Marlin 23

The Marlin 23 is a premium Italian-built RIB, 7.4 metres with a 200 HP outboard, and she is the boat that makes the distant islands a day trip. At a cruising speed of 25 knots Vis is about half an hour from Hvar, Bol and the Golden Horn forty minutes, and the Blue Cave on Biševo under an hour. She always comes with a professional skipper.

A RIB is the right tool for this sea. The deep-V hull cuts through chop that would slow a conventional boat, the inflatable collar makes her exceptionally stable at rest and soft against a quay, and the oversized fuel tank gives her the range for a full day to Vis and back. That is why the Marlin 23 runs every tour we offer, from the two-hour Romantic Sunset Cruise to the full-day Blue Cave & Island Vis.

Up to nine guests have room to spread out. There is a large convertible sunlounge in the bow, a matching one aft that turns into seating for lunch under way, a generous bimini for shade, a bathing ladder, a Bluetooth sound system and a cooler stocked with drinks. It is comfortable for a family with children and just as good for a group of friends who want music and a swim stop every half hour.

Because she comes with a skipper, nobody needs a licence and nobody has to think about anchoring, weather or where to eat. Your skipper grew up on these islands, knows which bays are empty at which hour, and will shape the day around you: tell us where you would like to go, or let us suggest the best route for the conditions. Half-day, full-day and custom itineraries are all possible, and pick-up can be at our dock or anywhere along the Hvar waterfront.

If you are choosing between our two Marlins, the 23 is the better value for groups up to eight or nine; the 790 Pro is newer, faster and seats ten.