REVIEW · SPLIT
Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat
A private speedboat lets you see far more of the Split area than a fixed group cruise. You can choose your own pace, swim in clear bays, and stop for lunch or coffee without following a packed boatload of strangers. I especially like the chance to visit both island villages and the old town of Trogir in one day, plus the included snorkelling gear. The main catch is that fuel is extra, and the sea can be rough enough to make the ride tiring for young children or older adults.
I also like the choice between driving yourself or hiring a skipper. A skilled skipper can find quieter swimming spots and adjust the route to the weather, while a licensed driver gets more control over the day. Just budget carefully: the skipper costs €100, food is extra, and fuel is charged at the end.
Key points to know before booking

- Private boat for up to four people: Your group has the boat to itself, which makes the price easier to justify for a small party.
- Five flexible stops: Bol, the Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay, Trogir, Maslinica, and Hvar offer a mix of beaches, swimming, food, and old-town walks.
- Skipper or self-drive: A skipper costs €100. Driving alone requires a boat licence and a damage deposit of €1,000 or €1,500, depending on the boat.
- Fuel is not included: One party paid €240 for fuel, so ask about the expected charge before setting off.
- Blue Cave is not possible: This boat trip does not include access to the Blue Cave.
- Weather matters: Rough seas can make the day uncomfortable, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.
A private speedboat day from Split

This is best understood as a private day on the Adriatic rather than a tightly scripted sightseeing tour. You start at 9:00 a.m. in Split and spend roughly five to nine hours moving between islands, bays, and coastal towns. The exact length depends on the route and the time you choose to spend ashore.
For a group of up to four, the advertised price is $518.93. That is not cheap, but the cost is shared by the whole group rather than charged per person. Four people paying together get a much better deal than a solo visitor or couple, especially if you value privacy and flexibility.
The boat gives you a useful mix of speed and independence. You can cover several destinations in one day, then slow down for a swim, lunch, or a walk through a small port. With a standard group excursion, you often get a set timetable and little say in where you stop. Here, your skipper can help shape the route, or you can take responsibility yourself if you hold the right licence.
The private format also makes the day more personal. You do not need to wait for a large group to return from lunch or squeeze into a crowded swimming area. That said, the boat is still exposed to the weather. A calm morning does not guarantee a calm afternoon, so keep your plans a little loose.
A few more speedboat trips around Split worth a look
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Driving yourself or paying for a skipper
The self-drive option sounds appealing, but it comes with clear conditions. You need a valid boat licence, and you must pay a damage deposit at check-in. The stated deposit is €1,000 for the normal boat and €1,500 for the big boat.
For most visitors, the skipper is the easier choice. The surcharge is €100 per booking, payable in cash directly to the skipper at check-in. Food for the skipper is also your responsibility. A tip is optional, but you should include it in your thinking if the skipper gives you a particularly helpful day.
A good skipper adds more than steering. The skipper can suggest where to swim, help judge the sea conditions, and decide how long you can reasonably spend at each stop. One especially useful tip is to begin with the Blue Lagoon if you want a quieter first swim. Leaving early gives you a better chance of enjoying the bay before more boats arrive.
The provider does not list individual skipper names, so you will not know in advance who will operate the boat. Still, the experience described by guests points to competent navigation and safe handling, which matters when the water turns rough. If nobody in your group has strong boating experience, I would pay the €100 and let someone else manage the route.
Bol and the island of Brač

Bol is the first listed stop, with about an hour set aside. The town sits on Brač, one of the best-known islands near Split, and the stop gives you a chance to enjoy a beach setting rather than spending the whole day in ports.
An hour is enough for a quick swim, a walk, or a look around the waterfront. It is not enough for a long beach day, so keep expectations in check. If your main goal is relaxing on the sand, you may prefer to spend less time in some of the later towns and give Bol a longer break.
The appeal here is the change of pace. After leaving Split by boat, Bol gives you a first proper island stop and a chance to get into the rhythm of the day. Bring swimwear under your clothes and keep your belongings simple, since you may move quickly between the boat, beach, and town.
Swimming at the Blue Lagoon and Krknjaši Bay

The Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay is one of the main swimming stops. The water is the reason to come, and snorkelling equipment is included, so you can look below the surface without renting gear separately.
The tour allows about an hour here. That works well for a swim and a little time in the water, but it may feel short if you want to float, snorkel, and have lunch in the same stop. The plan also allows time for a restaurant and Bar Skhoy, so you can make this a food stop rather than only a swim.
Start early if the Blue Lagoon is high on your list. The bay is likely to feel more peaceful before the later boats arrive, and an early swim gives you a strong opening to the day. Do not confuse this stop with the Blue Cave. The operator specifically says that the Blue Cave cannot be visited on these boats.
The included snorkel equipment is a practical bonus. You do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, though you may still want to bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag for small valuables. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy them at a stop or bring money for the restaurants and bars.
Same coast, a different run:
- Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Small-Group Speedboat Tour
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Trogir, a UNESCO-listed old town

Trogir provides the most obvious history stop on the route. Its old town has UNESCO protection, and you can spend about an hour walking through its narrow streets, looking at stone buildings, or sitting down for a drink.
The short visit works well as a break from the water. Trogir has plenty of bars and restaurants, so you can use the hour for coffee, a snack, or a quick look around. It is not enough time for a full museum day, but the town is easy to sample on foot.
This stop also gives the trip a useful balance. Bol and the Blue Lagoon are mainly about beaches and swimming, while Trogir gives you architecture and town life. If you prefer a slow historical visit, ask the skipper whether Trogir can receive more time. Since the tour is private, you may be able to adjust the order or length of stops, though the final route depends on weather and boating conditions.
Maslinica on the island of Šolta

Maslinica is a small port village on Šolta, and it may be the most rewarding place for lunch. It is less about checking off a major sight and more about enjoying a calm island pause.
The listed stop lasts about an hour, which gives you time to eat, have a drink, and walk near the harbour. Restaurant prices here were described as reasonable, making Maslinica a sensible place to spend some of your food budget. Since meals are not included, this is one of the stops where you should plan to pay directly for what you order.
If you want a quieter swim, tell the skipper early in the day. A private route can sometimes include a secluded cove, and one outing found a spot even the skipper had not visited before. That detail captures the best side of a custom boat day: you may get an ordinary planned stop, or you may find a peaceful corner away from the main flow of boats.
Do not count on that kind of discovery every time. It depends on the skipper, weather, and sea traffic. Still, Maslinica is a good place to ask for a small change of plan.
Hvar town and island time

Hvar is the final listed stop, with about an hour for the island and Hvar town. This is a popular destination, so the short visit is more of an introduction than a full exploration.
You can walk through the town, stop for a coffee, or use the time to see the waterfront before returning to the boat. If you want a long meal or a more relaxed town visit, an hour may pass quickly. The private format gives you a better chance of adjusting the schedule, but every extra minute in Hvar means less time at another stop.
Hvar works well at the end because it gives you a final town stop after the quieter bays and smaller ports. It also creates a useful choice: you can spend the last part of the day on land, or keep the emphasis on swimming and return earlier. Tell the skipper what matters most to your group rather than trying to do every stop at equal length.
The real cost of the day

The base price is $518.93 per group of up to four. That makes the trip most attractive when four people share the boat. For a couple, the private setting may still be worth it, but the cost per person rises sharply.
The main extra charge is fuel. It is paid at the end of the day, and the final amount can depend on the route, boat, and conditions. One party reported paying €240 for fuel, so do not treat the advertised price as the full cost.
Add the €100 skipper charge if you do not drive. You will also pay for food and drinks, and you may choose to tip the skipper. For a group of four, the added costs can still compare well with several separate excursions, especially if you value having the boat to yourselves. Before booking, ask the provider for a current estimate of fuel based on your preferred route.
The damage deposit is only relevant if you self-drive, but it is substantial. You need €1,000 or €1,500 available at check-in, depending on the boat. That requirement makes the skipper option more attractive for many people, even if you have some boating experience.
Who will enjoy this trip most
I would choose this for a small group that wants to swim, visit several places, and control the pace. It suits friends, couples, or a family with older children who can manage a full day outdoors and a fast boat.
You should be comfortable with open-water travel and some movement on the boat. The sea can be rough, and the ride may not suit very young children or older adults who find jolting uncomfortable. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected.
This is not the best choice if you want a quiet, slow cruise with no planning. You must decide where to spend your time, keep track of extra costs, and accept that weather may change the route. It is also not the right trip if visiting the Blue Cave is your main goal, since that is not possible here.
The experience works especially well for people who dislike large group tours. You can choose swimming over sightseeing, stop for lunch when you are hungry, or ask to linger in a village instead of rushing to the next point.
Timing, weather, and what to pack
The 9:00 a.m. start is useful. It gives you a full day on the water and supports the advice to reach the Blue Lagoon early. Since the experience can last five to nine hours, do not plan a tight evening activity immediately afterward.
Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and a light layer. Bring cash for the skipper fee and keep extra money available for fuel, meals, drinks, and a possible tip. A waterproof bag will help protect phones and wallets around the boat.
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour runs only in suitable weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling inside that window is not refundable, and late changes are not accepted. If you are arriving on a cruise ship, note the firm warning: missing the activity because your ship is late or does not arrive does not qualify for a refund.
Should you book the private Split boat tour?
Book it if you have up to four people, want a private boat, and care more about freedom than a fixed low price. The strongest reasons are the skipper option, the mix of islands and Trogir, the included snorkelling gear, and the chance to adjust the day around swimming, lunch, and coffee.
Before paying, confirm the expected fuel cost and decide whether you will hire the skipper. If your group wants the Blue Cave, choose another excursion. If rough water worries you, or if anyone in your party struggles with boat motion, a slower land-based plan may be wiser.
For an active small group with realistic expectations about extra charges, this is a flexible way to see a broad slice of the Split coast in one day.
FAQ
Where does the private boat tour start?
The tour starts in Split at 9:00 a.m. It ends back at the meeting point.
How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately five to nine hours, depending on the route and timing.
How many people can join the private boat?
The advertised price covers one group of up to four people. Only your group participates.
Can I drive the boat myself?
Yes, but you need a boat licence. You must also pay a damage deposit at check-in, €1,000 for the normal boat or €1,500 for the big boat.
How much does the skipper cost?
The skipper surcharge is €100 per booking. It is paid directly to the skipper in cash at check-in, and you are also expected to provide food for the skipper.
Is fuel included in the price?
No. Fuel is charged at the end of the day. The final amount can vary by route and usage.
Is food and drink included?
No. Food and drinks are not included, so you pay for meals, coffee, drinks, and ice cream separately.
Can the boat visit the Blue Cave?
No. The provider states that the Blue Cave cannot be visited with these boats.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
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