Some days on the Adriatic feel too easy.

This private boat experience lets you pick a boat size, sail with an expert skipper, and shape the day around swimming, coves, towns, and lunch—without the stress of cruise schedules or crowded boats.

Two things I really like: the snorkeling gear plus bottled water included, and the way the skipper can steer you toward quieter spots and great meal stops. One thing to keep in mind is the pricing structure: the base price is only part of the day, with skipper and fuel paid on top.

Key highlights at a glance

• Pick your boat style: 22 ft mid-size for up to 6, 24–27 ft speedboat up to 11, or a 33 ft Saxdor yacht up to 10
• Custom itinerary with a local skipper: you’re not stuck with a fixed route
• Snorkeling equipment and bottled water included for comfort on the water
• A sample day can pair Hvar + Brač + Šolta, balancing town time with swim time
• Blue Cave is not included due to distance and crowds
• Booked about 37 days in advance on average, so planning ahead usually helps

Why this private charter beats the big-boat day

If you like the idea of seeing the Dalmatian islands at your own pace, this setup is built for that. You’re not waiting your turn at a tender, you’re not herded into a one-size-fits-all timeline, and you can spend your time where it feels worth it—whether that’s a swim stop with clear water or a quick walk in an old-town center.

The private format also makes your skipper’s choices matter. In reviews, skippers like Marko, Duje, Ivan, Antonio, and Toma show up as the difference between a typical sightseeing run and a day that feels personal—finding calm water zones, building in breaks, and even suggesting lunch where it’s actually good (not just convenient).

There’s also a practical advantage: you can tune the day to your group. Families tend to like the added flexibility around swim stops, while groups of friends often use the day to bounce between islands and hidden beaches without paying for “everyone on/off at the same time” logistics.

Boat options: mid-size, speedboat, or the Saxdor yacht

This tour gives you three different categories, and your choice changes the vibe of the day.

• 22 ft mid-sized boat (up to 6 people): a good fit if you want something personal, easy to move around, and still fast enough for island-hopping.
• 24–27 ft large speedboat (up to 11 people): you’ll feel the energy more here. Speedboats are often the best match when you want more distance covered and more shoreline time.
• 33 ft Saxdor luxury yacht (up to 10 people): a more relaxed, premium feel for groups who want comfort without giving up the ability to reach island coves.

One extra practical note: based on a booking complaint, the boat shown in high-end images can cause confusion if you don’t confirm your exact category. My advice is simple: before you go, make sure the operator confirms your boat category and size for your specific booking, not just the general style you saw online.

The day’s rhythm: 9:00 am start and flexible hours on the water

Tours run about 3 to 9 hours, with a 9:00 am start, and you return to the meeting point at the end. That time window matters. A short half-day is best for a couple of stops and a focused swim/lunch plan; a full day can fit more islands, but you’ll still move at the pace your skipper chooses based on wind, sea conditions, and what’s realistic that day.

The schedule is built around customization. In real-world use, skippers have arranged days that include multiple islands and swim stops, plus time for a proper meal—like fish lunch in a mooring-side spot. On choppier days, the better skippers reroute to protect comfort and safety. That’s a big reason private charters score higher than fixed tours.

Also, you’re on the clock for weather. This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the operator may offer another date or a full refund—so don’t treat this as a “guaranteed good-sea-glass” situation.

Stop-by-stop: what a typical itinerary can feel like

Even though your route can change, a sample flow gives you a sense of how the day balances scenery, water time, and food.

Hvar for about an hour: old streets and harbor energy

Hvar is usually a quick hit that pays off. You get enough time to feel the island’s character—stone lanes, the harbor area, and the sense that people actually live here, not just visit.

What to expect:

You’ll likely spend this time walking, grabbing a drink or snack, and orienting yourselves before heading back out for swimming. In many charter days, this is the “town breath” between water stops.

A consideration:

If you’re the type who wants long museum-level sightseeing, one hour may feel short. Treat it more like a taste: step out, enjoy the views, then get back to the water.

Murvica / Robinson Beach on Brač for about two hours: swim-first time

This stop is all about water. The Brač coastline around Robinson-area beaches is known for calm, clear conditions when the weather cooperates, with sandy shallows and pine-covered surroundings that help shade you between swims.

Why it works:

Two hours is a sweet spot for swimming and snorkeling without rushing. You can do a long soak, rinse off, and still have time to relax before the next move.

Drawback to watch for:

If the sea is windy that day, the water can get rougher near exposed zones. A good skipper will choose the calmer approach, but the ocean gets the final vote.

Konoba / Terasa Ciccio for about two hours: a meal with an actual view

This is where many private-charter days earn their money. You stop at a terrace restaurant with a scenic setting, designed for a relaxed pace: food first, then time to look out at the Adriatic and let the group reset.

What makes this stop special:

Reviews repeatedly praise lunch choices that feel local—fresh, simple plates, often paired with wine. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this is also where the day becomes easy. No one is trying to squeeze in an extra walk while the rest are ready for food.

One planning thought:

Lunch time can become the anchor of the day. If you’re hoping to squeeze in lots of distant islands, tell your skipper early so they can manage travel time.

Gornja Krušica Beach on Šolta for about an hour: quiet-water payoff

Šolta is often used in charters as a “soft landing” stop: clear water, cliffs and Mediterranean greenery nearby, and a calmer vibe than the busiest spots.

Why it’s worth it:

A one-hour beach stop still works when it’s the right beach. Think: swim, sunbathe, quick photo, and back on board before you feel rushed.

Potential downside:

One hour can pass fast if conditions are perfect. If you’re the type who hates leaving a swim spot, ask your skipper to prioritize either a longer beach time or a second swim stop nearby.

Snorkeling gear and bottled water: the small inclusions that prevent friction

This charter includes snorkeling equipment and bottled water. That sounds basic, but it saves time and hassle. You don’t have to hunt for gear, and you don’t have to worry about whether everyone brought enough water for the day on a boat.

In reviews, snorkeling experiences often go beyond just looking at fish. On some days, skippers have led groups to areas with an old shipwreck or sunken boat where snorkels and masks paid off. That’s the real value of a private skipper: the best snorkeling spot is often the one that matches your conditions and timing.

Also, don’t underestimate how much better you’ll feel when you can actually cool down mid-day with water and a proper swim rather than trying to “power through” on limited supplies.

Money talk: what you pay now vs. what you pay on board

The listed price covers your group’s charter base, but the day includes extra charges. These are not hidden. They’re paid separately:

• Skipper fee: about €100 for the mid-sized and large speedboats, €150 for the Saxdor luxury yacht (paid cash on board)
• Fuel surcharge (approx.):
• medium boat: €100–160
• large speedboat: €150–250
• luxury: €200–400

Two things to understand here.

First, fuel cost is variable because the itinerary is flexible. If your skipper adds extra distance or you request more island time, fuel rises. That’s normal for a customizable charter.

Second, some reviews show the difference between expected and surprising fuel bills. In one case, a group reported higher fuel costs after choosing a longer route and multiple islands; in another, fuel costs were closer to the medium-boat range. Your best strategy: talk route distance early. Ask for an estimate based on what you want to do that day.

Blue Cave: why you won’t go, and how to plan around it

This operator specifically says they do not visit the BLUE CAVE because of distance and crowds. That’s a deal-breaker for some people and a relief for others.

If Blue Cave is your top priority, you may want to choose a different tour. If your goal is clear water, snorkeling, and quiet coves, this charter can still deliver a great day without spending your limited time in a queue.

A smart move: don’t build your day around a single famous site. Build it around swim comfort and meal quality, then let your skipper handle the route.

The skipper matters: what to look for in your day

This is a skipper-driven experience, and reviews strongly reflect that.

Skippers like Marko, Duje, Antonio, Ivan, Luka, and Toma are praised for being safe, professional, and flexible. Many reviews mention they customized the day based on what people wanted, found quiet swimming spots, and helped with food plans—sometimes even arranging lunch in advance.

One practical tip: tell your skipper your group priorities at the start. Examples that work well:

• Which matters more today: towns, swimming, snorkeling, or food?
• Any must-dos besides what you already know (like a specific type of view or a restaurant vibe)?
• Are you traveling with kids, older adults, or people who get seasick?

When skippers can steer the plan, you’ll feel it in how smooth the day feels.

Who this tour is best for (and who might be happier elsewhere)

This charter is ideal if you want:

• A private group experience (no sharing with strangers)
• Freedom to choose swim stops and lunch timing
• A skipper to handle routing and local decisions
• Snorkeling included without extra rental steps

It’s also a strong fit for groups that want island variety without the stress of ferries and timetables. Many charters naturally work well for small parties, especially up to the boat’s capacity (up to 6 mid-sized, up to 11 speedboat, up to 10 yacht).

You might look elsewhere if:

• Your schedule is too tight for a 9:00 am start and a return to the meeting point the same day
• You must see the BLUE CAVE, no matter what
• You strongly dislike variable costs. You’ll pay fuel and skipper fees beyond the base price.

Booking smart: how to avoid surprises and get the day you want

Here’s how I’d book this with the least stress.

First, decide your boat size based on your group and how you want the day to feel. A mid-sized boat can be perfect for a small crew who wants a close-to-everything plan. If you want more distance and flexibility, the larger speedboat may suit you.

Second, plan your “wish list” before you meet the skipper. You already have sample stops like Hvar, Brač beaches, and Šolta beaches—so think about what you want most:

• Town time vs. swim time
• One longer lunch stop vs. two shorter stops
• Snorkeling intensity (and whether anyone needs extra reassurance or guidance)

Third, confirm the category you’re getting. One complaint in the reviews points to a mismatch between what people expected and what they received when a premium image was used. You don’t need to fight—just verify that your booking matches the boat type you chose.

Finally, bring a simple mindset: fuel costs depend on the route you end up sailing. If you want a shorter day, you’ll typically spend less on fuel.

Should you book Tamaris Charter for Split and Trogir by boat?

Book this if you want a private, skipper-led day with swimming and snorkeling built in, plus enough flexibility to shape the route to your group. The included snorkel gear and bottled water are practical wins, and the best part is how often skippers turn a planned itinerary into a day that feels well-matched to real people.

I would hesitate if Blue Cave is non-negotiable, or if you dislike paying extras beyond the base price. Also, if you’re booking near the start of your trip and your dates are rigid, keep weather in mind—this experience needs good conditions.

If you go in with clear priorities and confirm your boat category, you’ll likely get exactly what you want: time on the water, fewer crowds, and stops chosen by someone who sails these waters every day.

FAQ

How long is the private boat tour?

The experience runs for about 3 to 9 hours, depending on the plan you choose.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

It’s a private tour. Only your group participates.

What boat sizes are available and what are the group limits?

You can choose a 22 ft mid-sized boat for up to 6 people, a 24–27 ft large speedboat for up to 11 people, or a 33 ft Saxdor luxury yacht for up to 10 people.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a customizable itinerary, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment.

What costs are not included?

Fuel is not included (approximate fuel surcharge varies by boat size), and the skipper fee is also not included (paid cash on board).

Does this tour include the Blue Cave?

No. The operator states they do not visit the BLUE CAVE due to distance and crowds.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, English is listed as an available language.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.