Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour – Small group

REVIEW · SPLIT

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour – Small group

  • 5.016 reviews
  • 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $96.12
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Traveller rating 5.0 (16)Duration5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)Price from$96.12Operated bySmile TravelBook viaViator

Three islands, one smooth plan.

This small-group speedboat tour strings together Split-region highlights fast: UNESCO-listed Trogir, the famous Blue Lagoon swim stop, and a calm island village break. I love the mix of old-town wandering and real water time, and I also like that it’s run by an English-speaking team with a licensed skipper who keeps things moving without rushing you through everything.

What I like most is the practical setup for being in the sea. You get snorkeling equipment and safety gear, plus the boat includes music to keep the mood easy while you travel between stops. The one thing to keep in mind: the time on each location is about 1 hour 15 minutes, so if you’re the type who wants half a day in one place, this format may feel a bit tight.

Key things to know before you go

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - Key things to know before you go

  • Small group size (max 12): more personal attention and less chaos on and off the boat.
  • Two swim stops for the sea mood: Blue Lagoon plus another island coast for relaxed water time.
  • Snorkeling gear included: you can focus on the water, not gear hunting.
  • UNESCO town stop: Trogir gives you a culture and photo break before the sea.
  • Seasonal route changes: you may see Šolta (Maslinica) in cooler parts of the year, or Čiovo (often Labadusa Beach) in the high heat.
  • Weather matters: expect they’ll adjust or refund if conditions are too rough for the tour.

Why this Split speedboat plan works in 5.5 hours

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - Why this Split speedboat plan works in 5.5 hours
This tour is built for people who want variety without spending a full day on ferries. In about 5 hours 30 minutes, you get one UNESCO town stop and two classic Adriatic water breaks. The schedule is tight, but it’s not frantic. You’re given free time at each stop, which is exactly what you want when you’re mixing walking + swimming.

I also like the rhythm: panoramic driving into the region sets the scene, then you land in places that feel completely different from each other—stone streets in Trogir, bright swim water at Blue Lagoon, and a gentler pace in a coastal village on the islands.

Stop 1: Trogir’s UNESCO old town time (about 1h15)

Your day kicks off with a panoramic drive around Split and the surrounding areas. It’s a good warm-up, because it helps you understand how Split sits against the coast and islands you’ll see later.

Then you’re in Trogir, a 2000-year-old UNESCO-protected town. The free time here is about 1 hour 15 minutes, and that matters because Trogir is all about walking slowly and letting streets do the work. You’ll want to wander for views, photos, and a quick sense of how historic towns are structured—small lanes, stone buildings, and a layout that rewards just being outside.

A practical tip: with only 75 minutes, pick a route before you lose track of time. I’d aim for a simple loop—get oriented quickly, take your main photos early, then use the remaining minutes for whatever looks most interesting up close. The payoff is that you finish the walk feeling refreshed, not rushed.

Possible drawback: if you’re hoping for a deep guided explanation at every corner, this isn’t that kind of town stop. You get free time, so you’ll rely on your own pace and any on-board guidance before you arrive.

Stop 2: Blue Lagoon at Drvenik Veli (swim and snorkel time)

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - Stop 2: Blue Lagoon at Drvenik Veli (swim and snorkel time)
After Trogir, it’s time to cool off. The Blue Lagoon stop is centered on Blue Lagoon Beach near Drvenik Veli Island, and you get about 1 hour 15 minutes here. This is the part most people remember, and for good reason. The water is the star: clean, bright, and ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Because snorkeling gear is included, you can go straight from boat to water without stopping to rent anything. That’s a real value add. It also means you can spend more of your time actually in the water and less on logistics.

What to expect in practice:

  • Plan to rinse off with whatever fresh water you have access to on-site before you re-board (if available).
  • Bring a towel you don’t mind getting damp.
  • If you’re new to snorkeling, give yourself the first few minutes to get comfortable with breathing and buoyancy.

Possible drawback: like many famous beaches, Blue Lagoon can be busy in peak summer. This tour format helps because you’re there for a defined window, but you should still expect to share space in the water.

Stop 3: Maslinica on Šolta or Čiovo in peak heat (about 1h15)

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - Stop 3: Maslinica on Šolta or Čiovo in peak heat (about 1h15)
The last named stop is Maslinica on Šolta Island—a charming coastal village with a harbor setting, traditional stone houses, and nearby olive groves. You’ll get another 1 hour 15 minutes of free time.

This part of the trip is your chance to slow down. No big sightseeing pressure here. You can swim, relax, and wander around the harbor area at an island pace. The best use of this stop is simple: find a place in the shade, take in the boats and water activity, and don’t over-plan. Even if you’re not a lounge-on-the-sand person, the calm feel is what makes it worth keeping as a separate stop rather than lumping everything into the biggest beach.

One smart detail in the tour plan: there’s a seasonal swap. In pre-season and post-season, you usually go to Šolta (Maslinica). In high season, temperatures are higher, and the tour more often heads to Čiovo, where many people prefer cooling off at Labadusa Beach. That’s not a problem—it’s actually sensible. Your itinerary adapts to how the day will feel in the water.

Possible drawback: because of seasonal routing, you can’t lock in the exact island village experience year-round. If you’re specifically hoping for Maslinica no matter what, check what the operator is planning for your date.

Small-group comfort: speedboat, skipper, and onboard vibe

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - Small-group comfort: speedboat, skipper, and onboard vibe
The tour caps at 12 travelers, which is the sweet spot for a day like this. You’re not stuck in a big scrum when you step onto the beach, and it’s easier for the crew to keep track of everyone. That also tends to make boarding and re-boarding faster, which protects your time.

Transportation is on a high-quality speedboat, and that’s important for comfort. Faster boats reduce the long stretches of sitting around and help you get to the water stops while the day still feels fresh.

Included onboard basics you’ll feel:

  • English-speaking staff and a licensed skipper
  • Life jackets and safety gear
  • Passenger insurance
  • Music

And here’s what stands out from the experience itself: the guides are friendly, and they explain each place in a way that helps you get more out of short stops. Even when you’re roaming on your own, that kind of context makes it easier to know what you’re looking at and where to spend your limited time.

What you get for about $96: value that adds up

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - What you get for about $96: value that adds up
At $96.12 per person, this is not a bargain-museum tour. You’re paying for boat transportation, fuel, a small-group setup, and the cost of getting you to multiple island locations in a short time window.

Here’s why it can still feel like good value:

  • Transportation + fuel included means you’re not paying separately for island hops.
  • Snorkeling equipment included saves real money compared with renting.
  • Safety gear, life jackets, and a licensed skipper reduce hassle and stress.
  • You get three distinct stops (Trogir + Blue Lagoon + a second island coast), so you’re not paying to only see one beach.

Lunch isn’t included, though, so plan for at least a snack strategy. If you go hungry during the gaps, the day starts to feel longer.

If you’re comparing costs, I’d treat the price as payment for a complete “water day” package, not just admission to one location.

Practical planning: how to make the day feel easy

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - Practical planning: how to make the day feel easy
This is a speedboat day, so your success comes from how you prepare for being in and out of the sea.

Bring:

  • Swimwear you can wear quickly under dry clothes
  • A towel and sandals you can re-walk in
  • Sunscreen, plus something for your head
  • A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and keys

Wear:

  • Shoes you don’t mind getting wet or sandy
  • Something that dries reasonably fast

Also, consider timing inside the stops. Since each free-time window is about 1 hour 15 minutes, you’ll want a simple plan for your priorities:

  • Trogir: photos + one main walking loop
  • Blue Lagoon: snorkeling and swimming first, lounging after
  • Maslinica/Čiovo: harbor walk and a long sit-down break

The tour uses a mobile ticket, so make sure your phone battery is reliable. If you’re traveling with power issues, bring a small portable charger.

Finally, keep an eye on weather. This experience requires good conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

Split: Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands Speedboat Tour - Small group - Who should book this (and who should skip it)
This works best if you want:

  • A mix of culture and water in one day
  • Efficient island hopping with time to explore on your own
  • A small-group setup where you can actually enjoy the stops

It may be less ideal if:

  • You hate the idea of fixed time slots. Each location is about 1 hour 15 minutes, so you won’t have hours to wander slowly in every place.
  • You want a long, guided deep-lecture kind of experience. This format gives you freedom more than it gives you constant narration.

One important note: it’s not recommended for travelers over 65 years. If that applies to you or someone in your group, it’s worth asking the operator about suitability for sea conditions and boarding comfort before you book.

Should you book the Split Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands speedboat tour?

If your idea of a great Croatia day is quick island variety plus real beach time, I think you should book it. The combo of Trogir’s UNESCO streets, Blue Lagoon swimming/snorkeling, and a calmer island village stop hits the sweet spot for a short window. The included snorkeling gear and small-group size make it feel less like a rushed bus day and more like a well-paced outing.

Book especially if you want to maximize your time in Split without building your own island transport plan. Just go in knowing the stops are short and plan around that. If the route you prefer matters most (like Maslinica specifically), confirm what your date includes since the itinerary can shift between Šolta and Čiovo depending on season.

FAQ

How long is the Split Blue Lagoon & 3 Islands speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What stops are included on this tour?

You’ll visit Trogir, the Blue Lagoon area near Drvenik Veli Island, and Maslinica on Šolta Island. In high season, the third stop may shift to Čiovo (often Labadusa Beach).

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll also have safety gear and life jackets.

Do I need to pay for beach entry or town entry?

The Trogir admission is free, and Blue Lagoon and the other stops don’t list separate admissions as included here.

Is lunch provided?

No. Lunch is not included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where do I meet the tour, and does it return to the same place?

You meet at Marmontova ul. 5, 21000, Split, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for older adults?

It’s not recommended for travelers over 65 years.

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