Hvar, Croatia · Boat Rental
Can you rent a boat in Hvar without a boating licence?
Most self-drive rental options in Croatia require a valid boating licence, and the public sources on where the threshold sits do not agree with each other. The practical way to be on the water in Hvar without a licence is a private speedboat with a skipper included.
Private boat
What “private boat with a skipper” means in practice
Not a tour you join. The boat is yours, for your group only. The skipper handles navigation, reads the conditions that day, and picks the anchorages. You decide the pace and call the stops.
You do not need a licence, experience, or any prior knowledge of the Adriatic. You arrive at Beach Križa, below the Beach Bay Hvar Hotel, and the skipper takes it from there.
Boats hold up to 8 people. Fuel, water, and snorkel gear included.
Where you can go
The same destinations. Without touching the helm.
With a skipper on board you can reach everything a self-drive rental can, and some places a self-drive day could not reach anyway:
- Pakleni Islands
The Ždrilca channel, Palmižana, Perna cove, Borče Bay. Half-day tours start at €300 for the whole boat.
- Red Rocks south coast
Dubovica Beach, Žarače bay, Borče Bay. Half day €400, full day €500 for the whole boat.
- Blue Cave and 5 Islands on Vis
A full day, 7 hours, your group only. €800 for the whole boat.
- Sunset cruise
From €250 for 1 to 4 people.
- Full private charter, your own itinerary
€500 + fuel.
None of these require a boating licence. None require you to handle the boat.
Pricing
How the cost compares
Private tours are priced for the whole boat, not per person. The more people in your group, the less it costs per head, and past a certain point the private option is cheaper than buying individual shared seats.
Red Rocks south coast
Shared: €85/person · Private half day: €400 whole boat
| Group | Shared total | Private total |
|---|---|---|
| 4 people | €340 | €400 |
| 5 people | €425 | €400lower |
| 8 people | €680 | €400lower |
Blue Cave and 5 Islands
Shared: €150/person · Private: €800 whole boat
| Group | Shared total | Private total |
|---|---|---|
| 5 people | €750 | €800 |
| 6 people | €900 | €800lower |
| 8 people | €1,200 | €800lower |
From 5 people on Red Rocks and from 6 on Blue Cave, the private tour costs less per person than shared seats and gives you the whole boat for the day.
Self-drive
The smallest boat in the fleet
The Pasara 5hp is the smallest boat in the fleet: €150/day, fuel included, up to 5 people. It is designed for the calm, sheltered coves of the Pakleni Islands, a few minutes from Beach Križa. Not suited for open-water crossings to Vis or Brač.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What can I do in Hvar without a boating licence?
A private speedboat with a skipper on board is the most complete option. The boat is yours for the day, the skipper handles navigation and safety, and you can reach the Pakleni Islands, the Red Rocks coast, or the Blue Cave on Vis. No licence and no boating experience required. Private tours start at €300 for the whole boat.
How much does a private boat with a skipper cost in Hvar?
It depends on where you want to go and how long. Pakleni Islands: €300 for 3 hours or €350 for 4 hours. Red Rocks south coast: €400 for a half day, €500 for a full day. Blue Cave and 5 Islands: €800. Sunset cruise: from €250 for up to 4 people. All prices are for the whole boat, not per person. Fuel, water, and snorkel gear included.
Can I get to the Blue Cave without a boating licence?
Yes, with a skipper. MareBoats runs a full-day private Blue Cave tour for €800 for the whole boat, or a shared departure at €150 per person. Neither option requires a boating licence. The shared tour goes when it fills, minimum 6 guests.
Do I need boating experience for a private tour?
None at all. The skipper handles the boat. What helps: listening to the safety briefing at departure and letting us know in advance if anyone in your group has seasickness concerns.
Ready to book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your group size and which destinations interest you. We will confirm availability and suggest an itinerary.
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