Speedboats turn the Split-to-islands problem into a day trip. You get a private speedboat with your own skipper, plus snorkeling gear ready to use, so you can focus on swimming and scenery instead of logistics. One catch: fuel is not included, and you’ll need to return the tank full.

This is a 10-hour outing built around choices, not a fixed bus schedule. You start at ISLAND DISCOVERY on Trumbićeva obala 2, and your skipper steers the day toward bays, islands, and coastal villages like Brac, Drvenik, Solta, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands. If you want a smooth ride and quick swims, good weather matters.

Key things I think are worth knowing

• Skipper-led flexibility: you set the vibe—relaxing swim day, history stops, or a mix.
• Snorkeling gear included: no rental hunt, you just jump in where your skipper finds good water.
• Private group of up to 8: you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.
• Multiple islands in one day: you can tick off more than one stop without ferry hopping.
• Lunch is on you: you’ll either plan a stop or bring a picnic, since it’s not included.

Private speedboat value: what changes vs. public boats

The biggest value here is simple: you control the day. On crowded sightseeing boats, the schedule runs the show and you follow. With a private speedboat rental, your skipper becomes the operating system. You tell them what you want—more swim time, more small-town wandering, more “stop right here” moments—and the route can reflect that.

I also like that snorkeling is not an add-on surprise. Snorkeling equipment is included, and that matters. It means you can plan around water time instead of wondering whether you’ll spend your day paying extra for gear or hunting for rentals.

The practical tradeoff is fuel. The price covers the boat and skipper, but it notes fuel is not included. The tank is full when you start, and you’re required to return it full, with fuel guidance of 30 l/h mentioned. So budget extra and treat the fuel amount as part of the real cost of the day, especially in 10-hour itineraries.

Getting on the boat in Split: meeting point and pacing

Your day starts back at the meeting point, which makes the logistics easier. You’ll meet at ISLAND DISCOVERY, Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split. Pickup is offered, which can help if you’re staying slightly away from the waterfront.

The pacing is built for a relaxed “island sampler.” You’re typically out for about 10 hours, and the day is paced around water stops and viewpoint moments rather than museum checklists. If you prefer a structured plan, you can still ask for history or specific types of stops. Just know that the day’s success depends on what the skipper can safely do in the wind and waves of the moment.

Also, you’ll have a mobile ticket. That usually means less paper hassle and fewer last-minute problems at the dock.

Old Split first: a good way to start the day

The outing begins with heading out from the Split area in the direction you choose, with Old Split listed as the starting point. Even if you’re not doing a deep walk right then, this matters because it positions you for an easier start and a smoother first leg to the islands.

What I’d watch for here is timing. When you start near the city waterfront, you avoid long transfers and can use your energy for the parts you actually came for: boat time, swims, and exploring small coves and island ports.

If your group wants history flavor, you can plan a light introduction at the start and then switch gears into water activities. If your group wants maximum beach time, you can keep the first part calm and let the islands do the heavy lifting.

Brac and Drvenik: classic options for bays and swimming

Brac is one of the big names in Croatia’s island world, so it’s a common choice for a reason: it pairs well with a day like this. If your goal is sandy stretches, calm coves, and easy stops for a swim, a Brac-oriented route makes a lot of sense.

Drvenik shows up on itineraries for a different kind of reason. It’s the sort of place where you can get a variety of short boat stops rather than one big “go there and commit.” That flexibility is great when your group includes different energy levels: one person wants to snorkel, another wants quick photos, and someone else just wants to float.

A drawback to keep in mind: no matter which of these islands you target, your skipper will choose stops based on sea conditions. That’s normal and it’s part of why having a skipper is valuable.

Solta: where the pace often feels calmer

Solta tends to fit groups who want the day to feel less rushed. It can work well when you want a mix of small island villages and unhurried time in the water. Since your boat is private, you’re not stuck at only one timed stop.

In a day like this, Solta can also be a smart buffer. If early conditions are great for swimming, you can stack more water time. If conditions shift, you can still find satisfying coves and use the boat’s mobility to make the most of the day.

Think of Solta as a “choose-your-mood” stop. It helps you keep the day from turning into a checklist.

Vis: plan for scenery and sea time

Vis is one of those islands that many people come for because it feels distinct from mainland rhythms. With a speedboat, you can treat Vis like a main character: you arrive fast, spend real time in bays, and then move on before the day runs out.

For this style of outing, Vis is usually best when you want at least one longer feel-stop. The boat can reach places quickly, so you don’t need to spend half the day in transit. And because your snorkeling gear is included, it’s easier to justify a stop that’s primarily about water.

If your group likes photos, Vis-style coastal scenery often delivers. If your group’s focus is swimming, it’s still a strong choice because you can prioritize the quality of stops over the number of stops.

Pakleni Islands: the stop you build a day around

The Pakleni Islands are often the kind of place where you want more time, not less. They’re mentioned as a potential highlight stop, and that’s usually for a simple reason: it’s a place where short boat moves can turn into satisfying swim moments and quick exploration.

This is exactly the kind of stop that fits a private speedboat day. If conditions are good, your skipper can linger in the right places. If conditions are not perfect, the boat can still help you find workable bays.

One practical thought: bring swim-ready items and be ready to hop in when a good opportunity appears. When snorkeling gear is included, you’ll want to use it without overthinking.

Skippers matter: Dino and Toni as real-world proof

The quality of the skipper can change how good the day feels. In one trip booked through Ante from Sun Nautics on Podstana beach near SAN Antonio Hotel, the skipper Dino handled the day smoothly, including when there was a language barrier. The result was a fun, confidence-building trip, and the route included Brac with a sandy stop.

Another review highlighted Toni as professional and accommodating, with serious local knowledge and great choices for where to see, swim, and even eat. That combination—good decisions plus comfort—can be the difference between a nice day and the best day of your holiday.

If you want this to be a “you choose the day” experience, pick a skipper who’s willing to talk through options. With a private boat, you’re not locked into a script.

Snorkeling, and that SUP moment you can ask about

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a strong plus. You’ll want to use it early enough in the day that you don’t rush later. If your group has mixed interests, snorkeling also gives everyone an easy shared activity: swim, float, look around, then regroup.

One review also mentioned enjoying a SUP board. The tour details here don’t list it as guaranteed, so treat it as something you might find rather than something you should rely on. If SUP is part of your dream day, ask the provider when you confirm your booking.

Safety equipment is included and the boat has insurance covered, so the baseline setup is there. Still, you’ll enjoy the day more if you’re clear about what your group can handle in terms of jumping in and getting back on the boat.

Lunch strategy: keep hunger from stealing your best hours

Lunch is not included. That sounds obvious, but in a 10-hour private boat day, it’s a real planning factor. You’ll either stop somewhere for lunch or bring a picnic and eat on the boat.

My advice: choose based on your group. If you have people who want to dock and stretch, plan a lunch stop. If you want uninterrupted water time, bring a picnic. Eating on the boat tends to protect the day’s rhythm because it reduces time searching for a place that fits everyone.

Also, since certain entries aren’t included (like Tvrdava Fortica and Blue Cave), you’ll want to think about whether you’re trying to “eat + do an attraction” in the same window. If you want a very flexible day, keep lunches simpler.

Price and fuel math: when this makes sense for groups

The listed price is $602.53 per group, up to 8 people, for about 10 hours. On paper, that can look steep. In practice, it can be solid value because you’re paying for a whole private speedboat plus a skipper, not per-seat access.

Here’s the useful way to think about it: at the full capacity of 8, that’s roughly $75 per person for the core boat and skipper portion. Then add fuel, because fuel isn’t included, and you’ll return the tank full with a reference of 30 l/h. That fuel cost can shift the final per-person price, so plan for it rather than assuming it’s a fixed add-on.

If you’re traveling as a small group of two or three, the cost per person jumps fast. This is best when you can actually fill the boat—families, friend groups, or couples who travel together.

Optional stops and paid add-ons to know about

Some entry or admission is not included. Tvrdava Fortica and Blue Cave are specifically called out as not included. That means if you want a day that includes specific attractions or entry-paid viewpoints, you’ll need to budget separately and factor in extra time for those stops.

Because this is skipper-led, you can still build the day around what you care about most. If you mainly want swims and bays, you may not feel the need for paid entries at all. If your group wants landmark spots, it’s smart to decide early so the day stays balanced.

Who this trip fits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This private speedboat outing is a great match if you want:

• Flexible island time instead of a rigid schedule
• Included snorkeling gear with minimal prep
• A private boat for a group size up to 8
• A day focused on water, bays, and short explorations rather than buses and lines

It may be less ideal if:

• Your group can’t handle variable weather at sea (the experience is weather-dependent)
• You’d rather avoid fuel-related extras and keep everything fixed
• You don’t really care about islands or swimming and mainly want museums

For most people, it lands in the sweet spot between a fancy day out and real island access.

Should you book Rent a Speed Boat from Split with Bonaca?

I’d book it if your priority is using Split as a launch point for several islands in one day, with your own skipper handling the route and finding good water time. The included snorkeling gear is a real time-saver, and the private group setup makes the whole day feel more like your plan than someone else’s timetable.

I’d hesitate only if your budget is tight after accounting for fuel, or if your group needs a fully predictable schedule no matter the conditions. Weather and sea state matter on the water. If you can work with that, this is the kind of outing that turns the coastline into something you actually touch.

FAQ

How many people can be on this private boat?

The experience is private and priced for up to 8 people per group.

Where is the meeting point in Split?

The start location is ISLAND DISCOVERY, Trumbićeva obala 2, 21000 Split, Croatia, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need any boating or snorkeling experience?

No experience is required because a skipper joins you and handles the trip.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can stop somewhere for lunch or bring a picnic to eat on the boat.

Is fuel included?

Fuel is not included in the price. The tank is full at the start, and you’re obligated to return it full (with 30l/h referenced in the details). A fuel surcharge may apply.

What happens if weather is poor?

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