Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

Blue Lagoon is the star here, but this five-hour speedboat trip gives you more than a swim stop. You get pine trees and a beach bar on Čiovo, clear water for snorkeling, an hour in historic Trogir, and a lively ride along the Dalmatian coast.

I like the small group of no more than 12 and the sensible half-day length. I also like the balance of water time and sightseeing. The tradeoff is comfort: when the wind picks up, the boat can bounce, and the music may be too loud if you want quiet conversation.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different stops: Borkko Beach Bar for a relaxed seaside break, Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, and Trogir for stone streets and culture.
• A compact five-hour outing: You spend about an hour at each stop, with roughly 30 minutes on the boat in each direction.
• Small-group setting: The boat holds up to 12 participants, which feels more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• A social boat atmosphere: Guides such as Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, and Ivan are often praised for friendly hosting, humor, music, and good safety habits.
• Bring your own basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Water is listed as included, though one recent booking reported not receiving it, so carrying a bottle is sensible.
• Weather matters: Strong wind can cancel the trip or change the first stop to Maslinica on Šolta Island.

Why this half-day boat trip works so well

Split is a fine base, but the best part of Dalmatia often begins once you leave the city waterfront. This outing gets you onto the Adriatic quickly and gives you three kinds of holiday in one morning or afternoon: a beach-club stop, a natural swimming area, and a historic town.

At $70 per person, the value depends on what you want from a boat trip. You are paying for the speedboat, skipper, guide, safety equipment, goggles, and five hours of transport and organized stops. Food and drinks cost extra, but the price is fair if you want several destinations without arranging ferries, taxis, and separate admissions.

I especially like the time design. You do not spend the whole day waiting for a single swimming stop, but you also are not rushed through a string of ten-minute photo breaks. Each destination gets about an hour, with two 30-minute boat rides framing the route. That makes this a good choice if you have only a few days in Split or want to keep an evening free.

The mood is informal. Music plays on board, guides offer some background about the places you pass, and the ride has a holiday feel rather than a formal lecture. Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, Ivan, Mateo, and other crew members are named in recent feedback, but your exact guide and skipper depend on the departure. Expect an English-speaking team and a friendly, lightly informative style.

Leaving Split for Čiovo Island

You meet at the Booker Travel Agency office, enter for check-in, and meet the guide before walking to the boat. The first ride takes about 30 minutes. From the water, you get broad views back toward Split and the coast, and the speed makes the distance feel short.

The boat is described as clean, spacious, and comfortable by several people who took the trip. That does not mean a luxury yacht. This is an open speedboat built for quick island transfers and outdoor views, so your seat will be exposed to sun, wind, spray, and the boat’s movement.

The ride can be smooth in calm conditions, but wind brings the expected bumps. A practical tip: hold on when the boat accelerates or crosses another boat’s wake, and keep loose items secure. One person also noted that the floor can become slippery, so take care when stepping on and off, especially in wet swimwear.

The boat is part of the entertainment. Music is a regular feature, and guides sometimes take requests. The volume has been praised as fun by many people, though one person found it too loud for conversation. If you want a quiet trip, this may not be your ideal format.

Borkko Beach Bar, pine trees and an easy first swim

The first stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo Island. You have about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, or simply sitting near the beach with a drink. The setting combines pale sand, pine trees, and a casual beach-bar atmosphere.

This stop works as a gentle introduction. You can get into the water early, dry off in the sun, or buy food and drinks before the next leg. Since food and drinks are not included, budget separately if you want refreshments here.

Borkko is not presented as a major cultural sight. Its appeal is the easygoing setting and the chance to settle into the day without a rigid program. If you prefer quiet coves and natural surroundings, the beach-bar element may feel a little commercial. If you like having a cold drink and some facilities close by, it is a useful stop.

The exact first destination can change. In some seasons or weather conditions, the boat may visit Maslinica on Šolta Island instead of Borkko. That village offers a different kind of coastal atmosphere, so check the plan on the day rather than treating Borkko as guaranteed.

Blue Lagoon Bay is the main event

After Čiovo, the boat heads to Blue Lagoon. You get about an hour here, which is enough for a proper swim but not enough for a long, unhurried beach day. The water is the reason most people choose this outing: clear, turquoise, and inviting for swimming and snorkeling.

Goggles are provided, along with the boat’s safety equipment. The snorkeling is simple rather than a specialist marine excursion. You can look beneath the surface, see the underwater surroundings, and enjoy the color of the water, but the tour does not promise a guided wildlife experience or extensive snorkeling instruction.

I would plan to spend most of this hour in the water. The sundeck is available for sunbathing, and the views from the boat are lovely, but Blue Lagoon is best used as an active stop. Bring sunscreen and reapply it. The Dalmatian sun can be strong, and the boat offers limited shade compared with a larger vessel.

The timing is one of the tour’s strengths and its limitation. An hour gives you enough space to swim, use the goggles, and dry off without losing half the day. It will feel short if you want a long snorkel session, a relaxed lunch, and plenty of time on shore. People who want a full-day island experience may prefer a longer sailing trip.

For less confident swimmers, the crew’s attitude matters. Several comments praise the guides for checking that everyone felt safe and comfortable. Still, you should be comfortable entering open water, and you should follow the skipper’s instructions. This is not a pool excursion with a formal swimming lesson.

Trogir brings history into the day

The final destination is Trogir, a historic city and harbor built on a small island. UNESCO protects it because of its cultural importance and old architectural fabric. Here, the pace changes from swimming and music to walking through stone lanes, looking at old buildings, and taking in the harbor.

You have about one hour for sightseeing. That is enough to get a taste of Trogir, see its compact center, and enjoy the Central Dalmatian setting. It is not enough for a detailed museum visit or a slow meal. If Trogir is a major reason for your trip, plan a separate visit with more time.

This is also where the tour feels most like a sampler. The stop gives you context beyond beaches and blue water, which is valuable if you are trying to understand the region rather than simply spend a day at sea. Some people would gladly trade a few minutes at the beach for more time among Trogir’s historic streets, so keep your expectations realistic.

The harbor setting also makes a good final stop. After the active water time, you can walk, take photos, and cool down before returning to the boat. The ride back to Split takes around 30 minutes and gives you another chance to see the coast from the water.

Guides, music, and the feel on board

The crew shapes this experience. Names connected with recent departures include Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, Ivan, Mateo, Domagoj, Lorenzo, Sanja, and Bepo. Assignments change, but the pattern is clear: expect an English-speaking guide and skipper team that mixes safety instructions with jokes, music, and short explanations.

Linda has been praised for taking photos with a professional camera, so it is worth asking if photography is available on your departure. Do not assume every guide offers this service, but it can be a nice bonus if you want pictures without handing your phone to another passenger.

The most effective style here is not a nonstop history talk. The crew generally gives useful information, then lets you enjoy the ride. That suits a beach-and-boat outing. If you want long lectures at every stop, choose a dedicated cultural tour instead.

Music creates a friendly group mood, especially on the faster stretches between islands. It can also make conversation harder. Think of this as a sociable excursion, not a silent cruise. If you are traveling with friends, that may be exactly the right tone.

Comfort, safety, and practical limits

The small group is a major advantage. With a maximum of 12 people, boarding feels less crowded, and the guide can keep an eye on the group at swim stops. Make one joint reservation if you are traveling with friends or family. Separate bookings do not guarantee placement on the same boat.

The ride is not suitable for everyone. The operator advises against it for children under five, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people with back or mobility problems. People with medical conditions should also think carefully before booking. The speedboat can move sharply in wind, and getting in or out requires some physical ease.

Strong wind can cancel the outing. If that happens, you can receive a full refund, move to another date, or exchange the booking for another available trip. Weather can also affect the route, including a switch from Borkko to Maslinica.

Pack lightly, since space on a speedboat is limited. Your essentials are:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A secure phone pouch or small waterproof bag
• Drinking water, as a backup despite water being listed as included

Wear something that can get wet. Avoid carrying loose hats, scarves, or bags that could blow away during the ride. You should also expect sun exposure during both the boat journey and the stops.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times before booking, since the five-hour length can affect dinner plans and other activities.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a lively introduction to the Split area without committing a full day. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy small groups, and families with older children who are comfortable on a speedboat.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You want swimming and snorkeling but also want to see a historic town.
• You prefer a small boat to a large ferry or crowded excursion vessel.
• You like music and a social atmosphere.
• You have limited time in Split.
• You value organized transport between several coastal stops.
• You are happy with one hour in Trogir rather than a full historical tour.

I would think twice if you need a gentle, stable boat, a quiet ride, lots of shade, or a long visit at any one destination. It is also not the best choice if Trogir is your main interest. You will only get a quick look at the town.

Should you book the Split Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

For $70, this is a strong value for a five-hour outing that combines three distinct experiences. The Blue Lagoon swim is the highlight, but Borkko adds a relaxed beach setting and Trogir gives the day cultural weight. You get a lot of variety without spending an entire day away from Split.

Book it if you want a well-paced, social coastal trip with a small group and a crew that keeps the tone friendly. Skip it if you dislike bumpy rides, loud music, or short sightseeing stops. The best practical approach is to reserve on a calm-weather day, bring your own water and sun protection, and treat Trogir as a brief introduction rather than the main attraction.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Booker Travel Agency office. Enter the office for check-in and to meet your guide.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours. The outward and return speedboat rides take about 30 minutes each.

How many people are on the boat?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

Which places does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo Island, Blue Lagoon Bay, and the historic town of Trogir.

Could the first stop change?

Yes. Depending on the season and weather, the tour may visit Maslinica on Šolta Island instead of Borkko Beach Bar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Goggles and safety equipment are included. The tour does not include food or drinks.

Is water included?

Water is listed among the inclusions. Since one booking reported not receiving it, carrying your own bottle is a sensible precaution.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. A secure bag for personal items is also practical on a moving boat.

Is the speedboat ride bumpy?

It can be. Wind may make the ride bumpy, and strong wind can lead to cancellation or a route change.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with mobility concerns?

It is not recommended for children under five, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back problems, or people with mobility or other medical conditions.