Split Boat Trip Half-Day: Blue Lagoon, Trogir & iovo

Thinking about taking a boat tour around Split? You’re in for a treat. This half-day adventure promises a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing—perfect if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Croatia’s stunning coast. It’s a popular choice, especially because it combines the natural beauty of the Blue Lagoon, the charm of Trogir, and laid-back vibes on Iovo Island, all aboard a speedy, comfortable boat.

What we really like about this trip? First, the small group size—only 12 passengers—which keeps things intimate and less rushed. Second, the friendly, knowledgeable crew and the chance to learn about the area’s history from your guides. That said, it’s worth noting that this is a half-day tour, so if you’re craving more extensive exploration, you might find it a tad brief. Overall, it’s a good fit for travelers who want to see some iconic spots without spending all day on the water.

This tour isn’t perfect for everyone—it’s not suited for very young children under 3, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. Still, if you’re comfortable on a boat, love swimming, and enjoy discovering new towns, this experience could be just right. Now, let’s break down what makes it tick and whether it’s the right fit for your Croatian adventure.

Key Points

• Compact group size ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Ideal for a quick taste of Croatia’s coast, especially if your time is limited.
• Includes snorkeling gear—great for exploring underwater life.
• Charming Trogir offers an authentic, UNESCO-protected experience.
• Vibrant Blue Lagoon with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
• Potential weather adjustments mean plans could shift in rough conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Itinerary

This tour is designed to be a manageable 5.5 hours, making it perfect if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful experience. From the start at Gray Line Tours in Split, you’ll hop on a spacious speedboat—a significant plus, as this isn’t a cramped vessel. The ride itself is about 30 minutes, giving you a quick but scenic introduction to the surroundings.

First Stop: Blue Lagoon

The highlight for many is the Blue Lagoon on Drvenik Island. After just half an hour by boat, you arrive in a shallow, sand- and shell-bottomed lagoon. This creates that mesmerizing blue water that looks almost too perfect for real life. Here, you’ll have roughly an hour for swimming and snorkeling, with goggles provided to explore the underwater scenery.

Many reviews mention how clear the water is and how much fun it is to see underwater life up close. One guest noted, “Thanks to skipper Nino. The trip was great, a bit of adrenaline and speed, beautiful places for swimming.” Just keep in mind that the snorkeling equipment is mostly goggles; no mention of mouthpieces means you might want to bring your own if you prefer.

Second Stop: Iovo Island

Next, the boat heads to Iovo, where a beach bar called Borkko sits right on the water. This is the perfect spot to unwind with a drink, soak up the relaxed island vibe, and take a quick dip again if you like. Many travelers rave about the “chill lounge vibes” and how it’s a great place to sip a cold drink while enjoying the views. It’s a popular stop for swimming and relaxing, and the reviews praise the friendly, lively atmosphere.

Exploring Trogir

The third major stop is Trogir, often called “Little Venice” because of its network of channels and historic architecture. The town has been inhabited for over 2,400 years, with the UNESCO designation since 1997. You get about an hour here to walk around, soak in the sights, and maybe grab a quick coffee or ice cream.

Guests love how guide Theresa provided rich insights into the town’s history, making the visit more engaging. One reviewer said, “She planned everything at a nice pace and told us a lot about the Croatian islands we visited,” which adds a lot of value to such a short visit. You can admire the medieval walls, the cathedral, and the charming streets—making this stop a highlight for culture lovers.

More Great Tours Nearby

Return Journey

After Trogir, your boat makes the scenic drive back to Split, with the total tour duration being around 5.5 hours—including all stops. The last leg is about 45 minutes, giving you more chances to enjoy the views, take photos, or just relax and reflect on the day.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included are the essentials—transportation on a comfortable speedboat, an English-speaking captain, snorkeling gear, insurance, and VAT. It’s a straightforward package, which makes planning easier.

Not included are food and drinks (besides what you might bring or buy at the beach bar on Iovo), and hotel pick-up/drop-off. This means you’ll need to meet at Gray Line’s office in Split, which is conveniently located on the Riva promenade near Diocletian’s Palace.

How Good Is the Value?

At $61 per person, this tour offers a solid compromise between price and experience. The small group, friendly guides, and a nice mix of activities—swimming, sightseeing, relaxing—make it good value. Plus, snorkeling gear is included, which is a nice touch. Many reviewers feel they got their money’s worth, especially considering the photo-worthy stops and the chance to see some of Croatia’s best spots in a half-day.

Practical Considerations

The trip is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or medical issues. If you’re comfortable on a boat, you’ll find the ride manageable, though the weather can influence plans—bad weather may mean route changes or cancellations.

Bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and some snacks or drinks if you want to stay refreshed. The tour doesn’t provide food or drinks, so plan accordingly.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are pretty glowing. Many mention friendly, knowledgeable guides who add charm and context to the experience. Guests frequently highlight the stunning views and the fun of swimming in clear waters. A traveler from the US shared, “Was super fun! We loved snorkeling and the beach bar, and walking around Trogir was a highlight.” Others talk about the good vibes and nice music aboard the boat, making it feel more like a summer party than just a tour.

A few small criticisms include the lack of mouthpieces for snorkeling, which some found inconvenient, and the brief time at each stop—though most seem happy with the balance. The small group size is often praised, as it ensures a more personal experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a quick but memorable way to experience some of Croatia’s coastal highlights, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially good for first-timers or travelers with limited time who want a taste of Trogir’s charm, the Blue Lagoon’s beauty, and Iovo’s relaxed atmosphere. It’s also ideal if you prefer small groups and personalized attention.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth exploration or traveling with very young children or mobility issues, you might want to consider other options or longer trips. This tour is all about short, scenic stops, swimming, and cultural glimpses—not extensive sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This half-day boat trip from Split offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural charm, and laid-back fun. Its focus on small groups, friendly guides, and iconic spots make it a popular pick. While it’s not a full-day adventure, it’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon of swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying good company.

For anyone craving a light, enjoyable escape on the water—without the fuss and with plenty of opportunities to cool off and take photos—this tour delivers. It suits travelers who love a bit of adventure, scenic views, and charming towns, all in a manageable time frame.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be, but keep in mind the tour is not specifically designed for children. The small group size and relaxing stops work well for families with older kids comfortable on boats, but very young children or infants might find the boat ride and stops less suitable.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and some snacks or drinks if you like. The tour doesn’t include food and drinks, so plan to buy at the beach bar or bring your own.

Are snorkeling goggles provided?
Yes, goggles are included, but no mouthpieces are provided, so consider bringing your own if you prefer.

How long are the stops?
Each stop varies—about an hour at Trogir, and roughly an hour at the Blue Lagoon and Iovo. The boat ride between stops varies from 15 to 45 minutes.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of bad weather or rough seas, the route may change or the trip could be canceled. The tour provider holds the right to adjust plans for safety.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you’ll need to meet at Gray Line Tours’ office in Split, located on the Riva promenade.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, with the option to reserve now and pay later, you can keep your plans flexible. Just be aware that availability may vary.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, only 12 passengers per boat, which helps keep the environment relaxed and intimate.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group format is ideal for meeting new people or enjoying a quiet, personal experience.

How much does it cost?
It’s priced at $61 per person, which offers good value considering the included stops, snorkeling gear, and overall experience.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and relaxed way to see some of Croatia’s best spots in a manageable half-day, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. Just pack your swimsuit, bring your camera, and get ready for a memorable coastal adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: