Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat

4.5 · 51 reviews 5 to 9 hours (approx.) From $518.93 Operated by Providenca Travel & Charter · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Speed and privacy in the Adriatic. This private boat tour from Split lets you steer the plan, with island stops plus snorkel gear. You can also choose a skipper if you want to relax and focus on scenery and swims.

I especially like the flexibility built into the route, so you can linger where you want rather than herd with strangers. I also like the mix of stops, pairing famous places like UNESCO-protected Trogir with calmer village time on Šolta and beach time in Bol. The main caution is logistics around extra costs at the end of the day, plus sea conditions, which can make the ride bouncy for sensitive travelers.

Key things that make this boat day work well

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - Key things that make this boat day work well

  • Private group up to 4, so your pace stays yours
  • Drive the speedboat yourself (license required) or hire a skipper
  • Snorkel equipment included, useful in the swimming-focused lagoon stop
  • Multiple distinct islands in one outing, not just one long transfer
  • Trogir UNESCO stop for old-town wandering between swim breaks
  • Blue Cave is not possible with these boats, so plan around that

Split to the islands, with real choice in your day

This is a private speedboat day built around island-hopping from Split, with a start time of 9:00 am. Your itinerary is structured with set stops, but the day still feels customizable because you are not tied to a big-group schedule. In plain terms, that means you can prioritize swimming, town time, or just cruising between islands.

You have two ways to do it. You can drive the boat yourself if you have the right license, or you can hire a skipper and pay a skipper surcharge. If you go skippper, you also get a local pilot who can handle routes and suggest good spots to stop.

The money question: what $518.93 per group really buys

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - The money question: what $518.93 per group really buys
The price is $518.93 per group for up to 4 people, and that group pricing is a big part of the value. Instead of paying per person like many day trips, you can pack in two to four friends or family members and spread the cost.

What you should plan for up front is that some costs are not included. Food and drinks are not included, and there is a fuel surcharge payable at the end of the day. If you hire a skipper, there is also a €100 skipper surcharge per booking, and the skipper needs food as well, paid directly in cash to the skipper at check-in.

One review mentioned a fuel amount around 240 euros, paid at day end, but fuel can vary with your exact route and conditions. My advice: treat extra costs as part of the budget, not a surprise.

Morning start: driving your day plan in Split

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - Morning start: driving your day plan in Split
The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. That start time matters. Leaving early gives you calmer water for the first stretches and more time overall to enjoy beaches and towns before the day gets busier.

If you want to drive the speedboat yourself, the tour is clear about the requirements. You need a boat license, and at check-in you’ll need to pay a damage deposit. The deposit depends on boat size: 1000 euros for a normal boat or 1500 euros for a big boat.

If you prefer less responsibility, hiring a skipper is often the easiest way to get the most out of the day. You’ll still get the freedom of a private trip, but you can relax during the driving and focus on swimming, snorkeling, and quick town breaks.

Stop 1: Bol on Brac, beach time that sets the tone

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - Stop 1: Bol on Brac, beach time that sets the tone
Your first stop is Bol, on the island of Brac, for about 1 hour. This is a straightforward arrival-and-enjoy stop, with the admission ticket listed as free. Bol is one of those places where the “first swim or first walk” energy kicks in fast, and it’s a good choice early in the day.

What I like about this stop is that it functions as a reset. Even if you came off a busy travel day in Split, Bol gives you a natural break where you can stretch your legs, grab something small, and get into the rhythm of a boat tour.

The tradeoff is time. One hour sounds simple, but it’s not long enough for a deep wander. If you want a long beach session, you’ll need to make peace with quick breaks and prioritize what matters most to you.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon or Krknjasi Bay, the swim and snorkel centerpiece

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - Stop 2: Blue Lagoon or Krknjasi Bay, the swim and snorkel centerpiece
Next comes the highlight-style stop: Blue Lagoon / Krknjasi Bay for about 1 hour. This is the swimming-focused segment, and it is also where the included snorkeling equipment becomes useful.

This is the part of the day where I’d aim to be present and ready. Bring swimwear you can put on quickly, and expect real water time rather than a casual dip. Since you have your own private boat, you can often spend more of that hour actually in the water than you would on larger tours.

A practical note: there is no “easy win” for everyone here. The ride can be rougher if conditions are not smooth, and one review specifically warned it may not be ideal for very young kids or older adults if the ocean is choppy. If your group includes anyone who gets seasick easily, you’ll want to pick calmer days and consider the skipper option.

Also, there is a key limitation: with these boats it is not possible to visit the Blue Cave. So plan your “sea highlights” around Blue Lagoon and the snorkeling stop rather than expecting a cave detour.

Stop 3: Trogir UNESCO old town, bars and quick wandering

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - Stop 3: Trogir UNESCO old town, bars and quick wandering
After your swim time, you head to Trogir, listed as about 1 hour, with Trogir’s old town under UNESCO protection. This is where the day shifts from sea time to town time.

What makes this stop work is variety. You get architecture and streets to stroll, plus the chance to grab a drink or a casual meal. The tour description calls out plenty of bars and restaurants, so you’re not stuck with one option.

One drawback: an hour in an old town is a “snack length” visit, not a slow meal-and-museum marathon. I’d treat it as an easy wander and photo loop, then decide quickly if you want to extend outside the planned window.

Stop 4: Maslinica on Šolta, a quieter village break

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - Stop 4: Maslinica on Šolta, a quieter village break
Then you slow down again at Maslinica Village on the island of Šolta for about 1 hour. Admission is listed as free, and this stop tends to feel more local than the big-name towns.

I like Maslinica in the middle of the day because it gives you a different kind of satisfaction. You can step away from the “tourist highlights” feeling and just enjoy village pace, waterfront views, and a calmer atmosphere between island transfers.

As with the other stops, the duration is short. Use the time to walk, pick one or two places to sit, and do not try to complete a full island checklist in an hour.

Stop 5: Hvar town, finish with atmosphere

Private Customised Boat Tour With Speed Boat - Stop 5: Hvar town, finish with atmosphere
Your last stop is Hvar, about 1 hour, with time for both the island and the town of Hvar. Admission is listed as free here too.

If you’ve been dreaming about Hvar, this is the day’s “big finale” stop. You’ll get a taste of the town vibe plus enough time to walk and decide how you want the rest of the evening to unfold back on land.

The practical reality is still time. One hour means you should arrive with a plan: where you want to wander, what kind of food or drink you want, and how you’ll handle the sunset crowd if you’re timing it closely.

Snorkeling gear included, but your expectations should be right-sized

Snorkeling equipment is included, and that matters because it removes a small friction point. You do not have to show up with gear or rent it at extra cost.

Still, I’d calibrate expectations to a boat day format. You get about an hour at the water stop, so you’re not signing up for long, technical snorkeling sessions. It’s best approached as a fun, simple way to see what’s under the surface when you stop in the lagoon area.

Skipper or self-drive: which mode fits your group?

This is one of the biggest decisions on this tour. Both options can work well, but your priorities should drive the choice.

If you hire a skipper, you’ll likely enjoy a smoother experience end to end. One review praised a skipper as competent in safe handling and navigation, plus the skipper offered suggestions on destinations. That kind of added judgment can be worth it when you’re aiming to balance swimming, town stops, and timing.

If you self-drive, the experience becomes more hands-on. You’ll have a deposit requirement at check-in and the need for a boat license. If your group has an experienced boat driver already and you want control, self-drive can feel empowering.

Weather, sea conditions, and who should consider this

This experience requires good weather. If weather is poor and the tour is canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Beyond that policy, think about comfort. Speedboats move fast and track the water. If you or anyone in your group is sensitive to waves, you’ll want to go into the day expecting some motion, even if it’s not severe. One review pointed out that rougher ocean conditions can be tough for young kids or older adults.

In terms of fitness, the tour asks for moderate physical fitness. That’s mostly about getting in and out at stops and handling short walks and boarding time.

Best way to pack and plan for a 5 to 9 hour day

The duration is listed as about 5 to 9 hours, so your real day length depends on your route and conditions. Either way, treat it as a full outing with a swim stop in the middle.

Pack for quick transitions: swimwear you can put on easily, a towel, sun protection, and water you can buy or bring for yourself since food and drinks are not included. Since extra costs like fuel and skipper payment happen outside the base price, it also helps to have some cash ready for those in-person payments.

Also note the tour uses a mobile ticket, and it is offered in English. That makes it easier to communicate preferences if you do have specific wants like where you want the swim break to land first.

How to get the most from the route

Here’s how I’d run the day if you want a great balance of sea time and town time:

  • Start thinking about your priority before you arrive. If your main goal is swimming, focus your attention on the lagoon stop and be ready right on time.
  • Keep Trogir as a quick wander stop. Enjoy what you see, but don’t plan on a long deep-dive.
  • Use Maslinica and Bol as “reset stops.” They are short, so choose what you want most, a walk or a sit.
  • If you choose a skipper, ask for suggestions early. One of the best parts of a private skipper day is having someone help you decide where to spend time.

So, should you book this private speedboat tour from Split?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a private, flexible island day with a real swim moment and you’re traveling in a small group. The up-front per-group price is a good fit for couples, small families, or friends, and the included snorkeling gear keeps costs more predictable.

I’d hesitate if you hate uncertainty about extra charges at day end, or if your group includes people who are very uncomfortable with motion on the water. Also, if your dream highlight is the Blue Cave, you should know it is not possible with these boats, so you’d be steering your expectations toward Blue Lagoon and the islands instead.

If you like controlling the pace, and you’re okay budgeting for fuel and optional skipper service, this is the kind of day that turns Split into a launch point instead of a hotel base. Book it on a weather-friendly day, bring sensible swim gear, and give the skipper or the route a chance to do their job.

FAQ

How many people is the private speedboat tour for?

It’s a private tour for your group, with pricing listed per group up to 4 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts in Split at 9:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the tour price?

Snorkeling equipment is included. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there a skipper option, and what does it cost?

You can hire a skipper. The skipper surcharge is €100.00 per booking, and the skipper needs food. The skipper is payable at check-in, in cash, directly to the skipper.

What extra costs should I expect besides the base price?

A fuel surcharge is paid at the end of the day. If you did not choose a skipper, you may also need to pay a damage deposit at check-in.

Can I drive the boat without a skipper?

Yes, if you have a boat license. You also need to pay a damage deposit at check-in: 1000 EUR for a normal boat, or 1500 EUR for a big boat.

Is the Blue Cave included?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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

More like this

Cruises & Boat Tours, compared.

The full Cruises & Boat Tours list →
Krka Waterfalls Trip with Boat Cruise and Swimming
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 10,519 reviews· from $31

Krka Waterfalls Trip with Boat Cruise and Swimming

Read our review →
Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 9,360 reviews· from $84.65

Blue Cave Small-Group Boat Tour from Dubrovnik

Read our review →
Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 8,823 reviews· from $78.60

Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Read our review →
Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 5,938 reviews· from $78.60

Elaphiti Islands Full-Day Cruise with Lunch

Read our review →
Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 5,756 reviews· from $78.60

Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Cruise with Lunch from Split

Read our review →
Blue Lagoon Boat Party with DJs, Shots & After Party
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 4,610 reviews· from $47

Blue Lagoon Boat Party with DJs, Shots & After Party

Read our review →
Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 4,517 reviews· from $50

Elaphite Island Cruise w/ Drinks & Optional Lunch

Read our review →
Krka Waterfalls Tour, Boat Cruise & Swimming
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 4,489 reviews· from $32.65

Krka Waterfalls Tour, Boat Cruise & Swimming

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Croatia

Every kind of day out, and the best of each.