Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best part of this five-hour speedboat tour is its mix of sea time, swimming, a beach stop, and a historic town. You are not stuck on a boat all day, but you still get enough cruising to enjoy wide views of Split and the Central Dalmatian coast.

I like the small group size, limited to 12 people, and the easy balance between activity and downtime. I also like the crew’s approach: guides such as Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, and Mate are known for keeping the mood light without filling every minute with talk. The main drawback is the speedboat ride itself. Wind can make it bumpy, and the boat floor may become slippery around the swimming stops.

Key points to know

• Three very different stops: Enjoy a pine-fringed beach bar, clear water at Blue Lagoon, and the historic streets of Trogir.
• A compact half-day outing: The five-hour schedule leaves room for other plans in Split.
• Small boat, lively mood: Groups are capped at 12, with music often forming part of the ride.
• One hour at each stop: You get time to swim or explore, though Trogir may feel short to history lovers.
• Weather matters: Strong wind can cancel the trip or change the first stop to Maslinica on Šolta.
• Good practical value: At $70 per person, the price includes the boat, goggles, safety gear, and water.

Why this Split boat trip works so well

Split is a wonderful base for seeing the Dalmatian coast, but its city beaches can become crowded in summer. This excursion gives you a quick way out onto the Adriatic, with three stops that feel quite different from one another.

You will meet the guide at the Booker Travel Agency office, check in, and walk to the boat. The group is limited to 12 people, a useful size for getting on and off the boat without a long queue and for asking the skipper a question when you need help.

The crossing to the first stop takes about 30 minutes. That time is part of the attraction. From the boat, you can see Split from the water, watch the shore pull away, and take in the pale islands and open sea. The ride is fast and energetic rather than quiet and slow, with music often playing onboard.

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a long lecture about every island. Guides generally provide a few useful comments, then let you enjoy the ride. That suits me. The best moments often come from looking out over the water, not from hearing a running commentary.

Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island

The first stop is usually Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo Island. You get about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing among pine trees.

The setting is casual and social. Expect a beach bar atmosphere rather than an untouched cove. White sand, pine shade, drinks, and the chance to get straight into the water make this a good opening stop. It gives you time to settle into the boat day before the more famous Blue Lagoon.

You can use the supplied goggles to look underwater, although the tour is not built around a long guided snorkeling session. Bring your own mask if you want a better fit or plan to spend most of your time looking below the surface.

Food and drinks are not included, so keep money with you if you want something from the beach bar. Water is included in the tour, though one person reported that it was not available on their particular outing. I would bring a refillable bottle as a sensible backup.

The stop can change with the season and weather. Instead of Borkko Beach Bar, the boat may visit Maslinica on Šolta Island, a small village with a different feel. That flexibility is worth knowing before you book. You are paying for a sea outing with several planned experiences, not a guarantee of one exact beach.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

After Borkko, the boat heads to Blue Lagoon Bay. This is usually the star of the day, and it is easy to see why. The water is clear and turquoise, with sandy stretches and plenty of room for swimming.

You have about one hour here. You can jump into the water, use the goggles to look for marine life, or stay on the sundeck and dry off in the sun. The time is long enough for a proper swim, but it may pass quickly if you want to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and take photos.

The water is the main event, so pack your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen where you can reach them easily. You do not want to bury your towel under a pile of bags while the boat is anchored.

The boat itself is part of the experience. Several people praised its clean, spacious feel, while others liked the music and the smooth handling of the ride. You may find the music too loud for conversation, especially if you are hoping to chat with the people beside you. This is more of a cheerful outing than a silent nature trip.

Take care when moving around after swimming. The floor can be slippery, particularly if you are wearing swimming shoes. Follow the crew’s instructions when getting back onboard, and use the safety equipment provided.

Trogir gives the trip a cultural finish

The final stop is Trogir, a historic city on an island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After two water-based stops, Trogir changes the pace. You can walk through the old center, see the harbor, and enjoy the stone buildings and narrow streets before returning to Split.

You get about one hour in town. That is enough for a brisk look around, a few photographs, and a short wander. It is not enough for a leisurely meal, a detailed museum visit, and a full exploration of every lane.

I would treat Trogir as an introduction rather than a complete visit. If you are especially interested in architecture and history, you may wish the boat stayed longer. Some people find the hour just right after swimming, while others would happily trade a little beach time for extra time in town.

The short stop does have one advantage. You get a taste of Trogir without committing half a day to a separate land excursion. If you have only limited time in the Split area, combining the old town with Blue Lagoon is efficient.

The speedboat ride and what it feels like

The two main crossings take about 30 minutes each, but the boat ride also fills the spaces between stops. This is not a slow sailboat trip. The speedboat can move quickly, and the open views are excellent, but the ride can feel lively when the wind picks up.

The crew has received repeated praise for making people feel safe and comfortable. Guides and skippers named in the feedback include Simon, Paško, Luka, Linda, Mate, Ivan, Domagoj, Gabriel, Lorenzo, Sanja, and Borna. Staff assignments can change, so you should not book on the assumption that one particular person will be onboard.

Music is a recurring part of the atmosphere. Some people enjoyed the relaxed soundtrack and even requested favorite Croatian music. Others found it made conversation difficult. If you want a calm boat ride with long explanations, this may not be the right fit. If you like a social outing with a bit of energy, it should suit you well.

The guides generally strike a useful balance between information and free time. Linda has sometimes taken photographs with a professional camera, but photography support should not be treated as a guaranteed part of every departure.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, this is a solid value if you want transport, swimming stops, and Trogir in one package. The cost includes the speedboat, safety equipment, snorkeling goggles, and water. It does not cover food or drinks at the beach bar or in Trogir.

The value comes from avoiding the need to arrange several separate trips. You get a boat ride from Split, two coastal stops, and a UNESCO-listed town within five hours. A private boat would cost far more, while a larger group cruise might feel less personal.

There are limits. One hour at each stop means you are sampling rather than settling in. You should not expect a full Trogir tour, a serious snorkeling expedition, or a quiet private cruise.

The high overall score of 4.8 from 3,406 ratings and the 91 percent perfect score for transport point to a reliable experience, especially for the boat and crew. Still, weather can affect the day, and the water or beach stop may not look identical in every season.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who want a compact taste of the coast. It works especially well during a short stay in Split because the half-day schedule leaves time for Diocletian’s Palace, dinner, or another city activity.

It is also a good choice if you want some swimming but do not want to spend a full day at sea. The mix of beach, lagoon, and old town keeps the day moving.

You should think twice if you have serious back problems, mobility concerns, or a medical condition affected by boat motion. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or children under five. Strong wind can produce a rough ride, and the operator may cancel, reschedule, or offer another available excursion when conditions are unsafe.

If you are booking for a group, make one joint reservation. Separate bookings may not place everyone on the same boat.

What to pack and how to prepare

Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses close at hand. A waterproof pouch is useful for your phone, though no waterproof storage is listed as included.

Bring some cash or a card for food and drinks, since those costs are separate. Water is listed as included, but carrying your own bottle is still practical.

Arrive at the Booker Travel Agency office and go inside for check-in. You will be greeted there by the guide before heading to the boat.

Try to choose a calm-weather day if your schedule allows. On a windy day, the crossings may be bumpy, and strong wind can lead to cancellation. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Croatia plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a lively, well-paced introduction to the Split area, with excellent swimming, a beach bar, and a quick look at Trogir. The small group, friendly crew, and five-hour format make it easier to fit into a busy holiday than a full-day island cruise.

Skip it if you want long, quiet time at one beach, a detailed guided tour of Trogir, or a gentle ride with no bumps. For most visitors who want to see several sides of the Dalmatian coast without spending the whole day away, $70 is a fair price.

FAQ

How long does the Split Blue Lagoon speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the boat rides and free time at Borkko Beach Bar, Blue Lagoon, and Trogir.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet the guide at the Booker Travel Agency office. Enter the office for check-in and introductions before going to the boat.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speedboat tour, snorkeling goggles, safety equipment, and water.

Are food and drinks included?

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

How much time do I get at each stop?

The planned schedule allows about one hour at Borkko Beach Bar, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and one hour in Trogir.

Can children join the tour?

Children under five cannot join. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with back problems.

Can the stops change?

Yes. If seasonal or weather conditions require it, the tour may visit Maslinica on Šolta Island instead of Borkko Beach Bar. Strong wind can also lead to cancellation or rescheduling.