Half-Day Speedboat Tour from Split

As we slowly leave Split harbor, take a moment to look back at the city — this view tells the story of Split better than any postcard. Split is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the Adriatic coast, with a history stretching back more than 1,700 years. Its story begins when the Roman emperor Diocletian chose this coastline as the place to build his retirement palace. Over time, people moved into the palace itself, turning imperial walls into homes, streets, and squares — something almost unique in the world. Through centuries of Roman, medieval, Venetian, and later European rule, Split never lost its bond with the sea. The Adriatic was the city’s lifeline: a source of food, trade, defense, and connection to the wider Mediterranean world. Today, Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the main gateway to the central Dalmatian islands. Ferries, fishing boats, cruise ships, and speedboats continue a maritime tradition thousands of years old. Croatia as a whole is deeply shaped by the sea. Despite being a relatively small country, it has one of the longest and most indented coastlines in Europe, with more than a thousand islands creating countless bays, channels, and natural harbors. The Adriatic Sea is known as one of the cleanest seas in Europe. Its rocky seabed, limited tides, and constant circulation keep the water exceptionally clear, often allowing visibility of several meters below the surface. Below the surface lives a rich but gentle marine world — small colorful fish, octopus hiding among rocks, sea urchins, and delicate coral-like formations. Dolphins are also frequent visitors, especially in quieter island areas. As we begin our journey today, we follow sea routes used for thousands of years by Roman ships, medieval traders, and local fishermen. Leave the city behind, breathe in the sea air, and let the Adriatic set the rhythm for the day.

This passage runs along the northern side of the channel, where the Kaštela coastline extends as a series of historic towns. Each town grew around a fortress that once protected the area from pirate raids and invaders. On the southern side lies Čiovo Island, known for its small villages, olive groves, and relaxed island character. This maritime corridor has been used for centuries and today offers calm, scenic waters and panoramic views of both islands and mainland settlements. Notice the combination of rocky coastlines, pine trees, and small harbor villages that make this area feel timeless.

Passing between Šolta to the south and Čiovo to the north, you notice the water shifting from deep blue in the open channel to turquoise closer to the islands. Šolta has remained largely untouched, with olive groves, vineyards, and stone villages that reflect centuries of agricultural life. The coastline is dotted with small bays and natural formations, creating a scenic backdrop for our journey. This section of sea is wide, peaceful, and ideal for observing the natural rhythm of the Adriatic without rush. On the southern side, the pine-covered hills of Šolta rise gently from the shore, while to the north, Čiovo shows a mix of olive groves, small settlements, and pristine beaches.

Here we cruise with Drvenik Island on the southern side and Čiovo on the northern side. The waters are calm, shallow, and ideal for swimming. The light sandy seabed gives the sea its characteristic light blue tones. Surrounding islands remain sparsely developed, preserving the natural feeling of the Adriatic. Historically, this area has been a corridor for local fishermen and travelers, providing smooth waters and beautiful scenery. Notice the gentle hillsides and hidden bays that appear along both islands, a perfect preview of the stops ahead.