REVIEW · SPLIT
Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour – Small group
Book on Viator →Operated by Smile Travel · Bookable on Viator
Speedboats and three islands in one half-day plan. This small-group tour links classic inland views with swim-time on the Adriatic, starting with UNESCO-protected Trogir before heading out to Blue Lagoon waters and a calmer island village mood on Šolta.
I like the small group size (max 12). It keeps the pace friendly, so you spend your time actually looking around, not waiting around. I also like that snorkeling equipment is included, which makes it easy to grab gear and get right into the water.
The main thing to consider is weather. This tour requires good conditions, and since it runs by speedboat, you’ll want to be flexible if the sea is rough or conditions change.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Trogir First: UNESCO Streets Before the Sea Time
- Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: Beach Time You Can Actually Use
- Maslinica on Šolta (and the Čiovo Swap): A Quieter Island Break
- The Speedboat Ride: Comfort, Safety, and a Tight, Friendly Pace
- What You’re Paying For: Value at $96.12 (and What Lunch Costs)
- Timing Tips for a Smooth 5½ Hours in Split
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)
- Should You Book This Split Speedboat Tour?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Split Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands speedboat tour?
- How many stops are included?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- What is included in the tour price?
- Is lunch included?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key things to know before you go

- Max 12 travelers keeps the day personal and easier to manage around busy harbors
- Snorkeling equipment included so you’re not buying or borrowing gear last minute
- Seasonal island swap: Šolta (Maslinica) in pre/post-season, Čiovo more often in high season
- Licensed skipper + life jackets for confident, well-run boat time
- Trogir first, beach later means you get culture before the water
- Fuel, taxes, and passenger insurance included in the price
Trogir First: UNESCO Streets Before the Sea Time
Your day starts in Split at Marmontova ul. 5 (meeting point). After that, you ride out for a panoramic drive around Split and its surroundings. That road segment matters more than you might think. It’s the fast way to build context before you start walking, so Trogir doesn’t feel like a random stop—it feels like it belongs.
Then you’re in Trogir, a town with UNESCO protection and architecture that basically tells you how long people have valued this coastline. You get about 1 hour 15 minutes of free time to explore at your own pace. The key here is to use that time like a local: pick one small route and don’t zigzag. Even with “free time,” you’ll move faster when you commit to a loop—things like waterfront viewpoints, older lanes, and the main historic core are all close enough to enjoy without rushing.
What I like about putting Trogir first: your brain is still fresh. You’re not dehydrated yet, and you’re not already in swimsuit mode. By the time you reach the beach later, you’ve already “earned” the break.
Potential drawback: if you’re the type who likes long museum-style wandering, 1 hour 15 minutes can feel short. But for a combined island-hopping day, it’s a sensible amount of time.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Split.
Blue Lagoon and Krknjasi Bay: Beach Time You Can Actually Use

After the historic start, you switch gears to water—Blue Lagoon Beach near Drvenik Veli Island, also described as Krknjasi Bay. This is the stop most people are picturing when they think about the Adriatic: clear water, sun-soaked shoreline, and that “every photo looks good” effect.
You get another 1 hour 15 minutes here, and the water-time options are flexible. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and take photos. Since snorkeling equipment is included, you can make the most of this stop even if you’re not bringing your own gear. If you’re new to snorkeling, I’d still try it—because the included equipment removes the usual friction.
One practical note: Blue Lagoon is popular, so treat your time as a plan, not a mood. If you want photos without crowds, head out a bit early in the window and keep your timing in mind. If you care more about calm water, go for swimming and snorkeling right away, then shift toward sun time later.
Also, remember that “free time” doesn’t mean you’ll have unlimited boat flexibility. The schedule is built for 3 stops, so you’ll want to be back with enough margin that you’re not doing a scramble when the boat crew starts herding everyone toward boarding.
Maslinica on Šolta (and the Čiovo Swap): A Quieter Island Break

The third stop is Maslinica, on the island of Šolta. This is where your day slows down. Maslinica is known for a peaceful coastal village feel: a harbor setting, traditional stone houses, and nearby olive groves. You’re here for relaxation—swimming, unwinding, and a more local vibe than the big beach stop.
Again, you get 1 hour 15 minutes. The difference is that Maslinica is about the tone, not just the water. If you like taking a slow stroll, grabbing a cold drink if you find one, and watching boats bob in the harbor, you’ll enjoy this section. If you only want beaches, you can still focus on the shoreline and swim, but it’s the village mood that makes the stop worthwhile.
Season matters here. During pre-season and post-season, the tour usually visits Šolta (Maslinica). In high season, the itinerary more often goes to Čiovo, since guests tend to prefer spending time on Labadusa Beach to cool off and relax. So you can think of this stop as “the calmer island village/beach break,” with the exact island location depending on the time of year and temperatures.
Practical tip: pack for both moods. Bring sunscreen for the open beach parts, but also expect some shade and stone-harbor settings where you might want a light layer if you get chilly on the return ride.
The Speedboat Ride: Comfort, Safety, and a Tight, Friendly Pace

This is a speedboat tour with transportation by high-quality speedboat, plus fuel included. On a day that only lasts around 5 hours 30 minutes, boat speed matters. It’s what allows you to stack Trogir + Blue Lagoon + Maslinica/Čiovo without the whole day disappearing.
Safety is handled in a straightforward way: you’ll have life jackets and safety gear on board, and the tour uses an English-speaking staff & licensed skipper. That combination matters because it usually results in clearer instructions—where to go, when to return, and what to expect at each stop. Even if you don’t need help, you’ll appreciate how organized the handoffs feel.
The tour also plays music, which makes the ride feel like part of the experience, not just transport. And because the group is capped at 12 travelers, the skipper and crew can manage boarding and timing without the typical chaos you see on bigger boats.
If you’re sensitive to boat motion, I’d still treat the sea conditions seriously. The tour requires good weather, which helps, but speedboats can be bouncy if it gets choppy. For anyone who has mobility limits or health concerns, it’s also worth noting that the tour is not recommended for travelers over 65 based on the additional info provided.
What You’re Paying For: Value at $96.12 (and What Lunch Costs)

At $96.12 per person, the value isn’t just the boat. It’s the bundle of details that normally add up when you plan separately.
Included:
- Small group island-hopping tour
- High-quality speedboat, plus fuel
- English-speaking staff & licensed skipper
- Snorkeling equipment (big deal if you didn’t pack your own)
- Life jackets / safety gear
- Music
- Passenger insurance
- Tax and fees
- Mobile ticket
Not included:
- Lunch
That lunch gap is the only clear “you handle it” part. For value, I’d plan to either eat before you start or budget for food while you’re on one of the land stops if there’s something convenient. Since the day is short, you don’t want hunger to turn into stress. A small snack and water can keep your energy steady between stops.
One more price/value angle: because pickup is at a fixed meeting point in Split and the tour ends back at the meeting point, you don’t have to solve extra transport puzzles. That reduces friction, which is exactly what you want on a half-day plan.
And there’s a timing strategy here, too. This tour is commonly booked about 14 days in advance. If you’re traveling in summer or during peak weeks, booking early is how you avoid last-minute disappointment.
Timing Tips for a Smooth 5½ Hours in Split

The schedule is built around three 1 hour 15 minute stops, plus travel time by boat and a panoramic drive. That structure means your “success” depends on how quickly you transition between modes—walking mode to swim mode to relax mode.
Here’s how to make it easier:
- Bring essentials in an easy bag: sunscreen, a towel/quick-dry option if you have one, and a way to keep your phone protected for beach time.
- Use snorkeling time early or wisely: don’t wait until the last 20 minutes if you’re doing it for the first time.
- Plan your return on land stops: pick a “finish spot” so you know where you’ll meet the group without backtracking.
Also, because you’re on a boat and then back on land quickly, you’ll get more enjoyment if you’re not constantly stopping for items. Keep your routine simple: arrive, go, enjoy, return.
Finally, note that the tour uses a mobile ticket and you’ll want your confirmation ready. The meeting point is Marmontova ul. 5, and it ends back there, so you don’t need to plan a complicated return.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This one works best if you want the classic Split-area combo: culture + postcard water + a quieter island village break, without spending the day commuting between separate boat transfers.
You’ll likely love it if:
- You want a small-group experience rather than a big scramble
- You’re excited by snorkeling and want gear provided
- You prefer a day plan that moves, but still gives time to enjoy each place
You might consider another option if:
- You’re very sensitive to boat motion or have health limits; it’s not recommended for travelers over 65
- You expect a long Trogir visit or a long beach lounge session. The stops are balanced, not stretched.
- You hate weather-dependent plans. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, it can be rescheduled or refunded.
That said, the schedule is built for real time on the water, not just for looking at islands from a distance. If your goal is to come away with memories from three places, this day fits.
Should You Book This Split Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a well-run, small-group half-day that hits three very different moods: historic Trogir, the sparkle of Blue Lagoon, and a calmer island harbor on Šolta (or Čiovo depending on the season). The included snorkeling equipment, life jackets, licensed skipper, and English-speaking team make it feel like a complete package, not an expensive gamble.
Skip it (or compare alternatives) if you’re hoping for extra-long time in one place, or if you’re uncomfortable with weather-driven schedules. Also think ahead about lunch, since it isn’t included, and keep the day’s tight timing in mind.
If your travel style is practical and photo-friendly—plus you want real water time—this tour is a strong choice.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Split Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands speedboat tour?
The tour runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.
How many stops are included?
There are three stops: Trogir, Blue Lagoon/Krknjasi Bay (Drvenik Veli Island), and Maslinica (Šolta Island). In high season, the Maslinica stop is more often swapped for Čiovo.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes the small-group island-hopping experience, speedboat transportation and fuel, English-speaking staff with a licensed skipper, snorkeling equipment, music, safety gear/life jackets, passenger insurance, and tax/fees.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























