Private speedboat days feel like Croatia on fast-forward. This is a private speedboat trip with a skipper who builds your day around what you want, with stops that can span islands and bays near Split. I love the freedom to set the pace, and I love that snorkelling equipment is included so you can actually use the water time instead of treating it like decoration. One thing to think about: fuel isn’t included, so the final cost depends on how long and how your skipper drives.

You’re looking at about 10 hours on the water for your group (up to 8), and you don’t need any experience because your skipper handles the navigation and the on-the-spot planning. If you want one memorable day that covers multiple islands without the crowd shuffle, this is a strong choice.

Key things I’d note before you book

• Your skipper sets the route: you choose the vibe, then they steer you toward the right bays and islands for that day
• Snorkelling gear is included: you bring yourself and your swim confidence, not a shopping list
• A true private group (up to 8): no sharing the boat with strangers who have a totally different day plan
• The island menu is flexible: Brač, Drvenik, Solta, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands are all on the potential list
• SUP can show up on some days: one review specifically mentioned enjoying a SUP board
• Budget for fuel and optional entries: fuel is extra, and some sites like Tvrdava Fortica and the Blue Cave aren’t included

Private speedboat from Split: what you really gain

This trip is basically the fast lane to the coast. Instead of joining a packed boat where you get assigned a route and stuck with other people’s timing, you get your own vessel and a skipper. That changes everything about how the day feels.

First, you gain control of your energy. Some people want an easy day of drifting between calm bays and quick swims. Others want lots of stops with a bit of sightseeing flavor. With a private setup, you can lean into either one without asking permission from a schedule.

Second, you gain swim time that actually matters. Snorkelling equipment is included, and that makes the water part of the day, not a side quest. You can stop, suit up, and have a real go, then move on before the day gets stale.

The one trade-off is that “private” has financial rhythm. The base price covers the boat, skipper, safety setup, bottled water, and taxes/fees, but fuel is not included. You’ll also see optional entries called out as not included. So the best value comes when you treat this as a full-day outing with multiple swim stops and plan for the extras.

Your 10-hour game plan: how the day stays flexible

The day runs about 10 hours. That sounds simple, but the flexibility is the real point. You start from Split, then you talk with the skipper about what you want most: relaxation, history and coastal villages, or a mix.

In practical terms, this works like a customized menu. If you want quiet water, the skipper can look for bays where it’s easier to anchor and swim. If you want a bit more variety, you can build a route with several island stops. If you want to combine beach time with a look at old towns along the coast, your skipper can shape the day around that.

I also like that you’re not required to be boat-literate. You’re not expected to navigate, read charts, or figure out where to anchor. Your skipper joins you and handles the “how do we get there” part so you can spend your brainpower on choosing what to do once you arrive.

A small detail that affects comfort: you’ll want to think ahead about food because lunch is not included. More on that later.

Old Split departure: starting where the day feels real

You don’t start in some anonymous marina far from the city. The meeting point is at Trumbićeva obala 2, and the tour begins by heading out from Old Split directionally based on your choice. That matters because Split’s old-core energy gives you a strong sense of place before you escape onto the water.

Old Split is the kind of area where you can quickly get your bearings. If you show up early, you can grab a coffee or do a short walk before boarding, then shift gears when the boat leaves the harbor. Once you’re out, the change is dramatic: narrow streets and stone textures give way to open water and island coastlines.

And since you’re on a speedboat, the transition is quick. You’re not stuck watching the clock while your day slowly starts. The day really begins right after departure.

Choosing stops: Brač, Drvenik, Solta, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands

Here’s the good part: your island choices are built into the experience, but your skipper decides the best match for conditions that day. The potential stop list includes Brač, Drvenik, Solta, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands.

What I like about this setup is that it supports different vacation styles:

• Brač is a solid option when you want classic island coastline and places that work for swimming. If your group likes the idea of a beach break, this is often where that kind of stop can fit.
• Solta can feel more relaxed on the water side. It’s a good fit for a day where you want a mix of calm bays and a few island jumps instead of only big sightseeing hits.
• Vis tends to suit people who want something a little more “destination-like.” It’s on the list for a reason: it gives your day a sense of traveling somewhere, not just cruising around.
• Drvenik is another coastal/island option that can add variety to the route without locking you into one vibe for the entire day.
• Pakleni Islands are the big-name island group that people often hope to reach. Even if your exact stops depend on the day, having them in the possible mix is a strong sign that the tour is built for island-hopping, not just one swim location.

A useful detail from real-world experience: one review praised a skipper named Dino for ensuring a fun day and taking the group to great spots for swimming and stops around islands including Brač. Another review praised Toni for being professional and accommodating, with route planning described as very strong. What you can take from that: the skipper’s skill isn’t just about driving. It’s also about matching your day to the right kinds of stops.

You might also notice that the experience doesn’t force you into specific attractions. If you want pure sea time, you can plan for that. If you want a little history flavor, you can ask for it. This is where private planning becomes the difference between a checklist and a day.

Snorkelling gear included: how to make the most of it

You get snorkelling equipment included, plus bottled water, safety equipment, and boat insurance. That’s the foundation.

Now for the part that matters: how you use it. With a private charter, you can choose when to snorkel instead of being herded into a single time window. That means you can pick calmer water and spend more time with the gear in a way that fits your comfort level.

If your group includes mixed confidence levels, I suggest a simple approach:

• One person (or one duo) can go in first while the rest watches and settles in.
• Then you rotate so everyone gets a proper look.
• Keep an eye on timing so you don’t end up rushed before the next stop.

One review mentioned they also enjoyed a SUP board. Since that’s not guaranteed in the basic inclusions list, treat it as an occasional extra, not a promise. But it’s a hint that the operator can have more options than you expect.

Also, remember that this is a speedboat day. That’s good for variety, but it means you should be smart about sun and water. Bring sun protection and plan for getting on and off quickly.

Comfort and food: don’t let lunch become a problem

Lunch is not included. That can sound like a downgrade until you see how flexible it can be. You can either stop somewhere for lunch, or you can bring a picnic to eat on the boat.

For most groups, a picnic is the easiest way to keep the day’s rhythm. You avoid losing time searching for food and you get to eat between swim stops. If you’d rather go out for lunch, just know that it becomes a decision you make with your skipper. The private nature helps here, since you can choose what fits your pace.

One other small comfort point: bottled water is included. That’s helpful because water isn’t just “nice,” it affects your stamina and your patience once you’re out there all day.

Price and logistics: $602.53 per group, plus the real add-ons

The price is $602.53 per group for up to 8 people, for about 10 hours. On the surface, it might look pricey. But in a private charter context, it’s usually more about “cost per day and per group” than “cost per person,” especially once you factor in what’s included.

What you’re getting for that base price:

• a private speedboat
• a skipper
• safety equipment and boat insurance
• snorkelling equipment
• bottled water
• all taxes, fees, and handling charges

What’s not included:

• lunch
• fuel surcharge
• entry/admission for Tvrdava Fortica and Blue Cave
• anything that requires separate tickets or fees at a stop

Fuel is the big wildcard. The note says fuel isn’t included in the price, the tank is full, and you’re obligated to return it full, with a guideline of 30l/h. Translation: your final total may rise depending on how you use the day. If you want lots of hopping between islands, plan for that.

So is it good value? It can be, especially if you’d otherwise buy multiple tickets for ferries, then end up paying for separate tours, or if you’re a group that wants the flexibility of choosing swim-heavy stops. It’s best when your day plan is active enough to use the private advantage.

Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit for:

• groups up to 8 who want to skip the crowd boat experience
• people who care about snorkelling and want gear included
• couples or small friend groups who want the day to move at their pace
• anyone who wants a one-day island-hopping sampler: Brač, Solta, Vis, and Pakleni Islands are all in play

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re strictly budget-first and don’t want to think about fuel or optional entries
• you’re only interested in one location (because the strength of this experience is the variety of stops)
• you need a fixed schedule for a specific attraction like Blue Cave or Tvrdava Fortica, since entries are listed as not included

One more practical tip: this kind of day depends on good weather. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this private speedboat rental from Split?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels personal, not mass-produced. The combination of a private skipper, included snorkelling equipment, and the ability to shape your day around bays and islands makes it a very efficient way to see more coastline in one stretch of time.

If your group is the type that argues politely about where to go, this tour helps because you can explain your preferences to the skipper and let them handle the logistics. And the reviews back up the human side of it. Skippers named Dino and Toni are both described as professional and accommodating, with route choices that lead to real swim and stop time.

But if you’re the type who hates add-on costs, keep the fuel rule and optional entry fees in your mental budget. Also plan for lunch outside the inclusions, either with a picnic or by coordinating a stop.

If that all sounds manageable, this is one of those rare Split experiences where the money is spent on freedom, not on standing around.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private boat?

The experience is priced per group and accommodates up to 8 people.

How long is the speedboat rental in total?

The duration is about 10 hours.

What’s included with snorkelling?

You get the use of snorkelling equipment, plus bottled water.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch isn’t included, but you can either stop somewhere to eat or bring a picnic to eat on the boat.

Is fuel included?

Fuel is not included in the price. The tank is full at the start, and you’re obligated to return it full, with a guideline of 30l/h.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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