Trogir: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

Fast boat, clear water, three very different stops. This half-day trip from Trogir mixes snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon with a village visit in Maslinica and a quiet swim at Duga Bay. I like the lively speedboat ride and the small-group feel, plus the cold bottled water and iced tea included in the price. The main drawback is simple: time at each stop passes quickly, and the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, especially later in the day.

I also like that this is not only a beach outing. You get old stone buildings, a castle, pine shade, beach bars, and several chances to swim without spending a full day at sea. Bring water shoes, though. Several swimming spots have sharp or rocky footing, and the boat offers little shade.

Key points at a glance

• Three stops in about five hours: Swim at the Blue Lagoon, explore Maslinica on Šolta, and relax at Duga Bay on Čiovo.
• A proper speedboat ride: The boat covers the route quickly, with short crossings of 10 to 20 minutes between stops.
• Best for active relaxation: You can snorkel and swim, or stay dry and enjoy the views, beach, cafés, and pine trees.
• Maslinica adds local character: This small village gives the tour a welcome change from repeated beach stops.
• The Blue Lagoon is popular for a reason: The water is clear and lovely, but afternoon crowds can take away some of the calm.
• Pack for rock and sun: Take a towel, hat, sunscreen, cash, and water shoes. Sitting at the front means a wetter, windier ride.

Leaving Trogir beside Kamerlengo Castle

The meeting point is on the Trogir promenade, in front of Fort Kamerlengo. That is an easy place to find, with the old fortress giving you a clear landmark before the boat leaves.

Once aboard, the trip gets moving quickly. The first speedboat run takes about 20 minutes, enough time to feel the sea breeze and watch Trogir recede. This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. You are riding low over the water, and the pace is part of the fun.

The boats used for this outing are repeatedly praised for being fast, comfortable, and well handled. The crew provides safety equipment, fuel, cold bottled water, and cold iced tea. Guides speak English and Croatian, and names noted during the season include Leo, Lubo, Karmen, and other friendly crew members.

You should expect sun exposure. One person specifically wished for more shade, which is a fair point for a speedboat. If you sit at the front, you may also get spray, especially in unsettled weather. That can be entertaining on a hot day, but bring a dry change of clothes if you dislike staying damp.

Blue Lagoon: beautiful water, busy shoreline

After the first crossing, you reach the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Veli. You have about 90 minutes here, making it the longest stop of the outing.

The main appeal is the clear water. This is your best chance to use the included snorkeling equipment, swim around the boat, or simply float and sunbathe. You can also walk onto the beach and buy a drink at a beach bar, though food and personal purchases are not included.

The Blue Lagoon works well because you are not forced into one activity. I like that you can snorkel for a while, then sit on the beach or order a drink. If you prefer not to swim, there is still time to relax and enjoy the setting.

There are two things to keep in mind. First, the seabed and shoreline can be rocky, with stones that feel sharp underfoot. Water shoes are far more useful here than ordinary sandals. Second, the Blue Lagoon can be crowded in the afternoon. Early departures, including the 9 a.m. option mentioned by one happy customer, offer a better chance of reaching the area before it becomes packed.

The water is the star, not a long cultural visit. If you expect a secluded cove, adjust your hopes. This is a popular swimming stop, and its appeal comes from the color and clarity of the sea rather than solitude.

Maslinica on Šolta brings a change of pace

A short 10-minute boat ride takes you to Maslinica on the island of Šolta. You get around one hour here, which gives the tour a useful change of rhythm.

Maslinica is a small coastal village with old buildings, a castle, pine forests, cafés, and places to stop for a beer, cocktail, coffee, snack, or meal. You can stroll through the streets, look around the harbor area, and spend some time among local businesses instead of staying beside the boat all day.

This is the most town-like stop, and I think it is important to the tour’s balance. Three swimming locations could start to feel repetitive. Maslinica gives you a chance to stretch your legs, see older architecture, and choose a drink or local food.

The one-hour visit is enough for a relaxed walk and a café stop, but not for a long meal and a detailed exploration of the island. A few people wished for more time at the second stop. If you want to eat, keep an eye on the clock, since the boat continues on schedule.

Maslinica also gives you the best chance to spend money, so carry cash as advised. Food and personal expenses are not part of the $64 price. If you are trying to keep the cost down, bring that in mind before ordering lunch or cocktails.

Duga Bay on Čiovo is the quiet finish

The final stop is Duga Bay on the south side of Čiovo Island. The crossing from Maslinica takes about 15 minutes, and you have roughly an hour at the bay.

This is the most relaxed stop. Pine trees provide shade, and you can sit beside the pebble beach, swim in the warm water, snorkel, or walk along the shore. You may also be able to jump from the boat into the sea, depending on how the captain sets up the stop. One person particularly enjoyed jumping from the boat here.

Duga Bay is a good ending because it does not demand much from you. After the faster ride and the sightseeing walk in Maslinica, you can simply settle under the trees and enjoy the last swim. If you are not interested in snorkeling, this is the easiest place to lounge.

The beach is pebbly, and rocky entry is a recurring feature of the tour. Water shoes again make a real difference. Also remember that the boat itself has limited shade, so the pine trees are valuable. If the sun is strong, bring your hat and sunscreen rather than relying on the boat for cover.

After this stop, you board for the roughly 15-minute ride back to Kamerlengo Castle. On some departures, the return light can be especially attractive. One afternoon group even spotted dolphins and had the boat stop so they could take photos and videos, though that should be treated as a lucky extra, not part of the planned program.

What the $64 price really buys you

At $64 per person, this is a good-value outing if you want transport between several islands and swimming areas without arranging separate boats, equipment, and fuel.

The price includes the speedboat, captain, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, fuel, bottled water, and iced tea. That matters because the boat covers several stretches of open water in a short time, and fuel alone would add up if you tried to organize a similar route privately.

You are paying for variety as much as for the boat. The Blue Lagoon offers swimming and snorkeling. Maslinica adds cafés, food, old buildings, and a castle. Duga Bay gives you shade and another swim. That range makes the cost easier to justify than a simple ride to one beach.

Still, this is not an all-inclusive day. Food, drinks beyond the included water and iced tea, and personal purchases are extra. You also need to pay with your own time and energy: there are several boardings, beach entries, and short transfers.

The group size appears to be small enough to feel personal, though an exact maximum is not supplied. The high transport rating and repeated praise for the boats and captains suggest that the ride itself is a major part of the value. If you want a slow, luxury boat with plenty of shade, this is not that experience.

Timing matters more than you might expect

The advertised duration is five hours. The listed stops add up to about four and a half hours when you include the boat crossings, so the exact total can vary slightly with boarding and operating conditions.

The first stop gets the most time, with 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon. Maslinica and Čiovo each receive about an hour. That is enough for a swim and a little rest, but it is not enough to settle in for half a day at one beach.

I would choose an early departure if you care most about calmer water and fewer people at the Blue Lagoon. Several people found early trips especially worthwhile during peak season and on public holidays. An afternoon outing has its own appeal, particularly on the return ride when the light can soften and the temperature may feel easier.

The route also depends on weather. Bad weather can cancel the trip, and one outing began in stormy, wet conditions before clearer skies appeared at sea. The crew offered a change of date in that case. If you have only one day in Trogir, keep the weather forecast in mind before making this your only major plan.

Who will enjoy this speedboat tour?

This is a strong fit for you if you want:

• Several swimming opportunities without organizing island transport yourself
• A lively ride rather than a slow ferry
• A mix of sea time, village streets, cafés, and beach relaxation
• A small-group outing with friendly English-speaking crew
• Snorkeling equipment included in the price
• A half-day activity that leaves part of the day free

Families with older children and teenagers may enjoy the mix of speed, swimming, and short shore visits. Couples and friends can split their time between active snorkeling and quiet lounging. It also suits anyone who wants to see more of the Dalmatian coast without committing to a full-day cruise.

It is less suitable for wheelchair users, since the boat, beaches, and shore access are not designed for that need. It may also disappoint you if you want a long, quiet stay at one uncrowded beach. The schedule keeps moving, and the Blue Lagoon is a well-known stop.

Practical advice for a better day

Wear a swimsuit beneath your clothes. The schedule gives you three opportunities to swim, and changing facilities are not described.

Pack these items:

• Water shoes for rocky entries and sharp stones
• A towel
• Sunscreen and a sun hat
• Cash for cafés, beach bars, food, and personal purchases
• A dry layer or spare clothes if you sit at the front of the boat

Use the included snorkeling gear, but bring your own mask if you are particular about fit. The tour supplies equipment, so you do not need to rent it separately.

Do not plan a heavy meal at Maslinica unless you are comfortable using much of your one-hour stop. A quick local snack, coffee, or drink leaves more time for walking and seeing the village.

Finally, listen to the captain’s instructions around boarding and swimming. The friendly atmosphere is a major strength, but this remains a fast boat trip with repeated movement in and out of the water.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands tour?

I would book it if you want an efficient taste of the coast around Trogir, especially if snorkeling and swimming matter as much to you as sightseeing. The combination of Blue Lagoon water, Maslinica’s village setting, and Duga Bay’s pine shade gives the five hours a good rhythm.

Choose an early departure for the best chance of a less crowded Blue Lagoon. Choose the afternoon if you like warmer light and a more relaxed finish. At $64, the included boat, captain, fuel, safety kit, snorkeling gear, water, and iced tea make the outing a sensible buy.

Skip it if you need lots of shade, dislike rocky beaches, or prefer to spend a whole day in one quiet cove. For everyone else, this is a friendly, well-paced introduction to three very different coastal stops, with enough free time to make the day feel relaxed rather than rushed.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet the guide on the Trogir promenade, in front of Fort Kamerlengo Castle.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about five hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon near Drvenik Veli, Maslinica on Šolta, and Duga Bay on Čiovo Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with safety equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

Cold bottled water and cold iced tea are included. Food and personal expenses are not included, and drinks purchased at beach bars or cafés cost extra.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, cash, and water shoes. Water shoes are especially useful because some swimming areas are rocky.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour may be canceled in bad weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible.