Our Crew
Named after our father Boris — "Boka" to everyone who knows him. A family from Hvar, on the water since before most of our guests were born.
The family behind every booking, every boat, and every message you send us.
FounderCaptain & Founder · b. 1956
Born in Maribor, raised between Zagreb, Split, and Brač. Came to Hvar for a government job, met our mother, fell in love with the island, and never left. His father passed down a love for Hajduk Split — Boris still makes the trip to Poljud whenever he can.
In 1987 he started Boka Boats with three pasaras and a hand-painted sign. Served in the Croatian Navy during the Homeland War, then came straight back to the boats. Vice-president of JK Zvir sailing club. You'll find him at the marina most mornings — checking engines, greeting guests, and making sure everything runs the way it should.
“Our promise was simple: treat every guest like family. I'm still here every morning, making sure we keep that promise.”— Boris
Mentioned in 4 reviews
“We booked a 6 hour private boat tour with our family of 4 (two teenagers). Boka was super easy to book — had it set up in a matter of minutes for the following day. Nikola was our skipper and picked...”Bill, TripAdvisor
Operations, Tech & Skipper · b. 1985
Started sailing in 4th grade at JK Zvir in the Optimist class, competing in regattas across Croatia. Still sails his own sailboat and is active in the club — he organises the EurILCA Europa Cup Croatia every winter in Hvar. Grew up helping Boris rent pasaras, then skippering tours as a teenager. Computer science degree, but the sea always won. Built this website, handles your emails and WhatsApps, and still skippers when the season gets busy. Inherited the Hajduk Split passion from Boris and granddad.
Mentioned in 6 reviews
“I would definitely hire a boat from Hvar boats riva again. Dario was super helpful with organising the boat for us, giving advice on where to go and where to avoid. Could not recommended these guys...”Arthur S, Google
Bookings & Guest Relations · b. 1991
Graphic designer by training, sea person by nature. Handles all bookings and guest communication — if you've messaged us, you've probably spoken to her. She goes on boat tours herself, so when she recommends a bay or a route, she's speaking from personal experience. Makes sure the whole operation looks and feels as good as it runs.
Mentioned in 7 reviews
“Professional from the start! Victoria was prompt and detailed in her wattsapp response! Nikola was a wonderful skipper!! Friendly, informative and also able to get us …”Bronte McDonald, Google
Fleet & Private Tours · b. 1989
Joined the family with a passion for motorcycles and a mechanic's feel for engines. The sea converted him. Now he's one of our most requested skippers on private tours and the person who maintains every boat in the fleet. If something has an engine, Jan knows how it works — and how to keep it running perfectly.
Mentioned in 15 reviews
“Amazing day on the water in Hvar with Jan as our skipper. He took us to a bunch of truly "local" spots, including his friend's winery that had just recently opened on a secluded beach. …”Marshall Osborne, Google
Hvar locals we know personally — many are longtime friends.
Skipper · Guide · DJ · Diver
Hvar local, JK Zvir sailor, and — quietly — one of the island's better-known rap artists. On the water he's somehow all of these things at once: skipper, guide, diver, DJ, and the kind of person guests write home about. He knows exactly when the popular spots are empty and will take you there first.
Mentioned in 25 reviews
“Travel from island to island with Johnny was the highlight of our trip to Croatia. He took us to gorgeous beaches, amazing caves (with bats!), and quiet, private spots to just relax. For lunch, we...”Judy Wimpfheimer, Google
“Boka started this with three small boats and a love for this island. We're just continuing what he built — and trying to do it justice.”
We're at the Hvar marina every day. Send us a message and let's plan your perfect day on the water — with the people who know it best.
Skipper · The calm one who finds the best spots
A Hvar local with the kind of island knowledge that only comes from growing up here. Guests consistently describe him as relaxed, professional, and genuinely warm — never in a rush, always finding the spot that's worth finding.
Mentioned in 7 reviews
“Unforgettable day in Hvar! Nikola was the perfect skipper — kind, fun, and incredibly professional. He made us feel completely safe and welcome from the moment we stepped on the boat. He showed us...”Alice Bravo, Google
Skipper · Trained by Boris since high school
Matej's story starts with Boka. He came to us as a high school student — Boris taught him everything he knows about the sea, starting on the smallest pasara boats and working his way up. Punctual, friendly, and utterly unflappable.
Mentioned in 5 reviews
“Had a great time enjoying the Islands around Hvar over two days. Hvar Boats Riva has great boats (we got upgraded to bigger boat) and are very easy to deal with. Mate our driver/guide was fantastic...”Maciej Kurzymski, Google
Skipper · Always two bays ahead of the crowds
One of our trusted on-call skippers — a local who brings a quiet, tactical knowledge of the Adriatic to every trip. Thinks two bays ahead, arriving at popular spots before the crowds.
Mentioned in 1 reviews
“Simply excellent. Would give 10 stars if I could. A friendly, super knowledgeable guide Vlad who went “upstream” to ensure we had the most popular of attractions to ourselves. A perfect day that we...”Kosta Nicolozakes, Google
All our skippers are Hvar locals we know personally — many are longtime friends. We've been on the water with every one of them. When we put someone on one of our boats with our guests, it's because we'd get on that boat with them ourselves.
