From Trogir & Vinišće: Vela Rina, Maslinica & Blue Lagoon

Three islands, one easy swim day.

This boat trip along Dalmatia lines up Vela Rina and the Blue Lagoon, with crystal-clear water breaks you can plan around. I like how it mixes motion (boat ride between coves) with simple beach time, so you get variety without complicated logistics.

I also like the human side of the day: you get real town time in Maslinica on Šolta, plus lunch onboard to keep you fueled. One thing to consider is the start: you must pick the correct boarding location (Trogir or Vinišće) and allow extra time, because once you reach Drvenik Mali you’ll also do a short 10-15 minute walk to Bay Vela Rina.

Key things you will love on this boat tour

• Crystal-clear swimming at Vela Rina on Drvenik Mali (Borak), plus a great photo stop by the bay
• A swim-friendly schedule with about one hour at Vela Rina, 1.5 hours in Maslinica, and about one hour at the Blue Lagoon
• Onboard lunch included, with fish, meat, or vegetarian options noted by passengers
• Maslinica time on Šolta, including a chance to visit Martinis-Marchi Castle
• Blue Lagoon free time at Krknjaši, where you can swim and even jump from the boat
• A drink service during the day, with reports of unlimited drinks and even a taste of local alcohol

From Trogir or Vinišće: starting times and how the day flows

This is a classic Adriatic day trip, built for people who want sea time without committing to a whole multi-day island stay. You either start in Trogir at 8:45 AM or from Vinišće at 10:00 AM, then return later that afternoon (around 5:00 PM to Trogir, about 6:00 PM to Vinišće). That timing matters because it shapes your swimming windows, and you end with the Blue Lagoon when the water is usually calm and inviting.

The day has a clear rhythm: first, you go to a bay on Drvenik Mali for a focused swim break. Then you eat onboard, shift to Maslinica for town time and another swim option, and finish with the Blue Lagoon at Drvenik Veli.

You should also plan for the realities of a small group boat tour. Hotel pickup is not part of the deal, so you’ll get yourself to the meeting point. Crew languages are Croatian and English, which makes communication easy even if you’re not speaking the local language.

Drvenik Mali (Borak) and Bay Vela Rina: your first water stop

Your first island stop is Drvenik Mali, also called Borak. From there, you walk 10-15 minutes to Bay Vela Rina. It is not a long hike, but it is enough to mean you should wear shoes that feel steady, even if you’re also wearing swimwear under your clothes.

Once you arrive, the tone shifts fast from walking to water time. You get about one hour at Vela Rina, and the key point is simple: the water is crystal clear, perfect for spotting your footing while swimming or snorkeling around the bay. Bring your camera, because this is exactly the kind of cove where the sea looks like it’s lit from underneath.

There’s also a small cafe next to the beach, so if you want a coffee or something similar after swimming, you can do it without trekking anywhere. This is a small detail, but it makes the stop feel more relaxed, like you have options rather than one strict activity block.

Lunch onboard: the included meal that actually feels worth it

After you head back to the boat from Vela Rina, you get lunch onboard. Lunch is included, and there are fish, meat, or vegetarian choices. That choice variety matters on island days, because it lets vegetarians and non-seafood eaters feel like the meal is built for them, not forced.

What makes the onboard meal feel like better value is the whole service pattern. There’s a drink setup during the day, and passengers have noted that drinks are ready when you come back after each stop, with one review describing unlimited drinks and even a chance to try a typical local alcohol. You should treat that as a bonus you may experience, not a guarantee every single time, but either way, plan to use the onboard drink service rather than paying for refreshments later.

If you’re the type who gets snacky between swims, this is the middle anchor of the day. Still, the tour asks you to bring your own snacks and water, so pack a little extra. That way, you’re never stuck waiting for the next official break.

Maslinica on Šolta and Martinis-Marchi Castle: a real town break

Next comes Maslinica on the island of Šolta. You get about one and a half hours here, which is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to slow down, walk around, and still have time to swim if you want.

Maslinica is not just a background stop. You can use the time to explore the town and its waterfront feel, and there’s a cultural anchor: the Martinis-Marchi Castle, built in the early 18th century. Even if you only catch part of it, it gives Maslinica more character than a standard beach-and-back stop.

This is also where you can mix in the simple traveler pleasures. The schedule includes time to walk, buy a souvenir, stop for coffee, and even get ice cream if the mood hits. And yes, there’s a chance to swim during this segment too, so you can keep your water time going even between islands.

If you’re trying to balance photos with something more than just scenery, Maslinica is what makes this tour feel like a complete day, not just a sequence of swims.

Drvenik Veli’s Krknjaši Blue Lagoon: swim, snorkel, and jump

The final stop is Bay Krknjaši, commonly called the Blue Lagoon, on Drvenik Veli. This is your last big water block, with about one hour of free time. The tour is built around the idea that you’ll spend this stretch in the sea, not just staring at it.

You can swim, and the plan explicitly supports snorkeling in the clear Adriatic water. That means you should bring goggles or whatever setup you normally use if snorkeling is your thing. Even without fancy gear, this is one of those spots where the clarity makes a difference, because you can often see right through the water’s surface while swimming.

One of the more fun parts here is the option to jump from the boat. It’s not for everyone, but if you like that playful jump-in moment, this is where it tends to happen. Just use good common sense, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.

What to pack for Adriatic swims and boat time

This day works best if you pack smart. The tour gives you swim time and lots of sun, so come prepared. I recommend treating this like a beach day plus a short walk.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A sun hat (or another hat)
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera (the bays are photo-friendly)
• Snacks and water for between-service gaps

Wear:

• Comfortable clothing that you can change in and out of
• Shoes suitable for the 10-15 minute walk to Bay Vela Rina, plus rocky or uneven shorelines you might step on

Also, bring a little patience. Boat days move by timing, not by your personal schedule. If you come with the mindset of enjoying each stop when it arrives, you’ll get more out of the day.

Price and value at about $70 per person

At around $70 per person, this tour sits in the middle of the “worth it” range for boat-based day trips. The value comes from how much is included.

You get:

• The boat ride between islands and bays
• Lunch onboard
• Time at Drvenik Mali (Borak) and Bay Vela Rina
• Time in Maslinica on Šolta
• Time at the Blue Lagoon (Bay Krknjaši)
• Free time for swimming at the main water stops

That combination is what you’re really paying for. If you tried to recreate it on your own, you’d be juggling ferries or local transport, then separately arranging a boat stop for the best swimming coves, then figuring out food. Here, it’s bundled into one smooth day.

What is not included is personal spending, plus hotel pickup and drop-off. So the best way to make this value work is to arrive ready for a full day outdoors and bring any personal snacks, drinks, or extras you want beyond lunch.

Who this boat trip is best for

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A single-day mix of swimming coves and a real island town
• Clear-water stops around Trogir and Šolta
• A schedule that gives you time to cool off, eat, and explore without rushing every minute

It is also a good choice for groups, because a boat day naturally keeps things social without requiring long walks through crowds.

The main reason it might not fit is the short walk at Drvenik Mali, plus the basic reality that this is outdoors the whole time. If you dislike any walking at all or want zero sun exposure, you may prefer a different style of tour.

Should you book the Trogir and Vinišće islands tour?

If your priority is crystal-clear water, plus a town break in Maslinica and a proper onboard lunch, I’d say yes. The itinerary makes practical sense: first swim at Vela Rina, then fuel, then a cultural and relaxing pause in Maslinica, then the Blue Lagoon finish with swimming and even jumps.

Book it if you are comfortable with a 10-15 minute walk and you’ll show up on time for the correct boarding point. Before you go, double-check whether you are starting from Trogir or Vinišće, and plan to arrive early so you do not waste energy worrying about logistics.

FAQ

Where are the departure points, and what times should I plan for?

The tour departs from Trogir at 8:45 AM or from Vinišće at 10:00 AM. You should arrive at the starting point about 15 minutes before departure.

Do I need to choose Trogir or Vinišće when booking?

Yes. The boarding point depends on the option you book, so you should indicate where you will board, Trogir or Vinišće, right away when booking.

How long do we stop at each main location?

You’ll have about one hour at Bay Vela Rina on Drvenik Mali, about one and a half hours in Maslinica on Šolta, and about one hour at Bay Krknjaši (the Blue Lagoon) on Drvenik Veli.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on board is included, and it can be fish, meat, or vegetarian.

Is Bay Vela Rina reachable by boat only?

Not entirely. From Drvenik Mali, you walk about 10-15 minutes to reach Bay Vela Rina.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat (or hat), swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and plan for snacks and water. Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and swimming are also important.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Swimming time is included, and the tour highlights swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear Adriatic waters during the stops.