Split’s coast feels like it was made for a speedboat. This private, custom-style trip sends you out early from Split to island-hop at your own pace, with snorkel gear along for the ride. You can even choose whether you drive or hire a skipper, then spend time where the water and views look best.

I particularly like the freedom. You’re not stuck in a rigid, big-group schedule, and you can spend your hour stops the way you want. I also like the snorkeling gear being included, since it turns quick swims into something you can actually explore underwater.

One thing to plan for: the listed price isn’t the whole bill. You’ll likely pay extra at the end of the day for fuel, and hiring a skipper costs extra too.

Key highlights worth caring about

• Drive the speedboat from Split if you have the right license (with a damage deposit requirement)
• Skip the crowds with a private group of up to 4
• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t have to think about rentals
• A flexible island route across Brac, Hvar, Šolta, plus a UNESCO stop in Trogir
• Blue Lagoon and swimming time are built into the plan, with easy in-water breaks
• No Blue Cave visit on these boats, so set expectations early

Split to open water: the real appeal is control

This tour works because it starts with control. Your boat day begins in Split at 9:00 am, and you’re back at the same meeting point when it’s done. You’re not commuting on a bus all morning or waiting for a long line of people to get moving. Instead, you’re on the water, with your schedule shaped around swim stops and shore time.

If you’re comfortable driving, you can take the helm. That’s a big part of why people choose speedboats over ferries. But there’s a clear requirement: if you drive without a skipper, you need a boat license and you’ll pay a damage deposit at check-in. Expect 1000 EUR for a normal boat or 1500 EUR for a big boat. If you don’t have a license (or you’d rather not deal with the paperwork and deposit), you can hire a skipper.

And yes, there can be extra payment friction if you’re expecting the base price to cover everything. The skipper fee and fuel are not included, and the tour is only as smooth as your budgeting. I’d treat this like a premium day out on the Adriatic: you’re paying for flexibility and time on the water, not just transportation.

Bol on Brac: beach hour with real island vibes

Your first shore stop is Bol on the island of Brac, and you get about an hour. Bol is the kind of place where the water does half the selling: you’ll likely spend time walking a bit, grabbing a drink, and enjoying beach time without feeling rushed.

What I like about this stop is the simple rhythm. You don’t have to do a checklist of attractions to make it feel worth it. You get a concentrated taste of Brac—enough time to recharge and reset—then you’re back on the boat to keep the day moving.

The main consideration: one hour sounds short, and it is. If you want a long beach stretch or you tend to linger, plan on using that hour for one main activity—swim, photos, or a quick bite—rather than trying to do everything.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: the swimming stop that makes the day feel worth it

After Brac, you head to the Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay area. This is where you go from island touring to actual water time. You get another hour that’s built around swimming, and you’ll have your snorkel equipment available.

This part matters for two reasons. First, snorkel gear being included means you can bring your focus to what you actually came for: seeing underwater life and enjoying clear-water swimming. Second, this is the stop that people often treat like a highlight because it’s naturally suited to a boat day. You’re not just visiting a viewpoint; you’re getting in the water.

One practical note: these boats cannot visit the Blue cave. So if your dream day includes that specific cave, you’ll need a different tour style. Here, the experience stays more focused on bays, swimming, and the visible coastline rhythm.

Trogir’s UNESCO core: a quick old-town reset

Next up is Trogir, which is known for its UNESCO-protected old town. You get about an hour here, which is just enough time to get your bearings, walk the main lanes, and then enjoy cafés and restaurants without feeling trapped in museum mode.

This stop is good because it breaks the day into contrasts. You go from open water and swimming to a dense, walkable historic area. It also gives you a chance to sit down—especially useful if you’ve been in swimwear or the sun has been working on you.

The only drawback is timing. One hour in old town can feel like a sprint if you love architecture details. I’d use it to do one loop through the historic center, then pick one place for a coffee, drink, or snack and let the streets do the rest.

Maslinica on Šolta: the calm village break (and smart lunch option)

Then you’re at Maslinica on the island of Šolta for about an hour. This is a village stop that feels like a breather. Instead of chasing another landmark, you get a slower pace: strolling, people-watching, and finding something that fits your hunger level after swimming.

What I like here is the positioning in the day. You’ve already done the bigger visual beats: Brac’s Bol, then water-heavy time at the Blue Lagoon area. Maslinica feels like your reward for making it to the middle of the route.

A useful tip: if you want a lunch that doesn’t feel like it was chosen from a brochure, Maslinica is the place to look. People have found reasonable-priced options there, and it’s the kind of spot where having time for lunch actually improves the whole day, not just your stomach.

Hvar town: end-of-day atmosphere without overcommitting

Your final major stop is Hvar, with about an hour in the area, including time to visit Hvar town. Even with only an hour, you can usually get the essentials: a walk around the center, a quick photo run, and time to absorb the island-town vibe.

This is a good capstone because it turns the day’s pace from “water-and-swim” into “town-and-views.” You’ve had movement all day, so Hvar gives you something more stationary and easy to enjoy.

Just keep your expectations aligned to the timeframe. With one hour, you’re not doing a full island tour. You’re sampling the atmosphere and using that time well—coffee, a final stroll, maybe one last look from the waterfront—then getting back to the boat.

Driving vs. hiring a skipper: choose the kind of day you want

The tour gives you a real choice. You can drive the speedboat yourself or hire a skipper for €100 per booking plus the skipper’s food. The skipper is payable at check-in, directly to the skipper in cash.

If you hire a skipper, you’re buying safety, navigation help, and local decision-making. One of the recurring benefits is that a good skipper can steer the day toward the spots your group actually wants—especially for swimming coves and quieter places away from everyone else. It also reduces stress if sea conditions change, because the skipper is focused on piloting and routing.

If you drive yourself, you’ll get maximum independence. But you should only choose this if you’re truly comfortable with boat handling and you have the license requirement handled. The damage deposit is another reason to go into this decision calmly. If you’re unsure, hiring a skipper often makes the day smoother and more relaxing.

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

The tour includes snorkeling equipment. That’s the big win. You don’t have to rent gear on the fly, and you can jump into the water during the swim-focused portions of the day.

To get the most out of it, bring practical swim setup: use sunscreen before you gear up, rinse off quickly when you’re back on the boat, and keep an eye on timing so you don’t feel like you missed your swim window. Also, remember that this trip focuses on bays and swimming spots. It’s not built around cave systems.

If you prefer shallow, easy swimming over long underwater stretches, this itinerary matches that style well. You’ll be in and out of the water across multiple stops, not stuck with one long snorkel session.

Sea conditions and what they mean for your comfort

Speedboat touring is fast and fun, but it’s also more exposed than a ferry. One review-style concern that matters for your planning is that the ocean can be rough. That’s not a reason to avoid Croatia—it’s a reason to pick your timing and pack smart.

If you’re going with young kids or older adults, think carefully about comfort in open water. If your group gets motion-sick, plan for that before you head out.

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

Price and extra costs: how to judge value without surprises

The base price is $518.93 per group (up to 4) for this private boat tour. For a private speedboat day, that’s not out of line—especially given the included snorkel gear and the fact that you’re covering multiple areas (Brac, Blue Lagoon area, Trogir, Šolta, Hvar) within one day.

But here’s the honest part: the total cost depends on add-ons.

• Fuel surcharge is paid at the end of the day.
• If you want a skipper, there’s a €100 skipper surcharge per booking, plus the skipper’s food.
• Tips for the skipper are optional (your choice).

In one detailed account, fuel was around €240, and the skipper fee was €100, with tip mentioned as an optional extra. Treat those numbers as examples, not a guarantee, because fuel cost can shift with how the day runs. Still, you should budget for it rather than hoping the base price is all-in.

If you’re traveling as a group of two or four, this can be good value because you’re paying for privacy and flexibility, not per-person ticketing for crowded boats. If you’re traveling solo, it’s still doable, but the “private” part becomes the main value driver.

Who should book this private speedboat day

This works best for you if you want:

• a private group experience rather than a big-boat day
• to spend time in the water with snorkeling gear included
• flexibility to enjoy beaches and towns without a rigid tour script

It also suits couples and small friend groups who like the idea of hopping islands without spending the day locked into public schedules.

You might think twice if:

• your group needs very smooth, low-motion travel
• you want a full, slow-paced sightseeing itinerary (this is time-boxed)
• you specifically want the Blue cave, because these boats can’t do it

Should you book this private speedboat tour from Split?

If your idea of the perfect Croatia day includes speedboat freedom, swim breaks, and a short-and-satisfying mix of island towns, I’d say yes. The route hits classic places like Brac (Bol), the Blue Lagoon swimming area, UNESCO-listed Trogir, Šolta’s Maslinica village, and Hvar town, all in one outing.

Just go in with the right mindset: this is a premium, flexible day on the water, so you should budget for fuel and possibly a skipper. If you want the low-stress version, hire a skipper. If you have a license and you want to drive, plan for the deposit and be honest about your comfort level.

FAQ

Do I get to drive the speedboat, or do I need a skipper?

You can choose. If you want to drive the boat alone, you need a boat license and you’ll pay a damage deposit at check-in. If you hire a skipper, there is a skipper surcharge of €100 per booking, plus the skipper’s food.

How many people is this tour for?

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

What’s included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment is included. Food and drinks are not included, and there is a fuel surcharge at the end of the day.

What extra costs should I expect besides the base price?

Fuel is paid at the end of the day. If you choose a skipper, there is a €100 skipper surcharge per booking, plus food for the skipper (paid in cash to the skipper at check-in). Tips for the skipper are optional.

Is the Blue Cave included?

No. With these boats, it’s not possible to visit the Blue cave.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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