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

REVIEW · SPLIT

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

  • 4.53 reviews
  • From $602.53
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Operated by Bonaca - Private Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (3)Price from$602.53Operated byBonaca - Private Boat ToursBook viaViator

Your own boat turns Split into island heaven. This private speedboat day trip from Split gives you a skipper and the freedom to shape the route toward bays, villages, and islands like Brac and the Pakleni.

I like that the snorkelling equipment is included, so you can get in the water without last-minute rentals. I also like the value math: it’s priced per group (up to 8), so it can feel far more reasonable when you fill the boat.

One key consideration: the trip depends on good weather, and there can be extra costs like fuel and paid entry for certain sights.

Key Points You’ll Care About

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - Key Points You’ll Care About

  • Private route control from Split with a skipper who adjusts day plans to your preferences
  • Skipper included, no experience needed
  • Snorkelling equipment rental included, plus bottled water on board
  • Flexible island options such as Brac, Drvenik, Solta, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands
  • Fuel rules matter since fuel isn’t included and you’re expected to return the tank full
  • Old Split area departure for an easy start

Private Speedboat from Split: What You’re Really Paying For

This isn’t a hop-on hop-off cruise. You’re renting a speedboat for your own group, with a skipper included, and that changes the whole vibe of a day on the Dalmatian islands. Instead of being trapped on someone else’s schedule, you get a day that can flex toward swimming, sailing through coves, or stopping to look around smaller coastal towns.

I especially like that the cost is per group (up to 8). That means your price per person drops fast if you show up with friends or family instead of booking as a single couple and paying premium for empty seats. It’s also why this works as a “one day, many islands” plan—because you’re not wasting hours waiting on transfers or checking in with crowds.

The other big reason this is good value: you’re not arranging everything yourself. The skipper handles the boat, safety equipment is provided, and you’re given snorkelling gear rental plus bottled water. You still make the choices, but you’re not juggling logistics all day.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Split

The 10-Hour Format: How Your Day Stays Smooth

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - The 10-Hour Format: How Your Day Stays Smooth
The trip runs about 10 hours. In practice, that’s long enough to feel like you did something meaningful, but not so long that everyone turns into a snack-seeking clock watcher.

A private speedboat day has a simple rhythm:

You start from Split, head in the direction your skipper recommends (and you prefer), then you build the day around swim breaks and island stops. The operator explicitly frames the day as flexible, with you choosing whether to focus on relaxing in bays, exploring coastal villages, or combining both.

I like that there’s no “experience needed” requirement. You’re not expected to captain anything. If you’re the kind of person who just wants the fun part—views, swimming, photo stops—this format is built for you.

Old Split Departure: Getting Set Up Without Stress

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - Old Split Departure: Getting Set Up Without Stress
You meet at ISLAND DISCOVERY, on Trumbićeva obala 2, Split. That’s in the Old Split area, which matters because you’re not starting your day hours away from the action.

Pickup is offered, and the tour uses a mobile ticket, which keeps things simpler if you’re juggling luggage or arriving from the airport and city center. I’d treat this like a “start early, move fast” day—so I’d also plan to be ready at the dock area before you feel rushed.

Also note the experience is described as ending back at the meeting point. That’s helpful because you’re not guessing how you’ll get home after your last swim break.

Choosing Your Route: Tell the Skipper What Kind of Day You Want

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - Choosing Your Route: Tell the Skipper What Kind of Day You Want
Here’s the smart part: you get to steer the day. You’ll set off, then you tell your skipper what you’re hoping for—relaxing all day in quiet bays, exploring coastal villages on the islands, or mixing both.

This is where a good skipper really earns their fee. A professional can read sea conditions, juggle travel time, and still fit in the stops that match your interests. In one account, the skipper was described as professional and accommodating, with strong local knowledge and the ability to handle different wants in a single day.

If you’re traveling with a group, this is also where you can avoid arguments. Ask everyone one question before you go: do you want more time swimming or more time walking around? Then pass those answers to your skipper. Even a small preference like that helps the route feel tailored instead of random.

Snorkelling Gear Included: The Best Use of Your Stop Time

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - Snorkelling Gear Included: The Best Use of Your Stop Time
You get snorkelling equipment included. For me, that’s one of the best benefits because it removes a common travel headache. You don’t need to rent gear, track down shops, or worry that the equipment will be low quality when you finally reach the water.

Because you have gear on hand, you can treat swim stops as real swim stops. That’s important on a speedboat itinerary, where you’re usually short on time at each location. If you wait to rent gear later, you lose the best parts of the day.

Bring swimwear you feel comfortable in, plus a towel that dries fast. You’ll also want some kind of bag for dry items—phones and cameras hate salty spray and speedboat air.

Brac: When You Want Island Time Without the Slow Pace

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - Brac: When You Want Island Time Without the Slow Pace
Brac is one of the potential stops, and it’s a solid choice if you want a classic island feel with room for both swimming and village wandering. On a private boat, Brac isn’t about ticking a checklist. It’s about using the water as your shortcut so you can actually enjoy the day rather than just transit.

What I’d expect from Brac in this kind of itinerary:

You can use it as a day anchor for relaxed time in bays, and if your group wants history or casual exploring, you can mix that in with short coastal village breaks.

Potential drawback: island time depends on how the day develops. If conditions are choppy or the route priorities shift, the amount of time for walking can shrink. That’s not bad—it’s how speedboat days stay flexible—but it’s good to go in with realistic expectations.

Drvenik: A Helpful Option for Smaller, Flexible Stops

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - Drvenik: A Helpful Option for Smaller, Flexible Stops
Drvenik is another possible stop. In a private speedboat day, this kind of region can work well because it often supports quick changes of pace: travel, then a swim break, then another short stop.

Why I like having Drvenik in the mix: it gives your skipper options to manage timing. If you’re trying to fit in more island variety, stopping in places like this can help you keep the day full without it becoming exhausting.

What to keep in mind: since the stops are preference-based and weather-dependent, Drvenik might be more swim-and-photos than stroll-and-coffee, depending on your day’s plan.

Solta: A Chance to Slow Down and Breathe

Rent a Speed Boat from Split – Discover Hidden Beaches & Islands - Solta: A Chance to Slow Down and Breathe
Solta is also on the list of potential stops. If you want a day that leans less “constant sightseeing” and more “get outside, see coastlines from the sea,” Solta fits that mood.

In this style of itinerary, Solta can be useful for groups who want:

Time to relax in bays

Time to swim with snorkelling gear on hand

Short village looks without a long schedule

Again, you don’t control every minute, because sea conditions and travel time can change the order. But the private setup makes it easier to maintain a relaxed pace compared with larger tours.

Vis: More Variety, and Where Extra Tickets Might Show Up

Vis is one of the islands you might visit, and it’s a great pick for travelers who want more variety in a single day. Vis typically pairs well with the idea of combining swimming with coastal exploration, because it gives your skipper a wider set of route options.

Here’s the practical note: entry/admission for Blue Cave and Tvrdava Fortica is not included. So if Vis is part of your dream day because you want those specific sights, plan for extra paid tickets during your day.

I’d treat that as a budgeting heads-up rather than a dealbreaker. The trip is still strong if you just want island scenery and swim time. But if you’re specifically chasing one of those paid attractions, factor that into your plan early so you don’t get surprised on the day.

Pakleni Islands: The Swim-Friendly Part of the Day

The Pakleni Islands are another potential stop, and they’re often the kind of place where a speedboat itinerary shines. The appeal is simple: you can reach multiple bays and water-friendly spots without spending your day stuck in a slow transport rhythm.

If your group wants swimming and time near the waterline, this is where your snorkelling gear gets used. It’s also a good choice for groups who want photos without long museum-style stops.

Possible drawback: because Pakleni days can lean heavily toward water time, people who want long, structured walking tours might find the pace too casual. Still, you can usually balance it by telling your skipper how much time you want off the boat versus in the water.

Lunch, Snacks, and What to Do About It

Lunch is not included. The good news is you have options: you can bring a picnic to eat on the boat, or you can stop somewhere for lunch during the day.

This is a decision worth making before you go. A picnic can keep your day flowing and help everyone eat on their own rhythm. A stop for lunch might be easier if you don’t want to manage food on the boat or you prefer a proper meal out.

My practical tip: pack snacks even if you’re planning lunch. Speedboat days make you hungry, fast—sun, sea air, and active stops do that.

Price and Value: When $602.53 Actually Makes Sense

The price is $602.53 per group, up to 8 people, for about 10 hours. Fuel is not included, and you’ll need to return the tank full; the note also references 30l/h, which suggests fuel calculations are part of the overall cost.

So when does this price feel like a win?

When you fill the boat with 6–8 people

When you want a tailor-made route rather than a fixed tour

When snorkelling and multiple island stops are a priority

If you’re a couple or a small group, it can still be a great splurge—just expect your per-person cost to be higher. The true value is the combination of privacy plus included snorkelling equipment plus a skipper who handles the boat and safety.

If you’re comparing against larger crowded tours, remember you’re paying for control. On a private speedboat day, that control is the point.

Skippers and Service: Why Professional Handling Matters

You don’t need speedboat experience, but you do want a skipper who’s calm, organized, and good at matching a day to your group.

In real-world accounts, skippers were described as professional and accommodating, with strong local knowledge and the ability to take people to amazing swimming and sight spots. One day included a SUP board experience in addition to the main plan, which shows that some skippers may add extra fun when conditions allow.

I’d still treat anything beyond the listed inclusions as a maybe, not a guarantee. But the overall signal from these accounts is clear: this is run by people who take the day seriously.

Weather and Sea Conditions: The Real Boss of This Itinerary

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

That matters because speedboat days aren’t like museum visits. If seas are rough, your skipper may adjust the route or shorten certain parts of the day. The flexible planning is helpful, but you should still plan with the understanding that the sea sets limits.

My advice: if you’re traveling in shoulder season or expecting rainy weather, keep one day with flexibility in your schedule so you can reschedule if needed.

Should You Book This Split Speedboat Day?

Book it if you want a private speedboat with a skipper, you care about swimming with snorkelling gear included, and you like the idea of island-hopping without the crowd stress. It’s a smart fit for friend groups, families, and couples who can fill more seats and make the per-group price work.

Skip it (or at least rethink) if your group requires a tightly structured walking itinerary every hour. This is about sea time and flexible stops, and lunch, paid sights, and exact timing can shift with conditions.

If you’re craving a day that feels custom—bays, coastlines, and multiple islands—this is the kind of outing you’ll remember long after you’ve used up your vacation camera storage.

FAQ

How many people is this speedboat rental for?

It’s a private tour for your group, priced for up to 8 people.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Do I need to have boating experience?

No. A skipper joins you, and the experience is described as not requiring experience.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

What’s included in the price?

Included: snorkelling equipment, safety equipment and boat insurance, bottled water, and the skipper (plus all taxes, fees, and handling charges).

Is lunch included?

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

What about fuel costs?

Fuel is not included in the price. The tank is full at the start, and you’re obligated to return it full. The note also references 30l/h.

Are tickets for Tvrdava Fortica or Blue Cave included?

No. Entry/admission for Tvrdava Fortica and Blue Cave is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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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