Blue Lagoon feels like a shortcut to summer. In half a day, you’ll ride a fast little boat from Split to the clear waters by Drvenik Island, with Blue Lagoon and UNESCO Trogir on the return.

I love that snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to pack extra kit. I also like the Okrug Gornji break, where you can swim, lounge, and swing by Borkko beach bar for that classic Dalmatian beach vibe.

One catch: it’s not suitable if you’re pregnant, have back problems, need wheelchair access, or are traveling with a child under 3. Rough weather can also mean the route changes or the tour cancels for safety.

Key things to love on this Split speedboat day

• Small-group feel with a half-day pace that gets you out of Split fast
• Blue Lagoon water that looks unreal thanks to the shallow sandy seabed with crushed shells
• About 1.5 hours to swim in Blue Lagoon before the next stop
• Snorkel setup is mostly handled (gear is included, but double-check the snorkeling pipe)
• Okrug Gornji + Borkko beach bar for a real break from sightseeing
• Trogir Old Town time on your own in a UNESCO setting, with no guide in town

Speedboat from Split: where you meet and what the timing feels like

This tour runs as a classic “out and back” half-day: you leave Split by speedboat, spend your swim time at the water stops, then finish with a Trogir wander and cruise home.

Your meet-up point is at Obala Lazareta 3, 21 000 Split, right at the end of the Riva promenade. It’s across from the Riva parking area, near the tourist bus terminal. Arrive 15 minutes early so check-in stays smooth. You’ll also want your voucher ready (digital or printed) when you check in.

On the water, the schedule is built around a 4.5-hour speedboat tour. That matters because you’re not losing half the day to slow transport. One thing I like about this style of day trip is the balance: you get enough time to actually swim and snorkel, but you’re also back in time to enjoy the rest of Split without feeling wrecked.

Also, the boat experience tends to be comfortable. One rider noted a clean, modern boat sized for nearly 20 people, and that kind of cap usually means you’re not packed in like sardines.

Blue Lagoon by Drvenik Island: turquoise water and snorkeling time

The headline stop is the Blue Lagoon, located near three small islets around Drvenik Island. This is the place for the “how is the water this color?” moment.

Here’s what makes it special: the lagoon is shallow, and the seabed is sandy with crushed shells. That mix creates the intense turquoise glow you’re picturing when you book this trip.

You get about 1.5 hours for swimming in the Blue Lagoon, which is a solid window. It’s long enough to do two things well: relax and take your time getting in, and then still have a real go at snorkeling (instead of rushing through it).

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to hunt down a mask and snorkel in Split. One practical tip: if you’re planning to snorkel seriously, ask specifically for the snorkeling pipe during the gear handout. Some people weren’t given it, even though they expected it, and it’s the kind of small mismatch that can ruin the experience if you don’t catch it early.

If you’re more of a sit-and-swim person, you’ll still enjoy it. The lagoon setting is made for sunbathing and easy floating, not just for hardcore swimmers.

Okrug Gornji and Borkko beach bar: a real island break on Čiovo

After Blue Lagoon, you continue to the island of Čiovo, with a stop in Okrug Gornji. This part of the route is less about big-ticket landmarks and more about giving you a change of pace.

The standout here is the water-and-beach atmosphere. Okrug Gornji is known for clear waters and a relaxing vibe, and the itinerary gives you time to swim or sunbathe again. This is also where the tour hits a famous local hangout: Borkko beach bar.

You can expect that “summer on the Adriatic” feel: soft lounge music, drinks, and a salty breeze that makes everything slow down a notch. Food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to pay at the bar or bring your own. I like knowing this in advance, because it helps you control your budget. A good money-saver tip from the field: bring drinks if you want to avoid steep prices on the island.

If you’re traveling with friends, this stop is great for casual chatting. If you’re traveling with family, it’s also a kinder pace than “one more viewpoint.” You’re simply given time to enjoy the coast.

Trogir UNESCO Old Town: stone streets, architecture, and free time

The final stop is Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trogir’s charm comes from its layered architecture: you’ll see examples of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles as you stroll.

This is also where the nickname Little Venice makes sense. You’ll be on stone streets, moving between historic buildings and viewpoints that feel classic and walkable. The tour gives you free time to explore at your own pace.

One important detail: there’s no guide in Trogir included. So go in with a plan for how you want to use the time. If you like structure, pick a few “must-walk” lanes near the historic core and then wander from there. If you like photos, save your energy for the best light of the day rather than trying to tick every box.

I’d also treat this stop as your chance for an easy treat. One practical suggestion you’ll hear often here is to grab gelato while you’re walking, because it fits the tempo of Trogir perfectly.

The return ride from Split: music, humor, and sunset odds

The boat ride back is where the tour can feel like more than just transportation. Speedboats can be breezy and loud, but that can work in your favor: the day feels like a compact adventure, not a long grind.

A big mood-maker is the skipper. You might get a guide who keeps the energy up with music, which is especially fun because you’re already out in open sea and sun. One skipper named Ivan was mentioned for a friendly, upbeat approach and keeping a relaxed atmosphere going during the cruise.

Timing matters for the return view. The tour offers morning or afternoon departures, and an afternoon trip can line you up for a sunset return back to Split. Even if you don’t chase sunsets, the light on the coastline is worth experiencing from the water.

If you’re prone to seasickness, this is still a relatively short day, but the speedboat is fast and you’ll be exposed to wind. Bring sunglasses and be ready for salt spray.

Price and value: why $76 can make sense for this route

At around $76 per person, the price lands in the midrange for boat-and-town half-day trips. The real question is what you’re getting for that money.

Here’s what’s included:

• Speedboat tour
• Skipper
• Fuel
• Snorkeling gear

What’s not included:

• Food and drinks
• Guide in Trogir (you’re on your own once you arrive)

For value, I’d focus on two things. First, you’re paying to skip the slow approach and instead get a fast route from Split to Blue Lagoon with a tight schedule. Second, snorkeling gear being included saves you time and hassle.

If you show up hungry and thirsty, you’ll spend extra on drinks at the beach bar. So if you like to control costs, use the Okrug Gornji stop as your budget decision point: buy what you want there, or bring a couple of drinks and keep it simple.

Also, it’s worth paying attention to the “small group” promise. Even if the boat holds close to twenty people, you’re still looking at a more personal feeling than big group bus tours.

Who this tour suits, and who should think twice

This trip is a great match if you want a water-first day and you like a simple plan. It’s especially appealing for:

• Families and groups of friends who want easy swimming time
• People who want Blue Lagoon + Trogir without organizing transport twice
• Anyone who enjoys free time in a historic town once the sun-and-sea portion is done

But it’s not for everyone. The tour isn’t suitable for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Wheelchair users
• Pets are not allowed

If any of those apply, you’ll need a different type of tour that’s easier on your body and logistics. Speedboat days are fun, but they’re also physical: you’ll be stepping on and off and spending time in open-sea conditions.

Practical tips before you go: pack smarter and show up ready

Bring the basics so the day stays effortless:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Less exciting, but important: protect your skin. The day is built around sun, and you’ll spend time in and around the water where sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Also, double-check your voucher at check-in (digital or printed). If you arrive late, don’t plan on improvising. Late arrivals and no-shows aren’t eligible for a refund, so aim for that early arrival.

Finally, weather can affect the plan. In bad weather or rough sea conditions, the provider can change the route or cancel for safety, and boat type can change for the day. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed. It just means you’re traveling on the Adriatic, and conditions matter.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon and Trogir half-day tour?

If you want swimming and snorkeling with minimal hassle, this tour is one of the more efficient ways to do it from Split. The Blue Lagoon stop is the main event, and the built-in Trogir time means you don’t have to choose between beach time and an actual historic town.

Book it if:

• You like a structured half-day that still leaves you free to enjoy Trogir
• You want snorkeling with gear included
• You’re choosing between a “boat day only” and a “city day only,” and you want both

Skip or reconsider if:

• You need wheelchair access or you’re not comfortable with boat conditions
• You’re very strict about food/drinks budgets and don’t want to pay on stops (though you can plan around it)
• You’re traveling with a small child under 3

If you’re flexible and you like the idea of clear water, quick sea views, and a real UNESCO town walk, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour from Split?

The tour is described as a 4.5-hour speedboat experience on the water, built into a half-day trip that includes stops at Blue Lagoon and Trogir.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included as part of the tour.

Do food and drinks come with the trip?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to pay at stops or bring your own items if you prefer.

Will I have a guide when we visit Trogir?

No. A guide in Trogir is not included, so you’ll have free time to explore on your own.

Where exactly is the meeting point in Split?

Meet at Obala Lazareta 3, 21 000 Split, at the end of the Riva promenade. It’s across from the Riva parking near the tourist bus terminal. Arrive about 15 minutes early.

Is the tour suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?

It isn’t suitable for children under 3. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, and pets are not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Canyoning advanced on Cetina river from OmišPure Cycling Experience – Road BikeRafting with cave exploring & cliff jumping |Go Pro 12|Split Tour by Electric Tuk-Tuk: Top City Highlights