Split Private Boat Trip: Blue Lagoons & Zlatni Rat Review
Dreaming of glistening, cerulean waters and postcard-worthy beaches in Croatia? A private boat tour from Split to the Blue Lagoons and Zlatni Rat, sometimes referred to as the Golden Horn, might be just what you’re after, very possibly turning vacation fantasies into realities. Very probably offering a slice of the Adriatic’s heaven. But before you reach for your wallet, it’s almost worth taking a closer look at what this experience involves. So, let’s check what it’s really like to spend a day cruising the Dalmatian Coast.
What to Expect on a Split Private Boat Tour
First things first, what are you actually getting when you book a “private” boat tour? In many cases, that just a boat exclusively for your group which often means no fighting for the best spot to soak up the rays. Usually this starts with a pickup, so get excited, either directly from the Split harbor or from a pre-arranged location. The boats themselves, those differ, yet that’s not totally shocking. Often these vary from smaller speedboats perfect for zipping around, to larger, more luxurious vessels, sometimes offering amenities like sun decks, shaded areas, and even a restroom. Of course, there’s typically a skipper, yet keep that in mind, who knows the local waters like the back of their hand. Often they’ll guide you and will handle the cruise, which lets you relax and enjoy the views.
The itinerary generally includes a visit to the Blue Lagoon, often situated near the islands of Drvenik Veli or Drvenik Mali, sometimes promising spectacularly clear turquoise water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Afterwards, a trip is scheduled over to Zlatni Rat on Brač Island which sometimes ends up on everyone’s Croatia “must-see” list with its iconic horn shape that stretches out into the Adriatic. Typically these tours allow for free time at both locations which gives you the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, or explore the nearby areas at your own tempo. It’s quite possible that you might find other stops or detours, relying upon the specific tour and what you work out with your skipper.
The Allure of the Blue Lagoon
Now, let’s zoom in on the Blue Lagoon. Think, so clear and vibrantly blue water, that you’ll want to spend all day paddling in it. Its popularity lies partly in the sheltered nature of the lagoon that allows water to stay calm and transparent making it a top destination for swimmers of all levels. Seemingly, snorkeling is a must. The visibility is so clear that, typically, you can spot an abundance of marine life even with very basic equipment. Keep in mind that, especially during peak tourist seasons, the Blue Lagoon, that does attract many visitors, yet it’s almost unavoidable.
A private boat offers you the upper hand, which lets you get there ahead of the crowds, or stick around a bit longer after they’ve left, yet keep in mind that it relies upon what deals are possible with your skipper and scheduling. That flexibility is worth a bit extra so it seems, because you’re very possibly enjoying the serenity of the lagoon, very possibly more than if you were part of a big group tour that is sticking to a very tight schedule. Anyway, while on some tours drinks and snacks are offered, often it is suggested that you bring your own, as it’s almost better safe than sorry to bring a little something. Just in case. On occasion, you will discover floating vendors selling drinks and ice cream nearby.
Experiencing Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn)
After you soak in enough Blue Lagoon bliss, seemingly your tour then heads over to Zlatni Rat, and it’s basically time for one of Croatia’s most recognizable landmarks. Found near the town of Bol on the island of Brač, very possibly you’ve noticed the beach in photos – this is its trademark shape which shifts with the tides and currents, appearing different pretty much every time you see it. You can easily spend hours sunbathing, swimming, or doing water sports. It’s almost certain that windsurfing is popular there due to favorable wind conditions. This location, basically has places to rent equipment on the beach, which, therefore, gives travelers a shot at windsurfing or paddleboarding without dragging all the gear.
The area that surrounds Zlatni Rat is very gorgeous with pine forests providing welcoming shade from the summer sun, yet almost watch out for those pesky pine needles! It has little bars and restaurants nearby, too, as I was saying, that allow you to grab a bite or a cool drink. This helps when you are tired of all of that tanning! Keep in mind that the beach is pebble which might be unpleasant to some, but that usually the views more than compensate for it. Beach shoes might be recommended, yet that relies upon your tolerance of walking on the pebbles.
Is a Private Tour Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Let’s be real – private boat tours typically don’t come low-priced. Still, it’s almost about gauging if the benefits that are given match the price for you, to be honest. One huge plus of booking privately gives your group customization, that might just mean you get to change your itinerary depending upon your likings and what feels right at the time. Feeling like lingering longer in the Blue Lagoon? Often, when it’s possible the skipper might, very probably, allow more time. Wishing to find a secret cove for a swim away from most of the crowds? Quite a number of skippers can basically offer that option. These things provide an experience much more designed for you versus going on a predetermined tour with many others.
As a matter of fact, the personal level of service that one expects to get on a private tour basically justifies the expense. It’s quite a plus for families traveling with young children and it is easier to take bathroom breaks and make any nap schedules and any snack demands. It could be beneficial to those wanting a very memorable experience as you won’t have to think as much of what anyone else needs or wants and very possibly you just might have all of the space to completely chill. So the list basically looks like this, almost: Flexibility, personalized attention, convenience, a customized experience which all contribute to a higher ticket cost than standard group tours. Is this the type of treatment and set of bonuses that you value in particular? It might well then be worth the money.
Now the downsides of these kinds of excursions often includes the fact that it has an elevated upfront cost and often means doing your assignment checking credible tour operators that will match all that you need. One way is that maybe one of these might not be suitable for you assuming that you like mixing and mingling. In this type of setting, interaction with the locals will have to be an effort made from your side and you might lose out on connecting with individuals from many countries! When you’re one for being with others from many locations, these outings may or may not fit your vibe!
Making the Most of Your Private Boat Adventure
When you do book your private boat, you may want to optimize the day trip. Talking, frankly, can’t hurt, with the tour operator or skipper when you book, just to get that trip the most fitting your requests. Planning to concentrate on snorkeling? Ask for good locations and snorkeling. Traveling with kids? Get reassurance, therefore, that there will be proper safety things. Need drinks or snacks on-board? Enquire, so that, if this will be the situation you don’t need to make it a goal to make further shopping before sailing off to start your sailing fun! To be honest, also, so pack accordingly.
Of course sunblock, hats, as well as shades need to be essential to basically combat that Mediterranean sun. Of course taking a beach towel needs no brainpower, very possibly, so you don’t damage whatever the seats are created with! Having an extra set of clothes also might not hurt as getting totally immersed comes as one part of having that much desired enjoyment when going around the island! Capture it all, that means bringing an underwater camera with it if water activities is on your radar and have it all chronicled.
If weather isn’t to your benefit you may need to just roll with this, that does come included too. Confirm and check with your tour operator regarding cancellation policy or in case weather hinders safe trips you may just have something going to be pre-negotiated for everyone’s interests in view! This may simply ruin it if the conditions do not align with what you are dreaming it to be!
Essential Packing List
To totally ensure you’re well-equipped for this trip here’s some of that you want to bring along with it!
- Sun protection: Therefore it needs to be sunblock, shades, in that case this must be to guard you well.
- Swimwear: You need swimsuits to benefit from the blue water!
- Beach towel: So you don’t hurt anything else, therefore, this can be really just to rest everywhere!
- Comfortable clothing: Then you might want something easy that enables easy movement at this time.
- Water shoes: As noted these are what to use when walking on beach or gravel spots
- Snacks and drinks: Usually those are things needed particularly if anything wasn’t available that day.
- Waterproof camera: A good way of getting amazing photos to immortalize all memories you have.
Final Thoughts: Is the Private Boat Tour From Split a “Yes” or a “Maybe”?
At the close of day, as a matter of fact, the judgement to spend on something or not often relies to you, so make the trip from Split just what gets those memories produced when exploring the Adriatic treasure! If flexibility along with tailored luxury just goes just like the type that’s right there to offer as well as that potential freedom just sounds of benefit and it is a total thing of interest it will definitely pay off, that may, potentially, deliver those dream vacation! Take with care. Weigh everything up according with what you really feel what you desire on such a day as you basically prepare for experiencing and creating timeless and awesome vacation memories in Croatia!