Your Complete Guide to Renting a Boat in Hvar, Croatia
Everything you need to know before renting a boat in Hvar — licences, safety, best routes, what to bring, and how to get the most from your day on the water.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Renting a boat is the best way to explore Hvar's coastline, hidden bays, and the surrounding islands. Whether you want a small boat for a morning swim or a powerful speedboat for a full-day island-hopping adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Do You Need a Licence?
Yes — for any boat with an engine, regardless of size or power. This is one of the most misunderstood topics in Croatian boating, and there is a lot of misinformation on other websites and from some rental operators.
Let us be completely clear: Croatian maritime law requires a valid boating licence to operate any motorised vessel. There is no exception for small engines, low horsepower, or boats under a certain length. Claims that you can rent a boat with a 5hp or 10hp engine without a licence are simply wrong.
I know this firsthand. In 2022, I was personally involved in an industry initiative to change this regulation — proposing that boats under 5kW and 5 metres could be rented to guests without a licence. We had meetings with the Croatian government, the new regulation went through public consultation, but as of today, the regulation remains unchanged. A licence is still required for every motorised boat in Croatia.
If a rental company tells you otherwise, they are either misinformed or breaking the law — and if you get stopped by the harbour master or coast guard, will be the one fined. The fine can be up to €500, and they will immediately return you to shore — you will not be allowed to drive the boat any further. Your day on the water will be over.
We offer a range of boats to suit different group sizes, experience levels, and budgets:
Small Boats (No Cabin)
Perfect for couples or small groups exploring nearby bays and the Pakleni Islands.
Pasara — A traditional 5-metre PLASTIC boat with a small outboard engine. Simple, charming, and perfect for a leisurely morning around the Pakleni Islands. Up to 5 people. Fuel included.
Betina 500 — A classic 5-metre boat, simple and easy to handle. Ideal for 2–4 people exploring close to Hvar. No licence? Available with a skipper.
Mid-Range Speedboats
More power, more range. These boats can comfortably go all around Pakleni islands and the south shore of Hvar.
Jeanneau Cap Camarat 555 — A nimble 5.5-metre centre console, great for exploring the Pakleni Islands and nearby bays.
Jeanneau Cap Camarat 6.5 CC — A versatile 6.5-metre centre console with a bimini top for shade. More power and range.
Large Speedboats
For bigger groups or those who want maximum comfort and range.
Marlin 790 Pro — A powerful 7.9-metre RIB with twin engines. Handles open water with ease. Perfect for Blue Cave day trips or full-day island exploration. Up to 10 people.
Pelagosa 33 — Our flagship. A 10-metre speedboat with a cabin, toilet, and generous deck space. Ideal for all-day trips with up to 12 people.
Fuel is typically not included in the rental price for speedboats. You receive the boat with a full tank and return it full. There is a fuel station in Hvar harbour. Exception: Our Pasara and Betina 500 come with fuel included in the rental price.
Fuel consumption varies by boat:
Small boats (Pasara, Betina 500): fuel included in rental price
Mid-range (Cap Camarat 555, Cap Camarat 6.5 CC): approximately 20–40 litres per hour
Large boats (Marlin 790 Pro, Pelagosa 33): approximately 60–100+ litres per hour depending on speed
Budget tip: Cruising at moderate speed (rather than full throttle) can cut fuel consumption by 30–40%.
Mooring
Most bays around Hvar and the Pakleni Islands are free to anchor in. Some organised harbours and marinas charge mooring fees. Restaurant bays (e.g., Bacchus, Dionis): often free if you eat at the restaurant
Rental Costs
Prices depend on boat size, season, and whether you need a skipper. As a rough guide for 2026:
Understanding the local winds is essential for a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
Bura (North-Easterly)
The bura is a cold, dry, gusty wind that blows from the mainland across the Adriatic. It can appear suddenly, especially in spring and autumn, and can make the sea very rough in exposed areas.
What to do: Head for the south coast of Hvar or the sheltered inner bays of the Pakleni Islands. Avoid open crossings (to Vis or Brač) in strong bura.
Jugo (South-Easterly)
The jugo (also called "scirocco") is a warm, humid wind that builds gradually over several days. It creates long swells and can make the south coast uncomfortable.
What to do: Stay on the north coast or in protected bays. The jugo is usually forecast well in advance, so plan accordingly.
Maestral (West/North-Westerly)
The maestral is the most common summer wind. It is a thermal sea breeze that typically picks up around midday and fades by evening. It provides welcome relief from the summer heat and rarely creates dangerous conditions.
What to do: The maestral is generally pleasant for boating. It can create a light chop in west-facing bays in the afternoon, so plan your swimming stops accordingly. Morning is calmest.
Tramontana (Northerly)
The tramontana is a cold northerly wind, less common than bura but similar in character. It can bring clear skies but rough seas on the north coast.
What to do: Similar to bura — head for the south coast or sheltered bays if tramontana picks up.
Checking the Forecast
Always check the marine weather forecast before heading out. Useful resources:
Windguru or Windy apps (widely used by local skippers)
Ask your rental provider — they will always advise on conditions
Important: Depending on the weather forecast, boat rentals may be suspended. Safety always comes first.
Practical Tips
Bring your licence and ID — We recommend bringing the original, copies and photos in your phone might not be accepted by authorities.
Wear sun protection — The reflection off the water doubles the UV exposure. Bring sunglasses with polarised lenses, sunscreen, a hat, and a cover-up.
Pack snorkelling gear — Many of the best bays have incredible underwater visibility. A mask and snorkel will transform your day.
Bring water and snacks — Some remote bays have no shops or cafes. Bring at least 2 litres of water per person.
Learn basic anchoring — Your rental provider will show you how to anchor safely. Pay attention — a dragging anchor in a rocky bay can ruin your day.
Respect the sea — Stay clear of swimming areas, obey speed limits in harbours, and never leave rubbish behind.
Start early — The sea is calmest in the morning, and you will have the best bays to yourself.
Best Day Trip Itineraries
Half Day: South Coast
Leave Hvar harbour → Red Rocks (swim and snorkel) → Dubovica or Mala Milna (swim) → Borće Green Lagoon → return to Hvar. Duration: 4 hours. Similar to our South Coast & Hidden Beaches tour.
Full Day: South Coast and Pakleni
Leave early → Red Rocks (swim) → South coast cruise to Sveta Nedjelja (wine tasting + lunch) → Dubovica → Pakleni Islands (Perna or Palmižana) → return. Duration: 7–8 hours. Similar to our Red Rocks & Pakleni Islands tour.
Full Day: Blue Cave and Vis
Leave early → Cross to Biševo via Vis → Blue Cave visit → Green Cave on Ravnik → Stiniva Beach → Budikovac lagoon (swim and lunch) → return via Pakleni Islands. Duration: 8–10 hours. Similar to our Blue Cave & Island Vis tour.
Browse our full fleet to find the right boat for your trip, or contact us for personalised recommendations. If you would prefer a local captain to handle everything, explore our private skippered tours.
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