We booked a private boat tour for our family and it was the absolute highlight of our trip to Split. Our skipper Philip was fantastic and genuinely knowledgeable about the islands and the region’s history. It was clear he’s truly passionate about what he does. Our final stop to see the Cold War submarine bunkers was a favorite for everyone.
Laura, the second mate, was wonderful too. She was attentive and engaging throughout, and she made sure we were all having a great time, including keeping our little one happy and entertained. The boat itself was the perfect size for our group, comfortable without feeling crowded.
We’ll definitely book with them again on our next trip to Croatia. Highly recommend for families and anyone wanting a knowledgeable, personal touch to exploring the islands around Split!

We had one morning to experience the sea and lagoons
Boat was spotless and on time- skipper Ivan even came to pick us up at pier in front of our hotel
What an excellent and well educated skipper and guide Ivan was!! He took great care of both our comfort and our safety with a cultural, geographic and marine knowledge that far exceeds our expectations
We had a memorable and worth while experience with Ivan and Sparus boats- and this trip will be a highlight of our Dalmation holiday

I booked a last minute boat trip with Sparus Boats, not doing any research or knowing what to expect.  It turned out to be the highlight of my wife’s and mine vacation so far.  The owner responds very quickly and clearly to all questions before booking.  The crew, Filip and Petra, picked us up next to our hotel and planned our whole day with us, including which islands we will go to and which restaurant to visit for lunch, which they reserved for us.  They were super friendly and pleasant to talk to.  We learned a lot about local region and Croatia.  As for the boat experience itself the scenery, swimming in the many coves, lunch at Fisherman’s House and walking around Hvar were magical.  See you next year Filip and Petra!  (And good luck in your future plans)

If you’re considering a private yacht charter from Split, I can’t recommend Sparus Boats highly enough. We chartered their beautiful 45-foot Luxury Motor Yacht Colnago 45 for a full-day cruise, and from the moment we stepped aboard, we felt like celebrity VIPs.

The yacht is immaculate, spacious, and exceptionally well-appointed. Beach towels, snorkeling gear, a freshwater shower, Bluetooth music, and thoughtful amenities made the day feel effortlessly luxurious. We were a group of 12 spanning three generations, including our parents in their early 80s, and Captain Josip and Leonarda took incredible care of everyone. They were constantly checking to see if anyone needed anything, ensuring our older family members could safely board and disembark, and sharing their genuine love for Croatia. Their professionalism, warmth, and hospitality were truly the highlight of the day.

Communication with Dario during the booking process was outstanding. Every question was answered promptly, and the entire experience felt polished from start to finish.

Our itinerary included Bol, a scenic pass by Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), two swim stops, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, and lunch in Milna. Looking back, my biggest piece of advice is to spend extra time discussing the itinerary with your captain before departure. This route covers a surprising amount of distance, and it’s easy to underestimate how much time is spent cruising between destinations. If there is one place that’s especially important to your group, don’t be afraid to eliminate another stop so you have time to truly experience it.

For us, that was Zlatni Rat. I hadn’t realized we would only pass by from offshore for a few minutes. Had I known, I would have asked to spend more time in Bol so we could visit Croatia’s iconic beach. Likewise, our lunch restaurant was very good, but the slow service created unnecessary stress because we had to return to our cruise ship by 5:00 p.m.

One final tip: discuss provisioning carefully before your trip. We were glad we brought our own ice (yes, we are American) to keep the wine cold, and with an 8:00 a.m. departure, champagne or Prosecco for morning mimosas would have been a perfect addition.

None of these observations reflect on Sparus Boats or the crew—they were outstanding. They simply reflect the importance of tailoring the itinerary to your group’s priorities. Sparus Boats is a first-class charter operator, and I would enthusiastically book with them again.

We had an absolutely fantastic day out on the water with Leonarda and Filip, From the moment we stepped on board, their warm hospitality made us feel like welcome guests rather than just clients. They were genuinely friendly, attentive, and went out of their way to make sure everyone was comfortable and having a great time.

The boat itself was in excellent condition — spotlessly clean, very well maintained, and equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable trip. It handled beautifully and offered plenty of space to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the stunning views along the way to Hvar.
Filip and Leonarda’s professionalism really stood out. They were knowledgeable about the area, shared great local insights, and ensured everything ran smoothly and safely.

Their positive energy and helpful attitude made for a truly memorable and fun experience. Thank you both so much! 🙌