From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

Sea time makes the difference. This five-hour speedboat trip packs swimming, island scenery, and a visit to historic Trogir into one easy outing from Split. I like the small maximum of 12 people, and I like the mix of beach time and old-town wandering. The main catch is that the ride can be rough, and several accounts raise concerns about boat comfort, lifejacket access, and reckless driving.

The tour costs $72.56 per person and includes the boat, water, safety equipment, and snorkeling goggles. Food and drinks cost extra. If you want a relaxed half-day on the Adriatic without arranging ferries or taxis, this is a useful option, but you should be comfortable with a bumpy ride and a tightly timed schedule.

What matters most before you book

• A five-hour route from Split: You can see three planned stops and return to the starting point in half a day, often leaving time for an afternoon or evening in Split.
• A small boat with up to 12 people: This usually feels more personal than a large excursion vessel, though the boat may feel cramped when full.
• Three different experiences: Beach-bar time on Čiovo, swimming at Krknjasi Bay, and a short cultural visit to Trogir give the trip useful variety.
• Speedboat travel saves time: You cover the water quickly, but speed also means a harder ride when the sea is choppy.
• Trogir may be the highlight: The old town offers stone lanes, historic buildings, lunch, and shopping, not just another swim stop.
• Safety deserves careful attention: Safety equipment is included, but you should ask where lifejackets are stored and how they may be used before leaving the harbor.

Leaving Split by speedboat

The meeting point is Marulićeva ul. 4 in central Split, and the tour returns there at the end. Confirmation is issued when you book, and the departure point is near public transportation. Because the tour is commonly reserved well ahead of time, booking around three weeks early is sensible during the summer season.

The speedboat is the reason this outing works in only five hours. A slower boat would spend much of the day getting from Split to the islands and back. Here, the ride itself becomes part of the experience, with open views of the coast and quick transfers between stops.

That speed has a price. This is not a smooth ferry crossing. Several accounts describe a fast, bumpy trip, with comfort changing sharply according to sea conditions. One positive detail is that some people prone to seasickness found the moving speedboat easier than sitting on a rocking vessel. Still, if you are sensitive to motion, pregnant, very young, or dealing with a health concern, consider the conditions carefully. The operator specifically says the trip is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues.

The boat has been described as clean and comfortable by some passengers, including a padded rear area suitable for sunbathing. Others found it old, tight, and short on space, with no bathroom. That difference may reflect different boats or different expectations, but you should plan as if facilities will be basic. Use the bathroom before departure and bring only what you need.

Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo

The first stop is Beach Bar Borkko, on Čiovo island. Pine trees surround the beach, and the shore has lively beach bars. You have about one hour here, enough for a swim, a drink, or a short walk rather than a long beach day.

This is a good opening stop because it lets you settle into the boat trip. You can get in the water, stretch your legs, and enjoy a land-based break before the next crossing. The bar adds a social touch, but drinks are not included, so bring a payment method and budget for your own refreshments.

The beach setting is appealing, though it may not feel secluded. The description points to beach bars full of life, so this is better for atmosphere than silence. If you want shade, the pine trees help, but the tour does not promise reserved seating or a private beach area.

Bring swimwear under your clothes and carry a towel. There is no mention of towel rental, lockers, or changing facilities, so pack with a simple beach stop in mind. Water is included, which is welcome in the Croatian sun, but food and other drinks are your responsibility.

Krknjasi Bay and the Blue Lagoon

The second stop is Krknjasi Bay, on the eastern coast of Veli Drvenik. Its clear water and bright blue color explain the Blue Lagoon name. You get about an hour for swimming and snorkeling, with goggles provided.

This is the part most people imagine when they book a Blue Lagoon trip: warm-looking water, a boat offshore, and time to cool down. Some accounts describe the water as beautiful and refreshing, and jumping directly from the boat was a favorite activity. Others found little marine life, damaged coral, or a crowded setting. You should come for the water and the swim, not for a major snorkeling site.

The exact way you enter the water matters. Some departures have involved dropping people near a beach and requiring a swim of roughly 15 minutes to reach shore, while other groups anchored farther out and swam in the open water. One account described a dirty, crowded beach access rather than the expected leap from the boat. Conditions and anchoring arrangements may vary, but this is worth asking about before departure.

If you are not a confident swimmer, speak up early. The tour includes safety equipment, and lifejackets are said to be available, but some people were told they could be used only in an emergency. That policy created discomfort for at least one non-swimmer. Ask the crew directly about flotation support before the boat leaves. You should never feel pressured to enter the water.

Snorkeling equipment is limited to goggles, so do not expect fins or specialist gear. Some accounts also raised concerns about masks being unclean. If you own a comfortable mask, bringing it could improve the experience, though the supplied information does not promise that personal equipment is permitted. At minimum, check the goggles before you swim.

The Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially when several excursion boats arrive together. If you picture an empty tropical cove, adjust that expectation. The water can still be lovely, but the setting is shared and the stop is brief.

One hour in historic Trogir

The final stop is Trogir, a small town a short distance from Split. Greek colonists founded it in the third century B.C., and its old center mixes Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The nickname Stone Beauty makes sense once you are walking among the pale stone buildings and narrow lanes.

For many people, Trogir is the strongest part of the route. The town gives the trip cultural weight after two swim stops. You can walk, look through the old streets, stop for lunch, or browse small shops. The schedule allows about one hour, which is enough for a first look but not enough for a slow exploration of every corner.

That short visit is both a strength and a weakness. It keeps the tour moving and fits neatly into a half-day, but you may leave wishing for more time. If Trogir interests you most, consider returning independently on another day rather than treating this as a complete visit.

The order can affect how the day feels. Some people appreciate reaching Trogir before cooling off in the water, while others prefer ending with lunch and a walk. The published plan places Trogir after the two beach and swimming stops, so prepare for a relaxed final hour rather than a guided historical tour.

No entrance tickets are listed for the stops. That keeps the price simple, but this is not a formal sightseeing tour with museum admissions or a long history talk. The guide may provide information about each location, but the cultural portion remains brief.

Small-group atmosphere and the crew

With a maximum of 12 people, the boat should feel more intimate than a large day cruiser. A group of 10 has been described as comfortable, and smaller parties make it easier to hear the guide and get help when boarding or swimming.

Crew quality appears to be a major part of the experience. Positive accounts praise friendly, helpful staff and mention guides and skippers by name, including Bepo, Luka, Simon, Domagoj, Sarah, and Dome. Simon was especially appreciated for explaining the route, checking on people, and helping with safety, while Domagoj was praised for handling rougher water carefully.

Other accounts describe young crew members, delays, poor treatment of a mate, or driving that felt too aggressive. The most serious complaint involved two company boats racing close together and jumping waves. The operator apologized and said the conduct did not meet its standards, but the concern should not be brushed aside.

I would set a clear boundary if the driving feels unsafe. Tell the skipper calmly and directly. If two boats begin racing or cutting too close together, ask them to stop. A fun speedboat ride should feel lively, not frightening. Families should think especially carefully about this point, even though some parents found the trip enjoyable for children aged 7 to 11.

What the $72.56 price really buys

At $72.56, the tour offers useful value if you want transport, swimming stops, and Trogir in one package. You avoid working out island connections, finding a beach, and arranging your own return to Split. Water, goggles, and safety equipment are included, which removes a few small costs.

The value is strongest for a first visit or a short stay. Five hours gives you a taste of the islands without taking a full day away from Split. Several people liked the duration because longer eight-hour tours felt excessive.

The price is less attractive if you expect luxury. Food and drinks are extra, there is no guaranteed bathroom, the boat may be tight, and snorkeling is basic. You are paying for speed and convenience, not a polished yacht experience.

Trogir also adds value that a standard swimming trip lacks. If you would otherwise need a separate excursion to reach the town, combining it with the islands makes practical sense. The tradeoff is limited time at each place.

How to prepare for a better day

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dry bag for phones and valuables. Wear secure footwear for boarding and walking around Trogir. You may need to step across boats or use a ladder at the swimming stop, so flip-flops can be awkward.

Bring money for food and drinks at Beach Bar Borkko or Trogir. Water is supplied, but meals are not. Since the schedule gives each stop about an hour, avoid ordering anything that takes too long if you want time to walk and swim.

Ask three questions before departure:

• Which boat will I be on?
• Where are the lifejackets, and can I wear one while swimming?
• Will we anchor offshore or use a beach drop-off at the Blue Lagoon?

These questions are especially important for children and anyone who is not a strong swimmer. They also clarify what kind of Blue Lagoon visit you are about to have.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The same 24-hour limit applies to changes, and the operator may cancel if too few people book.

Who should book this Split boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a compact introduction to the coast, enjoy swimming from a boat, and like the idea of adding Trogir without planning several separate journeys. It suits active couples, friends, and families who are comfortable with a fast ride and basic facilities.

It is also a good fit if five hours is your ideal touring window. You can leave Split in the morning, return around early afternoon depending on the departure time, and still have time for the city.

I would look elsewhere if you need a calm, highly controlled outing, a bathroom on board, extensive snorkeling, or generous time in Trogir. Non-swimmers should confirm lifejacket arrangements before paying. Anyone worried by the serious driving complaint should consider a larger, slower boat or a company with clearly stated safety procedures.

Final verdict: a lively half-day with real tradeoffs

This Split Blue Lagoon and three-island speedboat tour offers a lot in a short time: Čiovo beach, Krknjasi Bay, open-water swimming, and historic Trogir. Its 4.7 rating from 438 ratings and 91 percent recommendation rate reflect the many people who enjoyed the friendly crew, pretty water, clean boat, and efficient route.

The weak points are just as practical. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, the snorkeling is modest, the boat can be cramped, and sea conditions can make the ride rough. Safety concerns about reckless driving and unclear lifejacket use are serious enough that you should ask questions before boarding.

Book it for speed, variety, and a half-day schedule, not for luxury or a quiet private cove. If the crew handles the boat responsibly and you arrive prepared, this can be a memorable way to sample the Split coast and finish with a taste of Trogir.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

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 many people can join the speedboat?

The tour has a maximum capacity of 12 people.

What stops are included?

The planned stops are Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo island, Krknjasi Bay at the Blue Lagoon on Veli Drvenik, and the historic town of Trogir.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Goggles are included. The tour also provides safety equipment and water.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although water is provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, and one family used the tour with children aged 7 to 11. However, the operator does not recommend it for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues because the speedboat ride can be bumpy.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.