Some days you want the sea, not a timetable.

This private speedboat day is built for exactly that, with your own group cruising from Split to swim-stops and famous island towns. I love that you get snorkeling equipment plus stand-up paddleboards, so you can switch from floating to exploring without hunting gear first.

One thing to plan for: Fortica Fortress entry is not included, even though you’ll have time to climb up and take in the big views.

If you want an easy day that still feels special, this is a strong pick, especially because it’s priced per private group (up to eight passengers), runs about 10 hours, and includes bottled water and onboard help throughout the day.

Key highlights that make this day tour work

• Private-by-default cruising: only your group on the boat, so stops feel flexible and relaxed
• Krknjaši Bay, aka the Blue Lagoon: sheltered swimming and snorkeling time on Drvenik Veli
• Snorkeling gear and SUP included: you can float, swim, and paddle without extra rentals
• Hvar Town plus Fortica views: see the cathedral, theatre area, city walls, then climb for the panorama
• Pakleni Islands off Hvar Town: 19-island archipelago time with a slower pace and seaside lunch options
• Captain-adjusted timing: you’ll be on a private itinerary, so the day is less rigid than a bus-and-boat combo

From Split to the sea: what a private boat really changes

A private boat day in Croatia sounds like a treat, but the real value is simpler than that. You get to leave Split with your group, settle in fast, and spend the day where the water is doing the heavy lifting. No waiting around for crowds to board, no squeezing into shared schedules, and fewer “stand here, don’t move” moments.

The tour starts at ISLAND DISCOVERY, Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, and it ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup is offered, and that matters more than people expect if you’re staying outside the central area or you’re traveling with kids, since it cuts down on pre-departure stress.

You’re also not just paying for transportation. The inclusions are built around an on-the-water day: bottled water onboard, safety equipment and boat insurance, and snorkeling gear for the swim stops. Stand-up paddleboards are also part of the experience, which is a nice change from only snorkeling and sunbathing.

Krknjaši Bay (Drvenik Veli) for your first swim and snorkel

Your first scheduled stop is Blue Lagoon / Krknjaši Bay, on the island of Drvenik Veli, with the bay sheltered by Veliki and Mali Krknjaš. This is the kind of place where you can understand the nickname in seconds: the water is described as crystal-clear and turquoise, and the bay is protected enough that it feels calmer than open-coast stops.

You’ll have about 2 hours here, and that time is usually what makes or breaks a morning swim day. With snorkeling equipment provided, you can plan to spend part of that window looking around under the surface, and part of it just floating and relaxing. If you also use the stand-up paddleboard, this is where it works well because the water tends to be more manageable inside a sheltered bay.

A practical season note: if you’re going in late spring, be ready for cold water. One example day involved guests deciding not to swim much because the water was still chilly in late May. Even if you don’t mind cold water, it’s worth bringing a mindset of “test the temperature first” rather than assuming everyone will jump in right away.

Hvar Town in 3 hours: what fits, what doesn’t

After the morning on Drvenik Veli, the tour shifts to Hvar for about 3 hours. This is not just a photo stop. You’ll get time to walk through Hvar Town’s core streets and landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the historic Hvar Theatre, the City Lodge, and the old city walls that lead you toward Fortica.

The standout move here is the climb to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views. The fortress area is a steep walk, and it’s exactly the kind of hike where you feel better with a steady pace than with a sprint. If you have someone in your group who gets winded easily, plan for short breaks. The reward is the big coastline view, and it’s often the moment people remember most from the day.

Because you’re working with a fixed time window, you’ll want to make choices quickly once you’re in town. If your priority is walking and views, start toward Fortica early. If your priority is cafes and people-watching, do that after the climb and treat the climb as the “workout” portion of your day.

Also, this is one reason the private format helps. In a shared tour, you might feel rushed in Hvar Town. Here, your group experience tends to stay calmer, so you can actually enjoy the walk instead of racing through it.

Pakleni Islands: the off-Hvar time that feels like a payoff

The final stop is the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago of 19 islands and rocky islets just off the coast of Hvar Town. You get about 2 hours, which is long enough to do one real swim break and still enjoy the shoreline without feeling like you’re being herded.

This part of the day is where the mood shifts. Instead of major streets and major landmarks, you’re in open-water territory where the best plan is often simple: swim, paddle around, relax, and eat something salty and satisfying by the sea.

Lunch is flexible here. You might find a seaside restaurant where you can sit with a drink, then take a slower walk along the shoreline afterward. One practical tip from an earlier family day is that searching for sea glass can be a fun side quest, especially for kids who want something to do besides watch boats.

Food wise, you can keep it straightforward: choose a seafood plate and move on. If you end up at Bacchus for lunch, grilled octopus came up as a highlight, so it’s a good “if you’re hungry, order this” option.

What’s included on board (and why it matters)

This tour isn’t just “here’s a boat, good luck.” Included items are set up for a day where you actually get wet and active.

Here’s what you can count on:

• Snorkelling equipment so you can swim and snorkel without rentals
• Stand-up paddleboards for cruising the water surface
• Towels available on board, which helps after you get back to the boat
• Bottled water included
• Safety gear and boat insurance, plus fuel surcharge and taxes in the price
• Mobile ticket and English offered

That towel detail may sound small, but it’s one of the “why this feels easy” reasons. After swimming stops, you don’t want to deal with wet hair, sandy gear, and a long boat ride to the next island without something to dry off with.

One more onboard reality check: boat days can get spray. In a past late-spring outing, guests got drenched from a ride back when winds and waves picked up. If you want a simple fix, bring a small dry bag for a change of clothes. It keeps the rest of your day comfortable, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Price and value: what you’re paying for

The price is $1,153.61 per group for up to eight passengers, and the tour is private. That sounds steep until you break it down the way you actually experience the day: instead of paying per person for shared transport, you’re paying for a whole boat and a schedule that’s built for your group.

If you’re traveling as a couple, it can still be great value when you compare it to multiple people paying separately for shared tours, especially because you get snorkeling gear and SUP included. If you’re a small family or a group of four to six, the private setup becomes more obviously cost-efficient, since you’re dividing the boat price across more seats.

Two additional value points:

1. Your time is focused. The itinerary is built around water time, not constant transfers.
2. You’re not paying for snorkel rentals, and you’re not stuck buying water or scrambling for basics during the day.

Possible cost you still need to plan for: the Fortica Fortress entry is not included. If your group’s biggest memory goal is the fortress view, treat that as a predictable add-on cost rather than a surprise at the ticket gate.

Who this tour suits best (and who might rethink it)

This is a good fit for people who want a private day but still want to be active in the water. If your group likes snorkeling, paddleboarding, and short swim windows at multiple locations, this tour matches that style.

It’s also a solid option for families, especially because kids usually do well with a simple routine: swim, snack, move to the next stop, repeat. One family day included kids climbing up to Fortica (steep, but worth it), then spending the Pakleni time looking for sea glass and eating lunch by the sea. If your kids can handle a climb and a boat ride, the day can be surprisingly fun.

If your group prefers a slow, city-only day, you might feel like you’re “on the move” too much. You only get about 3 hours in Hvar Town, so you won’t have time for long museum wandering or deep, unhurried exploration.

Quick practical tips before you go

A private boat day is easy, but a little prep makes it smoother.

• Bring a small dry bag for your clothes if your trip falls on a windier day. It turns a soggy ride into an inconvenience instead of a mood-killer.
• Expect the water temperature to vary by season. In late May, people have chosen not to swim because it was still cold.
• Plan for Fortica as a climb. Wear shoes that handle outdoor steps and keep the pace steady if anyone in your group needs breaks.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon, Hvar, and Pakleni private cruise?

Book it if you want the classic Adriatic trio in one day: Krknjaši Bay swim time, Hvar Town with the Fortica panorama, and then the calmer Pakleni Islands for a slower finish. The private format, plus snorkeling and SUP included, makes it feel like more than a sightseeing cruise.

Reconsider if your group is mainly interested in Hvar for long strolling time, or if you know you strongly dislike boat movement in choppy conditions. This experience depends on good weather, and sea conditions can affect how comfortable you feel during the ride segments.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at ISLAND DISCOVERY, Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, Croatia, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the maximum group size?

The price is per private group up to eight passengers, and the features mention up to nine passengers.

Are pickup and a mobile ticket included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What language is the tour offered in?

English is offered.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Are stand-up paddleboards included?

Yes, stand-up paddleboards are provided.

Is Fortica Fortress admission included?

No. Entry to Tvrdava Fortica is not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.