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

Three islands, one fast boat. Ria Tours packs swimming, snorkeling, village time, and sea views into a five-hour trip from Trogir, with departures suited to either a morning or afternoon schedule. I like the small maximum group of 14, which makes the boat feel more personal than a large excursion vessel, and I like the useful mix of stops: one made for swimming, one for a slow coffee, and one for a final seaside break. The main thing to consider is that this is an active day on the water, not a quiet sightseeing cruise. You will spend much of the time exposed to sun, wind, and open sea.

The price is about $81 per person, and the package includes refreshments, snorkeling equipment, and safety gear. That is fair value if you want several destinations without arranging separate ferries or taxis, though drinks, coffee, wine, food, and any purchases at the stops are extra. I would also bring a swimsuit you can keep on under your clothes, since one useful complaint was that the tour could explain changing arrangements more clearly.

Key points to know before you book

• Three very different stops: Blue Lagoon for swimming, Maslinica for village wandering, and Ciovo Island for another swim or a beach-bar drink.
• A genuinely small boat group: The maximum is 14 people, and one outing had only eight passengers.
• Swimming equipment is included: Snorkeling and safety equipment are supplied, so you do not need to arrange those separately.
• A five-hour format: You get roughly one hour and 20 minutes at Blue Lagoon, then one hour each at Maslinica and Ciovo.
• Strong guest satisfaction: The tour has a 4.9 rating from 103 reviews, with 98 percent recommending it.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead receive a full refund.

What the five-hour trip is really like

This tour is built around movement. You board a speedboat, cross the water to three island stops, and spend enough time at each place to swim or explore without turning the outing into a full-day expedition.

I like that rhythm. A full day at sea can feel long if you are not a serious beach person, while a short boat transfer with only one swim stop can feel rushed. Here, the schedule gives you a clear change of pace every hour or so. You can swim at the Blue Lagoon, walk around a historic seaside village, then finish with another swim or a drink at Ciovo.

The boat itself matters. Several people praised the vessel as spacious, newer, and well maintained. A smaller craft also helps the crew keep an eye on the group and answer questions directly. Claudia, Toma, Ria, Marco, Klaudija, and Captain Silenski are among the crew names associated with particularly warm outings. Specific staff can vary, but the pattern is clear: friendly hosting is one of the strongest parts of the experience.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. I would choose the time that gives you the best weather and fits your day in Trogir or Split, rather than assuming one time is always better. The tour depends on good conditions, so a sunny forecast matters more than a fixed preference.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: 80 minutes in clear water

The first stop is Blue Lagoon, also known as Krknjasi Bay, near Drvenik Veli. You spend about one hour and 20 minutes here, swimming and snorkeling directly from the boat.

This is the main water stop and probably the part you are picturing when you read the tour name. The sea is described as clear, and the setup lets you step from the boat into the water rather than walk through a crowded resort area. Snorkeling and safety equipment are included, which keeps the planning simple.

I like the generous time here. You can swim, try the mask and snorkel, sit on the boat, and take in the views without racing back aboard after 20 minutes. If you are traveling with children, that extra time is useful because not everyone gets into the water at once. One family with children aged 8, 9, and 10 had enough time to swim, snorkel, and explore during the trip.

Still, Blue Lagoon is a natural swimming stop, not a polished beach club. The tour information does not promise loungers, changing rooms, or a sandy beach. Pack your swimwear in an easy-to-reach place, and consider wearing it under your clothes. One practical point raised by a past customer was the lack of clear information about where to change.

The water can also feel cooler than expected, depending on the season and weather. A family reported swimming in warm sunshine at the end of October, but conditions vary. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry layer for the boat ride afterward. You will appreciate it once the speedboat gets moving.

Maslinica on Šolta: a slower hour ashore

After the first swim, the boat heads to Maslinica on Šolta Island. You get about one hour to walk around this 15th-century village, stop for coffee, or order a glass of wine.

This is a smart middle stop because it breaks up the water time. Instead of spending all five hours in swimwear, you get a chance to stretch your legs and see a small coastal settlement. Maslinica is described as a charming seaside village, and that fits the role it plays here: a compact place for a stroll, a drink, and a look at old stone buildings beside the harbor.

I would keep your expectations practical. One hour is enough for a pleasant walk and a refreshment, but not for a long museum visit or a detailed exploration of Šolta. The attraction is the setting and the pause. You can wander without needing a rigid sightseeing plan.

This stop also adds value to the price. You are not paying only for a ride to a swimming cove. You get a small taste of island life and a chance to buy something locally, although the cost of coffee, wine, or food is not included in the tour price.

If you want to take photographs, Maslinica may be your best stop. The harbor, village streets, and waterfront give you a different kind of view from the open sea. I would keep an eye on the meeting time, though. A one-hour stop passes quickly when you sit down for a drink.

Ciovo Island: the final swim and beach-bar choice

The last stop is Ciovo Island, where you spend about one hour. You can swim in the clear sea or finish the outing with a drink at a beach bar.

I like the choice here. Some people will want one last swim before returning to Trogir, while others will be ready to dry off and sit with a cold drink. A past customer singled out the fried calamari on Ciovo, so you may also find this a useful place for a casual bite, though food is not listed as included.

The stop gives the day an easy finish. There is no pressure to complete a major attraction before boarding. You can take a final look at the coast, enjoy the water, and let the crew handle the return journey.

As with Blue Lagoon, I would not treat this as a guaranteed beach-resort experience. The details supplied do not promise a private beach, reserved seating, or a specific restaurant. Think of Ciovo as a flexible final pause rather than a major sightseeing stop.

Why the small group makes a difference

The maximum group size is 14, and one outing had eight people aboard. That is a useful size for a speedboat. You get a better view, less crowding around the swimming area, and a greater chance to speak with the captain or host.

Small groups also make the schedule easier to manage. If several people want to swim and others want to stay aboard, the crew can keep the mood relaxed rather than trying to organize dozens of people. The repeated praise for friendly hosts supports this. Claudia, Toma, Ria, Marco, Klaudija, and Silenski were all connected with positive comments about the atmosphere, care, and smooth handling of the day.

The boat is not silent, private, or exclusive. You are still sharing the experience with other people, and speedboats can be lively in open water. But compared with a large ferry-style excursion, this format feels more like a hosted outing.

Music may also be part of the mood. One person especially enjoyed the music during an afternoon trip. That can make the ride feel festive, though it may not suit someone seeking complete quiet.

Speedboat comfort, views, and refreshments

The speedboat gives you broad sea views and cuts down the travel time between islands. That is the key reason to choose it over a slower boat trip. You spend more of the five hours at the actual stops and less time simply getting there.

Several people praised the boat’s condition and space. That is reassuring, especially for a family or anyone who dislikes cramped seating. Still, a speedboat ride is exposed and can feel breezy. If you get motion sick, the open-water sections are worth considering before you book.

Refreshments are included, which adds a little convenience during the outing. The supplied details do not specify the exact drinks or amount, so I would not plan on refreshments replacing lunch. Coffee, wine, food, and beach-bar purchases at the stops should be treated as additional expenses.

The crew’s local suggestions are another useful touch. One person appreciated receiving tips about other things to do in Croatia. That kind of informal advice can help you make better use of the rest of your stay, especially if you are based in Trogir or Split for only a few days.

Is $81 a fair price?

At about $81 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to spend time by the sea, but it can be good value. You are paying for a five-hour boat outing, three island destinations, a small group, refreshments, and the use of snorkeling and safety equipment.

The value improves if you would otherwise need to arrange several ferry trips or private transfers. You also avoid having to plan how to reach Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Ciovo on your own. The boat, captain, timing, and route are handled for you.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is simply to sit on one beach all day. In that case, a single-location outing may offer more time in one place for less money. This tour works best when you want variety and enjoy moving between stops.

Remember to budget for optional coffee, wine, food, or drinks at the villages and beach bar. The tour includes refreshments, but not every purchase you may want along the way.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to couples, solo visitors, and families who want a compact introduction to the Dalmatian islands. A solo visitor specifically found the format ideal for seeing more of Croatia, and the small group makes it easier to feel included.

Families can also do well here, provided everyone is comfortable with swimming and a speedboat setting. The experience worked for children aged 8, 9, and 10, and the included safety equipment helps simplify the day. Parents should still expect sun, water, and changing conditions rather than a fully sheltered excursion.

This tour also suits people staying in Trogir or Split who want to add a half-day on the water without sacrificing an entire day. The five-hour length leaves room for other plans.

I would think twice if you dislike open boats, want a long cultural tour, or need guaranteed changing facilities. The route offers a taste of three locations, not an in-depth visit to any one island.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience is near public transportation. Most people can take part, although the day is built around swimming, walking, and boat travel.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded. Since the trip requires good weather, Ria Tours may cancel for poor conditions and offer either another date or a full refund.

I would keep the day before and after the tour a little flexible if possible. That gives you room to move the outing if the sea conditions turn poor.

Should you book the Ria Tours Blue Lagoon trip?

Book it if you want three distinct coastal experiences in five hours: a proper swim at Blue Lagoon, a village stop in Maslinica, and a final swim or drink on Ciovo. The small group, well-kept boat, friendly hosts, and included snorkeling gear make the $81 price reasonable for a convenient half-day.

I would skip it only if you want a quiet beach day, a private boat, or a deep historical tour. For most people with limited time around Trogir or Split, this is a well-paced way to see more of the coast without turning the day into a logistical puzzle.

FAQ

How long does the Blue Lagoon speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour visit?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The experience offers both morning and afternoon tour options.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, and a family with children aged 8, 9, and 10 enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, and exploring during the trip.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.