Blue water, quick pace, big payoff. This half-day speedboat trip from Split pairs Blue Lagoon swimming with UNESCO Trogir in a small group that feels personal, not packed. You also get a walk built around the city’s Unsullied filming scenes, so the sightseeing has a story hook.

I love how the day mixes short travel legs with real time in the water. After about 30 minutes by speedboat to the lagoon, you’ll swim in shallow turquoise shallows and use provided snorkeling goggles, then cool down with a laid-back stretch on Čiovo. One drawback: this is a speedboat day, and if the sea gets rough the operator may adjust the route, so it’s not the best fit for people sensitive to choppy rides.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small boat (about 12 passengers): You don’t feel herded, and it stays easy to hear the crew.
• Blue Lagoon’s shallow “sand-and-shell” look: The water turns magical because the bottom is light, not deep rock.
• Snorkeling with goggles included: You’re set up for a quick underwater look at Blue Lagoon and Necujam Bay.
• Čiovo downtime at Borkko beach bar: Swim, sip, and relax right at the waterline.
• Trogir walk with show-themed stops: You’ll trace an Unsullied-style route tied to filming in the old town.
• Timing that avoids heavy crowds: Reviews love the pace and the feeling that you’re not stuck in tourist lines all afternoon.

Meet on Split’s Riva: The easiest start point

Your day begins at the Gray Line office on Split’s famous Riva promenade, right next to the entrance to Diocletian’s cellars. That matters more than it sounds, because getting going smoothly is half the battle with half-day tours. You’re not dealing with a maze of hotel pickups. You walk in, check in, and head straight to the water.

The tour is also built for an efficient rhythm. You’re out the door and on the speedboat quickly, so you spend your limited time where the scenery is—on the sea and in the old town.

The 30-minute speedboat ride: fun speed, real sun

After boarding, the ride to the Blue Lagoon is about 30 minutes. It’s a speedboat, so expect that light, sporty feeling—some people get a little adrenaline the first minutes. The upside is that you’re not losing your day to slow ferry travel.

You’ll also feel the breeze and the sun at the same time. That’s why “warm clothing” is on the bring list. On the water, even when it’s warm on land, you can get cooled down quickly—especially if there’s any wind. Sunglasses and a hat are essential; Split sun plus open sea glare can sneak up on you.

One more practical note: this tour isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone with pre-existing medical conditions. It’s also not set up for wheelchair users or mobility impairments. If you’re unsure, you’ll want to think about comfort on a boat first, not just the destination.

Blue Lagoon and Necujam Bay: the water is the whole point

The highlight stop is the Blue Lagoon, on the southeastern side of Drvenik island. The lagoon is shallow, with a seafloor of sand and crushed shells. That bottom detail is why the color turns so striking—light reflects in a way you don’t get in darker, rockier bays.

Here’s what you’ll actually do once you arrive:

• Swim in the shallow lagoon area
• Spend time in the water before you move on
• Snorkel for underwater life (with goggles provided)

You’re not going to need a long gear setup. You show up, put on goggles, and you’re looking. The snorkeling part is a bonus for people who want more than surface swimming, but it also works for first-timers who just want a calm underwater view rather than anything technical.

Possible drawback: snorkeling and swimming depend on conditions. If the day turns choppy, you may not get as much comfortable, easy time in the water. The operator can change the route in bad weather or rough sea conditions, so keep expectations flexible.

Čiovo Island and Borkko: beach-bar time that doesn’t feel staged

After the Blue Lagoon swim, you head to Čiovo. This is where the tour slows down. The sea stays crystal-clear, and the plan includes a chill stop at a beach bar called Borkko, located right by the water.

This is the moment I think most people remember, because it’s not just another “land and look” stop. You can do the simple things that make a coastal day feel like vacation:

• swim again if you want
• lounge and reset
• sip something cool (food and drinks are not included, so you’ll pay there)

If you like your travel days with a little “nothing to do” time built in, this stop is your reward. Reviews also call out the vibe and the way the schedule gives each stop a fair amount of time—no endless waiting on a dock, no rushing through a single photo spot.

Trogir (Little Venice): UNESCO streets plus Unsullied filming scenes

When you land in Trogir, you’re entering a place locals still feel proud of—and tourists find instantly charming. The old town is UNESCO-protected since 1997, and many people call it Little Venice because of the surrounding channels.

One of the more interesting facts you’ll likely hear on a guided walk: the channels are described as sinking, and their presence dates back to when the Greeks colonized this coastline about 2,400 years ago. It’s a great “wait, how old is this?” moment that makes the town feel more grounded than just pretty street views.

Then there’s the show connection. The tour includes a walk tied to the Unsullied and the city’s filming sites. Even if you’re not obsessed with the series, this kind of theme makes the walk easier to enjoy: you’re not just staring at buildings, you’re connecting them to a story and a set of scenes.

Practical tip: wear shoes that handle cobblestones. The old town walking is part of the experience, and it’s not the kind of place where you want to spend your time being careful with every step.

Pace and group size: why small feels better here

This trip is on a speedboat designed for up to 12 passengers. That small group size has two big benefits.

First, it helps the crew keep the day flowing. Reviews highlight a smooth, well-paced schedule with enough time at each stop—so you don’t feel shorted at Blue Lagoon or rushed in Trogir.

Second, it makes the atmosphere lighter. Several people specifically mention the energy and humor from guides and captains, including names like Nino (often praised as a standout host), plus Theresa, Frankie, and Franco. The pattern is consistent: the best moments aren’t just the sights—they’re the human touch that keeps everyone relaxed on the boat and clear on what’s next.

If you want a half-day that feels like a mini-adventure rather than a checklist, the small group is a real advantage.

Price and value: $69 for sea time, snorkeling, and two major stops

At $69 per person, this tour can be good value if you want a tight mix of swimming and sightseeing without planning your own boat day.

Here’s what you’re getting that typically costs extra when you DIY:

• Comfortable speedboat transport from Split and back
• English-speaking captain and crew
• Snorkeling goggles (not just advice to go look)
• Insurance and VAT

What you’re not getting: food and drinks, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. So yes, you’ll likely spend a bit at the beach bar if you want snacks or a drink.

But for many people, that trade is worth it. You’re paying for the combination: Blue Lagoon water time + snorkeling + Čiovo relaxation + a UNESCO old-town walk. If you try to piece that together yourself, the logistics can eat up time, and you may still end up paying for private boat transport.

My take: the price feels fair if you’re the type who actually uses the included activities—especially the swimming and snorkeling—rather than treating it as a sightseeing-only tour.

What to bring (and what to skip): simple prep for a fast day

You’ll have a lot of water time, plus a walk in old town, so pack for both.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Warm clothing (wind on the water can feel cooler than you expect)
• Food and drinks, since you’re not provided them

If you’re thinking about a day bag, keep it simple and secure. When you’re on a speedboat, loose items tend to become a headache.

Also, pets aren’t allowed. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, plan a different activity.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you:

• want a half-day sea escape from Split
• like swimming and want snorkeling goggles included
• enjoy a guided old-town walk that’s not just random facts
• prefer a smaller boat feel (about 12 passengers)

Skip or reconsider if you:

• have mobility impairments or need wheelchair access (not suitable)
• have back problems, or any pre-existing medical condition that could be affected by boat movement
• are pregnant
• can’t comfortably handle speedboat travel if seas get rough

And one more thought: if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider whether you’d be okay on an adrenaline-tinged ride. The tour can change routes in rough conditions, but the boat feel is still part of the experience.

Should you book the Split Boat Trip to Blue Lagoon, Čiovo, and Trogir?

Book it if you want a smart, time-efficient day that hits the best combination: clear swimming water, a real break on Čiovo, and an actual UNESCO old town walk. The small group size and the pace make it feel like you’re on a shared adventure, not waiting around.

Don’t book it if you need a slow, sheltered, easy day. This is a speedboat tour with real sea time, so comfort on the water matters. If weather is unpredictable, you’ll also want to be flexible since the operator can adjust the route.

If you’re ready for sun, salt, and cobblestones, this is the kind of half-day that leaves you wishing it were one day longer.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You meet at the Gray Line office in Split on the Riva promenade, right next to the entrance to Diocletian’s cellars. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are on the speedboat?

The trip uses a spacious speedboat designed for a small group of about 12 passengers.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, specifically goggles.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want money for stops like the beach bar on Čiovo.

Is the tour suitable for children or for people with mobility issues?

It’s not suitable for children under 3 years. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and it isn’t suitable for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

What happens if weather is rough?

In bad weather or rough sea conditions, the provider has the right to change the route.