From Trogir & Split: Half Day Speedboat Tour with Blue Lagoon

The best part of this half-day outing is its variety. In about five hours, you speed across the Dalmatian Coast, swim from the boat at Blue Lagoon, stroll through a stone village on Šolta, and finish with another swim on Čiovo Island. It gives you three very different tastes of the sea without asking you to spend a full day on a boat.

I like the small group of up to 14 people, which keeps the ride more personal than a large excursion boat. I also like the simple rhythm: about an hour at each stop, with snorkeling and safety gear supplied, plus refreshments along the way.

The main thing to consider is practical rather than dramatic: this is an active sea day. You will need to manage wet swimwear, sun, boat movement, and time in the water. One useful tip is to ask the crew early where you can change clothes, since that detail is not clearly built into the schedule.

At a glance

• Three coastal stops: Blue Lagoon, Maslinica village, and Čiovo Island all fit into one half-day.
• A small speedboat: The maximum group size is 14, so you avoid the feel of a packed excursion vessel.
• Two departure choices: Morning and afternoon departures make this easier to fit around time in Trogir or Split.
• Swimming is central: You have time for swimming and snorkeling at Blue Lagoon and Čiovo, not just quick photo stops.
• A village break: Maslinica gives you an hour on land for a walk, coffee, or a glass of wine.
• Strong customer satisfaction: The experience is rated 4.9 out of 5, with 98 percent recommending it.

Why this five-hour trip works well

A half-day boat outing can easily become a rushed checklist. This one has a better balance. The sea stops are long enough to make getting wet worthwhile, while Maslinica breaks up the time on the water with a walk through a historic seaside settlement.

You also get the pleasure of speedboat travel. The boat itself is part of the experience, giving you open views across the Dalmatian Coast and a brisk ride between islands. A standard boat tour may spend more time getting from one place to another. Here, the boat makes the distance feel like part of the fun.

The group limit matters. With no more than 14 people, you have a better chance of hearing the guide, finding a comfortable place to sit, and getting help with equipment. The experience can still vary depending on how full the boat is, but it is designed on a smaller scale.

Ria Tours operates the trip in English, and the crew members named in customer feedback include Claudia, Toma, Marco, Klaudija, Ria, and Silenski. The praise is especially strong for the friendly hosts and capable captains. Some guides also share local tips and background about the places you pass, which adds more than a simple taxi ride across the water.

Blue Lagoon and Krknjaši Bay: 80 minutes in clear water

The first stop is Blue Lagoon, also called Krknjaši Bay, near Drvenik Veli Island. This is the main swimming stop and the place where the tour feels most like a proper island escape.

You swim and snorkel directly from the boat in clear sea. That detail is important. You are not simply looking at the water from a waterfront promenade, and you are not limited to a quick dip from a crowded beach. The boat puts you close to the swimming area, with snorkeling and safety equipment included.

You get about one hour and 20 minutes here. That is enough time to get settled, swim, try the snorkeling gear, and dry off a little before the next ride. If you prefer to stay on the boat, you can enjoy the views and refreshments, but this stop is clearly aimed at people who want to get into the water.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if possible. The schedule does not describe a dedicated changing room, and one customer specifically wished the tour gave clearer instructions about changing swimwear. Ask the crew at the start of the trip so you know your options before the first stop.

Blue Lagoon is also the point where weather matters most. On a sunny, calm day, the water should be the star of the outing. On a cooler or windier day, the same stop may feel less inviting, especially if you are not a keen swimmer. The company requires good weather and offers another date or a full refund if poor conditions force a cancellation.

Maslinica: one hour in a 15th-century village

After time in the water, the boat heads to Maslinica on Šolta Island. This stop changes the pace nicely. Instead of another swim, you can walk through a charming seaside village, sit down for coffee, or order a glass of wine.

Maslinica is described as a 15th-century village, and its appeal is its small scale. You are not being sent into a large town with a long list of sights. You have about an hour to wander, take in the harbor, and enjoy a relaxed break before returning to the boat.

I would use this hour without overplanning it. Walk along the waterfront, look at the boats, and choose a café if you want a drink. The tour does not state that food or drinks in Maslinica are included, so budget separately for anything you order there.

This stop also helps people with mixed interests. If one person in your group wants to swim all day and another prefers village walks, Maslinica gives the second person a real break from the water. It is not just a brief stop for a photograph.

The tradeoff is that an hour passes quickly. You will not have time for an extended meal or a thorough visit to every part of the village. Think of Maslinica as a scenic pause, not a full island tour.

Čiovo Island: a final swim and beach-bar option

The last scheduled stop is Čiovo Island, where you have about an hour for another swim in clear water. You can also finish at a beach bar with a drink, making this a flexible end to the trip.

The second swimming stop is useful because the sea may feel different later in the outing. You have already learned how the equipment works at Blue Lagoon, so you can spend less time getting organized and more time in the water. If you are tired of swimming, the beach bar gives you an easy alternative.

Food and drinks at the beach bar are not listed as included. One customer particularly enjoyed fried calamari on Čiovo, but you should treat that as an available possibility rather than part of the tour price. Refreshments are included during the boat trip, while purchases at stops appear to be your own responsibility.

Čiovo also gives the day a gentle finish. You are not rushing from one major attraction to another. You can swim, sit with a drink, or simply enjoy the last views before returning toward Trogir or Split.

What the boat ride is really like

The boat is newer and well maintained, according to the details available, with enough room for a small group. That does not mean you get a luxury yacht. You are booking a practical speedboat excursion, where the reward is access to several coastal spots rather than a formal onboard service.

Expect panoramic views while moving between stops. The crew provides refreshments, and safety equipment is included. The boat’s speed helps the tour cover three destinations in five hours, but it can also mean a livelier ride than a slow sightseeing cruise.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Hosts are repeatedly described as welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. Captains such as Silenski are praised for handling the boat well, while Claudia, Toma, Marco, Klaudija, and Ria are singled out in different accounts for creating a relaxed mood.

Music may be part of the atmosphere, depending on the trip and crew. One account describes a pleasant afternoon with music, while others focus on conversation and local advice. I would expect a social, easygoing boat ride rather than a silent nature cruise.

The group size also suits solo visitors. One solo participant found the format a good way to see part of Croatia without arranging a private charter. Couples and families can fit in well too. A family with children aged 8, 9, and 10 enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, and exploring, including a late-October outing with warm sunny weather.

Price and value at $81.03

At $81.03 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the coast, but the value is reasonable if you want several stops in one morning or afternoon. You are paying for the speedboat, crew, route, refreshments, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, and roughly five hours of organized time.

The price makes the most sense for people who would otherwise need separate transport to beaches and villages. Reaching Blue Lagoon, Maslinica, and Čiovo independently could take more planning, and the boat gives you a direct link between all three.

It is less compelling if you only want a quiet swim at one beach. In that case, a local beach day may cost less and give you more freedom. This tour earns its price through variety and convenience.

The trip is often booked about 14 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your time in Trogir or Split is limited, especially if you want a specific morning or afternoon departure. The mobile ticket is convenient, and the tour is near public transportation.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Since the trip depends on good weather, a company cancellation for poor conditions brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Morning or afternoon?

The morning and afternoon options are useful because this tour takes only half a day. You can place it before or after other plans in Trogir or Split, though you should avoid scheduling anything that depends on a precise return time. Speedboat trips are affected by weather and sea conditions.

A morning departure may suit you if you want the rest of the day free. It can also feel appealing for swimming before the strongest afternoon heat. An afternoon departure works well if you prefer a slower start or want to spend the first part of the day sightseeing on land.

The data does not specify exact departure times, so check the available option when booking. The key point is flexibility, not a promise of a particular schedule.

Who should book this experience?

You should consider this tour if you want:

• A short introduction to several Dalmatian islands
• Swimming and snorkeling without organizing your own boat
• A small group rather than a large cruise
• A mix of sea time and village time
• An easy outing from Trogir or Split
• Friendly crew interaction and local suggestions
• A family activity that works for children comfortable around water
• A social option for solo visitors

It may not suit you if you dislike boat movement, cannot swim, want a long cultural visit, or prefer to set your own pace at every stop. Most people can participate, but the tour is built around boarding a speedboat and spending time by the sea.

You should also think about your expectations. This is not a full archaeological tour of the islands, and it is not a private luxury charter. It is a well-paced coastal sampler with three stops, two of them focused on swimming.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. The changing arrangements are not clearly stated, so ask the crew where you can change before the first swim.

Keep your packing light. You will want room for a phone, water-resistant case, and any personal items you need during the boat ride. Snorkeling and safety equipment are supplied, so you do not need to bring those items unless you prefer your own.

Leave some money available for Maslinica or Čiovo. Coffee, wine, beach-bar drinks, and food such as calamari are not stated as included, even though they are part of how you may choose to spend the stops.

Finally, keep an eye on the forecast. Good weather is not a minor bonus here. It affects the boat ride, the clarity and comfort of the swimming stops, and how enjoyable the open-air schedule feels.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

I would book this if you want a compact, active taste of the Dalmatian Coast and do not want to arrange island transport yourself. The strongest reasons are the small boat, the generous swim time at Blue Lagoon, and the useful change of pace at Maslinica.

The $81.03 price is fair for a five-hour trip with equipment, refreshments, and three destinations. Just come prepared for wet clothes, sun, and a weather-dependent schedule. If that sounds like your kind of day, Ria Tours offers an efficient and friendly way to turn a half-day in Trogir or Split into a proper outing on the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour visit?

The route includes Blue Lagoon, also called Krknjaši Bay, Maslinica on Šolta Island, and Čiovo Island.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $81.03 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

Are refreshments included?

Yes. Refreshments are included during the tour. Food and drinks purchased at Maslinica or Čiovo are not stated as included.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The tour has a maximum group size of 14 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If bad weather causes the company to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.