You know what they say, all the best beaches are accessible only by boat. And seeing as we were living our best lives on a Euro summer girls’ trip, boat day was a necessity.
When we heard we could explore Hvar’s wild coastlines and hidden islands by boat, we knew we had to say yes—and SamBoat made it all so easy. From seamless booking to an authentic, local experience, our perfect day on the water was one for the books. Their platform helped us find the right boat (we definitely filtered for with captain—as there was no way we were leaving that down to us!), and within minutes we were in touch with our captain for the day.
We were on a Euro summer getaway, and a boat day felt essential. Hvar is a place that begs to be explored from the sea, with shimmering turquoise coves, uninhabited islets, and tucked-away beaches only accessible by boat. Thanks to SamBoat, that dream became a reality.
Morning on the Southern Coast
We started our day along Hvar’s southern coast, with the sun warming our shoulders and the scent of pine drifting from the shore. Our first stop was Otok Bay, where the emerald-green water was impossibly clear. Backed by a pine forest and lined with smooth pebbles, it was the perfect place to slip into the sea for a slow, salty swim.
Next up was Dubovica Beach, one of Hvar’s most iconic spots. The beach is framed by a 500-year-old stone house built right into the coast. We dove off the boat and swam ashore, the water sparkling in the sunlight. After a short wander, we took the leap—literally—with a cliff jump back into the sea. Adrenaline, laughter, and that unbeatable post-jump rush!
We ended our southern stretch at Red Rocks—a surreal natural formation of vertically split red limestone cliffs and cave swim spots. Our captain timed the visit perfectly, so we had the entire place to ourselves. The echo of our splashes inside the cave, the coolness of the shade, and the deep red hues of the rock made it a magical moment we won’t forget.
Afternoon in the Pakleni Islands
In the afternoon, we set off for the Pakleni Islands—a breathtaking chain of rocky islets visible from Hvar town. With the sea breeze in our hair and sun-kissed skin, we hopped between turquoise bays, stopping whenever we felt like diving in.
Our favorite swim stop? Ždrilca Beach—where the water shimmered like a glassy blue mirror, and the visibility was so clear it felt like swimming in a natural aquarium. Thanks to our captain, who had snorkel masks ready, we got to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.
By then we’d built up quite the appetite, so we sailed toward lunch. The Pakleni islands are full of tucked-away beach bars and restaurants, and our captain had the perfect spot in mind. We anchored near Toto Beach and indulged in grilled local fish, roasted vegetables, and a chilled glass of Croatian white wine. With our toes in the sand and the cicadas humming in the background, it was the definition of laid-back luxury.
Why We Loved Booking with SamBoat
We were genuinely impressed by how smooth and flexible the experience was with SamBoat. The platform is super user-friendly—you can filter by boat type, price, captain option, and more. Our captain tailored the day to exactly what we wanted: a mix of hidden gems, relaxed swims, and great food.
There’s truly something for every vibe and budget—from luxury yachts to more casual Pasara boats.
- Book the same boat as ours here.
- Browse boats in Hvar or Croatia on SamBoat.
- Our full Hvar travel guide.
This trip reminded us just how powerful it is to see a place from the sea. The perspective, the peace, and the thrill of the open water—it was all unforgettable. If you’re heading to Hvar, don’t miss the chance to design your dream day on the water.
As we always say, boat day is the best day.
