From Split: Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Trogir Speedboat Tour

Trogir’s stone lanes, the Blue Lagoon’s clear water and a small island harbor make a lively half-day loop from Split. The 4.5-hour speedboat trip pairs a UNESCO-listed old town with time for swimming, so you get more than a boat ride and more than a quick history stop.

I like the contrast between Trogir’s medieval streets and the open-water Blue Lagoon, and the compact route makes a good use of limited time in Split. The boats carry just 8 to 12 people, which gives this outing a more personal feel than a large sightseeing boat.

The trade-off is that three stops in four and a half hours leave little room to linger. Trogir gets one hour, and one guest wished for more town time and less beach time; if you want a long lunch or an unhurried museum visit, this schedule may feel brisk.

At a glance

• Trogir gets a one-hour visit: See the UNESCO-listed old town, including its stone lanes, cathedral and Venetian fortresses.
• The Blue Lagoon is the main swim stop: You have an hour for swimming, snorkeling or relaxing by the pebble beach.
• Maslinica adds a village-and-water break: The final stop is a small fishing village on Šolta, with a local bar, swimming and options for seafood or a glass of local wine.
• The ride is part of the outing: Expect several speedboat legs, including a 30-minute ride from Split to Trogir.
• The group is small, but the boat is open to the elements: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear and a change of clothes.
• Food and drinks cost extra: The $88 fare covers the boat, captain and crew, snorkeling equipment and insurance, but not meals or drinks.

A compact trip from Split by speedboat

This tour links three very different places in a single half-day: Trogir’s historic center, a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon and Maslinica on Šolta. The route is useful if you have limited time in Split and want a taste of both Dalmatian heritage and the coast without planning separate transport.

The advertised duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. The speedboat carries 8 to 12 people, and a captain and crew accompany the group. That size can make boarding and moving between stops less cumbersome than on a large boat, but it does not turn the trip into a private charter.

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. On the first 30-minute leg, you can look back toward Split and out toward the islands; later rides connect each stop. Expect wind and sun, and remember that the boat is transportation as well as a place to sit between visits.

First stop: Trogir’s stone streets and cathedral

After about 30 minutes by speedboat, you reach Trogir, often called the Little Venice of Dalmatia or the Stone Beauty. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its Romanesque and Gothic buildings give you a clear change of pace from Split’s waterfront.

You have one hour of free time. That is enough to walk through some of the old town and see its main sights from the outside, but not enough to explore every museum, church and lane at length. I would use the hour to follow the stone streets toward St. Lawrence Cathedral, then continue along the waterfront and past the town’s Venetian fortifications.

The cathedral is a particular highlight. Its portal was carved by Master Radovan in the 13th century, a detail worth keeping in mind as you look closely at the stonework. The town also has two fortresses built by the Venetians as a naval base in this part of the Adriatic; Kamerlengo Fortress sits at the western end of the islet and now serves as a venue for cultural events, including open-air cinema.

Other landmarks on the walk include the Town Gate, Town Hall, Ćipiko Palace and Trogir Museum. With so little time, choose a few rather than treating the stop as a checklist. If you want to eat, traditional Dalmatian restaurants are available, but the hour may not leave much time for a relaxed meal.

That is the main compromise of the tour. One guest who took the trip in May felt Trogir and Šolta deserved more time and found there was no chance to stop for food or a drink. If Trogir is your priority, consider visiting independently on another day, or make peace with a brisk first look.

Blue Lagoon: an hour for water and sun

A 15-minute boat ride from Trogir brings you to the Blue Lagoon, where the plan shifts from old stones to clear water. The stop lasts about an hour, with time to swim, use snorkeling equipment and relax on the boat or the nearby pebble beach lined with pine trees.

The lagoon is the tour’s best chance to slow down. You can get in the water or stay dry and enjoy the setting, then use the nearby bar or restaurant if you want to buy a drink or something to eat. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Snorkeling equipment is listed as included, but do not assume every departure will hand it out without prompting. One guest said no gear was offered on their trip, so ask the crew early if you plan to snorkel. The tour description notes that the water is transparent, but your view will depend on conditions on the day.

An hour gives you a proper swim break, not a full beach afternoon. If you are happiest with long stretches on shore, the stop may feel short; if you want a refreshing dip between boat rides, it fits neatly into the route. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes so you are not stuck sitting wet for the rest of the outing.

Maslinica on Šolta: a final harbor pause

The last named stop is Maslinica, a small fishing village on the island of Šolta. The village is described as a picturesque harbor surrounded by small islands, with beaches and a reputation for seafood. The itinerary allows about an hour at a local bar, with time for a break and swimming.

This is a gentler finish than another historic-town visit. You can pause by the coast, take a swim or buy a meal or a glass of local wine. Since meals and drinks are extra, budget for them if you want to make the stop a food break rather than simply a short pause.

The timing is still tight if you hope to sit down for a leisurely lunch. One guest specifically wished for more time in Šolta as well as Trogir, and that is useful to know if a long meal is central to your plans. Think of Maslinica as a chance to sample the island atmosphere, not a full day on Šolta.

What the boat ride adds, and what it asks of you

The speedboat is more than a transfer between points. It gives you panoramic views of Split and the islands, and lets you cover several coastal stops in a short window. For a visitor with only a few days in Dalmatia, that combination of transport and sightseeing can be a practical use of time.

There is a flip side: speedboats are exposed to wind, sun and engine noise. One guest found it hard to hear the guide over the motor, especially when the guide was facing away while speaking. If you want to catch the commentary, sit where you can see the guide and ask them to repeat anything you miss.

The overall mood can depend on the crew and the group. One outing included a DJ and music, and the guest praised the boat’s condition, the careful driving and the crew’s explanations. Another guest praised guide Denny by name. These details suggest the ride can be sociable and upbeat, but they are not guarantees that every departure will have the same guide or music.

Is $88 good value for this route?

At $88 per person, you are paying for 4.5 hours of transport by speedboat, a captain and crew, snorkeling equipment and insurance. The value lies in combining Trogir, the Blue Lagoon and Maslinica in one outing, rather than paying for separate transfers and arranging your own route.

It is a stronger fit if you want variety and convenience than if you want depth at any one stop. Trogir’s hour is a sampler, and the water stops divide the rest of the time. You are also responsible for food and drinks, and the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

The price is easier to justify if you plan to swim and enjoy the boat ride as much as the sightseeing. If your main aim is to spend half a day studying Trogir’s architecture or lounging on a beach, you may get more from arranging a slower visit on your own.

Packing and practical details before you go

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes and weather-appropriate clothing. The open-air boat and multiple water stops make those items more than a packing checklist: sun protection matters during the rides, while a dry change can make the return journey more comfortable.

The meeting point is the booking stand, and the stated starting location is semiSUBMARINE Split. Check the meeting details for your departure before setting out. Croatian and English are the listed languages for the driver.

The tour is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Alcohol, drugs and explosive substances are not allowed. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold a spot without paying immediately.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would book this if I had a short stay in Split and wanted one outing that combines a historic town, open water and a small island village. It is particularly appealing if you enjoy swimming, are comfortable on a speedboat and prefer a planned route to working out several coastal connections yourself.

It is less suitable if you want long, unstructured time in Trogir or Šolta, a substantial lunch, or a quiet boat ride with uninterrupted commentary. The tight schedule and engine noise are real considerations, not reasons to write off the trip. Go in expecting a quick sampler, ask for snorkeling gear at the Blue Lagoon, and bring your own food and drink budget.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or 4 hours and 30 minutes.

How much time do you get in Trogir?

The scheduled free time in Trogir is one hour.

Can I swim and snorkel?

Yes. The Blue Lagoon stop includes time for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is listed as included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy them at stops, including at a bar or restaurant near the Blue Lagoon and in Maslinica.

How many people fit on the speedboat?

The boats used for the tour have a capacity of 8 to 12 people.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is the booking stand, and the starting location is listed as semiSUBMARINE Split. Check your booking details for the precise meeting instructions.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.