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

Three islands, one fast boat, no guesswork.

This tour makes the Adriatic feel easy, with a small-group speedboat ride (space for about a dozen) and a clear plan: UNESCO Trogir, swim-and-snorkel time at Blue Lagoon, then a calmer stop on Šolta. I like that the pacing gives you culture and water time, not just one long beach day. I also like that snorkeling gear and safety gear are included, so you can show up, suit up, and go.

Here’s the one catch to keep in mind: 5 hours means short visits, not slow travel. The boat ride can feel a bit bumpy, and at peak season the most popular water stop can still be busy. Also, if weather turns rough, the itinerary can change and Maslinica may be swapped for an alternative.

You meet at the Smile Travel office in Split (Marmontova 5), stash what you do not need, then hop aboard with a licensed skipper. A friendly crew adds music onboard, and you get time to swim, snorkel, and walk at your own pace.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small-group set-up on a speedboat, with room for around 12 and a limit of about 10 participants
• Trogir time is short but focused, perfect for a first taste of this UNESCO town
• Blue Lagoon snorkeling gear included, with time to swim and check marine life
• Maslinica on Šolta offers a quieter harbor-and-olive-grove break
• Weather can change stops, with an option for an alternate date or full refund if canceled

Getting to the Tour: Smile Travel Office in Split

Your day starts in Split at Smile Travel, right in front of their office at Marmontova 5. That matters more than it sounds. If you have ever tried to find a boat meeting point along the harbor, you know why it is worth going to the office first.

You can also store luggage at the office if you do not want to bring everything onto the boat. If you need storage, contact Smile Travel ahead of time (email is mentioned for luggage needs). One handy detail I picked up from a previous guest experience is that staff can meet you right at the agency, which helps if you show up and just want to be pointed to the correct boat quickly. Doris is one name that showed up as a helpful, service-minded greeter.

Speedboat Reality Check: Bumpy Ride, Safe Setup

This is a speedboat tour, so expect a ride that is fast and sometimes choppy. One verified experience notes the ride is a bit bumpy, but that it is normal for a speedboat. Translation: keep your sunglasses on, hold on when you need to, and do not plan to use the ride as a nap session.

On the plus side, you travel with a licensed skipper and the included life jackets and safety gear. Passenger insurance is included too, which is comforting when you are out on open water. The boat is described as high-quality, and onboard there is music, so the trip feels lively rather than stiff.

The group stays small, with space for only about 12 people. That smaller footprint is part of the value. You are not playing human sardines while you look for your towel bag.

Stop One: Trogir in About One Hour (UNESCO Time Well Used)

Trogir is the culture pivot of this tour. After a panoramic approach around Split and the surrounding area, you arrive at a 2000-year-old UNESCO-protected town with a classic stone-and-tile feel. It is often called a museum town because it is built around history and architecture you can simply walk into.

The schedule gives you about 75 minutes in Trogir, and in practice that usually feels like roughly an hour to explore at your own pace. You are not being herded through a checklist. You get time for scenic looks and self-guided wandering, which is exactly what I like for a first visit.

What can go wrong? The main drawback is obvious: 75 minutes can make you want more. If you love slow city wandering and you want to soak up every corner, you may feel slightly rushed. But if you want a UNESCO hit without burning half your day, Trogir is a smart stop.

Stop Two: Blue Lagoon Beach at Drvenik Veli (Snorkel and Swim)

Now we get to the reason most people book. Blue Lagoon Beach at Drvenik Veli Island is one of those places you understand instantly once you see the clear water. You get about 75 minutes here, which is enough time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and take photos you will be tempted to brag about.

Snorkeling is a big deal on this tour because snorkeling equipment is included. The itinerary also lists marine life viewing, which fits with the idea of snorkeling in clear water. If you have never snorkeled before, this is a good entry point because the gear is provided and the stop is designed around water time, not just a quick photo stop.

A fair consideration: this is also described as a popular beach, and one experience mentions stops can be a bit too frequented. In other words, do not expect private solitude in peak summer. You can still have a great time, just be ready for some crowd energy.

Practical move: bring what you need to stay comfortable for water time. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel really matter when you are out in the sun for close to an hour and a half. If you have a change of clothes, you will thank yourself later.

Stop Three: Maslinica on Šolta (A Calmer Harbor Break)

Šolta is where the tour slows its mood. Maslinica is a charming coastal village with a picturesque harbor, traditional stone houses, and lush olive groves. The vibe here is peaceful, the kind of place where you can swim without feeling like you are in a scene.

You get about 75 minutes in Maslinica, again with free time for sightseeing, walking, and relaxing. The point is not to see every building. The point is to get a more authentic island rhythm, then recharge before the return ride.

One important weather note: the itinerary may change depending on conditions, and Maslinica can be replaced with an alternative destination. So if this stop is your favorite part, build in mental flexibility. In rough weather, the priority shifts to safe cruising.

How the 5 Hours Actually Feel (Timing and Order Changes)

The total duration is 5 hours, and the itinerary is built around short speedboat hops plus planned free time. The schedule shows three main stops with speedboat legs between them. Expect:

• time to ride out and arrive
• time to explore Trogir
• time to swim and snorkel at Blue Lagoon
• time to relax in Maslinica

One more detail that helps you plan your expectations: the order of locations can change depending on whether you go in the morning or afternoon. You might still get the same three experiences, but the sequence may differ.

Also, pay attention to how you interpret the time on-water. One experience notes that swim stop time may feel slightly less than advertised, even though it is still plentiful. That can happen when speed, weather, and landing conditions affect timing. The good news is the overall structure still holds, and you are not left stranded or scrambling.

Price and Value: Why $94 Makes Sense for What You Get

At $94 per person for a 5-hour small-group speedboat tour, the value comes from what is included, not just the sightseeing list.

This price covers:

• transportation by speedboat plus fuel
• a licensed skipper
• English-speaking staff
• snorkeling equipment
• life jackets and safety gear
• passenger insurance
• tax and fees

What is not included is food and drinks. So you should budget for water and any snacks you might want to buy or eat later. The tour does advise you to bring water, plus the usual swim essentials.

Why the included snorkeling gear is such a value point: buying decent snorkeling gear elsewhere adds up fast, and it also adds hassle on a short trip. Here, you can show up with your swimwear and towel, then use the provided equipment.

If you are comparing prices, also remember that waterfront tours can sometimes feel cheaper at first glance but leave you paying separately for things like gear, fuel, or insurance. This tour is priced like a packaged day, and that reduces decision fatigue.

Who Should Book This Tour (And Who Might Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want a balanced day out of Split. You get:

• a UNESCO town stop at a pace that is manageable
• a serious beach-and-water stop with snorkeling included
• a quieter island village break on Šolta

It is also a strong choice if you like small groups. The boat capacity is small, and the tour is described as limited to 10 participants, which usually means better attention and less waiting.

Who might not love it:

• If you have back problems, it may not be comfortable on a speedboat.
• If you have mobility impairments, the tour is not listed as suitable.
• If you are pregnant or have limitations, the tour is not considered suitable.
• Very young kids are also not included (not suitable under age 4).
• People over 70 are not listed as suitable.

And if you hate any chance of crowds, note that Blue Lagoon is one of the popular swim stops. You can still enjoy it, just do not expect full privacy.

Packing Checklist That Matches the Day

This tour is simple, but the right packing makes a noticeable difference. Bring:

• sunglasses
• sun hat and sunscreen
• swimwear and beachwear
• change of clothes
• towel
• water
• weather-appropriate clothing

One practical tip: pack like you only have what you can carry easily. You will likely want quick access to swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel, then a dry outfit for the ride afterward.

Booking Decision: Should You Choose This Tour?

I would book this tour if you want a well-structured half-day that mixes Trogir, a major swim stop, and a calmer island village, all with snorkeling gear included and a small-group speedboat ride. It is also a smart pick if you are short on time in Split but still want the feeling of sailing between islands.

I would think twice if you:

• hate bumpy rides from speedboats
• want long, slow time at each stop
• need accessibility support not covered by the tour listing
• are traveling during weather that is questionable and you cannot be flexible

If conditions look rough, the tour can be canceled, and you are given an option for an alternate date or full refund. That safety net matters when you are booking around the sea.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Split?

You meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split at Marmontova 5.

How long is the Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands speedboat tour?

The total duration is 5 hours.

What islands and places do you visit?

The tour includes Trogir, Blue Lagoon Beach on Drvenik Veli Island, and Maslinica on Šolta Island. The order can change depending on the morning or afternoon departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with safety gear and life jackets.

How big is the group and boat?

The tour is a small group limited to about 10 participants, and the boat has room for only 12 people.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is luggage storage available?

Yes, luggage storage is available at the office. If you need it, contact Smile Travel ahead of time.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

The itinerary may change depending on weather. If there is bad weather, the tour will be canceled, and you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and water, plus weather-appropriate clothing.