From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The Adriatic rewards an early start. From Split, this small-group speedboat tour packs swimming, island scenery, beach time, and Trogir into about five hours. I like the efficient route and the easy mix of sea and sightseeing. I also like that groups are capped at 12, though the fast boat can be rough, and safety standards may feel inconsistent.

The best parts are the clear water at Krknjasi Bay, a pleasant stop at Beach Bar Borkko, and time to wander Trogir. I would book this if you want a lively half-day on the water rather than a slow, quiet boat outing. Read the safety notes carefully, especially if you do not swim confidently or dislike bumpy rides.

Key points at a glance

• Three distinct stops: Swim at Čiovo, anchor near the Blue Lagoon at Veli Drvenik, then explore historic Trogir.
• A useful five-hour format: You can enjoy the islands without giving up a full day in Split.
• Small boat, small group: The boat carries no more than 12 people, with some departures reporting around 10 passengers.
• Speed comes with bumps: The ride covers distance quickly, but rough seas can make it uncomfortable.
• Trogir is the cultural highlight: Its Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings give the day more depth than a beach-only trip.
• Pack for the water: Goggles and safety equipment are provided, but food and drinks are not.

What this Split boat trip is really like

This is a fast-moving coastal outing, not a formal sightseeing cruise. You meet at Marulićeva ul. 4 in central Split, board a speedboat, and spend the next few hours moving between swimming spots and Trogir.

The boat is the main attraction. You get open views of the Dalmatian coast, quick transfers between islands, and the fun of skimming across the water. Some boats have a padded rear area for sunbathing, while others may feel tighter and older. The exact boat matters, so I would not assume every departure offers the same level of comfort.

The group limit of 12 is a real advantage. It keeps boarding and swimming stops simpler than on a large excursion boat. You also have a better chance of getting a little personal attention from the skipper or guide. Several guides and skippers have been praised by name, including Simon and Domagoj, Bepo and Luka, and Sarah and Dome.

The tour is conducted in English. Water, goggles, and safety equipment are included. Bring your own food, drinks, towel, sunscreen, and any seasickness remedy you normally use. There is no promise of a bathroom onboard, and at least one boat has been described as cramped, so plan accordingly.

Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo

The first stop is Beach Bar Borkko, on the island of Čiovo. You get about an hour here, with pine trees, a lively beach-bar setting, and time for a swim or a drink.

This is a good opening stop because it lets you settle into the rhythm of the trip. You can cool off, sit in the shade of the trees, or simply enjoy being on an island instead of rushing straight from Split to the Blue Lagoon. The beach bar gives you an option for refreshments, but food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

I would treat this as a relaxed beach break, not a major cultural stop. If you prefer quiet coves, the beach-bar atmosphere may feel too active. If you like a casual drink by the water, it is a pleasant start.

Pay attention to the access arrangements. One unhappy account described needing to swim for about 15 minutes to reach shore, followed by very little time on land. That may not happen on every departure, but it is worth asking the crew how you will get ashore before you jump in. If you are not a strong swimmer, do not assume every stop offers an easy beach landing.

Krknjasi Bay and the Blue Lagoon

The second stop is Krknjasi Bay, on the eastern coast of Veli Drvenik. This is the swimming centerpiece, with famously clear water and the pale blue color that gives the area its popular name.

You may anchor away from the main beach and swim from the boat. That can be the best version of the stop, since the water farther from shore may feel less crowded and gives you the simple pleasure of jumping straight from the boat into the sea. Goggles are available, so you can look for small fish around the rocks.

Set your expectations sensibly. This is beautiful water, but it is not a major snorkeling site. The marine life may be limited, and some underwater coral has been damaged. You are coming for the color, the swim, and the view, not a full reef experience.

Crowds can also change the mood. One departure placed boats near a busy, dirty beach rather than in the more attractive open-water area. Another stopped in clear water with fewer people. Local anchoring rules, sea conditions, and boat traffic may affect where your skipper can position the boat.

The lifejacket policy deserves attention here. Safety equipment is included, but some passengers were told that lifejackets could only be taken out in an emergency. That is a serious point for anyone who cannot swim. Ask for a clear safety briefing before leaving Split, and say plainly if you need a flotation aid. You should feel able to make that concern known without embarrassment.

Trogir, the day’s strongest sightseeing stop

Trogir gives the tour a welcome change of pace. Founded by Greek colonists in the third century B.C., this compact town is known for its mix of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Its nickname, the Stone Beauty, is easy to understand once you enter the old streets.

You get about an hour here. That is enough for a short walk, photographs, a snack, and perhaps a little shopping. It is not enough for a detailed museum visit or a slow architectural tour, so use your time well. I would begin by walking through the old center, then choose a café or takeaway spot rather than spending half the stop deciding where to eat.

Trogir is also what keeps this from being just a series of swims. The stone lanes and old buildings add a sense of place, and the contrast with the open sea makes the half-day feel varied. Many people consider the town the most memorable part of the route.

The drawback is simple: one hour can feel short. If Trogir is your main reason for booking, choose a separate visit from Split instead. If you want a taste of the town combined with swimming, the timing works well.

The speedboat ride: fun, fast, and sometimes rough

The speedboat saves time. You cover several locations in a morning or afternoon instead of spending much of the day on slow transfers. The ride itself can be thrilling, with wide views, wind, music, and quick turns across the channels.

It can also be bumpy. Rough water has made the ride uncomfortable for some people, and the boat may feel slippery after swimming. The tour provider warns that the activity is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues because of the boat and sea conditions.

I would be cautious about bringing children who dislike fast movement. At the same time, one family with four children aged 7 to 11 had a very good day with guides Bepo and Luka. That tells you the experience can work for families, but comfort depends on the sea, the crew, and your children’s tolerance for speed.

Safety concerns are not something to brush aside. One serious complaint described two company boats racing close together and jumping waves. Other accounts praised careful boat handling, including a skipper who managed rougher water well. These experiences conflict, so I would ask the crew about the day’s sea conditions and expected ride before departure. If the driving feels reckless, speak up immediately.

Is $72.56 a fair price?

At $72.56 per person, the tour is reasonably priced for a five-hour outing that includes the boat, water, goggles, and safety equipment. You are paying for transport between several coastal stops, not just admission to the Blue Lagoon.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. Organizing separate transport to Čiovo, Veli Drvenik, and Trogir would take more time and planning. Here, the route is arranged for you, and the speedboat makes the distance practical within half a day.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long swim or an extended visit to Trogir. Each stop lasts about an hour, and time spent boarding, moving between boats, or reaching shore can cut into that. Food and drinks cost extra, and you may want to buy something at Beach Bar Borkko or in Trogir.

I see this as a good middle-priced choice for an active morning or afternoon. It gives you more variety than a basic water taxi, but the tour may feel like a water taxi if the guide provides little explanation and the stops are rushed.

Timing, meeting point, and what to bring

The meeting point is Marulićeva ul. 4, 21000 Split. The activity ends back there, which makes it easy to continue exploring the city afterward. One departure ran from 9:30 until before 14:30, though exact times depend on the selected departure.

Arrive early. A captain once helped locate passengers who got lost on the way to the meeting point, but you should not rely on that rescue. The tour is near public transportation, and booking confirmation is provided at the time of purchase.

Pack light, since space may be limited:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water-resistant phone protection
• Cash or a card for food and drinks
• A light layer for the return ride
• Any personal seasickness medication

The boat has water onboard, but meals and other drinks are not included. If you need regular snacks, bring them from Split unless the operator confirms food availability.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to an active visitor who wants several tastes of the Dalmatian coast in one compact outing. It suits people who enjoy swimming, sun, quick boat rides, and a short historic-town visit.

It is also a good fit if you have only a few days in Split. You get island scenery without sacrificing an entire day. The small group can make the ride feel more personal, and the English-speaking crew may provide useful information about each stop.

I would think twice if you need a calm ride, a guaranteed bathroom, a long time on land, or a serious snorkeling experience. Non-swimmers should ask specifically about lifejackets and how passengers enter the water. Anyone sensitive to motion should check the forecast and sea conditions before setting out.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a lively half-day that combines clear-water swimming and Trogir’s old stone center. The route is efficient, the group is small, and the $72.56 price makes sense when you value having transport and planning handled for you.

Do not book it blindly. Confirm the boat’s condition, ask how lifejackets are handled, and check whether the Blue Lagoon stop involves swimming to shore or boarding another boat. If the sea is rough or you are uneasy with speed, a slower boat trip may be a better match.

For the right person, this is an enjoyable sampler of Split’s nearby coast. Its strongest recipe is simple: one beach break, one beautiful swim, and one historic town, all before the day gets away from you.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

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

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the speedboat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers. Some departures have had around 10 people onboard.

What locations does the tour visit?

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

Are food and drinks included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Goggles are provided. The tour also includes safety equipment.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most travelers can participate, and one family reported enjoying the tour with children aged 7 to 11. However, the speedboat and possible rough water may not suit every child. The operator does not recommend it for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of travelers may also result in a different date, another experience, or a full refund.