From Split: Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Trogir Speedboat Tour

The Adriatic is your playground. This half-day speedboat trip packs Trogir’s UNESCO-listed old town and two relaxing seaside stops into 4 hours and 30 minutes. I like the small boat size, with space for just 8 to 12 people, and the easy mix of history, swimming, and island scenery. The main catch is time: Trogir and Šolta can feel rushed, and engine noise may make the guide hard to hear.

I also like that transport, crew, insurance, and snorkeling equipment are included in the $88 price. You get a lot of scenery without a long day away from Split. But bring patience and your own plan for food, since meals and drinks cost extra and the schedule leaves limited time for a proper sit-down lunch.

Key details before you book

• Four stops in 270 minutes: You visit Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, a local seaside bar, and then return to Split.
• Small-group speedboat: Boats carry 8 to 12 people, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large excursion boat.
• Trogir gets only one hour: You can see key streets and landmarks, but this is an introduction, not a full town visit.
• Swimming equipment is included: Snorkeling gear is supposed to be provided, though one passenger reported that it was not offered on the day.
• Šolta ends the outing gently: Maslinica offers a pretty harbor, swimming, seafood, and the chance for a glass of local wine.
• Best for active sightseers: The tour suits people who want several highlights in one outing and do not need long, unhurried stops.

Leaving Split by speedboat

You meet at the booking stand near the semiSUBMARINE Split departure point. From there, the boat heads out for about 30 minutes toward Trogir.

That first ride is part of the attraction. You get open views of Split and the nearby islands, along with the familiar speedboat pleasures: wind, spray, and a much quicker pace than a standard ferry. The boat is not simply a transfer between stops. It gives you a moving view of the Dalmatian coast.

The small capacity matters here. With 8 to 12 people aboard, the ride should feel less crowded than a large group cruise. It also means the atmosphere can depend on the group. One passenger praised the excellent boat condition, careful driving, music, and friendly mood. Another found engine noise made it difficult to hear the guide, especially when the guide was facing away.

Bring sunglasses and secure anything loose. You will also want sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes, and clothing suited to the weather. The ride is relaxing, but it is still an open-water trip, not a quiet lounge on rails.

One hour among Trogir’s stone lanes

Trogir is the cultural anchor of the day. Often called the Little Venice of Dalmatia or the Stone Beauty, this old town sits on a small island and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its streets and squares are packed tightly with Romanesque and Gothic buildings.

You have about one hour here. That is enough to walk through the historic center and pick out several landmarks, but not enough for a slow museum visit, a long lunch, and a full look at every lane. I suggest treating this stop as a focused introduction.

Start with the Cathedral of St. Lovro. Its portal was carved by Master Radovan in the 13th century, making it one of the town’s key artistic sights. Even if you do not enter every building, the cathedral helps explain why Trogir feels more like a stone museum than an ordinary coastal town.

Continue toward the Town Gate, Town Hall, Ćipiko Palace, and Trogir Museum. You will also see the town’s two Venetian fortresses, built when Trogir served as a naval base. Fortress Kamerlengo sits at the western end of the island and now functions as a multimedia center, open-air cinema, and stage for cultural events.

The best use of this hour is simple: walk, look up, and keep moving. The narrow lanes reward wandering, but the clock does not. If Trogir is your main reason for visiting, I would choose a separate half-day or full-day visit instead. If you want a taste of its architecture between swims, this short stop works well.

Food is another practical issue. Traditional Dalmatian restaurants line the town, but the schedule may not give you enough time for a relaxed meal. One passenger specifically wished for more time in Trogir and Šolta and did not have a chance to eat or drink. You can perhaps grab something quick, but do not count on a leisurely lunch.

The Blue Lagoon’s clear water

After Trogir, the boat takes about 15 minutes to reach the Blue Lagoon, although the listed schedule gives this leg as roughly 30 minutes. Either way, this is the main water stop and the place to change from sightseeing mode into holiday mode.

You receive snorkeling equipment and can explore the shallow sea around the lagoon. The water is described as very transparent, making it suitable for a simple look below the surface rather than a demanding snorkeling session. This is an easy activity, not a technical outing.

The setting also works for people who would rather not snorkel. You can sunbathe on the boat or use the pebble beach, which is bordered by pine trees. A coastal bar and restaurant offer drinks and food, though these are not part of the tour price.

I like this part because it gives the day a clear change of pace. Trogir asks you to pay attention to buildings and history. The Blue Lagoon asks almost nothing from you. Swim, sit, take pictures, and enjoy being away from central Split for a while.

Still, keep your expectations practical. The stop lasts about one hour, so you will need to organize yourself quickly if you want to swim, use the snorkeling gear, dry off, and buy something to eat. One passenger said the beach time could have been shorter in favor of more time in Trogir. That is a fair criticism if historic towns matter more to you than swimming.

Also check that snorkeling equipment is actually handed out. It is included in the booking details, but one passenger said it was not offered. If snorkeling is important to you, ask the crew as soon as you arrive at the Blue Lagoon rather than waiting until the end of the stop.

Maslinica and the final hour on Šolta

The final stop is Maslinica, a small fishing village on the island of Šolta. The route gives you about 20 minutes by speedboat from the Blue Lagoon, followed by roughly one hour at a local bar and swimming area.

Maslinica is a good closing stop because it is quieter in mood than Trogir and less focused on organized swimming than the Blue Lagoon. Small islands surround the village, and the harbor setting gives you the postcard views promised by the trip. You can swim, take a break at the bar, or look for seafood and a domestic wine.

The phrase local bar should set your expectations. This is not presented as a formal food tasting or a carefully planned culinary visit. Food and drinks are extra, and the stop is flexible rather than highly structured. If you want a meal, check the time before ordering so you do not spend the last part of the tour watching the boat leave without you.

Maslinica may be the stop you appreciate most if you prefer a slower coastal mood. One passenger wanted more time there, and that makes sense. The village is not a place to race through. You can enjoy it, but one hour is still short if you hope to swim and eat a full meal.

How the timing works in real life

The advertised duration is 270 minutes, or 4 hours and 30 minutes. The schedule is divided into transport, Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica:

• About 30 minutes from Split to Trogir
• One hour in Trogir
• About 30 minutes by boat toward the Blue Lagoon
• One hour for swimming and snorkeling
• About 20 minutes to Maslinica
• One hour at the local bar and swimming area
• Return to Split

The times do not always add up perfectly on paper, and sea conditions or loading can affect the actual rhythm. Think of the outing as a compact sampler rather than a slow island day.

That compact design is also its strength. If you have only one free afternoon in Split, you can combine a UNESCO town, two coastal stops, and a speedboat ride without arranging separate transport. You will not see every corner of Trogir or Šolta, but you will get a broad taste of the area.

The day is physically light. You swim if you want, walk Trogir’s lanes at your own pace, and spend much of the time seated on the boat or resting by the sea. However, the tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The speedboat, pebble beach, and old-town streets make those restrictions important rather than minor paperwork.

What the $88 price really covers

At $88 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to visit one beach. Its value comes from combining several parts into one outing.

The price includes speedboat transportation, a captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, and insurance. You are paying for the boat time, the route, and the convenience of reaching several places without figuring out local connections. If you would otherwise book a boat trip and pay separately for transport to Trogir, the package becomes easier to justify.

Food and drinks are not included. That can keep the basic price reasonable, but you should budget extra for a snack, meal, or drink at Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, or Maslinica. Since some stops are short, you may prefer to carry water and eat only when the schedule allows.

The best value comes when you want variety. I would not choose this trip for a long, quiet beach day or a serious historical tour of Trogir. I would choose it when I want a little of everything and do not want to spend a full day on a single excursion.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning less rigid. Availability and starting times need to be checked for your date.

The crew, music, and noise question

The crew can shape the trip more than the route does. The driver speaks Croatian and English, and the outing includes a captain and crew. A passenger praised Denny in particular and described the day as both well organized and relaxing.

The boat atmosphere may include music. One passenger enjoyed having a DJ and called the boat well maintained, with a careful driver and good explanations from the crew member handling the tour. That sounds appealing if you like a social, upbeat ride.

But music and engine noise can work against the sightseeing commentary. Another passenger could not hear the guide because of the engine and because the guide looked away while speaking. I would sit where you can see the guide clearly and ask questions during a quiet moment. If detailed narration matters to you, do not assume every explanation will be easy to catch while the boat is moving.

This is a speedboat outing first and a guided history tour second. You will receive context, but the strongest part of the experience is the combination of movement, scenery, and short stops.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I think this trip suits you if you:

• Have limited time in Split
• Want swimming and sightseeing in one half-day
• Enjoy open-air boat rides
• Prefer a small group to a large cruise
• Are happy with short visits and a quick pace
• Want an easy activity that is not physically demanding

It is less suitable if you want a long lunch, extensive time in Trogir, or a full afternoon on Šolta. It may also disappoint you if snorkeling is your main goal and the equipment is not available on your departure.

Families with very young children need to note the age restriction. People with mobility limits should also look elsewhere because the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What to pack and how to make the day better

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a change of clothes. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, especially because the boat exposes you to sun and wind.

Carry water and some spending money for food and drinks. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and explosive substances are prohibited. A phone or camera is useful for the coastal views, but protect it from spray and keep it secure during the ride.

I would decide your priorities before boarding. If history comes first, use the Trogir hour for the cathedral, fortress, and old lanes, then treat the water stops as pleasant bonuses. If swimming comes first, change quickly and head straight into the water at the Blue Lagoon.

Do not expect a long, calm meal in every village. The schedule is designed to show you several places, not to let you linger in one. That is the tradeoff that defines the whole trip.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Trogir tour?

Book it if you want a well-packed half-day from Split, especially if this is your only chance to see Trogir and swim in the surrounding waters. The small speedboat, pretty coastal views, easy swimming, and stop in Maslinica make it a pleasant mix, and the $88 price is reasonable when you value included transport and several destinations.

Skip it if you want slow travel. Trogir receives only about an hour, Maslinica can feel rushed, and food breaks are not guaranteed to be leisurely. Also ask about snorkeling equipment at the start of the Blue Lagoon stop.

My verdict: this is a good choice for a first taste of Dalmatia by boat. Go for variety, scenery, and a relaxed day on the water. Choose another plan if you want to give Trogir or Šolta the time they deserve on their own.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour from Split?

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or 4 hours and 30 minutes.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on the island of Šolta, with a return to Split.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although you should confirm with the crew at the Blue Lagoon stop that it is available.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them at restaurants or bars during the stops.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is the booking stand near the semiSUBMARINE Split location.

Who cannot join this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.