Split/Trogir: Half-Day 3-Island Speedboat Adventure

The best part of this trip is the variety packed into five hours: bright turquoise water at the Blue Lagoon, a stone village on Šolta, and a relaxed beach-bar stop near Čiovo. You get the speed and open views of a boat ride without committing a full day to island-hopping.

I like the small-group feel, usually around 12 people and capped at 14, plus the useful comforts: shade, a fridge, storage, a shower, coffee, and snorkeling gear. The main catch is weather. The skipper may change or cancel the route when the sea turns rough or the day is too cold for a pleasant ride.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different stops: Swim at the Blue Lagoon, stroll through Maslinica, then relax by the water near Čiovo.
• A genuinely small boat: Most departures carry roughly 12 people, with a maximum of 14 stated by the operator.
• Two useful departure choices: Leave at 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. from Split or Trogir, depending on the option booked.
• Swimming time matters most: The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 90 minutes, with another swimming break later.
• Comforts make the ride easier: Shade, a fridge, Bluetooth music, storage, a shower, coffee, and bottled water are included.
• Weather controls the day: Sea conditions can change the pace, stops, or whether the trip runs at all.

A small speedboat with a big Adriatic view

This is a good fit if you want to see more than one island but do not want to spend an entire day on a boat. The route covers the waters around Split, Trogir, Drvenik Veli, Šolta, and Čiovo, with enough time ashore to break up the ride.

The boat is one of the experience’s strongest points. It is described as clean, modern, comfortable, and spacious for its size. You have a shaded area when the sun gets fierce, and the open sides give you wide views of the coast. A fridge keeps drinks cold, while storage helps keep towels, phones, and bags from getting in the way.

The ride itself is part of the fun. A speedboat gets you from Split to the Blue Lagoon in roughly 35 to 40 minutes, or from Trogir in about 15 to 20 minutes. The boat can feel lively when the sea is choppy, so this is not the right pick if you dislike fast rides or bouncing over waves.

The crew adds a social touch. The English-speaking guides vary by departure, with Ivan, Claudia, Antonio, Klaudija, Marco, Lara, Toma, and others appearing on different trips. Their role is part host, part skipper, and part local guide. Expect music through the Bluetooth system, practical help getting in and out, and short explanations about the places along the route.

Choosing Split or Trogir as your starting point

You can meet the boat in Split at Mletački mul on the Riva, or in Trogir in front of Kamerlengo Fortress. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check the confirmation carefully rather than assuming the departure is in Split.

Trogir is the quicker launch point for the Blue Lagoon. From Split, you spend more time reaching the first stop, though the longer run gives you a broad view of the coast and islands. If you are staying in Trogir, this is an especially easy way to get onto the water without first commuting to Split.

The 9 a.m. departure gives you the cooler part of the day and leaves the afternoon free. The 3 p.m. departure has a different mood. You get softer late-day light, and the return to Split can include sunset views when timing and weather cooperate. One afternoon departure was even shifted because temperatures were too low, so bring a light jacket if the outside temperature is below about 27 or 28 degrees Celsius.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši, near Veliki Drvenik. This is the centerpiece of the trip, and the schedule gives you about an hour and a half here.

The boat anchors in the lagoon rather than pulling up to a pier. That matters because you go straight from the boat into the clear water. You can swim, use the provided snorkeling equipment, sit in the shade, or simply stay aboard with a cold drink. The natural appeal is easy to understand: pale sea, open views, and a calm break after the fast ride.

The Blue Lagoon can be busy in high season. An early departure may help you enjoy it before the day fills up, while an afternoon trip can offer warmer light and a more relaxed end-of-day feel. In October, the water may still be swimmable, but cooler air can make getting out less inviting.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment is supplied, but one useful practical note is that the shared gear is for public use. The boat also has a shower, which is welcome after swimming, though you should still bring a towel.

The life jackets are for emergencies, not for swimming. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and follow the skipper’s instructions closely. The tour’s safety rules are sensible, but the Blue Lagoon stop is an anchored open-water swim, not a supervised pool.

Maslinica on Šolta, one hour on land

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat runs for about 15 to 20 minutes to Maslinica on the western side of Šolta. This is the most atmospheric stop, though it is less about swimming and more about seeing a small island settlement.

Maslinica has traditional stone houses, a waterfront, and a restored 16th-century castle that now operates as a luxury hotel. The village is compact enough for a short walk, a photo stop, or a coffee. You are not given a long historical tour, but the setting provides a welcome change from the boat and the water.

I like this middle stop because it gives your body a break. Five hours of sun, wind, and speed can be tiring, especially in the afternoon. An hour in Maslinica lets you stretch your legs and choose your own pace. You can wander the waterfront, sit with a drink, or take in the views before returning to the boat.

Food is not included. Some trips allow time to buy lunch or drinks at a restaurant or café, but you should not treat this as a full meal stop unless your departure details say otherwise. Bring cash, as requested by the operator, and plan to buy food here only if timing and availability suit your group.

Maslinica is also the least dramatic stop for anyone expecting another perfect swimming cove. Its appeal is the village character and the old stone setting. If your priority is swimming at three different places, this stop may feel less exciting. If you like a little local atmosphere between swims, it balances the day well.

Čiovo and the final beach-bar break

The final part of the route takes about 25 to 30 minutes to the southern coast of Čiovo. The supplied details refer to Branac Bay and Beach Bar Borkko, while the route information also names Duga Cove. Treat this as the Čiovo swimming and beach-bar stop, with the precise cove dependent on the day’s plan and sea conditions.

This is the most relaxed stop. The water is clear, the seabed is described as naturally sandy, and you have about an hour to swim or sit by the shore. The beach bar provides a place to buy a drink and settle into a slower rhythm after the first two stops.

You may find lounge chairs and nets at the beach bar, depending on the setup that day. Some departures also include a few playful jumps from the boat before or after the swim. The crew can brew coffee aboard, a small touch that is especially welcome after getting out of the water.

The cove is not presented as a major sightseeing site. That is the point. It gives you time to stop moving, cool off, and enjoy the sea without another formal visit. If you choose the afternoon departure, the light on the return journey can be lovely, with sunset possible near Split when the timing works.

What the $73 price really buys you

At $73 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Blue Lagoon. It is also not simply a boat transfer. You are paying for roughly five hours, three stops, an English-speaking crew, a small group, and a clean speedboat with practical equipment.

Included are the cruise, bottled water, coffee, snorkeling equipment, emergency life jackets, storage, shade, Bluetooth music, a shower, and a fridge. Food is extra, as are drinks bought at the beach bar or in Maslinica. That is worth remembering when comparing the price with larger boats that may advertise a lower starting rate.

The small group changes the value. With around 12 people rather than a packed boat, you get more room to move and less waiting when the crew explains the plan or helps people into the water. You also get a quieter feel at the stops, though music is part of the atmosphere and the playlist can be lively.

The strongest praise has been for the boat’s cleanliness, the friendly crew, and the balance of time at each stop. The weakest point is not really a service problem: the scenery and swimming water depend heavily on weather, crowd levels, and your expectations. If you have already seen the beaches around Dubrovnik or Zadar, you may find some stops less striking by comparison.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The trip lasts 270 minutes to five hours, depending on the selected departure and conditions. The published schedule suggests about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, one hour in Maslinica, and one hour at the Čiovo stop, with the remaining time spent moving between locations.

The captain has the final say on safety. The pace and route may change if the sea is rough, wind rises, or temperatures make the ride uncomfortable. If the operator cancels because of weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve before paying.

Pack a hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash. Add a light jacket for a cooler day, even in summer, because a fast boat creates its own wind chill. Keep valuables in the onboard storage, and bring a waterproof case if you want to take photos while swimming.

The boat has shade, but that does not mean you should skip sun protection. You will spend time exposed on the water, and reflected sunlight can catch you even when the breeze feels cool.

This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The anchored Blue Lagoon stop and the boat access also require enough mobility to get on and off the boat and enter the water safely.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this for couples, friends, families with older children, and first-time visitors who want a taste of island life without planning a full independent boat day. It is also useful when you are based in Split or Trogir and have only half a day available.

The trip suits people who like a mix of activity and downtime. You get swimming and snorkeling, but also a village walk, coffee, music, scenic cruising, and a beach-bar pause. You do not need to fill every minute with sightseeing.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet cultural tour, a long guided history lesson, or guaranteed calm water. The crew gives local information, but this is mainly a sea-and-sun outing. It is also a poor choice for anyone prone to seasickness unless you already know you can handle a speedboat.

The private group option may be worth checking if you are traveling with your own party. A shared trip already feels relatively personal at this size, but a private boat gives you more control over the pace and atmosphere.

Should you book the three-island speedboat trip?

I would book it if you want a well-shaped half-day on the Adriatic and value a small, comfortable boat over the lowest possible price. The Blue Lagoon supplies the clear water, Maslinica gives you a taste of Šolta, and Čiovo provides an easy final swim and drink.

Choose the morning if you want cooler conditions and more of the day afterward. Choose the afternoon if you like late light, a slower end to the day, and the chance of a sunset return. Keep your plans flexible enough to handle a weather change.

At $73, the trip makes the most sense for you if the boat quality, small group, included gear, and three-stop format matter. If you only want to reach the Blue Lagoon for a quick swim, a simpler transfer may cost less. For a compact introduction to the islands around Split and Trogir, this is a strong choice, provided you are comfortable with speed, open-water swimming, and weather-led changes.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour leave from?

You can depart from Mletački mul on Split’s Riva or from in front of Kamerlengo Fortress in Trogir. The meeting point depends on the option you book.

What time does the tour start?

The available departures are listed as 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check availability for the exact starting time and location.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts between 270 minutes and five hours, depending on the selected option and conditions.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon near Veliki Drvenik, Maslinica on Šolta, and a final swimming stop on Čiovo, described as Branac Bay or Duga Cove in the supplied route details.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, relax aboard, or enjoy the views.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with emergency life jackets.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food is not included. You may have opportunities to buy food or drinks during the shore stops, and cash is recommended.

What should you bring?

Bring a hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket is recommended when the outside temperature is below about 27 or 28 degrees Celsius.

Can the tour be canceled because of bad weather?

Yes. The skipper may change or cancel the trip when sea or weather conditions are unsafe. If the operator cancels, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.