From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Island Boat Tour

The best part of this five-hour trip is the mix. You get a bright, shallow bay for swimming, an old stone town with thousands of years of history, a small fishing village, and one more beach stop before returning to Split. It is a lot of Dalmatia in one morning or afternoon, without committing a full day.

I like the short transfer times between stops and the generous water breaks. I also like that the boat includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, fuel, shade, and Wi-Fi, so the $58 price covers more than simply getting from point A to point B.

The trade-off is simple: this is a fast overview, not a slow island holiday. Trogir receives about an hour, and Maslinica about 45 minutes, so you will need to choose between a coffee, a meal, a walk, and taking in the view.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon comes first: Spend about an hour swimming and snorkeling in Krknjaši Bay, the tour’s main water stop.
• Trogir adds culture: Explore a UNESCO-protected town with historic sites said to reach back 4,000 years.
• Maslinica feels local: Use your 45-minute break on Šolta for lunch, coffee, or a walk along the waterfront.
• Duga Bay finishes the day: Swim and snorkel again at a beach on Čiovo Island.
• The boat is set up for sun: A sunshade, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and Wi-Fi are included.
• Small groups are possible: You can book a private or small-group departure, depending on the option available.

Why this five-hour route works well

Many boat trips from Split focus on one big attraction and spend much of the day reaching it. This route takes a different approach. It stays close to the mainland and nearby islands, giving you four distinct stops with limited time spent underway.

The first speedboat ride takes about 45 minutes. After Blue Lagoon, Trogir is only about 20 minutes away by boat, and the remaining stops are close enough to keep the day moving. That matters if you want to see several places but do not want a long, tiring excursion.

You should think of this as a sampler. The tour gives you enough time to get a taste of each place, then lets you decide what deserves a longer visit later. I find that format useful during a first stay in Split, especially when you want water, history, and a little island atmosphere in one outing.

The boat has a sunshade, which is more important than it sounds during a hot Dalmatian day. You can sit out of direct sun between stops, then use the open water for swimming. Wi-Fi is also available onboard, although I would treat it as a convenience rather than a reason to book the trip.

Blue Lagoon: an early swim in Krknjaši Bay

After the first 45-minute run from Split, the boat reaches Krknjaši Bay, usually called Blue Lagoon. The appeal is the clear water, sandy areas, and bright sunlight. This is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to recreation.

You have about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and gear unless you prefer using familiar equipment. Bottled water is included as well.

The first stop is well placed. You get into the water before the day has become too hot, and the swim gives you a chance to settle into the boat trip. If you are comfortable in the water, this is likely to be one of the strongest parts of the outing.

Still, keep expectations sensible. The bay is popular, and the experience depends on the weather and sea conditions. Clear water does not guarantee tropical-style coral or abundant marine life. Bring your own curiosity, not a promise of an underwater spectacle.

You should pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The crew can provide the boat and snorkeling equipment, but you are responsible for feeling comfortable in the water. The tour is not suitable for anyone who is not at ease swimming.

Trogir: one hour among old stone streets

The next stop is Trogir, a UNESCO-protected town with historical sites and monuments dating back roughly 4,000 years. Its compact old center gives you a sharp change of mood after the open water.

You receive about an hour here, with time for coffee and sightseeing. The sunny promenade makes a pleasant first walk, but do not expect to see every major sight in such a short visit. Trogir rewards slow wandering, and this tour gives you a preview rather than a full historical visit.

I would use the hour carefully. Walk along the waterfront first, then move into the old streets and look for the stone buildings and historic details. If you want a sit-down coffee, keep an eye on the clock. A drink can easily use half of your stop if you are not careful.

The value of including Trogir is that the tour is not only about beaches. You get a real town with a long past, public spaces, monuments, and a lived-in waterfront. For someone staying in Split who might not otherwise make time for Trogir, this stop makes the trip more worthwhile.

The drawback is the short stay. If historic architecture is your main interest, plan a separate visit. On this tour, Trogir is one part of a broader day rather than the central subject.

Maslinica on Šolta: a short island pause

From Trogir, the speedboat continues to Maslinica on Šolta. This stop lasts about 45 minutes and is intended as a break. You can have lunch, order a coffee, or simply enjoy the waterfront and the island setting.

Maslinica is described as a small fishing village, and that gives the stop a different character from Trogir. You are not being asked to race through another list of monuments. Instead, you have a little time to absorb the local Dalmatian feel.

The practical question is food. Lunch and extra drinks are not included, so bring money for anything you buy here. With only 45 minutes, a full meal may feel rushed, especially if the village is busy. A quick coffee or light bite may fit the schedule better.

This is also the only stop where the tour does not center on swimming or formal sightseeing. That pause helps break up the day. After the first swim and a walk through Trogir, a quiet waterfront stop can be welcome.

If you are booking mainly for beaches, Maslinica may feel less essential. If you like seeing how island communities look and feel, it adds useful variety. I would not plan a major meal around it, but I would use the time for a short walk and a drink.

Duga Bay on Čiovo: the final water stop

The final destination is Duga Bay on Čiovo Island. Here you get about 45 minutes for more swimming and snorkeling at a beach described as a small paradise.

The timing works well. You have already seen Trogir and had a break on Šolta, so a final swim provides an easy finish before the ride back to Split. It also gives you a second chance to get in the water if the first stop was too crowded, too windy, or simply too short for your liking.

Use this stop for the activity you most enjoy. You can swim, try the supplied snorkeling gear, sit under the sun, or stay near the boat’s shade. The 45-minute limit is enough for a refreshing break but not enough for a long beach afternoon.

Because the tour visits two swimming locations, bring sunscreen and reapply it. The sunshade helps while you are aboard, but it will not protect you once you are in the water or walking along the shore.

The boat, crew, and comfort details

An experienced skipper and a local English or Croatian guide lead the trip. The crew handles the route, fuel, and basic boat logistics, while sharing stories about the Adriatic along the way.

Fuel is included, so the advertised $58 price does not come with a surprise fuel charge. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included too. Food and additional drinks are not, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package.

The boat has a sunshade and onboard Wi-Fi. Those details matter on a five-hour outing. You can get relief from the sun between swims, and you can stay connected if needed, though reception and service at sea should not be treated as guaranteed in every moment.

Private and small-group options are available. Group size can change the feel of the day. A private boat gives you more control over how you use each stop, while a small group can keep the cost down and still feel more personal than a large excursion.

The meeting point depends on the option you book. The listed departure choices are Rent a Boat Split and Split Blue Cave, with drop-off options at those same locations. Check the exact meeting point before you set out, especially if you are walking from accommodation in central Split.

Is $58 a fair price?

At $58 per person, this trip offers good value if you want transport, several stops, swimming, and basic equipment in one package. A private taxi or separate boat hire would cost much more, while planning the same route independently would require arranging transport between Split, Trogir, Šolta, and Čiovo.

The price is less attractive if you do not plan to swim. A large part of the tour is built around two water stops, and the schedule gives only a short time for deeper sightseeing in Trogir or Maslinica. You are paying for variety and convenience rather than long visits.

The included fuel, bottled water, and snorkeling gear make the cost easier to judge. You still need to budget for food and extra drinks in Maslinica, but there are no stated fuel fees added later.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option may help if your plans are still changing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times depend on availability, so check the available departure when choosing your date.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a quick look at the coast around Split. It suits couples, friends, and families who can manage boat travel and want a balance of swimming and sightseeing.

The short format can also work well for families. A five-hour trip is easier for children than a full-day excursion, and the schedule includes several changes of scene. One family with children aged three and five found the length manageable, which is useful guidance if you are considering the tour with young children. Babies under one year are not permitted.

You should consider motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness. The speedboat ride is part of the experience, and the route depends on sea and weather conditions. Check the forecast before departure and dress for the day rather than assuming every outing will feel the same.

This is not the right choice if you want a slow, detailed exploration of Trogir, a long lunch on Šolta, or hours on one beach. It is also not a good fit if you are uncomfortable in the water or do not enjoy moving between several stops.

My verdict: book it for variety, not a full-day escape

I would book this tour if I had five hours and wanted a tidy introduction to the nearby coast. The combination of Blue Lagoon, Trogir, Maslinica, and Duga Bay gives you more range than a simple beach cruise, and the included equipment keeps the planning easy.

Go in knowing what the schedule is designed to do. You will swim twice, see Trogir briefly, pause in a fishing village, and spend time on a speedboat. If that sounds like your ideal balance, $58 is a sensible price. If you want to linger, choose a longer or more focused outing instead.

FAQ

How long does the boat tour from Split last?

The tour lasts five hours.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Krknjaši Bay, also known as Blue Lagoon, Trogir, Maslinica on Šolta Island, and Duga Bay on Čiovo Island.

How much time is spent at Blue Lagoon?

You have about one hour at Blue Lagoon for sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.

How long is the stop in Trogir?

The Trogir stop lasts about one hour and includes time for coffee and sightseeing.

Is food included in the tour price?

No. Food and additional drinks are not included. You can use the break in Maslinica for lunch or coffee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Does the boat have shade?

Yes. The boat has a sunshade for protection during sunny weather.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you are prone to seasickness, motion sickness medication is recommended.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.