Split/Trogir: Half-Day 3-Island Speedboat Adventure

The best part of this trip is the mix: clear-water swimming, a real island village, and a relaxed beach-bar stop, all without committing to a full day at sea. The speedboat cuts down travel time, yet the rides still give you broad views of Split, Trogir, and the Dalmatian coast.

I like the small groups, usually around 12 to 14 people, and the thoughtful boat setup: shade, a fridge, storage, a shower, music, coffee, and bottled water. The main drawback is the weather. Cool air or rough seas can change the schedule or cancel the trip, and the afternoon departure may be moved if conditions turn chilly.

Key points to know

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Plan about 90 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in clear water, with the boat anchored offshore.
• Maslinica on Šolta: Walk through a quiet stone village, see the restored castle, and pause for coffee or a drink.
• Duga Cove and Beach Bar Borkko: Finish with another swim, a sandy seabed, and time to relax at the shore.
• Small, comfortable speedboat: Boats are clean and spacious, with a shaded area, fridge, storage, and Bluetooth music.
• Split or Trogir departure: Choose a 9 a.m. or 3 p.m. start, subject to availability and weather.
• Good value at $73: The price covers five hours, three stops, transport, snorkeling equipment, water, and coffee, but not food.

Three Adriatic stops in five hours

This is a smart introduction to the islands near Split and Trogir. You are not spending the whole day on a boat, but you still get three very different scenes: an open-water swimming stop, a small historic village, and a casual cove with a beach bar.

The advertised duration is 270 minutes to five hours. In practice, the schedule includes boat rides of roughly 15 to 40 minutes and about an hour to an hour and a half at each stop. That balance matters. You get enough time to swim or walk around, without the long empty stretches that can make some boat excursions feel padded.

The morning departure leaves at 9 a.m., while the afternoon departure leaves at 3 p.m. You can meet the boat at Mletački mul on Split’s Riva or in front of Kamerlengo Fortress in Trogir, depending on the option you book. The return is to the same general departure area.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

From Trogir, the ride to the Blue Lagoon takes about 15 to 20 minutes. From Split, allow roughly 35 to 40 minutes. The boat usually anchors at the Blue Lagoon, rather than pulling up to a pier, so you swim directly from the boat.

You get about an hour and a half here. That is the longest stop of the day, and it needs to be. You have time to get in the water, try the provided snorkeling equipment, sunbathe, and climb back aboard for a drink without watching the clock every few minutes.

The water is the star. Expect the bright turquoise color associated with the Blue Lagoon, along with a calm, open setting that suits swimming and simple snorkeling. This is not a guided marine-life tour, so bring modest expectations. The appeal is the water, the views, and the easy chance to cool off.

The boat has a shaded section, which is useful after swimming. It also has a fridge and bottled water, and coffee is available. A shower on board lets you rinse off salt before the next ride.

One practical point: the life jackets are for emergencies, not for normal swimming. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and stay close to the boat. The group stops at an anchor here, so boarding and getting back into the boat are part of the experience.

Maslinica on Šolta: a slower hour ashore

After the Blue Lagoon, the speedboat runs for about 15 to 20 minutes to Maslinica on the island of Šolta. The pace changes at once. Instead of open water and swimming, you get a compact coastal settlement with stone buildings, a waterfront, and a restored 16th-century castle that now operates as a luxury hotel.

You have about an hour here. That is enough for a stroll, photographs, and a drink or coffee. It is not enough for a long island walk, a serious meal, and a full historical tour, so treat Maslinica as a pleasant pause rather than the central purpose of the outing.

I like this stop because it keeps the tour from becoming three versions of the same beach visit. The village gives you a look at a quieter side of Dalmatia, with boats in the harbor and traditional stone houses along the water. It also gives you a chance to dry off and stretch your legs.

Food is not included in the $73 price. Maslinica is the most natural place to buy something if you need more than the supplied water and coffee, but the available time is limited. If you want a proper lunch, ask the crew how much time is practical before ordering.

The stop can feel less dramatic than the Blue Lagoon or the final cove. That is part of the tradeoff. You are getting variety rather than three headline attractions. If your only goal is swimming, Maslinica may seem like time away from the water. If you want a little village life, it is an important part of the route.

Čiovo and the final cove

The last stop is described as Duga Cove, near Beach Bar Borkko on the southern side of Čiovo. The route information also refers to Branac Bay, so the exact cove name can vary in the trip details. Either way, expect a quiet swimming stop with a beach-bar setting.

The boat ride from Maslinica takes about 25 to 30 minutes. You then get roughly an hour to swim, sit by the shore, or have a drink. The seabed here is described as naturally sandy, which can make entering the water easier than scrambling over rough rock.

This final stop gives the trip a softer ending. You are no longer racing to see the next island. You can settle into a lounge chair, use the beach bar, swim again, or simply enjoy the view. On the afternoon trip, the return ride may include sunset light, a detail that makes the later departure especially appealing.

The beach bar is not part of the tour price, so bring cash for drinks or any food you want. The supplied storage is useful for small belongings, but keep valuables to a minimum when you leave the boat.

What the speedboat ride is really like

The boat is a major part of the experience, not just transport between stops. A speedboat gives you more time ashore than a slower vessel would, but it also means wind, spray, and a lively ride over the waves.

Several groups have found the boats comfortable, clean, modern, and spacious for their size. A typical group is around 12 people, with a stated maximum of about 14. That is small enough to avoid the packed-deck feeling common on large excursion boats, while still giving you the social energy of a group outing.

You get both sun and shade. There is storage for belongings, Bluetooth music, a fridge, coffee, bottled water, and a shower. The music is part of the atmosphere, and some crews have played everything from ABBA to general pop playlists. If you prefer a quiet sightseeing cruise, the soundtrack may be more noticeable than expected.

The crew is another strong part of the outing. Guides and skippers named in recent trips include Ivan, Antonio, Klaudija, Claudia, Marco, Lara, Toma, Marks, and others. Crew assignments can change, but the strongest pattern is friendly service, clear communication, practical safety help, and short explanations about the places you visit.

Do not expect a formal lecture at every stop. This is an active boat day, not a museum tour. The information tends to be delivered in a light, conversational way while you move between islands or get oriented at the shore.

Morning or afternoon departure?

Choose the morning departure if you want the safest bet for a full day of swimming, especially outside the warmest part of summer. You will have the afternoon free for Split, Trogir, or a relaxed meal.

The 3 p.m. departure has its own appeal. The light can be softer on the return, and the final ride may offer sunset views. It is a good choice if you have already spent the morning sightseeing or if you prefer a slower start.

The afternoon option is more exposed to seasonal changes. In cooler weather, departures may be moved or canceled because the boat ride feels cold, even if the sea itself is calm. Bring a light jacket if the outside temperature is below about 27 or 28 degrees Celsius. That may sound warm on land, but speed and wind make the boat feel cooler.

The captain makes the final call on weather and sea conditions. The route can change, and a tour can be canceled when safety is a concern. You can reschedule or receive a full refund if the operator cancels. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, according to the booking terms.

Is $73 a fair price?

At $73 per person, this sits above a bare-bones ferry ride but below the cost of arranging three island visits independently by private boat. The value comes from the time saved and the small-group setup.

You are paying for up to five hours on the water, three distinct stops, an English-speaking host, a skipper, snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, coffee, storage, shade, and the boat itself. You still need money for food and drinks at Maslinica or the beach bar.

The price makes the most sense if you are staying in Split or Trogir for a short visit. You can see the Blue Lagoon and two additional coastal stops in half a day, then return to your base without the planning burden of comparing ferries, taxi boats, and local transport.

It is less compelling if you already have access to a private boat or want long hours at one quiet beach. The schedule is designed for variety. You will sample several places, not claim a whole cove for the day.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this excursion for couples, friends, families with older children, and first-time visitors who want an easy taste of island life. It works especially well for people who value swimming but also want a village stop and a casual drink by the water.

It is also a good pick for a group that wants a lively, social outing without a huge boat. The music, speed, swimming, and friendly crew create more energy than a quiet sailing trip.

You should think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming from an anchored vessel, and handling a bumpy ride when the sea is active.

Bring a hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash. Your own snorkeling mask may be preferable if you have one, though equipment is provided. Pack a light jacket for cooler conditions, and do not count on the included coffee and water as a substitute for a meal.

My call on the Ria Tours island trip

I would book this if I had one free half-day in Split or Trogir and wanted more than a city walk. The strongest reasons are the manageable five-hour length, the small boat, the excellent swimming time at the Blue Lagoon, and the contrast between Maslinica and the final cove.

The main caution is that this is weather dependent and active rather than polished sightseeing. You may get music, spray, wave jumps, and a fast ride. You may also find that one stop feels quieter or less impressive than another.

For the best odds of a smooth day, choose warm weather, bring a jacket outside midsummer, and keep the day flexible. If you want sunset on the way back, book the afternoon slot. If swimming conditions and dependable timing matter most, choose the morning.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

You can depart from Mletački mul on Split’s Riva or from in front of Kamerlengo Fortress in Trogir. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book.

How long is the experience?

The advertised duration is 270 minutes to five hours. The trip includes boat rides and three stops, with about 90 minutes at the Blue Lagoon and about one hour at each of the other two stops.

What islands and locations does the tour visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon near Veliki Drvenik, Maslinica on Šolta, and a final stop at Duga Cove or Branac Bay near Beach Bar Borkko on Čiovo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided. The life jackets are intended for emergency use, not regular swimming.

Is food included in the price?

No. The tour includes one bottled water and coffee, but food is not included. You should bring cash for food or drinks at the stops.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash. If the outside temperature is below about 27 or 28 degrees Celsius, bring a light jacket for the speedboat ride.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The skipper can adjust or cancel the trip if sea or weather conditions are unsafe. If the operator cancels, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.