Borče Green Lagoon — the emerald-green unspoilt cove of the Pakleni Islands

Borče Green Lagoon is one of the most photogenic and least visited coves in the entire Pakleni archipelago. Its name says it all: green bay — in Croatian Zelena Laguna. Thanks to the combination of a pale sandy seabed and green seaweed covering certain areas, the water takes on an emerald colour that seems impossible for the Adriatic, closer to a Polynesian lagoon than a Croatian beach.

But there's a catch you should know about before you come: it's not a tourist beach with facilities. There's no restaurant, no bar, no sunbeds for hire, no showers. The water taxis from Hvar don't stop here. It's an unspoilt cove discovered only by those who come with their own boat or kayak — and that's why it keeps its original charm.

In this guide I'll tell you what it's really like, how to get there, what to bring (important, because you'll need to be self-sufficient) and why it's worth the effort.

Borče Green Lagoon: key facts

Location	North side of Sveti Klement island (Pakleni archipelago), opposite Hvar harbour
Distance from Hvar	~4-5 km · 25-35 min by boat
Access	Own boat, Pasara hire or kayak only (no direct water taxi)
Water colour	Emerald green (unique in the archipelago)
Seabed	Pale sand with patches of green seaweed
Facilities	None (no restaurant, bar, sunbeds or showers)
Vegetation	Pine woods and Mediterranean scrub (little natural shade near the water)
Best time	June-September (calm sea essential)
Good for	Photographers, couples, an unspoilt escape, snorkelling, a picnic on the boat

What Borče is like and why the water is green

Borče is a small C-shaped bay open to the north, sheltered by two rocky points. The central part is covered by a strip of pale sand that you can see under the water even at 5-6 metres deep, and the rocky sides are partly covered by green seaweed that grows in the shallower areas.

The combination of these two elements — pale sand reflecting light upwards and green seaweed filtering certain wavelengths — produces the famous emerald-green shade of the water, which intensifies with the midday sun and turns almost turquoise in the low light of sunset.

The seabed is sandy and shallow in the central strip (1-2 m for 10-15 metres from the shore), which makes it pleasant for swimming even for people who aren't strong swimmers. Along the rocky sides the depth increases to 5-8 m, and that's where the marine life gathers for snorkelling.

Something to bear in mind: the green seaweed in the rocky areas is normal and part of the ecosystem. It isn't pollution. There's no seaweed in the central sandy area.

Facilities (or the lack of them)

Here's what sets Borče apart from the rest of the Pakleni Islands: there's nothing. No beach bar, no restaurant, no sunbed hire, no shower, no toilet. There are no signs, bins or lifeguards either.

It's a wild cove and that's exactly its appeal. People who come to Borče are looking for a complete escape, not comforts. If you want full facilities, go to Palmižana, Mlini o Zdrilica.

For the same reason, you need to come prepared: food, enough water, a parasol or awning (natural shade near the water is limited), a rubbish bag (take away everything you bring) and everything you need to be self-sufficient for a whole day.

How to get to Borče Green Lagoon

The only realistic way to get there is by your own boat or a hired one. No water taxis stop here (there isn't enough demand), there's no path overland from Palmižana or other parts of Sveti Klement, and swimming from another cove is too far.

1. Licence-free boat hire (recommended)

The best way to reach Borče. A Pasara 5HP with no boating licence needed can be hired for 80-150 € a day in Hvar. It lets you sail to Borče in about 25-35 minutes from the harbour, anchor in the bay and combine it with other stops on the same day.

Recommended route: Hvar → Borče (morning, with the light falling on the water for the best photos) → back via Palmižana for lunch → afternoon at Mlini → Hvar at sunset. A perfect day.

2. Private tour with a skipper

If you don't want to drive the boat yourself, you can book a private tour with a boat and skipper for 250-450 € a day per group. It includes stops at several coves and usually a picnic or a restaurant lunch. Tell the skipper you want to call in at Borče and they'll adjust the route.

3. Kayak (experienced paddlers only)

Borče is about 4-5 km from Hvar harbour. By kayak that's 90 minutes of paddling each way in calm sea conditions. Not recommended without previous experience: the wind can change quickly in the Pakleni Islands and the crossing has no sheltered stopping points along the way.

4. Organised group tour

Some full-day tours from Hvar include a stop at Borče if conditions are good. Our Blue Cave and 5 Islands tour from Hvar may pass through the area depending on the wind.

Best time to visit Borče

Wind matters more here than at other coves, because the bay is open to the north:

June, July and August: ideal months thanks to calm seas and water at 24-26 °C. The emerald green is most intense with the high midday sun.

September: excellent if you're lucky with the wind. Fewer people, fewer private boats, a calmer atmosphere.

May and October: possible on specific calm days, but the north wind (bura) can make the crossing uncomfortable or impossible. Check the day before with your boat hire company.

Any time of year with a strong north wind: Borče becomes inaccessible. The bay gets choppy and hire companies won't let you sail.

What to bring to Borče

As there are no facilities, prepare as if you were spending a day on a desert island:

• Plenty of water: at least 1.5 L per person in summer
• Food or a full picnic (sandwiches, fruit, nuts, salad in a lunchbox)
• Portable parasol or awning: natural shade near the water is limited
• A rubbish bag to take away everything you bring (respect the environment!)
• Mask and snorkel — the rocky sides are excellent
• A large towel and a change of clothes
• Water-resistant sun cream and a cap
• Water shoes for getting into the water over the rocks at the sides, if you prefer
• A camera with a good lens — Borče is one of the most photogenic coves in the archipelago
• A basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic): there's no one nearby for minor emergencies

Snorkelling and photography at Borče

Thanks to its geography (rocky areas + pale sand + seaweed), Borče offers ideal conditions for easy snorkelling: high visibility, marine life concentrated around the rocks at the sides (white bream, gilthead bream, octopus, the odd small grouper) and accessible depths.

For photography it's one of the best spots in the archipelago: the unique emerald colour, the C-shaped bay and the lack of crowds make for clean shots. Best times: 11:00-14:00 with the sun high (which intensifies the green), or 17:00-19:00 with warm, low light.

For aerial drone shots, make sure you follow Croatian regulations: you need to register your drone and flying over boats with people on board is usually prohibited. Check the rules before you fly.

Borče vs other Pakleni beaches

• Borče vs Palmižana: Palmižana is food and full facilities. Borče is a complete escape with no facilities. They're often combined: morning at Borče, lunch at Palmižana.
• Borče vs Stipanska: complete opposites. Stipanska is Carpe Diem and partying; Borče is total silence.
• Borče vs Mlini: Mlini is the accessible family beach. Borče is the unspoilt cove for those with a boat.
• Borče vs Perna: both are unspoilt coves with no facilities, but the water colour at Borče is more spectacular.

Borče FAQ

Why is the water green at Borče?

Because of the combination of a pale sandy seabed (which reflects light upwards) and green seaweed in the rocky areas at the sides (which filter certain wavelengths). The result is an emerald shade unique in the archipelago.

Is there a direct water taxi to Borče from Hvar?

No. You need to arrive by your own boat, a hired Pasara, kayak (experienced paddlers only) or a private tour with a skipper.

Is there a restaurant or bar at Borče?

No. No restaurant, no bar, no sunbeds, no showers. It's an unspoilt cove. Bring a picnic, water and everything you need for the day.

Is Borče good for families with children?

Only if you have your own boat and the children are used to days without facilities. The central part is shallow and safe, but the lack of natural shade near the water and of basic facilities can make the day hard work. For families, Mlini is a better option.

How long does it take to get there?

By Pasara 5HP, about 25-35 minutes from Hvar harbour. By kayak, 90 minutes. Check the wind before you set off.

Is there seaweed that gets in the way when swimming?

There's green seaweed in the rocky areas at the sides, but the central sandy area is clear. If it bothers you, swim in the middle.

Can I anchor easily at Borče?

Yes, the bay is good for anchoring in the sandy area (4-6 m deep). There are no official buoys, but the anchor holds well.

What do I do with my rubbish?

Take it with you. Borče is an unspoilt cove with no bins and keeping it that way depends on visitors. Bringing a large rubbish bag is essential.

Is Borče worth visiting?

If you get the chance to hire a boat on a calm day, yes. It's one of the most photogenic and least crowded coves in the Pakleni Islands, with a water colour you won't find at other beaches in the archipelago. It's the answer to the question 'where do I go if I want the Pakleni Islands without the tourists?'.

If you don't want to deal with the logistics (hiring a boat, bringing everything, depending on the wind), it's not for you. Palmižana y Mlini offer more accessible experiences.

For the full picture of the archipelago, read the guide to the Pakleni Islands from Hvar.

Book your day in the Pakleni Islands

• Pasara 5HP boat hire in Hvar — essential for getting to Borče.
• Blue Cave and 5 Islands tour from Hvar — may call in at Borče depending on conditions.

Personal support via WhatsApp, payment by PayPal/card, free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Message us at +34 600 988 287.

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