Hvar by private boat beats the big tours. This charter is interesting because you’re not stuck with a set route; you get a custom itinerary guided by a local skipper, plus snorkeling gear and bottled water for your swims. The one thing to plan for: the tour price doesn’t include the skipper fee or your fuel bill, and that final total can move around depending on where you go.

You’ll choose the boat style that fits your group, from a 22 ft mid-sized craft to a larger speedboat or a luxury yacht. And the experience has a clear philosophy: you’ll aim for quieter coves and smart timing, with a stated choice not to chase the Blue Cave because distance and crowds can ruin the day.

Timing matters here. Most trips start at 9:00 am and can run anywhere from 3 to 9 hours, so you’ll want to match your island ambitions to the day you actually want on the water—relaxed swims and good food, not a stressed race from stop to stop.

Key things that make this charter click

• Pick your boat size: mid-sized (up to 6), large speedboat (up to 11), or a 33 ft Saxdor yacht (up to 10).
• Snorkel-ready right away with provided equipment and plenty of chances to swim from the boat.
• Custom stops near Split & Trogir instead of marching through the same crowds.
• Skipper-led “smart routing” based on wind, sea state, and what you care about.
• Fuel and skipper fees are separate, so budgeting matters more than you might expect.

Choosing Your Boat: mid-sized, speedboat, or a Saxdor yacht

This tour works because you can size the boat to your group. The mid-sized 22 ft option fits up to 6 people, which is great if you want an easy day with lots of time in the water. If you’ve got a bigger crew, the large 24–27 ft speedboat is designed for up to 11 people and works well for island-hopping along the mid-Dalmatian islands.

For a more “vacation yacht” feel, there’s the 33 ft Saxdor option for up to 10 people. In plain terms: you’re trading compact speed for more comfort and space, and your skipper can plan accordingly.

From the reviews, you’ll also see a pattern: people who matched the boat to the sea conditions tended to feel calmer. On choppy days, the right vessel and a steady-handed captain make a noticeable difference in how the ride feels.

Your 9:00 am departure and the flexible 3-to-9-hour day

Most schedules start at 9:00 am. From there, the day is adjustable—anywhere from about 3 hours to about 9 hours—so you can build the trip around the energy level of your group. Want a half-day swim-and-lunch plan? You can. Want a longer run with more places? That’s the whole point of hiring a private boat.

That flexibility also affects how much you can realistically cover. With a shorter trip, you’ll typically focus on fewer islands and spend longer at each stop. With a longer day, you can aim for multiple island bases (and you’ll likely spend more on fuel, because you’ll go farther).

A practical tip: if you care about a specific location that’s famous for early arrival, don’t assume you’ll get there on timing alone. Choose your trip length with intent.

Why a local skipper changes everything (and names you’ll hear onboard)

This is not “here’s the boat, good luck.” You’re hiring a skipper—someone who can steer you away from the most painful timing and toward the stops that make sense for the water, the light, and the group.

The crew names that came up again and again include Marko, Duhe, Marin, Antonio, Jakov, Luka, Toma, Ivan, and Andro. Different personalities, same theme: they listen first, then build the day.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Some captains prioritize calm swimming and quiet coves, then build lunch around it.
• Others add small surprises when the timing fits—like an unexpected stop at a military bunker that left people wide-eyed.
• Some skippers arrange food in advance and pick restaurants that are easy to reach by boat, so you don’t waste time hunting after you’re tired.

If you want a day that feels like it was planned for you—not a checklist—this is where it pays off.

The stop plan: Hvar for culture and coastline time

An example itinerary starts with Hvar for about 1 hour. Even in a short window, Hvar can do a lot because it mixes medieval streets and harbor energy with sea views that look like they belong on a postcard.

What makes this stop work on a private boat day is the pacing. You’re not locked into shore time for long tours. Instead, you can:

• walk for a bit,
• reset your legs,
• then get back in the water for the next swim stop.

The drawback with Hvar is timing. One-hour shore time is enough for a quick stroll and a couple of photos, but it won’t turn you into a Hvar expert. If you’re the type who likes to linger in one place, push for more time in your custom schedule.

Murvica Beach / Robinson Beach (Brač): swimming that feels unfair

Next comes a beach stop on Brač, described as Murvica Beach / Robinson Beach, with about 2 hours on the sand and in the water. This is the part of the day where you feel like you’re getting a real “Adriatic day,” not just transport between towns.

Expect calm water conditions to make swimming and relaxing easier. Many days here are about that soft rhythm: swim from the boat, float, snorkel, then repeat. Reviews also mention snorkel moments with underwater highlights—people reported seeing fish and exploring a wreck area when conditions allowed.

The potential downside is that beach time can vary depending on weather and sea state. Your skipper can adjust, but you still want to be flexible about what the day can do.

Terasa Ciccio in the Konoba setting: lunch with a view

After the swim stop, the itinerary includes time at Konoba – Terasa Ciccio for about 2 hours. This is a great example of where private touring beats cruise-style scheduling: you can plan lunch around a coastline view and arrive by boat.

The main value is simple—food becomes part of the experience, not an interruption. In reviews, lunches were described as fresh seafood, and skippers sometimes handled lunch planning so the group could enjoy the stop instead of organizing it.

One consideration: if you have strict dietary needs, you’ll want to communicate that early. The tour includes a tailored plan, but restaurants still run on their own schedules and menus.

Beach Gornja Krušica (Šolta): a quieter island mood

The example itinerary finishes with Gornja Krušica Beach on Šolta for about 1 hour. People like Šolta for its calmer vibe compared with the busiest parts of the region, and this stop is built for swimming and sun time without the big-tour pressure.

Why it’s a smart addition: it gives you variety. You’ve done Hvar’s town energy, Brač’s beach time, and then you end with another swim-friendly setting that doesn’t feel like a repeat.

The tradeoff is that 1 hour is tight. It’s perfect if you want one final swim and a breather before heading back, but if you fall in love with the spot, you’ll wish your day was longer—which you can usually fix by choosing a longer trip window.

Snorkeling gear and water: small inclusions, big comfort

This charter includes snorkeling equipment and bottled water. In practice, that means you don’t have to hunt for gear at the last minute, and you can just plan your swim as part of the schedule.

A nuance from real experiences: some groups reported that water felt limited for a larger onboard group, while the operator’s stance is that water is available on the boat. So if you’re traveling with more people (especially on the larger boat options), I’d treat water as included but still ask how it will be set out for your specific group size.

Also bring basic swim-day items:

• a windbreaker for the ride back,
• a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch,
• and reef-safe sunscreen if you’re planning to snorkel more than once.

Price and value: what you pay now vs what you settle on board

The headline price shown is about $482.72 per group (up to 6), and private-group pricing makes sense for couples and small friend groups. But here’s the key budgeting point: skipper fee and fuel are not included in that base price.

From the tour details:

• Fuel surcharge (approx.)
• Medium boat: €100–€160
• Large boat: €150–€250
• Luxury boat: €200–€400
• Skipper’s fee (cash on board)
• Medium and large boats: €100
• Luxury (Saxdor): €150

That separation is where some people feel surprised. A few reviews describe the fuel number as a shock at the end, and a couple of reviews argued the final amount wasn’t clearly understood before departure.

Here’s how you avoid that: ask for an approximate fuel cost based on the exact route you want. Because the itinerary is customizable, fuel can’t be locked to one fixed number. But your skipper can usually estimate more accurately if you already know your desired islands and swim stops.

Is it still good value? Often yes—especially if you compare it to the cost of a crowded day trip plus buying gear plus paying for shore transfers. You’re paying for time on the water and control of where you go.

Blue Cave: you’re skipping it on purpose

The tour states it will not visit the Blue Cave due to distance and crowds. That’s a big deal, because Blue Cave is the headline many people expect.

In plain language, this is about protecting the day. Early Blue Cave visits tend to reduce waiting, and the tour’s timing may not suit a perfect cave schedule anyway. By avoiding it, you keep more time for swimming, lunch, and other coastline moments that feel calmer.

If Blue Cave is your number-one reason for booking, then this specific charter might not match your priorities. If you want a smoother day on the water with fewer lines and less stress, the no-Blue-Cave approach makes sense.

Weather and sea state: when the captain’s skills show

This experience requires good weather. That doesn’t just mean “sunny.” Wind and waves change everything: the route, the comfort level, and how confident you feel while moving between stops.

Reviews mention windy or choppy conditions, with skippers adjusting the plan and navigating the waves. People praised Antonio for route adjustments on a choppy day, and Marin was praised for handling a windy day with a smaller speedboat.

What this means for you:

• keep an eye on the forecast,
• don’t pack only flip-flops,
• and bring something for wind.

If weather is truly unsafe, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so there’s some protection built into the schedule.

Group fit: who this charter is perfect for

This boat tour shines when you want your day to match your group, not the other way around.

It’s a great match for:

• families with kids who want swim stops and a calmer pace,
• groups of friends who want to choose the lunch vibe,
• older travelers who appreciate that a skipper can help with boarding logistics (several reviews mention being considerate with seniors),
• anyone tired of standing around on large-group excursions.

It may feel less ideal if you’re traveling solo and hoping to spend as little as possible, because private charters price for your group. But if you’re splitting costs, it can become a smart “one day, do it right” choice.

Also note: service animals are allowed, and the tour is offered in English.

Booking smart: verify the boat category you’re actually getting

One caution comes from a negative review about boat assignment mismatch—specifically, concern about being shown one high-end option but receiving a different boat category after booking. The operator response frames it as three clear categories (medium, large, luxury) and notes the cover photo shows the luxury option while other photos show the rest.

Even if you don’t suspect trouble, here’s your safe move: confirm the boat category and the vessel type you expect before you pay the on-board extras. Ask what you’ll be riding, especially if luxury styling is important to your plan.

Should you book this private boat tour from Split and Trogir?

If you want control, flexibility, and a day built around swimming and good stops, I think this is a solid booking—especially for groups up to 6 on the medium option or for friend groups who can handle budgeting the fuel and skipper fees.

Book it if:

• you’re choosing between islands like Hvar, Brač (Murvica/Robinson Beach), and Šolta (Gornja Krušica),
• you care more about quiet water time than chasing one famous attraction,
• and you’d rather have a captain handle the route decisions.

Skip it (or at least rethink) if:

• Blue Cave is non-negotiable,
• you hate variable costs and prefer fully fixed pricing,
• or you don’t want to communicate your ideal route so your skipper can estimate fuel.

Go in with clear expectations about the separate skipper and fuel costs, and you’ll get the best version of what this charter offers: a custom day on the Adriatic with fewer crowds and more time doing the fun part.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour duration is approximately 3 to 9 hours, depending on the custom plan you choose.

Where does the tour start and end?

You start at a meeting point around 9:00 am and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What group size can this boat handle?

You can choose a mid-sized boat for up to 6 people, a large speedboat for up to 11 people, or a luxury 33 ft Saxdor yacht for up to 10 people.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is bottled water included?

Yes. Bottled water is included.

Is the Blue Cave visited?

No. The tour notes that it does not visit the Blue Cave due to distance and crowds.

Is the skipper included in the base price?

No. A skipper fee is paid separately on board (cash): €100 for medium and large boats, €150 for the Saxdor luxury yacht.

Are fuel costs included?

No. Fuel is paid separately. Approximate fuel costs are €100–€160 for the medium boat, €150–€250 for the large boat, and €200–€400 for the luxury option.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What is the weather requirement?

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

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