Dalmatia with kids by boat is an easy way to see the islands. Dalmatia is the coast of Croatia around the city of Split. A private boat is calm and simple for families. You do not wait in a long queue, and you leave when you are ready. This guide shows the best islands for children, how long each trip takes, and what to bring.

Why a private boat works well for families

Children get tired and hungry fast. A big ferry has queues, crowds and fixed times. A private boat is different. It leaves from Split when your family is ready. The trip is short. The cabin is closed, so wind and sun are not a problem.

You also get a skipper who knows the sea. He can choose a calm route and a quiet bay for a swim stop. Ask us about this when you book.

Which island is best for children?

Choose a short trip first. The closer the island, the easier the day. Šolta is a small, green island 30 minutes from Split. Brač is a larger island with sandy and pebble beaches. Hvar is famous for its old town and lavender, but the trip is longer.

Private boat travel time from Split, in minutes.

Ferry or private boat with children?

For a family of four to ten people, a private boat gives you speed and comfort. See the details and book on our Split to Šolta taxi boat page.

Cosa portare

Bring sun cream, hats, water and snacks. Bring a change of clothes for each child. Wear shoes that do not slip. Tell us the ages of your children when you book, so we can prepare the boat.

A simple family day plan

Here is an easy plan for a day on an island with children. You can change all the times. The boat leaves when you are ready, so you do not run for a ferry.

• Morning: Meet the skipper in Split. We agree the meeting point when you book.
• About 30–55 minutes later: Arrive on the island. Swim first, while the sea is calm and the sun is not too strong.
• Midday: Eat lunch in the shade. Most island villages have a small restaurant by the sea.
• Early afternoon: Rest time. Small children often sleep after lunch.
• Late afternoon: A second swim or an ice cream in the harbour.
• Evening: Go back to Split and be home before dinner. Ask us about a return trip on the same day.

Consiglio dello skipper: Book the morning boat. The sea is usually calmest before noon, and the children are fresh and happy.

Family beaches on each island

Šolta: Nečujam is a big, quiet bay on the north side of Šolta, the small island closest to Split. The water is calm, and pine trees give shade.

Brač: Supetar is the main ferry town on Brač, the large island across the sea from Split. Its town beaches are pebble, and many parts get deep slowly, so they work well for small children. Zlatni Rat is the famous long pebble beach near Bol, a town on the south side of Brač. It is very beautiful, but it can be windy in the afternoon. See times and prices on our Split to Brač taxi boat page.

Hvar: Hvar town is the main town on Hvar island. It has an old square, a harbour and many ice cream shops. The beaches near the town are mostly rocks, so bring water shoes for the children. For prices, see our Pagina dei taxi boat da Split a Hvar.

When is the best time to go with kids?

June and September are good months for families. The days are warm but not too hot, and the islands are less busy. The sea near Split is about 22°C in June, about 25°C in August and about 23°C in September. July and August are the hottest months. In these months, swim in the morning and stay in the shade at midday.

Seasickness and safety tips

Most short trips from Split are calm. If your child feels sick on boats, sit in the middle of the boat, because it moves less there. Look at the horizon, not at a phone. Give a light snack before the trip, not a big meal. Ask us about life jackets in children’s sizes when you book. Always watch your children when they are on deck.

Older children may enjoy a longer trip to the Blue Cave. It is a sea cave on Biševo, a small island near Vis, where the water shines bright blue. Read our Guida alla Grotta Azzurra before you go.

Where to go next

Read our ranking of the best islands from Split. Compare ferry and boat on the Split to Brač guide, or see the Split to Hvar guide. Prices are explained in our Guida ai prezzi dei taxi acquatici. Ready to plan? Contact us for a quote.

Domande frequenti

Is a water taxi safe for small children?

Yes, if you plan well. Tell us the ages of your children when you book. The skipper can then plan the trip, the speed and the stops for your family.

What is the best island near Split for a family day trip?

Šolta is the closest. It is about 30 minutes from Split by private boat. The bays are calm and quiet, so it is easy for small children.

Can we bring a stroller or a baby seat on a private boat?

Please ask us when you book. Space depends on the boat and the group size. We confirm the details before the trip.

How much does a family boat transfer cost?

In 2026 a private boat costs €250 to €450 to Šolta, €270 to €900 to Brač and €370 to €900 to Hvar. The price is per boat, not per person.

Is a private boat cheaper than the ferry for a family?

For two people, the ferry is cheaper. For a group of 4 to 10 people, the price per person can be close, and the boat is faster and leaves when you want.

What if the weather is bad on the day?

Our closed-cabin boats have radar and sail when many catamarans cancel. The skipper decides about safety. If we cannot sail, we tell you early.

What should we bring for children on the boat?

Bring sun cream, hats, water, snacks and a change of clothes. Bring something light to cover shoulders, because the sun on the sea is strong.

What is the best month to visit the Split islands with kids?

June and September are best for most families. The weather is warm, the sea is about 22 to 23°C, and the beaches are less busy than in July and August.

How can I stop my child getting seasick on a boat?

Sit in the middle of the boat, look at the horizon and avoid phones. Give a light snack before the trip. Short trips, like Split to Šolta, are the easiest start.