Speedboats and snorkel stops in one long day. I like how the small-group size (about 12 people) keeps the trip relaxed while you zoom past the Dalmatian coast to Milna, Hvar, the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, and then the Blue Lagoon.

The included snorkeling equipment and planned swim windows make the water time feel like the point, not a side activity. The trade-off is that this is still a 10-hour day on open water, and weather can affect how smoothly the hopping works.

Key highlights I’d plan my day around

• 12 people on board means less crowding when you’re boarding, searching for shade, and getting photos done.
• Snorkeling gear is included so you can focus on the water (Blue Lagoon and Pakleni stops) instead of logistics.
• Hvar with real free time plus a chance to reach Fortica for the view.
• Pakleni Islands swimming in a classic Adriatic setting, with a stop near the Carpe Diem area.
• Plenty of pauses across Milna, Maslinica, and the final Blue Lagoon stop so you’re not stuck at the same place all day.

Why This Speedboat Route Works From Split

This tour is built for people who want more than one postcard stop in a single day. You’re not waiting around for ferries or losing hours to slow travel. Instead, you get a fast, fun rhythm: coast views from the boat, short breaks in town, and longer swim/snorkel windows where the water is the star.

The small group part matters more than it sounds. With a boat that carries about 12 people, you don’t feel like you’re constantly negotiating with a crowd at every dock, photo stop, or swim platform. You also tend to get more human-scale attention from the English-speaking crew and skipper, which helps on a day like this where timing and safety are everything.

Getting Started at Smile Travel and Preparing for the Day

Meet in Split at the front of the Smile Travel office. The day starts at Marmontova ul. 5, and the tour returns to the same spot when you’re done. There’s luggage storage available if you don’t want to bring everything on board, and they ask that you contact them if you need it.

Bring what you’d bring for a beach day, then add what makes a boat day easier:

• swimwear and a towel
• a change of clothes
• sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• water and cash (you may want to buy something during free time)

Also, pack with the reality of an outdoor day in mind. You’ll be on deck for long stretches with sun on you, wind on you, and sea spray sometimes. If you’re the type who gets chilled easily on water rides, a light layer can help even in warm weather.

Milna on Brač: Harbor Views and a Calm Village Reset

The first meaningful stop is Milna on Brač Island. This is the kind of place that works as a warm-up: a scenic harbor with fishing boats and stone architecture, plus enough free time to wander at your own pace. I like this stop because it’s not all rushed sightseeing. You can arrive, stretch your legs, take photos of the waterfront, and then get ready for the bigger-name energy ahead.

You’ll also get scenic views while traveling between stops, and that’s part of the value here. Even when you’re not on land, the boat time is doing something for the experience. Milna sets the tone: slower, quieter, and very “local island morning” before the day turns into Hvar and beach-hopping.

What to watch for: Milna is a village stop, so it’s more about wandering and views than lining up major sights. If you want a destination packed with monuments, this is more of a breather stop.

Hvar Town: Old Streets, Fortica Views, and Time for Your Own Choices

Hvar is the big magnet on this route, and you get real time in Hvar town rather than a quick pass. The free time gives you space to explore the Old Town, admire Venetian palaces, and choose your pace between strolling and a bit of sightseeing.

Two Hvar details are worth planning around:

1. Fortica Fortress: the climb is usually worth it because it’s where the view pays you back.
2. The older sites: there’s mention of the oldest theatre in Europe, which adds depth if you like history even a little.

You can also shape this part around food and atmosphere. Hvar is known for a gourmet scene, and the Old Town walking vibe is part of why people come back. If you want beach time later, keep some energy for it, since the rest of the day is swimming-focused.

Possible drawback: Hvar is popular. Even with a small group, this is still a busy town stop. Go early with a plan for where you want your photos, then loosen up once you’re inside the streets.

Pakleni Islands: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Carpe Diem Energy

After Hvar, you head to the Pakleni Islands. This archipelago runs about 10 kilometers and includes roughly 16 islands, so even though you’re only stopping at one swim area, you’re surrounded by variety. This is where the tour leans hard into the water experience.

You’ll get:

• a photo stop
• free time to relax
• time to swim
• snorkeling with the included gear

There’s also a stop near Carpe Diem, which is mentioned as a famous spot in this area. You don’t need to make it your mission to visit a beach club. Even if you just take in the scene from the water and enjoy the swim window, the Pakleni stop is the kind of Adriatic moment that makes the speedboat day feel worth it.

What I like about this stop’s setup is the pacing. You’re not forced to snorkel the entire time. You can swim first, snorkel if you want, then spend the rest watching boats drift by and taking photos.

Šolta Stop for Swimming and Snorkeling: Let the Day Slow Down

Šolta shows up as another swimming and snorkeling chapter. You get time on the water here too, and the stop is built like a break from the town walking. If you’re craving less crowds and more water time, this is a good middle stretch.

This is the kind of stop where you’ll benefit from the snorkeling gear being included. When you don’t have to rent or hunt for equipment, you’re more likely to actually use the water time well. The day already has enough moving parts; removing one of them helps.

Watch your comfort level. Speedboat rides can feel fast and bouncy depending on sea conditions. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions before you board, and stay hydrated. The boat is fast, but the goal is you feeling safe and comfortable, not rushed.

Maslinica on Šolta: Olive Groves, Stone Houses, and a Quiet Harbor Break

Maslinica is a coastal village stop that feels like the “slow travel” moment inside a fast day. The setting is described with a picturesque harbor, traditional stone houses, and lush olive groves. That matters because it gives you a change of scenery between swim stops.

You’ll have time for walking, sightseeing, and free wandering. This is where you can step away from the deck, grab shade, and reset. It’s also a good place to do casual photo stops without feeling like you’re competing with the loudest parts of Hvar.

Practical tip: bring a little cash even if you don’t plan on shopping. Village stops are often where small purchases are simplest during your free time.

Blue Lagoon: Snorkel and Beach Time Before Heading Back

The day ends with the Blue Lagoon stop, and it’s the reason a lot of people book in the first place. This is described as one of the most beautiful Adriatic beaches, with untouched nature and sparkling waters. Translation: expect a clear-water beach vibe where swimming and snorkeling are the main event.

You’ll have:

• break time and free time
• photo opportunities
• time to swim and snorkel

This last stop is also your chance to use any leftover energy. If you’re the type who wants one final long swim, you’re in the right place. If you want to keep it easy, you can still enjoy the scenery and take photos without doing every water activity.

A note on expectations: conditions can change with the sea and weather, and the tour mentions that this activity may be subject to those conditions. So if you see calm water, take full advantage of it.

Speedboat Comfort, Safety, and the On-Board Atmosphere

This is a speedboat day, so it’s not a lazy cruise. The ride is designed to be safe and fast, and you’ll have a licensed skipper, safety gear/life jackets, and passenger insurance. Music is included too, and that small detail actually helps the mood. When you’re bouncing across open water, a good playlist makes the time feel lighter.

From the real experience angle, I’d also plan for the fact that this kind of boat feels quick. One rider compared the speed to something like 60 km/h, and the general point stands: it’s exhilarating, but you should still sit properly, keep your balance, and listen to crew instructions.

If you’re the type who likes photos, the boat movement and coast views are part of the shot. Try to grab camera time during calmer moments, and don’t wait until the last minute when you’re already focused on getting ready for a swim.

Price and Value: What $130 Gets You (and What It Doesn’t)

At around $130 per person for a 10-hour tour, the value isn’t just about the islands. It’s about what’s included that you’d otherwise pay for separately.

Included items that matter:

• speedboat transportation plus fuel
• English-speaking staff and a licensed skipper
• snorkeling equipment and safety gear
• passenger insurance
• tax and fees
• luggage storage (available if you need it)
• a small gift (souvenir)

Not included:

• lunch and food and drinks
• hotel pickup/drop-off

One tricky point: some experiences describe a pizza lunch as a bonus, even though the standard info says lunch isn’t included. I’d treat lunch as date-dependent and confirm what’s actually provided for your departure so you don’t get surprised.

The math that feels fair: if you’re trying to cover Hvar plus several island swim stops in one day, a guided small-group boat with snorkeling gear costs far less than piecing together separate boat rentals, equipment, and transport on your own.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is best for people who:

• like boat travel and don’t mind being on open water
• want a day packed with scenery and swim/snorkel time
• prefer small-group pacing over big bus tours
• can handle a long day of moving between stops

It is not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• people over 65

If any of those apply, it’s worth looking for a different format that’s slower and easier to manage.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon and 5 Islands Speedboat Tour?

If you want one day to combine Hvar town time with serious swim/snorkel stops, I think this tour makes sense. The small group size, included snorkeling gear, and the way the day balances free time with planned water moments are the big reasons it works.

Book it if you’re comfortable with a 10-hour schedule on the water and you can roll with sea conditions. Skip it if you’d rather stay put on land, if motion sickness is an issue for you, or if you need a more accessible pace.

If you do book, do one practical thing before you go: confirm whether any lunch is included for your specific departure, since the info and real-world reports don’t fully agree.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Split?

The tour runs for about 10 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

How big is the group on the speedboat?

The boat holds up to about 12 people, which keeps the day feeling more personal than large group tours.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there are swimming and snorkeling stops at places like the Pakleni Islands and the Blue Lagoon.

What’s the meeting point in Split?

Meet at the front of the Smile Travel office in Split (Marmontova ul. 5). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water, beachwear, a camera, and cash.

Is lunch included?

Lunch and food/drinks are listed as not included. Since some reports mention pizza, it’s smart to confirm what’s actually provided for your departure.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older adults?

It’s not suitable for children under 10 or for people over 65. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments.

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