Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

Split looks best from the water. This half-day speedboat trip packs three very different stops into five hours: pine-shaded Borkko Beach Bar, the clear water of Blue Lagoon Bay, and UNESCO-listed Trogir. I like the small group size, limited to 12 people, and the balance between swimming, relaxing, and sightseeing. The main thing to consider is the ride itself: when the wind picks up, the speedboat can get bumpy.

I also like the tour’s strong value at $70 per person. You get transport by speedboat, goggles, safety equipment, water, an English-speaking guide, and enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it. The tradeoff is that food and drinks are not included, and one hour in Trogir may feel short if you want a proper historical walk.

Five useful things to know before you book

• Three stops, three different moods: Start with a beach bar on Čiovo, swim at Blue Lagoon, then walk through historic Trogir.
• Small boat, limited places: The group size is capped at 12, which makes the trip more personal and less crowded than a large excursion boat.
• Blue Lagoon is the main event: You get about one hour for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and enjoying the clear water.
• The ride is part of the attraction: The sundeck gives you open views of Split, the Dalmatian coast, and nearby islands, but wind can make the journey rough.
• Bring your own beach kit: Swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are essential. Food and drinks cost extra, although water is included.
• The first stop can change: Depending on the season and weather, Borkko Beach Bar may be replaced by Maslinica village on Šolta Island.

Leaving Split by speedboat

You meet your guide inside the Booker Travel Agency office. This is not a dockside guessing game, so go into the office, check in, and wait for the guide to direct you to the boat.

The first ride lasts about 30 minutes. That gives you a quick taste of the Adriatic and a chance to see Split from a different angle. Instead of looking up at the city walls and waterfront, you watch the coast recede while the boat points toward the islands.

The boat ride is brisk rather than leisurely. That is the point of choosing a speedboat, since you can reach several places in a half day. You also get a sundeck and broad coastal views along the way. Several passengers particularly enjoyed the music, and guides such as Simon, Paško, Luka, Linda, Mate, Ivan, and Domagoj were repeatedly praised for keeping the mood friendly and the ride safe.

The atmosphere seems to depend partly on the crew assigned to your boat. Some guides give useful background without talking constantly, while others add more jokes and stories. That is a good fit if you want some explanation but do not want a nonstop lecture.

The sensible warning is the boat’s movement. Even on a smooth day, you should expect wake bumps. If the wind becomes strong, the trip can be canceled, rescheduled, or exchanged for another available excursion, with a full refund available. People with back problems, mobility issues, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and children under five should not book this activity.

Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo

The first stop is usually Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island, with about one hour of free time. The setting combines a sandy beach, pine trees, and a relaxed beach-club feel. You can swim, use the provided goggles for snorkeling, sit beneath the trees, or buy a drink.

I like this opening stop because it eases you into the day. You are not expected to race straight into sightseeing. The pine shade and beach-bar setting give you room to settle in, especially if you prefer a slow start before swimming.

This is also the stop where your spending can begin. Food and drinks are not included, so bring a payment method and expect to pay separately at the beach bar. The tour includes water, though one passenger reported that water was not available during their trip, so carrying your own bottle is still a sensible backup.

Borkko is not a major cultural sight. Its appeal is simple: sea, trees, sand, and a drink with a view. If you prefer old towns and museums, this may feel like the least essential stop. If you want a casual beach break, it works well.

The hour passes quickly. You can swim and have a drink, but you probably will not have time for a long, unhurried beach session. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you do not waste time changing.

There is also a seasonal and weather-related change to keep in mind. The tour may visit Maslinica village on Šolta Island instead of Borkko Beach Bar. That substitute offers a different kind of stop, with a charming village atmosphere rather than a beach-club setting. You should see this as a variation, not a problem, but it means the exact first stop is not guaranteed.

Blue Lagoon Bay and the best hour of the trip

After Borkko, the boat heads to Blue Lagoon, where you get another hour of free time. This is the part most likely to justify the trip on its own. The water is clear and turquoise, with sandy areas and a bright open setting that looks made for a swim.

You can jump into the sea, snorkel with the included goggles, or stay on the boat’s sun deck. The snorkeling equipment is basic goggles rather than a full mask and fins, so bring your own gear if you want a more serious look underwater. The tour information promises marine life, but you should think of this as casual snorkeling in clear water, not a dedicated wildlife expedition.

I like the fact that the stop is not rushed to only a few minutes. One hour gives you time to get into the water, float, look below the surface, dry off, and relax. That is especially useful if not everyone in your group wants the same thing. One person can snorkel while another stays on the deck.

The water can be slippery around the boat. One passenger specifically warned that the floor became slick, especially when wearing swimming shoes. Move carefully as you climb aboard, and use the safety equipment as directed.

Blue Lagoon is also the busiest-feeling part of the trip in spirit, since its clear water is the main draw for many boat excursions from Split. The small group helps, but do not expect a private bay with nobody else around. The real advantage here is the combination of fast transport, a short swim stop, and a comfortable return to the boat.

If swimming is your priority, use this hour well. Apply sunscreen before you leave Split, bring a towel, and keep your belongings organized so you can get changed or dry off without fuss. The sun deck is useful for relaxing, but it offers little shade, so the sunscreen is not optional.

Trogir, a compact UNESCO town

The final stop is Trogir, a historic town and harbor protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You get about one hour to walk around and take in the old stone streets, harbor views, and Central Dalmatian setting.

Trogir gives the trip needed variety. Without it, the excursion would be almost entirely about beaches and swimming. Here, you step off the boat and trade your towel for walking shoes, even if only briefly.

One hour is enough to get a feel for the town and see its main historic character. It is not enough for a thorough visit. You will need to keep moving if you want to explore beyond the immediate waterfront and central streets. One passenger enjoyed the stop but wished for more time, which is a fair criticism.

I would treat Trogir as an introduction rather than a complete sightseeing visit. If you already plan to visit Trogir independently, you may prefer to spend a full morning or afternoon there. If your schedule is tight, this stop lets you sample the town without arranging separate transport from Split.

The guides can add useful context along the way. Simon was praised for sharing background on the places visited, while Linda was noted for taking photographs with a professional camera. Do not assume that every boat will have the same guide or photo service, but a friendly crew can make this short stop feel more worthwhile.

The town also gives you a break from the water. Five hours of sun, spray, and boat movement can be tiring, so a short walk on solid ground is welcome. Still, keep an eye on the clock. The boat will not wait while you linger over every lane.

The return ride and the value of a half day

The final speedboat ride lasts about 30 minutes and brings you back to the Booker Travel Agency office. It is a scenic finish, with views of the coast and islands from the water.

The five-hour length is one of the tour’s best features. You see several places without giving up an entire day. That leaves room for an evening meal in Split, more time around Diocletian’s Palace, or a quieter afternoon after being in the sun.

The shorter format also suits people who want a taste of island-hopping without committing to a full-day cruise. A full day could give you longer at Trogir and the swimming stops, but it would also mean more time exposed to wind and sun. Several people found the half-day schedule just right, while at least one person said they could easily have continued all day.

At $70, the value is strong if you plan to use all three stops. A private speedboat would cost far more, while a large boat may take longer to reach the same places and feel less personal. Here, you are paying for fast transport, a small group, coastal scenery, and access to three destinations in one outing.

The price does not cover meals, drinks, or any extras purchased at Borkko. Budget for those separately. The included water and goggles keep the basic cost reasonable, but you should not confuse this with an all-inclusive day at sea.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is a major part of the tour’s appeal. Names frequently praised include Simon, Paško, Luka, Linda, Mate, Ivan, Domagoj, Gabriel, Lorenzo, Sanja, and Borna. Their roles can vary between guide and skipper, and the exact pairing depends on the boat and date.

The best descriptions point to a useful mix: friendly conversation, safety awareness, light humor, and enough information about each stop. That matters on a small boat. You are spending several hours close to the crew and other passengers, so a relaxed team can make the whole outing feel easy.

Music is another part of the atmosphere. Many people liked the songs and the lively mood, and one group even requested a favorite Croatian rock band. Music can make the ride more fun, but one passenger found it too loud for conversation. If you want a quiet cruise, this may not be your ideal format.

The boats were described as clean, spacious, and comfortable. That does not mean luxury. You are still sitting in a fast open boat, with spray, sun, and occasional bumps. Think practical comfort, not a polished yacht experience.

If you book with friends or family, make one joint reservation. Separate bookings may put you on different boats. That small detail could matter more than any sightseeing stop.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact introduction to the coast around Split. It suits couples, friends, solo passengers, and families with children old enough for the boat ride, provided everyone is comfortable with swimming and open-water conditions.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want swimming and snorkeling without spending a full day at sea.
• You enjoy a social small-group setting.
• You like mixing beach time with a historic town.
• You value fast transport and scenic boat rides.
• You are happy to buy your own food and drinks.
• You want an English-language tour with a live guide.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, private outing, a detailed historical tour, or a long stay in Trogir. I would also choose a different activity if you have back problems, mobility limitations, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are bringing a child under five.

Strong wind is the biggest factor outside your control. Check the forecast, keep your plans flexible, and do not schedule something expensive immediately afterward. If the trip is canceled because of weather, you can receive a full refund or move the booking to another date.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack light, but bring the basics:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A personal bottle of water
• Money for food and drinks
• Any snorkeling equipment you prefer over basic goggles

You should also wear secure footwear for walking in Trogir and take care when moving around the wet boat floor. Keep valuables in a small, secure bag. The trip is built around getting in and out of the water, so anything you bring may be exposed to spray.

Final verdict: book it for the water, not a full Trogir tour

I think this is a very good-value Split excursion for people who want a little of everything. Blue Lagoon is the highlight, Borkko supplies the easy beach-bar mood, and Trogir adds culture and old-town character. The small boat, friendly crews, music, and five-hour schedule give it energy without taking over your entire day.

Book it if you want swimming, coastal views, and a taste of Trogir in one well-priced outing. Skip it if you dislike speedboats, need a gentle ride, or want enough time to explore Trogir properly. For most active visitors with flexible plans, it is a smart way to get beyond Split for half a day.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

The tour lasts five hours, including the speedboat rides between Split, the stops, and the return to the Booker Travel Agency office.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $70 per person.

Where does the tour start?

You meet your guide inside the Booker Travel Agency office. Check in there before being directed to the boat.

Which places does the tour visit?

The usual stops are Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island, Blue Lagoon Bay, and the historic town of Trogir.

How much time do I get at each stop?

You get about one hour at Borkko Beach Bar, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and one hour in Trogir. The two speedboat rides take about 30 minutes each.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Basic snorkeling goggles are included. You may bring your own equipment if you prefer different gear.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Water is listed as included, but carrying a personal bottle is still a sensible precaution.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring money for food or drinks and take care on the wet boat floor.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Strong winds may cause cancellation. You can receive a full refund, reschedule for another date, or exchange the booking for another available trip.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not recommended for children under five, pregnant women, people with back problems or mobility issues, and wheelchair users. The speedboat can also be bumpy in windy conditions.