Hvar as a Charter Base
Hvar is best known as a destination on the Split charter circuit — most boats stop here for one or two nights. But Hvar Town also functions as a charter base in its own right. ACI Marina Hvar has 160 berths and hosts a small selection of charter operators. Using Hvar as a base rather than a waypoint changes the dynamic: you spend less time sailing to get there and more time exploring the islands around it.
The practical advantage of basing in Hvar is proximity to the Pakleni Islands — 14 uninhabited islets 5 minutes to the west — and the fact that Vis, Korcula, and Brac are all within comfortable day-sail range. The disadvantage is a smaller fleet selection and fewer flight connections than Split (the nearest airport is Split, 22 nm by sea and 1 hour by ferry).
Pakleni Islands Day Trips
The Pakleni (Paklinski) Islands are Hvar's best asset and the reason most charter sailors arrive in the first place. Fourteen pine-covered islets form a natural breakwater southwest of Hvar Town, creating sheltered bays with clear water, seasonal restaurants, and buoyed anchorages. A small boat or water taxi can reach the first bays in under 10 minutes from the marina.
| Bay | Travel Time | Best For | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmizana (Sveti Klement) | 10 min | Restaurant, gallery, botanical garden | Water taxi or own boat; buoys fill by noon in Aug |
| Vlaka (Marinkovac) | 8 min | Swimming; naturist beach nearby on Jerolim | Own boat or tender; buoys available |
| Vinogradisce (Sveti Klement) | 12 min | Quieter south-facing bay; less swell | Own boat; anchoring area |
| Carstvo (Zecevo) | 20 min | Remote; restaurant in season; deep water | Own boat; anchor in 10–14 m |
Water taxis run from Hvar Town harbour to the main Pakleni bays throughout the day in summer — typically €5–8 per person each way. For a full day exploring multiple bays, renting a small boat is more flexible and only marginally more expensive for a group of 4–6 people.
Blue Cave Excursions from Hvar
The Blue Cave is on the island of Bisevo, about 25 nautical miles southwest of Hvar — roughly 2 hours by speedboat. Organised excursions from Hvar Town typically leave at 08:00–09:00 to arrive at the cave during the optimal light window (10:00–12:00). Combined trips often include a stop at Stiniva Cove on Vis (one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches), lunch in Komiza or Vis Town, and an afternoon swim before returning to Hvar by 18:00.
Excursion prices from Hvar run €65–100 per person for a shared speedboat tour. Private charter for the same route (8-seat speedboat) costs €600–900 for the full day. The private option is worth it for groups of 6 or more who want flexibility on timing and stops. Book ahead in July and August — Blue Cave excursions from Hvar sell out weeks in advance at peak season.
Blue Cave tip: The cave entrance is height-restricted and access is by small tender only — no boats can enter. Even on a private charter, you wait in the queue at the cave entrance. The difference between private and shared is mainly about what you do with the rest of the day, not the cave visit itself.
Speedboat Rental in Hvar
Speedboat and RIB rental is available from several operators based at ACI Marina Hvar and along the Hvar Town waterfront. Half-day rental (4 hours) for a self-drive RIB (8 people, 150 hp) typically costs €180–280. Full day is €280–450. Fuel is charged separately.
Self-drive requires a valid boating licence. Skippered rental requires nothing and is the sensible choice if you want to reach Bisevo for the Blue Cave — the passage involves open sea and some experience reading swell direction is useful. Most local captains know the cave timing and the good lunch spots on Vis.
Popular self-drive day routes from Hvar: north coast of Hvar to Stari Grad (30 min), south coast bays including Dubovica and Jagodna (calm beaches, 20–30 min), or across to Brac's south coast and Bol (45 min).
Weekly Charter from Hvar
Using Hvar as a weekly charter base is less common than Split but works well for specific routes. Some operators offer pick-up and drop-off at ACI Marina Hvar. The natural circuits from a Hvar base:
- South circuit: Hvar → Vis → Korcula → Lastovo → back via Mljet or direct. Excellent for 10-day charters.
- Central islands: Hvar → Vis → back via Brac south coast → Solta → return. Manageable one-week route with short legs.
- North toward Split: Hvar → Brac → Solta → Split for a one-way handover.
For a full catamaran or gulet selection based in Hvar, options are limited — most operators prefer Split as a base for fleet management. Check catamaran charter Croatia and gulet charter Croatia for current availability. The how to charter a boat guide covers the booking process step by step.
Price Overview: Boat Charter in Hvar
Other Charter Locations
Exploring other bases? All location guides below.