One of the most common questions we get is: should I book a private tour or join a group? The honest answer is that both are great, but they suit different situations. Here’s a practical breakdown to help you decide.
Small group speedboat tours
Our group tours carry up to 12 guests on a fast, comfortable speedboat. The itinerary is fixed, the timing is set, and you share the experience with other travellers. Each tour runs for about 5 hours and covers three or more islands with swimming stops along the way.
The 3 Islands - Blue Tour takes you to Pokrivenik Bay, the Little Blue Cave, the harbour town of Jelsa, the island of Zečevo, and a hidden bay on Brač. The highlight for many guests is the Little Blue Cave, where sunlight filters through an underwater opening and fills the cave with an otherworldly blue glow. It’s a short stop, but the kind that stays in your memory.
After the cave, the Blue Tour stops in Jelsa, a genuine harbour town on Hvar’s northern coast. Stone streets, family-run konobas, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from the tourist crowds. You get about an hour to wander, grab a coffee, or find lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
The 3 Islands - Dorada Tour visits Zlatni Rat, Zečevo, the quiet village of Vrboska, and the secluded Mala Stiniva cove. Mala Stiniva is one of those places that feels almost impossible. Towering cliffs form a narrow entrance just a few metres wide, opening into a sheltered cove with perfectly clear water. Swimming here feels like discovering a secret.
Group tours are ideal if this is your first time exploring the islands from the water. The route is carefully planned, the skipper handles everything, and you get to meet other people along the way. They’re also the most affordable option, which makes them a natural choice for solo travellers or couples looking for a well-rounded day on the sea.
Private boat tours
A private tour is exactly what it sounds like: the boat is yours. Your group, your pace, your route. You tell us what you want to see, and we build the day around it.
Private tours run as a half-day (around 5 hours) or a full day (up to 9 or 10 hours). Want to spend an extra 30 minutes at a quiet beach because the water is perfect? Done. Feel like skipping a stop and heading straight to lunch at a seaside restaurant? No problem. This kind of flexibility simply isn’t possible on a group tour with a shared schedule.
On a full-day private tour, Palmižana and Marinkovac on the Pakleni Islands become real possibilities. Palmižana has a handful of restaurants nestled among the pines and water so clear you can see the seabed at 10 metres. Marinkovac is wilder, with rocky coves and turquoise lagoons tucked between dense pine forest and the open sea.
For couples celebrating an anniversary, families with young children who need their own rhythm, or groups of friends who want to explore at their own pace, private is the way to go. You can even add a restaurant lunch stop on one of the islands, something our group tours don’t typically include.
Swim stops that make the difference
Both group and private tours include swimming stops, but a private tour lets you linger. Zečevo, a small uninhabited island between Hvar and the mainland, has a sheltered lagoon with some of the clearest water in the area. On a group tour you get a set amount of time here. On a private tour, you can stay as long as you like.
Another favourite is the coastline near Žirje, where hidden bays are carved into steep cliffs and there’s rarely another boat in sight. These are the kinds of spots that only a local skipper knows, and a private tour gives you the time to properly enjoy them.
Weather and sea conditions
Both tour formats adjust to weather and sea conditions. Safety always comes first, and your skipper will modify the route if needed. The difference is that a private tour gives you more flexibility on marginal days. If one side of an island is choppy, the skipper can simply take you to the sheltered side instead.
What to bring
The packing list is the same for both formats. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a light layer for the wind when the boat is at speed. A waterproof phone pouch is always a good idea. If you’re joining a private tour with a restaurant stop, you might want a dry set of clothes for lunch.
Which one should you pick?
If you want a well-organized day with a proven route, a social atmosphere, and a friendly price, go with a group tour. If you value flexibility, privacy, and the freedom to shape your own itinerary, a private tour is worth the investment.
Still not sure which one suits your trip? Get in touch and we’ll help you figure out the best option for your group.