Five islands, one private speedboat ride. This is a customized day on the water out of Split, built around swimming stops, beach time, and snorkeling, with a choose-your-own rhythm that’s hard to match on big group boats. You’re not stuck in a rigid schedule, and you get to bounce between islands and the UNESCO town of Trogir at your own pace.

I especially like the flexibility built into the trip, because you can drive the speedboat yourself or hire a skipper. I also like that snorkel gear is included, so when the water is right you can actually use it instead of just carrying it around all day.

One watch-out: the day can include extra costs beyond the base price, like fuel and (if you choose it) the skipper fee. Also, if the sea is rough, this is not a trip I’d pick for very young kids or less mobile adults.

Key points before you go

• Private group of up to 4: no crowd shuffling, fewer tradeoffs, more control over where you stop.
• Skipper optional: pay a skipper surcharge or drive yourself if you have the right license.
• Snorkeling equipment included: plan to use it during the swimming stop(s).
• Bol, Blue Lagoon area, Trogir, Maslinica, and Hvar: islands plus UNESCO in one day.
• Blue Cave isn’t possible with these boats: set expectations early and plan your priorities.

How the private speedboat setup works from Split

This is a private charter-style boat tour based in Split, timed for a 9:00 am start. The experience runs about 5 to 9 hours, so you’ll have enough time to move between several different coastal spots without feeling like you’re just racing from one photo stop to the next.

For your group size, it’s up to 4 people per booking. That matters because you’re not sharing the boat with strangers, and you’re not stuck waiting for other people’s comfort level in the water. You also get a mobile ticket, and the trip begins and ends back at the same meeting point area.

The boat day is weather-sensitive, and the operator notes that good weather is required. If it’s called off because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which helps take the stress out of planning.

There’s one more practical detail: the trip calls for moderate physical fitness. That’s not about hiking boots and mountains—it’s about being able to get on and off the boat, handle time on the water, and enjoy the swimming portion without it being a daily battle.

Skipper or drive: the real decision that shapes your day

The biggest fork in the road is whether you want a skipper or whether you’ll drive yourself. If you hire a skipper, there’s a €100.00 surcharge per booking, and it’s payable in cash at check-in directly to the skipper. The skipper fee also comes with an additional note: you’ll need to cover the skipper’s food.

If you want to drive the boat alone, you need a boat license. On top of that, you’ll pay a damage deposit at check-in—€1000 for a normal boat or €1500 for a big boat. That deposit concept matters because it shifts the cost balance: driving yourself might save the skipper fee, but it introduces the deposit requirement and assumes you’re truly comfortable operating the vessel.

Here’s why this choice affects value. If you’re not confident steering in busy coastal areas or navigating between islands, a skipper isn’t just convenience—it’s peace of mind. In the feedback for this experience, the best days are the ones where the skipper is competent with safe handling and navigation, and where you can lean on their local suggestions to find better swimming spots and calmer coves.

If you do have the license and feel relaxed at the helm, you’ll enjoy the freedom even more. You can steer the day toward the parts you care about most—beach time, town wandering, or snorkeling—without asking permission every time your group’s mood shifts.

The route across Brac, Trogir, Šolta, and Hvar

The schedule is built from short, high-impact segments. Each stop is roughly one hour, which means you’ll do a little bit of everything, but you won’t have long, slow stretches in one place. That’s a plus if you love variety and a minus if you prefer deep, long stays.

Also note an important constraint: with these boats, it’s not possible to visit Blue cave. So if Blue Cave is your main reason for choosing a Croatia island boat day, this is probably not the right day for you.

One practical strategy: the trip starts at 9:00 am, and it makes sense to prioritize the water early. The feedback around this tour strongly supports the idea of going to the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay area first, because morning timing often gives you calmer, more pleasant conditions for swimming.

Stop 1: Bol on Brac (about 1 hour)

Bol is on the island of Brac, and it’s known for beachy island vibes. With about an hour here, you’re not aiming for museum time—you’re aiming for a stretch of water time, a simple snack, and a quick wander along the seaside.

What I like about Bol in this route is the balance. After time on the boat, Bol gives you a clear, easy payoff: get off, reset, and enjoy the beach while you’re still fresh.

The drawback is obvious but manageable: one hour doesn’t let you fully roam the island. If you’re the type who can lose an afternoon in one town square, plan to keep your expectations light and treat Bol as your beach break.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay swim stop (about 1 hour)

This is the water-focused portion of the day. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and it’s built around swimming in the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay area. It’s also where you’ll likely want to be most ready to jump in, since the sea and visibility are often better earlier in the day.

You also have the option of lunch here at the nearby restaurant and bar setting (food and drinks aren’t included, so this is pay-as-you-go). For many people, this stop becomes the heart of the day because it’s the most relaxing: sun, swim, snorkel, then back to the boat without overthinking logistics.

A consideration: if conditions are choppy, swimming can feel less fun than planned. Keep that in mind if your group includes anyone who gets uncomfortable on open water.

Stop 3: Trogir old town (about 1 hour)

Next up is Trogir, a UNESCO-protected old town. You’ll get about an hour to wander, grab a coffee, and look at the compact streets and waterfront area.

This stop is valuable because it adds a different kind of Croatia day—less beach, more old-town atmosphere. It also creates a nice pacing rhythm: swim, then land somewhere walkable.

The short timing is both the point and the limitation. It’s a quick taste, not a full tour. You’ll likely want to focus on a few lanes and squares rather than trying to see every corner.

Stop 4: Maslinica on Šolta (about 1 hour)

Maslinica is on the island of Šolta, and it feels like a more village-style break in the middle of the route. With one hour, you can do a relaxed walk, check out the waterfront, and settle into a slower rhythm.

This stop is especially appealing if you like eating on vacation but don’t want the prices or crowds that sometimes come with the biggest hotspots. The good news is that there are restaurants and bars in this area, so you can take a proper break between the island towns.

The drawback is that Maslinica won’t scratch the same itch as the big-name towns. If you want headline sightseeing every single stop, you might find this one quieter than expected.

Stop 5: Hvar town (about 1 hour)

The day ends with Hvar, including time in town on the island. This is where the tour shifts back into a more lively coastal-city mood. With an hour, you can usually get the essentials: waterfront views, a quick stroll, and time for a drink or snack before heading back.

The upside is that Hvar tends to deliver strong postcard energy even when you keep the visit short. The downside is time pressure—one hour goes fast, especially if the group splits into different interests like photos versus shopping versus just sitting with a view.

Snorkeling gear: what’s included and how to use it well

You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, which is a big deal for value. It means you can show up ready to swim without arranging rentals on your own, and you won’t waste the best part of the day because you forgot the gear.

In practical terms, your best snorkeling window is the swimming stop—Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay—because that’s the portion of the route built around being in the water. You can also treat it as a chance to slow down and actually enjoy being off the boat instead of only viewing the coastline from above.

Bring the usual commonsense items to make the experience feel smooth: swimsuit under your clothes, a small towel plan, and something for wet gear afterward. If your camera or phone isn’t waterproof, keep it stowed safely and keep both feet and balance in mind when moving around the boat.

Also, consider that you’ll spend time on open water between islands. Even if you’re excited to snorkel, your day comfort matters too—if you’re prone to seasickness, plan for that before you’re already out there.

Price and value: what you’re paying for, and what arrives later

The base price is $518.93 per group, up to 4 people, and the experience is approximately 5 to 9 hours. That group pricing is where the real value comes in. A private speedboat day in this region can quickly get expensive if it’s priced per person, but here you split the cost across a small group.

What’s included is straightforward: snorkeling equipment. What’s not included is also clear: food and drinks. And then there are the add-ons that shape your total spend:

• Fuel surcharge charged at the end of the day
• Skipper surcharge of €100.00 per booking, if you choose that option
• Tip for the skipper is optional
• If you drive yourself, you’ll need a damage deposit at check-in (amount depends on the boat size)

So is it worth it? For most people, this tour feels like a good deal when you want a private day with multiple destinations. You’re paying for time on the water, the convenience of a boat-led route, and the ability to enjoy islands and a UNESCO town without taking multiple buses or ferries.

It’s also worth it if you want to avoid crowded big-boat schedules. The strongest feedback points to the freedom of a private setup: you can find calmer spots and avoid the feeling of being herded.

My advice: if you’re budget-conscious, decide early whether you’ll hire a skipper or drive yourself. That choice can swing your comfort and your total cost. Either way, read the inclusions/exclusions carefully so you’re not surprised when the day ends.

Who should book this private speedboat day (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great match for groups of 2 to 4 people who want maximum variety with minimal transit hassle. It also fits well if you’re the type who likes to steer your day—choosing when to swim, how long to linger in towns, and when to head back out on open water.

It’s also a strong pick for people who want snorkeling without extra planning, since gear is included and the route is designed around a swimming-heavy stop.

Skip it or think twice if your group includes anyone who struggles with rougher water. The feedback also flags that the ocean can be rough, which matters for comfort and safety—especially with young kids or older adults. If your group is sensitive to motion, you might prefer a calmer-day itinerary or a smaller, steadier boat option (not offered here as a guarantee).

Practical tips to get a better day on the water

Here’s how you make a private speedboat day feel like a win instead of a hassle.

• Start strong: if you can, aim to hit the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay area early. It gives you the best chance at comfortable swimming time.
• Bring cash for the skipper: the skipper surcharge is payable in cash at check-in, and it includes a food expectation.
• If you drive alone, prep properly: you’ll need a boat license and you’ll pay a damage deposit at check-in.
• Pack for quick transitions: you’ll hop from boat to beach to town and back again. Plan for swimwear and wet gear.
• Set a realistic pace: each stop is about an hour, so decide in advance what you care about most at Bol, Trogir, Maslinica, and Hvar.

One small but useful mindset shift: treat the towns as walk-and-wander moments, not full-day museum visits. If you go in with that plan, you’ll leave happier.

Should you book this private customised speedboat tour from Split?

Book it if you want a private speedboat day that hits multiple islands plus UNESCO Trogir, with snorkeling included and the flexibility to enjoy the day at your own pace. The pricing makes sense for a small group, especially if you’re actively comparing it to the cost of multiple tickets plus transfers plus a crowded experience.

I wouldn’t book it if Blue Cave is your must-see, because this route can’t do it. I also think twice if your group is made up of very young kids or adults who struggle with uneven seas, since comfort depends a lot on conditions.

If your ideal day is sea time, quick town breaks, and a chance to actually get into the water, this one is a strong contender.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The experience runs approximately 5 to 9 hours.

How many people can be on the boat?

It’s a private tour for your group, up to 4 people.

What time does the tour start in Split?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is a skipper included in the price?

A skipper is not included. There is a €100.00 skipper surcharge per booking, if you choose to hire one.

Can I drive the speedboat myself?

You can drive yourself if you have a boat license, but you’ll need to pay a damage deposit at check-in: €1000 for a normal boat or €1500 for a big boat.

What’s included in the tour?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point. The meeting point area is also the starting point.

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