Blue Lagoon and Trogir Half-Day Speedboat Tour from Split

The best part of this 4.5-hour speedboat tour is the mix: you get turquoise water, an island beach stop, and the stone lanes of UNESCO-listed Trogir without giving up a full day. I like the comfortable boat, which gives you room to sit without feeling packed, and the easy balance between swimming time and town time.

I also like the choice of a morning or afternoon departure. The later trip can bring sunset views on the ride back to Split. The main drawback is that this is a boat-and-beach outing, not a guided cultural tour, and rough seas can change the route or cancel the trip.

Key points at a glance

• About 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon: Plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
• A comfortable small-group speedboat: Boats used for the trip have been described as clean, modern, and spacious.
• A relaxed stop at Borkko beach bar: Okrug Gornji adds drinks, music, and an easygoing island setting.
• Free time in UNESCO-listed Trogir: Explore the old town at your own pace, with no formal guide included.
• Morning or afternoon departures: The afternoon option may give you sunset views on the way back.
• Good value at $76: Fuel, skipper, boat transport, and snorkeling equipment are included, but food and drinks cost extra.

From Split’s Riva to the Blue Lagoon

You meet at the local partner’s office at Obala Lazareta 3, at the end of Split’s Riva promenade. It is across from the Riva parking area and near the tourist bus terminal. Arrive 15 minutes early with your digital or printed voucher ready. The meeting point can be a little hard to spot, so do not leave this until the last minute.

Once aboard, the boat carries you away from Split’s waterfront and gives you a fine view of the coast from the water. That change of pace is part of the appeal. In less than half a day, you trade city streets for open sea, rocky islands, and small coastal settlements.

This is a speedboat outing, so the ride is part of the fun rather than just a way to get from one stop to another. The boat type can change according to the day’s conditions and the number of people booked. Past boats have been described as modern, clean, and large enough for nearly 20 people without squeezing everyone together.

The crew speaks English. Skippers such as Ivan have been praised for a friendly manner, humor, and helpful attitude. Music may be played during the ride, which adds to the summer mood, though you should not expect a quiet sightseeing cruise or a formal lecture about every island along the route.

Swimming over the pale seabed

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, set among three small islets near Drvenik Island. Its color comes from shallow water, a sandy seabed, and crushed shells. On a sunny day, the water can look almost unreal, but the appeal is not only visual. This is the stop where you get time to swim, float, snorkel, or sit in the sun.

Plan on roughly 1.5 hours here. That is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick photo stop. The water is clear and shallow in places, making it the most relaxed part of the trip for anyone who wants to cool off without rushing.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but I would ask the skipper specifically for the mask and snorkel when you board. One participant had to request the gear rather than receiving it automatically. You can also bring your own if snorkeling matters to you.

The underwater life is a pleasant bonus, though you should set your expectations sensibly. This is not a specialist marine excursion. You are visiting a scenic swimming area where you might see fish and enjoy the clear water, not joining a long guided snorkeling session.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. There is no food or drink included, so take care of refreshments before leaving or budget for purchases at the beach stop. Sun protection matters here because the water and pale seabed reflect strong light, and the boat offers little shelter from the midday sun.

The Blue Lagoon can become busy, especially during the main summer season. The small-group format helps the ride feel personal, but it does not give you a private bay. If your priority is total peace and quiet, this may feel lively rather than secluded.

Okrug Gornji and the Borkko beach stop

After the Blue Lagoon, the route continues to Okrug Gornji on Čiovo Island. This stop has a different mood. Instead of focusing only on swimming, you can settle into the beach-bar atmosphere at Borkko, with lounge music, drinks, and a view of the sea.

You can swim again, sunbathe, or simply take a break with a cocktail. This is useful because a half-day on the water can otherwise become tiring, especially in hot weather. Borkko gives you somewhere to sit and reset before the final sightseeing stop.

Do not confuse this with a fully hosted beach-club visit. Food and drinks are not included, and prices at a seaside bar are likely to be higher than buying supplies in Split. Still, the stop adds some of the relaxed Dalmatian summer feeling that a simple boat transfer would miss.

The route can sometimes include an extra cove for snorkeling if the skipper knows a suitable place and conditions allow. That is a welcome bonus, but it should not be treated as guaranteed. Weather, sea conditions, and timing determine how flexible the crew can be.

Trogir’s old town in a compact visit

The final stop is Trogir, one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a basic beach cruise. The old town sits on a small island and is known for Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance buildings packed into a compact area.

You have free time to walk through the stone streets, look at old façades, and explore the waterfront. The town is often compared with Little Venice because of its canals, stone architecture, and position surrounded by water. You do not need a long visit to get a sense of its character, but you should use your time carefully.

There is no guide in Trogir. That keeps the stop flexible, but it also means you are responsible for choosing what to see. You can wander without a plan, pause for gelato, or focus on the old buildings and narrow lanes. If you want detailed historical explanations, bring a guidebook or use your own sightseeing notes.

The time at Trogir is described as sufficient for the stop, but this is not a full-day town tour. You will see the main streets and enjoy the setting, yet you will not have time to explore every church, museum, and corner at length. Think of it as a well-chosen introduction rather than an exhaustive visit.

I find the order of the day sensible. You swim first, relax at the beach, then walk through town when you are ready for a change from the water. At the end, you return to Split by boat, with the afternoon departure offering the possibility of sunset views across the coast.

Why the small-group boat matters

The boat is one of the most praised parts of this outing. Several details make a difference: there is enough space to avoid sitting shoulder to shoulder, the boats have been described as clean and modern, and the crew keeps the mood friendly.

That comfort matters more than it may sound. A fast boat can make a short route exciting, but a cramped boat can make the same journey unpleasant. Here, the reported capacity is close to 20 people, though the exact boat may vary. The provider can change the boat type based on conditions and the number of people booked.

The skipper also affects the day. Ivan has been singled out for his pleasant manner, while other crew members have been praised for being helpful and fun. Some skippers play music during the ride, turning the trip into a casual summer outing rather than a silent transfer.

You should not expect the same level of commentary as on a fully guided sightseeing tour. The crew can help with the route and practical matters, but Trogir time is independent and the activity is conducted in English.

Choosing morning or afternoon

The morning departure suits you if you want to get the excursion finished early and keep the rest of the day open in Split. It may also feel more comfortable if you prefer to swim before the strongest afternoon heat.

The afternoon departure works well for a slower start. It also creates the chance of seeing sunset colors on the ride back from Trogir, an advantage noted by someone who took the later option. Sunset timing depends on the date and conditions, so treat it as a possibility rather than a promise.

Both options cover the same main stops. Your choice should depend on your plans in Split, your tolerance for midday sun, and how much you like the idea of a later ride home.

What $76 includes, and what it does not

At $76 per person, the tour offers reasonable value if you want transport, a skipper, fuel, swimming time, and Trogir in one package. Booking separate transport to the Blue Lagoon, Čiovo, and Trogir would take more planning and would likely be difficult to arrange within four and a half hours.

The price also removes some common boat-trip costs. The speedboat, skipper, fuel, and snorkeling gear are included. You are paying for an organized route and the convenience of returning to the same meeting point in Split.

The extras are important. Food and drinks are not included, and purchases at Borkko beach bar are your responsibility. Bring water and any snacks you need, or plan to buy refreshments during the island stop. Also remember that the skipper may not hand you snorkeling equipment unless you ask for it.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. If you only want a quiet swim, a cheaper beach transfer may suit you better. If you want a guided historical tour of Trogir, you may prefer a dedicated walking tour. For one compact outing that combines sea, beach, and heritage, $76 is a fair price.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this to couples, friends, and families with children over three who enjoy being outdoors and do not need every minute planned. It also suits first-time visitors to Split who want to see more of the coast without committing a full day.

You should be comfortable with boat travel, sun, and getting in and out of the boat. The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. Pets are not allowed.

Families can appreciate the clear route and the long swimming stop, while groups of friends may enjoy the music, speed, and beach-bar break. History fans will like the Trogir visit, but anyone seeking detailed interpretation should know that no guide is provided there.

The activity is less suitable if you dislike open-water rides, need guaranteed accessibility, or want a private itinerary. Weather and sea conditions can force a route change, cancellation, or boat change for safety.

Practical details before you book

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Keep your voucher on your phone or bring a printed copy. Arriving 15 minutes early is especially wise because the office location can take a moment to identify.

Late arrivals and no-shows are not eligible for a refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, which gives you some protection when planning around the weather.

Rough seas can affect the schedule and route. The provider can change the plan or cancel for safety, and the final boat may differ from the one pictured or expected. This is standard for a sea excursion, but it is worth keeping your Split plans flexible.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Trogir tour?

Book it if you want a lively, well-balanced half-day with clear swimming water, a comfortable boat, and a historic town in the same outing. The combination is the real strength. You get enough time at the Blue Lagoon to swim, a relaxed stop at Borkko, and a useful first look at Trogir.

Choose the afternoon departure if sunset views appeal to you, and ask for snorkeling equipment as soon as you board. Bring your own drinks or budget for the beach bar, and do not expect a guided tour inside Trogir.

I would skip it only if you need a wheelchair-accessible activity, cannot manage a speedboat ride, or want a deep historical tour. For most active visitors looking for a compact taste of Dalmatia, the $76 price is justified by the transport, variety, and easy return to Split.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Lagoon and Trogir tour?

The speedboat tour lasts about 4.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the local partner’s office at Obala Lazareta 3, 21 000 Split, at the end of the Riva promenade, across from the Riva parking area and near the tourist bus terminal.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure and have your digital or printed voucher ready.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, but you should ask the skipper specifically for the mask and snorkel at the start.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is there a guide in Trogir?

No. You have free time to explore Trogir independently, and a guide in the town is not included.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The tour offers both morning and afternoon departures.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The provider can change the route, change the boat, or cancel the activity if the weather or sea conditions are unsafe.

Who should not book this activity?

The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. Pets are also not allowed.