From Split, you can find a huge number of boat tours, and it can quickly become overwhelming to decide which one is the best for you. With so many routes, boat types, and price ranges available, choosing the right tour isn’t always easy.
That’s why we’ve prepared a simple overview of the main options and variations to help you choose the perfect boat tour from Split.
Types of Boats: What’s the Difference?
The first and most important thing when choosing a boat tour is the type of boat. In Split, there are two main categories:
In Split, the two most common options are large boats that carry over 100 passengers and speedboats that usually accommodate between 10 and 12 guests. The difference between these two options is significant and can greatly affect your overall experience.
Large Boats – Relaxed Pace and Lower Price
Large boats are slower and therefore usually focus on nearby destinations such as the Blue Lagoon, Å olta, ÄŒiovo, and sometimes Trogir. These tours tend to have a more relaxed pace and are often slightly more affordable. Another advantage is that large boats frequently include lunch, which can be convenient if you prefer a more laid-back experience without worrying about planning meals during the day. However, especially during peak season, these boats can become very crowded. The atmosphere can feel quite chaotic, particularly because these tours often attract larger groups of younger travelers on a budget, as well as families with children, since they are more financially accessible.
Speedboat Tours – Faster, More Comfortable, and Flexible
On the other hand, speedboat tours offer a completely different experience. Even if you choose a shared tour, the number of passengers is limited to a maximum of 12 people, which provides a much more comfortable and relaxed environment. Speedboats are typically around 10 meters long and designed for comfort, so you won’t feel squeezed like you might on larger vessels. In recent years, the tourism standard in Split has improved significantly, and many operators have invested in modern, high-quality boats such as Colnago or Felix models, which provide an excellent level of comfort throughout the trip.
Many of these speedboats include sunbathing areas, comfortable seating, shaded sections, snorkeling equipment, and often toilet facilities. Even when a boat does not have a toilet, the cruising distances between stops are usually not very long, so you won’t find yourself stuck on the boat for hours without access to facilities.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour from Split?
If you are traveling as a slightly larger group, it’s worth considering private tours, as they can often be more affordable than expected. When the price is split between several people, private tours can sometimes be close in price to shared tours, while offering a much more flexible and personalized experience.
If you are arriving by cruise ship or have limited time in Split, a morning half-day tour to Blue Lagoon and Trogir is often the best option. This route involves shorter cruising distances, a relaxed schedule, and still offers beautiful swimming spots and charming old town sightseeing.
If you want to visit several top destinations but prefer to avoid long speedboat rides and waiting times at the Blue Cave, we usually recommend the Bol, Hvar, Pakleni Islands, and Å olta tour. This route offers a perfect balance of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing without spending too much time cruising.
However, if you don’t want to leave Croatia without seeing what everyone is talking about, then the Blue Cave and 5 Islands tour is the best option for you. This is one of the most famous boat tours from Split and includes some of the most iconic locations along the Adriatic coast.
There’s no single best option — it all depends on your preferences:
- Limited time → Blue Lagoon Half-Day Tour
- No long boat rides → Bol, Hvar, Pakleni Islands & Šolta
- Must-see attractions → Blue Cave & 5 Islands
- Privacy and flexibility → Private Boat Tour
- Short family-friendly panoramic cruise around Split – Semi-submarine tour