By the Dalmatia Express crew — skippers running the Split–island routes daily, 24/7. Updated July 2026.

People ask why a James Bond film crew and businessman Mate Rimac are named as our clients. Is it just advertising? The names matter less than the reasons. A private boat transfer Split booking needs six things: privacy, a boat that sails when ferries do not, being on time, service 24/7, local knowledge, and one person who handles the plans. These six things make a trusted Split water taxi. That is the real subject here, not the famous names.

Why demanding clients choose a private, closed-cabin water taxi

We want to be clear. Dalmatia Express says on its own website that a James Bond film crew and Mate Rimac have used the service. We repeat this as the company’s own claim. We cannot check it ourselves, so we will not invent dates, quotes, or details. What we can explain is the standard a boat operator must meet before a demanding client books again. Film crews in Split and Dubrovnik (the historic walled city in the far south of Croatia) move cast and equipment between islands every summer. Their schedule is fixed, and a shoot day does not move because the sea is rough. The boat must be the reliable part of the plan.

Discretion, safety, and reliability

A closed-cabin private boat is private by design. You share the cabin with no one. There is no public departure board and no passenger list with your name on it. Some people do not want to be photographed boarding a public catamaran (a fast passenger boat). For them, this matters more than any luxury. This is also why we do not publish client trips or details.

Safety is tested every season. Fast catamarans on the Split–Hvar route (run by Jadrolinija and Krilo) are usually the first to stop in strong wind. Bura is a cold wind from the north-east. Jugo is a warm wind from the south-east. Big car ferries keep sailing longer. Our closed-cabin boats have radar and licensed skippers. They are the Great White 49, 39 and 35, and the Lolivul 9. They can sail in sea conditions that stop the catamarans. That is why we say: when the catamarans stop, we are often still sailing. We do have safety limits. We will tell you honestly and we will not push on.

Skipper’s tip: if your schedule cannot move, leave extra time on the same day. No crossing, public or private, is 100% sure. We will tell you plainly if the forecast looks risky for your time.

Reliability means doing the simple things well. If your flight lands late, we wait for you. This is part of the transfer and we do not charge extra for it. You never miss a fixed sailing, because there is none. Our contact page is the fastest way to get a clear answer about your timing.

Flexibility and local knowledge

Public transport takes you to a harbour. A private water taxi can take you to the dock nearest your villa or beach club, even at 3 a.m. We run 24/7. Our skippers use the same sea routes every day. They know which bays give shelter from each wind and which docks can take a boat of this size. So the group and its bags arrive without any worry about the sea. We talk directly with your assistant or group leader, so everyone just turns up.

Private taxi boat (Dalmatia Express): 55 minutes Split to Hvar, 24/7 on your schedule, door to door, and it sails when catamarans cancel. Airport pickup is available. See Split to Hvar taxi boat prices.

Does this sound like what your shoot day or business transfer needs? Send us a message on our contact page. Tell us the dates, group size and any time limits. We will give you a clear answer. If another plan suits you better, we will say so.

Where this shows up on an ordinary route

None of this is special to famous clients. A group on Split to Hvar needs the same closed-cabin reliability as a family landing at Split Airport for Hvar with a tight connection. The boat is the same for every client. It also works on longer trips. One example is a stop at the Blue Cave on Biševo (a sea cave with glowing blue light, on a small island next to Vis). Another is the longer Hvar to Dubrovnik trip, timed to your plan and not to a ferry table. For a full comparison of catamarans, car ferries and private boats on the main route, read our Split to Hvar ferry guide. This steady service built our name, long before any famous name was attached to it.

Skipper’s tip: if privacy matters, ask for a pickup and drop-off point away from the busy main harbour. Most islands have a quieter dock or marina a short walk from town. Name it when you ask for a price. It is easier than changing plans on the day.

See Hvar Town before you go

Frequently asked questions

Did Dalmatia Express really transport a James Bond production?

Dalmatia Express says this on its own website as a client reference. We found no independent proof of the film name or the dates. Treat it as the company’s own claim, not a confirmed fact. Judge the service on the points in this article.

Did Mate Rimac actually use this water taxi service?

This is also the company’s own claim about its clients. We cannot check it. We have seen no quote from Mr Rimac to repeat. We do not invent testimonials. We tell you what the company says and what we could confirm.

What makes a water taxi suitable for VIP or production clients?

A closed cabin for privacy. Radar and safety equipment for weather that stops fast catamarans. A licensed, experienced skipper. Service 24/7. Landing at a private dock, not only a public harbour. One person who handles pickups and plans.

How is a private boat transfer Split different from a shared catamaran?

A shared catamaran or ferry follows a fixed public timetable to a fixed harbour, with other passengers on board. A private transfer runs on your schedule and lands where it suits you. The price is per boat, not a low price per seat.

Can a private water taxi run when the ferries are cancelled?

Often, yes, within safe limits. Fast catamarans are usually cancelled first in strong bura or jugo wind. Closed-cabin boats with radar and experienced skippers can often keep sailing. Every skipper has a safety limit and should tell you if conditions are worse than that.

How far ahead should a production or VIP group book?

As early as you can, especially for large groups or a fixed start time. But we work 24/7 because plans change. Message us with your dates and needs. We will tell you honestly what is possible, including short notice.

Do you handle group logistics like luggage or multiple pickup points?

Yes. Planning pickups, bags and equipment is normal for a private transfer. It is easiest when one assistant or group leader confirms the details with us before the day.

Is a private water taxi worth it if I’m not a VIP or production client?

The boats, skippers and safety standard are the same for every client. Anyone with a tight schedule, a group, or a wish for a specific dock can get the same reliability. It is a question of value for the price, not of who you are.

Related guides

• Water taxi prices from Split — what a private water taxi from Split actually costs.
• 7-day island hopping from Split — a one-week route for hopping between islands from Split.
• Best islands from Split, ranked — our ranked list of the best islands to reach from Split.
• Split or Trogir to the Blue Lagoon — boat options to the Blue Lagoon, a calm swimming spot near Drvenik.

Sources & further reading

• Jadrolinija — Split–Hvar route information
• Krilo Fast Ferries — sailing schedule
• FILMCroatia — production services for international productions in Croatia