Thinking about a boat trip from Split that covers some of Croatia’s best sights without taking up your whole day? This half-day speedboat tour to the Blue Lagoon, Trogir, and Maslinica offers a quick yet memorable way to see the coast’s highlights. We’ve looked into what travelers are experiencing, and here’s what you need to know before booking.
What we really like about this tour is how it balances stunning scenery with easy logistics—it’s a solid choice whether you want a relaxed sightseeing day or an active, fun-filled adventure. The guides and smooth boat rides tend to make the experience more enjoyable, and it’s great that snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to rent extra equipment.
One thing to keep in mind is the timing and group size. Some reviews mention delays and crowded spots, especially at the Blue Lagoon. If you’re after a very calm or private experience, this might not be the tour for you. However, for those looking to pack a lot into a few hours and see a handful of prime locations, it hits the spot.
It was just the weather that made it a 4 star. If we had done this in summer, it would have been terrific.
Was absolutely brilliant. Loved every minute of it. Was exhilarating – especially the boat ride back to Split.
We enjoyed the trip and the stops it made. Weather was nice, crowds were minimal. Our skipper was competent and pleasant but not overly friendly and not informative about our destinations. Blue Lagoon was pretty – no snorkel equipment as advertised but ok since it was a bit cool for that. Certainly a pleasant trip but could have been more engaging. My one safety concern was no mention of life jackets. I asked about this as in Canada this is an absolute requirement to have adequate life jackets on board. The skipper did not know- he looked in the benchs but there were none. Fortunately all was fine but I think this is a serious omission.
This tour suits travelers who want a quick, scenic escape from Split, especially if you’re into snorkeling, exploring picturesque towns, or just soaking up the sea views. It’s also a good pick for families or small groups wanting a guided experience with a bit of adventure.
- Key Points
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- The Itinerary Explored in Detail
- Stop 1: Trogir (about 50 minutes)
- Stop 2: Blue Lagoon/Krknjasi Bay (about 80 minutes)
- Stop 3: Maslinica (about 50 minutes)
- The Experience on the Water
- Guides and Group Size
- Price and Value
- What Could Be Better?
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- More Tours in Split
- More Tour Reviews in Split
Key Points
- Efficient Half-Day Experience: You get a taste of multiple spots without a full-day commitment.
- Includes Snorkel Gear: No need to bring your own or rent separately.
- Beautiful Stops: Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica each offer unique scenery and photo opportunities.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Many reviews praise the guides’ local info and professionalism.
- Timing Flexibility: Options for morning or afternoon departures.
- Group Size: Max 50 travelers, which helps keep the trip lively but not overwhelming.
What’s Included and What’s Not
This tour covers speedboat transportation, fuel, safety equipment, and insurance, making it straightforward for those concerned about logistics. Snorkeling gear is provided, which is convenient, especially since the Blue Lagoon’s rocky terrain can make walking a bit tricky.
However, drinks and lunch are not included, so plan to bring your own or purchase at stops. Also, there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off—participants need to meet at the central location, which adds a little prep time but keeps costs down.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Split.
The Itinerary Explored in Detail
Stop 1: Trogir (about 50 minutes)
Starting with Trogir, a UNESCO-listed town, is a real highlight. Its stone streets and beautiful architecture make for a charming stroll. Many travelers, like Paul, love the exploration time given, noting that the town’s stunning streets and waterfront cafes are great for wandering.
I am staying in Split and got the public bus to Trocgir as indicated on the voucher. On return a couple said they were going to split and the captain said I could too! I don’t understand why I had to get a local bus!
The boat trip highlighted the beautiful Croatian scenery. At high speeds it can be very bumpy over the waves.
Great and fast way to explore the islands. Blue lagoon was a little underwhelming. Our boat driver was experienced and got us to three places safely. There was not much interaction between him and guests but he did state a few facts about the three islands.
The fact that you get about 50 minutes here allows you to soak in the local vibe, snap pictures, or grab a coffee without feeling rushed.
Some reviews mention that, if you start from Split, Trogir isn’t a stop but rather the launch point. That’s good to know—if you’re staying in Split, you’ll want to be at the meeting point early, but the tour itself skips Trogir as a stop if you’re coming from Trogir.
Stop 2: Blue Lagoon/Krknjasi Bay (about 80 minutes)
The Blue Lagoon on Veliki Drvenik is the star of the show for many. Expect to swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters, a definite highlight. The provided masks and snorkels help you explore the underwater scene, which many find quite captivating despite some reviews mentioning the rocky terrain and potential crowds.
Magdalena points out that the Blue Lagoon can be “a little underwhelming,” especially if you’re expecting vibrant marine life—sometimes nature doesn’t cooperate, and the light, weather, and crowds can affect the experience. Still, the views and the water’s transparency tend to impress most.
Just okay. Communication is difficult and it’s more of a taxi service to three different islands. Directions said to be 15 minutes early yet the boat arrived 25 min later, so the boat the directions told to find was not there. Boats crowded and goes at full speed, but nothing g to hold onto, so kind of painful ride. It is nice to see the different islands, and blue lagoon area is cute, but it’s a restaurant that you must purchase to sit there, or you can sit with the boat on the dock.
As described. But know that for the blue lagoon, you need water shoes (very rocky and sea urchins), very crowded and nothing much to see but rocks (we saw two fish). The rest was ok and our skipper was excellent !
Boat ride was lovely — Trogir was nice, as was the Blue Lagoon. Stop at little resort marina was a bit long — we ate lunch. Not much else to do there. Fun day overall!
Some travelers note that water shoes are advisable because the shore can be rocky. Also, it can get pretty crowded, especially during peak times, which might detract from a feeling of serenity. The Blue Lagoon is popular, so be prepared for some hustle.
Stop 3: Maslinica (about 50 minutes)
The last stop is the fishermen’s village of Maslinica, a small and well-preserved spot with a relaxed vibe. It’s great for a leisurely walk, taking in the views, or grabbing a drink at the waterfront.
Reviewers like Laurie loved this stop, mentioning how her family enjoyed the “beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere”. It’s a quieter, less touristy spot, ideal for unwinding after the boat rides and swimming. Some travelers purchase souvenirs here, and others just enjoy the peaceful scenery.
The Experience on the Water
The speedboat ride itself is a major part of the appeal. Many reviews highlight how fun and exhilarating it is, especially if you love a bit of adrenaline. Jacob and Branko, the guides mentioned, are praised for their friendly attitude and local knowledge.
First of all, our young captain from Trogir was amazing! He knew things about each island and made the trip so pleasurable. I was skeptical once we got to the blue lagoon because it was so populated with people however, snorkeling as a videographer was perfect. The photos were the Clearest I’ve gotten after snorkeling in multiple locations throughout Croatia. I give it five stars.
This was a really fun excursion with a wide variety of activities. The speed boat ride was a blast. Our guide Branko was friendly and helpful. We enjoyed exploring Trogir. The Blue Lagoon was beautiful and we had plenty of time to swim. Make sure to bring water shoes. It is very rocky. We were pleasantly surprised by a stop in the lovely town of Maslinica where we enjoyed lunch.
I enjoyed this charming tour around Croatian islands where you can embrace couture, beach, snorkeling in a few hours. Our guide Ivana was a pleasant guide and skillful skipper .I recommend this tour for someone who doesn’t like a big crowded group and want to be independent to explore around.
However, some reviews mention that at high speeds, the boat ride can be “very bumpy,” so if you’re prone to seasickness or have back issues, this is worth considering. The boat’s size and speed allow you to cover a lot of ground quickly, which maximizes sightseeing but can also mean a bit of a thrill ride.
Guides and Group Size
Most reviews are positive about the guides, with several mentioning how helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable they are. The tour being limited to 50 people makes it manageable and prevents it from feeling overcrowded, which is a plus.
Price and Value
At around $66 per person, this tour offers a decent value for a half-day trip that covers three different locations. The inclusion of snorkel gear, safety equipment, and a guided experience adds to the value. For travelers wanting a quick taste of Croatia’s coastline, this is a budget-friendly option, especially when compared to private tours or full-day excursions.
What Could Be Better?
Some reviewers mention amateurish moments—delays in pickup, a slightly disorganized start, or some boats being crowded. The Blue Lagoon’s popularity means it can get crowded, which might limit your comfort or peacefulness. Also, the Blue Lagoon can be underwhelming if you’re expecting vibrant marine life or a pristine beach, as it’s more of a rocky cove.
Wow! We all had a fantastic time on the speedboat with a great Skipper Jacob. Our 10 yr old twins loved the boat and Jacobs choice in music and explanations of each Island! Snorkeling in the blue lagoon was beautiful . Trifurcation was a beautiful island with the fortress and breakfast. I would definitely recommend this excursion !!!! Perfect on a hot day and escaping the crowds ! Thank you Jacob , this has been a highlight from our trip to Croatia thus far ! Californian family Loving Croatia!
In simple terms – unbelievable. To put the fact that there was only 1 other small group and that the boat was small and lovely to one side, the tour itself exceeded our expectations. We had plenty of time at each part of the tour, and the tour guide (a young man) was very helpful and knowledgable. The first part, Trogir, was beautiful, we were given plenty of time to explore the area, it boasted stunning streets, great shops, markets (in which my girlfriend bought a lovely pair of earrings) and placed to eat. This was followed by the blue lagoon, which despite being very cold (being early October at the time of our visit) as well as rocky and hard to walk on, the water was stunning, views we…
Plus, no lunch or drinks are included, so if you’re hungry or want refreshments, you’ll need to plan accordingly. The tour doesn’t offer hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to coordinate your arrival at the meeting point.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This experience is great for travelers with limited time who want to see a few top spots without committing to a full-day tour. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for a fun, scenic outing with an element of adventure.
If you enjoy snorkeling, exploring charming towns, or just relaxing by the sea, you’ll find plenty to love. But if you’re seeking a quiet, private experience or want to avoid crowds, you might find some parts of this tour a bit hectic.
Final Thoughts
The Split/Trogir Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour offers a solid value for those wanting a quick yet scenic taste of Croatia’s coast. The combination of stunning views, guides, and fun boat rides makes it a popular choice among travelers, judging by its high rating of 4.5 out of 5.
While it’s not perfect—crowds at the Blue Lagoon and some organizational hiccups can occur—it generally delivers a memorable experience packed with photo-worthy sights and exciting water time. It’s especially suited for those who want to maximize sightseeing in a short time and don’t mind a lively atmosphere.
If you’re ready to hop on a boat, explore picturesque towns, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, this tour could be a great fit. Just remember to bring water shoes, a sense of adventure, and a camera to capture those stunning Croatian coast moments.
Split/Trogir: Blue lagoon and 3 islands speedboat tour
"It was just the weather that made it a 4 star. If we had done this in summer, it would have been terrific."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 5, and travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or mobility issues should consider their comfort, as the boat ride can be bumpy and fast.
What should I bring?
Bring water shoes (recommended for rocky shores), sunscreen, water, and a towel. Drinks and lunch aren’t included, so consider bringing snacks or purchasing at stops.
What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, with about 50 minutes in Trogir, 80 minutes at Blue Lagoon, and 50 minutes in Maslinica.
Are snorkel masks provided?
Yes, snorkel gear is included, allowing you to enjoy the underwater sights comfortably.
Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?
Yes, the tour offers both options to fit your schedule.
Is there a hotel pickup service?
No, participants need to meet at a designated central location in Split or Trogir.
What if the weather isn’t good?
Your booking is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, keeping the environment lively but not overcrowded.
What do reviews say about the experience?
Many travelers praise the guides, scenery, and fun boat ride, but some mention delays, crowded spots, or less-than-stellar Blue Lagoon experiences. Overall, it’s a well-loved tour with constructive feedback for improvement.
If you're looking to combine scenic exploration, some swimming, and a bit of Croatian charm—all in half a day—this tour is worth considering. Just stay flexible, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy the ride!
