From Trogir: Three Islands Half-Day Speedboat Tour

The best part of this trip is the mix of fast, open-water rides and easy island stops. You get the bright water of the Blue Lagoon, a taste of village life in Maslinica, and another swim at Duga Bay, all without giving up a full day. I especially like the boat size, which keeps the outing friendly rather than bus-like, and the use of snorkeling gear at no extra charge.

The main tradeoff is time. Five hours passes quickly, and one hour in Maslinica can feel short if you want lunch, a walk, and a proper look around. The final stop can also be busy in peak summer, so choose this trip for variety and movement, not for long, quiet hours at one beach.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Lagoon swimming stop: Spend about 90 minutes in clear water with snorkeling equipment available.
• Maslinica on Šolta: Walk through the island village and see a restored 16th-century castle now used as a hotel.
• Duga Bay on Čiovo: Finish with another 90-minute stop for swimming, snorkeling, and food.
• Small speedboat groups: Boats generally carry about 8 to 12 people, giving the ride a more personal feel.
• Skippers make the difference: Petar, Ivan, Lujo, Iggy, Marco, and other crew members are praised for safe driving, good humor, and useful local details.
• Good value at $67: Fuel, insurance, safety gear, water, jackets, and snorkeling equipment are included, while lunch costs extra.

Why this Trogir boat trip works so well

Croatia is easiest to appreciate from the water. From the Trogir promenade, you quickly leave the old town behind and get broad views of the coast, nearby islands, and Kamerlengo Castle. The speedboat gives you three different kinds of stops in one outing: a swim, a village visit, and another swim.

That variety is the real value. You are not spending five hours at one crowded beach, nor are you sitting on a large ferry with little control over the day. The boat moves briskly between stops, but the schedule still allows roughly an hour to an hour and a half at each place.

I also like the small-group setup. Boats carry around 8 to 12 people, depending on the departure, and several outings have felt almost like a private charter when only a few spaces were occupied. That makes it easier to ask the skipper questions, find a comfortable place to sit, and get help with swimming gear.

Skippers including Petar, Ivan, Lujo, Iggy, Marco, and Maja have been singled out for being friendly, careful, and informative. You should not expect a formal history lecture. Instead, you get short explanations about the islands, practical help at the stops, and a captain who pays attention to safety and changing conditions.

Leaving Kamerlengo Castle and Trogir

The meeting point is on the main promenade in front of Kamerlengo fortress. This is convenient if you are staying in Trogir, but allow time to find the exact boat and crew among the activity on the waterfront.

The opening ride lasts about 20 minutes. It is not just transport. You get views back toward Trogir, including the fortress, and the boat gives you a quick sense of the surrounding coast before the swimming begins.

Speedboats are fun, but they are not silent. You will feel the wind and movement, especially on the open stretches. Windproof jackets are supplied, which is useful even on a warm day. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel, and secure loose belongings before the boat picks up speed.

The ride is part of the attraction, particularly for families and anyone who finds a short burst of speed more exciting than a slow cruise. The boat remains practical rather than luxurious, so choose a seat for the views and hold on when the water gets choppy.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, reached after the opening ride. The boat remains here for about 90 minutes, giving you enough time to swim, snorkel, take photos, or sit on the beach.

This is the strongest stop for many people, and it is easy to see why. The water is clear enough for casual snorkeling, with small fish visible beneath the surface. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel, although you should bring a towel and sun protection.

You can choose how active to be. Confident swimmers can spend most of the stop in the water, while anyone wanting a slower start can sit on the beach and enjoy the views. Families appreciate the warm, clear sea, and children often enjoy jumping from the boat when conditions allow.

The Blue Lagoon is also the point where the group may feel the effects of summer demand. Clear water and easy access attract plenty of boats. A good skipper may time the stop to reduce the crowds, but you should not expect an empty cove in July or August.

The 90-minute stay is long enough for a satisfying swim, though it can feel short if you want to snorkel, sunbathe, and take photographs. Put on sunscreen before arriving, because the bright water offers little shade.

Maslinica on Šolta: a change of pace

After about 10 minutes by boat, you reach Maslinica on the island of Šolta. This is the tour’s main land stop and lasts about an hour.

Maslinica is the only village and port on the western side of Šolta. Its appeal is not grand scale. You come here for the compact harbor, old village lanes, and a slower glimpse of island life after the speed and swimming of the first stop.

The main sight is a restored 16th-century castle that now operates as a hotel. It gives the harbor a distinctive focal point and offers a useful reminder that these islands are more than beaches and postcard water.

You have time to walk, take photographs, stop for coffee, shop, or find a traditional Dalmatian restaurant. Lunch is not included, and this is the most natural place to eat, but the one-hour schedule requires discipline. Food service can take up much of the stop, especially if a restaurant is busy.

My advice is to decide what matters before you step off the boat. If you want a proper meal, go directly to a restaurant. If you prefer to see the village, take the walk first and settle for coffee or a quick snack. Several people have wished for another 30 minutes here, and that is a fair criticism.

Morning departures may offer fewer food choices, and some places may be closed or crowded. Bring a snack if lunch is important to you. The operator supplies a 0.5-liter bottle of water, but that will not replace food during a five-hour outing.

Duga Bay on Čiovo: the second water stop

The next ride lasts about 15 minutes and takes you to Duga Bay on the south side of Čiovo. The scheduled stop is about 90 minutes, making it similar in length to the Blue Lagoon but with a different feel.

This is your chance to cool off again after the village walk. You can swim, snorkel, relax by the water, or look for small silver fish below the surface. The stop also allows time for lunch, though bringing your own snack may make more sense if you want to stay in the water.

Duga Bay often works well as the least structured part of the outing. At the Blue Lagoon, you may be eager to snorkel. At Maslinica, you have a village to see. Here, you can simply enjoy the water and let the afternoon slow down.

The drawback is crowding. The last stop can be busy during the high season, and there may be less space or quiet than you hoped for. This is not a flaw unique to this operator. Popular bays around Trogir fill quickly in summer.

Afternoon departures can be especially attractive if the timing reaches the evening light. The setting sun adds color to the ride and makes this option appealing for anyone who prefers a later outing. Check the actual departure time, since sunset conditions vary through the season.

The speedboat, crew, and comfort

The ride itself is one of the reasons to book this trip. You cover the distances quickly, and the open views make the transfers feel like part of the sightseeing rather than dead time.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and powerful, with room for roughly 8 to 12 people. That is small enough to avoid the feel of a large excursion boat, but still social enough for families and couples to meet other people.

Safety equipment, fuel, insurance, and a skipper are included. Windproof jackets are available, which matters because speed creates its own breeze even under a hot sun. The captain also handles tight docking areas, something Iggy was especially praised for, so you do not need to worry about navigating the small ports yourself.

The crew style varies by skipper, but the strongest part of the operation is the human contact. Petar is repeatedly described as funny, careful, and helpful. Ivan and Roko are praised for their local explanations, while Lujo has been especially good with families. Maja has handled pre-trip communication and practical questions.

Some skippers have arranged pickup from a nearby resort or campsite pier when possible. Do not assume this is guaranteed for every departure, but it is worth asking when you book. Clear communication about parking and meeting points can save time in busy Trogir.

What the $67 price really includes

At $67 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want several coastal experiences in one morning or afternoon. You are paying for five hours on the water, a speedboat, fuel, a skipper, insurance, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, and a bottle of water.

A comparable private boat would usually cost more once fuel and a captain are added, while a large ferry may be cheaper but will not provide the same speed or flexibility. This outing sits in the useful middle ground: more personal than a big boat, less expensive than hiring a vessel for your own group.

Lunch is extra, and you should budget for it if you plan to eat in Maslinica or Duga Bay. You may also want snacks, since the schedule does not leave much spare time for a long restaurant meal.

Optional tipping is not included. A tip is a personal choice, not a required part of the price.

The tour allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful when weather or holiday plans are still unsettled.

Who should book this five-hour outing

I would choose this tour if you have limited time around Trogir or Split and want to see more than one island without committing to a full-day cruise. It also works well for families. Children have plenty of variety, the boat ride adds excitement, and the water stops are long enough for a proper swim.

It suits couples and small groups who want a lively day outdoors rather than a quiet beach stay. The small boat and friendly skippers can make the trip feel personal, especially when the boat is not full.

It is less suitable if you want a detailed cultural tour of Šolta. Maslinica receives only about an hour, so you get an introduction, not a full exploration. It is also not wheelchair accessible, and anyone who dislikes boat movement or strong wind should think carefully before booking.

For serious snorkelers, the supplied equipment is convenient, but this is not a dedicated marine-life excursion. The main aim is to combine swimming, scenery, village time, and transport between three attractive locations.

Practical tips for getting more from the day

• Bring a towel, sun hat, sunscreen, and a small snack.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can get into the water quickly.
• Use the Maslinica stop carefully. Eat first if lunch matters more than walking, or walk first if you want to see the village.
• Keep valuables and loose items secure during the faster rides.
• Ask about pickup from a nearby pier if you are staying outside central Trogir.
• Consider an afternoon departure if you like softer light and the chance of a sunset ride.
• Expect the Blue Lagoon and Duga Bay to be popular in July and August.
• Tell the crew about your swimming comfort level. The skippers check that passengers feel safe getting in and out of the boat.

Should you book this Trogir speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced sampler of the Dalmatian coast, with two swimming stops and one pleasant village visit. The $67 price is fair because the package includes the costly parts of a boat outing, including fuel, a skipper, snorkeling gear, and insurance.

Skip it if you need long, unhurried time at each island or want a full meal and a detailed cultural tour. For most people with only half a day, though, this is a smart way to trade a few hours for clear water, fast boat rides, and three distinct coastal settings.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

Meet the skipper on the main promenade in Trogir, in front of Kamerlengo fortress.

How long is the speedboat tour?

The experience lasts five hours, including the boat rides and stops.

What is the price?

The listed price is $67 per person.

Which places does the tour visit?

The tour visits the Blue Lagoon, Maslinica on Šolta, and Duga Bay on Čiovo.

How long do you stay at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon stop lasts about 1.5 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring money for food or pack a snack.

What should you bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, and sunscreen. A snack can also be useful during the five-hour outing.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all ages, and families with young children have taken part. It is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve now and pay later.