Split to Plitvice Lakes: Private Day Trip with Boat Ride

Summary

Plitvice’s blue-green lakes and waterfalls on a private day from Split

You’ll wander wooden walkways above crystal-clear lakes, feel mist from roaring waterfalls on your skin, and share stories with a local guide who knows every twist in Plitvice Lakes’ trails. Includes pickup from Split, a scenic drive through Croatia’s countryside, a panoramic boat ride across lower lakes, and time to let it all sink in.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll probably get wet,” our guide Luka grinned as we stepped off the minibus at Plitvice Lakes, and he wasn’t kidding. The air was cool but not cold, kind of that in-between weather where you’re never sure if you need your jacket or not. We’d left Split early (I almost forgot my phone at the hotel — classic), but once we were rolling through those rolling green hills, it felt like the city was ages away. Luka stopped for coffee halfway, which honestly saved me — Croatian coffee is strong and dark, and I’m still thinking about that first sip in the roadside café.

The park itself is sort of unreal. You hear the water before you see it — this constant rushing sound under the trees. We started walking along these wooden paths over the upper lakes, and I kept stopping to look down because the water was so clear it made my head spin. Luka pointed out some local names for the lakes (I tried repeating “Prošćansko jezero” and failed spectacularly — he laughed but didn’t judge). There were families with strollers, older couples, people just quietly taking it all in. The smell of damp leaves stuck to my shoes.

We took a little boat across to the lower lakes — you could feel the mist on your face as we got closer to that huge waterfall (78 meters, apparently, though it looks even bigger when you’re right there). My shoes got soaked but I didn’t care; everyone was just standing there watching the spray rise up against those steep cliffs. Luka told us about how the river Korana starts right under those falls — I’d never realized rivers could just begin like that, out of nowhere. The whole place feels ancient and alive at once.

I keep thinking about how quiet it got sometimes between groups passing by — just birds and water and that soft crunch of gravel underfoot. We ended up back at the van a little muddy and tired, but happy, swapping stories with Luka about his favorite spots in Croatia (he swears by some tiny beach near Makarska). If you’re looking for a day trip from Split that actually sticks with you after you leave, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park

• Depart from Split in the morning
• Enjoy scenic 3-hour countryside drive
• Stop for morning coffee
• Walk through ancient woodlands of Upper Lakes
• Explore twelve Upper Lakes
• Take boat trip to Lower Lakes
• See impressive waterfalls at Lower Lakes
• Return to Split

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Split to Plitvice Lakes take?

The drive takes about 3 hours each way; expect a full-day tour including travel time.

Is there a guide during the Plitvice Lakes tour?

Yes, an expert local guide leads you through the park’s main paths.

Does this private tour include hotel pickup in Split?

The tour includes pickup in Split; confirm exact location when booking.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; there are stops for coffee and food along the way.

What’s included in this private Plitvice Lakes tour?

You get an air-conditioned vehicle transfer from Split, entry to Plitvice Lakes with your guide, and a panoramic boat ride inside the park.

How much walking is involved at Plitvice Lakes?

You should have moderate fitness; expect several hours walking along wooden paths and trails.

Can I bring my own snacks or drinks into Plitvice Lakes?

Yes, bringing your own snacks or water is fine; just remember to take any trash with you.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Split by air-conditioned vehicle, guided entry into Plitvice Lakes with plenty of stories along ancient woodland paths, plus a panoramic boat ride across the lower lakes before heading back in comfort late afternoon.