The Best Boat Rentals in Split

For easy planning, expect small self-operated motorboats to start around €150–€300 per day (about $165–$330). Private, captained speedboat day trips typically range from roughly $600–$1,200 depending on group size, route, and fuel. Full-day sails on mid-size sailboats and catamarans commonly run $500–$1,600 per day, while larger or luxury motor yachts often start around $1,500–$3,000+ per day. Inclusions vary by listing, but captained charters often include a professional skipper, safety gear, bottled water, and sometimes snorkel sets; fuel and dock fees may be included on fixed-itinerary tours but are often extra on bareboat rentals. Always check the specific listing to confirm what’s covered. (getmyboat.com, splitboattrips.com, businessinsider.com)

You’ll find fast RIBs and speedboats for island-hopping, versatile motorboats, classic monohull sailboats, spacious sailing catamarans, and premium motor yachts for celebrations. These are the most common categories offered in Split’s charter marinas and on local marketplaces, so it’s easy to match your group size and comfort level. (getmyboat.com, aci-marinas.com)

If you want to drive the boat yourself (a “bareboat” rental), Croatian law requires a recognized skipper’s license plus a VHF radio certificate for at least one person on board. Popular credentials that are commonly accepted include ICC and RYA Day Skipper equivalents. If you don’t have the paperwork, the simplest route is to book a captained charter—no license required. (getmyboat.com, rya.org.uk, navigare-solutions.com)

The busiest meeting points are along the city harbor by the Riva promenade near Matejuška Pier, ACI Marina Split on the west side of the port, and Marina Zenta a short hop east of the ferry terminal. Some operators also stage departures from the Port of Split’s St. Peter and St. Duje piers or from nearby Marina Kaštela. Exact pickup spots are always confirmed after booking. (splitcurated.com, aci-marinas.com, sailingclick.com, croatia-tourism.com, marina-kastela.hr)

Right out of the harbor you’ll cruise past the waterfront of Diocletian’s Palace with Marjan Hill framing the skyline, then it’s an easy run to Brač (famous for Zlatni Rat’s shifting “Golden Horn”), Šolta’s quiet coves, Hvar and the Pakleni Islands, or the turquoise Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši. Longer days can add Vis and, sea permitting, the Blue Cave on Biševo. (en.wikipedia.org, hvartours.com, tripadvisor.com)

Yes—families are welcome on most private charters, and boats carry life jackets for all ages. High‑speed RIB tours may set a minimum age, and some full‑day island runs are not suitable for very young children; for example, several Blue Cave speedboat tours do not accept kids under three. As a rule, everyone on fast boats should wear life jackets while underway; your skipper will brief you and fit children with proper sizes before departure. (boattourssplit.com, sea-help.eu)

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks and drinks, and many provide a cooler with ice and water. Glass is often discouraged for safety. Many itineraries include time to stop for lunch on Hvar or at beach clubs in the Pakleni Islands, so you can combine BYO with a shore meal. Confirm specifics with your captain when you book. (splitboattrips.com, hvartours.com)

Pet policies vary by boat. Many private charters will welcome a small, well‑behaved dog with advance notice (often with a modest cleaning fee). Shared speedboat tours and protected-site visits (such as the Blue Cave) typically do not allow pets for comfort and conservation reasons. If sailing with a pet matters, flag it in your inquiry so the owner can confirm. (bruneko.hr, orvasyachting.com, bluecave.com.hr)

Summer mornings are usually calm, with a friendly afternoon sea breeze called the maestral; occasionally strong northeasterly bura or southerly jugo winds can kick up seas and disrupt routes. If conditions aren’t safe, captains will adjust the itinerary or reschedule; on Getmyboat, weather cancellations follow the individual owner’s policy, and many offer a flexible rebooking or refund when authorities advise staying in port. (adriaticluxuryhotels.com, total-croatia-news.com, getmyboat.zendesk.com)

Absolutely. Many boats in Split are set up for celebrations with sound systems, swim ladders, and comfortable deck space, and crews can tailor routes for photos, swimming, and a relaxed lunch stop. For peak summer weekends or during major events, reserve early and share your headcount so the owner can recommend the right vessel.

Peak boating runs May through September, with the warmest seas in July and August. Crowds spike around Ultra Europe (July 11–13, 2025) and throughout the Split Summer Festival (July 14–August 14, 2025). Croatia doesn’t observe U.S. holidays like Memorial Day or July 4th, so weekday vs. weekend is the bigger factor: weekdays are quieter and often easier to book. For smoother seas and easier docking, consider morning departures. (events.liveit.io, visitsplit.com)

Favorites include a Blue Lagoon swim day (Krknjaši with nearby Šolta), Hvar Town with the Pakleni Islands, and Brač for Zlatni Rat. The longer “Blue Cave and five islands” speedboat loop adds Biševo’s cave, Vis and Stiniva Bay, and Hvar—plan for a full 10 hours dock‑to‑dock. (getyourguide.com, hvartours.com, en.wikipedia.org)

Captained charters are the stress‑free choice: the skipper handles navigation, mooring, and weather calls, and you focus on your crew and photos. If you’re experienced and carry a recognized license plus VHF, bareboat can be great value—just budget extra time for fueling, route planning, and marina procedures, and remember that deposits and fuel costs are typically separate. (getmyboat.com, rya.org.uk)

Yes—if you’re up for a full excursion. Expect about 90 minutes each way by speedboat, a short guided entry into the cave when the light is right, and multiple swim and island stops to make the 9–10 hour day fly by. In peak season you may queue for cave entry, and occasionally the cave closes due to swell; reputable operators will reroute or reschedule if that happens. (splitboattrips.com, reddit.com, en.wikipedia.org)