From Trogir: Three Islands Half-Day Speedboat Tour

The best part of this five-hour island-hopping trip is the variety. You get a fast, breezy ride past Trogir and its Kamerlengo fortress, a long swim at the Blue Lagoon, a proper village stop in Maslinica, and another chance to swim at Duga Bay. It packs several sides of Dalmatia into one morning or afternoon.

I like the small-group feel, with boats carrying roughly 10 to 12 people, and I like that snorkeling gear, water, fuel, and safety equipment are included. Skippers such as Petar, Ivan, Lujo, and Iggy are praised for safe driving and easygoing commentary. The tradeoff is time: five hours goes quickly, and the hour in Maslinica can feel short if you want lunch and a proper walk.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop: Plan on about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and sun.
• Maslinica adds real village life: Walk around Šolta’s western port, see the restored 16th-century castle hotel, and buy lunch or coffee.
• Duga Bay is the final water stop: You can swim and snorkel among small silver fish before returning to Trogir.
• The boat ride is part of the attraction: The speedboat gives you wide views of Trogir, Kamerlengo Castle, and the nearby islands.
• The group is relatively small: Boats commonly carry about 10 to 12 people, though the exact number can vary.
• Bring food planning into your decision: Lunch is not included, and one hour in Maslinica may not leave much time for a relaxed restaurant meal.

Why this Trogir boat trip works so well

Croatia is at its best from the water. Trogir’s old stone center is handsome, but the Adriatic gives you a different view of the region: low islands, bright coves, old ports, and clear water stretching between them.

This tour is a useful middle ground. You are not paying for a full private charter, yet you are not tied to a large sightseeing ferry either. A small speedboat gets you from stop to stop quickly, leaving real time for swimming and walking ashore.

At $67 per person, the value depends on what you want from a day out. You receive five hours on the water, a skipper, fuel, insurance, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, a half-liter bottle of water, and windproof jackets. You still pay for lunch and drinks, but the main transport and equipment costs are covered.

The boat ride itself is not just a way to reach the stops. It is a central part of the outing. You will feel the speed, see Trogir from the sea, and pass stretches of open water that are difficult to appreciate from land.

Starting beside Kamerlengo Castle in Trogir

The meeting point is on Trogir’s main promenade, in front of Kamerlengo Castle. This is a convenient place to begin if you are staying in Trogir, and the castle gives you an easy landmark for finding the skipper.

The opening ride takes about 20 minutes. As the boat pulls away, look back toward Trogir and its fortress. The view helps you understand the town’s position at the edge of the water, and it makes a pleasant start before the swimming begins.

Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and towel. The supplied windproof jackets are useful during the ride, especially when the boat is moving quickly or the air is cooler. You should also keep your belongings secure, since this is an open-water outing rather than a slow harbor cruise.

The skippers are a large part of the experience. Petar is frequently singled out for his calm driving, humor, and island knowledge. Ivan, Lujo, Iggy, and Roko are also noted for safety, clear instructions, and friendly conversation. The tone is informal, but the important thing is that the boat is handled with care.

The Blue Lagoon: 90 minutes in clear water

After the first ride, the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon, near Drvenik Veliki. This is the tour’s main swimming stop and usually the moment people anticipate most.

You have about an hour and a half here, which is more generous than a quick photo pause. Use it for swimming, snorkeling, floating in the clear water, or simply sitting on the beach and enjoying the sun. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

The water is the attraction, but do not expect solitude. The Blue Lagoon is well known, and boats gather here, especially during the busy summer months. One skipper may time the stop to avoid the heaviest crowd, but the destination itself is popular.

That said, the stop is long enough to make the visit worthwhile. Families particularly benefit from the extra time. Children can swim, watch the water, and enjoy the speedboat without spending the entire tour moving from one place to another.

If you are not a strong swimmer, pay attention to the skipper’s instructions about entering and returning to the boat. The tour is suitable for all ages, but it is not wheelchair accessible, and the swimming stops naturally require you to manage boarding and water access.

Maslinica on Šolta brings the history ashore

A short 10-minute boat ride takes you to Maslinica, the only village and port on the western side of Šolta. This stop changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of staying in the water, you can stretch your legs, walk through the old village, take photos, and see how the port functions as a local community.

The most notable sight is the restored 16th-century castle, now repurposed as a hotel. It gives Maslinica a strong architectural focal point without turning the stop into a formal museum visit. You see the building from the outside and have time to wander nearby.

This is also the practical food stop. Traditional Dalmatian restaurants, cafés, and shops give you the chance to buy lunch, coffee, or a cold drink. Lunch is not included, so plan to pay separately.

Here is the catch: one hour can be tight. If you want to walk, order a full meal, eat slowly, and browse the port, you may feel rushed. Food service can also take time during busy periods. For that reason, I would eat before departure or bring a small snack, then use Maslinica for a light meal or coffee.

Maslinica may appeal less to you if your only goal is swimming. Some people find it the least exciting of the three stops because the water time pauses while you are ashore. But that change is valuable. The tour would feel repetitive if every stop were simply another swim. Maslinica shows you the human side of the islands.

Duga Bay on Čiovo finishes with another swim

The next ride takes about 15 minutes, heading toward Duga Bay on the southern side of Čiovo. This is another relaxed water stop, with roughly 90 minutes available for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or a meal.

The bay is described as small and enchanting, and the water offers a chance to see schools of small silver fish. If you enjoyed the Blue Lagoon but wanted a quieter setting, Duga Bay gives the day a second water-focused chapter.

This stop can also feel busy. Duga Bay is not guaranteed to be empty, and summer conditions may bring other boats and swimmers. Still, the broad appeal is clear: you can cool off, use the snorkeling equipment again, and spend the final major stop outdoors rather than sitting at a restaurant.

Some people prefer to bring a picnic and eat here, since the water is tempting and the available time passes quickly. Others may want a proper meal in Maslinica. The best choice depends on your priorities, but I would not count on a long, unhurried lunch during the tour.

The return speedboat ride to Trogir takes about 15 minutes. You arrive back at the promenade near Kamerlengo Castle, completing a loop that combines three very different stops.

What the five-hour schedule feels like

The timing is well balanced for a half-day trip:

• About 20 minutes from Trogir to the Blue Lagoon
• About 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon
• About 10 minutes to Maslinica
• About one hour in Maslinica
• About 15 minutes to Duga Bay
• About 90 minutes at Duga Bay
• About 15 minutes back to Trogir

That adds up to five hours, with roughly four hours spent at the stops and about one hour riding. You get enough movement to see several places, but you are not trapped on the boat for most of the day.

The downside is that the schedule leaves little room for delay. A slow restaurant meal, a long village walk, or an especially crowded dock can make the day feel hurried. If you like lingering at one cove for half a day, book a longer boat outing instead.

If you want a taste of several islands without giving up an entire day, the schedule makes sense. Families often appreciate this balance because children get swimming, boat speed, and shore time in one outing. Adults who want more history or a slower meal may prefer a longer tour.

Speedboat comfort, group size, and safety

The boats used for this trip are described as clean, comfortable, and powerful enough to make the rides fun. The group size is generally around 10 to 12 people, though some departures have fewer passengers. With a small group, the boat can feel closer to a shared private outing than a standard mass excursion.

You should still know what a speedboat means in practice. The ride is quick and exposed to sun, wind, and spray. Wear secure clothing, use sunscreen, and take the supplied jacket if the ride feels cool. The boat is not the place for a large amount of loose luggage.

Safety equipment and insurance are included, and the skipper handles the boat throughout. The strongest praise goes to the captains’ driving and calm manner, with several families saying they felt well looked after. That matters when you are traveling with young children or less confident swimmers.

The tour is suitable for all ages, including young children, but it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone joining should be able to get on and off the boat and manage the swimming stops.

Food, timing, and smart packing

You need very little equipment, but the right small items make the day easier:

• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Beach towel
• Swimsuit
• Small snack
• Cash or card for lunch and drinks

Water and snorkeling gear are provided. Lunch is not. Because the Maslinica stop is only about an hour, I would not build the whole day around a long restaurant meal.

Morning and afternoon departures offer different moods. An earlier trip gives you bright light for the Blue Lagoon and plenty of time afterward in Trogir. An afternoon departure can lead to sunset views on the way back, depending on the season and starting time. The sunset option has special appeal if you want a more relaxed, romantic outing.

Communication before departure is another useful feature. The provider sends instructions and confirms details, and some bookings have arranged pickup from a nearby resort pier. Your stated meeting point, however, is the Trogir promenade in front of Kamerlengo Castle, so confirm any alternate pickup directly before you go.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is helpful when your Dalmatian plans depend on weather and sea conditions.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this trip if you want to combine swimming and sightseeing without committing to a full day at sea. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want to see more than Trogir’s old center.

It is especially good for you if:

• You enjoy fast boat rides
• You want more than one swimming stop
• You like a short village walk between water stops
• You prefer a small boat to a large ferry
• You have only half a day available
• You are happy to arrange your own lunch

I would think twice if you want a slow, history-heavy tour, a long restaurant meal, or guaranteed quiet coves. The emphasis is on water, scenery, and movement. Maslinica adds culture, but it is not a full guided history visit.

Should you book the Three Islands Half-Day Speedboat Tour?

Yes, if you want a well-priced introduction to the islands around Trogir. The Blue Lagoon is the main draw, but the trip earns its value from the combination of three different experiences: open-water riding, a village stop on Šolta, and a second swim at Duga Bay.

Just set your expectations correctly. This is a brisk five-hour sampler, not a leisurely private charter. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a snack, and do not count on enough time for a long lunch. If that sounds right, the $67 price is sensible for the included boat transport, equipment, fuel, skipper, and four hours of stops.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Trogir?

You meet the skipper on Trogir’s main promenade, in front of Kamerlengo Fortress.

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts five hours, including the rides between Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, Maslinica, Duga Bay, and back to Trogir.

What places does the tour visit?

The tour visits the Blue Lagoon, Maslinica on the island of Šolta, and Duga Bay on the island of Čiovo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, a half-liter bottle of water, windproof jackets, fuel, insurance, and VAT are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have time to buy food or drinks in Maslinica, but you should bring a snack if you prefer not to rely on the available restaurants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages, and families with young children have joined the trip. Children should be able to manage boarding and the swimming stops.

Is the boat tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. A small snack is also sensible because lunch is not included and the stop in Maslinica is limited to about one hour.