From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best thing about this Split boat trip is its tidy half-day format: you get two swim stops and an hour in Trogir without spending a full day at sea. The speedboat covers the islands quickly, and the small group, capped at 12 people, feels far more personal than a large excursion boat.

I like the easy mix of clear water and old-stone streets, and I like that the tour includes goggles, safety gear, and water. The main caution is the ride itself. A speedboat can be fast and fun, but it can also be rough, and some departures have raised serious concerns about driving and life-jacket communication.

Key points to know before you book

• A compact five-hour route: You can be back in Split around early afternoon on a morning departure, leaving time for lunch or another sight.
• Čiovo comes first: Beach Bar Borkko gives you a pine-fringed swim and a chance to buy a drink.
• Krknjasi Bay is the main swim stop: The water can be beautifully clear, but crowded conditions may reduce the magic.
• Trogir adds culture: The medieval center gives this more variety than a day made only of beaches.
• Small boats mean more motion: The boat carries up to 12 people, but the ride may be bumpy and there is no bathroom listed.
• Safety deserves attention: Life jackets are available as safety equipment, but some passengers said instructions about using them were unclear.

Why this five-hour boat trip works well from Split

Split is a superb base for the central Dalmatian islands, but arranging several short ferry connections and swim stops on your own takes time and patience. This tour handles the movement for you. You meet at Marulićeva ul. 4 in central Split, board a speedboat, and spend the next few hours moving between water stops and Trogir.

At $72.56 per person, the price is reasonable if you value convenience. You are paying for the boat, skipper, crew, equipment, and transport between several places in one morning or afternoon. You are not paying for lunch, drinks, or entrance tickets, so leave room in your budget for a beach-bar drink and food in Trogir.

The five-hour length is one of the strongest features. Eight-hour island tours can be tiring, especially when much of the day is spent in the sun. A morning departure can return before 2:30 p.m., according to the timing described for one 9:30 start. That gives you a useful taste of the coast without consuming your whole day.

The advertised maximum is 12 people. Some departures have had only 10, which means easier boarding, more room to ask questions, and less waiting when the group returns to the boat. This is still a shared excursion, not automatically a private charter. A group of 11 who expected a private outing was separated at the last moment, so confirm the booking terms carefully if privacy matters to you.

Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo

The first scheduled stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, an island connected to the Trogir area. The setting is described as a pretty beach framed by pine trees, with lively beach bars nearby. You have about an hour here.

This is a relaxed start. You can swim, sit in the shade of the pines, walk a little, or order a drink. It is not simply a photo stop. The hour gives you enough time to cool off and settle into the rhythm of the boat trip.

I would treat this stop as a pleasant beach break rather than a pristine, empty-island experience. The beach bars bring life and convenience, but they also mean this is a developed swimming spot. Bring a little cash or a card for refreshments, since food and drinks are not included.

One practical warning matters here. Access to shore may not always be straightforward. At some stops, passengers have needed to swim around 15 minutes, and boat access can involve moving across other boats. The exact arrangement can depend on where the boat is able to stop, so ask the crew before getting in if you are not a confident swimmer.

Krknjasi Bay, the Blue Lagoon swimming stop

Krknjasi Bay lies on the east coast of Veli Drvenik. Its Blue Lagoon name comes from the remarkably clear, blue-toned water. This is the stop most people picture when they book the trip: goggles on, a jump or climb into the sea, and an hour to swim and look below the surface.

The provided goggles let you see small fish and the underwater bottom. Set your expectations sensibly. This is a good place for a refreshing swim, but it is not a major snorkeling site. One description noted only a few fish and little healthy coral, so the water itself is the main attraction, not a dramatic reef.

Crowds can change the experience. Some boats have anchored in a quieter patch away from shore, producing a wonderful swim with clear water and fewer people. Other departures have used a dirty or crowded beach area, with passengers swimming from shore instead of stepping directly off the boat. Local anchoring limits, weather, and traffic on the day can affect the exact spot.

This is also where you should pay attention to your own comfort. The itinerary includes safety equipment, but reports describe confusion about life jackets, with some passengers told they could be taken only in an emergency. If you cannot swim confidently, tell the crew before entering the water and ask clearly about the available equipment and boarding method.

One hour in Trogir’s old center

Trogir is the cultural counterpoint to the swim stops. Founded in the third century B.C. by Greek colonists, the small town is known for a tightly packed old center with Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Its nickname, the Stone Beauty, makes sense once you are walking among the pale stone lanes and historic buildings.

You have about an hour here, which is enough for a brisk stroll, a snack, and a look around, but not enough for a slow museum day. That limited time is both a strength and a weakness. It keeps the whole excursion moving, but anyone who likes to explore churches, courtyards, and side streets at leisure will want more.

I would save Trogir for the end if you want lunch and a walk after swimming. The town gives the outing a sense of place that a chain of beaches cannot provide. Several departures have been arranged so that the final stop allows time for food and shopping before returning to Split.

Do not expect a guided city tour with a long historical talk. The crew may offer useful information about each place, but the hour is mainly free time. If Trogir interests you, use the boat ride to decide what you want to see, then walk with purpose once you arrive.

The speedboat ride: fun, fast, and sometimes rough

The speedboat is the experience, not just the transport. You cover the distance between Split, Čiovo, Veli Drvenik, and Trogir far faster than you would on a slow excursion boat. The open views, music, and padded stern area can make the ride feel like part of the holiday, especially in calm weather.

The trade-off is motion. A fast boat can bounce across waves, and one stop may be calm while the return ride is distinctly choppy. Several accounts describe a fast, bumpy trip, while others found the boat comfortable and not too rough. Sea conditions matter greatly.

If you are prone to seasickness, the speed may help because you spend less time rocking slowly on the water, but that is not a guarantee. Rough seas can make any open boat uncomfortable. I would avoid this tour if you need a very smooth ride, have a health condition affected by jolting, or are pregnant, since the operator specifically says the tour is not recommended for pregnant people, small children, or those with health issues.

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. Water is included, but food and other drinks are not. The tour information does not list a bathroom onboard, and one passenger specifically complained about the lack of one, so plan accordingly before departure.

Crew quality can shape the whole day

The crew names that appear in the tour feedback include Bepo, Luka, Simon, Domagoj, Sarah, and Dome. Several descriptions praise guides for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, with Simon singled out for clear information and regular safety checks. Bepo and Luka were also described as a good team for a family with children aged 7 to 11.

That personal service is a real advantage of a 12-person boat. A good skipper can make boarding, swimming, and moving between stops feel simple. One crew even helped locate passengers who had become lost on the way to the meeting point.

Still, service is not perfectly consistent. There are complaints about delays, young crew members, poor treatment between crew, and driving that felt reckless. One particularly serious account described two company boats racing close together and jumping waves. The operator apologized and said that conduct did not meet its standards, but the concern should not be brushed aside.

I would not book this tour blindly if safety is your top concern. At the start, listen to the safety briefing and identify where the life jackets are. If the boat is driven aggressively or you feel unsafe, speak up immediately. You are not being difficult by asking the skipper to slow down.

What the 4.7 rating and 91 percent recommendation mean

The overall score of 4.7 from 438 ratings, with 91 percent recommending the experience, suggests that the usual outcome is positive. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, comfortable small boat, lovely swimming places, and the smart combination of sea time with Trogir.

The tour also earns credit for staying on schedule. One happy account described leaving each stop on time, and another liked the five-hour length because it felt just right. That matters when you have dinner plans, a ferry connection, or another activity booked in Split.

The lower ratings point to a narrower but important set of problems: crowded Blue Lagoon access, dirty or poorly maintained masks, a cramped older boat, no toilet, unclear safety-equipment rules, and, in the most serious case, alleged reckless driving. Weather can explain a rough ride, but it does not excuse unsafe boat handling.

Read the score as a guide to fit, not a promise. If you want a lively, active half-day on the sea and can accept some bouncing, the odds are good that you will enjoy it. If you expect a polished yacht, quiet coves, extensive snorkeling, or a formal historical tour, this is not the right product.

Who should book this Split island tour

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families with older children who want to swim, see a few coastal places, and return to Split in half a day. It works especially well for someone who does not want to rent a boat or study ferry timetables.

It suits confident swimmers because getting on and off may involve a ladder, a swim from shore, or moving between boats. Ask about the exact water access before you commit if anyone in your party cannot swim.

It is also a good pick for people who want variety. Beach Bar Borkko brings shade and refreshments, Krknjasi Bay brings the clearest water, and Trogir brings stone lanes and architecture. No single stop has to carry the whole day.

I would choose another option for a very young child, a pregnant person, anyone with a condition affected by jolting, or anyone who dislikes fast boats. I would also look elsewhere if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The supplied goggles are useful, but the underwater life appears modest.

Booking details that matter

Confirmation is sent when you book, and the activity begins and ends at Marulićeva ul. 4 in Split. The meeting point is near public transport, and the tour is offered in English.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation inside that period is not refundable, and late changes are not accepted. Since the tour needs good weather and a minimum number of participants, a cancellation by the operator may result in another date, another activity, or a full refund.

The tour is commonly booked about three weeks ahead. That is useful planning advice for summer, when small boats and popular swimming routes can fill up. Book early if your dates are fixed, but check the forecast before committing to a nonrefundable last-minute window.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a fast, social half-day with two chances to swim and a worthwhile hour in Trogir. At $72.56, the ability to connect several coastal stops without organizing transport is good value, and the small group is a major plus.

Go in with clear expectations. The Blue Lagoon may be busy, snorkeling is limited, food is extra, and the speedboat can be rough. Confirm whether the departure is shared, ask how life jackets are handled, and speak up if the driving feels unsafe.

For most able-bodied visitors who enjoy being on the water, this is an appealing way to sample the Split coast. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a calm cruise, a long stay in one place, or a carefully controlled premium boat experience.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Marulićeva ul. 4, 21000 Split, Croatia.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Split.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What places does the tour visit?

The scheduled stops are Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, Krknjasi Bay, also called the Blue Lagoon, and Trogir.

Is swimming included?

Yes. You have swimming opportunities at Beach Bar Borkko and Krknjasi Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Goggles are included, along with safety equipment and water.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should budget for purchases at the beach bar and in Trogir.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.