From Trogir: Three Islands Half-Day Speedboat Tour

The best part of this five-hour speedboat tour is the mix: clear-water swimming at the Blue Lagoon, a walk through Maslinica, and a final stop at Duga Bay on Čiovo. You get three very different slices of the Dalmatian coast without spending a full day at sea.

I like the small boat feel, with groups commonly ranging from about 8 to 12 people, and I like that snorkeling gear, water, safety equipment, and windproof jackets are included. The main drawback is time. Five hours passes quickly, and the one-hour stop in Maslinica can feel short if you want lunch and a proper walk.

I also like the friendly, hands-on crews. Skippers such as Petar, Ivan, Lujo, and Iggy are praised for safe driving, local information, and good contact before departure. Just remember that lunch is not included, and some stops can be busy in high summer.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Lagoon is the main swimming stop: You get about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and time on the shore.
• Maslinica adds culture to the boat day: Walk around Šolta’s small port and see a restored 16th-century castle now used as a hotel.
• Duga Bay is a relaxed final stop: Swim and snorkel among small silver fish before returning to Trogir.
• The boat ride is part of the attraction: You see Trogir’s Kamerlengo Fortress from the water and speed between stops with wide Adriatic views.
• The group is usually small: Boats have been described as carrying roughly 8 to 12 people, which feels far more personal than a large excursion vessel.
• Bring your own towel and food plan: Water and snorkeling equipment are supplied, but lunch is extra and dining time can be tight.

Leaving Trogir beside Kamerlengo Fortress

The tour begins on Trogir’s main promenade, in front of Kamerlengo Fortress. This is a handy meeting point if you are staying in the old town, and the opening boat ride gives you an attractive view back toward the city walls and fortress.

You do not simply use the boat as a taxi between islands. The ride itself is part of the fun. The speedboat covers the first stretch in about 20 minutes, giving you a quick taste of the Adriatic and a good chance to see Trogir from a new angle.

Your skipper handles the boat, safety equipment, fuel, and route. The crew also supplies a half-liter bottle of cold water and windproof jackets. I would still bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Wind can make the ride feel cooler than the beach, especially early in the day or on the return trip.

The boat has enough power to make the crossings exciting, but the experience is designed for a broad age range. Families with young children, older children, and adults have all used the tour. It is not wheelchair accessible, so anyone with mobility needs should check carefully before booking.

Blue Lagoon: the tour’s big water stop

After the first ride, you reach the Blue Lagoon area. The stop lasts about an hour and a half, longer than either of the later island visits. That extra time matters because this is where you have the best chance to swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, and take photos without watching the clock every few minutes.

The water is the reason this stop attracts so much attention. It is clear enough for snorkeling, and the equipment provided by the operator lets you look for small marine life without renting gear separately. You might see schools of small fish close to the boat or shoreline, depending on the conditions and how busy the area is.

You can choose your own pace here. Swim from the boat, use the beach, or stay dry and enjoy the views. Families appreciate having time for children to get comfortable in the water, while confident swimmers can make the most of the snorkeling stop.

The Blue Lagoon can be busy, particularly in the summer season. That is part of the tradeoff for visiting one of the area’s best-known swimming spots. Your skipper may try to choose a good position or adjust the timing, but no boat operator can make the lagoon private.

I would treat this stop as a water break rather than a quiet beach escape. The scenery is beautiful, the water is the star, and the stop works best if you arrive ready to swim. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach.

Maslinica on Šolta: a short taste of island life

A roughly 10-minute speedboat ride brings you to Maslinica, the only village and port on the west side of Šolta. This stop changes the mood. Instead of swimming from the boat, you get about an hour to walk, look around, have coffee, shop, or find something to eat.

Maslinica’s most notable sight is its restored 16th-century castle. The building has been repurposed as a hotel, giving the small harbor a strong architectural focal point. You also have time to walk through the old village and get a feel for the local setting rather than seeing Šolta only from offshore.

I like this stop because it prevents the tour from becoming five hours of repeated swim breaks. You get a little history, a little village life, and a chance to stretch your legs. It also gives you a different view of Dalmatia, where ports and old stone buildings matter just as much as the sea.

The limitation is the schedule. One hour sounds reasonable, but it can shrink quickly if you want to walk, order lunch, and wait for food. Several people found the stop more enjoyable when used for a quick drink or snack rather than a full restaurant meal.

Lunch is not included. Dining options are available in the island stops, but opening hours and service times can vary, especially on a morning departure. If lunch is important to you, eat before setting off or bring a snack. This is especially wise for children, since you may prefer to spend the final stop in the water rather than waiting for a meal.

Duga Bay on Čiovo: the quieter closing stop

The next crossing takes about 15 minutes, leading to Duga Bay on the southern side of Čiovo. The tour allows about an hour and a half here, including free time, swimming, snorkeling, and a chance to relax.

This stop is less about seeing a famous landmark and more about enjoying a small coastal bay. The water is another chance to cool off, and you may spot schools of small silver fish while snorkeling. For many people, the bay works well as the calm finish after the more famous Blue Lagoon and the walking stop in Maslinica.

The schedule also lists time for lunch here, but you should not assume a long restaurant meal fits comfortably. Some people prefer to bring a picnic or a few snacks, then use the stop for swimming. That choice gives you more time in the water and avoids a rushed meal.

Duga Bay can be busy, particularly later in the day. One useful option is an afternoon departure, when the return may include sunset light over the water. An afternoon trip can be especially attractive if you care more about warm evening colors than an early start.

After Duga Bay, the boat takes about 15 minutes to return to Kamerlengo Fortress. That final ride gives you one more look at the coast before you step back onto Trogir’s promenade.

What the small boat changes

The boat size is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a large group cruise. The operator describes a maximum of 12 people, and several outings have carried 8 or 10. At that size, the skipper can speak to everyone, help with snorkeling gear, and keep an eye on swimmers more easily.

The exact crew varies. Petar, also spelled Peter in some names, is frequently praised for a friendly manner, safe driving, and short explanations about the islands. Ivan, Lujo, Iggy, and Roko have also led departures, with particular praise for careful handling in tight ports and an easy way with children.

The quality of the guide matters on a trip like this. The places are attractive on their own, but a good skipper helps you understand what you are seeing and keeps the day moving. Communication before departure is another strong point. The team may contact you the evening before with meeting details, parking advice, or updates.

Some departures have included pickup from a nearby resort pier instead of requiring everyone to travel to the main Trogir meeting point. Do not count on that as a standard feature, but it is worth asking if you are staying along the coast.

Is $67 good value for five hours?

At $67 per person, this is not the cheapest way to find a beach. It is good value if you want transport, three coastal stops, a skipper, fuel, insurance, safety equipment, a bottle of water, and snorkeling gear bundled together.

The real value is time and access. You can reach the Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Čiovo in one half-day without arranging separate ferries or figuring out local connections. The speedboat also lets you see more coastline than you could on foot from Trogir.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want one long, quiet beach session. You will spend part of the five hours moving between stops, and the popular locations are not always peaceful. It also does not include lunch, drinks beyond the supplied water, or an optional tip.

Compared with a full-day boat charter, this is a simpler and less expensive way to get on the water. Compared with a public ferry, it offers more stops and swimming time, but less independence and less time at each place. I see it as a practical middle option for a first visit to the Trogir area.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact introduction to the islands around Trogir. It works particularly well for:

• Families who want swimming, snorkeling, and a fun boat ride without committing to a full day
• Couples who want scenic water views and the option of an afternoon or sunset departure
• First-time visitors who want to combine a famous swimming spot with a small historic village
• Anyone staying in Trogir or nearby who has only one free half-day
• People who prefer a small group over a large excursion boat

You should think twice if you need a fully accessible boat or dislike fast rides. It may also frustrate you if your ideal island visit means lingering for several hours in one village. The schedule is active and neatly packed, not slow and leisurely.

Children are welcome, and the tour is suitable for all ages according to the operator. The boat has been used by families with children as young as one and older children who enjoyed jumping into the water. Parents should still bring sun protection, snacks, and a towel, since the Croatian sun can be strong and the stops pass quickly.

Simple ways to make the day better

Pack light. A swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, phone protection, and a small snack are more useful than a large beach bag.

Wear footwear you can manage around a boat and a village port. The tour includes walking in Maslinica, but the main focus is swimming rather than a long hike.

If you want lunch, plan ahead. You can buy food at traditional Dalmatian restaurants and other stops, but the Maslinica hour may not leave much room for a relaxed meal. Eating before departure gives you more freedom at the water stops.

Ask about the departure time if sunset matters to you. An afternoon trip can bring attractive evening light, but the best choice depends on whether you prefer a cooler start, a quieter feel, or the warm colors of the return ride.

Keep expectations realistic at the Blue Lagoon. The water can be stunning, but it is a popular stop. Go for the clear sea and snorkeling, not for complete solitude.

Should you book the Trogir three-island tour?

I would book this tour if you want a well-paced half-day on the Adriatic with swimming, a village visit, and a lively speedboat ride. The combination is stronger than a simple beach transfer, and the small group makes the five-hour schedule feel personal.

The best reasons to choose it are the 90-minute Blue Lagoon stop, the attractive old port of Maslinica, the fish-filled water at Duga Bay, and the reliable practical support from the crew. Petar, Ivan, Lujo, and the other skippers add a human touch that matters when you are moving between several places.

Skip it if you want a quiet, unhurried day at one beach, a long sit-down lunch, or wheelchair access. For everyone else, $67 is a fair price for a compact look at the islands near Trogir, especially if you have limited time and want the sea to be the main event.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet the skipper on the main promenade in Trogir, in front of Kamerlengo Fortress.

How long does the boat tour last?

The experience lasts five hours, including the boat rides and stops at the Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Čiovo.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon, Maslinica on Šolta, and Duga Bay on Čiovo before returning to Trogir.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, fuel, insurance, a half-liter bottle of cold water, and windproof jackets are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you have opportunities to buy food or drinks at the island stops.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages, and families with young children have taken part. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and snacks.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.