From Trogir: Three Islands Half-Day Speedboat Tour

Three stops, clear water, and plenty of sea air. This five-hour trip packs a lot into a half-day, with fast boat rides, swimming at the Blue Lagoon, a walk through Maslinica, and a final water stop at Duga Bay. I especially like the small-group speedboat feel and the chance to see three very different coastal places without arranging separate ferries. The main tradeoff is simple: five hours passes quickly, and some people will want more time at Šolta or Čiovo.

The boat leaves from the promenade in front of Kamerlengo Castle, giving you fine views of Trogir before you even reach open water. I also like that snorkeling gear, safety equipment, water, fuel, and windproof jackets are included. Lunch is not included, and restaurant service at Maslinica can use most of the available hour, so bring a snack if swimming matters more to you than a sit-down meal.

The tour at a glance

• Price: $67 per person
• Length: 5 hours
• Starting point: Main promenade in Trogir, in front of Kamerlengo Castle
• Main stops: Blue Lagoon, Maslinica on Šolta, and Duga Bay on Čiovo
• Boat size: Up to 12 people, with many departures carrying fewer
• Languages: English and Croatian
• Included: Skipper, fuel, insurance, VAT, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and windproof jackets
• Best for: Families, couples, swimmers, and anyone wanting a lively half-day on the Adriatic

Why this speedboat trip works so well

The strongest part of this outing is its variety. You are not spending five hours at one beach or sitting on a slow ferry. The route gives you a scenic ride, a proper swim stop, a small island village, and another chance to get into the water.

The boat itself is a big part of the appeal. Several people praised the ride as fast, fun, and safe, while the smaller boat created a more personal mood than a large excursion vessel. Boats commonly carried around eight to 12 people, though the exact number can vary.

The skippers also receive unusually strong praise. Petar, Peter, Ivan, Lujo, Iggy, Marco, Maja, and Roko are among the crew members singled out for being friendly, careful, and good at explaining the stops. Petar in particular is repeatedly described as both a confident pilot and an entertaining host.

That human touch matters. A good skipper can make a short ride feel like part of the tour rather than a transfer between attractions. You get views of the islands, passing boats, and Trogir’s waterfront, along with short stories and practical help at each stop.

There is one honest limitation: this is a moving day. You will not have time to explore each island in depth. The appeal is sampling three places, not fully touring Šolta or Čiovo.

Leaving Trogir beside Kamerlengo Castle

Meet on the main promenade in front of Kamerlengo Castle. This is a useful starting point because the fortress is easy to identify and puts you right beside Trogir’s waterfront.

The first ride takes about 20 minutes. As the boat pulls away, look back toward Trogir for views of the old town and the fortress. This opening stretch is more than a practical transfer. It gives you a quick introduction to the city from the water and sets the tone for the day.

The speedboat ride can be breezy even in warm weather. The provider supplies windproof jackets, but you should still bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Secure loose belongings before the boat gathers speed, and keep a layer handy if you are sensitive to wind.

You may also be able to arrange pickup from a nearby resort pier in advance. This has helped some families avoid an early trip into central Trogir, but you should confirm that option directly before booking because it is not presented as a standard part of every departure.

Blue Lagoon: the main swimming stop

After the first ride, the boat reaches the Blue Lagoon for about 90 minutes. This is the part most people will be waiting for, and it is easy to understand why. The water is clear, bright, and inviting, with good conditions for swimming and snorkeling when the sea is calm.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. You can swim from the boat or spend time on the beach, depending on the conditions and the skipper’s stopping point. The stop also leaves room for photos, sunbathing, and a relaxed look at the surrounding islands.

Families seem to fit comfortably into this part of the trip. Parents with children as young as three have enjoyed the outing, and families with children from one to 11 have described the boat as safe and well equipped. Still, you should be comfortable helping young children around open water and boarding a speedboat.

The Blue Lagoon can be busy, especially in the height of summer. One skipper may try to time the stop to avoid the largest crowds, but this is a popular place and conditions are not fully under the crew’s control. If you want a quiet, solitary beach, this is not the right expectation.

The 90-minute allowance is generous compared with the other stops, but it goes fast once you include getting settled, swimming, snorkeling, and drying off. If the water is your main reason for booking, use this stop well. Have your swimsuit on before departure, keep your towel within reach, and do not spend the whole first half taking photos.

Maslinica on Šolta, a village with a castle

The second ride takes roughly 10 minutes before reaching Maslinica, the only village and port on the western side of Šolta. You have about an hour here, with time for a walk, coffee, shopping, photos, and food.

Maslinica feels different from the Blue Lagoon. Instead of focusing on swimming, you get a small coastal settlement with boats in the harbor and a restored 16th-century castle. The castle has been converted into a hotel, making it one of the area’s most distinctive buildings.

I like this middle stop because it gives the tour some cultural shape. Without it, the day would be mostly water and beaches. A short walk through the old village lets you see local homes, harbor life, and the slower pace of an island port.

The catch is time. An hour sounds reasonable until you walk to a restaurant, wait for food, eat, and still want to see the village. Several people wished for another 30 minutes here. If lunch is important, you may need to choose between a proper meal and a more relaxed walk.

The tour does not include lunch. Traditional Dalmatian restaurants and cafés are available, but opening hours and service can vary, particularly on morning departures. One useful approach is to eat before the tour, bring a small snack, or plan on a quick coffee and light bite rather than a long lunch.

Do not judge Šolta only by how much time you spend there. Maslinica is a change of pace and a good photo stop, but it is not meant to be a full island visit. If you want a longer look at the village, consider returning independently on another day.

Duga Bay on Čiovo for a final swim

The next ride takes about 15 minutes to Duga Bay on the southern side of Čiovo. You have around 90 minutes here, making it another substantial water stop.

The bay is described as small and attractive, with clear water and schools of small silver fish visible while snorkeling. It is a pleasant final chance to cool off after walking around Maslinica and riding in the sun.

This stop can feel more relaxed than the Blue Lagoon, but it may also be busy. One departure found the final stop crowded, even though the skipper had tried to avoid the worst of the crowds. That is worth keeping in mind if you expect an empty cove.

The schedule allows for swimming, snorkeling, walking, photos, and possibly a meal. In practice, you may want to focus on one or two of those choices. The water is the main attraction, and many people wished they had brought a picnic so they could spend more time swimming instead of waiting for food.

Families often enjoy this stop because there is time for children to play in the water and for adults to settle into the afternoon. The boat returns to Trogir after another 15-minute ride.

The speedboat ride is part of the attraction

It would be a mistake to treat the boat only as transport. The ride between stops is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.

A speedboat gives you broad views of the Dalmatian islands and lets you cover distances that would take much longer by local ferry. You move quickly, but the trip still includes pauses for scenery and photos. Children often enjoy the sense of speed, while adults get an easy way to see several coastal areas in one outing.

The smaller boat also helps the group feel less anonymous. Some departures have had only one group with a few extra people, which can feel almost like a private charter without the private charter price. The exact atmosphere depends on the day’s bookings, but the maximum group size is listed as 12.

Comfort depends partly on the sea. A speedboat is more exposed to wind and movement than a large ferry, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully. The supplied windproof jackets help with spray and breeze, but they do not turn the boat into a sheltered cabin.

What the $67 price really buys you

At $67 per person, this is good value if you want a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and transport in one outing. Fuel alone is a meaningful part of any speedboat trip, and the price also covers a skipper, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, bottled water, insurance, and VAT.

You are not paying for a luxury yacht or a private guide. You are paying for access to three stops, a fast boat, and a crew member who handles the route. That is a fair deal for someone based in Trogir or nearby who wants to see more of the coast without managing ferry timetables.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors with limited time. In five hours, you get a taste of the Blue Lagoon, Šolta, and Čiovo. The value is weaker if you prefer long beach days, unhurried meals, or independent exploration.

Some outings have lasted the full five hours, while the schedule itself allows about four hours at the stops and one hour on the water. The timing is efficient, but not generous. If you are considering an eight-hour alternative, choose the longer version if you know you dislike rushing.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and small groups who want an active half-day without committing to a full-day charter. Children have enjoyed the boat speed, swimming, and snorkeling, and the crew has received praise for helping families feel safe.

It also suits people staying in Trogir who want to stay close to town. The meeting point is central, and the return is to the same area near Kamerlengo Castle.

You should think twice if you use a wheelchair, as the tour is not wheelchair accessible. You should also reconsider it if you dislike open boats, fast rides, or a schedule that moves between several stops.

For the best use of your time, bring:

• A towel, sun hat, and sunscreen
• Swimwear worn under your clothes
• A small snack, especially if you do not want to spend your Maslinica stop waiting for lunch
• A light layer for the ride
• Waterproof protection for phones and small valuables

Afternoon departures can be especially appealing if sunset views matter to you. One outing received particular praise for its sunset, though the exact light and timing depend on the day’s schedule and weather.

Should you book the Three Islands Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a lively, well-organized introduction to the islands around Trogir, with two strong swimming stops and one village visit. The skippers are a major part of the experience, and the route gives you far more variety than a single beach transfer.

Skip it if you want to settle into one cove for most of the day or take a slow, detailed look at Šolta. For everyone else, $67 buys a useful slice of the Dalmatian coast, with the Blue Lagoon as the likely highlight and Maslinica providing the welcome change of scenery.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is on Trogir’s main promenade, in front of Kamerlengo Castle.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the speedboat rides and stops.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes the Blue Lagoon, Maslinica on Šolta, and Duga Bay on Čiovo.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with safety equipment and a 0.5-liter bottle of water.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though you may have time to buy food at Maslinica or another stop.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The tour is listed as suitable for all ages, and families with young children have taken part. Children should still be supervised around the boat and in the water.

Is the speedboat wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and a light layer for the boat ride. A snack is also useful if you want to maximize your swimming time rather than wait for lunch.