Trogir and the Blue Lagoon in one 5-hour sweep.

What makes this tour click is the small-boat feel (max 10 on the tour, about 12 onboard) and the fact that you get three very different stops without spending your whole day on buses. I like the hands-on approach too: you’re given snorkeling gear, life jackets, and a licensed skipper on a high-quality speedboat. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a speedboat ride, so the water can mean a bit of bounciness.

You’ll start in Split, hop to a UNESCO old town, then go straight into swim-and-snorkel mode at Blue Lagoon Beach. After that, you get a calmer island village break at Maslinica on Šolta, which is a nice contrast to the most famous beach scene. As a bonus, I found the logistics practical: you can often store luggage at the Smile Travel office if you don’t want to lug everything around.

Weather can also change the exact plan. If seas are rough, the operator may cancel or offer an alternative date, and Maslinica can be swapped for another destination.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Small group on a 12-seat speedboat: more personal pacing than big-tour boats.
• UNESCO Trogir first: you get historic wandering before the swim stops start.
• Blue Lagoon Beach time for snorkeling: bring your swim kit and expect real water play.
• Šolta Island Maslinica for a quieter feel: stone houses, a harbor, and olive groves energy.
• Onboard support is part of the package: licensed skipper, safety gear, and English-speaking staff.
• Bring a towel and change of clothes: you’ll want to rinse off and feel human again afterward.

Split pickup at Smile Travel: faster than hunting for the boat

This tour is built around a simple meeting point: in front of the Smile Travel office in Split, at Marmontova 5. You don’t need to guess which dock or which vessel is yours. The staff meets you, helps with the handoff, and gets you sorted quickly, which matters when you’re on Croatian time and everyone’s doing their best to beat the crowds.

Luggage handling is also a big practical win. The tour includes luggage storage at the office if you need it, so you can travel light and keep your hands free for sunscreen, towels, and snacks. If you’re heading to the airport after, this kind of option is the difference between relaxing and feeling rushed.

Once everyone’s ready, you stow what you don’t want onboard, then you head to the speedboat. Expect a quick “let’s go” vibe from the crew: the point is movement, sea air, and getting to the islands while the day is still comfortable.

Trogir UNESCO in 75 minutes: a quick art-and-stone-town hit

Your first land stop is Trogir, a UNESCO-protected town with roots that stretch back about 2,000 years. You get around an hour there, which is perfect if you want the highlights without turning your vacation into a walking exam.

Trogir has that “where do I look first?” feeling: stone streets, historic buildings, and views that reward you for turning your head at the right time. It’s often called the museum town, and that nickname makes sense because the streets feel like an outdoor display of architecture and coastal life.

Because you’re on your own for exploring time, I recommend a smart route. Start with one main lane toward the oldest core, then pick a couple of vantage points where you can look back over the water. If you’re the type who loves photos, this is where you’ll do most of your best shots before you get sandy.

One consideration: 75 minutes sounds generous until you’re standing in a perfect spot for photos and you lose 20 minutes to the breeze. Go early in the stop, and you’ll feel calmer instead of sprinting.

Blue Lagoon Beach for swimming and snorkeling: plan for water time

Next comes the headline stop: Blue Lagoon Beach on Drvenik Veli Island. This is the part most people book for, and it earns its reputation. The sea looks clean, the water stays inviting, and the beach atmosphere makes it easy to forget you were ever indoors.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours here for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and pictures. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not stuck negotiating rentals at the dock. And you’ll also get marine life viewing opportunities as you float and look around.

There’s even a cocktail break listed for this stop, which is a nice touch if you want something non-water for a moment before you’re back in the waves. Don’t count on it as a full meal though; it’s the kind of small perk that makes the stop feel more like a day out than a timed swim session.

Practical tip: bring water and sunscreen, and put sunscreen on before you get there. Getting it wrong once is easy; reapplying every 20 minutes in sea-breeze weather isn’t fun. Also pack a towel and a change of clothes—your future self will thank you when you board again.

The biggest “watch-outs” here are the obvious ones: it’s a popular beach, and that can mean more people in the water than you’d prefer. The good news is the total time is long enough that you can find a calmer stretch to rinse, snorkel, and relax.

Maslinica on Šolta Island: the quieter island reset

After the splashy beach energy, you switch gears to Maslinica on Šolta Island. This stop is about an hour, and it’s intentionally different from Blue Lagoon. Maslinica is known for a peaceful coastal village feel, with a picturesque harbor, traditional stone houses, and olive groves in the background.

What you do with that hour is flexible: swim if you want, wander a bit, and enjoy a slower pace. If you’re tired of crowds, Maslinica is often where the day regains its calm. I like this contrast a lot because it prevents the tour from feeling like three clocked-in swims.

Because it’s a smaller village setting, you can usually take your time finding a spot to sit, watch boats come and go, and just breathe. It’s also a good place to reset if you’re snorkeling earlier and your body needs a little recovery.

One more reality check: island time goes fast, especially if you’re in swim mode. If Maslinica is your favorite stop, aim to spend your first 10 minutes getting oriented, then commit to a plan—otherwise you’ll end up racing back to the boat.

The speedboat experience: fun, fast, and slightly bumpy

This tour runs on a speedboat designed for safe and fast island hopping. Expect that “road-trip on water” feeling. One of the key practical notes is that you may get some bumpy moments—speedboats do that. The trick is knowing that going in, so you’re not surprised and grumpy.

The route is quick between stops, which is exactly why it works. You trade “more time in fewer places” for “see more coast in one day.” If you prefer long, slow, zero-stress sightseeing, this might feel a bit energetic. If you like variety—historic town, famous beach, then a calmer village—it’s a great fit.

Onboard, the vibe is light and guided. Music is included, and you’re traveling with English-speaking staff. Safety gear is also part of the package, and you’ll have life jackets on hand, plus a licensed skipper at the helm.

Small group matters here. With a boat that holds around a dozen people and a tour limit around 10, you’re less likely to feel swallowed by a crowd. You’ll still hear other languages, sure, but the experience feels more like a shared boat day than a cattle-call.

Snorkeling gear, safety, and what “included” really means

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with safety gear/life jackets and passenger insurance. That matters because it removes the main friction points: you don’t have to hunt for gear, and you can focus on the actual water experience.

How to make the gear work for you: check your fit before you get in. If you’re not comfortable with the snorkel or the mask strap, adjust it early rather than wrestling once you’re already in. Then keep your expectations realistic. You’re not guaranteed a coral garden type of scene, but you should enjoy marine life viewing where conditions allow.

You’ll also get an experienced crew and a licensed skipper, which is the baseline for a tour that moves across open water. When seas are a bit choppy, that safety factor is worth more than extra comfort on land.

If you’re nervous about water, start with just getting used to the surface float. You don’t have to snorkel the entire time to enjoy the stop. Often, the first minutes are the learning curve, and after that it becomes relaxing.

Price and value: $94 for transport, fuel, and gear

At about $94 per person for a 5-hour tour, you’re paying for more than “a beach day.” You’re buying speedboat transport with fuel, a licensed skipper, passenger insurance, taxes and fees, and included snorkeling gear plus safety equipment.

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan snacks or water yourself. Still, even with that, the value stacks up because the big-ticket costs—boat and gear—are handled for you.

Compare the effort, too. Without this tour, you’d either coordinate separate transport to Trogir, Blue Lagoon, and Šolta, or you’d have to pick just one. Here, your day is built to hop between places efficiently, so you’re using your vacation hours in a way that feels efficient rather than exhausting.

The one cost reality check: if you tend to buy drinks on-site, factor that in. You’ll likely want water anyway, and beach stops make it hard to ignore the temptation of a cold drink.

Weather and itinerary changes: what you should expect if seas don’t cooperate

This is a sea-based tour, so conditions matter. The plan can shift depending on weather, and Maslinica may be replaced with an alternative destination.

If there’s bad weather, the tour will be canceled and you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. That’s the practical side of island hopping: even with the best planning, nature makes the final call.

My advice: if you’re booking for a specific day, try not to schedule a lot immediately afterward that you can’t shift. If your itinerary is tight because of flights, it’s smart to ask about luggage storage—many people like keeping their day flexible.

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

This experience fits best if you want variety in a short window: historic Trogir, the famous Blue Lagoon swim, and a calmer island village break on Šolta. It’s also ideal if you like small groups and want a crew that helps you stay oriented.

It’s not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 70. And because the tour relies on speedboat transport, if you have concerns about getting in/out comfortably, it’s worth thinking twice.

If you’re the type who enjoys snorkeling and doesn’t mind that the stops are time-limited, you’ll probably feel happy with the pace. If you want slow and deep exploring, you might feel rushed—this tour is built for movement and variety.

Should you book it?

I think you should book this tour if you want a high-value island day from Split without spending it planning connections. The small group setup, included snorkeling gear, and the combo of UNESCO Trogir plus Blue Lagoon plus Šolta Maslinica is a strong mix.

You might skip it if you’re sensitive to boat motion, dislike popular beach crowds, or want long unhurried time in just one place. In that case, you’d probably be happier doing a slower, single-destination day.

If you book, pack the essentials early: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Also plan to meet on time at Marmontova 5 so the day starts smoothly.

One final nudge: if Doris (or another English-speaking host) tells you how to time your stop, listen. The staff keeps the day running, and a small piece of local guidance can help you get more from those limited island minutes.

FAQ

What’s included in the island tour from Split?

The tour includes a small group island-hopping experience, English-speaking staff, transportation by a high-quality speedboat (plus fuel), a licensed skipper, music, snorkeling equipment, safety gear/life jackets, passenger insurance, and tax and fees. Luggage storage is also included if you contact the provider if needed.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split at Marmontova 5.

How long is the tour and how many island stops are there?

The total duration is about 5 hours, with stops at Trogir, Blue Lagoon Beach (Drvenik Veli Island), and Maslinica (Šolta Island).

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring to make the most of the beach time?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What if the weather is rough?

The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions. If weather conditions are bad, the tour will be canceled and you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I store luggage at the meeting point?

Luggage storage is included. If you need it, you should contact the provider to arrange storage.