Split: Half-Day Boat Tour with Trogir, Blue Lagoon & olta

Planning a trip to Croatia often means dreaming of the sparkling waters, ancient towns, and the kind of scenery that makes your camera work overtime. If you’re looking for a quick, relaxed way to see some of the Dalmatian coast’s highlights, this half-day boat tour from Split might just be a good fit. It combines scenic cruising, charming towns, and plenty of opportunities to dip into crystal-clear waters—all within about five hours.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances relaxation with sightseeing. You get to enjoy breathtaking views of Dalmatian islands from the deck, plus a chance to stroll through the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir, which is full of ancient stone streets and lively harbor scenes. The chance to swim and snorkel in hidden bays is another big plus. And, of course, the onboard drinks—including local wine and beer—add a nice touch of local flavor during your cruise.

That said, a couple of points are worth considering. The duration of just five hours means it’s quite a quick trip, so if you’re after a more comprehensive island hopping experience, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with family or friends with health considerations.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a taste of the Dalmatian coast without committing to a full-day or multi-day adventure. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with a small group and value a more intimate, relaxed vibe. If you love scenic cruising, charming towns, and a chance to swim in clear waters, this could easily be one of your highlights.

Key Points

• Short but sweet: It packs in a lot within just 5 hours, perfect for a quick escape.
• Stunning views: Expect plenty of photo opportunities of Dalmatian islands from the boat.
• Cultural highlight: Trogir’s UNESCO-listed streets make for a charming walk.
• Swim and snorkel: Crystal-clear bays offer refreshing breaks and underwater exploration.
• Small group experience: Max 12 guests for a more personal vibe.
• Local drinks included: Enjoy wine, beer, or soft drinks while cruising.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Group Size

The tour kicks off in Split, with pickup available from Hotel Ambasador Split on Trumbiceva obala. This convenience saves you from the hassle of finding your way to the dock and helps ensure everyone’s on time. With a maximum group of 12 guests, this tour promises a friendly, less crowded atmosphere—perfect if you prefer a more personal touch when exploring.

The Speedboat Ride

Once on board, the journey begins with a 30-minute cruise past some of Croatia’s most iconic islands like Bra, olta, iovo, and Hvar. The speedboat makes for a quick, fun ride through the waters, offering sweeping views of rugged coastlines and lush islands. We loved how it felt both lively and comfortable, allowing us to relax and take in the scenery.

Trogir: A UNESCO Treasure

After about an hour of cruising, you’ll arrive in Trogir, a delightful town famed for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant harbor. The free time here is about 50 minutes, giving you a chance to wander the ancient stone streets, visit small cafes, or snap photos of the historic buildings. Many reviews mention how walking through Trogir feels like stepping back into time, with its narrow alleys and charming squares.

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Blue Lagoon: The Water’s Jewel

Next stop is the Blue Lagoon, a shallow, crystal-clear bay renowned for its inviting waters. You’ll have around 1.5 hours to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the boat deck. Reviews often mention how the water is impossibly clear, perfect for underwater exploration and cooling off from the sun. The lagoon’s shallow nature is ideal for relaxing in calm waters, making it accessible for all swimming abilities.

Maslinica & Final Cruise

After the Blue Lagoon, it’s a short cruise to Maslinica, a small coastal village with a relaxed vibe. You’ll get about an hour here to explore or grab a quick bite if you like. The final stretch back to Split is about 40 minutes, giving you more chances to enjoy the views and reflect on your mini-adventure.

Onboard Experience

Complimentary drinks, including local wine and beer, keep the mood lively and help you unwind. Many guests appreciated the casual, friendly atmosphere on board, making it easy to chat with fellow travelers or just enjoy the scenery in peace. Bringing your own camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen is a must, as you’ll want to capture the views and stay comfortable.

What We Think About the Price and Value

Considering the total experience—visiting multiple islands, exploring Trogir, swimming in bays, and enjoying drinks—the tour offers good value for a half-day escape. It’s not overly expensive, especially given the personalized size and the scenic highlights. If you prefer a hassle-free way to see a handful of iconic spots without spending a whole day, this is an efficient choice.

Pros & Cons Based on Reviews

• Travelers consistently mention the stunning views that make this trip worthwhile.
• The small-group setting makes the experience more intimate and relaxed.
• The short duration means you miss out on more extensive island hopping, which might be a downside for some.
• The cruise timing is flexible, but the 50-minute free time in Trogir might feel a little rushed if you love exploring deeply.
• The snorkeling opportunities are described as delightful, with clear waters that are perfect for underwater photos.

Practical Tips

• Bring sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen to stay comfortable.
• A waterproof camera or phone is essential for capturing the scenic views and underwater moments.
• If you want to relax on the boat deck, consider bringing a small cushion or travel pillow.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, so plan accordingly.
• Check the weather forecast before booking; calm seas make for a better experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick but scenic taste of Dalmatia without the commitment of a full-day trip. It’s great if you’re traveling with friends or a partner and prefer a small, friendly group environment. If you’re into photography, swimming, or simply relaxing in beautiful surroundings, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, if you’re a history buff wanting longer explorations of towns or islands, you might find this tour a bit too brief. Likewise, those with mobility issues may want to consider that some walking in Trogir involves narrow, cobbled streets.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including transfers, cruising, visits, and free time at stops.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Split, specifically with pickup at Hotel Ambasador Split on Trumbiceva obala.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, it’s a small group with a maximum of 12 guests, which helps create a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the boat rides, guided visits to Trogir, swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon, free time at Maslinica, and complimentary drinks like water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the data doesn’t specifically mention children, the focus on swimming, short stops, and small group size suggest it might be suitable for older kids. It’s important to note that pregnant women are advised not to take part.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Should I bring anything extra?
Yes, pack sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. If you want to relax comfortably, a travel pillow or waterproof case for your electronics could be helpful.

To sum it up, this half-day boat tour from Split offers a relaxed, scenic way to experience some of Dalmatia’s most beautiful spots. With a small-group setting, stunning views, the chance to swim in clear waters, and the charm of Trogir, it’s a perfect quick getaway. It’s especially well-suited for travelers wanting a taste of the coast without overextending themselves or for those who love capturing breathtaking scenery from the water. While it’s not designed for those seeking an in-depth exploration, it hits a sweet spot for a memorable, laid-back adventure in Croatia’s most picturesque corner.

You can check availability for your dates here: