Hvar is the most popular day-trip island from Split — and the boat tour market reflects that. There are dozens of operators running daily routes, but the "Split to Hvar boat tour" you book online could mean very different things depending on who you book through. Here's what to know before you choose.
What people actually mean by "Hvar tour"
"Hvar" can refer to three different things depending on the operator:
- Hvar Town — the busy port-side town with the iconic St. Stephen's Square, the fortress overlooking the harbor, and the bar/restaurant scene
- The Pakleni Islands — a chain of small, mostly uninhabited islands just off Hvar Town, popular for swimming and snorkeling
- Stari Grad — the older, quieter UNESCO-listed town on the north side of Hvar Island
Most "Split to Hvar boat tours" include either Hvar Town + Pakleni Islands or some combination of swim stops + town time. Read the itinerary carefully before booking.
The four main tour types
1. Speedboat day tour (€80–110/person)
The most common format. Small RIBs or speedboats carrying 8–12 guests, departing from Split around 09:00 and returning 17:00–18:00. Typically combines Blue Lagoon + Pakleni Islands + Hvar Town + maybe one more stop. Fast (you cover a lot), splashy (literally), and packed (3–4 stops in 8 hours leaves limited time at each). Best if you want to see many places quickly.
2. Traditional wooden boat tour (€55–80/person)
Slower, larger boats (20+ meters) carrying 30–80 guests. Departures from Stobreč Harbor or Split Port. The trade-off: each stop lasts longer (60–90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, 90–120 at Hvar), the boat itself is more comfortable, and lunch is cooked on board. Some operators (us included) prioritize the Blue Lagoon + Šolta route over Hvar because the crossing is shorter, leaving more swim time. If you want Hvar specifically, look for tours that explicitly list it.
3. Ferry + DIY (€7 each way)
Jadrolinija and Krilo Shipping run regular ferries between Split and Hvar (50–90 minutes). Buy a ticket, explore independently, return on a later ferry. Cheapest option if you only want to see the town. No swim stops unless you walk to a beach.
4. Private charter (€600–1,200/day)
Hire your own boat (8–12 person capacity) and pick your route. More expensive but you control everything — when to leave, where to anchor, how long at each stop. Worth it for groups of 6+ where the per-person cost approaches a group tour.
Honest comparison
| Speedboat | Traditional | Ferry DIY | Private | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price/person | €80–110 | €55–80 | €14 return | €60–150* |
| Stops/day | 3–4 | 2 | 1 | You pick |
| Lunch | Optional | Included | On your own | BYO/included |
| Hvar time | 60–90 min | 90–120 min | All day | You pick |
| Best for | "Maximum stops" | Authentic, relaxed | Budget, independent | Groups, customization |
* Private charter price depends on group size; €60/person works out for 10–12 guests.
What time of day does Hvar feel best?
Hvar Town is crowded between 11:00 and 17:00 — that's when the cruise ships dock and the day-tripper boats arrive. If you can be there before 10:00 (a private charter or early ferry) or after 18:00 (overnight), you'll see a much quieter version of the town. Most day tours arrive at the peak window, which is unavoidable if you want to fit Hvar into a single-day boat tour.
What about combining Hvar with the Blue Lagoon?
Geographically, the Blue Lagoon (off Šolta) and Hvar are in different directions from Split. A typical "do both in one day" speedboat tour spends 45–60 minutes at each, with 2–3 hours of transit time. It's possible but rushed. We don't combine them on our full-day tour — we focus on the Blue Lagoon + Nečujam Bay route because it lets you actually relax. If Hvar is your priority, book a Hvar-focused tour from another operator (we won't oversell ours just to compete).
Practical tips
- Check the boarding point. "Boat tour from Split" might depart from Stobreč (10 km away). Read the location pickup before you book.
- Ask if Hvar town is included — some tours only stop at Pakleni Islands and skip the town itself.
- Allow buffer time. Sea conditions cause delays. Don't book a tight evening flight or train.
- Wind matters. The Hvar channel can get rough in jugo wind. Tours sometimes cancel or reroute — check the cancellation policy.
Should you book a Hvar tour or a Blue Lagoon tour?
If you only have one day and want to see "an island" — pick based on vibe. Hvar = busy, historic, bar scene, lots to see. Blue Lagoon + Šolta = quieter, focused on swimming, less Instagram-rushed. We're biased (obviously), but most guests who initially thought they wanted Hvar end up enjoying the calmer Blue Lagoon day more — especially with kids or as a recovery day.