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

The best part of this half-day speedboat tour is the variety packed into four and a half hours. You move from Split’s island views to stone-built Trogir, then out to the clear water of Blue Lagoon and the fishing village of Maslinica on Šolta. It is an easy way to see several sides of Dalmatia without committing a full day.

I like the small boat size, which keeps the outing more personal than a large excursion vessel. I also like the mix of swimming, old-town sightseeing, and coastal scenery. The main drawback is time: one hour in Trogir and one hour at the final swimming stop can feel rushed, especially if you want lunch or a proper look around.

Key points to know

• Trogir comes first, with one hour to see the UNESCO-listed old town, cathedral, fortress, and stone lanes.
• Blue Lagoon provides the main swim stop, with about one hour for snorkeling, sunbathing, or the pebble beach.
• Maslinica on Šolta is the final pause, with a local bar, swimming, and possible food or wine by the sea.
• Boats carry 8 to 12 people, making the ride more intimate than a large group cruise.
• Denny received special praise for his friendly service, while engine noise can make spoken information hard to hear.
• The $88 price is fair for a short outing, but food, drinks, and hotel transfers cost extra.

A fast ride from Split to Trogir

You meet at the booking stand near semiSUBMARINE Split and board a speedboat for the first ride, about 30 minutes. The trip itself is part of the experience. You get open views of Split, the nearby islands, and the Adriatic rather than simply being transported from one dock to another.

The boats hold between 8 and 12 people. That is a useful middle ground. You are not in a huge crowd, but you also do not get the privacy of a private charter. The boat has a captain and crew, and the tour is offered in Croatian and English.

Expect wind, spray, and engine noise. Bring sunglasses and clothing suited to the weather, and keep a change of clothes handy. If you want to hear the guide, sit near the person speaking and pay attention before the boat gets underway. One visitor found that the engine made explanations difficult to hear, especially when the guide was facing away.

The ride is not physically demanding, but it is not a quiet cruise. This is a speedboat trip, so the appeal is the movement and the views. People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pregnant women, and children under three should choose another activity.

One hour in UNESCO-listed Trogir

Trogir is the cultural heart of the trip. The town sits on a small island and is often called the Little Venice of Dalmatia or the Stone Beauty. Those names make sense once you enter the narrow streets, where pale stone buildings, small squares, and medieval details crowd close together.

You have about one hour here. That is enough to get a clear taste of the old town, but not enough for a slow museum visit, a long meal, and every major sight. I would use the time with a simple plan rather than wandering without direction.

Start with the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, known locally as St. Lovro. Its portal was carved by Master Radovan in the 13th century, and it is one of the town’s key works. The cathedral gives you a direct connection to Trogir’s Romanesque and Gothic design, which is why the old town earned UNESCO status.

Then walk through the stone lanes toward the waterfront. Along the way, you can look for the Town Gate, Town Hall, Ćipiko Palace, and Trogir Museum. Two Venetian fortresses also point to the town’s former military role. Kamerlengo Fortress sits at the western end of the island and now serves as a venue for cultural events, including an open-air cinema and stage.

The important thing is to manage your expectations. Trogir deserves more than an hour if you want to visit the cathedral interior, explore the museum, climb around the fortress, and sit down for a meal. The short stop works best as an introduction. You see the setting, absorb the old stone streets, and make a note to return for a longer visit if your schedule allows.

Lunch is technically possible in Trogir, but the schedule makes it difficult. The tour does not include food or drinks, and several hours of swimming follow. If you want to eat here, keep it quick and tell the crew that you plan to do so. Otherwise, save your appetite for Šolta, though the final stop also has limited time.

Blue Lagoon, where the water takes over

After Trogir, the boat makes another ride of roughly 30 minutes to Blue Lagoon. This is the most relaxed part of the day. The focus shifts from architecture to clear water, swimming, and sun.

The stop lasts about one hour. Snorkeling equipment is meant to be provided, and the transparent water makes it possible to look below the surface. Still, I would confirm with the crew as soon as you board. One person reported that snorkeling gear was advertised but never offered, so it is worth checking rather than waiting until you are already in the water.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe on the boat, or use the pebble beach surrounded by pine trees. A bar and restaurant sit by the water, giving you the option of a drink or a simple meal. Food and drinks are not included in the $88 price, so bring money for anything you plan to buy.

Blue Lagoon is a good fit for you if you want a low-effort swim stop rather than a serious water-sports session. There is no demanding hike or long walk. You step off the boat, enjoy the water, and return when the crew calls time. The hour goes quickly, especially if you need to change, eat, and take photos.

Sun protection matters here. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimwear, but also pack dry clothes. The combination of strong sun, wind, and saltwater can make the return ride uncomfortable if you remain wet.

Maslinica and the last hour on Šolta

The final boat ride takes about 20 minutes to Maslinica, a small fishing village on Šolta. The setting is calmer and more local in feel than the popular swim stop. Low buildings, small islands, beaches, and the sheltered coast create a pleasing final stop.

The schedule allows about one hour at a local bar, with time for swimming. You can also look for a seafood meal or a glass of domestic wine by the water. Maslinica is known for marine cuisine, so this is the natural place to eat if you skipped lunch in Trogir.

There is a catch. One hour is short for a meal, a swim, and a village walk. You will probably need to choose one main activity. If you order food, check the timing with the crew before sitting down. If you prefer to swim, use the bar stop as a chance to relax and take in the view rather than trying to cover the whole village.

The stop is also valuable because it breaks up the day. Trogir supplies history, Blue Lagoon supplies water and sun, and Maslinica gives you a slower coastal setting. You get three distinct experiences without spending the day on one beach.

What the small speedboat changes

The boat is not just a practical detail. It shapes the whole tour. With 8 to 12 people, boarding is simpler and the group can move efficiently between stops. You also get a closer look at the coastline than you would from a large ferry.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat exposes you to wind, spray, noise, and a more active ride. If you prefer a shaded seat, calm water, and long explanations from a guide, this may not be your ideal excursion.

The crew can explain sights in Croatian and English. Denny was singled out for friendly service, and another person praised the captain for careful driving and the crew member for explaining the stops clearly. At the same time, the engine can overwhelm conversation. I would treat the spoken commentary as a helpful extra, not the main reason to book.

Some departures may include music and a more social mood. One particularly positive account described a good atmosphere and a DJ on board. That could make the ride lively, but it also means the experience is not designed as a silent nature cruise.

Is $88 a good value?

At $88 per person, the tour offers a lot for a short outing: speedboat transportation, a captain and crew, insurance, snorkeling equipment, and three different stops. If you want to combine Trogir with swimming and Šolta in one day, the price is reasonable.

The value is strongest when you count the transport between locations. Reaching Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica independently would require arranging several boat or road connections, and the tour removes that planning work.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is an extended visit to Trogir or a long beach day. You pay for variety, not depth. Food, drinks, and hotel pickup are not included, so your final cost will be higher if you buy lunch, drinks, or transport to the meeting point.

The free cancellation policy gives you some useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you have limited time in Split and want a broad taste of the coast. It works well for people who enjoy short sightseeing stops, swimming, photography, and a little speed on the water.

It is also a good choice if you want something relaxing. There is no strenuous walking, and the main physical activity is getting in and out of the boat, swimming, and walking through Trogir’s old streets.

You may want another plan if you dislike rushed schedules. Trogir and Maslinica both reward extra time, yet the tour gives each only about an hour. It is also not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.

Pack lightly but sensibly:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Do not bring alcohol or drugs, and explosive substances are prohibited. Most important, confirm the snorkeling equipment with the crew at the start, and keep enough time for the boat’s return departure.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Trogir tour?

Book it if you want a compact sampler of Dalmatia: one UNESCO old town, one clear-water swim, and one small island village, all from a speedboat. The small group, friendly crew, and carefully connected stops make the $88 fare reasonable for a half-day.

Skip it if you want a relaxed long lunch, a full museum visit, or several unhurried hours at the beach. For everyone else, especially people with only a short stay in Split, this is a practical and enjoyable way to get beyond the city without making a full-day commitment.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

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

Where does the tour begin and end?

It starts at the booking stand near semiSUBMARINE Split and returns to the same area.

How many people fit on the speedboat?

The boats used for this activity carry between 8 and 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour details, but you should confirm its availability with the crew when you board.

Is food or drink included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though there are bars and restaurants at the Blue Lagoon and in Maslinica.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.