Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat

A private speed boat day from Split is an interesting way to see the coast. You are not stuck with a bus schedule. You can steer the day yourself, then hop between islands at speed.

I really like two things about this setup. You get flexible stops across Bol, the Blue Lagoon area, Trogir, Maslinica, and Hvar, and you are not jammed into a big group. I also like that snorkeling equipment is included, so a quick swim turns into an underwater look without planning extra rentals.

The main consideration is that the day can come with extra charges and some sea reality. Fuel is a separate surcharge, skipper hire costs extra, and if the water is rough the ride will feel it, so it is not the easiest choice for very young kids or older adults.

Key things you will feel right away

• You drive the rhythm, either with your own hands on the controls or with a skipper at the helm
• Snorkeling gear is ready, so you can turn swim time into a real underwater stop
• Classic stops, not crowded chaos, because it is a private group up to 4
• Blue Lagoon first is smart, because early water and lighter crowds make the swim break more enjoyable
• Expect add-ons at the end of the day, especially fuel, plus skipper cost if you choose one
• No Blue Cave visit, so set expectations if that is on your must-do list

Why a private speed boat from Split feels like the smart way to island hop

This tour is basically built for pace. In one half-day to full-day window, you can bounce between mainland old-town energy and island beach time. That mix is hard to pull off with ferries unless you plan carefully, and it is tough to do without long waits.

What makes it work is that your boat lets you switch modes instantly. One hour you are anchored near a beach and can swim. Next you are cruising into an old town where you can walk, grab coffee, and reset. With a private setup, you are not racing to hold a place in line for the same view as 50 other people.

And yes, driving is part of the fun. If you are comfortable on the water and have the right license, steering your own speed boat turns this from a sightseeing trip into something more hands-on. If you are not, hiring a skipper is usually the easiest way to get the day you want, without stress.

Price, group size, and what the number really buys you

The price is $518.93 per group, with room for up to 4 people. On paper, that can sound high compared to group boat tours. In practice, you are paying for space and control.

When you split the cost across four people, it becomes more reasonable. More importantly, you are paying for a day that can be paced for your group, including swim breaks and the ability to linger where you feel good. That matters in Croatia, where the “best” stop often depends on sea conditions, light, and timing.

There is also a cost structure you should understand early. The base price covers the boat experience and snorkeling equipment. Food, drinks, a fuel surcharge at the end of the day, and (if you choose it) skipper hire are separate. One traveler example included fuel around 240 euros, plus skipper cost, and then an optional tip. Even if your exact fuel bill differs, the key takeaway is consistent: budget some extra cash for fuel.

Captain vs no captain: driving rules, deposits, and the €100 skipper choice

You have two ways to run the boat.

If you want to drive yourself

To drive alone, you need a boat license. You also pay a damage deposit at check-in. The deposit depends on the boat size:

• Normal boat: 1000 euros
• Big boat: 1500 euros

This is not a small detail. It is the difference between trying something fun and taking on real financial responsibility if anything goes wrong. If you do not have that license, don’t improvise. Go with a skipper.

If you hire a skipper

A skipper can be added for a surcharge of €100 per booking, plus the skipper’s food. The skipper is payable at check-in, in cash, and it goes directly to the skipper.

This option is often the best value if you want a smooth, low-stress day. A competent skipper handles navigation, safety decisions, and the practical problem of where to anchor and how to manage timing between stops.

The 5 to 9 hour plan: how the stops work as a group-friendly route

Start time is 9:00 am, and the tour runs roughly 5 to 9 hours. You end back at the meeting point. That structure matters because it lets you line up the rest of your day on land, without needing a complicated hotel schedule.

Also, plan to keep things flexible. Even with a set route, water conditions can affect how quickly you move. This is a speed boat, so cruising time is short, but safety still sets the tempo.

Stop 1: Bol on Brac, one hour of beach time

Bol is a beach town vibe on the island of Brac. You get about one hour, which is just enough time to cool off, swim, and walk around without feeling rushed.

Why this stop works well early: it gives you a smooth landing after leaving Split. You ease into island time with water first, then you build momentum for the rest of the day.

If you are the kind of person who likes a quick swim and a relaxed drink, this is a strong opening move.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay, the swim-and-snorkel anchor

This is the big water stop. You get about one hour for swimming in the Blue Lagoon area, and you can also use snorkeling gear here.

One practical tip that fits the route logic: going to the Blue Lagoon area earlier in the day tends to make the swim feel more pleasant. You get lighter crowds and often better calm for water activities, especially when the day is still getting going.

You can also stop for lunch or a drink at a restaurant and bar in the area, including Bar Škhoy (listed in the tour plan). If you want lunch that is easy and not a whole production, this is where you can make it happen.

Stop 3: Trogir, UNESCO old town in about an hour

Trogir is your historical and café break. You get one hour to visit the old town, which is under UNESCO protection, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

This is a classic way to mix a boat day with real walking. You are not just on and off. You actually get time to stroll streets and pop into a place for coffee or something cold.

Drawback to know: one hour is tight. If Trogir is your top priority, you might feel like you want more time. But it is a good fit if you want a taste, then you are ready to be back on the water.

Stop 4: Maslinica on Šolta, a quieter village pause

Maslinica is on the island of Šolta, and you get about one hour. This stop feels slower and more local. It is a village visit, which makes it a nice contrast to the older, more touristed old town atmosphere.

If you enjoy small ports and slow photos, this is a good stretch of the day. It is also a helpful “reset” between the busier island town feel later and the beach time earlier.

Stop 5: Hvar town, finishing with island energy

Your final stop is on the island of Hvar, with about one hour to visit Hvar town.

Hvar town tends to be lively and visually rewarding, so this final hour often feels like a payoff. You get a chance to wander, find a drink, and soak up the island vibe before heading back.

The only caution here is timing. With a fixed day structure, your best moments can depend on how long you spend at each earlier stop. That’s where the private format helps, because you can make choices without negotiating with a large group schedule.

Snorkeling gear: what you get and how to make it count

Snorkeling equipment is included, and that is a genuine upgrade to a speed boat day. It turns a simple swim into something more memorable.

You should still treat snorkeling time as short and practical. Plan to enjoy the water, then get back to the schedule. With multiple stops, it is easy to spend too long at the surface and rush later.

The one expectation you must set: it is not possible to visit Blue Cave on this tour. If Blue Cave is your main reason for choosing the route, this specific boat plan won’t satisfy that request.

What the sea and timing mean for comfort

This is a speed boat, and speed boats are honest about sea conditions. If the ocean is rough, you will feel it. That is why this tour is better for people with moderate comfort on open water.

A moderate physical fitness level is listed as the expectation. You do not need to be an athlete. You do want to be ready for movement, boarding and stepping around the boat, and the basic physical demands of a day on the water.

If you are traveling with anyone who gets easily motion-sick, consider the skipper option, and think hard about whether you want a speed boat at all. If you do go, bring what helps you cope on the water.

Best use of the day: simple choices that make the whole trip better

Here are the decisions that tend to matter most with this route.

First, if you are hiring a skipper, talk about your priorities early. You want to choose your swim moments and your walking moments, not just follow a fixed script. The best skippers are the ones who adjust to your interests and the water conditions.

Second, plan your lunch without overcomplicating it. There is an option to eat and drink near the Blue Lagoon area, which can make the day smoother. You do not need to hunt for a perfect meal on a time crunch.

Third, accept that you are sampling. One hour per stop is not “everything.” It is a strategy: pick what you will do well at each place, then move on while the day is still fresh.

Fourth, pack for the water day you are actually taking. Even with a good weather forecast, you can get sun, wind, and spray. You will want the basics for comfort and safety, plus your own swim gear preferences if you have them.

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

This is a strong choice if:

• You want a private experience with room for up to 4 people
• You like planning your own day pace, especially swim timing
• You care about water time and want included snorkeling equipment
• You want to mix boat stops with real walking in places like Trogir and Hvar town

It may be a poor fit if:

• You are traveling with very young kids or older adults who struggle with chop or constant movement
• You want long, slow exploring at each stop. This route is made for momentum, not leisurely wandering

If you are the kind of traveler who loves getting to the water fast and choosing your own pace once you are there, this will likely click.

A quick reality check on value: extras are part of the deal

One common point of confusion is payments at the end of the day. The base price covers the tour and snorkeling gear. Fuel is not included. If you add a skipper, that cost is separate too, and the skipper needs food.

So when you compare this to cheaper group tours, it helps to look at the full picture:

• Base cost for your group
• Fuel surcharge at the end of the day
• Optional skipper surcharge (and skipper food)
• Optional tip for the skipper

The good news is that a private format can make those costs feel more justified, because you are paying for a day that fits your group’s pace.

Should you book this private speed boat tour with snorkeling?

Book it if your dream day includes water first, islands next, and walking only where it adds something. The route hits the kind of highlights many people want from the Split area, and the snorkeling equipment means you can actually do something with the stops beyond looking.

Skip this specific plan if Blue Cave is a must. Also think twice if you know you struggle with rough water or motion. For the right group, this is an efficient, fun, and genuinely flexible way to see more than you would by land alone.

If you book, go in with a clear plan for how you will use your hours at each stop, and keep some budget set aside for fuel and any skipper choice. That way the day stays relaxed, not stressful.

FAQ

How many people can this private boat tour take?

It is priced per group for up to 4 people.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Can I drive the speed boat myself?

You can, but you need a boat license. If you drive alone, you also need to pay a damage deposit at check-in (1000 euros for a normal boat, 1500 euros for a big boat).

What extra costs should I expect?

Food and drinks are not included. There is also a fuel surcharge at the end of the day. If you choose a skipper, there is a skipper surcharge of 100 euros per booking, and the skipper’s food is required.

Can this tour visit Blue Cave?

No, with these boats it is not possible to visit Blue cave.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

It starts at 9:00 am and runs approximately 5 to 9 hours, ending back at the meeting point.