From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best thing about this tour is its smart half-day format. In about five hours, you get open-water speedboat rides, two chances to swim, a beach bar stop, and time in the old town of Trogir. It gives you a taste of the Split archipelago without consuming your whole day.

I like the small boat, which carries no more than 12 people, and I like the mix of scenery and history. Guides such as Simon, Domagoj, Bepo, Luka, Sarah, and Dome have earned praise for being friendly and attentive. The main concern is safety consistency: most departures sound well handled, but a few reports describe reckless driving, unclear lifejacket procedures, and awkward boarding at the Blue Lagoon.

Quick points before you book

• About five hours from central Split: The tour starts and ends at Marulićeva ul. 4, making it easy to fit into a busy Split itinerary.
• Three distinct stops: You get a beach bar on Čiovo, swimming and snorkeling at Krknjaši Bay, then historic Trogir.
• Small-group setting: The boat holds a maximum of 12 people, though one booking issue involved a private group being separated.
• Fast, bumpy transport: The speedboat covers ground quickly, but rough water can make the ride uncomfortable.
• Water and goggles are included: Food and drinks are not, so plan to buy refreshments at the beach bar or in Trogir.
• Best for active half-day sightseeing: You should be comfortable getting into the water, moving around a small boat, and accepting limited time at each stop.

Why the five-hour schedule works well from Split

Split is a city that can easily fill several days, so an all-day island trip is not always the best fit. This excursion gives you a taste of the coast in roughly five hours, with morning departures such as 9:30 returning around 2:30.

That timing is one of the tour’s strongest features. You can spend the rest of the day walking Diocletian’s Palace, resting at your hotel, or having a long dinner in Split. A five-hour outing also makes sense if you want swimming and island scenery but do not want to commit to an eight-hour boat day.

The price is about $72.56 per person. That is reasonable for a small-group speedboat trip that includes the boat, safety equipment, snorkeling goggles, and water. You are also paying for the convenience of reaching several coastal spots without arranging ferries, taxis, or separate excursions.

The value depends on what you want from the stops. If your priority is efficient transport, clear water, and a quick visit to Trogir, the price makes sense. If you want long swims, a full meal, or plenty of time in every place, the short schedule may feel tight.

The speedboat ride is part of the attraction

The boat is not simply a taxi between sights. For many people, the ride itself is one of the main pleasures. You skim across the water, see the islands from a low angle, and reach places that would take much longer by ordinary transport.

The small boats used on this trip have padded seating, including a sunbathing area at the stern on some departures. Music, sea views, and the quick pace give the trip a cheerful, informal feel. Several departures have been praised for clean boats, smooth maneuvering, and friendly crews.

You should also know what a speedboat means in practice. The ride can be fast and bumpy, especially when the sea is rough. One calm outing may feel exciting, while a windy return can be uncomfortable. If you are prone to motion sickness, the fast movement may help in some conditions, but nobody can guarantee a smooth ride.

The trip is not ideal for anyone who needs a calm, stable boat. It may also be a poor choice if you are pregnant, have a health concern affected by jolting, or simply dislike open-water speed. The operator specifically warns that the tour is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues, though one family with children aged seven to eleven reported enjoying it.

Stop one: Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo

The first stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The setting is described as a pine-lined beach with a lively beach bar, making this an easy introduction to the day.

You get about an hour here. You can swim, sit in the shade, walk a little, or buy a drink. It is a useful stop because it lets you settle into the boat outing before reaching the Blue Lagoon.

I would treat this as a relaxed beach break, not a major sightseeing stop. The appeal is the combination of pine trees, water, and a casual bar, rather than a landmark or a long stretch of free time. Drinks are not included, so bring payment if you want something from the bar.

The hour can pass quickly if your group wants both a swim and a drink. If you prefer to spend every minute in the water, you may find the bar less important. If you like a shaded pause between boat rides, this is one of the more comfortable parts of the route.

Stop two: Krknjaši Bay and the Blue Lagoon

Krknjaši Bay, on the eastern coast of Veli Drvenik, is the trip’s main swimming stop. Its clear water gives the bay the name Blue Lagoon, and the view from the boat is the classic reward of this excursion: bright sea, low islands, and a place made for cooling off.

You get about an hour here. Snorkeling masks are supplied, and the water can be pleasant for swimming around the boat or near the shore. Do not expect a major underwater site. The marine life is limited, and some visitors have found little to see beyond a few small fish. Reports also note that the coral has suffered.

The quality of this stop depends heavily on the day and the exact anchoring point. At quieter times, the crew may anchor away from the busiest area, allowing you to swim in clear water with fewer people around. At other times, the bay can feel crowded.

There is an important practical point here. Some departures have involved reaching the swimming area from a beach or shore rather than simply jumping from the boat into open water. One account described a roughly 15-minute swim to reach shore, while another criticized a dirty, crowded beach and the lack of a proper ladder. These details do not appear to define every departure, but they are worth asking about before you book.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before leaving. Safety equipment is listed as included, but some people reported that lifejackets were not offered for ordinary swimming and were described as emergency equipment only. That creates a real concern for non-swimmers. Clarify the procedure at the start, and do not enter the water if you are uncomfortable with the access.

The Blue Lagoon is most rewarding when you view it as a beautiful swimming setting, not as a major snorkeling destination. Bring realistic expectations, and the clear water and cooling swim can be the highlight of the day.

Stop three: Trogir gives the trip its cultural balance

Trogir is the strongest sightseeing stop. This small historic town lies a short distance from Split and was founded in the third century BC by Greek colonists. Its old center carries a mix of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, which explains its nickname, the Stone Beauty.

You get about an hour to walk around. That is enough to see a few lanes, admire the old stone buildings, and stop for a snack or drink. It is not enough for a slow museum visit, a long meal, and a full town tour, so choose your priorities before you step off the boat.

I like the way Trogir changes the rhythm of the excursion. After sun and salt water, you get a short dose of history, narrow streets, and stone squares. Several people have considered this the most memorable part of the trip.

The timing is both useful and limiting. An hour gives you a clear taste of Trogir without turning the excursion into a city tour. If Trogir is high on your list, you may prefer to return independently for half a day. If you only want a quick look, this stop is well judged.

Food is not included, but Trogir is the natural place to buy lunch or a snack. Keep an eye on the meeting time. A late return to the boat can hold up the whole group.

Crew quality and the safety question

Crew service has been one of the most praised parts of the experience. Captains and assistants have been described as friendly, helpful, and willing to explain the places along the way. In one case, the crew even helped locate passengers who had trouble finding the meeting point.

Names attached to positive experiences include Simon and Domagoj, Bepo and Luka, and Sarah and Dome. You cannot assume you will get a particular pair, but these examples show the kind of guide support the operator aims to provide.

Most accounts describe a fun, well-organized outing, with the boat leaving stops on time and the crew checking on people during the trip. That matters on a small boat, where a good captain can make rough conditions feel manageable.

At the same time, I would not ignore the serious complaints. A few people described racing between boats, close passes at speed, and driving that made them feel unsafe. Others reported that lifejackets were not visible or were difficult to use during ordinary swimming. These are not minor comfort complaints.

The operator responded that reckless driving is against its standards and said the concerns would be addressed. Still, your safety depends on the crew operating your particular boat that day. If the driving feels dangerous, speak up immediately. If you are traveling with small children or a non-swimmer, ask about lifejackets and water entry before departure, not after reaching the lagoon.

What to bring and what not to expect

The operator supplies snorkeling goggles, safety equipment, and water. Food and other drinks are not included.

I would bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection
• A change of clothes
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Money for the beach bar or Trogir
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

Wear shoes that are easy to remove and secure. Boarding may involve moving around a small boat, and one complaint described awkward transfers between boats and a poor ladder at the swimming stop.

Do not expect a bathroom on the boat. One complaint specifically noted the absence of one. Plan ahead at the meeting point and use facilities when available at the beach bar or in Trogir.

The meeting point is Marulićeva ul. 4 in Split, and the tour returns there. Confirmation is provided when you book. The experience is offered in English, and most people can participate, but swimming ability and comfort with a rough ride matter more than the general participation statement suggests.

Who should book this speedboat trip

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A compact way to see several coastal locations
• A small group rather than a large excursion boat
• Two chances to swim
• A quick visit to Trogir
• The excitement of a fast boat
• A tour that leaves much of your afternoon free

It is especially useful for a first visit to Split when you want to sample the nearby islands before deciding where to return on your own.

I would think twice if you want a quiet cruise, a long beach stay, serious snorkeling, or a leisurely historical tour. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, the underwater life is modest, and an hour in Trogir is only a preview.

Families can enjoy the trip, but I would ask detailed questions about lifejackets, boarding, and sea conditions if you have young children. The boat may be comfortable for some children, yet speed and waves can change the experience quickly.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can receive a different date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, and a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

Because the group limit is 12, book ahead if your dates are fixed. The experience is booked an average of 21 days in advance. If you are booking a larger private group, confirm exactly how the arrangement will work. One group expected a private boat but was separated at the last moment.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if you value variety and speed over depth. For about $72.56, you get a lively half-day on the water, two swimming opportunities, a beach bar, and a worthwhile look at Trogir. The small group and short schedule are strong advantages.

I would not book without asking about the current boat, lifejacket access, and how guests enter the water at Krknjaši Bay. The scenery is appealing, but the Blue Lagoon is not always quiet, snorkeling is limited, and safety reports are uneven.

For a confident swimmer who enjoys boats and wants a busy half-day, this is a good-value outing. For a cautious passenger, a non-swimmer, or anyone seeking a relaxed cruise, choose a slower and more clearly structured boat trip.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Marulićeva ul. 4, 21000 Split, Croatia, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Which places does the tour visit?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling goggles and safety equipment are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Water is included, but food and other drinks are not.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.