From Trogir: Three Islands Half-Day Speedboat Tour

Clear water, fast boats, three very different stops. This five-hour outing from Trogir combines a thrilling panoramic speedboat ride with time to swim at the Blue Lagoon, stroll through Maslinica, and cool off in Duga Bay. I especially like the small-group feel, with boats commonly carrying about 8 to 12 people, and the friendly captains, including Peter, Petar, Ivan, Roko, Lujo, and Iggy.

I also like the useful mix of sea time and shore time. You get snorkeling gear, a bottle of water, safety equipment, and a windproof jacket, while Maslinica gives you a chance to eat and walk around rather than spend the whole day bobbing offshore. The main drawback is the clock: an hour at each stop goes quickly, and lunch is not included.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon comes first: You get about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and sunbathing in clear water.
• Maslinica adds culture: This small Šolta port offers an old village, local cafés, shops, and a restored 16th-century castle hotel.
• Duga Bay is the relaxed finale: The Čiovo stop is mainly about swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the cove.
• Small boats make the ride personal: Boats carry roughly 8 to 12 people, depending on the departure.
• Skippers earn strong praise: Captains are consistently described as safe, friendly, funny, and helpful with children.
• Bring food if timing matters: Lunch costs extra, and one hour in Maslinica may feel short if you want a proper meal.

A fast start from Kamerlengo Castle

The meeting point is on Trogir’s main promenade, directly in front of Kamerlengo Fortress. That location is handy because you can admire one of Trogir’s best-known sights before stepping aboard, and the opening boat ride gives you fine views back toward the city.

The first run takes about 20 minutes. This is not a slow sightseeing ferry. The speedboat is part of the attraction, giving you open views of the Adriatic and nearby islands while cutting down the time spent getting from one stop to the next.

I like this balance. You see more coastline than you could by staying in Trogir, but you do not lose half the day to transport. The boat is described as comfortable and well equipped, with safety gear on board. Windproof jackets are available, which matters because a warm summer day on shore can feel surprisingly breezy at speed.

The ride can be fun for children, and several families found the boat both exciting and safe. Still, anyone sensitive to wind, spray, or a lively ride should take a jacket and sit where the captain advises. The outing is suitable for all ages, but it is not wheelchair accessible.

Blue Lagoon: the strongest swim stop

The Blue Lagoon receives the most praise, and it is easy to see why. You have roughly an hour and a half here, which is the longest stop of the day. That gives you enough time to swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, take photos, and sit on the beach without having to rush straight back aboard.

The water is the star. Expect clear, bright sea suited to a refreshing swim and simple snorkeling. The tour supplies the basic equipment, so you do not need to pack a mask unless you prefer using your own. Some families particularly enjoyed the easy water access, and children used the stop for swimming and jumping from the boat.

I would treat the Blue Lagoon as the tour’s main payoff. If your priority is seeing colorful water and spending time in the sea, this stop gives you the best return. Bring a towel, sun cream, and a hat, since the boat’s shade and beach shade may be limited.

The tradeoff is popularity. The Blue Lagoon is famous, so it can feel busy, especially in high summer. Captains try to plan around crowds when possible, but they cannot control how many boats arrive. Even so, the clear water and generous stop make this the part I would most look forward to.

Maslinica on Šolta, where the pace slows

After about 10 minutes on the boat, you reach Maslinica on Šolta. This is the only village and port on the western side of the island, and it feels very different from the swim stop. Here, you leave the boat for about an hour to walk, look around, have a coffee, shop, or find food.

The main sight is a restored 16th-century castle that now operates as a hotel. You do not need a long guided tour to appreciate it. The castle gives Maslinica a clear sense of place, while the nearby village lets you see a quieter side of Dalmatian island life.

I like this stop because it prevents the tour from becoming only a beach trip. You get a little architecture, a little local life, and a chance to stretch your legs. The setting is attractive, and Maslinica is easy to explore on foot during the available break.

One hour is also the tour’s tightest allowance. If you want a sit-down lunch, you may need to choose quickly. Several people found that walking to a restaurant, waiting for food, and eating comfortably used most of the stop. Morning departures may also find fewer dining choices open.

My practical advice is simple: eat before the tour, bring a snack, or treat Maslinica as a coffee and short-walk stop. Lunch is not included in the $67 price, and the final stop may tempt you to keep swimming rather than pause for a meal.

Duga Bay on Čiovo for a final swim

The boat ride from Šolta to Čiovo takes about 15 minutes. The final stop is Duga Bay, a small cove on the southern side of the island. The schedule allows about an hour and a half here, though the exact feel of the stop can depend on the day, crowd levels, and departure timing.

Duga Bay is mainly a water stop. You can swim, snorkel, cool off, and look for small silver fish in the clear sea. It is a pleasant contrast to Maslinica, where the focus is on walking and food.

I would not choose this tour expecting three major sightseeing towns. Only one stop, Maslinica, is a proper village visit. The other two are chosen for their water and scenery. That is a strength if you want a swim-heavy day, but it may feel repetitive if you prefer museums, churches, or long walks.

Duga Bay can also become busy. One person found the last stop crowded, although the captain made efforts to avoid the worst congestion. On the other hand, the stop can be especially appealing on an afternoon departure, when the changing light and sunset add something extra to the return ride.

The captains make the difference

The most consistent strength is the crew. Captains named in the feedback include Peter, Petar, Ivan, Roko, Lujo, Iggy, Marco, and others, so your exact skipper will depend on the departure. The repeated pattern is clear: friendly communication, confident boat handling, useful comments about the islands, and careful attention to safety.

Peter received especially warm praise from families and couples. Other captains, including Ivan, Roko, Lujo, and Iggy, were also singled out for being informative, professional, and entertaining. Some families appreciated help with young children, while others valued clear advice about entering the water and getting back aboard.

That matters on a speedboat. A good captain changes the whole mood of the trip. You want someone who can handle tight harbor spaces, explain the plan without overloading you with facts, and make the ride feel lively without making safety an afterthought.

Communication before departure is another useful feature. The operator may confirm meeting details the day before and, in some cases, arrange pickup from a nearby resort pier. Do not assume that pickup is automatic, but it is worth asking if you are staying away from central Trogir.

What $67 buys you

At $67 per person, this is a solid value if you would otherwise need several separate boat transfers or want a simple way to see more of the Dalmatian coast. Fuel, insurance, VAT, the skipper, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, a half-liter bottle of water, and windproof jackets are included.

The price also covers five hours of transport and organized stops. You are paying for access and convenience as much as for the boat itself. From Trogir, you can reach three attractive locations without arranging ferries, checking island schedules, or working out how to get back.

The costs to plan for are lunch, drinks, and any purchases in Maslinica. The optional tip is not included, either. If you want a proper meal, budget extra and remember that a one-hour stop may not leave much time for a leisurely restaurant visit.

I consider the value strongest for families and first-time visitors to the area. You get a little history, several swim opportunities, and an entertaining ride in one compact outing. If you already have easy access to a boat or plan to spend several days on Šolta and Čiovo, the short stops may feel less compelling.

Morning or afternoon?

The tour operates for five hours, with departure times depending on availability. An afternoon departure has a special appeal because sunset light can improve the ride back and make the final stop at Duga Bay feel more relaxed.

A morning departure may suit you better if swimming in fresh water is your main goal or if you want the rest of the day free in Trogir. It may also be easier for young children who are happiest earlier in the day.

The choice depends on your priorities:

• Choose morning for a straightforward swim and sightseeing outing.
• Choose afternoon for softer light and the possibility of a memorable sunset.
• Ask about dining hours if Maslinica lunch is important to you.
• Keep snacks with you because food is not part of the tour price.

The schedule is well paced for a half-day, but not generous. You spend about 20 minutes reaching the first stop, 10 minutes reaching Šolta, 15 minutes reaching Čiovo, and 15 minutes returning to Trogir. That leaves the rest for the three stops, yet each break still has a clear limit.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, small groups, and anyone staying in Trogir who wants a quick taste of island life. Children have the speedboat ride and swimming, while adults get the castle, village walk, and coastal views.

It also works well for mixed-age groups. A family ranging from young children to older adults can share the trip without needing a strenuous hike. The crew’s friendly approach is helpful when some people are confident swimmers and others need more care around the boat.

You may want a longer tour if you prefer slow meals, extended snorkeling, or time to explore each island properly. Several people found the five hours passed very quickly. An eight-hour option may suit you better if available and if you want more time ashore.

This is not the right choice for wheelchair users because the tour is not wheelchair accessible. It is also not ideal if your main goal is a detailed historical tour. The cultural element is concentrated in Maslinica, while the Blue Lagoon and Duga Bay are centered on swimming and views.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack a towel, sun hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit. The operator provides a bottle of water and snorkeling equipment, but you should bring extra water or snacks if you need more than the supplied bottle.

I would also take a small waterproof bag for phones and valuables. That is practical advice for any boat day, especially when swimming is built into the schedule. Wear something that can handle wind on the ride, or use one of the available windproof jackets.

Before boarding, decide how important lunch is. If you want a full meal, you may need to use the Maslinica stop efficiently. If swimming matters more, eat before departure and use the island stop for a short walk and drink.

The meeting point is easy to find, on the main Trogir promenade in front of Kamerlengo Fortress. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is available, which helps if your Croatian schedule is still shifting.

Should you book the Three Islands tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced introduction to the water around Trogir, especially with swimming and snorkeling at the center of your day. The Blue Lagoon is the highlight, Maslinica adds a worthwhile cultural pause, and Duga Bay finishes with another chance to get in the sea.

The strongest reasons to go are the small-group boat, capable captains, useful equipment, and strong value at $67. I would be comfortable recommending it to families, including those with young children, as long as everyone can manage boat access and swimming stops.

Think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or want long meals and extended time on each island. The five hours are efficient rather than leisurely. For most people, though, that is the point: you get three beautiful stops, a fast and scenic ride, and a manageable half-day back in Trogir.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

Meet the skipper on Trogir’s main promenade, in front of Kamerlengo Fortress.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $67 per person.

Which places does the tour visit?

The tour visits the Blue Lagoon, Maslinica on Šolta island, and Duga Bay on Čiovo island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with safety equipment and a windproof jacket.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring a snack or budget for food at Maslinica or another stop.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, and sunscreen. You may also want extra snacks and water.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages, and families with young children have taken part.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.