For many visitors, a holiday on Brač is all about relaxing on beautiful beaches, discovering hidden coves, enjoying evening strolls and experiencing the island's local events. But if you're looking to add something different to your holiday, a full-day boat trip is one of the best ways to explore the neighbouring islands without worrying about ferry timetables, driving or planning your own itinerary.
Hvar is the closest – and arguably the most rewarding – island you can visit on a day trip from Bol. That's why several local operators offer excursions to different destinations on Hvar Island, including Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar Town, each with its own character and reasons to visit.
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After comparing several tours departing from Bol, we chose a circular boat trip organised by Frane Excursions. It combines free time to explore Hvar Town with optional extras, including lunch on board and a panoramic cruise with a swimming stop in the Pakleni Islands.
By the end of the day, we felt that this combination worked exceptionally well. We didn't just visit Hvar – we enjoyed a full-day experience that struck the right balance between sightseeing and relaxation, leaving us feeling that we had made the most of our day.
What to Expect from This Boat Trip from Bol
Frane Excursions is a local boat tour operator based in Bol. For this excursion, they use a spacious two-deck wooden boat over 20 metres long.
One of the things we appreciated most was the flexibility to tailor the experience to your own preferences. The standard tour includes the cruise from Bol to Hvar and free time to explore the town, while lunch on board and the panoramic cruise with swimming in the Pakleni Islands are available as optional add-ons.
It's a concept that works well because not everyone wants the same kind of day. Some visitors will prefer spending more time exploring Hvar's historic streets and climbing to Fortica Fortress, while others would rather trade some of that time for swimming in crystal-clear coves.
We decided to include both optional extras – lunch and the Pakleni Islands cruise. Looking back, we would make the same choice again.
The Scenic Cruise from Bol to Hvar
Boarding begins in the morning at Bol Harbour. Once everyone is comfortably on board, the boat slowly leaves the waterfront and heads towards Hvar. If you have the chance, we highly recommend choosing a seat on the upper deck, where you'll enjoy the best views throughout the journey.
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The scenery starts changing almost immediately after leaving the harbour. Bol and Zlatni Rat reveal a completely different perspective from the sea, while Vidova Gora rises high above the coastline in the background. The boat then follows Brač's southern coast, passing the village of Murvica and the steep hillsides where centuries-old vineyards still cling to the rocky slopes.
As you leave Brač behind and enter the Hvar Channel, the sea becomes calmer, and the views open up towards both islands. Apart from the occasional passing boat, the morning cruise is wonderfully peaceful.
Life on board quickly settles into a relaxed rhythm. Some passengers spend the journey taking photographs, others chat with friends and family, while many simply sit back and enjoy the sea views. Without even noticing, the two-hour cruise passes surprisingly quickly.
During the journey, the crew serves a light snack included in the tour price – a sandwich with local cheese and Dalmatian prosciutto, accompanied by a glass of wine or juice. Coffee, soft drinks and beer are also available to purchase on board, and you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks, which is particularly convenient if you're travelling with children.
A Crew That Makes You Feel Welcome
Before arriving in Hvar, every passenger received a few personalised recommendations from the crew on what was worth seeing during the free time in town. We were also given a small map marking the main attractions, the boat's mooring point and the departure time for the return journey.
It may seem like a small detail, but it's exactly these thoughtful touches that show how well the excursion is organised. If you're visiting Hvar for the first time and only have a couple of hours to explore, knowing where to go straight away helps you make the most of your time.
The same impression continued throughout the day. The crew were approachable, happy to answer questions and always available whenever someone needed assistance. They paid particular attention to families with children, making sure everyone felt welcome and comfortable on board.
We actually noticed this even before the trip began. While making our booking, we contacted Frane Excursions via WhatsApp with a few questions and received detailed replies almost immediately. Small things like this inspire confidence before you even step on board.
How to Make the Most of Two Hours in Hvar
Arriving in Hvar is always impressive. Seen from the sea, the town is instantly recognisable, with its historic waterfront, cathedral bell tower and the Fortica Fortress rising above the harbour.
Our first stop was Fortica, known locally as the Španjola Fortress. The walk uphill takes around twenty minutes. Although it sounds demanding in the summer heat, most of the path is shaded by Mediterranean pine trees, making the climb far more pleasant than we expected.
The higher you climb, the more spectacular the views become. Hvar Town gradually unfolds beneath you, while the Pakleni Islands stretch across the horizon just offshore. For us, that panoramic view alone made the walk worthwhile.
There is an entrance fee for the fortress, but in our opinion it's money well spent. Besides exploring this historic landmark, you'll be rewarded with one of the finest viewpoints anywhere in Dalmatia.
After visiting Fortica, we wandered back through Hvar's narrow stone streets before stopping for a coffee in one of the cafés tucked away in the old town. During summer, Hvar feels lively and cosmopolitan. You hear conversations in dozens of different languages, creating an atmosphere that blends local life with visitors from around the world.
For this type of excursion, we found that two hours of free time was just about right. It gave us enough time to see the town's highlights, enjoy its atmosphere and return to the boat without feeling rushed.
Lunch on Board – A Relaxing Break in the Middle of the Day
After exploring Hvar, we returned to the boat where lunch was served for those who had chosen this option when booking. Guests could choose between grilled chicken or fish, both served with salad, accompanied by wine or juice.
The meal is simple, but that's exactly what works so well on a day trip like this. After spending several hours walking around town, it was nice to return to the boat, find a shady spot and continue the day without having to search for a restaurant. It's not intended to be a fine dining experience, but rather a practical and relaxing meal that lets you make the most of your time.
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One small moment during lunch stood out to us. Red wine was included with the meal, and when we asked whether white wine was available, one of the crew members smiled and explained that the red was produced by the boat's owner. He then offered us a glass of white wine from their own private supply instead. It was a small gesture, but exactly the kind of hospitality we kept noticing throughout the day.
The Pakleni Islands Are the Reason We Would Choose This Tour Again
After lunch, the passengers split into two groups. Some stayed in Hvar to continue exploring the town, while we joined the optional cruise to the Pakleni Islands. Looking back, it was definitely the right decision.
After several hours spent sightseeing, heading back out to sea felt like the perfect change of pace. Cruising between the islands, passing elegant yachts and secluded bays, and leaving the busy waterfront behind completely transformed the rest of the day.
The Pakleni Islands are one of those places that photographs never fully capture. Their beauty doesn't come from a single famous viewpoint, but from the combination of pine forests, untouched rocky shores, peaceful coves and remarkably clear turquoise sea.
Our boat anchored in one of these sheltered bays, giving everyone plenty of time for a swim. Although there were yachts and smaller boats nearby, the area still felt peaceful and wonderfully natural.
The sea was exactly what we needed after a warm morning in Hvar. Some passengers jumped straight into the water, others eased themselves in more slowly, while a few simply stayed on deck enjoying the scenery.
For us, this was the part of the excursion that truly completed the experience. Hvar offered history, architecture and vibrant Mediterranean life, while the Pakleni Islands delivered everything people dream of when they picture a summer on the Adriatic – swimming, turquoise water and complete relaxation.
If you're wondering whether the optional Pakleni Islands cruise is worth adding, our answer is simple: yes. Hvar Town is beautiful, but spending part of the afternoon swimming among the islands creates a much more balanced and memorable day.
Why This Tour Stands Out
As we cruised back towards Bol, there were still a couple of relaxing hours left to enjoy at sea. The crew served biscuits and a glass of traditional carob liqueur, giving everyone time to unwind and reflect on the day.
Of course, Hvar and the Pakleni Islands are the main attractions. They are destinations that draw visitors from all over the world. But what makes a great excursion isn't just where it takes you – it's how the entire experience comes together.
What impressed us most about Frane Excursions was the combination of smooth organisation, a comfortable and well-maintained boat, and a genuinely friendly crew. The boat is spacious enough for a full-day cruise, exceptionally clean, and even the onboard toilets were spotless throughout the day.
Everything was organised clearly and without unnecessary complications. We always knew where we needed to be, how much free time we had and what was happening next. That allowed us to simply relax and enjoy the experience instead of constantly checking the schedule.
Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere on board felt warm and welcoming. The crew were always available whenever someone needed help, but never intrusive. It gave us the impression that this wasn't just another daily excursion, it was a trip hosted by people who genuinely enjoy what they do and want their guests to have a great day.
Our Final Verdict
Based on our experience, this is a tour we would confidently recommend. If you're spending your holiday on Brač and would like to dedicate one day to exploring beyond the island, it's an excellent way to combine several memorable experiences into a single trip. You'll enjoy a scenic cruise along the coast of Brač, visit one of Croatia's most famous island towns and, if you choose the optional upgrade, swim in the beautiful bays of the Pakleni Islands.
One of the biggest advantages is the flexibility. You can simply book the standard tour or customise the day by adding lunch and the Pakleni Islands cruise, depending on your budget and the type of experience you're looking for.
If we were booking again, we would definitely choose the Pakleni Islands option. Swimming in those sheltered bays was the highlight of the day and completed the whole experience. We'd also recommend adding lunch on board, as it's a convenient and reasonably priced way to make the most of your time.
This excursion is particularly well suited to families with children, couples and anyone looking for a relaxed day on the sea without the hassle of organising transport, ferry connections or an itinerary. The boat is comfortable, the crew are welcoming, and the overall experience offers excellent value for money.
Our advice is to book a few days in advance, especially during the peak summer season. Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes if you're planning to walk up to Fortica.
Practical Information
Tour: Hvar Town & Pakleni Islands Boat Tour
Departure: Daily during the tourist season at 9:00 AM from Bol, Brač Island
Operator: Frane Excursions
Booking: We recommend booking online in advance via the official website: frane.hr
Duration: Full-day excursion (approximately 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
Optional Extras: Lunch on board and the Pakleni Islands cruise can both be added during the booking process.
Suitable For: Families with children, couples and anyone looking for a relaxed full-day boat trip.
Our Recommendation: For the best overall experience, we recommend combining your visit to Hvar with lunch on board and the Pakleni Islands cruise.
