REVIEW · BLUE LAGOON TOURS
Split Boat Trip Half-Day: Blue Lagoon, Trogir & Čiovo
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Speedboats and turquoise water in one tidy trip. You get Blue Lagoon swimming and snorkeling, plus a walk through UNESCO-listed Trogir, all paced so you still feel like you saw a lot. The one thing to think about: if the sea turns rough, expect the ride to feel brisk and the route can shift.
I especially like how this trip keeps the group small, with room for real conversation and good music while you bounce island to island. Guides like Nino and Theresa have a knack for setting a relaxed pace, and you’ll appreciate that when you’re heading from swim time to old-town streets.
In This Review
- Key Points You’ll Care About
- Split to Speed: What the Boat Ride Feels Like
- Blue Lagoon on Drvenik: The Water You Came For
- Snorkeling and Underwater Life in Clear Bays
- Čiovo and Borkko Beach Bar: Swim, Sip, Repeat
- Trogir UNESCO and Little Venice Channels on Foot
- Game of Thrones Unsullied Filming Sites in Trogir
- Timing, Music, and Why This Feels Like a Real Escape
- Price and Value: What the $69 Includes (and What You Handle)
- Comfort, Safety, and Who Should Skip This Trip
- Should You Book This Blue Lagoon, Čiovo, and Trogir Trip?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point in Split?
- How long is the trip?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is food and drinks included?
- Do I get snorkeling equipment?
- What if the weather is rough?
- Are pets allowed?
- Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Key Points You’ll Care About

- A 12-passenger speedboat keeps the experience personal and not cattle-car crowded
- Blue Lagoon water is shallow and clear, with a sandy-and-shell seafloor that turns the sea blue
- Snorkeling gear (goggles) is provided, so you can focus on seeing underwater life
- Čiovo stop at Borkko pairs a swim with straightforward beach-bar lounging right by the water
- Trogir walk through UNESCO lanes includes Game of Thrones filming locations tied to the Unsullied
Split to Speed: What the Boat Ride Feels Like

This is the kind of trip that starts fast and then settles in. You meet at the Gray Line office on Split’s Riva promenade, right next to the entrance to Diocletian’s cellars. From there, you’re heading out by speedboat with an English-speaking captain and crew, and you’ll be on the water quickly.
The boat is built for a summer day: designed to move, but also to feel comfortable for a group of about 12 passengers. Several people loved that size, saying it felt safe and not overly tight, even if the ride has an adrenaline edge at times. If you’re sensitive to motion, I’d treat the “speed” part seriously.
You also need to plan for wind. Even in warm weather, being on a boat means you can get chilly. Bring the warm layer you packed for evenings in Split, plus your sunglasses and sun hat.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Split
Blue Lagoon on Drvenik: The Water You Came For

After about a 30-minute ride, the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon on the southeastern side of Drvenik island. This is the stop people talk about because the water is shallow and clear, sitting over a seafloor of sand and crushed shells. That combination is part of why the lagoon looks so blue in person, not just in photos.
Here’s what that means for you once you’re there. You can usually swim without feeling like you’re far from shore, and it’s a natural place to ease into the water. The lagoon setting also makes it easier to take your time: you can float, swim, or just hang out while the boat crew manages the next move.
If you like snorkeling, this is one of the best moments of the day. The crew provides snorkeling equipment—specifically goggles—so you’re not stuck improvising. You’ll see underwater textures and movement that stand out because the bottom is light and the water is clear.
Snorkeling and Underwater Life in Clear Bays

The trip isn’t only about staring at the surface. You’ll also get time to explore underwater life while snorkeling, including around the area of Necujam Bay. The idea is simple: gear on, water time, and then back to land when you’re done.
What I like about this setup is how low-pressure it feels. You’re not trying to do a whole training session. You’re just using the time at the stops in the most practical way—short enough to stay comfortable, long enough to notice fish and sea life.
Two practical notes help your experience. First, swimwear matters here more than you think, since you’ll want to switch from boat to water quickly. Second, pack your towel so you can dry off and stay comfortable between stops, especially when you’re headed back toward town.
Čiovo and Borkko Beach Bar: Swim, Sip, Repeat

Next up is Čiovo Island, where the day pivots from sea time to easy vacation mode. The stop is centered on Borkko, a beach bar right by the water. Think of it as the “we earned this” moment: crystal-clear sea around you, and a lounge-like setting where you can take a breath.
This part of the tour works well if you want variety. One moment you’re in motion on a speedboat, and then you’re sitting still with the water in front of you. People highlighted the beach bar stop as a favorite because it felt fun without being complicated—just swim, relax, and enjoy the view.
Also, this is a good time to reset for walking later. Trogir’s streets can be uneven and you’ll likely be on your feet, so don’t treat the break like a quick stop—use it as recovery.
Food and drinks are not included, so come ready. Bring what you packed with the option to buy nothing, or pick up what you like before the tour if that’s easier for you. The tour asks you to bring food and drinks, so plan to take advantage of that.
Trogir UNESCO and Little Venice Channels on Foot

Then the plan turns historical in the best way: you get to stretch your legs in Trogir, a UNESCO-protected old town. It’s often called Little Venice, and the nickname isn’t random. The channels and waterways around the town create a lagoon-and-bridge feeling that looks lovely in motion and even better when you pause.
Here’s a detail I found especially interesting: the surrounding channels are described as actually sinking, and they’ve been there since the Greeks colonized this coastline around 2,400 years ago. That gives you a new way to look at the waterfront—less like a decoration, more like a landscape that has shaped the town for a long time.
You’ll also appreciate the pace. Guides are known for timing the day so you’re not rushed through the old town. People praised the flow, saying it wasn’t too long at each stop and wasn’t too short either. That kind of balance is hard to get right on island-hopping days.
If you like photos, bring your patience. The best angles in Trogir tend to come when you slow down and walk the quiet lanes rather than only chasing the obvious waterfront view.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Split
Game of Thrones Unsullied Filming Sites in Trogir

This is the part that can surprise you, even if you think you only signed up for swimming. In Trogir, you’ll trace the steps of the Unsullied and visit filming sites connected to Game of Thrones.
What makes this valuable is that it connects a pop-culture reference to real streets. Instead of reading about a scene later, you get to walk through the same type of stone-and-water setting where scenes were made. It adds meaning to the walk, especially if you’re a fan of the show.
Guides with strong local storytelling tend to make these moments land. In the experience, people specifically mentioned guides like Theresa and Frankie for bringing history and island context into the walk. You don’t need to be a superfan to enjoy it, but if the show got you curious about Croatia, this is a fun way to turn that curiosity into a stroll.
Timing, Music, and Why This Feels Like a Real Escape

Even though the trip is described as half-day, it manages to feel like a full reset because the stops are spaced around water and then old-town walking. The rhythm is the point: speedboat out, swim and snorkel, lounge at a beach bar, then walk through a UNESCO town before heading back.
The smaller boat also helps the mood. Several people mentioned good vibes, fun music, and that the ride didn’t feel overcrowded. That matters, because a busy boat can turn “island time” into “survival time.” Here, the 12-passenger size makes it easier to enjoy the day rather than just endure it.
You’ll also get that crowd-avoidance benefit that comes from going out on the water. One review singled out that it can help you dodge the heavier afternoon crush, which makes sense: you’re not stuck on the same sidewalks while everyone else is trying to see the same highlights.
Price and Value: What the $69 Includes (and What You Handle)

At about $69 per person, this trip can feel like a good deal for a three-part day plan: speedboat transport, major swim time, and guided exploration time in Trogir. The included items are what you’d want if you like convenience:
- Transportation on a comfortable speedboat
- An English-speaking captain and crew
- Snorkeling equipment (goggles)
- Insurance and VAT
What’s not included is just as important. You’re responsible for food and drinks, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. That’s common for Split tours, but you should still plan to get to the Gray Line office on Riva on your own.
From a value standpoint, the biggest “win” is that you’re paying for movement and access: you’re getting from Split to the lagoon and back by boat, not by ferry transfers and waiting around. You’re also getting structured time at the stops rather than wandering without a plan.
If you want a day that mixes sea time and a real old town without planning your own mini-expedition, this price makes sense.
Comfort, Safety, and Who Should Skip This Trip
The boat experience has an edge. People described it as sometimes thrilling, and others said they got used to the speed quickly. The key point for you is that you’re on a speedboat, so you should expect motion.
The tour is not suitable for:
- children under 3 years
- pregnant women
- people with back problems
- people with mobility impairments
- wheelchair users
- people with pre-existing medical conditions
Pets are also not allowed.
If any of those apply, don’t force it. Even when the crew is skilled and you’re treated well, the physical reality of speedboats and water access won’t change. For everyone else, the safety record people mention tends to come from competent driving and clear crew management.
Weather matters too. The operator can change the route if there’s bad weather or rough sea conditions. That’s not a guarantee of a perfect day, but it is a sign they’re thinking about practical safety rather than sticking to a script no matter what.
Should You Book This Blue Lagoon, Čiovo, and Trogir Trip?
Book it if you want an efficient Split day that mixes swimming, snorkeling, and a UNESCO walk without turning into a logistical project. I’d especially recommend it if you’re the type who likes a plan but still wants time to relax—Blue Lagoon for water time, Borkko for downtime, and Trogir for streets and views.
Skip or choose something gentler if you’re sensitive to boat motion or you fall into the trip’s non-suitable categories. Also, go in knowing food and drinks are on you, so come prepared with what you like and use the stops intentionally.
If your ideal vacation includes clear water, a bit of speed, and a meaningful old town stroll with Game of Thrones filming stops for extra fun, this is a strong pick.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point in Split?
You meet at the Gray Line office on the Riva promenade in Split, next to the entrance to Diocletian’s cellars.
How long is the trip?
It’s described as a half-day summer getaway.
What’s included in the price?
Included are transportation in a comfortable speedboat, an English-speaking captain and crew, snorkeling goggles, insurance, and VAT.
Is food and drinks included?
No. Food and drinks are not included.
Do I get snorkeling equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment (goggles) is provided.
What if the weather is rough?
In case of bad weather or rough sea conditions, the provider can change the route.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not allowed.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.































