Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best part of this five-hour speedboat trip is its mix of sea time and old-town exploring. You race across the Adriatic, stop for swimming and snorkeling in Blue Lagoon, relax under pine trees at Borkko Beach Bar, then walk through historic Trogir before heading back to Split.

I like the small group, limited to 12 people, and the sensible half-day length. I also like that guides such as Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, Ivan, and Mate are often praised for keeping the mood light while making passengers feel safe. The main drawback is that a speedboat can be bumpy in windy weather, and one hour in Trogir may feel short.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: You get about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in clear turquoise water.
• A proper speedboat ride: The 30-minute crossings provide broad views of Split, Čiovo, and the Central Dalmatian coast.
• Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo: Expect pine trees, a beach-club setting, drinks for purchase, and time to swim.
• UNESCO-listed Trogir: The final stop gives you a chance to stroll through a compact old town and harbor.
• Small-group atmosphere: A maximum of 12 people makes this more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Weather matters: Strong wind can cancel or change the route, with Maslinica on Šolta sometimes replacing Borkko Beach Bar.

Why this five-hour trip works so well from Split

Split is a fine base for the Dalmatian coast, but its waterfront and central beaches can feel crowded, especially in summer. This tour gets you offshore without asking you to give up an entire day. The timing is its quiet strength: two swimming and relaxing stops, one town visit, and two scenic boat rides fit into a manageable morning or afternoon.

You meet at the Booker Travel Agency office, check in, and then walk to the boat with your guide and skipper. The boat carries no more than 12 participants, so the crew can usually keep an eye on the group and answer questions without turning the trip into a formal lecture.

The guides set the tone. Names appearing often on this route include Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, Ivan, Mate, Domagoj, Mateo, and Gabriel. The strongest pattern is a friendly, informal style, with some history and practical information but not constant talking. Music is part of the atmosphere. That adds energy to the ride, though it has sometimes been loud enough to make conversation difficult.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction, not just transport between stops. You get the open-air rush of a speedboat, views toward Split and the islands, and a raised area or sundeck where you can sit in the sun. Expect wake bumps even on a calm day. If the wind rises, the ride may become noticeably rougher.

First stop: Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo

After roughly 30 minutes on the water, the boat reaches Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island. The setting combines pale sand, pine trees, a beach-club feel, and water suitable for a quick swim. You have about an hour here, which is enough to get in the sea, use the snorkeling goggles, or sit with a drink.

This stop is less about sightseeing and more about settling into the day. I like that it gives you a relaxed start before the main Blue Lagoon stop. You can ease into the water, dry off in the sun, or enjoy the view from the shore rather than spending the whole morning moving from one attraction to another.

Food and drinks are not included. The bar is a place to buy refreshments, so bring some Croatian kuna? No, Croatia uses the euro, but the tour details do not specify payment methods or prices. The practical advice is simple: carry a little spending money and do not count on a provided meal.

The exact first stop can change. Depending on the season and weather, the boat may visit Maslinica on Šolta Island instead of Borkko Beach Bar. Maslinica is described as a charming village, so this is not necessarily a lesser outing, but you should not book expecting the beach bar in every case.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming hour

Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece for most people. The boat pulls into a sheltered bay with turquoise water and sandy beaches, and you get about an hour to swim, snorkel, or stretch out on the sundeck.

The included snorkeling equipment consists of goggles. That is enough for a look below the surface, but do not expect a full kit with fins or an underwater camera. The water is the reason to come here: clear, bright, and inviting for a proper swim. Several guides have also helped less confident swimmers feel at ease, but you remain responsible for judging your own comfort and ability.

I would treat this as an active stop rather than a beach resort visit. You can jump into the water, swim around the boat, look for small marine life, then climb back aboard to dry in the sun. The boat floor can be slippery, so move carefully, especially after wearing swimming shoes.

The bay is popular, and the tour does not promise solitude. Still, arriving by speedboat gives you a pleasant sense of escape from Split. An hour is a useful compromise. It is long enough for a swim and some sun, though anyone who wants a slow beach day may find it too brief.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will want the sunscreen even on a cloudy-looking day because much of the outing takes place on open water. Water is listed among the inclusions, although one passenger reported that it was not provided on their trip. I would bring a refillable bottle rather than rely entirely on the boat supply.

Trogir: one hour in a UNESCO town

The final destination is Trogir, a compact city on an island with a harbor and a UNESCO World Heritage designation. After two sea stops, this gives the tour a useful change of pace. You can leave the boat, walk through the old center, take in the stone buildings, and enjoy the harbor views.

Trogir is easy to appreciate in a short visit because its historic core is compact. You do not need a long museum schedule to get something from the stop. A walk through the lanes and squares, followed by a look at the waterfront, fits the available hour better than trying to see every church and monument.

The limitation is time. One hour allows sightseeing, not a full historical study. If Trogir is high on your list, you may wish you had longer, particularly if you want a relaxed meal or a careful look at the town’s architecture. The tour is best for an introduction, not a substitute for a dedicated Trogir visit.

Guides may share background about the town and the route, but the style is generally light rather than lecture-heavy. That suits a mixed group. You get enough context to understand why Trogir matters, then time to explore at your own pace.

The return ride and the value of the open sea

The final 30-minute crossing takes you back toward Split. This is a good time to sit on the sundeck and watch the islands recede. Depending on the skipper and group mood, there may be music and casual conversation. Some crews, including Simon, Paško, and Luka, are praised for making the ride lively without sacrificing a sense of safety.

At $70 per person, the price is reasonable for a five-hour outing that includes boat transport, a small group, an English-speaking guide, safety gear, and three distinct stops. You are not paying only for a swim at Blue Lagoon. You are also paying to avoid arranging separate ferries, beach transfers, and a visit to Trogir in one day.

The value is strongest if you want variety. A private boat or longer island-hopping trip will cost more, while a basic ferry outing may give you transport but little guidance. This tour sits in the middle: organized enough to be easy, short enough to fit around other Split plans, and social without being a large-group cruise.

Food and drinks are extra, and that affects your final cost. You may buy something at Borkko Beach Bar, but the tour itself does not include lunch. Plan for that rather than expecting a catered trip.

Comfort, safety, and who should book

A speedboat tour is not the same as a slow sightseeing cruise. You sit close to the water, feel the movement of the boat, and may get spray depending on conditions. On a calm day, this is part of the fun. In wind, the ride can be bumpy, so people with back problems or a strong dislike of boat motion should think carefully.

The activity is not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility problems, people with back problems, or children under five. The supplied information also lists safety equipment, and the crew focuses on keeping passengers comfortable during the ride and swimming stops.

This tour suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who enjoy active outings. It is particularly useful if you have only a few days in Split and want to combine sea, beach, and history without spending a full day away.

I would not choose it if your priority is a quiet, private boat day. With up to 12 people, the group is small but not intimate. Nor would I choose it for a serious snorkeling expedition. The equipment and time are geared toward casual swimming and a look beneath the surface, not extended underwater exploration.

Practical tips before you reserve

Book together if you are traveling as a group. Separate reservations may place your party on different boats, and the operator does not guarantee that separately booked passengers will stay together.

Check the weather forecast, but understand that conditions can change. Strong wind may cancel the outing. In that case, the booking can be refunded, rescheduled, or exchanged for another available trip. Wind can also lead to a route change, including a visit to Maslinica instead of Borkko.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Bring a light layer if you are prone to feeling cool after swimming, although no extra clothing requirement is stated. Secure loose items during the faster crossings.

The activity is conducted in English. The exact guide pairing varies, so you should not reserve based on one particular person. Still, the recurring crew names include Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, Ivan, Mate, Domagoj, Gabriel, and Mateo, and the operating style is generally friendly, humorous, and safety-minded.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your weather-dependent plans are still taking shape.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

I would book this tour if you want a well-priced half-day escape from Split with plenty of variety. The Blue Lagoon is the star, but Borkko Beach Bar and Trogir keep the trip from feeling like a single-stop swim excursion. The small group, included goggles, scenic crossings, and flexible weather policy add to the value.

Think twice if you need a smooth ride, long time in one place, or full accessibility. The speedboat can bounce, the Trogir visit is brief, food costs extra, and the itinerary can change with weather or season.

For most active visitors who want to see the coast without planning several separate trips, this is a strong choice. Pack lightly, bring your swimming gear, and leave room in your schedule for the possibility that you will wish the five hours lasted longer.

FAQ

How long does the Split Blue Lagoon speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including about 30 minutes of speedboat travel at the beginning and end, plus roughly one hour at each main stop.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet your guide at the Booker Travel Agency office. Enter the office to check in and be greeted by the tour guide.

What stops are included?

The planned route includes Borkko Beach Bar on Čiovo Island, Blue Lagoon, and the historic town of Trogir. Depending on the season and weather, Maslinica on Šolta Island may replace Borkko Beach Bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Goggles are included, along with safety equipment. Fins and other snorkeling gear are not listed as included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the $70 price. Water is listed as included, but one report indicates it was not provided on that particular trip, so bringing your own bottle is sensible.

Is the tour suitable for young children or people with mobility needs?

The tour is not recommended for children under five, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back problems, or people with mobility problems.

What happens if the weather is too windy?

Strong wind may cause the trip to be canceled. You can then receive a full refund, reschedule for another date, or exchange the booking for another available trip.