Split: Plitvice Lakes Private Tour & 78m Waterfall

The 78-Meter Waterfall & Sixteen Lakes in One Day from Split

You're picked up from your Split hotel and driven to Plitvice Lakes National Park with a private guide and official entry included. You walk the Lower Lakes boardwalks, stand in front of the 78-meter Great Waterfall, and see the interconnected lake system without managing transport or tickets yourself. The full day (roughly nine to ten hours with travel) ends with hotel drop-off in the evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Guided tour of Lower Lakes
• See Great Waterfall
• Discover park's natural beauty

The experience

So yeah, the drive from Split takes about two hours, and honestly it's the kind of ride where you're not stuck on a tour bus with thirty other people. It's just you, your guide, and the air-conditioned car rolling through the Dalmatian hills. The guide knows the shortcuts and the timing, which means you're not wasting half the day figuring out which entrance to use or standing in a queue while everyone else is already on the boardwalks. Hotel pickup happens in the morning, and by the time you're actually walking into Plitvice Lakes National Park, you've already got context. The guide has been talking about what makes this place different from every other waterfall you've seen.

The Lower Lakes are where the real moment hits. You're walking along wooden platforms that hang right over the water, and then you round a corner and there's the Great Waterfall: 78 meters of water just dropping straight down, and it's loud in a way that photographs don't capture. The mist comes up and the light hits it differently depending on the time of day, and your guide is pointing out the limestone formations and explaining how the whole system works, the way the water cascades from one lake into the next. It's not a quick photo stop. You've got time to actually stand there and let it sink in. The park itself is sixteen interconnected lakes, and the private tour means you're not rushing through it like you're checking boxes.

What makes this different from trying to do it yourself is that the logistics just disappear. Entry fees, transport, knowing which walking routes are actually worth your time, timing it so you're not hiking in the heat of the afternoon. All of that is already solved. The guide handles it. You show up at your hotel, get picked up, and the next thing you're thinking about is what you're seeing, not whether you're on the right path or if you've missed something. The drive back to Split gives you time to actually process it instead of being stressed about finding the parking lot or catching a bus.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Split.
• transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• private tour with an official guide.
• entry to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
• local taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Up to 8 per booking · Guide in English6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30

Up to 15 per booking · Guide in English6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 08:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Pelican Tours Split

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Plitvice Lakes without arranging your own transport, buying separate entry tickets, or navigating the park alone: the private guide and included pickup handle all of that, leaving you free to focus on the waterfall and the lakes themselves.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the drive from Split to Plitvice Lakes?

About two hours each way by car.

What time does the tour start?

Hotel pickup happens in the morning. Confirm the exact time when you book.

Is entry to Plitvice Lakes included?

Yes, park entry and the official guide are both included in the tour price.

How much walking is involved?

You'll walk the Lower Lakes on wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms. Moderate fitness is recommended. The paths are well-maintained but involve some uneven terrain and stairs.

What should I bring?

Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a light jacket. The mist from the waterfall can make things damp, so layers help.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not mentioned in the tour inclusions. Plan to bring snacks or eat at the park's facilities.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?

The boardwalks are accessible in sections, but there are stairs and uneven surfaces. Discuss any concerns with the operator when booking.

What's the weather like in Plitvice?

It varies by season. Bring layers and waterproof gear, especially near the waterfalls where mist is common.