Your day starts fast and private. This is a private speedboat rental from Split with a skipper who plans around your pace, and you also get snorkelling equipment for easy swim stops. One thing to factor in: the price doesn’t include fuel, and you’ll be expected to return the boat with a full tank.

I like that this isn’t a cattle-call cruise. You get a group of up to 8, your own captain, and the freedom to steer the day toward bays for relaxing or villages for history. You’ll also have bottled water and the usual safety kit, so you can focus on enjoying the water.

The only real drawback is uncertainty built into island boating: good weather matters. If conditions are poor, the trip may get rescheduled or refunded, so plan your calendar with a little flex.

Key things to know before you go

• Private group (up to 8) means you can move fast or slow without matching a big crowd
• Skipper included removes the stress of navigating unfamiliar coasts
• Snorkelling gear included so you can jump into the water when the mood hits
• Pick-and-choose islands like Brac, Solta, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands
• Fuel is extra and you’ll need to return the tank full
• Lunch isn’t included, but the day is flexible enough for a picnic or a quick stop

Private speedboat from Split: what you’re really paying for

On paper, the cost is $602.53 per group for up to 8 people. In real-world terms, you’re paying for three things that make Croatia’s islands feel special instead of rushed: privacy, local boat know-how (via your skipper), and time on the water that you control.

If you try to do islands by bus-and-ferry, you’ll spend more time lining up and timing connections than you will seeing places. This rental cuts that noise. Your skipper can adjust where you stop and how long you stay based on wind, crowds, and what you want that day to feel like—lazy swimming or hopping between shoreline towns.

You also get practical extras that matter on a boat: bottled water, safety equipment, and boat insurance are included. So you’re not showing up and scrambling for basics at the last minute.

Meeting in Split and how the day runs in about 10 hours

Your pickup point is ISLAND DISCOVERY, Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split. The trip ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated return journey.

It runs about 10 hours, which is long enough to hit multiple island areas without feeling like you’re sprinting every minute. You’ll typically be planning for a morning start, then a series of stops where swimming and short exploring are the main activities.

Pickup is offered, and there’s a mobile ticket. That combination helps if you’re staying somewhere not right beside the port.

One small practical note: speedboats are efficient, but sea conditions still matter. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack what you normally use, and sit where you feel most stable.

Skipper-led planning: choosing Brac, Drvenik, Solta, Vis, and Pakleni Islands

The best part is that you’re not locked into one fixed route. You start by heading in the direction you choose, and the skipper works from your preferences. If you want the day to be mostly calm coves and swimming, you can lean into that. If you want history and coastal villages, you can build stops around that.

The itinerary you might choose can include islands like Brac, Drvenik, Solta, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands. These are different vibes:

• Some areas are great for beachy, swim-friendly pauses.
• Others are better for short sightseeing breaks and viewpoints from the water.

In one real outing, the skipper was Dino and the day included a stop at Sandy Lorencina on Brac. That’s exactly the kind of flexible stop I like to hear about—places that aren’t just “pass by and wave.”

Even when there’s a language barrier, a good skipper can still keep the day fun and organized. The accounts I saw emphasized how smoothly the captains handled the group and helped everyone get the most out of the day.

Old Split start: using the city before you go island-mode

Your day begins in the Split waterfront area, near the Old Split side of town. Even if the main action happens out on the water, this start is handy because you’re not commuting across the country first.

If you arrive early, I’d use the time to get oriented around Old Split—grab a snack, check your shoes and sun protection, and be ready to board without rushing. Once you’re out of the harbor, the pace changes fast: the day becomes boats, bays, and horizon views.

Because the direction is up to your plan, the Old Split start is mostly your staging point, not a long walking tour. Still, it’s an easy way to connect the city to the islands without losing half a day to logistics.

Snorkelling gear included: the simplest way to make the water the main event

This is one of those inclusions that sounds small until you’re actually out there. You get snorkelling equipment included, so you don’t have to rent gear on the fly.

What I like about snorkelling here is timing. When you see a sheltered cove, you can decide right then to swim and check the water. With a private boat, you’re not waiting for everyone to finish boarding while the best water visibility slips away.

Bring your own swim stuff too if you prefer—like your preferred mask fit or water shoes—but you’ll have the core equipment covered. And because your skipper is there, you can ask quick questions about where the water is calm enough to jump in safely.

If you want an extra active twist, you might find that SUP boards show up depending on the boat setup. In one trip, the group enjoyed a SUP board during the day. Don’t assume it’s always included, but it’s worth asking early.

Stop choices on Brac and Drvenik: sandy time versus sightseeing time

If your skipper steers toward Brac, you’re in for some of the island’s classic stop-and-swim possibilities. Brac can work well when you want a day that mixes relaxation with the feel of real island life.

One specifically mentioned highlight was Sandy Lorencina, which points to the kind of stop that’s about the beach experience. In practice, these sandier locations are great for:

• easy swimming without constant boat movement
• quick breaks where you can relax without a long shore walk
• straightforward snorkeling starts

Drvenik can be a good partner island area when your goal is more water time than town time. You’re likely to use these stops to recharge—jump in, float, grab shade, and reset.

A drawback to keep in mind: if you pack too many “must-see” stops, you’ll spend your day chasing timelines. With a private boat, the better plan is to pick fewer priorities and enjoy the water between them.

Solta and Vis: where the day feels calmer

When the plan includes Solta and Vis, the day often shifts toward a slower rhythm. These areas tend to work well if you want a break from the most crowded routines and prefer quiet bays where you can actually hear yourself think.

Solta is often a good choice for “boat day” energy—smooth movement along the coast, then swim and rest. Vis can feel more distinctive as an island experience, with the bonus that you can combine sea time with short explorations if you want to step onto land.

Here’s the balancing act: you might think you’ll always want to get off the boat and wander. But the best moments on a speedboat day are frequently the ones that happen back in the water—short swims, sun on your shoulders, and time that isn’t scheduled down to the minute.

If you’d like, tell your skipper what you care about most—swimming, views, or villages. That changes the entire flow of the day.

Pakleni Islands: using viewpoints and bays for maximum scenery

The Pakleni Islands are a common target for island days because they offer lots of coast to work with. From the water, you get a sequence of different-looking coves, which keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

This kind of stop is ideal if you want:

• multiple swim chances
• scenery without long travel segments
• the option to do short breaks rather than extended tours

A practical thought: with islands like this, shade can be limited depending on where you stop. Bring a hat and plan your swim breaks. Even if you’re not sunbathing, you’ll feel the Croatian sun fast on open water.

Lunch on your terms: picnic or quick stop

Lunch is not included, but you can make it easy. You can bring a picnic and eat on the boat, or you can stop somewhere for food.

In at least one account, the skipper Toni was described as accommodating and took the group to places to eat. That matters because it reduces the stress of finding somewhere good near the water while you’re managing timing.

My rule: decide early what kind of lunch day you want.

• If you want maximum relaxation, picnic on board.
• If you want a proper meal, ask your skipper to build the day with a lunch stop that matches your pace.

Either way, remember you’re on a boat. Pack what you’ll actually want to eat while sitting comfortably, not a full kitchen setup.

Price and logistics: fuel, entry fees, and the real cost picture

The headline price covers the boat rental for your group, your skipper, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, and safety items. It also covers all taxes and handling charges.

But there are two categories that can add cost:

• Fuel is not included. The tank starts full, and you’re obligated to return it full (the note says 30l/h).
• Entry fees may apply for certain places. The tour notes mention that admission to Tvrdava Fortica and the Blue Cave is not included.

So the real value depends on whether you plan to include those paid sights and how much fuel is used based on your route. The good news? Because you’re choosing the route, you can also choose how far you push the day.

If you want a straightforward budget, pick islands and stops that fit your desired travel distance. Your skipper can help you keep it sensible.

Weather and sea conditions: how to avoid a rough day

This experience depends on good weather. Speedboat days are less forgiving than ferry days, because you’re moving quickly over water and making short stops.

If the day is windy or rough, it’s not just uncomfortable—it can affect how long you can spend at each spot. In general, I treat this like a “watch the forecast” kind of plan. Keep your calendar flexible if your schedule allows it.

If weather is poor on the planned day, you should expect a reschedule or refund option instead of pushing through.

Who should book this private speedboat day

This is a great fit if you want:

• a private island day without the crowd pressure
• swim time with snorkelling gear already handled
• a plan built around your group’s preferences, not a one-size itinerary
• an easy way to see multiple island areas in about 10 hours

It’s also a solid choice for mixed groups—some people want water time, others want a few land stops. With a skipper, you can balance that.

You might not love it if:

• you hate boat movement
• you’re trying to do a super tight schedule with no flexibility for weather
• you want long, structured walking tours with museum-level pacing

Should you book Bonaca’s private speedboat from Split?

Yes—if your idea of a great day in Croatia is getting out on the water and choosing your own rhythm. I especially like that you’re not required to know anything about boating. The skipper does the hard part, and you get to focus on the fun bits: swimming, scenic stops, and island time that feels personal.

Book with confidence if you:

• want a group day for up to 8 people
• care more about water time than fixed landmarks
• want snorkelling equipment included
• will plan for fuel and possible paid entries like Fortica or the Blue Cave

Skip it if you’re counting pennies and need a totally all-in price, because fuel and any admission choices can change the final total. If you can handle that, this is one of the more efficient and satisfying ways to experience Split’s islands without spending your day in lines.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can the speedboat accommodate?

The price is per group up to 8 people.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 10 hours.

Do I need boating experience?

No. A skipper is included, and you can share your preferences for where to go.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. You’ll have use of snorkelling equipment.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point is ISLAND DISCOVERY, Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, Croatia.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel is not included. The tank is full at the start, and you must return it full (noted as 30l/h).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, though you can stop somewhere to eat or bring a picnic.

Are there any entry fees not included?

Yes. Entry/admission fees for Tvrdava Fortica and Blue Cave are not included.

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