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

The best part of this five-hour speedboat trip is its mix of sea time and small-island stops. You get a long swim at Blue Lagoon, a stroll through Maslinica, and another chance to swim or relax at Čiovo, without giving up a full day of your holiday.

I like the small maximum group of 14, which keeps the boat more relaxed than a packed excursion vessel. I also like the flexible morning or afternoon departure, plus included snorkeling and safety equipment. The main consideration is simple: this is built around swimming, so poor weather can cancel the trip, and you should ask the crew early about changing clothes between stops.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon gives you 1 hour 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling directly from the boat in clear water.
• Maslinica offers a change of pace, with one hour to walk around the old seaside village or stop for coffee or wine.
• Čiovo finishes the outing with another swim, plus the option of a drink at a beach bar.
• The boat carries no more than 14 people, a useful advantage for a half-day coastal trip.
• Morning and afternoon departures are available, making it easier to fit around time in Trogir or Split.
• Snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and refreshments are included, while food and drinks bought at stops are separate.

Three island stops in five useful hours

Ria Tours has put together a route that works because each stop has a different purpose. Blue Lagoon is for the water, Maslinica is for a little village wandering, and Čiovo brings you back to swimming and beach time.

The total excursion lasts about five hours. The listed stop times add up to 3 hours and 20 minutes, leaving the rest for speedboat travel between the islands. That matters because you are not simply being shuttled from one harbor to another. The ride itself is part of the experience, with open views along the Dalmatian Coast and the thrill of moving quickly over the water.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. The morning option is useful if you want the rest of the day in Trogir or Split. The afternoon sailing may suit you better if you prefer a slower start, though your swimming time will depend on the day’s weather and light.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: the main swim

The first stop is Blue Lagoon, also known as Krknjasi Bay, with about 1 hour and 20 minutes set aside for swimming and snorkeling. This is the longest stop, and rightly so. The clear sea and direct access from the boat make it the heart of the excursion.

You do not need to find a separate beach or arrange another boat. You can swim straight from the vessel, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, and return when you want a break. Safety equipment is included as well, which is reassuring for anyone who is not a confident open-water swimmer.

The generous time here gives you room to set your own pace. You can spend the whole stop in the water, split the time between swimming and sitting on the boat, or use the snorkeling gear for a closer look below the surface. The trip is not suited to someone who only wants a quick photo stop. Its appeal depends on having time to get wet.

One practical point: the schedule does not specify a changing area. A review specifically wished for clearer information about where to change swimming clothes, so it is sensible to ask the crew before you swim. Pack your suit under your clothes and keep a towel handy.

Maslinica on Šolta: a quieter hour ashore

After the water stop, the boat heads to Maslinica on Šolta. This charming 15th-century village gives the trip a useful change of rhythm. You step off the boat, walk around, and take in a small coastal settlement rather than spending the entire day bobbing in the sea.

You have one hour here. That is enough for a relaxed wander and a coffee or glass of wine, but not for an extended island tour. The village stop works best if you keep your plans simple. Walk the waterfront, enjoy the setting, and leave time for a drink if that appeals.

Maslinica is also the stop that gives the outing some local character. Blue Lagoon is mostly about the water, while Maslinica lets you see how the coast feels when you are not looking at it from a boat. One review described the village as storybook-like, which captures its appeal without suggesting that it is a large sightseeing center.

Do not expect a long guided visit packed with monuments. The schedule favors free time, and that is a strength for people who prefer to explore at their own pace. If you want a formal village tour or several hours ashore, this outing will feel too brief.

Čiovo Island: a final swim and beach-bar option

The final stop is Čiovo Island, where you have another hour for a swim in clear water or a drink at a beach bar. Ending with water time is a smart choice. You can cool off again before the return ride, rather than finishing with a rushed walk through town.

The stop also gives you a choice. Swimmers can make the most of the sea, while anyone ready to stay dry can settle in with a drink. One review singled out fried calamari on Čiovo, but that is a personal dining suggestion rather than a guaranteed part of the tour, so plan to pay separately for anything you order there.

With three stops, it helps to think of Čiovo as the relaxed finish rather than another major sightseeing visit. You get a final chance to enjoy the coast, chat with the crew, and let the afternoon unfold at an easy pace.

What the speedboat adds to the day

The speedboat is not just transportation. It allows the tour to link several coastal spots in half a day, something that would be harder with slower local connections. You also get broad sea views between stops and a more open feel than you would on a large covered excursion boat.

The vessel has been described as newer, well maintained, and spacious. That is useful during the stretches between islands, particularly after swimming. A maximum of 14 people keeps the outing personal without making it a private charter.

Still, a speedboat ride is not the same as a quiet ferry crossing. You should expect motion and wind, and the ride itself may be a major part of the day. If you want a completely still, leisurely cruise, this is not the right style of boat trip.

The crew is another strong part of the experience. Names associated with the tours include Claudia, Toma, Ria, Marco, Klaudija, and Silenski. Their roles may vary by departure, but the consistent theme is a friendly and attentive approach. One solo participant found the format especially suitable, with useful local background shared along the way.

That personal touch matters on a small boat. A good captain helps everyone feel comfortable, keeps the schedule moving, and offers practical suggestions for the rest of your time in Croatia. The supplied feedback repeatedly highlights friendly hosts, helpful advice, and a pleasant atmosphere with music.

Price and value at $81.03

At $81.03 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the coast, but it offers more than a simple boat transfer. You receive about five hours on the water, three distinct stops, refreshments, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and a small group capped at 14.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange several separate trips to reach swimming spots and Maslinica. The speedboat covers the connections, and the crew handles the route. You also avoid spending the entire day on a large vessel with a crowd.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want one swim and a short ride. In that case, the three-stop format may feel busy, and you may not use the included equipment or refreshments enough to justify the cost.

Food and drinks purchased in Maslinica or at the Čiovo beach bar are not stated as part of the tour price. Bring money for those optional stops. The included refreshments are useful, but you should not treat them as a full meal.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this outing if you want to see more of the Dalmatian Coast without giving up swimming time. It suits couples, solo visitors, and families who can manage a boat-based day. A family with children aged 8, 9, and 10 completed the route with swimming, snorkeling, and exploration, so the format can work well for older children who are comfortable around open water.

It is also a good fit for anyone staying in Trogir or Split who has only half a day available. The English-language service, mobile ticket, and access near public transportation make the practical side fairly straightforward.

The experience is less suitable if you dislike getting wet, need a long period ashore, or want a private itinerary. You will spend meaningful time on the boat, and the schedule is shared with other people. Even with a small group, you will not control every departure or stop length.

Most people can participate, but the tour’s swimming focus means you should consider your own comfort in the sea. If you have mobility concerns or need specific equipment, the supplied information does not provide enough detail to confirm suitability, so ask before booking.

Weather, timing, and cancellation

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. That policy is important for a sea trip, since rough conditions would affect both comfort and safety.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and a late cancellation is not refunded. Keep the weather policy in mind when planning other fixed activities around this outing.

The tour is often booked about two weeks ahead. That suggests planning early if you want a particular morning or afternoon departure, especially during the busier coastal season. Confirmation arrives at booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

Book it if your ideal half-day includes clear water, three different coastal stops, and a small boat with a friendly crew. The route has a good balance: a long swim at Blue Lagoon, a village break in Maslinica, and a final swim or drink on Čiovo.

I would be most comfortable recommending it to people who value variety and convenience over a slow, private day. The price is fair for the time, equipment, refreshments, and small group, though optional food and drinks cost extra.

Skip it if you want extensive sightseeing on land or dislike open-water travel. For everyone else, this is a practical way to sample several Dalmatian Coast locations in one well-paced morning or afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The experience is based in Trogir, Croatia, and is offered from Trogir and Split.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 14 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What are the three stops?

The route includes Blue Lagoon, also called Krknjasi Bay, Maslinica on Šolta, and Čiovo Island.

How much time is spent at Blue Lagoon?

You have about 1 hour and 20 minutes at Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling.

Are snorkeling and safety items included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.