From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best thing about this Split outing is the mix: fast open-water travel, two chances to swim, and an hour in handsome old Trogir. You cover a lot without arranging ferries or taxis, and the small boat keeps the day personal. I like the easy half-day length and the chance to jump from sightseeing into clear Adriatic water.

I also like that water and snorkeling goggles are included, and that the boat carries no more than 12 people. The trade-off is a real one: a speedboat can be bumpy, the Blue Lagoon may be crowded, and some reports raise serious concerns about driving and life-jacket procedures. Ask safety questions before you cast off.

Key points before you book

• Three distinct stops: Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, Krknjasi Bay at the Blue Lagoon, and historic Trogir.
• Five hours is the sweet spot: You get swimming and sightseeing without giving up a full day in Split.
• Small group format: The advertised maximum is 12 people, though private-tour arrangements should be confirmed carefully.
• Trogir is the cultural highlight: Its compact old center offers a welcome change from beach time.
• Expect a bumpy ride: This is a speedboat, not a gentle sightseeing cruise.
• Safety deserves direct attention: Life jackets and driving behavior have been praised by some and questioned by others.

Why this half-day trip works from Split

At $72.56 per person, this tour sits in the reasonable middle for a boat outing that combines transport, several stops, water, and basic snorkeling gear. You are paying for the speed as much as the scenery. A standard boat or ferry would take longer and leave you to organize connections, while this tour links the stops in one neat outing.

The five-hour length is another strength. A morning departure around 9:30 can return you to Split before mid-afternoon, leaving time for Diocletian’s Palace, lunch, or an evening walk along the waterfront. Longer island cruises may offer more beach time, but they can eat most of your day.

I would choose this for a first visit to Split if you want a quick taste of the coast rather than a full beach day. You get water, islands, a small town, and a lively ride in one package. The price is harder to justify if you dislike speed, want long swims, or expect a detailed guided tour at every stop.

The advertised group limit is 12. That is small enough for a more relaxed feel than a large excursion boat, although the experience can still depend heavily on the crew and the exact boat assigned. Some visitors praised captains and guides by name, including Simon, Domagoj, Bepo, Luka, Sarah, and Dome. That is useful encouragement, but it does not guarantee which crew you will receive.

Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo

Your first stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, an island connected to the Trogir area. Pine trees frame the beach, and the bar gives you an easy place to buy a drink, sit in the shade, or take a quick swim.

This stop is less about major sightseeing and more about settling into the day. After leaving Split, you can stretch your legs, cool off, and get used to the boat rhythm. The planned stay is about one hour, so think of it as a relaxed beach break rather than a long coastal visit.

The beach bar is one of the more practical parts of the trip because food and drinks are not included elsewhere in the price. Bring payment for anything you want to buy. Water is included, but you should not count on a provided meal.

The main limitation is time. One hour passes quickly if you want to swim, order a drink, and walk around. If your group includes children or anyone who needs extra help getting in and out of the water, ask the crew about the exact landing point before leaving the boat.

Krknjasi Bay and the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon section takes you to Krknjasi Bay on the east coast of Veli Drvenik. The water is clear and striking, and this is the stop built for swimming and snorkeling. Goggles are supplied, along with the boat’s safety equipment and water.

I would set your expectations sensibly. The color of the water is the main attraction, not a full reef experience. One account described only a few fish and damaged coral, while another noted that the masks were useful for spotting small fish but that there was not much underwater life. Bring the goggles, but do not book this as a serious snorkeling trip.

The exact way you enter the water matters. Some departures anchor offshore and let you jump or climb directly from the boat into clearer water. Other passengers have been taken to a crowded or dirty beach and asked to swim roughly 15 minutes for a much shorter time on shore. Local anchoring rules and conditions may affect the arrangement, so ask the skipper where you will enter the water.

The lagoon can also be crowded. Several boats may gather in the same attractive bay, particularly in good weather. You may get a beautiful swim, but you should not expect a private cove.

The stop lasts about one hour. That gives you enough time for a swim and a little snorkeling, but not a leisurely beach afternoon. A waterproof phone pouch, towel, sunscreen, and sandals will make this part easier. The boat can be slippery after swimmers climb back aboard, so take your time and use the available handholds.

Trogir is the tour’s best change of pace

Trogir gives the outing its historical center. Founded by Greek colonists in the third century B.C., the compact town is known for Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Its nickname, Stone Beauty, makes sense once you begin walking through the old streets.

You receive about one hour here. That is enough to stroll, see the main lanes, take photos, and stop for a quick meal or drink. It is not enough for a slow museum visit or a careful look at every church and stone courtyard.

I like the order of the experience when Trogir comes after the swim stops. You finish with a walk through old stone streets instead of returning to Split sunburned and wet. Some schedules may place Trogir first, so confirm the order when you meet the crew.

Trogir is also where the food issue becomes important. Meals are not included, and this is the most natural stop for buying lunch. With only an hour, choose a quick option rather than settling into a long restaurant meal. If you want more time in Trogir, a dedicated half-day visit by bus or taxi would suit you better.

Several people considered Trogir the high point of the day, while others wished they had more time there. That split tells you exactly what to expect: the town is worth seeing, but this boat trip only gives you a brief introduction.

The speedboat ride is part of the attraction

You cover distance quickly because the boat is designed for speed. That makes it possible to combine Čiovo, Veli Drvenik, and Trogir in about five hours, but it also creates the main comfort issue.

On calm water, the ride can be exciting and smooth enough. Some boats have padded space at the stern for sunbathing, and music may be played during the journey. On a windy day, the same boat can pound over waves. One departure was described as very choppy and uncomfortable, while another was praised for being fast without feeling too rough.

This is not a good match for someone seeking a quiet cruise. It may also be a poor choice if you are pregnant, have back or neck problems, or dislike sudden motion. The provider specifically warns that the tour is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues because sea conditions can be bumpy.

Seasickness is not predictable. One passenger who usually gets sick at sea felt fine because the boat was moving quickly rather than rolling slowly, but rough weather can still make the ride unpleasant. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the crew recommends, watch the weather forecast, and carry your usual remedy.

Crew quality and safety need a closer look

The most warmly praised part of this experience is the crew. Friendly skippers and guides have helped with directions, explained the stops, checked on people during rough water, and kept the schedule moving. Simon and Domagoj were singled out for clear help and careful handling, while Bepo and Luka were praised on a family outing with children aged 7 to 11.

That said, the feedback is not consistent. A few accounts describe young crew members as careless, rude, or reckless. One serious complaint described two boats racing close together and crossing each other’s paths. Another account questioned why life jackets were not visible or readily offered.

The operator says life jackets and safety equipment are available, but some passengers were told they were for emergencies only. That is a poor fit for anyone who cannot swim. If a member of your group needs a flotation aid, say so before boarding and make sure the crew agrees on the plan.

I would not ignore this point simply because most ratings are positive. The overall score is 4.7 from 438 ratings, with 91 percent recommending the trip, but water safety matters more than a general score. At the meeting point, ask where the life jackets are stored, how boarding works, and what happens if conditions worsen.

You should also ask whether you are sharing the route with another boat from the same company. Some outings used two boats at the Blue Lagoon, which can be fine for group coordination, but the boats should maintain a safe distance and speed.

Boarding, comfort, and what to pack

The meeting point is Marulićeva ul. 4 in central Split, and the activity returns there. It is near public transportation, which makes the start simple if you are staying in or near the center.

The boat may not have a bathroom. One account also described a cramped older boat and difficult boarding across several other boats. That may not apply to every departure, but it is enough reason to use a restroom before leaving and avoid bringing bulky luggage.

Pack light. You will want:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sandals with a secure sole
• Dry clothing for the ride back
• Money for drinks and lunch
• Motion-sickness medicine if needed
• A waterproof case for your phone

Water and goggles are included. Food and other drinks are not. Keep valuables secured because you will move between swimming, sunbathing, and walking around Trogir.

The tour is marked as suitable for most people, but the boat itself creates the real access question. Getting on and off may require climbing, stepping between boats, or using a ladder. Ask about the exact boat if anyone in your party has limited mobility.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a lively coastal sampler and have only half a day. It is especially well suited to couples, older children who swim confidently, and anyone who values seeing several places without managing transport.

You will get the most from it if you see the stops as short introductions. The Blue Lagoon is for a refreshing swim, Beach Bar Borkko is for a casual break, and Trogir is for a quick look at an old stone town. None of the stops offers enough time for a full, unhurried visit.

I would look elsewhere if you want a calm boat, extensive snorkeling, a private experience, or a long stay in Trogir. I would also choose another operator if the crew cannot answer clear questions about life jackets and boat safety before departure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. That flexibility helps, since sea conditions make a real difference to comfort.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal day includes speed, swimming, and a quick historic stop. At $72.56, the combination is fair, especially if you value the time saved by moving directly between locations and like the small-group limit.

Before paying, confirm three things: the exact boat, the life-jacket policy, and how you will enter the Blue Lagoon. If those answers satisfy you, this can be a fun and efficient way to sample the islands from Split. If safety answers are vague, or if you want a gentle and spacious cruise, spend your money on a different boat experience.

FAQ

How long does the Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours and returns to the meeting point in Split.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Marulićeva ul. 4, 21000 Split, Croatia, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which places does the tour visit?

The planned stops are Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, Krknjasi Bay, also called the Blue Lagoon, on Veli Drvenik, and Trogir.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Water is provided, and you can buy food or drinks during the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Goggles are included. The tour also includes safety equipment.

How many people can join the speedboat?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, and one family used the tour with children aged 7 to 11. However, the provider does not recommend it for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues because the ride can be bumpy.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather cancels the tour, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the same options apply.