Split/Trogir: Half-Day(5 hours) 3-Island Speedboat Adventure

Clear water, quick rides, three very different stops. Ria Tours’ five-hour speedboat trip from Split or Trogir gives you a lively taste of Dalmatia without committing to a full day at sea. I especially like the comfortable new boat and the generous swim time at the Blue Lagoon, and the stop in Maslinica adds a pleasant village break instead of making the whole tour about beaches. The main catch is simple: the trip depends heavily on the weather, and the open-water rides can feel chilly even on a warm day.

I also like the small-group feel, the helpful crew, and practical touches such as coffee, bottled water, shaded seating, a refrigerator, and snorkeling gear. Guides including Luka, Klaudia, Sinisa, Antonio, Marco, Franco, and Tommo have earned warm praise for being friendly and attentive. Bring a light jacket, even in summer, and carry cash for the beach bars and village stops.

Five things to know before booking

• Three island stops in five hours: You see the Blue Lagoon near Veliki Drvenik, Maslinica on Šolta, and a final swimming stop on Čiovo.
• Fast but comfortable transport: The speedboat cuts travel time and provides broad views of Split, Trogir, and the surrounding sea.
• The Blue Lagoon gets about 90 minutes: This is the main swim and snorkeling stop, with time to sit in the shade or relax on board.
• Maslinica gives the trip variety: You can walk along the waterfront, photograph the old castle, or stop at a café or restaurant.
• Weather controls the day: The skipper can change the route, move the departure, or cancel the trip if sea conditions are unsafe.

Why this half-day boat trip works well

Island-hopping by speedboat is one of the easiest ways to see more of the Dalmatian coast in a short visit. Ferries are useful for independent trips, but ferry routes do not normally give you a swim stop, snorkeling equipment, and a captain who can adjust the route around conditions.

This tour keeps the day compact. You spend roughly 15 to 40 minutes reaching the first stop, then move between islands in short bursts. From Trogir, the ride to the Blue Lagoon takes about 15 to 20 minutes. From Split, allow around 35 to 40 minutes. That difference matters if you are choosing between the two departure points.

The boat offers both sun and shade, and the setup includes a place to store your belongings. A shower on board is useful after swimming, while Bluetooth music gives the ride a holiday mood without turning it into a party boat by default. You also receive bottled water, coffee, a life jacket, and use of snorkeling equipment.

The strongest part of the experience is the balance between movement and downtime. You are not trapped on the boat for hours, but you also do not spend the whole afternoon rushing ashore, taking one photograph, and racing away. Each main stop receives about an hour, with the Blue Lagoon getting approximately 90 minutes.

Leaving Trogir or Split with wide coastal views

The tour begins at one of two waterfront meeting points. In Trogir, you meet in front of Kamerlengo Castle. In Split, the departure point is Mletački mul on the Riva.

Trogir is the more compact starting point. If you are staying in or near the old town, Kamerlengo Castle is an easy landmark to find. Split’s Riva is equally clear as a meeting area, though you should check the exact instructions attached to your booking because the departure point can vary by option.

Once the boat pulls away, look back toward the shore. The opening ride gives you broad views of Trogir or Split, and the speedboat’s position on the water makes the coastline feel quite different from street level. The ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer.

That speed comes with a small tradeoff. A boat moving at full pace creates wind, and several people have found the ride cold enough to wish for a jacket or blanket. The advice to bring a light jacket when the outside temperature is below 27 or 28 degrees Celsius is sensible, but I would consider bringing one even on a warm afternoon.

The afternoon departure is useful if you want a slower morning, and it can provide pleasant late-day light. The advertised starting times are 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., though availability can vary. In one case, an afternoon trip was moved to the morning because of weather, with clear communication from the operator.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

The first stop is the Blue Lagoon at Krknjaši, near Veliki Drvenik. This is the visual centerpiece of the excursion: clear turquoise water, open views, and a calm place to swim when sea conditions cooperate.

You get about an hour and a half here, which is enough time to do more than take a quick dip. You can swim from the boat, use the provided snorkeling equipment, sunbathe on deck, or sit under the shaded section with a cold drink. The boat’s refrigerator and shower make this stop easier than a basic boat transfer.

The water is the reason to bring proper swim gear. Several people particularly enjoyed snorkeling at the stops, while one practical tip was to pack water shoes. That is good advice for rocky or uneven shore access, especially if you plan to swim close to land rather than jump from the boat.

Do not expect the Blue Lagoon to feel like a private cove. Its clear water is the main draw, so it can be a popular stop. The best approach is to accept that this is a shared seaside setting and focus on the water, not on finding total solitude.

For families, the stop has flexibility. A family ranging in age from 12 to 78 enjoyed the pace, and a five-year-old was comfortable and not bored or frightened. Still, parents should remember that this is an open-water excursion, not a purpose-built children’s attraction. Life jackets are available, and the skipper controls the boat’s movements, but children need normal supervision around the water.

Maslinica on Šolta, a proper village pause

After the Blue Lagoon, the boat takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Maslinica on Šolta’s western coast. This is the trip’s most atmospheric stop, and it helps prevent the outing from becoming a sequence of nearly identical swimming spots.

Maslinica is a small waterfront settlement with stone buildings, a marina, and a restored 16th-century castle that now operates as a luxury hotel. You have about an hour here, so use it according to your mood. You can walk along the harbor, take photographs, look toward the castle, or sit down for a drink or meal.

The village is also a useful place to slow the pace. After the noise and spray of the speedboat, a waterfront stroll gives you time to stretch your legs and see a little island life. The stop is not a long cultural visit, and there is no promise of a formal castle tour. Think of it as a scenic village break with historic details around you.

Food is not included in the tour price. Some departures stop near restaurants or beach bars, but availability can vary, especially outside the main summer season. One useful warning from the experience is that some island restaurants may be closed in the pre-season.

Carry cash. At least one beach club mentioned by name, Shkoy Beach Club, accepts cash only, and cash is also sensible for small purchases at waterfront stops. Do not build your schedule around a full meal here if you need to be back at the meeting point by a strict time.

The final swim at Čiovo and the Borkko beach bar

The last part of the route heads toward the southern coast of Čiovo. The tour information describes this area as Branac Bay, while the detailed itinerary names Duga Cove. It also identifies Beach Bar Borkko as the stop. That difference in naming is worth knowing, but the practical experience is clear: you finish with another swim and a relaxed beach-bar setting.

The ride from Maslinica takes about 25 to 30 minutes. At the final stop, you can swim in clear water over a natural sandy seabed, relax near the shore, or spend time at the beach bar. Some departures also include another opportunity to snorkel.

This stop works well late in the trip because you can choose your own level of activity. You might want one last swim, or you might prefer a cold drink and a seat in the shade. The beach-bar atmosphere gives the stop a social feel, but you should bring cash rather than assume card payment is available.

The afternoon version can be especially pleasant here. The route allows for a late swim before returning, and the softer light can make the final hour feel more relaxed. Still, the return schedule can change with the sea and weather, so do not plan a tight connection immediately afterward unless you have plenty of extra time.

What the crew and boat add to the experience

The crew is one of the tour’s strongest assets. Guides named in the feedback include Luka, Klaudia, Sinisa, Antonio, Marco, Franco, and Tommo. Different departures may have different staff, but the recurring pattern is a friendly crew that keeps people informed and comfortable.

Luka received particular praise for explaining the stops and even stopping the boat when dolphins were spotted. That kind of moment cannot be promised, but it shows the value of having a captain who pays attention to what is happening on the water.

The guides also seem willing to adjust when conditions change. One group was moved from an afternoon departure to a morning trip because of weather, and the communication was described as good. Another group returned on time despite a storm approaching.

The new speedboat is clean and comfortable, with room for both sun and shade. A group of about 15 people found the boat comfortable, though the exact capacity and group size may depend on the departure. The small-group format is preferable to a large excursion vessel because boarding and leaving each stop take less time.

Coffee on board is a surprisingly popular touch. It is not a full refreshment service, and food is not included, but having coffee and water available during a five-hour outing makes the trip feel more considered. Other bottled drinks may be available to purchase.

Price, timing, and who gets the best value

At $68 per person, this is a solid value if you want transportation, three coastal stops, snorkeling equipment, coffee, water, and a five-hour route handled for you. The price is especially fair for visitors based in Split or Trogir who would otherwise need to arrange several separate ferry or taxi connections.

You are paying for convenience as much as scenery. The boat connects places that would be awkward to combine independently in half a day, and the captain handles the timing. The inclusion of a swim stop, village visit, and beach bar means you get variety without needing to make decisions at every turn.

The value is weaker if you dislike fast boat rides or already plan to spend several days visiting these islands independently. You also need to budget for food, drinks beyond the included water and coffee, and purchases at the stops.

This trip suits:

• Couples who want a lively coastal outing without losing a full day
• Families with older children who enjoy swimming and boat rides
• Cruise ship passengers who can return to the meeting point with a generous time cushion
• First-time visitors who want a quick introduction to the islands
• Small groups looking for a private option

It is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also be a poor fit if you want a quiet historical tour, a long beach stay, or a completely fixed schedule.

Weather is not a footnote

The skipper has the final say on safety. The itinerary can change, the departure time can move, or the entire trip can be canceled if the sea or weather is unsuitable. That is normal for a speedboat trip, but you should plan around it.

The operator offers a full refund or rescheduling if the tour is canceled. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while making plans.

The practical lesson is to avoid booking this as your only possible activity on the last day of your holiday. If rough weather disrupts the outing, you will want another day available. Check the forecast, but remember that wind and sea conditions can matter as much as sunshine.

Pack a hat, sunscreen, towel, water shoes, and cash. Add a light jacket for the ride, especially if you are taking the afternoon departure or if the temperature is below the recommended 27 to 28 degrees Celsius. Keep valuables in the boat’s storage area rather than carrying everything ashore.

Should you book the Ria Tours island tour?

I would book this tour if you want three coastal experiences in one efficient half-day: bright water at the Blue Lagoon, a walk through Maslinica, and a final swim on Čiovo. The clean boat, helpful guides, included coffee and water, and flexible sun-or-shade seating add real value.

I would skip it if your main goal is a long, quiet visit to one island or if you are uncomfortable with wind, speed, and changing plans. For everyone else, the $68 price is reasonable, the route has good variety, and the five-hour format leaves room for dinner or another activity afterward. Book it for a clear-weather day, bring a jacket, and keep cash in your day bag.

FAQ

How long is the 3-island speedboat tour?

The tour lasts five hours. Available departure times are shown when you check the booking options, with advertised morning and afternoon departures around 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Where does the tour leave from?

You can depart from in front of Kamerlengo Castle in Trogir or from Mletački mul on the Riva in Split. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Veliki Drvenik, Šolta, and Čiovo. Main stops are the Blue Lagoon, Maslinica, and the final swimming area identified as Branac Bay or Duga Cove.

How much swimming time is included?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. The other stops provide about one hour each, including time for swimming, walking, sightseeing, or relaxing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. You should still bring your own towel, sunscreen, and water shoes.

Are food and drinks included?

Food is not included. The tour includes one bottled water and coffee, and the boat has a refrigerator. Bring cash for food, drinks, and purchases at the stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The experience can suit families, and one family reported that a five-year-old enjoyed the trip without becoming bored or scared. Children still need close supervision around the boat and swimming areas.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The skipper can change the route or cancel the tour if conditions are unsafe. If the tour is canceled, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.