Bespoke private boat tour from Split & Trogir with a local expert

The best Croatian views arrive by boat. This private charter gives you the freedom to shape the day around swimming, island towns, lunch, and quiet coves rather than following a fixed schedule. I especially like the choice of three boats and the way skippers such as Marko, Duje, Toma, Antonio, and Luka tailor the day to your group. Snorkeling gear and water are included, too.

The main caution is cost clarity. The advertised price of $482.72 covers the boat for up to six people, but fuel and the skipper’s fee are extra. A long route on a larger twin-engine boat can add several hundred euros, so you should settle the likely fuel range before departure.

The quick take: five things worth knowing

• You choose the boat: Select a 22-foot boat for up to six people, a 24 to 27-foot speedboat for up to 11, or a 33-foot Saxdor yacht for up to 10.
• Your skipper shapes the day: Marko, Duje, Toma, Antonio, Marin, Luka, and other local captains have been praised for safe driving, friendly advice, restaurant suggestions, and flexible planning.
• The route can stay close or reach farther: You might visit Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, or smaller coves, depending on time and sea conditions.
• Fuel is the big budget variable: Approximate fuel ranges are €100 to €160 for the medium boat, €150 to €250 for the large speedboat, and €200 to €400 for the Saxdor.
• The Blue Cave is not part of this service: The operator avoids it because of the distance and crowds, which leaves more time for swimming and less time spent racing across the sea.

Why a private boat makes sense around Split

Split is a fine base for seeing Croatia’s central Dalmatian islands, but the best coastal moments are often away from the main ferry routes. A private boat lets you stop for a swim when the water looks inviting, stay longer in a small town, or skip a crowded harbor entirely.

That flexibility matters most for families and mixed-age groups. One person can swim and snorkel, another can walk through an old town, and everyone can meet for lunch without trying to coordinate public ferries. A private group also avoids sharing the boat with strangers, which makes the day feel more relaxed.

The starting time is 9 a.m., and the usual booking lasts from three to nine hours. A full day from Split generally gives you about eight hours on the water, though one group reported extending the outing by three hours for an additional skipper fee and fuel. If you want a far-reaching route, leave early and tell the operator exactly what you hope to see.

You can start from Split or Trogir, depending on the arrangement. The activity returns to its meeting point, and confirmation is provided at booking. English service is available, and the mobile ticket is convenient for a holiday spent moving between ports.

Choosing among the 22-foot boat, speedboat, and Saxdor yacht

The 22-foot medium boat is the most sensible pick for up to six people who want a lower operating cost. Fuel is estimated at €100 to €160, and the skipper’s fee is €100. It is a good fit for a shorter day around nearby bays, Trogir, Šolta, the Blue Lagoon, or Brač.

For larger families or friend groups, the 24 to 27-foot speedboat carries up to 11 people and can reach the mid-Dalmatian islands. Fuel is estimated at €150 to €250, with a €100 skipper fee. More people make the per-person price attractive, but fuel use rises with distance and speed.

The 33-foot Saxdor yacht carries up to 10 people and is intended for longer island routes. It has twin engines, and fuel is estimated at €200 to €400, plus a €150 skipper fee. One group paid about €350 in fuel after visiting Hvar, Brač, and Šolta. That cost is plausible for a long route, but it is still a major addition to the advertised price.

Ask for the exact boat name and photographs of the boat assigned to you. The Saxdor is the luxury option, while the other boats are different categories, not interchangeable versions of the same craft. This is the single most important booking question if the boat itself matters to you.

Hvar: island town, harbor views, and a longer run

Hvar makes a fine stop if you want more than swimming. You can spend about an hour walking through its old streets, looking across the harbor, and getting a taste of the island’s polished seaside atmosphere.

The town mixes stone lanes, historic buildings, restaurants, and a busy waterfront. It is a good contrast to a day spent in isolated coves. You get a little culture, a little people-watching, and a chance to stretch your legs.

The drawback is distance. Hvar can use a large share of your available boating time, especially if you are also hoping to reach Brač, Šolta, or Vis. A group that wants a leisurely lunch and several swim stops should not expect to cover every island in one day.

Tell your skipper your priorities at the start. If Hvar is essential, you may need to accept fewer swimming stops. If quiet water matters more, nearby islands may give you a better day.

Murvica and Robinson Beach on Brač

The example route includes about two hours at Murvica Beach, also described as Robinson Beach on Brač. This is the kind of stop that explains the appeal of a private boat: you can settle into a calm bay, swim from shore or the boat, and take your time without watching a ferry timetable.

The beach is described as sandy, shallow, and calm, with pine trees and clear water. That makes it especially appealing for families and anyone who wants an easy swim rather than a long open-water outing.

Bring sun protection and footwear suitable for a natural beach. The information provided does not promise extensive facilities, so you should treat this as a scenic swimming stop rather than a fully serviced resort beach.

Two hours is a generous amount of time here. You can snorkel, float, sunbathe, and enjoy the water without feeling hurried. If your group includes children, older adults, or people who do not want constant boat movement, this type of stop may be more enjoyable than adding another distant island.

Terasa Ciccio: lunch with a view on Brač

A two-hour meal stop at Konoba Terasa Ciccio adds a welcome break from the boat. The restaurant sits on the Brač coast and focuses on fresh, locally inspired Mediterranean food in a relaxed setting overlooking the Adriatic.

A skipper can help arrange a restaurant stop, and several outings included memorable fish lunches. Antonio arranged a waterfront restaurant in Trogir, while Duje recommended a place serving fresh fish. Ivan also booked a fish restaurant where the group moored right outside.

That local help is one of the strongest reasons to hire a private skipper. You are not only paying for someone to drive the boat. You are also gaining practical judgment about where to eat and how to fit lunch into the day.

Confirm the restaurant plan before leaving. A long meal uses precious boating time, but it can also become the highlight of the outing. If your group values food and scenery, keep the lunch. If your priority is seeing several islands, ask for a shorter stop.

Gornja Krušica on Šolta

Gornja Krušica is a quieter stop on Šolta, with clear water, rocky edges, and Mediterranean vegetation around the bay. The suggested visit lasts about an hour, which is enough for a swim and a little time in the sun.

Šolta is a good choice when you want a calmer setting close to Split. The stop offers the simple pleasures of a Croatian boat day: jump into the water, snorkel near the shore, and enjoy the sense that you have left the city behind.

The bay is not presented as a major sightseeing town. You come here for water and peace, not monuments or shopping. That makes it a useful part of a balanced route, especially after time in Hvar or Trogir.

Sea conditions should guide the plan. A skipper may change the order or replace an exposed stop if wind picks up. Antonio was praised for adjusting the route on a choppy day, keeping the group in more sheltered water. That kind of judgment is more valuable than sticking rigidly to a postcard route.

What your skipper can add to the day

The captains are a major part of the experience. Marko has been praised for explaining the area and planning stops around Hvar, swimming bays, and Milna on Vis. Duje received repeated praise for being friendly, attentive to children and adults, and good at finding quiet places.

Toma has helped groups combine Trogir, turquoise coves, swimming, and fresh seafood. Luka has planned flexible days for groups of 10, including lunch, while Marin has taken groups to the Blue Lagoon and smaller coastal towns that larger cruise boats cannot reach.

You should still tell the skipper what you want. Say if your group prefers swimming, historic towns, snorkeling, food, photography, or a fast ride. The more specific you are, the more useful the local advice becomes.

The boat ride itself can be exciting. On windy days, the speedboat may feel adventurous, and a skilled captain can handle the waves well. If anyone in your group is uneasy on rough water, say so early and consider the larger boat option or a route nearer the mainland.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Past outings have found fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, starfish, and even a sunken boat that could be explored from the surface. The exact site depends on the skipper and conditions, so think of snorkeling as a flexible bonus rather than a guaranteed named attraction.

The real price, with fuel and skipper fees included

The starting price of $482.72 per group is appealing for six people, but it does not tell the whole financial story. The skipper fee is €100 for the medium or large boat and €150 for the Saxdor. Fuel is paid separately.

For six people on the medium boat, the base price plus the skipper fee and €100 to €160 of fuel works out to roughly €100 to €125 per person before currency conversion, assuming the advertised group price is converted close to the listed dollar amount. For a larger group, the cost per person can be better, but the large boat may use much more fuel.

A long route can change the calculation quickly. One group covering about 115 nautical miles with 11 people was surprised by its fuel total, while another group on a medium boat reported fuel of about €100 for the day. Both figures show why distance, boat size, engines, and speed matter.

Before you pay, ask these direct questions:

• Which boat is assigned to my booking?
• What is the estimated fuel cost for my preferred route?
• Is the €100 or €150 skipper fee payable in cash?
• How many hours are included?
• Can the route change if the sea becomes rough?
• How much water will be provided for my group?

The operator states that bottled water and refrigerators are available, but one larger group felt the water supply was limited. Bring extra water if you have room, especially for a full day in the sun.

Timing, weather, and the Blue Cave decision

The Blue Cave is deliberately excluded because it is far away and often crowded. That may disappoint you if it is at the top of your wish list, but the choice protects the main strength of this outing: flexible time for bays, swimming, lunch, and smaller coastal stops.

Some groups have asked to include it and were advised against doing so because of timing. Starting at 9 a.m. can also mean longer queues than on an early-morning Blue Cave excursion. If the cave is essential, book a dedicated trip instead of trying to force it into this private charter.

The service requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund. That does not mean every windy day will cancel, so speak with the operator if your party includes a young child or anyone sensitive to rough seas.

Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, so do not wait until the last day if your plans are uncertain.

Who will get the most from this private charter?

I would choose this tour for a family group, a celebration, or friends who want one day that can shift with their mood. It works particularly well when some people want to swim while others prefer lunch and old-town walks.

It also suits anyone who has already seen Split and wants a closer look at the islands without learning ferry schedules. The ability to stop at a quiet cove, eat beside the water, and return to Split by boat makes the day feel special.

I would be more cautious if you need a fixed all-inclusive price, want the exact boat pictured, or have your heart set on the Blue Cave. I would also avoid booking the smallest boat for a group that dislikes choppy water or needs extra space.

Should you book Tamaris Charter?

Book it if you value choice, local boat handling, and private time on the water more than a fixed checklist of sights. The best outings combine a quiet swim, one good meal, and one town such as Hvar or Trogir instead of trying to conquer every island.

Before confirming, identify the boat, agree on a route, and request a realistic fuel estimate in writing. With those details settled, the charter can be an excellent use of a day in Split, particularly when Marko, Duje, Toma, Antonio, Marin, or Luka is available to turn a basic boat rental into a well-planned coastal day.

FAQ

Where does the private boat tour start?

The experience can depart from Split or Trogir. The exact meeting point is provided with the booking details, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9 a.m. The duration can range from about three to nine hours, depending on the booking and arrangements.

How many people can each boat carry?

The 22-foot medium boat carries up to six people. The 24 to 27-foot large speedboat carries up to 11 people. The 33-foot Saxdor yacht carries up to 10 people.

Are fuel and the skipper included?

No. The skipper costs €100 for the medium or large boat and €150 for the Saxdor. Estimated fuel costs range from €100 to €160 for the medium boat, €150 to €250 for the large boat, and €200 to €400 for the luxury yacht.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Can the tour visit the Blue Cave?

No. The operator does not visit the Blue Cave because of its distance and crowds. The route can instead focus on other islands, bays, beaches, towns, and swimming stops.