From Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best part of this trip is the mix: clear water, open sea, and old stone streets in one half-day outing. You move quickly by speedboat, swim at two appealing spots, then walk around Trogir, a small UNESCO-listed town with Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings.

I like the small group size, capped at 12, and the sensible five-hour length. You get a proper taste of the islands without giving up a whole day. The main caution is that the Blue Lagoon can be crowded, the boat ride can be rough, and a few reports raise serious concerns about driving standards and life-jacket communication.

Key points to know before booking

• Three stops, about one hour each: Beach Bar Borkko, Krknjasi Bay, and Trogir each get roughly 60 minutes.
• A true speedboat outing: You cover ground fast, but the ride can be bumpy and uncomfortable in rough weather.
• Small boat, small group: The advertised maximum is 12 people, though boat comfort and layout can vary.
• Trogir is the cultural highlight: You have time for a short walk, lunch, shopping, and a look at its old center.
• Snorkeling is simple: Goggles are supplied, but the lagoon is not known for abundant sea life.
• Good value at $72.56: The price includes the boat, water, safety gear, and goggles, but not food or drinks.

Why this half-day trip works

This excursion is built for people who want to see more than one place without arranging ferries, taxis, and beach stops on their own. From Split, you head out by speedboat and visit three very different settings in about five hours.

That short format is one of its strongest points. Many island outings take eight hours or more. Here, you can book a morning departure such as 9:30 and be back around 14:30, leaving the rest of the day for Split.

The boat itself is part of the attraction. You sit close to the water, feel the speed, and get broad views of the coast and islands. Some boats have a padded rear area where you can stretch out in the sun. Music may be played on board, adding to the casual holiday feel.

This is not a slow, polished yacht cruise. It is a practical island-hopping ride. You will likely feel spray, engine noise, and movement under the boat. That is fun for many people, but it is not ideal if you need a quiet ride or dislike bouncing over waves.

Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo

The first stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, an island connected with the Split and Trogir area. Pine trees surround the beach, and the bar gives you a place to buy a drink and sit near the water.

You have about an hour here. The time works well for a first swim, a quick drink, or a short walk. The stop is less about sightseeing than settling into the day. After the speedboat ride, you can cool off and get used to the rhythm of getting in and out of the boat.

Bring cash or a payment card, but remember that drinks are not included. The tour includes water, not a full supply of refreshments. If you want more than that, plan to buy it at the bar or bring what you need.

One practical issue is access. Conditions at island stops can vary, and getting on or off may involve a ladder, a beach entry, or moving between boats. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew clearly about the safest way into the water before you leave the boat.

Krknjasi Bay and the Blue Lagoon

Krknjasi Bay, on the east coast of Veli Drvenik, is the stop most people picture when they book this outing. The water is famously clear and blue, and the bay can feel wonderfully open when the boat anchors away from the shore.

The planned stop lasts about an hour. You can swim, use the supplied goggles, or sunbathe on board. Some departures anchor near another boat from the same company, creating a shared swimming area away from the busiest part of the beach.

Keep your expectations sensible. The color of the water is the main attraction, not a major underwater show. The goggles may help you spot a few small fish, but the sea life is limited, and one account noted that the coral had died. This is a pleasant swim stop, not a serious snorkeling site.

The Blue Lagoon is also the most uneven part of the outing. On some days it may feel peaceful and uncrowded. On others, boats and people gather near the beach. Some departures have required swimmers to reach shore from the boat, while others have allowed a direct jump into open water.

That distinction matters. If you cannot swim confidently, or if you simply prefer an easy entry, ask before the boat stops. A few accounts describe awkward access, a slippery boat, or a lack of a proper ladder. Goggles are included, but the condition and cleanliness of equipment may not always be perfect.

Trogir, the strongest sightseeing stop

Trogir gives this trip more substance than a standard beach transfer. Founded by Greek colonists in the third century B.C., the old town is known for its compact stone streets and a mix of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings.

You get about an hour here, which is enough for a brisk walk, photographs, a snack, or a quick look at the old center. It is not enough for a full museum visit or a relaxed historical tour, so think of this as an introduction rather than a complete visit.

I consider Trogir the most rewarding stop for anyone who wants culture as well as swimming. The town feels very different from the open water, and the change of pace is welcome. You can walk through its narrow streets, admire the old stone architecture, and find lunch or a drink before returning to the boat.

The one-hour limit can feel tight. Several people have wished for more time, especially after enjoying the town. If Trogir interests you more than the beach bar, return here independently on another day and give it several hours.

The speedboat ride: exciting, but not gentle

The boat cuts travel time between Split and the islands. That is the practical reason to choose this tour over a slower boat. You can reach several stops in one morning instead of spending much of the day in transit.

The tradeoff is comfort. The ride is described as fast and sometimes bumpy, especially when the sea is rough. Weather can change the feel of the whole outing. One calm trip may be exhilarating; another, on choppy water, may leave you tired and sore.

I would not choose this for someone with serious back problems, a strong fear of speed, or a dislike of open-water movement. The operator specifically notes that the trip is not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or people with health issues because of the boat and sea conditions.

Seasickness is less predictable. One account found the speed helpful because the boat was moving rather than rolling slowly, while another described rough water as very uncomfortable. If you are prone to nausea, check the forecast and consider appropriate medication before departure.

Safety deserves direct attention. Many departures have received praise for careful skippers and attentive crew members. Names such as Simon, Domagoj, Bepo, Luka, Sarah, and Dome appear in positive accounts, with specific praise for friendly service, route management, and checking on passengers.

At the same time, several serious complaints describe reckless racing between boats, close passes, unclear life-jacket rules, and passengers feeling unsafe. These reports are not minor comfort complaints. The operator’s responses say the conduct was against its standards and would be addressed, but you should still ask where the life jackets are and request one if you need it.

Group size, crew, and the feel on board

The maximum group size is 12, which is a major advantage over a large sightseeing boat. A small group makes boarding easier, gives you more room to ask questions, and keeps the stops from feeling like a mass outing.

The actual boat experience can vary. Some departures have used a comfortable boat with a padded sunning area and about 10 people. Other accounts describe an older, cramped boat with no bathroom. Since the boat itself is central to the experience, it is worth asking the operator what vessel is scheduled for your departure if comfort matters to you.

The crew is often described as friendly, relaxed, and willing to help. Guides have provided short explanations about the stops rather than long formal talks. That suits this trip. You are booking a boat day with some sightseeing, not a dedicated history tour.

There have also been complaints about delays, crew behavior, and boats from the same company traveling together. If you are looking for a highly controlled, quiet experience, this may feel informal. If you like a lively outing and do not mind a little holiday chaos, that informality may work in its favor.

What the $72.56 price includes

At $72.56 per person, the price is reasonable for a five-hour speedboat outing, especially when you consider the distance covered and the cost of arranging transport to Čiovo, Veli Drvenik, and Trogir separately.

You are paying for:

• Speedboat transportation
• A small-group trip capped at 12 people
• Water
• Safety equipment
• Snorkeling goggles
• Time at three stops

You pay separately for food and drinks. Trogir is the natural place to buy lunch, while Beach Bar Borkko is the obvious place for a drink. Budget for those purchases rather than assuming the price is all-inclusive.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you mainly want to swim at a quiet, empty lagoon, crowding and access problems could make the price feel less attractive. If you want a fast ride, two swim stops, and a quick visit to Trogir without planning transport, the package makes good sense.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 438 ratings, and 91 percent of people recommend it. Those numbers suggest a strong overall experience, but they should not erase the repeated concerns about boat condition, rough water, and safety communication.

Who should book it

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Split and want a lively half-day on the water. It fits couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a fast boat and basic swimming access.

It also suits people who like variety. You get a beach bar, a blue-water swim, and a historic town rather than three similar beach stops. The small group and five-hour schedule are especially useful if you want to keep your afternoon free.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed quiet water, easy step-free access, a bathroom on board, or a formal historical tour. The Blue Lagoon may be crowded, Trogir may feel rushed, and the boat used for your departure may not match another group’s experience.

Before boarding, ask three clear questions: Where are the life jackets? How do we enter the water at the lagoon? Which boat is scheduled today? Those answers will tell you a lot about how prepared the crew is and whether the outing suits you.

Final call: a fun island sampler with real tradeoffs

This is a good-value introduction to the waters around Split, with Trogir providing the cultural finish. I like the five-hour length, the small group, and the simple mix of swimming and sightseeing.

The trip is not flawless. You should expect a fast, bumpy ride, limited snorkeling, extra costs for food, and possibly less time in Trogir than you want. Most important, confirm the safety arrangements before departure and speak up immediately if the driving feels reckless.

Book it if the speedboat ride is part of the fun and you want several highlights in one morning. Skip it in favor of a calmer boat outing if comfort and predictable access matter more than speed.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours. Each of the three planned stops is scheduled for about one hour.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Marulićeva ul. 4, 21000 Split, Croatia, and returns to the same meeting point.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo, Krknjasi Bay, also called the Blue Lagoon, and the historic town of Trogir.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Goggles are included, along with water and safety equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Water is provided.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, but the operator does not recommend the experience for small children because the speedboat ride can be bumpy. One family also reported enjoying the tour with children aged 7 to 11.

Is the boat ride rough?

It can be. The speedboat provides a fast ride, but sea conditions may make it choppy or uncomfortable. The experience requires good weather.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the tour, you can receive a different date or a full refund.