Private Half-Day Boat Tour from Split: Blue Lagoon & 2 Islands

Crystal water rewards a small boat. This private outing from Split combines three swimming stops with a panoramic look at Trogir, and I like the freedom to bring your own drinks and connect music to the boat’s Bluetooth speakers. I also like that skipper Borna, Bepo, and Boky are repeatedly praised for friendly service, flexible timing, and finding quieter places away from the main crowds.

The catch is simple: this is a boat-and-swim trip, not a sightseeing cruise with a running commentary. You get bottled water and snorkeling gear, but no lunch, towels, bathroom, or regular soft drinks, and open water can be choppy.

Key points to know before booking

• Three water stops in about five hours: Blue Lagoon, Maslinica, and Camp Labadusa form the heart of the trip.
• A genuinely private setup: Your group alone joins the boat, with space for up to six people.
• Quiet coves are part of the appeal: The skipper can seek out less crowded swimming areas when conditions and timing allow.
• Trogir comes as a scenic extra: You pass the UNESCO-listed town by boat rather than touring it on foot.
• Bring your own picnic and towels: A small fridge is available, but lunch and towels are not provided.
• The boat suits active, water-loving groups: Snorkeling gear and pool noodles are included, but this is not ideal if you dislike waves.

Why this private Split boat trip works

If you have only half a day in Split, this trip gives you a quick taste of the Adriatic without committing an entire day to the sea. The boat leaves from Trumbićeva obala 14a on Split’s west waterfront, or from the lighthouse in Trogir, and returns to the same place.

The price is $360.44 per group, with space for up to six people. That works out to about $60 per person for six, or about $90 each for four. For a family or group of friends, that is a much better deal than paying individual fares on a large cruise, especially since you get a private skipper and some control over where you stop.

I particularly like the privacy. You are not tied to a large group’s pace or forced to share every swim stop with dozens of people. The boat can reach smaller coves and anchorages that may not suit larger vessels. Several outings also included a sheltered section, a front area for sitting or sunbathing, a fridge for personal drinks, snorkeling equipment, and floating noodles.

This is not a luxury yacht charter with a full service crew. The inclusions are practical rather than lavish: fuel, skipper, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and Bluetooth music. You can bring food and drinks, then place them in the onboard fridge. Cocktails are available at the Blue Lagoon for €10, but that is an extra purchase at the stop.

Starting with Trogir from the water

The exact route begins with a panoramic boat view of Trogir. This small historic town sits on an island between the Croatian mainland and Čiovo, and its UNESCO status makes it one of the area’s worthwhile cultural sights.

The tour does not include time to walk through Trogir’s lanes, visit its cathedral, or sit in a café. Instead, you see the town from the water as the boat passes alongside it. I see this as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason to book. If Trogir is high on your list, plan a separate visit.

The water view is useful because it places the rest of the trip in context. You are not simply being taken to random swimming spots. You are moving through the island-filled area west of Split, with the coast and old town appearing as part of the ride.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay

The Blue Lagoon at Krknjasi Bay is the headline stop, and for good reason. The sea here is clear and bright, with the shallow water creating the blue-green color people hope to see on a Croatian boat trip.

Expect the lagoon to be the busiest point of the route. Large numbers of boats can gather here, particularly in the summer. A private boat helps, but it does not make the Blue Lagoon private. The skipper can look for a calmer place to anchor, though the general setting will still be more social than the quieter coves.

This is the best stop for swimming and snorkeling. The provided masks and equipment mean you do not need to pack your own gear, and the pool noodles make it easy to float without spending the whole time swimming. Bring sun protection and a towel, since towels are specifically not supplied.

The Blue Lagoon also brings the only clearly noted paid refreshment option. A cocktail boat may come by, with drinks priced at €10. That can be fun, but bring your own water and other drinks if you want more choice. The onboard fridge is a useful touch, especially on a hot afternoon.

Maslinica, a calmer island stop

Maslinica is the second named stop and offers a change of pace from the Blue Lagoon. The route uses the island setting for swimming, resting, and taking in the sea without the same focus on a famous landmark.

The exact swimming point can vary with weather, sea conditions, and the skipper’s judgment. That flexibility is one of the better reasons to book a private outing. You can spend more time in a spot your group likes, or move on if a bay feels too crowded.

Several trips included two or more excellent swimming areas before or around the Blue Lagoon. The strongest pattern is clear: the skipper’s local choices matter as much as the published stops. Borna, Bepo, and Boky are repeatedly praised for taking groups to quiet water, helping with snorkeling, and adjusting the outing to families, couples, and friends.

Do not expect a formal island tour here. The focus is the sea. If you want museums, long walks, or a structured talk about local history, this will feel light on information. If you want to swim in clear water and relax on a clean boat, Maslinica fits the plan well.

Camp Labadusa and the final swim

Camp Labadusa is listed as the third stop. It is presented as a relaxing place near the end of the experience, making it a good final pause after the faster boat ride and earlier swims.

This last stop may be the one you remember most if you prefer a quiet finish. Past outings included time to rest on the boat, swim, and enjoy the coastline with a drink. One evening outing ended with wine and sea views around sunset, though the standard tour timing and availability of sunset are not guaranteed.

The schedule is not rigid in the way a large group cruise usually is. Your skipper can shape the pace around your group, within the five-hour window. That means you may get more time in the water and less time rushing between points.

Keep expectations sensible. The tour name refers to two islands, but the itinerary also lists three stops. The main point is not checking off exact island names. It is having several chances to swim in different parts of the coast, with a private boat moving you between them.

The boat, skipper, and onboard comforts

The boat receives some of the strongest praise. It is described as clean, comfortable, spacious, and stylish, with a sheltered area and a front section where several people can sit or lie down. For a group of four or five, that should give you room to move rather than making the trip feel cramped.

The official capacity is up to six people. One online comment refers to a larger party, but I would follow the stated limit and confirm your group size before booking. Capacity matters on a small speedboat, especially when you add bags, food, and drinks.

The skipper is central to the experience. Borna, Bepo, and Boky are names that appear in the feedback, and the comments describe them as friendly, safe, attentive, and easy to communicate with. Families appreciated help with children, while couples valued the relaxed pace and help taking photos.

You can connect your own music to the boat’s speakers. That sounds minor, but it helps make the outing feel private rather than packaged. Bring a playlist that suits your group, while remembering that the skipper remains responsible for the boat and the route.

Bottled water is included. Personal drinks and food are allowed, and the fridge gives you a place to keep them cool. One useful practical tip is to pack a simple picnic before departure, since there is no lunch stop and no meal included.

Water conditions, comfort, and who should skip it

The ride is not always flat. Open Adriatic water can turn choppy, especially during the faster trip away from the coast. The supplied information specifically says the tour is not recommended for people who cannot handle the sea and waves.

You should also skip it if you are pregnant, have back problems, or are bringing a child under three. Those restrictions matter because a speedboat ride includes movement, spray, and climbing in and out for swims.

Families with older children can have a great time. Children aged seven and ten were reported enjoying the front of the boat, the floating noodles, and jumping from the boat’s swim platform. Still, children need close supervision around the water, and you should ask the skipper for guidance before anyone enters.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, pack a towel, and keep your belongings in a secure bag. The tour does not provide a bathroom, so plan accordingly before departure. It also does not include an air-conditioned vehicle or private land transportation, because this is a boat experience from the stated meeting point.

Morning or afternoon: choosing the better departure

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. Morning usually makes sense if you want cooler conditions and a full afternoon back in Split, while afternoon works well if you prefer a slower start or want the chance of softer light later in the day.

I would choose based on your wider Split plans. The tour takes about five hours, so it is not a quick two-hour outing that fits neatly between every activity. Check the meeting time carefully and allow enough time to reach the waterfront or Trogir lighthouse.

The afternoon may also suit couples and groups hoping to finish with a relaxed drink and scenic light. Still, do not book it solely for sunset unless the operator confirms the timing. Weather, season, and the selected departure will affect what you see.

Is $360.44 good value?

For six people, the price is strong. You are paying for a private boat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, water, and the ability to shape the pace. A large shared boat may cost less per person, but it cannot offer the same privacy or flexibility.

For two people, the cost is harder to justify if you only want transportation to the Blue Lagoon. The value improves if you care about quiet swimming spots, personal service, and avoiding a large group. Couples who want a romantic, unhurried afternoon may find the price worthwhile, while budget-conscious pairs might prefer a shared cruise.

Food is the main extra expense to plan for. There is no lunch, dinner, or lunch stop, and cocktails at the Blue Lagoon cost €10. A picnic and your own drinks keep the total under control.

The cancellation terms are fair but strict close to departure. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it most to families with children over three, couples, and groups of friends who want swimming to be the main event. It is also a good choice if you have already seen Split’s old town and want a half-day on the water rather than another land excursion.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy a flexible route, clear sea, snorkeling, music, and time away from crowds. The private format also works well for people who prefer not to share a boat with strangers.

I would choose another outing if you need a full meal, a bathroom onboard, towels, detailed historical guiding, or guaranteed calm water. The Blue Lagoon can be busy, the ride can be bumpy, and the trip is built around swimming rather than sightseeing.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The main meeting point is Trumbićeva obala 14a on Split’s west waterfront. Pickup is also available from the Trogir lighthouse, Svjetionik Trogir, at Kneza Trpimira 26b.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns you to the same meeting point where you started.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The stated price covers one private group of up to six people.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, the skipper, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and Bluetooth music are included. You may also bring your own food and drinks and store them in the boat’s fridge.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, dinner, and any lunch stop are not included, so you should eat beforehand or bring food with you.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, since towels are not provided. You should also bring any food or drinks you want, along with suitable swimwear and sun protection.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a private, active half-day with three chances to swim and a skipper who can steer you toward quieter water. The best value comes when you fill the boat with family or friends, bring your own picnic, and treat the Blue Lagoon as one stop rather than the entire show.

If that sounds like your kind of Croatian day, Boky Tours offers a well-priced way to get beyond Split’s waterfront without giving up comfort or control.