The long-awaited and much anticipated UberBOAT is finally launched in Croatia!

Today (June the 30th, 2017) in Split, Uber officially launched UberBOAT as an on-demand service, which will be available during the summer months in Croatia. Uber users will be able to request a speedboat in Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik at the tap of a button through the Uber app, thus obtaining transportation from the coast to one of the islands as well as half-day or full-day adventures around the islands. The goal of the service is to provide all users with a unique, reliable and safe transportation at sea, with the unique experience of requesting on-demand speedboat service.

UberBOAT has already been featured by several influential international media publications, including American Architectural Digest, British Independent and Metro, and German Bild and the influential internet portal Welt. Uber’s new service has also been recognized by the American Thrillist, whose video on social media featuring UberBOAT was viewed by as many as 2.7 million people while at the same time amassing over 14,000 comments and 11,000 shares.

“We want to offer a safe and straightforward service for our riders, as well as for numerous foreign and domestic tourists in Croatia. By launching UberBOAT, we aim to provide a new way of exploring and traveling around the Croatian coast, thus significantly contributing to the development of Croatian tourism. Furthermore, I am pleased with the fact that we are launching this service at a time when, globally, Uber just exceeded five billion rides, which is an increase of three billion over the past eleven months. This shows just how much our riders want Uber and inspires us to continually work on new and innovative solutions,” said Davor Tremac, General Manager of Uber in Croatia and Southeast Europe.

UberBOAT offers two separate services, transfer from the coast to nearby islands and vice versa, and half-day or full-day adventures. The fare for the transfer from Split to Hvar (or the other way around) on an 8-passenger speedboat is HRK 2,600, while a larger, XL speedboat that can take up to 12 passengers costs HRK 3,300.

Also, riders can request a speedboat for a half-day or a full-day adventure around the nearby islands, where the price will depend on mileage and duration of the adventure.

Riders can define their own itineraries or organize an adventure based on suggested or most popular trips. The speedboat will be with them for as long as they wish, whether they are visiting famous sea caves or island-hopping. With this service, the boat trip ends at the point of departure, on the same day of departure. UberBOAT does not provide the option to spend the night on the boat, or the option to rent the boat without its captain – the service always entails the presence of a captain and a sailor.

“I’m thrilled that Croatia was the first to get UberBOAT. I think it’s a great service both for the locals and the tourists. It will allow them to reach their desired destinations faster and simpler, and bring us more work and reliable earnings. Many people have already heard about the service. Locals and foreigners alike are asking about transfers and trips, so I think this is going to be a good season with UberBOAT,” said Said Hadžiarapović, one of the many captains working on the Uber platform.

Both services provide much needed mobility options for locals and tourists. As of today, they will all have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Croatian coast, coupled with the comfort and convenience they have come to expect from the Uber app. Moreover, riders will be able to use the Uber’s Split Fare feature, which will allow them split the cost of the boat with fellow riders.

Here’s how UberBOAT works:

1. Open the Uber app and enter your desired island destination

2. Select BOAT* or BOATXL** from the menu

3. Your boat captain will contact you for further arrangements

4. Upon confirmation, riders will be directed to the nearest pickup point

* UberBOAT is for up to 8 passengers

** UberBOATXL is for up to 12 passengers

UberBOATs are speedboats available in two sizes, accommodating up to eight or twelve passengers. All service providers are licensed boat captains and hold valid licences for occasional commercial maritime transportation.

Happy commuting!