From Split: Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Trogir Speedboat Tour

The best part of this four-and-a-half-hour speedboat trip is the variety packed into a short outing: stone-built Trogir, clear water at the Blue Lagoon, and the small fishing village of Maslinica on Šolta. You get sea views all day without committing to a full-day cruise.

I like the small-group boat size, usually eight to twelve people, and the easy mix of sightseeing and swimming. I also like that snorkeling gear and insurance are included. The tradeoff is time. Trogir and Maslinica can feel rushed, and one recent departure did not offer the promised snorkeling equipment.

Key points

• Three distinct stops in 270 minutes: UNESCO-listed Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on Šolta.
• A small speedboat carries eight to twelve people, making the trip more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Trogir gets about one hour, enough for a quick old-town walk but not a full historical visit.
• The Blue Lagoon includes swimming and snorkeling time, with equipment supplied by the operator.
• Maslinica is the final coastal break, suitable for a drink, a meal, or another swim.
• The tour costs $88 per person, with captain, crew, transport, snorkeling gear, and insurance included.

Three Adriatic Stops in One Short Trip

This tour is designed for the visitor who wants a taste of several Dalmatian pleasures without spending an entire day at sea. You leave Split by speedboat, visit a major historic town, stop for a swim in clear water, then finish in a quiet island village.

That range is the main reason I find the trip appealing. Trogir gives you architecture and history. The Blue Lagoon gives you time in the water. Maslinica gives you a slower coastal finish, with restaurants, beaches, and local wine.

The tour is physically easy. You climb aboard a boat, walk through an old town, swim if you wish, and sit back during the crossings. Still, a speedboat is not a soft, slow ferry. You should be comfortable with wind, spray, engine noise, and the movement of the boat.

The advertised rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 20 ratings, which fits the experience well: the route and atmosphere are strong, but the short stops and occasional communication or equipment problems matter.

Leaving Split by Small Speedboat

The meeting point is the booking stand near the semiSUBMARINE Split. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the starting point.

The boat carries eight to twelve people. That is a useful middle ground. You are not on a huge vessel with a crowd, but you also have enough company for a lively half-day outing. One highly positive account described the boat as being in very good condition, with a fun onboard atmosphere and music from a DJ.

The first ride takes about 30 minutes. From the water, you get a broad view back toward Split and the nearby islands. This crossing is part of the appeal, not just a way to move between stops. Sit where you can enjoy the view, but keep your sunglasses and sunscreen handy. The wind can be strong even on a pleasant day.

The crew speaks Croatian and English. Denny has been praised for his friendly hosting, and the overall mood can be cheerful and social. Do not expect a quiet lecture-style cruise, though. Engine noise can make spoken information hard to hear, especially if the guide is facing away from the group. If you want to catch the explanations, sit close to the guide and ask for important points to be repeated.

Trogir: Stone Streets and Venetian Fortresses

Trogir is the cultural anchor of the trip. Its old town sits on a small island and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is known for Romanesque-Gothic architecture, narrow stone lanes, small squares, and buildings that show centuries of Dalmatian and Venetian influence.

You get about one hour here. That is enough to walk through the old center and see the main sights, but it is not enough for a leisurely museum visit, a long lunch, and a detailed church tour. I would use the time for a focused walk rather than trying to cover every corner.

Start near the Town Gate and work toward the main square. The Cathedral of St. Lovro is the key stop. Its portal was carved by Master Radovan in the 13th century, and the stonework rewards a close look. Even if you do not enter, the cathedral helps explain why Trogir is more than a pretty collection of lanes.

You can also pass the Town Hall, Ćipiko Palace, and Trogir Museum. The town’s two fortresses add a military note to the walk. Fortress Kamerlengo sits at the western end of the island and was built by the Venetians as part of their naval base. Today it is used for cultural events, an open-air cinema, and performances.

The main issue is the clock. Two people who enjoyed the tour still wished they had more time in Trogir and Šolta. Another person felt the beach stop could have been shorter in favor of extra time in town. That is useful guidance: if Trogir is your main reason for booking, this tour will give you an introduction, not a full visit.

You also may not have time for lunch here. Food and drinks are not included, and the one-hour stop can disappear quickly if you spend it walking. If you want a traditional Dalmatian meal in Trogir, you may prefer a separate visit.

The Blue Lagoon for Swimming and Snorkeling

After Trogir, the boat heads toward the Blue Lagoon. The crossing is listed as about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the route timing, and you can expect another stretch of open water and island views.

This is the most relaxed part of the day. The water is described as very clear, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment so you can look below the surface. You can also swim, sunbathe on the boat, or use the pebble beach bordered by pine trees.

I like the flexibility here. You do not have to turn the stop into a serious water-sports session. If you want to snorkel, you can explore near the boat. If you would rather float, sit in the sun, or take photographs, the stop works for that too.

There may be a bar or restaurant near the shore, but food and drinks are your own expense. Bring cash or a payment card only if you want to buy something, since the supplied details do not specify which payment methods local businesses accept.

The snorkeling promise is worth checking at the start of the tour. One recent participant said the equipment was advertised but never offered. That may have been a one-off oversight, but I would ask the crew directly before entering the water. If snorkeling matters to you, do not wait until the final minutes of the stop.

The Blue Lagoon is also the place where sun protection matters most. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, and a change of clothes. A towel is not listed among the required items, so you should confirm whether one is supplied or bring your own if practical.

Maslinica on Šolta for a Slower Finish

The last stop is Maslinica, a small fishing village on the island of Šolta. It is surrounded by smaller islands and has a more local, low-key feel than the popular swimming stop.

The schedule gives you about an hour here for a break and another chance to swim. You can also sit at a coastal bar or choose a restaurant serving seafood and other Dalmatian dishes. A glass of domestic wine makes sense here if you are not driving, but remember that alcohol is not included and the tour rules prohibit alcohol and drugs on the boat itself.

Maslinica is a pleasant way to finish because it changes the pace again. Trogir asks you to walk and look up at buildings. The Blue Lagoon asks you to get in the water. Maslinica lets you sit near the sea and take in the village and island views.

The drawback is the same as in Trogir: one hour goes quickly. You may need to choose between eating, swimming, and simply walking around. If you want a proper meal, order promptly. If you would rather enjoy the scenery, skip the full meal and have a drink or snack.

The route is sometimes described with a sunset angle, and the sea, villages, and changing light make good photographs. Exact sunset viewing depends on the departure time and season, so check the available starting time rather than assuming the tour ends at sunset.

Is $88 a Fair Price?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water from Split. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the outing: speedboat transport, captain, crew, snorkeling equipment, and insurance.

You are paying for convenience and variety. In 270 minutes, you visit three places that would take more planning to combine independently. You also avoid arranging separate boat transport to Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Šolta.

The value is strongest if you have limited time in Split and want a half-day activity. You get both sightseeing and swimming, and the tour is not physically demanding. It is less compelling if you want a long Trogir visit, a substantial meal, or several hours of snorkeling.

Food and drinks are extra. Hotel transfers are also extra because they are not provided. Include those costs when you compare this trip with other boat excursions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some protection when your coastal plans depend on the weather. You should still check the starting time and conditions before leaving for the meeting point.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

I would choose this tour if you have only a few days in Split and want to see beyond the city. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who like a social boat ride, short walks, sea views, and an easy swim.

It also works well for people who do not want a demanding excursion. You can take part at your own pace, and the walking portion in Trogir is manageable for anyone comfortable on old stone streets.

I would not choose it for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments, as the activity is specifically not suitable for those groups. The small boat and old-town walking surface also make this a poor fit if you need step-free access.

You should also think twice if you dislike engine noise or rough movement. One person found it hard to hear the guide over the motor. A speedboat gives you a quicker, more exciting crossing, but it is not as calm as a large ferry.

What to Pack and How to Use the Time

Pack light. You need swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and a change of clothes. A light layer is useful because the boat ride can feel cooler than the shore, especially when wind picks up.

Keep your phone or camera protected from spray. The trip offers good views of Split, islands, villages, beaches, and open water, so you will want it ready. At the same time, do not spend every stop taking pictures. Trogir is short, and Maslinica is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

Use Trogir for a fast historic walk. Use the Blue Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. Use Maslinica for food, a drink, or a final quiet look at the coast. That simple plan will help you avoid wasting time deciding what to do after you arrive.

Should You Book the Split Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a compact taste of Dalmatia rather than a deep visit to any one place. The route gives you a strong mix of stone architecture, clear water, island scenery, and coastal food in half a day.

Skip it if your priority is a long lunch, extensive snorkeling, or several relaxed hours in Trogir. The tour moves quickly, and the promised snorkeling equipment should be confirmed with the crew before you need it.

For most visitors with limited time in Split, $88 is a reasonable price for the transport and range of stops. Go with realistic expectations, pack for sun and spray, and treat Trogir and Maslinica as brief introductions rather than full-day visits.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or four hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the booking stand near semiSUBMARINE Split.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on the island of Šolta.

How long do you spend in Trogir?

The scheduled visit to Trogir includes about one hour of free time.

Is Trogir a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes. Trogir is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price. You should confirm with the crew that it is available when you board.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them at local restaurants or bars during the stops.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are spoken?

The driver and crew speak Croatian and English.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.