Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best part of this five-hour speedboat tour is the mix: you get open-water scenery, two proper swimming stops, a beach bar among pine trees, and an hour in the handsome old town of Trogir. It feels more varied than a simple beach outing, yet it leaves most of your day free.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the smart pacing. You are not stuck on a boat all day, and each stop gets about an hour. I also like that guides such as Linda, Simon, Paško, Luka, and Ivan have been praised for keeping the talk useful, the mood relaxed, and the boat feeling safe.

The main catch is the speedboat itself. Wind can make the ride bumpy, and strong weather can cancel the trip. This is not a good choice for young children under five, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or anyone with back or mobility problems.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: You get about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in clear turquoise water.
• Three distinct stops: Borkko Beach Bar, Blue Lagoon, and UNESCO-listed Trogir give the half-day trip real variety.
• Small boat atmosphere: With no more than 12 people, the trip feels more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Fast coastal ride: The speedboat gives you broad views of Split and the Dalmatian islands, though wind can bring a rougher ride.
• Music and friendly crews: Guides and skippers often add music, humor, photos, and short local explanations without filling the day with speeches.
• Good half-day value: At $70 per person, you are paying for transport, swimming stops, snorkeling goggles, and a guide in one compact outing.

Why this Split boat trip works so well

Split is a wonderful base, but its waterfront and nearby swimming areas can feel crowded in summer. This tour gives you a quick way out onto the Adriatic, where the city becomes part of the view rather than the whole setting.

You begin at the Booker Travel Agency office, check in, and meet the guide before walking to the speedboat. The ride out takes about 30 minutes. That first stretch matters because it gives you time to settle in, look back at Split, and get a feel for the sea conditions before the first stop.

I would choose this outing if you want a sample of the central Dalmatian coast without committing an entire day. You get scenery, water time, and a cultural stop, but none of these parts is long enough to become tiring.

The tone is generally casual. Guides including Simon, Paško, Linda, Mateo, Luka, Ivan, and Domagoj have been praised for a good balance of explanation and free time. Some crews play music during the ride, which adds energy, although music may be loud enough to make conversation harder.

The first 30 minutes on the Adriatic

The speedboat is the transport and part of the attraction. You are not simply being carried from one port to another. The ride gives you wide views of Split, the coastline, and nearby islands, with the boat moving quickly between stops.

That speed is useful on a five-hour schedule. A slower boat would spend more of the day getting from place to place. Here, you reach the first stop after roughly half an hour and still have time for swimming and sightseeing.

You should expect some movement. The ride can be smooth, but wind and wake may cause bumps. If you have back problems or dislike a lively boat ride, this is worth considering before booking. The operator can cancel when the wind is too strong and offer a refund or a different date.

The boat has been described as clean, spacious, and comfortable for its size. Still, this is a speedboat, not a shaded ferry. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear, and keep loose belongings secure during the ride.

Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island

The first stop is Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island, where you get about an hour of free time. The setting combines pale sand, pine trees, beach bars, and water for swimming or snorkeling.

This is a relaxed opening stop. You can ease into the day with a swim, sit near the beach bar, or simply enjoy the view from shore. The pine trees add some character and welcome shade, though you should not assume every seat or drink is included.

Food and drinks are not part of the tour price. You will need to pay for anything you order at the beach bar. That is a small but important detail when judging the $70 cost.

The stop may change with the season and weather. Instead of Borkko Beach Bar, the boat may visit the village of Maslinica on Šolta Island. That is not a downgrade so much as a different kind of stop: you would trade the beach-club setting for a charming coastal village.

If your main goal is swimming, Borkko is likely the more direct fit. If the route changes to Maslinica, you should expect the day to lean a little more toward village scenery and strolling.

One hour in the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is the central event of the trip, and the stop lasts about an hour. The water is described as clear and turquoise, with a sandy beach and good conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

The tour supplies snorkeling goggles, so you do not need to bring your own mask for a basic look below the surface. The equipment is simple, but it is enough to make the swimming stop more interesting than a quick dip.

You can spend the hour in several ways. Swim from the boat, snorkel near the shore, sunbathe on the sundeck, or split your time between all three. I like that the schedule does not force one activity on you. Strong swimmers can spend longer in the water, while others can stay aboard and enjoy the views.

Do not expect a private cove. Blue Lagoon is a popular destination, and the appeal is the water and setting rather than solitude. The boat gives you a convenient way to reach it, but the area can feel busy during the main summer season.

Take care when boarding and moving around after swimming. One person specifically noted that the boat floor can become slippery, particularly when wet. Water shoes may help with footing near the shore, but you should still move carefully on the boat.

The operator lists water as included, though one booking comment reported that it was not available. I would bring a reusable bottle so you are not depending on the onboard supply. Food and other drinks are definitely not included.

Trogir, the cultural counterpoint

After the swimming stops, the boat heads to Trogir for about an hour of free time. This is what gives the excursion more substance than a standard beach cruise.

Trogir is a historic city and harbor built on a small island, and its cultural importance has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. You can use the hour to walk through the old center, look at the waterfront, and enjoy the stone streets and buildings before returning to the boat.

The short visit is enough for a first impression, not a full historical tour. The guide may offer background, but you should not expect an in-depth city walk within the schedule. If Trogir is a major reason for booking, you may wish to return independently for more time.

One person felt that an extra stretch in Trogir would have been welcome. I understand that view. The town is the most culturally substantial stop, yet it receives the same approximate hour as the swimming locations. The tradeoff is clear: the tour lets you sample Trogir while still fitting in Blue Lagoon and the beach bar.

Trogir is also a useful change of pace. After sun, salt water, and boat movement, you can walk on dry ground, find a drink at your own expense, and take in a proper town before the return ride.

The return ride to Split

The final 30-minute boat ride takes you back toward Split with more views of the coast and islands. At this point, the ride can feel like a pleasant wind-down, especially if the sea is calm.

Crews often use music to keep the mood light. Several named guides and skippers have been praised for making the ride fun without turning it into a nonstop performance. Linda has also been noted for carrying a professional camera and taking photos during the day, though that may depend on which guide is assigned.

You should not book this excursion expecting the exact same crew each time. Guides and skippers vary. The consistent feature is the small-group format, English guidance, and the basic route structure.

The return is to the Booker Travel Agency area. Since the trip lasts five hours, you still have time afterward for dinner, an evening walk through Split, or another activity.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the value is strongest if you want several experiences in one booking. The price covers the speedboat, safety equipment, snorkeling goggles, water as listed, an English-speaking guide, and transport between Split, the islands, Blue Lagoon, and Trogir.

You are also paying for time saved. Reaching the stops by speedboat makes this route possible in half a day. Arranging the same mix independently would mean checking boat connections, finding a route to Blue Lagoon, and fitting Trogir into the schedule.

The price does not cover food or drinks. You should budget for refreshments at Borkko or Trogir and bring sunscreen and a towel. Pack lightly, since wet swimwear and boat travel are not a great match for a heavy day bag.

The strongest value comes from the variety. If you only want to swim at Blue Lagoon, a simpler boat trip might suit you. If you want Blue Lagoon plus a beach setting and a UNESCO-listed town, $70 is reasonable for the amount packed into five hours.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it for couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy small groups, and families with older children who are comfortable on a fast boat. It also suits anyone with only a few days in Split and a desire to see more of the coast without losing a full day.

The trip is especially useful if you like a little of everything. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, listen to music, see an island beach, and walk through an old town. No single stop carries the whole experience.

I would think twice if you need a quiet boat, a long city visit, or a very gentle ride. The music may be too loud for easy conversation, and windy weather can make the crossing rough. The tour is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with back or mobility problems.

Make one joint reservation if you are traveling with friends or family. Separate bookings do not guarantee that everyone will be placed on the same boat.

What to pack for the five-hour outing

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Snorkeling goggles and safety equipment are provided, but you can bring your own mask if you prefer a better fit.

I would also pack a small waterproof bag for a phone, wallet, and dry clothing. The supplied information does not list food or drinks as included, so carry some money for purchases at the beach bar or in Trogir.

Wear something comfortable for both swimming and walking. You will move from boat deck to beach and then to town streets, so this is not a beach-only outing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an energetic half-day that combines Blue Lagoon swimming with a taste of Trogir and a beach-bar stop. The small group, fast transport, and steady one-hour pacing make it a practical choice for first-time visitors to Split.

Skip it if you want complete peace, a long stay at one beach, or a slow cultural tour. For everyone else, the route offers a lot for $70, especially when guides such as Linda, Simon, Paško, Luka, and Ivan bring the right mix of safety, humor, music, and useful local information.

FAQ

How long does the Split Blue Lagoon speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including approximately 30 minutes traveling to the first stop, one hour at Borkko Beach Bar, one hour at Blue Lagoon, one hour in Trogir, and about 30 minutes returning to Split.

What stops are included?

The planned stops are Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island, Blue Lagoon, and the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir. Depending on the season and weather, Maslinica on Šolta Island may replace Borkko Beach Bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles are included, along with safety equipment. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Water is listed as included, but one booking comment reported that water was not available, so bringing your own bottle is sensible.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet the guide at the Booker Travel Agency office. Enter the office to check in and meet your tour guide before heading to the boat.

Can the tour be canceled because of bad weather?

Yes. Strong winds can cause cancellation. In that case, you can receive a full refund, reschedule for another date, or exchange the booking for another available trip. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.