Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour – Small group

The Adriatic is best seen from the water. This five-hour speedboat trip links Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica without the fuss of arranging separate transport, and the small boat keeps the outing friendly rather than crowded. I like the mix of old stone streets, clear water, and quiet island time. I also like that you can store luggage at the Smile Travel office, a real help if you are heading straight to the airport.

The main catch is simple: the ride can be bumpy, and the most popular swimming stops may be busy in high summer. One hour in Trogir gives you a good first look but not much room for a slow museum visit or a long lunch. Still, at $94 per person, this is a strong way to see several coastal highlights in one half-day.

What makes this tour worth your time

• Three very different stops: Trogir provides old-world streets, Blue Lagoon supplies swimming and snorkeling, and Maslinica offers a calmer island harbor.
• A genuinely small boat: The speedboat is capped at 10 participants, with room for 12, so the trip feels more personal than a large day cruise.
• Luggage storage in central Split: You can leave bags at the Smile Travel office if you arrange it in advance.
• Fast coastal transport: The speedboat cuts down travel time and gives you open-water views between stops.
• Useful equipment included: Snorkeling gear, life jackets, fuel, insurance, and a licensed skipper are covered.
• A well-liked crew: Guides such as Doris have been praised for being helpful and service-minded, while the two hosts have also earned warm comments for their friendly approach.

Starting in Split with a small crew

Your day begins at the Smile Travel office at Marmontova 5 in Split. Meet in front of the office, where staff direct you to the boat and help with the first practical steps. If you do not want to carry your luggage around the islands, contact the provider about storage before the trip.

That storage option adds real value. One couple used it so they could continue to the airport after the tour, avoiding the awkward business of dragging bags onto a speedboat or leaving them unattended in town. You should still confirm the arrangement ahead of time, since storage is listed as available by request.

The boat carries a maximum of 10 participants for this outing. The boat itself has room for 12, but the lower group limit leaves a little breathing room. You get an English-speaking host, a licensed skipper, music, safety equipment, and snorkeling gear. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and plan to buy anything else you want along the way.

The boat is quick, which is the whole point. It gets you from one stop to the next in about 30 minutes, depending on conditions. You also get the fun of open-water travel, with the sea breeze and views of Split’s coastal surroundings. The tradeoff is motion. A speedboat ride is not a smooth ferry crossing, and the ride can feel bumpy, especially when the sea is unsettled.

If you have back problems, are pregnant, have limited mobility, or are over 70, this is not the right outing. Children under four are also not accepted. Children aged five and eight have used the provided life jackets, but you should still consider how comfortable your own family is with a fast boat and a wet, exposed ride.

Trogir: one hour among old stone streets

The first main stop is Trogir on Čiovo Island, a UNESCO-protected town with roughly 2,000 years of history. The old center is compact, full of stone buildings, narrow lanes, and historic sights. It is often called a museum town, and that description makes sense once you begin walking through it.

I like Trogir as the cultural counterpoint to the swimming stops. Instead of immediately chasing the next beach, you get time to see a place shaped by centuries of Adriatic life. You can stroll, take photographs, look into the old streets, and enjoy the town at your own pace.

The schedule gives you about an hour, though the exact time can vary. That is enough for a taste, not a full study. You can get your bearings, see the central historic area, and enjoy the atmosphere, but you probably will not have time for every church, courtyard, and museum.

Plan your priorities before you arrive. If you want photographs and a walk, the allotted time works well. If you prefer to sit over a long meal or visit several interiors, Trogir may leave you wanting more. One useful approach is to keep your walking route simple and avoid spending too long deciding where to go.

The approach by boat is part of the pleasure. Rather than arriving on a coach and dealing with a longer road transfer, you reach Trogir as one piece of a coastal journey. The speedboat also gives you scenic views on the way in and out, although the ride itself may be lively.

Blue Lagoon: clear water and a busy beach

After Trogir, the tour heads to Blue Lagoon Beach on Drvenik Veli Island. This is the swimming centerpiece of the outing. You get about 75 minutes in the planned schedule, though actual stop times can be closer to an hour depending on the day and the running order.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can look for marine life without renting gear separately. The water and views are the draw here, and you can choose between swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, taking photographs, or simply sitting with a drink if you buy one.

A cocktail may be available at the stop, but drinks are not part of the tour price. Bring water with you. The Croatian sun is strong, and the boat offers limited shade compared with a large covered vessel.

Blue Lagoon is popular for a reason, but popularity is also the weakness. In August, the area can feel crowded, and it may not deliver the sense of having a secluded beach to yourself. You will still get time in attractive water, but you should set your expectations correctly. This is a well-known swimming stop, not a secret cove.

The snorkeling can make the stop more rewarding. Even a short swim gives you a different way to experience the coast than simply looking at it from the boat. If you want to snorkel, put on your equipment early and use the time well. If you prefer dry land, this stop may feel less satisfying than Trogir or Maslinica.

The order of stops can change between morning and afternoon departures. That matters because conditions and crowd levels may differ. The provider may also change the destination if weather or sea conditions make Maslinica unsuitable. In poor weather, the entire outing can be canceled, with a choice of another date or a full refund.

Maslinica: the quietest stop on Šolta

Maslinica on Šolta Island brings a slower mood. Its harbor, traditional stone houses, and olive groves create a more relaxed setting than the highly visited Blue Lagoon. You get about an hour here, with time for a walk, a swim, or a meal at your own expense.

This is the stop where I would slow down. Maslinica is not presented as a long sightseeing visit, so you do not need a detailed plan. Walk around the harbor, look at the stone buildings, find a place to sit, or get back in the water if conditions suit you.

The village is also the tour’s best chance to see a calmer side of island life. The stop is short, but it gives you a change of pace after Trogir’s historic center and Blue Lagoon’s beach activity. If the itinerary is changed because of weather, Maslinica may be replaced by another destination, so do not treat this exact stop as guaranteed.

You may want to choose between eating and swimming rather than trying to do both. With roughly an hour, a meal can use most of the stop. If you want to experience the harbor and take a swim, keep your plans light. Food is not included, and prices can vary, so bring enough money if you want local cuisine.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The speedboat is the reason this tour can fit three destinations into five hours. A slower boat would spend more of the day in transit. Here, the travel legs are part transport and part sightseeing, with coastal views along the route.

The boat has safety equipment and life jackets, and the skipper is licensed. That helps, but it does not remove the physical nature of the ride. You are exposed to wind, sun, spray, and movement. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, secure your hat, and keep valuables protected from water.

Some people will love the speed. It gives the outing energy and makes the islands feel connected. Others may find the ride tiring, especially if the sea is rough. The tour is not ideal if you want a quiet, steady cruise with lots of covered seating.

The crew is an important part of the experience. Doris has been singled out for being helpful and service-minded, and the two hosts have been praised for their friendly manner. Good crew members matter on a small boat because they handle directions, safety, timing, and the general mood of the group.

Music is included, which adds to the holiday feel but may not suit everyone. If you prefer a silent cruise, this may feel less peaceful than a traditional ferry or sailing trip.

Is $94 a fair price?

At $94 per person, the value comes from combining transport, three stops, crew, fuel, insurance, safety gear, and snorkeling equipment in one trip. You are also paying for convenience. There is no need to work out separate boat connections to Trogir, Drvenik Veli, and Šolta.

The price looks especially reasonable if you want a compact outing from Split. A reviewer who compared it with tours sold along the waterfront found it reasonably priced, and the small group gives you more personal space than a large excursion boat.

Still, this is not a cheap beach transfer. Food and drinks are extra, and you may want to budget for a meal or cocktail at Maslinica or Blue Lagoon. You also pay for speed and flexibility rather than a long, quiet stay at one location.

I think the price works best for first-time visitors to Split who want variety. You see a historic town, a famous swimming area, and a quieter island village in a single morning or afternoon. If you already plan to spend a full day on Šolta or Trogir, the shorter visits may feel too brief.

Who will enjoy this half-day trip?

This tour suits you if you like active sightseeing and do not mind changing locations. It works well for couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who are comfortable on a speedboat.

You will probably enjoy it most if you want:

• A compact introduction to several coastal places
• Swimming and snorkeling without organizing equipment
• A small group instead of a large cruise
• A fast ride with sea views
• Free time rather than a tightly guided walking tour
• A practical option before an onward journey, thanks to requested luggage storage

It is less suitable if you want long museum visits, a quiet luxury cruise, guaranteed solitude, or a fully catered day. The schedule is active, the boat can bounce, and two of the stops may be busy in peak summer.

Wear swimwear under light clothing and pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, and dry clothes. Bring a light extra layer if the weather looks changeable. You should also be ready for the possibility that the order changes or that Maslinica is replaced.

Should you book the Split island speedboat tour?

I would book this tour if you have only a short time in Split and want a lively mix of culture, swimming, and island scenery. The strongest points are the small group, the friendly crew, the luggage storage option, and the efficient route to three distinct places.

Choose another kind of outing if you dislike bumpy boat rides or want to spend a full day in one location. For everyone else, $94 is a fair price for a well-packed half-day, especially when compared with arranging three separate stops yourself. Go in expecting popular beaches, short visits, and a fast pace, and this should be a very good use of your time.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Split?

Meet in front of the Smile Travel office at Marmontova 5 in Split.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about five hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants. The speedboat itself has room for 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, safety gear, and life jackets are included.

Can I store luggage during the tour?

Yes, luggage storage is available through the provider. Contact them in advance if you need this service.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The route may change because of sea or weather conditions, and Maslinica may be replaced. If bad weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.