Split: Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Speedboat Tour

The best part of this five-hour speedboat trip is the variety packed into a half-day: pine trees and a beach bar on Čiovo, clear water at Blue Lagoon, and an old stone town in Trogir. You get sea time, swimming, and sightseeing without spending a full day on a boat.

I like the small group of up to 12 people, which keeps the boat from feeling like a floating bus. I also like the guides’ easy style. Linda, Simon, Paško, Luka, Ivan, and other crew members are often praised for keeping the ride safe, fun, and well paced without talking nonstop.

The catch is the speedboat itself. Wind can make the ride bumpy, and strong weather can cancel the trip. Music is part of the atmosphere, though it has sometimes been loud enough to make conversation difficult. If you want a quiet cruise or have back, mobility, or pregnancy-related concerns, this is not your best choice.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different stops: Visit Borkko Beach Bar, swim at Blue Lagoon, and explore UNESCO-listed Trogir.
• A true half-day outing: The five-hour schedule leaves room for other plans in Split.
• Small boats, lively atmosphere: Groups are limited to 12, with music and a social onboard mood.
• One hour at the water stops: You have time to swim, use the included goggles, sunbathe, and relax.
• Good value at $70: Transport, skipper, guide, safety equipment, water, and snorkeling goggles are included.
• Weather matters: Wind can make the ride rough or lead to cancellation and rescheduling.

A fast route from Split to three Adriatic highlights

This tour works because it does not ask you to choose between a beach day and a cultural outing. In five hours, you get a quick look at several corners of Dalmatia, with the speedboat handling the longer stretches.

The trip begins at the Booker Travel Agency office. Go inside to check in and meet your guide before walking to the boat. The route includes about 30 minutes on the water at the start and another 30 minutes on the return, leaving roughly three hours split between the three stops.

That timing is tight, but it is also the point. You are not signing up for a slow, all-day island cruise. You are getting a brisk sampler of the coast, with enough time at each stop to enjoy it without giving up your entire day in Split.

The boats have a sundeck, and the crew usually adds music to the ride. The mood leans social and upbeat rather than formal. Guides tend to offer some background on the places you pass and visit, then give you room to enjoy yourself. That balance suits people who want useful information but do not want a long lecture between swimming stops.

Borkko Beach Bar: pine trees, sand, and a casual first stop

Your first stop is Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo Island, reached after roughly 30 minutes by speedboat. The setting combines pale sand, pine trees, and a beach bar, so it offers an easy introduction to the day.

You can swim, use the snorkeling goggles, or simply settle into the relaxed beach-club atmosphere. This is the place to order a drink if you want one, though food and beverages are not included in the $70 price. Bring a card or cash according to your own needs, since the tour price covers the boat and listed equipment, not purchases at the stops.

Borkko is less about major sightseeing and more about settling into the rhythm of the coast. Pine shade helps break up the sun, while the beach bar gives you a place to sit between swims. If your ideal morning includes music, a cold drink, and a quick swim rather than a formal guided visit, this stop should fit well.

You get about one hour here. That is enough for a swim and some downtime, but not enough for a long beach session. Think of Borkko as a pleasant pause, not the main event.

The route can change with the season and weather. On some departures, the boat visits the village of Maslinica on Šolta Island instead of Borkko Beach Bar. Maslinica offers a different mood, with a village setting rather than a beach-club stop, so do not treat the exact first destination as guaranteed.

Blue Lagoon: the tour’s main swimming stop

Blue Lagoon is the heart of the excursion. After Borkko, the boat heads to a sheltered bay known for clear, turquoise water and sandy stretches along the shore.

You get about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling. The company provides goggles, which saves you from packing your own mask if you only want a simple look underwater. The available information does not promise a full snorkel lesson or extensive marine-life guiding, so think of the equipment as a useful extra for casual exploring rather than a formal snorkeling session.

The water is the reason most people choose this tour. You can jump in from the boat, swim in the clear bay, or stay on the sundeck to dry off and enjoy the view. Some people prefer to spend nearly the whole stop in the water, while others use the hour for a mix of swimming, sunbathing, and photographs.

I would make Blue Lagoon your priority. If you want time for underwater viewing, get your goggles ready before the boat stops. The hour passes quickly, especially when several people are entering and leaving the water.

This area can feel busy during the high season. The tour offers an escape from Split’s city streets, but it does not promise a deserted bay. The payoff is convenience: you can reach a famous swimming spot without arranging separate transport or committing to a full-day sailing trip.

Take care on the boat after swimming. One participant specifically warned that the floor can be slippery, particularly when wearing swimming shoes. Move carefully, use available handholds, and follow the crew’s instructions when getting in and out.

Trogir: one hour among old stone streets

The final destination is Trogir, a historic city on an island linked to the mainland by bridges. Its cultural importance has earned it UNESCO World Heritage protection, and it provides a welcome change after the beach stops.

You have about one hour for sightseeing. That is enough to walk through the compact historic center, see the harbor, and enjoy the old stone buildings, but it is not enough for a slow museum visit or a detailed architectural tour.

This is where the tour’s limited schedule is most noticeable. The swimming stops are easy to understand in an hour: get in the water, relax, and get back on the boat. Trogir rewards wandering, and one hour can leave you wishing for more. If old towns are your main interest, you may prefer to return independently on another day.

Still, the short visit works as an introduction. You get a taste of Trogir’s narrow lanes and historic waterfront without spending a full afternoon away from Split. One person who enjoyed the trip would have preferred more time here, which is a fair warning for history fans.

Use the hour carefully. Walk first, then pause for a view of the harbor or a quick drink if time allows. The point is not to see every corner. It is to decide if Trogir deserves a longer visit later.

The ride itself: fast, scenic, and weather dependent

The speedboat gives this excursion its character. You cover the coast quickly, feel the wind, and see Split and the nearby islands from the water. The sundeck is the natural place to watch the shoreline, though you will want sunscreen and a towel after swimming.

In calm conditions, the ride can feel smooth and exciting. The crew members are repeatedly praised for making passengers comfortable and handling the boat well. Names that come up often include skippers and guides such as Simon, Paško, Linda, Luka, Ivan, Mate, Domagoj, and Gabriel.

The atmosphere is friendly, with music used to keep the ride lively. That is a plus if you want a holiday mood and enjoy meeting people in a small group. It can be a minus if you hope to chat with your companions throughout the ride. The volume may vary by crew and departure, so bring modest expectations rather than assuming a quiet crossing.

Wind is the main practical concern. A light breeze can mean a few bumps. Strong wind may lead to cancellation, with the option of a refund or a different date. The company may also offer another available trip if conditions change.

For that reason, do not schedule an important ferry, flight, or fixed appointment immediately after the tour. The planned duration is five hours, but sea conditions can affect the day.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to combine boat transport, swimming, and a short cultural stop. You are paying for a speedboat ride, skipper and guide service, safety equipment, water, and snorkeling goggles.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Blue Lagoon and Trogir. You also avoid the work of piecing together several connections. The small group matters here: a limit of 12 makes the trip feel more personal than a large sightseeing boat.

Food and drinks are extra. That is easy to overlook because the route includes a beach bar. Bring money for anything you want to buy, and pack water-friendly clothes rather than expecting a meal onboard.

The tour also provides a useful balance of included and optional experiences. You can swim without paying for extra equipment, but you decide if you want to spend money at the beach bar or in Trogir. At this price, it is a solid choice for an active half-day, not a luxury cruise with meals and premium service.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several highlights in one outing and do not mind a brisk pace. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who are comfortable around boats and swimming.

The small group is a strong match for people who dislike large coach-style excursions. It also works well if you are in Split for only a few days and want to see more of the Dalmatian coast without giving up an entire day.

You should be comfortable with a fast boat, sun exposure, and a possible bumpy ride. The tour is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with back or mobility problems. Anyone with a medical condition should consider the physical demands before booking.

You also need to accept that the route may change. Borkko could be replaced by Maslinica, and strong wind may cancel the trip. That flexibility is normal for a sea outing, but it matters if you have your heart set on one exact beach.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Pack light, since the boat is designed for a day on the water rather than large luggage.

Keep your phone in a waterproof case or sealed bag. The combination of spray, swimming, and a slippery deck creates obvious risks for electronics.

Apply sunscreen before leaving Split and reapply after swimming. The boat’s open areas offer little relief from the sun, and the bright water can make the heat feel stronger than expected.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew suggests and watch the horizon during rougher stretches. The ride is part of the fun, but it is still a speedboat, not a slow ferry.

Make one joint reservation if you are traveling with friends or family. Separate bookings do not guarantee that everyone will be placed on the same boat.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times because the five-hour schedule can affect dinner plans and other Split activities.

Should you book the Split Blue Lagoon speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a lively, efficient day on the water with swimming, a beach bar, and a taste of Trogir. The $70 cost is fair for the transport and three-stop route, especially with a group capped at 12 and goggles and water included.

Skip it if you want long, quiet stretches at one beach, a detailed Trogir tour, or a calm ride regardless of weather. For most active visitors with limited time in Split, the combination is hard to beat. Just pack for sun and water, expect music, and leave room in your plans for the Adriatic to have the final say.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the boat rides between Split and the destinations.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet the guide at the Booker Travel Agency office. Enter the office to check in and meet the guide before going to the boat.

Which places does the tour visit?

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

How much free time is provided at each stop?

The schedule provides about one hour at Borkko Beach Bar, one hour at Blue Lagoon, and one hour in Trogir.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling goggles are included. Food and drinks are not included.

Is water provided?

Water is listed as included, but one booking reported that it was not available on their departure. Bringing your own bottle is a sensible precaution.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under five are not permitted on the tour.

Can pregnant women or wheelchair users join?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. It is also not recommended for people with back problems or mobility problems.

What happens if the weather is too windy?

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

Can separate bookings be placed on the same boat?

The company recommends making one joint reservation for your group. Separate bookings do not guarantee placement on the same boat.