Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands

A private speedboat is one of the best ways to escape Split’s crowded sightseeing boats and set your own pace. You can spend the day swimming in quiet bays, visiting island villages, or mixing both without following a fixed group itinerary.

I like the private boat for up to eight people, which makes the $602.53 group price more reasonable when shared among family or friends. I also like having a skipper included, so you can focus on the scenery, snorkeling, and swimming instead of handling the boat yourself.

The main catch is fuel. It is not included, and the boat uses about 30 liters per hour, so the final cost can rise sharply on a long island-hopping day. Admission to Fortica Fortress and the Blue Cave is also extra.

Key points before you book

• You choose the direction: Build the day around swimming, villages, history, or a mix of all three.
• The boat is private: Only your own group participates, with space for up to eight people.
• A skipper does the driving: No boating experience is required.
• Fuel can change the price: The boat starts with a full tank and must be returned full, using roughly 30 liters per hour.
• Snorkeling gear and water are included: Lunch is not, so plan to stop at a restaurant or bring a picnic.
• The weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why a private speedboat makes sense from Split

Split is a fine base for exploring the Dalmatian islands, but the most popular boat trips can feel highly programmed. A private speedboat gives you something more useful than a simple ride: control over the day.

You tell the skipper what sounds good, then work out a practical route. You might spend most of the day in sheltered bays, stop at a coastal village for a walk, or visit several islands without committing to one standard schedule.

That flexibility is especially valuable for groups with different priorities. One person can swim, another can look for old stone streets, and everyone can adjust the pace as the day unfolds. You are not tied to a large boat’s departure schedule at every stop.

The boat leaves from Island Discovery at Trumbićeva obala 2 in Split and returns there at the end of the approximately 10-hour outing. Pickup is offered, and a mobile ticket is available, but you should confirm the exact pickup arrangement when booking.

Leaving Old Split for the open water

The stated itinerary begins in Old Split, where you board the speedboat and explain your preferences to the skipper. This first conversation matters. Do not simply say that you want to see everything. With roughly 10 hours, you will have a better day if you decide what matters most.

You can ask for a relaxed route built around bays and swimming. You can focus on villages and old sites. Or you can combine the two, with the skipper helping you judge what is realistic for the sea conditions and the boat’s fuel use.

The speedboat itself changes the feel of the day. You can cover more water than you would on a slower sightseeing vessel, but speed is not the only benefit. A smaller private boat can make it easier to spend time in places that do not suit a large group.

Still, do not expect a completely private beach in every case. Popular islands and well-known bays can be busy during the main summer season. Your skipper can help you choose quieter stops, but no boat operator can guarantee solitude.

Brac for beaches, villages, and a fuller day

Brac is one of the most practical choices for a Split boat day. It is close enough to reach without spending the entire excursion in transit, yet large enough to offer beaches, villages, and coastal scenery.

The island is a good fit if your group wants variety. You might stop for a swim, then visit a village or have lunch ashore. The available information also points to sandy Lovrecina Bay as a possible stop, which gives beach lovers a clear reason to consider Brac.

A Brac route can also be a smart choice if this is your first time visiting the islands. You will get a taste of the area without committing the day to the longest possible crossing.

The tradeoff is that Brac is well known. A famous beach or bay may be busy, especially in high season. Ask the skipper how much time you will spend at each stop and if a less crowded alternative makes sense.

Solta and Drvenik for a slower pace

Solta and Drvenik can suit you if your idea of a good boat day is less about collecting destinations and more about enjoying the sea. These islands offer the possibility of swimming, stopping in coastal settlements, and taking a slower route.

Solta is close to Split, which can leave more time for relaxing at the destination rather than traveling back and forth. It is a useful option for groups that want a gentler day or that would rather avoid a very long run across open water.

Drvenik can also work well as part of a shorter island route. The value of including either island depends on your priorities. If you want a long list of famous stops, the skipper may suggest a more ambitious plan. If you want quiet time, a smaller number of stops will probably serve you better.

Because the itinerary is flexible, the exact order and choice of islands are not guaranteed. Weather, sea conditions, fuel, and the time spent swimming or eating can all affect the route.

Vis and the cost of going farther

Vis is one of the more ambitious possible destinations. It is farther from Split than Brac, Solta, or Drvenik, so adding it to a one-day private speedboat trip has consequences.

The reward is a stronger sense of distance and a chance to see more of the Dalmatian island world in one outing. If Vis is your priority, tell the skipper before departure. A route centered on Vis will likely leave less time for several other islands.

This is also where the fuel charge matters most. The boat uses approximately 30 liters per hour, and fuel is paid separately. A long trip can be worthwhile for the right group, but you should ask for a clear estimate before setting off.

The Blue Cave may also involve an additional admission charge. That fee is not included in the tour price, so confirm the cost and timing if you hope to add it.

Pakleni Islands and the Blue Cave question

The Pakleni Islands are another possible highlight. They are associated with clear water, swimming stops, and a relaxed day on the sea. They can fit well into a route built around bays rather than historical sights.

Do not assume that every possible destination can be combined in one day. Brac, Vis, the Pakleni Islands, and several smaller stops may sound appealing on a map, but travel time adds up. A good private trip is not measured by how many names you can tick off. It is measured by how much time you actually have to enjoy each place.

The Blue Cave is also not automatically part of the base price. Entry is separate, and the cave may require careful timing within the day. Ask the provider what is possible on your date rather than assuming it can be added at the last minute.

What your skipper adds to the day

You do not need boating experience. The skipper handles navigation and safety while you decide what kind of day you want.

That arrangement is more important than it may sound. You can enjoy a private boat without worrying about routes, traffic, or operating the vessel. You also have someone who can help balance your wish list against the available time.

Skipper Toni is specifically praised for being professional, accommodating, and well informed about places to swim, visit, and eat. Since the exact skipper is not guaranteed, treat this as an example of the service you should expect rather than a promise that Toni will be at the helm.

Communication is worth discussing before departure. One past account described a language barrier but still reported a fun day, while another account was mistakenly associated with a different company. The practical lesson is simple: confirm the provider, meeting point, route, and included equipment before you go.

Snorkeling, swimming, and what to bring

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water and safety equipment. That saves you from arranging a separate rental and makes it easy to turn a short stop into a swim.

You should still bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The boat is exposed to the sun for much of the day, and a private itinerary can mean spending more time on the water than you first expect.

Lunch is not included. You have two clear choices: stop somewhere to eat, or bring a picnic for the boat. A restaurant stop adds a pleasant change of pace, but it also uses time and may increase the cost. A picnic gives you more control and helps keep the day moving.

Bring enough food for your group if you choose the picnic option. Bottled water is supplied, but the tour information does not promise a full meal or a range of drinks.

Is $602.53 good value for eight people?

The listed price is $602.53 for the entire group, up to eight people. At the maximum group size, that is about $75 per person before fuel, lunch, and optional admission fees.

That is a reasonable starting price for a private 10-hour boat with a skipper, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, insurance, and water. It becomes less attractive for a small group of two or three, since you are dividing the full group rate among fewer people.

Fuel is the major variable. The boat uses about 30 liters per hour, and the renter must return it with a full tank. Ask how the fuel surcharge is calculated and request an estimate for your planned route. The price of a short Brac or Solta day may look very different from a long route to Vis or the Pakleni Islands.

You should also budget for lunch and any admission to Fortica Fortress or the Blue Cave. The private format is best value when you have a full group and care about choosing your own route. If you want the lowest possible cost per person, a shared boat may be cheaper, but it will not give you the same control.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would recommend this experience to families, couples traveling with friends, and groups that want a full day on the sea without sharing their boat with strangers.

It is especially suitable if:

• You want swimming time rather than a fixed sightseeing schedule.
• Your group has several different interests.
• You are happy to decide the route with a skipper.
• You can split the cost among six to eight people.
• You want to visit more than one island in a single day.

It may be less suitable if you dislike variable costs or want every detail fixed in advance. The fuel charge means the advertised group price is not the final amount, and the flexible itinerary requires a little decision-making.

It is also not the right choice if poor weather would ruin your plans. The experience requires good conditions, and the operator may move your booking or provide a full refund if weather forces a cancellation.

Practical details for the day

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity begins and ends at the Island Discovery meeting point on Trumbićeva obala. Pickup is offered, so confirm whether it is available from your accommodation and what time you should be ready.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The boat includes safety equipment and insurance, but the information provided does not specify seating, shade, toilet facilities, or the exact boat model. If any of those features matter to you, ask before paying.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Weather cancellations are handled with a different date or a full refund.

My recommendation: book it for flexibility, not for a fixed checklist

Book this private speedboat if you want the freedom to shape a long island day and can fill most of the eight-person capacity. The skipper, included snorkeling gear, and private format make the experience more personal than a standard sightseeing boat.

Before booking, settle three points: your preferred route, the fuel estimate, and whether you want to pay for Fortica Fortress or the Blue Cave. If your group wants Brac, Solta, or a relaxed swimming day, the value looks strong. If you plan to reach Vis and add several paid stops, the final cost may be much higher than the starting price.

For a group that values time, privacy, and choice, this is a smart Split excursion. For a small party on a tight budget, compare the total fuel-inclusive cost with a shared boat before committing.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Island Discovery, Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, Croatia. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 10 hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to eight people. Only your group participates.

Is a skipper included?

Yes. A skipper is included, and you do not need boating experience.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. The boat starts with a full tank and must be returned full. Fuel use is listed at approximately 30 liters per hour.

Is lunch included?

No. You can stop somewhere for lunch or bring a picnic to eat on the boat.