Split · Private tours · Planning

Best Private Boat Tours from Split, Croatia (2026 Guide)

By Paradise Charter · 12 May 2026 · 9 min read

Split is the natural launchpad for the Dalmatian islands. With a private speedboat you can reach Hvar in 45 minutes, swim the Blue Cave before the crowds, and be back for dinner in the old town. This guide breaks down the routes we run most often, what each one is best for, and how to decide between them.

Why a private boat beats a group tour

Group catamarans leave on a fixed schedule with 40–80 strangers. A private speedboat moves on your time, anchors in quieter coves, and lets you swap the itinerary on the day if the wind turns or you fall in love with a beach.

You set the departure time — sunrise at the Blue Cave or a late start with kids.
Fewer stops, longer swims. Most groups do 20-minute swim breaks; we do as long as you want.
Skipper-led, locally owned — your captain grew up on these islands.

The five routes we recommend

1. Hvar & Pakleni Islands

The classic. Forty-five minutes south to Hvar town for coffee and a walk, then a loop through the Pakleni archipelago — Palmižana, Stipanska, and the turquoise channel at Vinogradišće.

2. Blue Cave, Stiniva & Vis

The longest day, and the most photographed. We aim for the Blue Cave between 9 and 11 AM when the light is best, then continue to Stiniva — the cove that won European Beach of the Year — and lunch in Komiža.

3. Brač & the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat)

A shorter day. Cross to Brač, swim off the famous shifting-tongue beach at Bol, then drift north to quieter coves on Šolta on the way back.

4. Blue Lagoon (Trogir)

Best for families and half-day charters. The lagoon between Drvenik Veli and Krknjaši is shallow, calm and the colour of swimming-pool tiles. We add a quick stop at the Maslinica islets on Šolta if you want to make a full day of it.

5. Sunset cruise

Two hours out of Split, anchored off Čiovo with a bottle of Pošip and the city skyline lighting up behind you. The simplest, and the one most guests book a second time.

How to choose

If you have one full day in Split: Hvar & the Pakleni Islands.
If you have two days and want the iconic shot: Blue Cave & Vis.
If you're with kids under 10: Blue Lagoon from Trogir.
If you've been to Croatia before: Brač + a quiet Šolta cove.

Frequently asked

How long is the boat ride from Split to Hvar?: About 45 minutes on a private speedboat in calm conditions. The public catamaran takes 60–90 minutes depending on stops.
What's the best month for a private boat tour from Split?: June and September. Water is warm, days are long and the islands are calmer than in peak July–August.
Do you provide drinks and snacks?: Yes — water, soft drinks and fresh fruit are included. We can pre-arrange a chilled bottle of local wine or a full lunch on request.

Keep reading