From Trogir & Split: Half Day Speedboat Tour with Blue Lagoon

The best part of this five-hour speedboat trip is its variety. You get clear water at Blue Lagoon, a quiet village stop at Maslinica, and another chance to swim or relax at Čiovo, all without spending a full day at sea. The boat carries no more than 14 people, so this feels more personal than a large group cruise.

I like the well-spaced stops and the choice of a morning or afternoon departure. I also like that snorkeling and safety equipment are included, along with refreshments on board. The main thing to consider is that this is a sea-and-sun outing, not a detailed sightseeing tour. The schedule gives you time to swim and wander, but only about an hour at each stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Lagoon comes first: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at Krknjaši Bay.
• Maslinica adds a land stop: Spend an hour wandering this small 15th-century village on Šolta.
• Čiovo finishes the day: Swim again or settle in at a beach bar for a drink.
• Small boat, small group: The maximum group size is 14, with a newer, well-maintained boat reported by several customers.
• Crew makes a difference: Guides and captains have included Claudia, Toma, Ria, Marco, Klaudija, and Silenski.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, with a different date or full refund offered.

Why this route works in only five hours

This is a smart route for a short stay in Trogir or Split. Instead of committing to a long island-hopping day, you get three distinct settings in roughly half a day: open water, a village, and a beach stop.

The speedboat is the key. It lets you cover more ground than a slower boat while still giving you time to enjoy each place. The group limit of 14 also matters. You are not trying to board or leave a huge vessel, and the crew can keep the mood relaxed. One group had only eight people on board and described the pace as calm and easy.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. A morning trip gives you the rest of the day for Trogir, Split, or another activity. An afternoon departure may suit you better if you prefer a slower morning or want to finish with a swim and a drink near sunset, though the exact light and timing will depend on the departure schedule.

The ride itself is part of the attraction. You get open views of the Dalmatian Coast, with refreshments included as you move between stops. Do not expect a full meal or a long guided lecture. This is mainly a scenic boat ride with time built in for water, fresh air, and short exploration.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjaši Bay: the main swimming stop

The first stop is Blue Lagoon, also called Krknjaši Bay, where you have about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is the longest stop of the day, and rightly so. The clear sea is the centerpiece of the tour.

You can swim directly from the boat and use the included snorkeling equipment. That makes the stop simple: no long walk to a beach, no separate equipment rental, and no need to find a changing facility before getting into the water. A family with children aged 8, 9, and 10 managed to swim and snorkel during the trip, so the water stop can work well for families who are comfortable around the sea.

The boat-based setup has one practical catch. If you need to change into swimwear, ask the crew early about where to do it. One useful suggestion from a previous booking was to provide clearer information about changing clothes. Bring a small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and other items, since you will be moving between boat, water, and shore.

This is not a formal snorkeling excursion with a guide pointing out marine life. The gear is there to help you enjoy the water on your own. Conditions can also change with the weather, so the clearness and comfort of the swim will depend on the day.

Still, Blue Lagoon is the part of the trip where the speedboat format pays off. You reach a scenic swimming area quickly, then have enough time to enjoy it rather than merely taking a quick photo and leaving.

Maslinica on Šolta: one hour in a small harbor village

After the swim, the boat heads to Maslinica on Šolta. You have about an hour to walk around, stop for coffee, or order a glass of wine.

Maslinica gives the trip a useful change of pace. After an hour in the water, you can put your feet on solid ground and look around a small seaside settlement with roots reaching back to the 15th century. The village has been described as charming and storybook-like, which fits the appeal: this is the sort of place where a short stroll and a drink can be more rewarding than a packed list of sights.

One hour is enough for a relaxed look, but not for a long exploration of Šolta. Keep your expectations in line with the schedule. You are stopping in Maslinica, not touring the whole island.

The food and drink choices here are extra purchases unless otherwise stated. The tour includes refreshments, but the information does not specify that coffee, wine, or meals in the village are covered. Plan to pay separately if you want to sit down for a drink.

Maslinica is also a good reason to choose this tour over a trip focused only on beaches. You get a glimpse of local island life without giving up the main swimming time. If you like trips that mix scenery with a little wandering, this is likely to be your favorite stop.

Čiovo: a final swim and an easy finish

The last stop is Čiovo, where you have about an hour. You can swim in the clear water again or finish at a beach bar with a drink.

The final stop is deliberately low-key. You do not need another major attraction at this point. After the boat ride and Blue Lagoon swim, Čiovo gives you a final chance to cool off, dry out, and enjoy the coast without rushing through a list of sights.

A beach bar can make this a pleasant ending, especially if you would rather sit with a drink than get back in the water. Food may also be available nearby. One customer specifically enjoyed fried calamari on Čiovo, but that is not presented as part of the tour price, so treat it as an optional purchase.

The three stops have a sensible rhythm: swim first, walk and refresh yourself in Maslinica, then choose your own pace at Čiovo. The drawback is that the final hour may feel short if you want both a full swim and time at the bar. Pick one main activity, or accept a quicker version of both.

The boat, crew, and atmosphere

The boat is described as newer and well maintained, with enough room to sit comfortably. That is important on a five-hour outing. A cramped boat can turn a pleasant sea day into a tiring one, especially when you are carrying towels, bags, snorkeling gear, and spare clothes.

The maximum group size is 14 people. That is small enough for a friendly atmosphere and easier communication with the captain. It also means the boat is not designed for complete privacy. If you want the entire vessel to yourself, this is not the right product.

The crew names connected with the experience include Claudia, Toma or Thomas, Ria, Marco, Klaudija, and Silenski. The exact crew depends on the departure. Their roles may vary between host and captain, but the personal touch is consistent in the feedback: hosts have helped keep the group comfortable, shared suggestions for other things to do in Croatia, and explained some local history.

That human element matters on a short tour. You are not buying a full historical program, but a captain who gives useful context can make the islands feel less like passing scenery. Silenski, for example, was praised as a skilled captain, while Marco and Klaudija were remembered for creating a warm atmosphere.

Music may also be part of the mood. One afternoon outing included music that helped create a relaxed setting. Do not book this expecting silence or a guided cultural tour. The atmosphere leans social and easygoing.

What the $81.03 price includes

At $81.03 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but the price makes sense if you value time and variety. You are paying for a five-hour boat excursion, access to three stops, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, and a small-group format.

The boat also saves you from arranging separate transport to Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Čiovo. Trying to recreate this route independently would require checking boat schedules, paying for several transfers, and allowing extra time between connections. The tour gives you a single plan and a crew responsible for moving you between locations.

The price is strongest for someone who wants active sightseeing without spending a full day on a large cruise boat. It is also useful if you are staying briefly in Trogir or Split and want a compact taste of island life.

You should budget extra for coffee, wine, beach-bar drinks, or food. Those purchases are mentioned at the stops, but they are not listed as included. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a way to keep valuables dry. The tour provides the water equipment, but not every personal item you may want for a day near the sea.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this tour if you want to swim, see several coastal locations, and keep the outing to half a day. It suits couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and small groups who like a social but not oversized boat.

Solo visitors may find the format especially practical. You get company without having to arrange a private boat, and the moving schedule gives the day structure. Families can also benefit from the mix of water and village time, though parents should judge their children’s comfort with swimming from a boat.

It is less suitable if you want a long cultural tour, a quiet private cruise, or several hours on one beach. The speedboat can be lively, and the day includes repeated movement between stops. If you get seasick, ask about conditions before booking and choose a departure when the weather forecast looks favorable.

The trip requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator will offer another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, so keep the local cut-off time in mind.

A few practical tips for a smoother day

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if possible. The schedule moves quickly, and clear information about changing clothes is not guaranteed.

Keep a light layer on board. Even a warm Croatian day can feel cooler at speed on the water. At the same time, pack sun protection because swimming areas may offer little shade.

Use the snorkeling gear, but do not expect a guided underwater program. The equipment is included for independent swimming and looking beneath the surface.

Save some money for Maslinica or Čiovo. A coffee, wine, beach-bar drink, or seafood lunch can add to the day, but these are optional extras.

If you care most about Blue Lagoon, choose the departure that gives you the best weather and water conditions. If you care more about using the day efficiently, choose the morning trip and keep your afternoon open.

Should you book the Ria Tours speedboat trip?

Yes, if you want a well-paced introduction to the coast around Trogir and Split, with plenty of swimming and just enough village time. The strongest features are the small group, the well-kept boat, the three-stop route, and the friendly crew members such as Claudia, Toma, Ria, Marco, Klaudija, and Silenski.

The main trade-off is simple: this is a scenic, active outing rather than an in-depth island tour. You get roughly an hour at each stop, with a little longer at Blue Lagoon. For $81.03, that is good value when you want convenience and variety in five hours. I would book it for a sunny day when the sea is the priority and leave the full-day cultural exploration for another time.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour take place?

The tour operates around the Dalmatian Coast from Trogir and Split, with stops at Blue Lagoon or Krknjaši Bay, Maslinica on Šolta, and Čiovo.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $81.03 per person.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 14 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

Are refreshments included?

Yes, refreshments are included during the tour. Food and drinks purchased at Maslinica or Čiovo are not specified as included.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. You can choose either a morning or afternoon tour.

How long is the stop at Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon or Krknjaši Bay stop lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How long do you spend at Maslinica and Čiovo?

You spend about one hour at Maslinica and one hour at Čiovo.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.