From Split: Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Trogir Speedboat Tour

Trogir’s stone lanes, the clear water of the Blue Lagoon, and the small harbor at Maslinica make this a smart way to sample several sides of Dalmatia in half a day. You get history, swimming, island scenery, and a fast ride along the coast without committing a full day.

I like the small speedboat groups, usually limited to 8 to 12 people, and the tidy route from Split to Trogir, the lagoon, and Šolta. I also like that snorkeling gear and insurance are included. The main drawback is time: one hour in Trogir and one hour at the final coastal stop can feel short, especially if you want lunch, a proper swim, and a relaxed old-town visit.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different stops: UNESCO-listed Trogir for stone architecture, Blue Lagoon for swimming, and Maslinica for a quiet harbor and possible meal.
• A fast half-day outing: The tour lasts 270 minutes, or 4 hours and 30 minutes, which suits a short stay in Split.
• Small boats, lively ride: Boats carry 8 to 12 people, with open-air views and plenty of wind along the way.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: It should be available for the Blue Lagoon stop, though you should confirm with the crew before leaving Split.
• Limited time ashore: Trogir and Maslinica are both worth more time than the schedule allows if you want to eat or explore carefully.
• Not for everyone: The trip is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.

Why this speedboat route works in a short visit

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the coast, but it packs several experiences into one outing. You are paying for the boat, captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, and a planned route that would be awkward to arrange independently in only four and a half hours.

I see the value mainly in the combination. A boat trip to only the Blue Lagoon would give you more swimming time. A bus trip to Trogir would give you more time with the old town. This outing gives you a taste of both, then adds Šolta, making it a good fit if you want variety more than depth.

The boats hold 8 to 12 people, a useful middle ground. You avoid the scale of a large excursion vessel, but you should not expect a private charter. The smaller setting also makes it easier to speak with the crew and enjoy the ride, although the engine can make spoken explanations hard to hear.

One departure had a particularly upbeat atmosphere, with a DJ and music on board. That can make the ride fun, but it also means this is not always a quiet nature trip. If you want every historical explanation, listen closely when the boat is stopped and ask the guide to repeat anything lost to the engine.

Leaving Split with open views

The meeting point is the booking stand at semiSUBMARINE Split. From there, you board the speedboat for the first 30-minute ride toward Trogir.

This opening stretch is part of the experience, not just transport. You get broad views of Split and the nearby islands, with the wind and movement that make a speedboat feel very different from a road transfer. The ride is brief enough for most people to enjoy, but you should bring a light layer because conditions on the water can feel cooler than they do on the quay.

The boat ride is physically easy, but it is still an active sea outing. You will need to board a boat and move around it, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Children under three and pregnant women are also excluded.

Keep your sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimwear close at hand rather than buried in a bag. A change of clothes is especially useful after the lagoon stop, since the final part of the tour includes another chance to swim.

Trogir gives the tour its cultural heart

After about 30 minutes, you arrive in Trogir, often called the Little Venice of Dalmatia or the Stone Beauty. You have about one hour to walk through the old town.

Trogir is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, and its appeal comes from how much architectural detail is concentrated on a small historic center. Stone streets lead to squares, gates, palaces, churches, and fortifications. It is a place where a short walk can reveal Romanesque and Gothic details without requiring a long museum visit.

The main sight to seek is the Cathedral of St. Lovro. Its portal was carved by Master Radovan in the 13th century, making it one of the most important artistic details in town. Even if you only have time to admire the exterior, look closely at the carved figures and the stonework around the entrance.

You can also pass the Town Gate, Town Hall, Ćipiko Palace, and Trogir Museum. At the western end of the islet, Fortress Kamerlengo recalls Trogir’s Venetian role as a naval base. Today, the fortress is used for cultural events, including an open-air cinema and stage performances.

The challenge is the clock. One hour is enough to get a feel for Trogir and see a few key sights, but not enough for a leisurely lunch, a full museum visit, and a careful church tour. I would choose two or three priorities before arriving. If the cathedral matters most, head there first. If you prefer street scenes and views, walk the lanes toward the fortress and waterfront.

Food is another consideration. Traditional Dalmatian restaurants can make Trogir a good lunch stop, but the schedule may not leave enough time to sit down. One past departure felt rushed because there was no chance to eat or drink in either Trogir or Šolta. If lunch is important to you, ask the crew at the start how the timing is expected to work and consider carrying a small snack, since food and drinks are not included.

Blue Lagoon is the main swim stop

From Trogir, the boat takes about 15 minutes to reach the Blue Lagoon. The scheduled stop lasts roughly one hour and is built around swimming and snorkeling.

The water is described as very transparent, and the crew provides snorkeling equipment. This is the best part of the route for getting into the sea rather than simply looking at it from the boat. You can swim, explore the shallow underwater area with the provided mask and gear, or remain on board and sunbathe.

A pebble beach surrounded by pine trees gives you another option. You can also find a bar or restaurant near the water, though those purchases are your responsibility. The setting is appealing because it puts you away from Split’s city traffic and gives you a simple coastal pause between the historic town and the island village.

Still, do not picture a private swimming cove reserved for your group. The Blue Lagoon is a popular summer stop, and the appeal is the clear water and easy access rather than total solitude. An hour goes quickly once you change, swim, take photographs, and dry off.

There is also an important practical point about the snorkeling equipment. It is included in the tour description, but one passenger was not offered any during a departure. I would ask the crew for it directly at the start of the stop rather than assuming it will appear automatically. If snorkeling is central to your plans, this small check can save disappointment.

Maslinica adds a slower island finish

The final boat ride lasts about 20 minutes and takes you to Maslinica on Šolta. You have about one hour here for a break and another chance to swim.

Maslinica is a small fishing village surrounded by little islands. Compared with Trogir, it is less about major monuments and more about the harbor, sea views, beaches, and the feeling of a working coastal settlement. It is a pleasant place to finish a boat outing because the pace is slower and the setting is picturesque.

This is also the stop most likely to tempt you into a meal or a glass of local wine. Maslinica is known for seafood and has places near the water where you can sit, eat, or order a drink. But food and drinks are not part of the $88 price, and one hour may not be enough for a relaxed meal if service is slow or the boat schedule shifts.

You can instead use the time for a swim or a short walk around the harbor. I would not plan a long exploration of Šolta from this tour. Maslinica is a final taste of the island, not a full island visit.

The schedule creates a small tradeoff. Some people would prefer a shorter beach stop and more time in Trogir or Šolta. Others will be happiest with the chance to swim twice and spend less time walking in the midday heat. Think about which kind of day you want before booking.

The crew, music, and pace

The crew speaks Croatian and English, and the driver is listed as Croatian and English speaking. Denny received specific praise for making the outing relaxing and enjoyable, and another departure had a guide who explained the route well.

The speed and music can shape the mood. One boat had a DJ and good music, while the captain was described as driving carefully. That combination suits you if you like a social, upbeat ride rather than a silent cruise.

Engine noise is the main communication problem. A guide may be giving useful information, but you might not hear it while the boat is moving. Face the speaker, listen when the engine slows, and ask questions at each stop. Do not book this expecting a fully narrated sightseeing cruise from departure to return.

The overall pace is physically undemanding. You are not hiking or climbing for long periods, and most of the day is spent seated on the boat, walking gently through Trogir, or swimming. You should still be comfortable with boat boarding and a pebble beach.

What to pack for this four-and-a-half-hour outing

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and a change of clothes. A towel is not listed among the included items, so you should confirm whether one is supplied or bring your own.

Wear footwear that works for both stone streets and a pebble beach. You will want something more secure than loose sandals when walking in Trogir, but nothing specialized is required by the information provided.

Keep money or a payment method available for food and drinks. Neither is included, and the stops offer opportunities to buy a meal, a drink, or a snack. If you want to spend the full hour swimming, avoid filling the stop with a long restaurant meal.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and explosive substances are prohibited. The tour includes insurance, but normal sun and water precautions still matter.

Cancellation, timing, and who should book

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the booking stand at semiSUBMARINE Split.

I would book this tour if you have limited time in Split and want a neat mix of culture and sea. It also works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who prefer a relaxed half-day rather than a demanding excursion.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long visit to Trogir, an unhurried seafood lunch, or serious snorkeling. The route is designed for variety. You see three places, but you give each one only a short window.

The rating is 4.3 from 20 reviews, with especially strong praise for the friendly crew, good boat condition, careful driving, music, and the way the day combines several stops. The recurring caution is rushed timing, plus the need to confirm access to snorkeling equipment. At $88, that makes the tour a fair value for a convenient sampler, but a less convincing choice if you want slow travel.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is the booking stand at semiSUBMARINE Split.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Trogir, the Blue Lagoon, and Maslinica on the island of Šolta.

How long is the first speedboat ride?

The first ride from Split to Trogir takes about 30 minutes.

How much time is available in Trogir?

You have about one hour in Trogir for a visit and free time.

Is Trogir a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes. Trogir is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although you should ask the crew for it at the Blue Lagoon stop.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Who cannot join this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.