From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best part of this half-day trip is the variety packed into five hours: fast open-water rides, two chances to swim, and a stop in stone-built Trogir. I especially like the small boat format, usually around 10 to 12 people, and the useful mix of sea time and old-town wandering.

I also like that the tour handles the island transport for you and includes masks, safety equipment, and water. The main caution is the ride itself: a speedboat can be noisy, bumpy, and uncomfortable in rough seas, and concerns about fast driving and life-jacket instructions mean you should ask clear safety questions before leaving the dock.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: a pine-fringed beach on Čiovo, the Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši Bay, and historic Trogir.
• Five hours is the sweet spot: enough time for swimming and sightseeing without giving up a full day in Split.
• Small groups matter: the boat holds a maximum of 12 people, with some departures carrying only 10.
• Trogir is the cultural highlight: plan on a short walk, lunch, shopping, and a look at its Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings.
• Expect a proper speedboat ride: the crossing is quick, but it can be choppy and wet.
• Bring money for stops: food and drinks are not included, although the beach bar and Trogir provide buying options.

What this Split speedboat tour really offers

This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. It is a practical way to reach several coastal spots from Split in one morning or afternoon, with the boat doing the hard work between stops.

At $72.56 per person, the price is fair if you want swimming spots, a fast ride, and Trogir without arranging ferries or taxis. You are paying for transport, crew, snorkeling masks, and a tightly timed route. You are not paying for lunch, drinks, a guided walking tour of Trogir, or a long stay at any one beach.

The tour has a strong overall score of 4.7 from 438 ratings, and 91 percent of customers recommend it. That does not erase the uneven reports about boat comfort, safety, and the Blue Lagoon stop, but it does show that the basic idea works well for many people.

I would choose this trip if I had limited time in Split and wanted a taste of the islands rather than a full-day sailing excursion. Five hours leaves room for an evening meal, a museum, or more time in Split. The tradeoff is that each stop is brief, and you may wish you had another hour in Trogir or more quiet time in the water.

Meeting the boat in central Split

The meeting point is Marulićeva ul. 4, 21000 Split. The tour ends back at the same place, and the start is near public transportation.

Your confirmation arrives when you book. The activity is offered in English, and the boat carries no more than 12 people. That maximum is important. A small boat makes it easier to get help, ask the guide questions, and find a place to sit without the crowd of a large excursion vessel.

Still, space is limited. One poor account described an older, cramped boat without a bathroom, while several highly positive accounts described clean, comfortable boats with padded space at the stern for sunbathing. Boat condition may vary by departure, so I would not treat the word speedboat as a guarantee of a roomy vessel.

Arrive ready to board quickly. At some stops, boats may be tied alongside one another, which can mean stepping across other boats. One complaint described having to cross several boats to get on and off, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator about boarding conditions before booking.

First stop: Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo

The first stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, about an hour from Split by the tour boat. Pine trees frame the beach, and the area has lively beach bars, a useful contrast to the open water and the quieter lagoon stop that follows.

You get about an hour here. That is enough for a swim, a drink, sunbathing, or a short walk. It is also a good first pause after the speedboat ride, especially if you want to settle your stomach before the next crossing.

The bar is not included in the tour price, so keep some spending money handy. This is one of the few places where buying a cold drink is part of the natural rhythm of the stop.

I like the practical order of the day. You begin with a conventional beach, then move to the clearer water of the Blue Lagoon, and finish with a historic town. The drawback is that an hour disappears quickly once you factor in getting off the boat, finding a place to sit, swimming, and reboarding.

Second stop: Krknjaši Bay and the Blue Lagoon

Krknjaši Bay, on the east coast of Veli Drvenik, is the tour’s main swimming stop. Its clear water gives the bay its Blue Lagoon nickname, and this is where you use the supplied goggles for a little snorkeling.

Set your expectations properly. The water is the attraction, not a major underwater wildlife site. You might see a few small fish, but one account noted that there were not many species and that the coral had died. This is a pleasant swim in clear water, not a serious snorkeling destination.

The boat may anchor away from the shore, which can be ideal for jumping straight into open water. Some departures have instead used a beach drop-off, and one complaint described a dirty, crowded beach rather than the quieter water nearby. The exact feel of this stop can depend on anchoring rules, sea conditions, and how busy the bay is that day.

You get roughly one hour. That gives you enough time to swim and use the goggles, but not much room for lingering. If you are a weak swimmer, ask about the life jackets before entering the water. Safety equipment is included, but several accounts describe confusion about whether life jackets could be used outside an emergency. That policy should be made clear before the boat leaves.

This stop is also where the weather matters most. Calm seas make the water inviting and the boat easy to board. Rough conditions can make the swim ladder, boat deck, and return climb more difficult. I would take extra care if you have balance issues or are not comfortable in open water.

Third stop: Trogir, the stone-built finale

Trogir is the most rewarding stop for anyone who wants more than beaches. The town sits a short distance from Split and was founded by Greek colonists in the third century BC. Its compact old center mixes Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, which explains its nickname, the Stone Beauty.

You have about an hour here. Use it wisely. You can walk the narrow streets, look at the old stone buildings, pick up a snack, or browse the shops. Several departures have included time for lunch, but food is not part of the tour, so do not count on a provided meal.

I like ending here because the town gives the excursion a sense of place. After the bright water and beach bars, Trogir adds Croatian history and architecture. It also gives you a chance to stretch your legs after sitting in a boat.

The limitation is time. An hour is enough for an introduction, not a full visit. You will not see every church, courtyard, and waterfront corner. If Trogir is high on your Croatia list, consider returning independently from Split for a longer look.

The speedboat ride: fun, fast, and sometimes rough

The boat is the transport and part of the attraction. You cover the distance to the islands much faster than you would by a slower sightseeing boat, and the open-water views are excellent on a clear day.

Several accounts praised the ride as fun, comfortable, and not too choppy. Others found it fast and bumpy, particularly when the weather changed. That difference is easy to understand: sea conditions can shift, and a small speedboat reacts to waves far more than a large ferry.

The ride is not a good fit for everyone. I would think twice if you are pregnant, have a health condition affected by jarring motion, or dislike fast boats. The operator specifically warns that the tour is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues because of the boat and sea conditions.

Safety deserves more attention than the cheerful tour description suggests. Most accounts describe friendly crews who operated well, and guides including Simon, Bepo, Luka, Sarah, and Domagoj received warm praise for being helpful and attentive. But several serious complaints describe reckless driving, boats racing or crossing close together, and passengers feeling unsafe.

I cannot tell you how often that happens, but the concern is specific enough to take seriously. Before departure, identify where the life jackets are and ask how they are used. If the skipper drives in a way that makes you uncomfortable, say so immediately. A pretty bay is not worth ignoring a safety problem.

Crew and guiding style

This is primarily a transport and swimming excursion, not a formal historical tour. The guide gives information about the places you visit, but Trogir sightseeing is mostly self-directed during your hour there.

That arrangement suits me. You get a little context without being tied to a lecture, then you can use your free time as you wish. The strongest crew comments name Simon as friendly and informative, Bepo and Luka as good with families, and Domagoj as a careful skipper during bumpy conditions.

Service can vary by crew. Most positive accounts describe enthusiastic, friendly staff who kept the schedule and checked on safety. A few less favorable accounts describe delays, poor treatment between crew members, or a crew that seemed more interested in speed than service.

The practical lesson is simple: treat the crew as a major part of the experience, but do not assume every departure will feel identical. The operator has a maximum group size, not a promise that every boat will be new or every skipper will have the same style.

What to pack for five hours on the water

Food and drinks are not included. Water is provided, but you should budget for a drink or snack at Beach Bar Borkko and lunch or refreshments in Trogir.

Pack lightly, since space on a small boat can be tight. I would bring:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sun protection
• Dry clothes for the ride back
• Cash or a card for food and drinks
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

The supplied goggles are useful for a quick look underwater. You do not need to bring your own snorkeling mask unless you prefer a better fit.

A towel and dry layer matter more than you might expect. Even in warm weather, spray and wind can make the return ride feel cool, especially if you have spent time swimming.

Is $72.56 good value?

For a five-hour excursion, $72.56 is reasonable if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Čiovo, Drvenik Veli, and Trogir. The value comes from fitting three distinct experiences into one booking: beach time, a Blue Lagoon swim, and a historic town.

It is less attractive if your main goal is snorkeling. The underwater life appears limited, and the lagoon can be crowded. It is also poor value for anyone who wants a slow, relaxed day at one beach, since the schedule keeps moving.

The small group helps. A maximum of 12 people feels far more manageable than a large boat, and some departures carry only 10. You get quicker boarding, easier communication, and more room to enjoy the ride. But a small boat also means less personal space and no guarantee of a bathroom.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels it, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A short outing from Split
• A lively speedboat ride
• Two swimming opportunities
• A first look at Trogir
• A small group rather than a large cruise boat
• A planned route without arranging island transport yourself

I would be cautious if you need a calm, stable boat, a guaranteed quiet lagoon, a full meal, or a detailed guided tour of Trogir. Families can enjoy it, and one family with children ages 7 to 11 had a good experience, but the operator does not recommend the trip for small children.

The best fit is an active adult or family group that can swim, tolerate a bumpy ride, and accept a quick visit at each stop. You will get the most from it if you see the tour as a sampler of the Split coast, not as a deep visit to any one place.

Final booking advice

I would book this tour for the efficient route, the small boat, and the combination of water and history. Trogir is the part that gives the day more substance than a standard beach trip, while the Blue Lagoon and Čiovo provide the swimming and sun.

I would book only after checking the boat and safety arrangements at the meeting point. Ask where life jackets are kept, how boarding works, and whether the boat will anchor for an open-water swim or use the beach. If the sea forecast looks rough, use the free cancellation policy or choose another date.

For a five-hour taste of the islands near Split, this is a good-value option with real strengths and a few important caveats. Go for the scenery and variety, not for perfect snorkeling or a leisurely day at one uncrowded beach.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon and three-island speedboat tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Marulićeva ul. 4, 21000 Split, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Split.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, Krknjaši Bay at the Blue Lagoon on Veli Drvenik, and the historic town of Trogir.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Goggles are included, along with safety equipment and water.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, and one family reported enjoying the tour with children ages 7 to 11. However, the operator does not recommend it for small children because speedboat rides 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 refunded.