Split sits right on Croatia’s coast, and honestly, there’s no better spot to start exploring the islands. Private boat tours beat the hell out of those packed group trips where you’re squeezed in with thirty strangers. You get the boat to yourself (well, your group anyway), and that changes everything.
Condor Yachting runs these private trips, and they know what they’re doing. Half-day, full-day, whatever works for you. The thing about private tours is you’re not stuck following someone else’s schedule. Want to stay longer at that perfect beach? Done. Hate crowded spots? Skip them.
Most tours hit the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Veli – the water there is unreal, like swimming in a postcard. Then there’s Hvar, which everyone talks about for good reason. The lavender, the old buildings, the nightlife if that’s your thing. A proper Hvar tour can show you why people keep coming back.
What You Actually Get?
The skipper and hostess speak English (usually quite well), and the boat is equipped with safety gear and snorkeling equipment. Some are fast speedboats that’ll get you places quick, others are more comfortable if you want to take it easy.
Your crew is also the guide, which is super convenient. They know where to go when the wind picks up, which restaurants won’t rip you off, that sort of thing. When arranging your trip, ask about both the rental price and the fuel cost so you know the total you’ll be paying.
Snorkeling gear comes standard. It’s usually decent quality, not the cheap stuff you get on group tours. Water bottles too, though you’ll want to bring more if it’s hot.
Group size stays small, maybe 8-12 people max. That’s the whole point really. More space, less chaos, actually get to know your crew.
The Flexibility Thing
This is where private tours really shine. Group tours run like clockwork – 8am departure, 30 minutes here, 45 minutes there, back by 6pm. Private tours? You decide.
Found an amazing secluded cove? Stay as long as you want. Weather’s perfect for snorkeling? Spend the whole afternoon underwater. Kids getting cranky? Head back early. It’s your boat, your day.
You can even change the whole plan if something better comes up. Maybe the skipper knows about a local festival happening on one of the islands. Maybe the wind’s perfect for a different route. Group tours can’t do that – they’ve got schedules to keep.
Start time’s flexible too. Early birds can catch sunrise over the water. Night owls can start at noon. Four hours, eight hours, whatever fits your vacation.
When to Go
June through September works best. July and August are peak season – warmest water, best weather, but also the most crowded.
June and September are sweet spots. Weather’s still great, water’s warm enough, but you’re not fighting crowds everywhere. Plus it costs less.
Weather can mess with plans though. Adriatic storms come up fast, and skippers won’t take chances. Better safe than sorry, especially with kids on board.
What to Pack
Sunscreen. Lots of it. The sun reflects off the water and you’ll fry faster than you think. Hat, sunglasses, swimwear obviously.
Waterproof bag for your phone and wallet. Boats splash, things get wet. We at Condor Yachting do not provide towels, so please make sure to bring your own. Comfortable shoes with grip – boat decks get slippery.
If you get seasick easily, take something before you go. Even calm days can be bumpy, and there’s nothing worse than spending your expensive boat tour hanging over the side.
Light clothes you can layer. Morning might be cool, afternoon blazing hot, evening breezy again.
Making It Count
Talk to your crew. These guys know every rock, every beach, every good restaurant within fifty miles. They’ve been doing this for years and they want you to have a good time.
Bring a camera, but don’t spend the whole day behind it. Some of the views from the water are incredible – Split’s old town from the sea, sunset behind the islands, that sort of thing.
Try the local food if you stop somewhere. Island restaurants often serve fish caught that morning. It’s usually simple but good.
Private boat tours from Split aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it if you want to see the islands properly. No rushing, no crowds, just you and some of the most beautiful coastline in Europe. That’s hard to beat.