From Split: Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Trogir Speedboat Tour

Trogir’s stone lanes, the clear water of Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica’s small-island setting give this half-day speedboat tour a useful mix of culture and sea time. I like the compact route, and I like that you can see three very different corners of Dalmatia without arranging separate transport.

You get a fast, open-air ride, a UNESCO-listed old town, time to swim, and a final stop for a drink or seafood. The main drawback is the clock: one hour in Trogir can feel rushed, and the stop at Maslinica may leave little time for a proper meal.

Key points

• Trogir comes first: Explore the UNESCO-listed old town, cathedral, fortresses, gates, and stone squares with about one hour of free time.
• Blue Lagoon is the main swim stop: Snorkel in clear water, sunbathe from the boat, or use the pebble beach and nearby shore facilities.
• Maslinica finishes the route: Stop at this small fishing village on Šolta for swimming, a drink, local wine, or seafood.
• Small speedboat groups: Boats carry about 8 to 12 people, making the ride more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Good for a short stay in Split: The 270-minute schedule packs sightseeing and swimming into one outing.
• Plan for a brisk pace: Food and drinks are extra, and some time may feel too short, especially in Trogir and Šolta.

Three Dalmatian stops in 270 minutes

This outing works because it avoids a common Split problem: choosing between an old town and a beach day. In four and a half hours, you move from Romanesque-Gothic stonework to open Adriatic water, then finish in a small island settlement.

The speedboat is both transport and part of the experience. Boats carry about 8 to 12 people, so you are not dealing with the scale of a full sightseeing vessel. You can expect wind, engine noise, and changing views as Split falls behind. Bring sunglasses and secure anything loose.

The route is physically easy once you are aboard. You will climb into a boat, walk through Trogir’s stone streets, and swim if you choose. Still, this is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.

The ride from Split to Trogir

The tour begins at the booking stand near semiSUBMARINE Split. There is no hotel pickup, so allow time to reach the meeting point before departure.

The first speedboat ride takes about 30 minutes. I like this opening because you get a broad view of Split and the nearby islands before the historic sightseeing begins. It also gives you the feeling of leaving the city behind without spending half a day on a ferry.

The ride can be noisy, especially when the boat is moving quickly. One useful point from the experience is that spoken information may be hard to hear over the engine if the guide is facing away from the group. If explanations matter to you, sit where you can see the guide and ask questions when the boat slows or stops.

Trogir, the Stone Beauty

Trogir is the most substantial cultural stop. The old town sits on a small island and is known for its Romanesque-Gothic architecture, narrow stone streets, squares, and Venetian-era defenses.

With about one hour here, you should treat the visit as a focused walk, not a full museum day. Start with the cathedral of St. Lovro, whose portal was carved by Master Radovan in the 13th century. Even if you do not go inside, the cathedral is one of the town’s central sights and helps explain why Trogir has UNESCO World Heritage status.

Continue toward Fortress Kamerlengo at the western end of the islet. The fortress was built by the Venetians as a naval base and now serves as a multimedia center, open-air cinema, and cultural venue. You may also pass the Town Gate, Town Hall, Ćipiko Palace, and Trogir Museum.

The best part of this stop is simply walking. Trogir’s stone lanes are compact, and you can get a quick feel for the town without needing a complicated plan. The limitation is time. One hour is enough for a brisk circuit and photographs, but not enough for a slow lunch, several interiors, and relaxed shopping.

Food is not included. You can find restaurants serving traditional Dalmatian dishes, but the schedule may not leave enough time for a full meal. If Trogir is your priority, eat before the tour or plan a separate visit.

Blue Lagoon for clear water and easy swimming

After Trogir, the boat continues toward Blue Lagoon. The stated riding time varies by route description, from about 15 to 30 minutes, so the important point is that the next stop comes fairly soon.

This is the tour’s main water break. You can swim, use the provided snorkeling equipment, sunbathe on the boat, or walk onto the pebble beach framed by pine trees. The water is described as very transparent, which makes the stop suitable for simple snorkeling rather than demanding water activity.

I like the flexibility here. You do not have to snorkel to enjoy the stop. If you would rather float, sit in the sun, or stay aboard, the hour can still feel worthwhile. A nearby bar and coastal restaurant offer food and drinks, although those purchases are extra.

One practical point deserves attention: snorkeling equipment is included in the tour details, but one passenger reported that it was not offered during the outing. I would ask the crew about the equipment as soon as you board. Bring your own mask if snorkeling is important to you, or at least confirm that the gear is available before the boat leaves Split.

Do not expect a long beach day. The scheduled stop is about one hour, and the point is to sample the water rather than settle in for an afternoon. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel if you have one, and a change of clothes for the ride back.

Maslinica and the final hour on Šolta

The last stop is Maslinica, a small fishing village on the island of Šolta. It is surrounded by smaller islands and has a quieter feel than Split or Trogir.

This is a pleasant way to finish because the mood changes again. After the old town and the swimming stop, you can sit at a local bar, swim near the coast, or look for seafood and a glass of domestic wine. The village is known for marine cuisine and beaches, so it makes sense to use this stop for a drink or a light bite if the timing works.

The trade-off is similar to Trogir. About one hour gives you enough time to pause, but not necessarily enough time to eat slowly, swim, and explore the village in detail. One passenger specifically wished for more time in both Šolta and Trogir and found it difficult to stop for food or a drink.

If you want to finish with a meal, check the timing before ordering. A quick drink may be more realistic than a long restaurant meal, especially if the boat must leave on schedule. The coastal setting and small-island views are the real reason to stop here.

What the speedboat adds to the day

A ferry is often cheaper per ride, but this tour is selling a complete route and a smaller group. For $88 per person, you receive transportation, a captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, and insurance. You also avoid arranging separate connections between Split, Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Šolta.

The value is strongest if you have limited time in Split. In a single outing, you get a UNESCO-listed sight, a swimming area, and an island village. I would consider the price reasonable for that combination, especially if you would otherwise pay for separate transport and try to coordinate the route yourself.

It is less convincing if you want long, unhurried visits. The price does not include food, drinks, or hotel transfers, and the short stops mean you are paying for variety rather than depth.

The small boat also shapes the mood. One outing had music and a lively atmosphere, while another passenger praised the careful driving and clear explanations from the crew. Denny was singled out as an excellent crew member on one trip. Your exact guide and onboard mood may vary, but the group size should remain around 8 to 12 people.

Practical details that affect comfort

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and a change of clothes. The ride can be breezy even on a warm day, and wet swimwear is not ideal for the return trip.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them at stops, but do not assume you will have time for a full meal. A small snack before departure is sensible, particularly if you want to spend the stop swimming rather than waiting for restaurant service.

The crew speaks Croatian and English. Since engine noise can interfere with commentary, choose a seat with a clear view of the guide and listen during slower parts of the journey.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and explosive substances are prohibited. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Split plans depend on weather or ferry timing.

The trip is physically light, but the boat and old-town streets are not designed for every mobility level. This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Who will enjoy this Split boat trip

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad taste of the coast without committing to a full-day island cruise. It is also useful for cruise passengers or short-stay visitors who have only one free morning or afternoon.

You will probably enjoy it if you like changing scenery, short walks, swimming, and a bit of history. The tour gives you enough structure to avoid transport hassles while leaving some free time at each stop.

I would choose something else if Trogir is your main reason for going. A separate Trogir visit would give you more time for the cathedral, fortress, museum, lunch, and quiet wandering. I would also hesitate if your priority is a long beach stay, since the Blue Lagoon stop lasts about an hour.

The tour is not ideal if you need guaranteed snorkeling equipment, a quiet boat, or a full meal at every stop. Ask about the mask and snorkel before departure, and think of food as optional rather than central.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want three distinct Dalmatian experiences in one compact outing: Trogir’s historic center, Blue Lagoon’s clear water, and Maslinica’s island atmosphere. The speedboat, small group, and practical route make the $88 price easier to justify when your time in Split is short.

Skip it if you prefer slow travel. The schedule moves quickly, Trogir and Šolta may feel rushed, and food and drinks cost extra. For most visitors with only half a day free, though, this is a well-rounded way to get beyond Split without making the day physically demanding.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or four hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at the booking stand near semiSUBMARINE Split.

What places does the speedboat visit?

The route includes Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on the island of Šolta.

Is Trogir a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes. Trogir is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for Romanesque-Gothic architecture, stone streets, the cathedral of St. Lovro, and Venetian fortresses.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included in the tour details. One passenger reported that equipment was not offered, so ask the crew about it at the start if snorkeling is important to you.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them at restaurants and bars near the stops.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the booking stand near semiSUBMARINE Split yourself.