in about 1-1.5 hours of sailing, depending on the boat type, making it a realistic full-day excursion combined with a visit to the Blue Cave on Biševo or Stiniva bay. We recommend an early departure to avoid crowds at the most famous spots.

When to rent a boat in Hvar

The season runs from May to October, peaking in July and August when Hvar Town is one of the busiest destinations on the Adriatic. June and September offer warm seas and significantly calmer coves, with lower rental prices than at the height of the season.