Blue Lagoon and Trogir Half-Day Speedboat Tour from Split

The best part of this 4.5-hour speedboat trip is its mix of sea and stone. You get time in the Blue Lagoon’s shallow turquoise water, a relaxed beach stop on Čiovo, and a final stroll through Trogir, all without giving up a full day in Split.

I like the small-group boat setting, which gives you more room than a crowded excursion vessel. I also like the choice of morning or afternoon departure, especially since the later trip can bring sunset light on the ride back. The main drawback is that the Blue Lagoon and Trogir stops are fairly short, so this is a sampler, not a slow-paced island day.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Spend about 1.5 hours swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling in shallow, clear water.
• Comfortable speedboat ride: Boats used for the tour have room for nearly 20 people, with fuel and a skipper included.
• Čiovo beach break: Stop at Okrug Gornji and Borkko beach bar for swimming, music, and drinks.
• UNESCO-listed Trogir: Walk the compact stone center and see its Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings.
• Morning or afternoon choice: The afternoon departure can offer a scenic sunset cruise back toward Split.
• Bring your own swim kit: Pack a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and swimwear. Snorkeling equipment is included, but it is sensible to ask for it before leaving the boat.

Why this Split boat trip works so well

This outing is built for a summer day when you want to get out on the Adriatic but do not want to plan ferries, taxis, beach stops, and a separate visit to Trogir. The route covers three different moods: open-water cruising, an easy swim, and a historic town walk.

The boat leaves from the end of Split’s Riva promenade and heads along the coast. You get wide views of the shoreline as the city slips behind you. The speedboat is part of the appeal, but do not mistake this for a nonstop thrill ride. The goal is to reach the water quickly, then give you time to relax.

I would choose this trip if I had only a few days in Split and wanted a compact taste of the coast. It is also a useful choice for a group of friends or a family with older children who can handle a boat ride and a warm beach stop.

The tour costs $76 per person. That is fair value if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to the Blue Lagoon and Trogir, especially since the price includes the boat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling gear. Food and drinks are extra, and there is no guide in Trogir, so the value depends on how much you care about independent exploring rather than guided sightseeing.

Leaving Split from the Riva

The meeting point is the local partner’s office at Obala Lazareta 3, at the end of the Riva promenade. It is across from the Riva parking area and near the tourist bus terminal.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The office can be a little hard to spot at first, so allow enough time to find it rather than arriving at the last minute. Have your digital or printed voucher ready at check-in.

Once aboard, you can settle into a modern, clean speedboat. The boats used on the trip can hold nearly 20 people, though the small-group format gives you more breathing room than a large sightseeing vessel. The exact boat can change for the day, based on conditions and group size.

The ride itself gives you a quick introduction to the Split coast. Expect wind, sun, and spray, especially at speed. Sunglasses and a hat are useful, but secure them well. You will want sunscreen before the boat leaves, not after your skin has already had an hour of direct sun.

The skipper handles navigation and safety. The atmosphere can be informal, with music sometimes added to the ride. Ivan is one of the skippers who has been praised for a friendly manner, and the crew generally keeps the mood light without turning the trip into a loud party boat.

Blue Lagoon: clear water and a proper swim

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, between three small islets near Drvenik Island. The water is shallow and clear, with a sandy seabed mixed with crushed shells. That pale bottom helps give the lagoon its strong turquoise color.

This is the part of the trip for swimming. You will have about 1.5 hours here, enough time to get in the water, cool off, sunbathe, and use the snorkeling gear. The sea floor and small marine life make it a pleasant place to look below the surface, though you should keep expectations realistic. This is a short recreational snorkeling stop, not a serious reef excursion.

The shallow water is a plus for confident swimmers who prefer an easy entry. It also makes the stop feel less demanding than a remote open-water swim. Still, the tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. A speedboat and repeated boarding from the water are not a good match for those needs.

One practical point matters here: snorkeling equipment is included, but ask the skipper specifically for the snorkel tube before you settle in. It may not be handed to you automatically. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer a familiar mask and tube.

The Blue Lagoon is a popular stop, so do not expect complete solitude. Its appeal comes from the color of the water and the easy chance to swim, not from being an untouched beach. Bring a towel for the boat ride afterward, since sitting in wet swimwear with wind blowing across the boat gets chilly even on a warm day.

Okrug Gornji and the Borkko beach stop

The route continues to Okrug Gornji on the island of Čiovo. This stop shifts the mood from open-water swimming to a more settled beach break.

At Borkko beach bar, you can order a drink, listen to soft lounge music, or simply stay near the water. The setting is designed for relaxation rather than sightseeing. If you have already had enough sun at the Blue Lagoon, this is a good chance to find shade or sit with a cold drink.

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. That is worth remembering when comparing the $76 fare with cheaper-looking boat trips. You may want to budget for something at the beach bar, or bring your own drinks if permitted by the operator. One useful money-saving tip is to avoid relying on island prices for every refreshment.

The stop is also flexible in spirit. You can swim, sunbathe, or spend the time at the bar. If you prefer constant activity, it may feel less exciting than the Blue Lagoon. If you enjoy a slow coastal pause, it gives the day a welcome change of pace.

Okrug Gornji is not presented as a major cultural visit. Its value is the atmosphere: sea air, a beach, music, and time without a sightseeing checklist. I like that contrast. A half-day trip made up only of photo stops can feel rushed, while this break lets you simply enjoy being on Čiovo.

Trogir’s stone streets and compact old town

The final stop is Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the coast. This is where the tour moves from beach time to history.

Trogir’s old town is compact and easy to explore on foot during free time. Its buildings show Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance influences, and the narrow stone streets give the town its character. You can wander without a fixed route, pause in a square, look into small lanes, and examine the old façades at your own pace.

The nickname Little Venice points to the town’s waterways and close-set historic center, though you should think of it as a short independent walk rather than a full guided city tour. There is no guide in Trogir, so you will not receive a formal explanation of every church, palace, or street.

That independence is both a strength and a limitation. I like being able to choose between a quick coffee, a gelato, or a focused walk through the center. If you want detailed historical context, bring a guidebook or map and decide in advance what you want to see.

A gelato stop is an easy choice here, particularly after time in the sun. You can also use the free time to take photographs of the stone lanes and waterfront. The town is small enough to get a good feel for it without needing a long visit, but the available time will not cover every museum or interior.

The order of the stops gives the day a sensible rhythm. You swim first, relax on Čiovo, then walk through Trogir when you are ready for shade and stone streets. Afterward, the boat returns to the original meeting point in Split.

Morning or afternoon: which departure should you choose?

The morning trip is the safer pick if you want the most usable daylight for swimming and walking. It also leaves your evening free in Split, which is helpful if you have dinner plans or a later activity.

The afternoon departure can feel more atmospheric. The ride from Trogir back toward Split may catch sunset light, and this has been a highlight for people choosing the later option. The tradeoff is that the light and conditions can change, and you will have less flexibility afterward.

I would choose the morning if swimming is your main goal. Pick the afternoon if you care more about a relaxed coastal mood and the chance of sunset views from the boat. Whichever option you choose, remember that the route can change if the sea is rough or the weather turns bad.

The provider can also change the boat type or route for safety and operational reasons. That is normal for a small speedboat excursion. The Adriatic can look calm from shore but feel much rougher once you are moving quickly across open water.

What the $76 price really includes

The fare covers the speedboat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling gear. Those inclusions remove several costs that can add up when planning the same outing independently.

You are paying mainly for convenience and a tightly arranged route. In a single half-day, you reach the Blue Lagoon, Čiovo, and Trogir without figuring out public transport or private transfers. The boat ride itself also gives you coastal views that you would miss by staying on land.

You are not paying for a meal, drinks, a personal guide in Trogir, or a long stay at any one location. That makes the price less attractive if you want a quiet full-day beach experience or a detailed historical tour.

For me, the tour offers solid value for a first visit to Split, particularly if your time is limited. It is less suitable for someone who dislikes set departure times or wants to decide spontaneously how long to stay at each place.

The current rating is 4.3 from 237 ratings, which fits the experience: strong appeal, good organization, and a few practical limits linked to time, weather, and the independent Trogir visit.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack light, but bring the items that make the boat and beach stops easier:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A hat
• A digital or printed voucher
• Personal snorkeling gear if you prefer your own

A dry bag or waterproof pouch would be useful for phones and wallets, although one is not listed as included. Keep valuables to a minimum. Wet boarding, wind, and saltwater are not kind to loose electronics.

There is no need to bring formal clothing. Trogir is a walking stop, but you will still be coming from the beach. Comfortable sandals or secure shoes are more practical than anything dressy.

Pets are not allowed. The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users, and the operator does not recommend it for people with back problems. If the sea becomes rough, the boat ride can be physically demanding.

You must arrive on time. Late arrivals and no-shows do not qualify for a refund. If your plans change, cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a well-rounded half-day from Split with swimming, a casual beach stop, and a historic town. It suits couples, families with children over three, and groups of friends who want a social day on the water.

It is also a good fit if you prefer independent sightseeing. You get a skipper and practical transport, but you are free to explore Trogir without being led from one monument to the next.

I would hesitate if you need a fully guided cultural tour, have mobility or back concerns, or want a long, quiet stay at the Blue Lagoon. The speedboat is comfortable, but it is still a fast boat, and the route leaves limited time at each stop.

Book the morning for stronger swimming time and a free evening. Book the afternoon for a softer pace and the chance of a sunset ride back to Split. At $76, this is a sensible way to see several Dalmatian highlights in one outing, as long as you are happy with a brisk schedule and extra costs for drinks.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours and returns to the original meeting point in Split.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the local partner’s office at Obala Lazareta 3, 21 000 Split, at the end of the Riva promenade.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, though you should ask specifically for the snorkel tube at the boat.

How much time do I get at the Blue Lagoon?

You get about 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is there a guide in Trogir?

No. You have free time to explore Trogir, but a guide in the old town is not included.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The tour offers both morning and afternoon departure options.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

It is not suitable for children under three years old.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If bad weather or rough sea conditions affect safety, the provider may change the route, change the boat type, or cancel the tour.