From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The sea is the main attraction. This half-day speedboat trip packs swimming at Čiovo and the Blue Lagoon together with a visit to historic Trogir, so you get water, islands, and old stone streets without arranging ferries yourself. I especially like the small group size, capped at 12 people, and the efficient five-hour schedule.

I also like the mix of stops. You can grab a drink at Beach Bar Borkko, swim with the provided goggles at Krknjasi Bay, then walk through Trogir before returning to Split. The main caution is the ride itself: speedboats can be fast and bumpy, and several reports raise concerns about driving style, lifejacket access, and unclear safety communication.

The $72.56 price is fair if you want a quick outing and value transport between several places. Just keep your expectations realistic. The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, Trogir gets only about an hour, and the boat is practical rather than luxurious.

Key points to know before booking

• Five hours covers three very different stops: a beach bar on Čiovo, swimming at Krknjasi Bay, and sightseeing in Trogir.
• The boat carries no more than 12 people: that usually makes boarding and conversation easier than on a large excursion boat.
• The speedboat ride is part of the thrill: you get across the water quickly, but rough conditions can make the journey uncomfortable.
• Trogir may be the strongest stop: the compact old town offers stone lanes, historic buildings, lunch, and shopping in a short visit.
• Blue Lagoon expectations matter: the water can be beautiful, but the area may be crowded and snorkeling is modest.
• Ask about safety before departure: lifejackets and safety equipment are listed as included, but some passengers found the instructions unclear.

What the five-hour schedule really gives you

This is a good choice when you want to get out on the Adriatic without giving up a full day. The advertised duration is about five hours, and the route gives roughly one hour at each main stop. That leaves the rest for boarding, cruising between islands, and returning to Split.

I like this format for a first visit. You see several places, but you are not committed to a long eight-hour outing. One morning departure at 9:30 returned before 2:30, which leaves time for lunch, a museum, or an evening walk in Split.

The tradeoff is simple: you get variety instead of depth. An hour is enough for a swim and a drink, but not enough to settle into a beach day. In Trogir, you can see the old center and eat something, but you will need to keep an eye on the clock.

The meeting point is Marulićeva ul. 4 in Split, and the boat returns there. The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is sent at booking. It is close to public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside the central old town.

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-fringed beach with lively bars, and the stop is free to enter.

This is the easygoing part of the trip. You can swim, sit in the shade of the trees, sunbathe on the boat, or buy a drink at the beach bar. Several people particularly liked the relaxed feel here, and it is a useful first pause after the speedboat ride from Split.

I would treat this as a beach stop, not a major cultural sight. The attraction is the water and the chance to slow down for an hour. If you want a quiet, isolated cove, a beach with active bars may feel too social. If you like having a cold drink and a little life around you, it works well.

Bring a small amount of cash or a payment card for refreshments, since food and drinks are not included. Water is included with the tour, but you should not expect a meal or a full beach-club package.

Krknjasi Bay and the Blue Lagoon

The second stop is Krknjasi Bay on the east coast of Veli Drvenik. This is the area promoted as the Blue Lagoon, known for clear water and a bright blue-green color. The usual plan is to spend about an hour swimming and using the supplied goggles.

The best part is the chance to enter the sea straight from the boat when conditions and local anchoring rules allow it. One account described anchoring away from the shore, where the water felt less crowded. Other outings have involved a beach drop-off, so the exact setup may vary.

That difference matters. Some people picture a quiet tropical cove with a private swim. The Blue Lagoon is a popular stop, and boats can gather there. One experience involved a crowded shore and a swim from a less appealing beach area, which made the stop feel less special.

Snorkeling is a pleasant extra, but do not book this as a serious underwater excursion. The water is clear, and you may see a few small fish, yet the marine life is limited. One description noted that the coral had died, so the main pleasure is swimming in clear water rather than exploring a thriving reef.

The supplied goggles are included, though cleaning and condition may vary. If you care a lot about snorkeling, bring your own mask. It will fit better and give you a backup if the available equipment is not comfortable.

Trogir, the tour’s cultural payoff

Trogir is the final major stop, and for many people it is the most rewarding part of the route. The small historic town was founded by Greek colonists in the third century BC. Its stone buildings show Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque influences, which explains the local nickname the Stone Beauty.

You get about an hour here. That is enough to walk through the compact center, take in the old streets, stop for lunch, and browse a few shops. It is not enough for a slow historical tour, a long meal, and every major sight, so choose your priorities before you step off the boat.

I would use the hour for a quick orientation walk first. See the stone lanes, look for architectural details, and then choose between food and shopping. Trogir is close enough to Split to visit independently, but reaching it by speedboat makes it a useful part of this island outing.

Several people felt they wanted more time here. I understand why. After two water stops, Trogir gives the day a welcome change of pace. The town also helps balance the trip for anyone in your group who likes history more than swimming.

The speedboat ride: fun, fast, and sometimes rough

The boat is central to the appeal. It cuts travel time between Split, Čiovo, Veli Drvenik, and Trogir, and gives you broad views of the water along the way. A padded area at the stern was praised as a good place to sunbathe, while music and the small group added to the holiday mood.

The ride is not silent or gentle. You should expect a fast, bumpy trip, especially if the sea is choppy. Several people enjoyed the speed, while others found rough water uncomfortable. One passenger who usually gets seasick found the boat easier than a slower craft because it spent less time rocking in place, but that will not be true for everyone.

Sit where you can brace yourself and keep loose belongings secure. If you have back or neck problems, are pregnant, or are bringing very young children, think carefully before booking. The operator specifically warns that the trip is not recommended for small children, pregnant people, or anyone with health concerns because of the boat and sea conditions.

There is no bathroom on the boat. That is an important five-hour practical detail. Use facilities before leaving Split and plan to use the stop in Trogir if needed.

Crew quality and safety questions

The crew can shape this trip as much as the scenery. Specific guides praised in feedback include Simon, Bepo, Luka, Sarah, and Dome. Simon was appreciated for explaining the stops and checking on passengers, while Bepo and Luka received warm comments from a family with four children aged 7 to 11.

Other praise focused on captains who handled rough water carefully, helped people find the meeting point, and kept the trip moving on schedule. That kind of service matters on a small boat, where you spend several hours close to the crew.

I also need to be plain about the serious negative reports. Some passengers described reckless driving, boats racing close together, delays, poor treatment between crew members, and a general lack of confidence in safety procedures. Others said the boat was slippery, the crew drove too fast, or lifejackets were not visible.

The tour includes safety equipment, and the operator says lifejackets are available. However, one person who could not swim was told that lifejackets could not be taken unless there was an emergency. Another person said safety gear was not handed out. Those accounts point to a communication problem at minimum.

Before departure, ask clearly where the lifejackets are and whether you may wear one if you are not a confident swimmer. If the crew’s driving makes you uncomfortable, say so at once. I would not ignore that concern simply because the scenery is beautiful.

Group size, comfort, and what to pack

The maximum group size is 12, which is a strong point compared with a large party boat. A smaller group usually means faster boarding, less crowding at the swim stops, and more room to ask the guide questions.

Still, do not assume that every booking is private. One group of 11 expected a private outing but was separated at the last moment. If having the whole boat to yourself matters, confirm that arrangement in writing before paying.

The boat has padded seating and a sunning area, but it is not described as spacious or luxurious. One account called the boat old, cramped, and difficult to board, with passengers sometimes needing to cross other boats. Conditions can change by departure, but this is not a good choice if you need easy access or lots of indoor shelter.

Pack the basics:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Dry clothing for the ride back
• Water-resistant protection for your phone
• Motion-sickness medicine if you normally need it
• Your own snorkeling mask if fit and cleanliness matter to you
• Money or a card for drinks and food

Water is included, but food and other drinks are not. You can buy a drink at the beach bar, and Trogir is the natural place for lunch.

Is $72.56 good value?

At $72.56 per person, I consider this a reasonable price for a five-hour outing if you want transport, a speedboat ride, two swim opportunities, and a stop in Trogir. Organizing all of that yourself would involve planning transport and timing between Split, the islands, and Trogir.

The value is strongest for people with limited time. You get a taste of the coast without spending a full day at sea. The small group also gives the trip a more personal feel than a large ferry or sightseeing boat.

The value drops if your main goal is a long beach stay or serious snorkeling. Each stop lasts about an hour, and the Blue Lagoon may be crowded. You are paying for movement and variety, not a private cove or an elaborate meal.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure. If bad weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Have only half a day for the coast
• Enjoy fast boat rides and open-water views
• Want a swim without arranging island transport
• Prefer small groups
• Like mixing beach time with a historic town
• Are comfortable with a basic boat and no bathroom

I would be more cautious if you:

• Need a calm, smooth ride
• Are a weak swimmer and want guaranteed lifejacket access
• Want a quiet, uncrowded lagoon
• Need more than an hour in Trogir
• Expect a private boat because you booked as a group
• Have health concerns affected by bouncing or fast travel

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon and three-island speedboat tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours and returns to the meeting point at Marulićeva ul. 4 in Split.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, Krknjasi Bay at the Blue Lagoon on Veli Drvenik, and the historic town of Trogir.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Goggles are included, along with safety equipment and water. The snorkeling is suitable for seeing a few fish, but this is not a major marine-life excursion.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Water is included, but food and other drinks are not. You can buy refreshments at the beach bar and find lunch in Trogir.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people. A private booking should be confirmed directly before purchase, since one group expected a private outing but was later separated.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Bad-weather cancellations and cancellations caused by an unmet minimum number of participants offer a new date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a brisk, good-value taste of the Split coast, especially if Trogir appeals to you as much as swimming. The small group, quick transport, friendly guides, and five-hour format are its best qualities.

I would not book it blindly if safety and comfort are your main concerns. Ask about the boat, lifejackets, private arrangements, and the exact Blue Lagoon drop-off before you go. If the answers are clear and the sea forecast looks good, this can be a lively half-day outing. If you want a slow, polished boat day, choose something calmer and less packed with stops.