Split: Blue Lagoon, Hvar and 5 Islands Small Group Boat Tour

The best thing about this 10-hour speedboat trip is how much Dalmatian coast you can see in one day. You pass stone villages, harbor towns, swimming coves and open sea, then get time on land in Hvar and Milna instead of spending the whole day aboard.

I like the small 12-person boat, which keeps the day more personal, and I like the smart use of a fast boat. The quick crossings leave room for real stops, including an hour and a half in Hvar and another hour and a half at the Blue Lagoon. The tradeoff is a long, sun-heavy day with a choppy ride possible, so this is not a good pick for anyone with back trouble, limited mobility, pregnancy, or a strong dislike of speedboats.

Key points at a glance

• Twelve people maximum: A small group makes boarding, swimming stops and conversation easier than on a large excursion boat.
• Hvar gets 90 minutes: You have enough time for the Old Town, a walk uphill toward Fortica Fortress, shopping, or a quick meal.
• Two major swimming stops: The Pakleni Islands and Blue Lagoon offer time for swimming and snorkeling with equipment supplied.
• Milna and Maslinica add local flavor: These are calmer harbor villages, useful contrasts to Hvar’s busy streets.
• Fast travel means broad coverage: You visit several island areas without wasting the day on long ferry-style crossings.
• Plan for your own food: Lunch and drinks are not officially included, so carry water and cash. Some past bookings included pizza, but you should not count on that unless confirmed.

Why this Split boat tour covers so much

This is a coast-first excursion. You meet at the Smile Travel office on Marmontova ul. 5 in central Split, leave unwanted luggage there if arranged in advance, and walk to the waiting speedboat. The boat carries up to 12 people, with a licensed skipper, English-speaking staff, safety equipment, music and fuel included.

The small size matters. On a full-size boat, getting on and off can take time, and swimming stops may feel organized around the crowd. Here, the schedule can move more cleanly. You still follow a fixed route, but there is less fuss at each stop.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. The boat is built for quick crossings, reaching the next island area in minutes rather than hours. That makes it possible to combine Milna, Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, Maslinica and the Blue Lagoon in one day.

The cost is about $130 per person. That is not a cheap afternoon outing, but it covers roughly 10 hours, boat transport, fuel, a skipper, staff, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, passenger insurance, a small souvenir, taxes and fees. Compared with arranging several ferry trips and local transfers yourself, the price can be reasonable for a first look at the coast.

The catch is that meals and drinks are not included. Bring water, cash and a plan for lunch. Some people have reported pizza being provided on their departure, but the stated inclusions do not promise it. Confirm before you go, and budget as if lunch is your responsibility.

Milna on Brač, a quiet first stop

After roughly 20 minutes on the water, you reach Milna on Brač Island. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to walk, take photos and look around the harbor.

Milna is a good opening stop because it slows the pace after the speedy departure. Its harbor is lined with fishing boats, old stone buildings and Mediterranean views. You are not here for a long museum visit or a packed sightseeing program. Instead, you get a short taste of a Dalmatian village and a chance to stretch your legs.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a pleasant walk and photographs, but not enough for a detailed exploration of Brač. Keep your expectations in line with the schedule. The value is variety: you see a quieter harbor before the more famous Hvar stop.

Hvar Town gives you 90 minutes

From Milna, the boat takes about 30 minutes to Hvar Town. This is the day’s main town visit, with approximately an hour and a half to explore.

Hvar has several ways to use that time. You can wander the Old Town, look at Venetian-era palaces, find the old theatre, shop for a small souvenir, or seek out a restaurant or café. If you want the view from Fortica Fortress, allow for the uphill walk and return time. The fortress is a strong choice if you prefer a panorama to a long meal.

Ninety minutes is helpful, but it is still a taste of Hvar rather than a full visit. You will not have time to explore every lane, spend a long afternoon at the beach and sit down for an elaborate meal. Decide before arrival what matters most.

I would choose one priority. Walk the historic center if you want atmosphere and architecture. Head uphill if the view matters most. Eat only if you can do so without turning the stop into a race back to the boat.

Hvar is also where the contrast in this tour becomes clear. It is the best-known and most polished stop, while Milna and Maslinica feel calmer. The route lets you sample both kinds of island experience in the same day.

Pakleni Islands for a proper swim

After Hvar, the boat makes a short crossing of about 15 minutes to the Pakleni Islands. The stop lasts around an hour and includes swimming, snorkeling, walking and photos.

The Pakleni group stretches about 10 kilometers and includes 16 islands. You will not see all of them in an hour, but you get a useful taste of the archipelago from the water. The stop may include time near the well-known Carpe Diem area, and the clear water is the main attraction.

Snorkeling equipment is included. That saves you from packing your own mask and snorkel, though you should still bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen and a change of clothes. The water is the reason to use this stop well. If you want photographs, take them early, then get in.

This is a good point to remember that the boat day is active. You will climb in and out of the boat, swim from a stop rather than a conventional beach, and dry off between locations. If you prefer easy access, shade and a slow waterfront lunch, this format may feel rushed.

Šolta and Maslinica slow the afternoon

The ride from the Pakleni Islands to Šolta takes about 45 minutes. The itinerary includes a 45-minute swimming and snorkeling stop around Šolta, followed by an hour in Maslinica.

That extra water stop keeps the day from becoming a string of town walks. You can swim, use the snorkeling gear again and enjoy the views from the boat. The schedule does not give a detailed description of a specific beach or cove, so treat this as a flexible sea stop rather than a major landmark visit.

Maslinica offers a different mood. It is a coastal village with a picturesque harbor, traditional stone houses and olive groves. You have an hour for a walk, photos, quiet time and a look at a less hurried side of Šolta.

This may be one of the most rewarding parts of the route if you want more than famous names. Hvar is the headline stop, but Maslinica gives you space to notice ordinary coastal details: small boats, stone walls, harbor views and the rhythm of a village. Do not expect a long cultural tour. The stop is about atmosphere and a break from the boat.

The Blue Lagoon finishes the day

From Maslinica, the boat takes about 30 minutes to the Blue Lagoon near Split. You get roughly 90 minutes here, making it the longest water stop of the day alongside Hvar.

The Blue Lagoon is designed for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and photographs. The water is the star, and the late-day setting gives you time to settle into the final stop rather than jumping straight back aboard.

I would save some energy for this stop. After Milna, Hvar, Pakleni and Šolta, you may be ready for a quiet swim rather than another ambitious walk. The Blue Lagoon works well as a final release: get in the water, use the mask and snorkel, take your last photographs, and enjoy the view before the return ride.

The word lagoon can suggest a secluded beach. This is still a popular Adriatic stop, so do not expect complete solitude. Its appeal is the clear water and easy access from the boat, not silence or an untouched private cove.

The ride back to Marmontova ul. 5 takes about 45 minutes. A full day on the water, especially in sun and wind, can feel longer than the clock suggests. Keep water close and do not wait until the last stop to reapply sunscreen.

What the speedboat ride feels like

A speedboat gives you more coastline in less time, but speed has a physical cost. You feel the wind, spray and movement of the sea. On calm water, that is exciting. In rougher conditions, it can be tiring, and the operator may change the plan because the activity depends on sea and weather conditions.

The boat has safety gear and life jackets, and the skipper is licensed. Staff speak English and music plays during the ride. Past bookings specifically praised the friendly guides, with David and Maren singled out for keeping the day organized, cheerful and comfortable.

Do not confuse a small group with a private charter. You share the boat with other people, follow the planned route and may have limited room for large bags. Luggage storage is available through the office, but contact the provider first if you need it.

The music adds a social, holiday feel. That will suit you if you like an upbeat boat day. If you want a quiet naturalist cruise, the playlist may be less appealing. The experience leans toward fun, movement and scenery rather than formal guiding.

What to pack and how to use the schedule

Pack light. The useful list is simple:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear, beachwear and a towel
• A change of clothes
• Sunscreen and drinking water
• A camera
• Cash for food, drinks or purchases

Wear something that handles wind and spray. Keep your camera and phone secure while the boat is moving. You will want both hands free when boarding and during swimming stops.

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the Smile Travel office in central Split yourself, and the tour finishes there. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Split schedule is still shifting.

The age and health limits are important. The experience is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 65. These limits are a strong signal that the speedboat ride and repeated boarding require reasonable physical comfort.

Is $130 a fair price?

I see the price as fair if you want an efficient first look at several Dalmatian stops. You are paying for a full day, a small boat, fuel, crew, safety equipment, snorkeling gear and a route that would be awkward to reproduce independently in one day.

The value is weaker if your main goal is Hvar. In that case, a dedicated Hvar visit gives you more time and less boat travel. The same applies if you want a long beach day. This tour gives you several short experiences rather than one deep visit.

It is also worth comparing the food policy carefully. Lunch is not listed as included, even though some past bookings included pizza. Treat that as an occasional arrangement, not part of the guaranteed price.

Who should book this island day?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Split and want a broad sample of the coast. It suits people who enjoy swimming, quick boat rides, music, photographs and a sociable group.

It is especially useful for first-time visitors who want to see Hvar without giving up the Blue Lagoon and smaller harbor stops. The route gives you a clear sense of how different the islands can feel in one day.

I would skip it if you want a slow schedule, a quiet boat, a private guide or long hours at one beach. I would also skip it if the physical restrictions apply to you. The operator can alter the route for sea conditions, so keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and five-island tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety from Split and are happy to trade depth for coverage. The strongest features are the 12-person boat, fast crossings, two long headline stops at Hvar and the Blue Lagoon, and extra time for Milna, Pakleni, Šolta and Maslinica.

Bring water, lunch money and sun protection. Ask about any meal arrangement before departure, and choose your priority for Hvar in advance. If the sea is calm and you enjoy an active day, this is a strong-value way to sample the Dalmatian coast without organizing several separate trips.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet in front of the Smile Travel office at Marmontova ul. 5 in Split.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Marmontova ul. 5.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours. Available starting times vary, so check the schedule when booking.

How many people fit on the boat?

The speedboat has room for up to 12 people.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Milna on Brač, Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, Maslinica and the Blue Lagoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety gear, including life jackets, are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not listed as included. Food and drinks are also excluded, so bring water, cash and money for food. Some past bookings included pizza, but you should confirm this before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to reach the meeting point in central Split, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 65. It may also change because of sea and weather conditions.