Guest Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Tour
Where we go, what to bring, the rules on board and what happens if the weather turns. Read once, sail relaxed.
On the chart
Where We Go
Most days we head to the Blue Cave before the catamarans arrive, then drift through the Pakleni Islands for swimming and a lunch stop somewhere you can only reach by boat. Your route is flexible — tell us what you want and we adapt.
MareBoats — Where We Go
Blue Cave (Biševo)
We time it for the quiet window so you skip the queue. Entrance €20–25 paid on site.
Pakleni Islands
Palmižana, Stipanska, Vlaka — clear water, good snorkelling, easy lunch stops.
Vis & Stiniva
On longer days we can push to Vis. Stiniva cove is worth the extra hour.
Hidden snorkel spots
Small coves between the islands — most tour boats skip them. We don't.
Know before you go
Where We Go — Your Destination Guide
Seven stops, each with a story. History, geology and what to expect when you get there.
Blue Cave (Modra Špilja)
Best at noonBiševo Island — 15 permanent residents
The electric blue glow happens when sunlight enters through an underwater opening and reflects off the white limestone seabed, absorbing red wavelengths and scattering only blue. The cave was carved by wave erosion over millennia. First documented in 1884 by Austrian painter Baron Eugen von Ransonnet, who had the entrance blasted open with dynamite so boats could enter. Biševo is one of the most remote islands in Croatia. Best light: 11am–12pm on calm days.
Green Cave (Zelena Špilja)
You can swim hereRavnik Island — open ceiling, emerald water
The Blue Cave's wilder sibling. The Green Cave creates the same optical phenomenon but its interior is larger and open at the top — so the light comes from above, giving the water an intense emerald-green tone. You can actually swim inside. Less regulated, less crowded, and for many visitors the more memorable of the two.
Red Rocks (Crvena Stijena)
Best cliff jumping on HvarHvar — iron-oxide limestone breccia
The color is geology in action. The formations near Milna are breccia — angular limestone fragments cemented with iron-rich minerals. Tectonic forces pushed these layers upright; rain and waves eroded the softer limestone around them, leaving the harder, iron-oxide-stained breccia exposed. The iron oxidized — exactly like metal rusting. The cliffs drop straight into the sea, creating perfect conditions for cliff jumping and some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Stiniva Beach
Named Best Beach in EuropeHvar — only reachable by boat or steep hike
A hidden cove almost completely enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, with an entrance so narrow that only small boats can pass. The pebble beach inside is completely sheltered, the water crystal clear, and the acoustics of the cliffs create a silence that feels surreal. Named Best Beach in Europe by Which? magazine. Arriving by boat is the only way to skip the 45-minute hike down from the cliffs above.
Plaža Dubovica
16th-century stone houseHvar — 16th-century stone house on the shore
A stone house built by a local nobleman sits on the rocky point at the edge of the bay — one of the oldest standing structures on this part of the island. The beach is protected by a small peninsula that cuts the wind, making the water unusually calm and warm even in early season. A small sea cave just off the eastern cliff face is worth exploring by snorkel.
Pakleni Islands (Pakleni Otoci)
Car-free, pine-coveredArchipelago of 16 islands — car-free
The name doesn't mean "hellish" — it comes from "paklina," an old Croatian word for pine resin harvested here for centuries to waterproof ship hulls. Almost entirely uninhabited and car-free, the archipelago has the clearest water in the Adriatic, beach bars hidden between pine trees, and a quiet that's hard to find anywhere near a tourist town in summer.
Veliki Budikovac — Blue Lagoon
Natural lagoon, zero wavesNatural saltwater lagoon, sheltered and calm
A natural saltwater lagoon almost entirely enclosed by two islands, creating a sheltered pool of turquoise water so calm it looks artificial. One of the best swimming spots in the region, especially for families. The color changes throughout the day depending on the sun angle — from pale aquamarine in the morning to deep jade by afternoon.
Good food
Where to Eat
Spots we often recommend along the route — reachable only by boat or a short walk.
MareBoats — Where to Eat
Skipper's picks
Where to Eat — Local Favourites
Our skippers have been anchoring at these spots for years. These aren't tourist traps — they're the places locals actually go.
Tri Grede
⭐ Skipper's FavoriteUvala Ždrilca, Marinkovac Island (Pakleni)
Seafood & Mediterranean — boat access only
A beach restaurant on Marinkovac island accessible only by boat, with colorful beanbags on the pebble beach and a menu built around whatever came off the fishing boats that morning. The squid-ink risotto and grilled fish are outstanding. Family-run, relaxed, no pretension.
Must order: Squid ink risotto, grilled fresh catch
“This is our go-to lunch stop on Pakleni days. Get there before 1pm or the good tables are gone.”
Moli Onte
Milna Bay, Hvar — arrive by boat, dinghy transfer included
Dalmatian seafood — 30+ years running
A family konoba terraced into the hillside above Milna bay, operating for over 30 years. You arrive by boat and they transfer you to the restaurant by dinghy — free of charge. Every table has a view of the bay. Fresh fish, grilled octopus, homemade olive oil. The kind of place with no written menu — the waiter just tells you what's good today.
Must order: Fresh grilled fish of the day, octopus salad
“Book ahead in July/August. Worth the detour every time.”
Gego
Zaraće Bay, Hvar — 3 mooring buoys for boats
Seafood, family-run since 2002 — cash only
Hidden at the end of a narrow road on one of Hvar's best beaches — Zaraće bay. Antonella and Nikša have been running this konoba since 2002. Three black mooring buoys for boats. The Tagliatelle Gego is their signature dish and the reason half their regulars come back.
Must order: Tagliatelle Gego, octopus salad, panna cotta
“Ask for a table by the rocks if you arrive by boat. Best value restaurant on the island.”
Bacchus Palmižana
Sveti Klement Island, Palmižana (Pakleni)
Traditional Dalmatian — wood-fired oven, 50+ years
Set in their own olive grove on Sveti Klement island, Bacchus has been cooking with a traditional stone bread oven for over 50 years. The oven gives their meat and fish a flavor you can't replicate anywhere else. Good option for groups — they offer set menus. ACI Marina Palmižana is right nearby for mooring.
Must order: Anything from the wood-fired oven, grilled octopus
“More suited for groups or a proper dinner. Book in advance for summer.”
Pack list
What to Bring
Six things make the day easier. Everything else is optional.
Sunscreen
Reef-safe if you have it — we sail through a protected marine area.
Towel
Quick-dry works best. We do not provide towels on board.
Snorkel mask
We have gear in limited quantity — bring yours so you can swim every stop.
Water shoes
Optional, but worth it if you are sensitive to rocky beaches.
Swimsuit
Wear it under your clothes — first swim happens within the hour.
Cash (EUR)
Most island restaurants take cards but genuinely prefer cash.
On board
Rules & Rentals
Quick rundown of what works and what does not on the boat. Tap to open.
Glass bottles allowed
Bring whatever you like to drink — wine, beer, water, anything. Glass bottles are welcome on board.
No smoking on board
Smoking is not allowed at any time, anywhere on the boat. We can stop at a beach if you need a break.
No bathroom on board — restaurant stops
There is no toilet on the boat. We plan stops at restaurants and beaches with facilities. On a full-day tour it works out fine.
Cooler with ice included
A cooler with ice is on board — bring drinks and food and they stay cold all day. You can also bring your own cooler if you need more space.
Snorkel mask welcome
We carry snorkel gear in limited quantity. Bringing your own mask and fins means you can swim at every stop, including the shallow coves.
Common questions
FAQ — Before You Book
What time do we leave and how long is a full-day tour?
We leave at 10:00 from Hvar Harbour, next to the fuel station. A full-day tour runs 6–8 hours depending on the route. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
What is included in the price?
The boat, the skipper, fuel, snorkel gear (limited quantity) and a cooler with ice. Blue Cave entrance (€20–25 per person) is paid on site. Lunch and drinks are on you — we know where to stop.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. Bring whatever you like — glass bottles included. The cooler keeps everything cold. That said, stopping for lunch at a restaurant on the islands is part of the experience and we recommend it.
Is there a bathroom on board?
No. We plan stops at restaurants and beaches where you can use facilities. On a full-day tour it works out fine.
Can I snorkel at every stop?
Yes, except inside the Blue Cave itself. We have masks on board in limited quantity, so bringing your own is a good idea — you can swim at every cove, including the shallow ones.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You should be comfortable in the water if you want to snorkel. Life jackets in adult and child sizes are on board for everyone.
Can you pick us up from our yacht or sailboat?
Yes. Our Yacht & Sailboat Water Taxi service picks you up directly from your vessel and takes you to shore, a restaurant, or a tour starting point. Send your coordinates on WhatsApp and we will sort it out.
Can I rent a boat without a skipper?
Yes, if you have the required licence. All boats include stereo, anchor, life jackets and fenders. Respect low-speed zones — Croatian maritime police patrol and fine actively. We recommend a skipper for your first time in these waters.
On land
Local Tips
Pharmacy, ferry dock, ATM, Old Town landmarks — everything useful within Hvar.
MareBoats — Local Tips
Important
Weather Policy & Cancellations
The captain checks weather and sea conditions every morning before departure. If the wind, waves or visibility are not safe, we reschedule for another day at no cost — or refund in full if you can't reschedule. Safety always wins over the schedule.
For last-minute weather questions or changes, message Nikola directly on WhatsApp.
Still have questions?
More Questions? Message Nikola.
We reply within the hour during the season. Send your date, group size and what you want to see.