One speedboat, five (or more) island vibes, and serious water time. This small-group day from Split mixes Hvar sightseeing with snorkel stops that feel like you found them by accident. You’ll ride a fast, licensed setup with an English-speaking team, and the music on deck keeps the mood light.

I especially liked two things: first, the small-group feel (about 12 people) means you can actually enjoy the views without being packed in. Second, the snorkeling and swims are built into the day, not tacked on, so the Blue Lagoon doesn’t feel like a rushed photo stop. Guides like David and Maren keep the pacing moving while still giving you room to explore.

One drawback to know: it’s a speedboat and the schedule can shift with sea and weather, so if you’re prone to motion sickness or want a strictly calm day, you’ll want to plan around that.

Key reasons to book

• Small group on a 12-person speedboat so you feel like you’re touring with friends
• Snorkeling gear included for the Blue Lagoon and other water stops
• Hvar town time with real options: Old Town walking or going up to Fortica Fortress
• Pakleni Islands swim + photo moments, including a stop near Carpe Diem
• Multiple island settings in one long day, from Brač and Hvar to Šolta

A 10-hour speedboat circuit from Split: what you’re really buying

This is a full-day island loop built for variety. You get classic Dalmatian scenery from the water, a proper chunk of time in Hvar Old Town, and multiple chances to get in the water with included snorkeling gear. The speedboat keeps transfers short, which is why the day can feel packed without feeling frantic.

The value for me is simple: you’re paying for transportation, a skipper, fuel, safety gear, and snorkeling equipment, while still getting sightseeing and swim breaks. At about $130 per person, it lands in the “worth it” zone if you want to maximize coastline and don’t want to coordinate separate ferries, taxis, and day-trip timing.

The pace is active. You’ll be on and off the boat a lot, and you’ll be outdoors in sun, wind, and salty air. If that sounds fun, you’ll probably love it.

Meeting in Split and getting settled fast

You meet at the Smile Travel Split office area in the city center, at Marmontova ul. 5. From there, you head to the boat and stow anything you don’t want to carry.

This matters more than you might think. For a day where you’ll be changing from “walk around town” to “swim and snorkel,” having a practical place for a bag makes the whole outing easier. The tour also states luggage storage is available if you contact them, which is handy if you’re traveling light but want to keep your daypack off your hands.

On board, the setup is straightforward: life jackets on your seat area, safety taken seriously, and English-speaking staff managing the day. You’ll also have music included, which adds to the laid-back, cruising vibe during the transit between islands.

Milna on Brač: first harbor photos and a gentler start

The first meaningful island stop is Milna on Brač. You get a break plus time for photos and exploring, roughly 45 minutes at the harbor area.

Milna is a good “warm-up” stop. It’s scenic without demanding your full attention like a big city. Expect a working harbor feel with fishing boats, stone buildings, and Mediterranean views that photograph well even if you’re not trying. It’s also a chance to grab water, locate shade if you need it, and decide how you want to spend the rest of the day.

A quick practical tip: bring a swimsuit you can access easily. Since you’ll later be switching into snorkeling mode, you’ll save time if you’re not digging through your bag every time you want to get ready.

Hvar town plus Fortica Fortress: your choice of vibe

Next comes Hvar town, and this is where the day turns from travel-and-swim into proper sightseeing. You get about 1.5 hours here, which is enough time to walk the Old Town streets, browse, and still make it to a viewpoint.

If you like history and architecture, you’ll see Venetian-era details in the town fabric. If you prefer views, Hvar’s Fortica Fortress is the move. The fortress sits high above town, and it gives you the classic wide-angle look across the harbor and out toward the islands.

If you’re more in a “food and wandering” mood, you can do that too. The tour includes free time, so you can choose between a scenic climb and a slower afternoon stroll. Just don’t plan on a long sit-down meal here unless you’re fast with decisions—Hvar time is precious in a multi-stop day.

One more reality check: Hvar can be busy. The pacing of this tour still gives you room to enjoy it, but treat it like a planned visit, not a stay-for-hours-and-linger kind of day.

Pakleni Islands: swim, snorkel, and the Carpe Diem area

After Hvar, you head toward the Pakleni Islands area. This is the big water-and-photo stop with about one hour, including time on land for walking and scenic moments plus water time for swimming and snorkeling.

The Pakleni chain is famous for a reason: it’s a cluster of small islands stretched along the water, and it creates plenty of coves and shorelines that feel different from stop to stop. Your experience here blends beach-time relaxation with the fun of snorkeling gear you don’t have to bring.

You’ll also have a stop where the Carpe Diem name is associated with the area. Even if you’re not there to party, it’s a recognizable reference point for the vibe and location—think beach-club energy mixed with day-tripper downtime.

Best way to enjoy this part:

• Put sunscreen on before you hit the water. Wind + sun = forgotten shoulders.
• Start swimming and snorkeling early in the hour if you want the clearest momentum.
• Keep your phone and camera secure. Sea spray is real, even when you’re careful.

Šolta’s coast: two water breaks that keep the day fun

After the Pakleni stop, you transfer onward and get another water window on Šolta. The time here is about 45 minutes, and it includes swimming and snorkeling plus scenic riding along the way.

Why I like this design: it gives you a “second chance” at good water conditions. Some days a first snorkel spot can be calm and perfect; other days the light and visibility shift. Having multiple opportunities means your odds of a great swim go up, and your day doesn’t hinge on one single moment.

Also, Šolta helps break up the “town + fortress” feeling from Hvar. Instead of more streets and steps, you’re back to sea-level time.

Maslinica on Šolta: calm village breaks and olive-grove scenery

Then you stop at Maslinica, a coastal village known for a quiet, village-scale feel. You get about one hour here for a break, walking, sightseeing, and free time.

Maslinica’s appeal is in what it isn’t. This isn’t a big attraction machine. You’re more likely to notice the harbor, the traditional stone houses, and the sense of calm that comes with olive-grove country. It’s a good stop for people who want to cool down, refill water, and reset before the final big swim stop.

If you have limited energy after Hvar, this is your relief stop. You can enjoy it at an easy pace: wander the waterfront, find shade, and take a breather.

Blue Lagoon: snorkeling payoff and the end-of-day swim

The last and most iconic water stop is the Blue Lagoon. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here for break time, photos, free time, sightseeing, walking, and swimming and snorkeling.

This is the payoff part of the tour. You’ve spent the day hopping between islands, and the Blue Lagoon is where you get to slow down on water that’s famously clear. With snorkeling gear included, you can actually use the time in a way that feels worth it—not just bob in for a minute and move on.

How to make your Blue Lagoon time count:

• Treat it as your “main swim.” If you’re deciding how long to snorkel, commit here.
• Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Your day ends back at the meeting point, and you don’t want to sit in wet swimwear on the return.
• Use your camera, but also look around. Clear water feels different in motion than it does in photos.

Price and value at about $130: where your money goes

Let’s talk value in a practical way. You’re not just paying for a boat ride.

Your money supports:

• A licensed skipper and safety gear
• A high-quality speedboat plus fuel
• English-speaking staff to manage stops
• Music onboard
• Snorkeling equipment
• Passenger insurance and taxes/fees
• Luggage storage options if needed
• A small gift souvenir

Lunch is the one confusing variable. The tour info says lunch and food/drinks aren’t included, but some outings have mentioned pizza lunch in the field. Since that depends on how a particular day is run, I’d treat it like a question to ask when you book: what’s included for your specific departure.

Even with that uncertainty, the core value holds if you want a mix of town time and multiple swim/snorkel stops without DIY logistics. If you were doing this with ferries and separate boat rentals, you’d spend more time coordinating and likely pay similar or higher fees once you add transport, gear, and timing stress.

What to bring so the day feels easy

This is an outdoor day with sun, salt, and speed. Pack like you’ll be wet and exposed for hours.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Sun hat and beachwear
• Swimwear, plus a change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Water (you’ll want it)
• Cash (handy for snacks or small purchases)
• Anything else that keeps you comfortable in wind (a light layer can help if you run cold after swimming)

The most underrated item is the change of clothes. It turns the return ride from “annoying” into “comfortable.”

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This one works best for people who want a high-energy day and don’t mind being outdoors most of the time.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Want small-group access (around 12 people)
• Like speedboat travel and short transfers
• Enjoy swimming and want provided snorkeling gear
• Can handle some walking in town and moving between stops
• Want a mix of scenery and free time rather than nonstop guiding

You should think twice if you:

• Need wheelchair-friendly access (the tour is listed as not suitable for mobility impairments)
• Have back problems, or concerns about speedboat ride comfort
• Are pregnant
• Are under 10 years old
• Are over 65 (not suitable per tour info)

Also remember: it can be subject to sea and weather conditions, so you’ll want to be flexible if conditions aren’t perfect.

Should you book this Blue Lagoon, Hvar, and 5-islands day?

If your goal is to maximize islands and water time in one 10-hour day from Split, I think this tour is a strong pick. The small-group format keeps the day relaxed, the snorkeling is actually part of the plan, and Hvar time gives you a real taste of one of Croatia’s most famous towns without needing multiple trips.

I’d skip it if you want a quiet, slow, low-movement day or if speedboat comfort is an issue for you. Also, if you need guaranteed lunch inclusion, ask before you book since the provided info and day-to-day practice can differ.

If you’re the type of traveler who wants photos, swims, and viewpoints all in the same day, you’ll probably feel like you got your money’s worth the moment you step off the boat at the Blue Lagoon.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

The tour boat has room for only about 12 people, so it stays small-group and more private.

Where is the meeting point in Split?

You meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split, at Marmontova ul. 5.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 10 hours.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with safety gear/life jackets.

Is lunch included?

The tour information says lunch is not included. Some departures have mentioned pizza lunch, so it’s smart to confirm what’s included for your specific date.

What should I bring for the day?

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

Is it suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Is it suitable for people with mobility issues or back problems?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and also not suitable for people with back problems.

What if the sea or weather isn’t good?

The activity may be subject to sea and weather conditions, which can affect how the day runs.

Is luggage storage available?

Luggage storage is available, and you should contact the operator if you need it.

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