Quads on Čiovo feel like a movie scene. I like this safari because the ride is off-road from minute one on brand-new automatic Segway 500cc quads, and it keeps moving with a circular route so you don’t repeat the same track. The island viewpoint stops add real wow-factor without turning the day into a long bus tour.

I also love the way the guides run things with structure. You start with a 30-minute safety briefing, you get helmets, gloves, and glasses, plus a short trial so first-time riders can get their bearings fast. In the more personal touch, the hosts Branka and Ivo bring local history into the stops, so the scenery comes with context, not just a quick photo pause.

One catch: you must have a valid driver’s license to operate the quad, and the activity isn’t suitable for everyone (back problems, pregnancy, pre-existing medical conditions, wheelchair users, and people over 95). Also plan for dust on the ride. Bring closed-toe shoes and a change of clothes if you don’t want to go home looking like you’ve been helping a mechanic.

Key highlights I’d pencil in first

• New automatic Segway 500cc quads with basic insurance and full safety gear
• Beginner-friendly setup with a trial run and a long-ish safety briefing (not rushed)
• Circular route with no backtracking, so each segment feels fresh
• Clifftop stop at the 16th-century monastery of Our Lady of Prizidnica with major photo time
• Glava Čiova panoramic views over Split and Marjan hill
• Optional Kava Beach swimming break on the 3-hour option

Getting to Slatine: where your quad day starts (and why it matters)

Your quad adventure is based in Slatine on the island of Čiovo, and getting there is pretty straightforward from either Trogir or Split. If you’re coming from Split or Trogir, you can take the Bura Line ferry for about a half hour, then you’ll be met at the Slatine dock and escorted to Quad Adventures PINE TREE, about 50 meters away.

If you’re short on time or prefer door-to-door convenience, group transfers are available for an additional charge. Either way, arriving by water helps set the tone: you’re already on island time before you touch the throttle.

Practical tip: if you’re traveling from Split by ferry, schedule a little buffer so you’re not sprinting down the dock while everyone else has already started paperwork.

The 30-minute safety briefing that actually teaches control

This is not one of those tours where you sign a waiver and go. Before you ride, you’ll do paperwork and then a 30-minute safety briefing. You’ll receive clear instructions on how to handle the quads, and you’ll get a short trial run so the controls feel normal before you head onto more varied terrain.

The quads are fully automatic, which removes a big learning hurdle for many people. You still need to pay attention—off-road driving demands smoother throttle control than pavement—but the automatic setup helps first-timers focus on balance, speed, and staying in line with the group.

You’ll also get:

• Helmets, gloves, and glasses for protection
• A guide/instructor riding with you
• A 0.5L bottle of water for the ride

And yes, there’s an on-the-ground rule set: no alcohol and no drugs during the activity. It’s a quad safari, not a party bus.

Your first off-road segment on Čiovo: building confidence fast

Once the briefing ends, you’re off on a real ride, not a “welcome to our property” loop. Expect a first chunk of off-road time around 35 minutes as you transition from basic handling to the fun part: uneven terrain, dirt tracks, and the feeling that you’re exploring rather than touring.

This is also where you’ll learn how the group rhythm works. The guides set the pace, and the route is planned so you can focus on driving while still enjoying stops. Some people will feel the weight of the quad at first; the key is staying calm, letting the automatic power do the work, and keeping your eyes up rather than staring at the front tire.

If you’re riding for the first time, don’t aim for hero speed. You’ll have plenty of time to open it up later, and you’ll enjoy the views more when you’re not fighting the machine.

Viewpoint breaks over islands, bays, and Split’s coastline

Your route includes multiple photo stops, and they’re not random. You’ll pause at viewpoints with broad sightlines over nearby islands and the area around Kaštela Bay and Split. These stops matter because Čiovo sits in a sweet spot: you get sea views that feel close, plus the coastline stretching the long way that makes Croatia’s map make sense in 3D.

At one of the early breaks, you’ll get a shorter window to stop, take photos, and catch your breath. Another pause later gives you a second chance to frame the coastline from a different angle, which helps because the route keeps changing instead of doubling back.

If you’re the type who likes a real skyline picture, bring your camera settings ready. Light can shift quickly on the coast, and you won’t want to waste the only 5–10 minutes you have per stop fiddling with menus.

Prizidnica monastery: the clifftop stop with the best “why am I here” feeling

One of the biggest reasons this quad safari is worth it is the monastery visit. You’ll drive to the 16th-century monastery of Our Lady of Prizidnica, perched on dramatic cliffs. This is where the day turns from ride-and-view into ride-and-learn.

You’ll have time for:

• A guided visit and sightseeing
• Photo stops with serious cliff angles
• Some free time to soak it in

And the views from there aren’t small-talk scenery. You can look out toward Brač, Hvar, and Šolta, and it’s the kind of place where you understand why people kept building on cliffs in the first place: you get distance, defense, and drama.

In reviews, guests highlight how Branka and Ivo explain local history at individual stops, and you’ll feel that here. Instead of the monastery being just a checkpoint, it becomes part of the story of Čiovo and how the area developed over time.

A practical note: wear shoes with grip. Cliffside paths can be uneven, and you’ll be hopping off a quad and walking a bit.

Glava Čiova: panoramic rides and Split’s Marjan hill

After the monastery, the tour heads toward the island’s easternmost point, Glava Čiova. This is one of those points where your brain clicks into place: you’re seeing Split from a different height and angle than most people get from the city itself.

The panoramic views here reach toward Split and the Marjan hill area, often described as the lungs of Split. Even if you’ve seen photos before, you’ll notice something different when you’re on a moving quad route: the perspective changes every few minutes, so the view keeps renewing itself rather than staying flat.

From Glava Čiova, you’ll ride along the coast, and that coastal section sets you up for the next big moment: Kava Beach.

Kava Beach and the 30-minute swim break (3-hour option)

Kava Beach is the stop most people remember when they talk about the day later. The tour description calls it one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the area, and the layout is perfect for a short refresh without turning your schedule into chaos.

Here’s the difference you’ll want to plan for:

• The 2-hour option includes the route and viewpoints but does not include the swimming break time
• The 3-hour option adds a 30-minute swimming break at Kava Beach

If you’re choosing the 3-hour version, bring swimwear and be ready to swap into it quickly. The ride can get dusty, and you’ll feel the difference once you’re out of your closed-toe shoes and into the water.

If you need a jacket, you’re covered. That detail matters in shoulder seasons when coastal wind can cut through after you’ve been in the sun.

The practical side: what’s included, what costs extra, and why it adds up

The price is $88 per person, and what you’re buying is more than a quad rental. You’re getting:

• The quad bike
• A professional guide/instructor
• Safety briefing and safety equipment (helmets, gloves, glasses)
• A bottle of water for each guest
• A ride route designed to avoid backtracking and keep stops varied

Storage boxes are included on the quads, which is a big quality-of-life improvement. You don’t have to hold your phone and wallet like a circus act, and you can keep your personal items safer during bumpy sections.

Two things to watch:

• Pick-up and drop-off is available only with an additional surcharge. If you’re already in Trogir or Split, the ferry option can be simpler.
• Ferry tickets (Bura Line) are not included in the package, so factor that in when you compare the total cost of the day.

Also, the tour time is listed as 150–210 minutes, which is worth your mental math. You’re paying a fair price for equipment, instruction, guided stops, and the freedom of actually driving off-road, not just watching it happen.

What to pack (so you enjoy it, not manage it)

This is a dust-and-sun kind of adventure. Bring what helps you stay comfortable when the quad ride mixes dirt roads with coastal air.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Driver’s license
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear (especially for the 3-hour option)
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes

Smart move: pack a small change of clothes if you want to feel human afterward. You might get dusty, and that’s normal. The joy is in the riding, not in staying clean.

Who this quad safari is for (and who should skip it)

I think this is a strong fit for:

• People who want active sightseeing, not just standing around
• First-time quad riders, since the quads are automatic and you get a trial run
• Anyone who loves coast views and wants to reach places that aren’t easy to access on foot

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and people over 95. If any of those apply, skip this and choose a different kind of Čiovo experience.

And if you’re expecting a laid-back “sit and admire” tour, adjust your expectations. This is hands-on driving, and you’ll be happier if you lean into that.

Should you book the Čiovo Quad Safari with Quad Adventures PINE TREE?

Yes, you should book it if your ideal Croatia day includes off-road driving, multiple viewpoint stops, and a cultural pause at a cliffside monastery. I especially like that the quads are new, automatic, and paired with a real safety briefing, so it feels organized rather than risky.

Skip it if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, you know you’ll be uncomfortable with uneven terrain, or you want a purely relaxing day. And if you’re tight on time, decide between the 2-hour and 3-hour options based on one thing only: whether you want that 30-minute swim at Kava Beach.

If you want an adventure that mixes riding, history, and coastline views in one smooth loop, this is a strong match.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to drive the quad?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required because you operate the quad during the tour.

Are the quads automatic?

They are fully automatic, and the activity is described as beginner-friendly.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as 150 to 210 minutes. There are 2-hour and 3-hour options.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Quad Adventures PINE TREE. If you arrive by ferry to Slatine, you’ll meet the team at the dock and be escorted to the starting location, about 50 meters away.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. You receive safety equipment including helmets, gloves, and glasses.

Is swimming included?

Swimming at Kava Beach is included only with the 3-hour option, with a 30-minute break.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your passport or ID card, driver’s license, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and swimwear if you’re doing the 3-hour tour.

Is pick-up included in the price?

Pick-up and drop-off are listed as available for an additional surcharge.

Who is the quad safari not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and people over 95 years.