Ferry travel from Split to Dubrovnik

I never took a car on the ferry, but I have taken both the car ferry and the more frequent catamarans (see Krilo and Jadrolinija websites for schedules).
Whether to take a car to an islands depends on how long you will be there--to me it is rarely worth the inconvenience.
I would probably drive down the coast versus taking the long ferry ride, then enter Korcula at Orebic.
Be sure your rental company allows cars on ferry.

Just how much time are planning on spending on Korcula? If it’s just a couple days that can get taken up within arms reach of Korcula town pretty easy. If you want to check out Lumbarda and the wine country there, there’s multiple ways to go about it without needing a car.

Assuming you’re traveling in season, I vote to ditch the car at first opportunity. The ferries are relatively fast, comfortable and affordable. It’s a travel convenience to take advantage of. While I think there’s some local connections from Split to Hvar, the big ferry companies run routes that go from Split-Hvar-Korcula-Pomena?-Dubrovnik. So it’s possible to see Hvar without having to backtrack, you’d just have to stow your bags somewhere. And if you’re spending time in Korcula, a stop in Hvar is debatable. There’s some sightseeing overlap there.

Thanks for the speedy responses. We will be in Split- Dubrovnik the first week of June so not exactly peak season yet, or is it?
Per Rick Steves book, the car ferry from Split to Korkula is just as fast as driving the scenic coastal highway. And the idea of being on the beautiful water via ferry ( more than once) has serious appeal. Likely just spending 1 night in Korkula town. The peninsula looks interesting with wineries; I have FOMO if we’re on a bus. But then a bus is more relaxing…… looking forward to one responses.

I am not frugal, but for one night it is not worth the expense. Plus having to queue for a ferry gives me anxiety.
If you would have time to stop at vineyards or the wall at Ston, then maybe.
The car ferry arrives at Vela Luka, and then you drive across to Korcula, just FYI.
The views are definitely gorgeous, so it's really just what works for you.
Maybe skip Hvar so you can have two nights on Korcula?

First week of June ought to be great! The real “season” doesn’t kick in until July, but everything will be in gear then. On the subject of the wineries… I went to Lumbarda and its wineries for a day. I rented an e-bike. It was a pretty pleasant ride out there, mostly on a path and light traffic regardless. You can also rent scooters and there were open-air tram-style carriages that offered winery trips. It was a nice day. I went to a couple wineries, ate some delicious fresh plates with the wine and enjoyed scenery. I was glad I did it but it wasn’t game-breaking stuff.

Just to kind of set expectations: The wine itself is… fine. They have a very old and proud viniculture, but it’s also rather limited. They basically make the same three wines: Grk (white), a red, and then a blend of the two. Higher end varieties are tough for them to profit off of (they have to import oak barrels.) Are there better, more varied winery options on the Peninsula? Perhaps, but I got the impression that this is kind of what they did here (and well, I should add. I really liked the Grk.)

Thanks for the info about bike rental for getting to the winery on Korkula. I assume you were staying in Korkula when you did this? We really like being out in the countryside to see the landscape, rural homes, etc. and stop randomly when something appeals. All your input is much appreciated.

Yeah, there was a place right outside the old town entrance for rentals and I’m sure there’s other outfits around. Just fyi, there’s a couple water taxi services that run to some nearby little islands and out to Lumbarda (though it’s a long walk to any wineries from the town.) The nearby island of Badija is covered with pine trees and a great place for a swim. There’s black deer hanging out at the dock like it’s a petting zoo. Croatia is awesome this way, plenty to do and plenty of ways to do it. They really make it easy on you as a tourist.