REVIEW · SPLIT
Explore Hvar, Brac and Solta on the Private Boat Trip – Unique Experience
Book on Viator →Operated by Ambis Charter · Bookable on Viator
A boat day like this makes the Adriatic look simple. You get a private setup for up to 7 people, with a skipper, water, safety gear, and snorkeling equipment, plus a route that mixes standout towns with quiet swim stops.
What I like most is the balance: you’re not stuck in one place. You get Hvar town time for wandering and a strong viewpoint option, and you also spend real time at shoreline spots that feel calmer than the usual day-trip crowds.
The main thing to consider is the pace. This is a packed 10 hours, so if you want a slow, lounge-all-day rhythm, you may find the short stops on the water a bit brisk.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth knowing
- Private Boat Trip: Hvar, Brac and Solta in one long day
- Price and value for up to 7 people
- The 8:00 am start: how the day actually feels
- Stop 1: Hvar town and the Fortica fortress viewpoint
- Stop 2: Murvica Beach for a quiet sandy swim
- Stop 3: Uvala Smrka’s Yugoslav-era relics (and the quick wow)
- Stop 4: Stomorska on Brac for lunch by the water
- Stop 5: Necujam Bay snorkeling at the sunken ship
- What’s included (and what you should bring)
- Weather matters more than you think
- Who should book this private boat day
- Should you book Ambis Charter’s private boat trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the private boat trip?
- What time does the tour start?
- What group size is it for?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Which islands and stops are included?
- Is snorkeling included?
- Is lunch included in the price?
- What’s included besides the boat?
- What language is the experience offered in?
- What should I bring?
Key highlights worth knowing
- Up to 7 people in a true private boat from Split, so you control your day
- Fortica fortress in Hvar is the optional walk that pays off with big views
- Murvica Robinson beach gives you sand-and-swim time in a quieter bay
- Uvala Smrka stop for a Yugoslav-era military relic moment (quick but memorable)
- Stomorska lunch by the sea with a dock-front dining setup and local fish options
- Necujam snorkeling at a sunken ship plus the chance to spot sea life on the seabed
Private Boat Trip: Hvar, Brac and Solta in one long day
This is a full, satisfying “islands sampler” day without the hassle of public ferries and transfers. The trip runs about 10 hours and starts at 8:00 am in the Split area, returning back where you meet.
Because it’s private, you’re not sharing the boat with strangers. That matters more than you’d think when you want to move at your own tempo, take a few photos without waiting, or ask the skipper a question in real time.
You’ll also feel the rhythm of island hopping: one cruising segment, then a town or shoreline stop, then another swim, then a historical short stop, and finally snorkeling before heading back. It’s the kind of schedule that keeps the day from dragging, but still gives you actual time on land.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Split
Price and value for up to 7 people
The price is $1,128.23 per group (up to 7). That might sound high until you look at what’s included and how this is typically experienced.
You’re paying for:
- Boat hire + skipper
- Safety equipment and insurance
- Water on board
- Snorkeling equipment
- A day structured around several different islands and water stops
Lunch is not included, and personal expenses are on you. But there’s an easy “pay as you go” approach here: at Stomorska, you can choose to eat (and it’s set up right by the water), or you can keep moving and spend the time swimming or walking.
In other words, the value is in the day plan and the private delivery—not in some buffet of included meals.
The 8:00 am start: how the day actually feels
Starting at 8:00 am is a smart move. Early light helps the sea look clearer, and it often makes the first town stop in the day feel easier to enjoy without rushing.
The day breaks down like this:
- Cruise to Hvar town with enough time to explore
- Swim time at Murvica Beach
- A short historical viewing stop at Uvala Smrka
- A Brac stop with Stomorska and an optional lunch
- A final swim/snorkel at Necujam before heading back
The stop lengths are varied on purpose. Hvar and Stomorska get your real land time. Murvica and Necujam are about water. Uvala Smrka is short and is more about seeing something specific than spending a long stretch walking.
Stop 1: Hvar town and the Fortica fortress viewpoint
Hvar town is usually what people picture when they think of Hvar, and you get genuine time there. After about an hour of cruising, you arrive in Hvar town, with time to explore and enjoy a coffee break along the Riva.
The best practical tip here is to plan for the walk to Fortica fortress. Even if you only do the approach and the viewpoint section, it’s worth it because you get a wide view of the town and the surrounding coastline. If you’re the type who likes photos that show where you actually are—not just close-ups—this stop will pay you back quickly.
How to enjoy it:
- Do a relaxed wander first, then go up when your legs are warmed up
- Take your time near the waterfront, then choose whether you want the higher viewpoint when you’re ready
- Bring your camera, because the light from higher ground is great for shots over the water
One drawback of Hvar town time is that it can tempt you to overschedule yourself. Keep it simple: coffee, a walk, and the viewpoint option if you feel good. Your later swim stops will thank you.
Stop 2: Murvica Beach for a quiet sandy swim
Next comes Murvica Beach, often described as a Robinson-style, quiet shoreline spot. The vibe here is what you want when you’re tired of “look but don’t touch” beach behavior.
You’ll get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough time to do a proper swim, float, and settle into the rhythm. The beach is sandy with clear, bright water, so it’s comfortable for relaxing even if you’re not a confident swimmer.
What I love about a stop like this is the shift in pace. Hvar town is charm and streets. Murvica is water and calm. That mix keeps the day from feeling like a checklist.
Practical note: because you’re on a private boat, you can usually time your swim better than you could at a busy public beach. Still, treat the water like the main activity. Bring sunscreen and keep an eye on how long you’ve been in the sun.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Split
Stop 3: Uvala Smrka’s Yugoslav-era relics (and the quick wow)
At Uvala Smrka, you’re not there for beach time. You’re there for a short look at a secret military base from Yugoslavian times and the story of how it was used as a hideout for powerful submarines.
The stop is only 15 minutes, so think of it as a targeted photo-and-look moment rather than a walk. The value here is the change of scene: you’re used to pretty coastlines, then suddenly you’re seeing a reminder of how this shoreline has been shaped by military history.
In practice, this is also where the day adds a little personality. On this trip route, you may get that extra “bat cave” style curiosity moment described by people who’ve done it. Even if you’re not there to study the facts, a cave-like setting can be genuinely eye-catching—especially when the skipper times the stop well.
Stop 4: Stomorska on Brac for lunch by the water
Then you move to Stomorska on Brac. This is your lunch-and-breath moment, with about 1 hour 30 minutes on the schedule.
Here’s the standout setup: the boat docks right in front of a small restaurant, and the table is basically steps from the water. That’s the kind of convenience you can’t fake on a DIY trip.
Lunch is optional. If you feel hungry, try the local fish. If you don’t, you can use the time for a stroll through the village or take another swim at a nearby beach.
The real benefit of Stomorska in this itinerary is choice. You’re not forced into eating at a set time, and you’re not stuck only on land. You can do a quick walk, then get back to the water without losing the day.
Also: having this as a midday stop helps your energy. By then you’ve had cruising, town exploring, and swimming. A dock-front lunch option gives you a comfortable reset.
Stop 5: Necujam Bay snorkeling at the sunken ship
Your final major water stop is Necujam, anchored in a bay where there’s a sunken ship. This is where the trip turns into a snorkeling experience for the day’s last swim.
The snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll anchor long enough to make it worthwhile. The sunken-ship area is a great focal point because you’re not wandering aimlessly in open water—you have something specific to look at.
A nice detail from firsthand experience: you can sometimes spot sea life down on the seabed, including things like sea pickles. If you go at a steady pace and keep your eyes on the bottom, this becomes one of those “stop for a second and look” moments.
Why this end stop is smart:
- You get one last swim after you’ve already sampled beaches and towns
- Snorkeling feels easier when you’re not rushing to catch a late ferry
- The bay setting helps keep the mood calmer while you’re finishing the day
By the time you head back, you’ll likely feel pleasantly tired, not wiped out. It’s the right kind of finale.
What’s included (and what you should bring)
On board, you’re covered with the basics that matter at sea: water, safety equipment, insurance, and snorkeling equipment. That takes the mental load off you.
You’ll still want your own essentials. The tour’s suggested accessories are perfect for this day:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Towels
- Water
- Camera
A quick real-world tip: even if you think you’ll be in the shade during town time, Hvar and Brac light can be strong. Sunscreen and sunglasses are not optional comfort items here.
Weather matters more than you think
This experience requires good weather. That’s normal for a boat day, and it’s also the reason to take the “weather check” seriously once you’re booked.
If conditions aren’t right, the trip may be offered on a different date or refunded. For you, the takeaway is simple: if your schedule is flexible, great. If you’re on a tight timeline, consider booking this earlier in your trip so you have room to adjust.
Who should book this private boat day
This tour is a great fit if you want:
- A mix of Hvar town + island beaches + history + snorkeling in one go
- A private experience for up to 7 people (friends, couples, small families)
- A skipper-driven day where you can ask questions and adjust on the fly
It may not be the best fit if you strongly prefer:
- Slow sightseeing with long, unstructured land time
- A trip where every stop is fully built around lounging
Also, plan for the reality of going from boat to shore and back. Even when stops are short, you’ll be using steps and dock areas. If you have mobility concerns, it’s worth thinking through how comfortable you are with that kind of movement.
Should you book Ambis Charter’s private boat trip?
I’d book it if your ideal Split vacation includes a real water day plus at least one historic viewpoint and a proper snorkeling finish. This itinerary hits the sweet spot: town charm in Hvar, calm beach time at Murvica, a quick story-rich relic stop at Uvala Smrka, a lunch option with an easy waterfront setup in Stomorska, and an anchored snorkel at Necujam.
If you want a full, varied day and you’re traveling with a small group that can split the cost, it’s a strong value. Just make sure you’re okay with a busy schedule and that you’re ready for sun and sea time from start to finish.
FAQ
How long is the private boat trip?
It runs about 10 hours.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:00 am.
What group size is it for?
It’s a private tour for your group, up to 7 people.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in Split and ends back at the meeting point.
Which islands and stops are included?
The route includes Hvar, Murvica Beach, Uvala Smrka, Stomorska, and Necujam.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have a snorkeling stop at Necujam.
Is lunch included in the price?
Lunch isn’t included. There is a restaurant stop in Stomorska where lunch is optional.
What’s included besides the boat?
Boat hire, a skipper, safety equipment, insurance, water on board, and bottled water are included.
What language is the experience offered in?
It’s offered in English.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, water, and a camera are suggested.
