REVIEW · TROGIR
From Trogir: Three Islands Half-Day Speedboat Tour
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Ventos - Nautic · Bookable on GetYourGuide
One half-day, three coastlines, and a boat that keeps things moving. From the start at Kamerlengo Castle you get panoramic Trogir views, then you’re whisked to the Blue Lagoon for real swim-and-snorkel time. I especially love how the stops balance water fun with a tangible village visit in Maslinica, plus the practical comfort extras like windproof jackets and provided snorkeling gear. The main thing to consider: lunch is on you, and some island spots can have limited dining depending on timing.
The boat setup is also a big part of the appeal. Reviews repeatedly praise skippers for confident driving and friendly, safety-first check-ins, including names like Petar and Ivan. I’d just plan your expectations around a fast half-day: it’s enough time to enjoy each place, but not enough to “slow travel” in one spot.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel on the water
- From Kamerlengo Fortress to Open Water: how the half-day starts
- The speedboat experience: fun rides, real safety, and short hops
- A quick reality check
- Blue Lagoon: snorkeling gear, crystal water, and the best kind of free time
- How to make the most of your Blue Lagoon time
- Maslinica on Šolta: the village walk and the restored 16th-century castle hotel
- What this stop gives you (and what it doesn’t)
- Duga Bay on Čiovo: another swim stop with a calmer, scenic feel
- Expect crowds to be situational
- The value question: $67 for speed, stops, and included gear
- The one cost that can surprise you
- Who’s doing the driving: why skippers like Petar and Ivan matter
- What to bring (so you’re not that person)
- Small comfort hacks that work
- Who should book this speedboat and who should skip it?
- Should you book the Trogir Three Islands speedboat?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What’s included with the speedboat tour?
- Where do I meet the group in Trogir?
- Is lunch included?
- What should I bring for the swim and snorkeling?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Key highlights you’ll feel on the water
- Blue Lagoon snorkeling with provided gear and time to swim
- Maslinica on Šolta with a short walk through an old village and a restored 16th-century castle hotel
- Duga Bay on Čiovo for another cool-off swim in a calmer, scenic setting
- A small-group speedboat vibe where you get real conversation and quick logistics
- Windproof jackets, water, and safety gear so you’re not scrambling for basics
- Skippers like Petar and Ivan get mentioned for smooth, confident handling
From Kamerlengo Fortress to Open Water: how the half-day starts
Your day begins where the coastline drama starts: in Trogir, right by Kamerlengo Fortress on the main promenade. Meet the crew in front of the fortress, then you’ll get oriented and set up quickly. This is the kind of meeting point that makes sense. You’re already on foot in the historic area, and the boat pickup feels direct rather than chaotic.
Once you’re underway, the speedboat does what it’s supposed to do. It turns travel time into sightseeing time. You’ll pass along panoramic views of Trogir and the surrounding coastline while the Adriatic opens up around you. It’s a clever way to see the “why” of this part of Dalmatia without wasting your day on long transfers.
And yes, the pace is fast. That’s the deal. The upside is that you’ll reach the first swim stop while the water is still calling and the day doesn’t feel half-finished.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Trogir.
The speedboat experience: fun rides, real safety, and short hops
This isn’t one of those tours where you spend most of the time stuck on a bus and hoping the boat is worth it. The rhythm is simple: a short ride, a proper break, then another short ride. You’ll be out about 5 hours, with several swim-friendly stops built in.
One pattern I noticed from the guide names and comments is that skipper quality matters here, and this company tends to deliver it. People mention skippers like Petar, Piotr, Ivan, and Lujo for driving that feels confident and safe, plus communication that keeps you from guessing what’s next. If you’re traveling with kids, this matters even more. Multiple families say the boat ride itself felt fun, not stressful.
You’ll also get practical help for comfort:
- Windproof jackets (smart on open water, even in warm months)
- Cold bottled water (0.5 L) so you’re not thirsty immediately after boarding
- Safety equipment included
A quick reality check
A speedboat is still a speedboat. If you’re sensitive to motion, you’ll want to take it easy at the start and keep your eyes on the horizon when possible. But for most people, the short segments actually make it feel easier than a longer ride.
Blue Lagoon: snorkeling gear, crystal water, and the best kind of free time
The Blue Lagoon stop is the headline, and it lives up to the hype for one key reason: you’re not just there for a photo. You get break time with swimming and snorkeling, plus the option to simply lie back and soak up sun.
What makes this stop special is the way it’s set up for different comfort levels:
- If you snorkel, you’ll have snorkeling equipment and time to move through the water.
- If you don’t, you still get plenty of time to swim and relax right off the boat.
- Many people call the water true blue and talk about how clear it is.
The tour information also notes you may spot schools of silver fish while snorkeling. Even if you don’t see every fish flash past, the main win is the visibility and the feeling of being in warm, clean water without the hassle of organizing your own setup.
How to make the most of your Blue Lagoon time
This is where a little planning pays off:
- Wear sunscreen before you leave Trogir. You’ll have less time to do it once you’re out.
- Bring a towel and use the breaks strategically. Everyone wants to dry off at once, and things get easier if you’re ready.
- If you’re with kids, it helps that the boat ride is short between swim moments. More water time, less whining.
The main drawback? Peak-season crowds. Some departures can get busy at the later stop, but the Blue Lagoon is usually the one most people lock onto as the emotional highlight of the day.
Maslinica on Šolta: the village walk and the restored 16th-century castle hotel
After the water time, you switch to island life on Šolta, specifically Maslinica. This is the only village and port on the west side of the island, so it has a grounded, local feel rather than a “theme-park for tourists” vibe.
Your stop includes:
- Time for a short walk through the old village
- Photo moments with restored architecture
- A chance to buy something to eat and drink at local restaurants
One of the most interesting details here is the restored 16th-century castle that’s been repurposed into a hotel. Even if you don’t go inside, seeing how that structure is used today gives you a different angle on what “heritage” means. It’s not just old stone behind a fence. It’s living space.
What this stop gives you (and what it doesn’t)
Maslinica adds contrast. You get a break from the sea, plus a sense of how island life works: small streets, a port feel, and the kind of lunch spot locals actually choose.
If you’re the type who wants long museum-style wandering, this won’t satisfy that itch. The goal is to get in, taste the place, and get back to the water for the final swim.
Also, dining options can be limited by timing. Some comments mention it can be overpacked or closed during certain departures. The practical fix is simple: snack smart. If lunch is important to you, eat before the tour if you can, or bring a small backup snack.
Duga Bay on Čiovo: another swim stop with a calmer, scenic feel
The last island-based moment lands on Čiovo, at Duga bay on the south side of the island. This is another chance to cool off with swimming and snorkeling, plus time for a walk and photo-taking.
One thing I like about this stop is that it’s not just the next “repeat swim.” You’re changing islands and shorelines again, so the look of the water and the pace of the stop feel different.
Some people also mention sunset beauty when the timing works out. Even on days without dramatic skies, the bay setting tends to feel peaceful compared with busier shores.
Expect crowds to be situational
If you go during high season, you should assume at least one of your stops might feel busy. One comment notes the last stop was very busy, but also says the rest was worth it and that the skipper did what he could. That’s the reality of popular swim points in Croatia.
Still, you’re not stuck in a long line all day. You’ve got your time block, and you can choose to prioritize swimming, snorkeling, or walking.
The value question: $67 for speed, stops, and included gear
At about $67 per person for a 5-hour small-group speedboat tour, the value comes down to this: you’re paying for transportation + multiple swim stops + equipment you’d otherwise have to source.
Here’s what’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Cold bottle of water (0.5 L)
- Windproof jackets
- Safety equipment
- Skipper, fuel, insurance, VAT
What’s not included:
- Lunch
- Gratitude (optional)
So, if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, beach access, and snorkeling gear, this price starts looking reasonable fast. You’re also buying time savings. Instead of moving between places by ferry or car, you’re hopping across the water with a skipper doing the route work.
The one cost that can surprise you
Lunch is on you. If you’re counting on a sit-down meal at each stop, you might have to adapt. I recommend planning for snacks or bringing something light to hold you over. You’ll still find food options during stops, but availability can vary with crowds and timing.
Who’s doing the driving: why skippers like Petar and Ivan matter
On a speedboat tour, the skipper is the whole show. The good news is that this experience gets consistent praise for the people behind the wheel.
Names that come up across recent departures include Petar and Ivan, with comments highlighting things like:
- Confident, safe driving
- Clear updates about where you are and what’s next
- Friendly, even humorous personalities
- Extra care with kids and swimmers
- Getting into or out of spots efficiently, including when docking is tight
That last part matters. Many of these island ports are small, and parking a boat isn’t like a big parking lot. When the skipper knows the area, you get more time where it counts: in the water.
If you want a smooth day where you can relax instead of constantly asking questions, this crew reputation is a big reason to book.
What to bring (so you’re not that person)
This tour is built around swimming. You’ll be happier if you show up ready.
Bring:
- Sun hat
- Towel
- Sunscreen
That’s the essentials. If you tend to get cold on boats, the included windproof jackets help, but your sunscreen and hat still matter once you’re in the sun.
Small comfort hacks that work
- Wear quick-dry swimwear under your clothes.
- Keep your towel easy to reach, not buried in the bottom of a bag.
- If you’re prone to motion sensitivity, bring a drink of water and take it easy during the first ride.
Who should book this speedboat and who should skip it?
This tour is suitable for any ages, and it’s often described as child-friendly because kids love jumping off the boat and because swim breaks are frequent.
You’ll especially enjoy it if:
- You want variety in one half-day: fortress views, lagoon swimming, village walking, then another bay stop
- You like the sea but don’t want to spend your day planning transport
- You want snorkeling time with equipment provided
Skip it if:
- You need wheelchair access (it’s not wheelchair accessible)
- You want a slow, long, one-place-only experience with hours of wandering and minimal boat movement
Should you book the Trogir Three Islands speedboat?
If you want a Croatia day that feels active, scenic, and efficient, I think this is a smart choice. The combination of Blue Lagoon swim time, a real village stop in Maslinica, and the final Duga Bay cooling-off makes it feel like you actually used your vacation hours.
Book it if you’re okay with:
- Lunch not being included
- A half-day pace that still moves quickly
- The chance that one stop can feel busy in peak times
Don’t book it if you’re looking for a quiet, unhurried tour with full-day lounging.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for about 5 hours.
What’s included with the speedboat tour?
It includes snorkeling equipment, cold bottled water (0.5 L), windproof jackets, safety equipment, a skipper, insurance, fuel, and VAT.
Where do I meet the group in Trogir?
Meet the skipper on the main promenade of Trogir, in front of the Kamerlengo fortress.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included in the price.
What should I bring for the swim and snorkeling?
Bring a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it is not wheelchair accessible.
