Blue water and old-town walks in one run. This half-day speedboat outing from Split pairs serious swimming with a real walk through UNESCO Trogir, plus a couple of stops that feel like they were designed for summer energy. Expect a small-group vibe on a fast, comfortable boat—more fun, less waiting around.

I especially love the time in the Blue Lagoon area: shallow water over a sand-and-crushed-shell floor that turns the sea a crazy shade of blue, even when the sun is high. And I really like that you get snorkeling gear too, so the day isn’t just about floating and posing; you can actually check out what’s going on underwater.

One thing to consider: it’s speedboat travel, and the schedule can shift if conditions get rough. If you get queasy easily or have mobility issues, read the suitability notes carefully before you book.

Key Things You’ll Remember

• Small-boat feel (12 passengers) on a spacious speedboat, so the day stays easy and social.
• Blue Lagoon swimming over sand and crushed shells, with that postcard-blue color you’ll want to see up close.
• Snorkeling with provided goggles to spot underwater life during the lagoon stops.
• Čiovo downtime at Borkko right by the water, built for chilling with a drink in hand.
• Trogir old town on foot in the Little Venice channels, plus Game of Thrones filming sites for the Unsullied angle.
• Weather-based route changes if seas get rough, so pack with flexibility in mind.

From Split’s Riva to a Speedboat Start That Feels Like Summer

This tour begins where most good Split days begin: at the Gray Line office on the Riva promenade, right by the entrance to Diocletian’s cellars. You’re stepping from stone streets into open-air sea time fast, which is exactly what you want on a half-day trip.

The boat ride out is part of the fun. You’re on a speedboat with an English-speaking captain and crew, and the vessel is set up for comfort even though you’re moving. In the small group format, you’re not squeezed in with strangers and you’ll notice how much smoother the day feels when you’re not waiting for people to find their seats.

Also, bring a little “day-at-the-sea” mindset. Even in summer, a speedboat can cool you down when you’re out on the water. The tour suggests warm clothing for that reason—think light layer you can toss on when the wind hits.

The Blue Lagoon Stop: Why That Color Looks Fake (But Isn’t)

After about a 30-minute ride, you arrive at the Blue Lagoon area on the southeastern side of Drvenik island. This is the part you’ll understand immediately once you’re standing in the water. The seafloor is sand and crushed shells, and that mix creates that vivid blue tone that looks like it’s been edited.

What makes this stop especially worth your time is how accessible it is. The lagoon is described as shallow, which matters because you can enjoy it without needing to be a strong swimmer or a confident diver. You can float, stand, and cool off while still feeling like you’re in a special place rather than just “a nice beach.”

And yes, you’ll want to stop and stare for a second. The color isn’t just a visual trick—it’s a real effect from light bouncing through clear water over that textured bottom. You’ll likely find yourself taking photos, but try to spend at least a little time with your phone put away. The best photos are usually the ones you don’t obsess over.

A practical note on snorkeling here

Snorkeling is included, and you’re provided with goggles. That’s great because it means you can spend less time hunting for gear and more time actually seeing underwater life. If you’re new to snorkeling, keep it simple: breathe steadily, let the water do the work, and focus on a small area in front of you rather than chasing everything at once.

Snorkeling Breaks and Necujam Bay: Turning Swim Time Into Something You Can See

This trip isn’t only a swim-and-go day. It’s built around finding clear water and giving you equipment for snorkeling, including time associated with the Blue Lagoon area and Necujam Bay.

The payoff is that you get more variety than just looking at the surface. Even if you’re not expecting a movie-scene coral show, clear Adriatic water can still make underwater life easier to spot than you’d think. You’ll likely see fish shapes darting in and out, plus small movement around the seafloor and rock edges—especially in clear bays where light reaches further down.

What I like about this structure is the pacing: you don’t have to commit to a long snorkel session to get value from it. You get to put on goggles, look around for a while, then switch back to relaxed swimming when you want a break.

If you’re the kind of person who always says you want to snorkel but never gets around to renting gear, this is the style of tour that actually makes it happen. The included equipment removes friction.

Čiovo Island and Borkko Beach Bar: The Best Kind of Unstructured Time

After the water time, you shift to the kind of break that keeps the day from feeling like a checklist. On Čiovo Island, you’ll have crystal-clear sea time plus lounge vibes at a beach bar called Borkko, right by the water.

Here’s how to make this stop work for you: treat it like a reset button. Walk in, get your bearings near the waterline, then decide whether you want a quick swim, a second go at the sun, or just a long sit-and-relax moment. Because this tour is small and paced for enjoyment, you won’t feel like you’re constantly racing back to the boat.

Also, remember that food and drinks aren’t included. That’s not a negative, just a budgeting detail. Bring your own snacks if you like, or plan to buy something at Borkko if you want the full island-day feel. Either way, you’ll probably appreciate having a drink in hand once you’re back in the shade for a few minutes.

This is the “do nothing” portion done properly: you’re on the water, you’re close to the sea, and you’re not stuffed into a long bus transfer or stuck in a crowded beach situation.

Trogir on Foot: Little Venice, UNESCO Channels, and Unsullied Filming Stops

Then comes the land part, and it’s why this trip feels more meaningful than a pure beach tour.

Trogir is often called Little Venice, and that nickname isn’t marketing fluff. The channels around the old town are sinking, and that waterfront setup has been part of the place for centuries—since the Greeks colonized this coastline around 2,400 years ago. The old town has been protected by UNESCO since 1997, and you can feel that care when you walk through.

You’ll also get a history-and-story layer that fits modern pop-culture curiosity. One of the tour highlights is tracing steps related to Game of Thrones filming, including sites associated with the Unsullied. If you’re a fan, you’ll likely enjoy the way the walking route links filming points to real streets and buildings instead of treating them like trivia stops.

How to enjoy Trogir without rushing it

Wear good walking shoes, even though it’s a small old town. Expect a real stroll with time to look at channels, buildings, and viewpoints. The goal here isn’t to speed through for photos—it’s to slow down enough that you notice details: stone edges, water views, and the way the old town sits like an island of story.

If you want a simple strategy, do this: take a few minutes at the start to get oriented, then let your curiosity decide where to turn next. Trogir is the type of place where the best moments are the ones you didn’t plan.

Who This Speedboat Day Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great match if you want a half-day escape from Split with clear-water swimming, snorkeling included, and a satisfying old-town walk. The small group size (up to 12 passengers) helps a lot here. You get enough social energy to feel fun without feeling trapped.

It may not suit everyone. The tour notes that it isn’t appropriate for:

• children under 3
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• wheelchair users
• people with pre-existing medical conditions
• pets aren’t allowed

If any of those points apply to you, don’t force it. Speedboats can mean sudden movement and limited comfort options. Your safest bet is choosing a different style of tour that’s easier on the body.

If you’re generally healthy, you’re comfortable with water, and you don’t mind a bit of speedboat motion, you’re in the sweet spot.

Price and Value: Why $69 Feels Fair for What You Actually Get

At $69 per person, this isn’t one of those overpriced “it’s mostly transportation” deals. You’re paying for a full package:

• speedboat transportation from Split with a comfortable setup for a small group
• an English-speaking captain and crew
• snorkeling equipment (goggles)
• insurance and VAT

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll still spend a bit if you want snacks or a bar purchase at Borkko. But the core experience—water time, snorkeling gear, and the Trogir walk—already has the heavy lifting covered.

Here’s why that matters: boat tours often get expensive when you add extras like guide time, snorkeling rentals, and transfers. This one bundles the important parts together. For a half-day format, that’s good value.

Pacing, Safety, and the Real Meaning of a Small Group

One of the most repeated joys in this kind of outing is not just the places—it’s how you experience them. A small speedboat group helps keep the pace comfortable. You’re more likely to get properly timed swim breaks and snorkeling opportunities without the constant “we’re waiting on someone” feeling.

You’ll also see why the boat setup matters. When the crew is efficient and the driver is experienced, you get adrenaline without chaos. People often describe the ride as fun once you get used to the speed, and that tracks with how these trips are meant to run: enough lift to feel exciting, but managed so you can enjoy every stop.

You may meet different guides depending on the day. Names that have come up include Nino, Theresa, Franco, and Frankie. What you should care about isn’t the name—it’s the effect. The better guides keep the day flowing, explain what you’re seeing, and help you match the pace to your comfort level.

What to Bring to Make the Day Feel Effortless

Pack like you’re mixing beach time and boat time with a walking old town stop. Here’s what the tour specifically recommends:

• warm clothing (for wind and boat rides)
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• food and drinks

My tip: if you bring water shoes or simple sandals you can move in easily, you’ll likely enjoy Blue Lagoon and Čiovo more. And bring sunscreen, even if you think you’ll be in and out quickly. With multiple water stops and lots of reflected light, the sun adds up fast.

Should You Book This Blue Lagoon, Trogir & Čiovo Trip?

Book it if you want a half-day that delivers on three fronts: clear-water swimming, snorkeling you don’t have to plan, and Trogir old town with UNESCO vibes and a pop-culture bonus. It’s also a smart choice if you’re trying to avoid the heaviest crowds by using a smaller boat and tight stop sequencing.

Skip it if speedboat motion would be a problem for you, if you need wheelchair-friendly access, or if you have medical concerns that make boat travel risky. And if you hate making purchases for drinks and snacks, budget for Borkko and any personal extras since food and drinks aren’t included.

If you match those checkboxes, this is the kind of day that feels like it belongs in your Croatia photos folder—and more importantly, like it’s actually enjoyable while you’re living it.

FAQ

How much is the Split Boat Trip Half-Day: Blue Lagoon, Trogir & Čiovo?

It costs $69 per person.

Where do I meet the tour in Split?

Meet at the Gray Line office on the Riva promenade, next to the entrance to Diocletian’s cellars.

What’s included in the price?

Included are speedboat transportation, an English-speaking captain and crew, snorkeling equipment (goggles), insurance, and VAT.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. Goggles are provided as part of the snorkeling equipment.

How long is the trip, and when do we reach the Blue Lagoon?

It’s a half-day outing. After a roughly 30-minute speedboat ride, you arrive at the Blue Lagoon.

What should I bring with me?

Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and your own food and drinks.

What happens if the weather is rough?

If there’s bad weather or rough sea conditions, the provider can change the route.

Is the activity suitable for everyone?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 3 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Pets are also not allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

From Trogir or Split: Full-Day Blue Cave & Hvar Island TourSPLIT-PRIVATE Walking Tour of Diocletian’s Palace & Old TownSplit Riviera Panoramic Sunset Cruise with Summer Vibes on BoatCetina River Rafting Half-Day Trip and Optional Pickup from Split