Six islands in one fast day.

I love the small group setup on a speedboat that keeps the vibe personal, and I love how often you get in the water with snorkeling gear—Hvar’s nearby islands are made for that. The one real consideration: it’s a speedboat day, so if the sea is choppy you’ll feel some bouncing.

This route strings together Milna on Brač, Hvar Town, the Pakleni Islands, Maslinica, the Blue Lagoon, and Labadusa Beach, so the scenery changes constantly. And because the boat is built for speed, you spend more time enjoying each place and less time stuck in transit.

One more nice touch: the trip is run by an English-speaking crew (names like Roko and Ela/Ella show up a lot in recent departures), and their job is to keep the timing smooth while you jump off for photos, swims, and a bit of exploring on land.

Key things that make this tour work so well

Small-group speedboat comfort (max 12 people) so you’re not lost in a big crowd.

Multiple swim and snorkel stops with gear provided, so you can make the most of the clearest water.

Hvar Town + Fortica-style viewpoints for that classic Adriatic postcard look.

Pakleni Islands water time in an easy, hop-on-hop-off way, not a long ferry marathon.

A day built for photos from harbors, fortress views, and bright coastal coves.

Split to the Islands: what the 10-hour rhythm feels like

This is a “from the water” day. You start in Split, meet at the Smile Travel office in town, then you’re on a speedboat quickly—no slow start, no long bus. Over the next 10 hours, the plan is all about short, punchy transfers between islands, then giving you enough time to actually enjoy the place before the next hop.

The pacing is ideal if you want variety. One island might feel like stone-and-harbor Dalmatia, another feels like yachts and hilltop views, and the swim stops swing hard toward clear water and snorkel-friendly conditions. You’re not just visiting one highlight. You’re collecting several.

Starting at Smile Travel in Split: getting organized fast

Meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split. From there, you head straight to the boat and stow luggage that you don’t want to bring along. If you think you’ll need luggage storage, the operator says to contact them in advance—worth doing so you’re not trying to figure it out last minute.

Plan your clothes like you’ll be switching modes quickly:

• Bring swimwear and a towel, since you’ll have several water stops.
• Bring a change of clothes for after the swims.
• Sunscreen and a hat matter. This is a day out on open water with plenty of sun.

The crew handles the boarding and stop timing, and the speedboat layout keeps the day feeling energetic rather than chaotic.

Milna on Brač: a quiet harbor break before Hvar Town

Your first land stop is Milna on Brač. This is a classic Adriatic setting: scenic harbor views, working fishing boats, and ancient-looking stone architecture that makes the place feel lived-in rather than staged.

You’ll get free time here plus a photo stop and time to walk around. Even if you keep it simple—grab a coffee, stroll the waterfront, take a few photos—Milna does one useful job: it resets you before Hvar’s bigger-city energy.

What to watch for: this early timing is a good moment to handle anything you forgot (sunscreen, water, or grabbing a snack), because after that, your day becomes more about hops and swims.

Hvar Town: fortress views and old-town wandering

Next comes Hvar Town, the island that people come for because it looks good from every angle. You’ll have a block of time to explore, with options ranging from old streets and Venetian-style palaces to the Old Town area itself.

Two standout priorities for how to spend your time in Hvar:

• If you want views, build in time to reach the Fortica Fortress area. Even a brief climb pays off in panorama-style photos.
• If you want atmosphere, slow down in the Old Town streets—shop fronts, stone walls, and harbor views make it easy to wander without overplanning.

You’ll also have the usual free-time flexibility: you can treat it as a culture stop (walk, see sights) or a food-and-beach stop depending on what the day feels like for you. This is one of the reasons the tour has such strong “value per hour” energy—you’re getting a real town experience, not just a quick pier photo.

Pakleni Islands: swim time in the archipelago around Hvar

Then you head to the Pakleni Islands. This is one of the best parts of the day if you like water time. The archipelago stretches about 10 kilometers long and has 16 islands, so even though you’re not visiting every island, the scenery around you feels like you’re in a postcard chain of coves.

There’s a swimming stop, and you get snorkeling gear included. That gear matters because it removes a common hassle: you don’t have to rent or source anything before you get to the clearest spots. You can swim, snorkel, and take in the underwater look in a way that feels straightforward and beginner-friendly.

Two practical tips:

• Put on sunscreen before you jump in. It’s easy to miss spots when you’re moving fast between stops.
• Don’t plan to do a “deep snorkel marathon.” The goal is enjoyment plus photos, since the day continues on.

If you’re choosing where to spend your energy, Pakleni is one of your best bets because it’s right after Hvar Town—so you get the town energy, then you cool off fast.

Maslinica on Šolta: calm village vibes and a reset before the big swim

After Pakleni, you’ll stop in Maslinica, a coastal village known for a peaceful feel and a natural setting. Think traditional stone houses, a picturesque harbor, and nearby olive groves—less showy than Hvar, but that’s exactly the point.

You get free time here, plus time for swimming and snorkeling. There’s also a lunch time slot in the schedule. The tour notes say food and drinks aren’t included, so treat lunch as a “you’ll have time to buy it or eat on your own” moment unless you confirm otherwise with the operator.

Maslinica helps balance the day. The earlier stops can feel “camera-on” and the swim stops can feel “water-on.” Maslinica is where you can slow your pace, catch your breath, and enjoy the village instead of just collecting another highlight.

Blue Lagoon and Labadusa: the water stops that sell this tour

If you came for the water—and most people do—this is where the day turns into pure fun.

First up is Blue Lagoon. It’s described as one of the most beautiful Adriatic beach areas, with untouched nature and sparkling water. You’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, and with snorkeling gear provided, you can stay active without hunting for equipment.

Then the final beach stop is Labadusa. Here you get more time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing at the beach bar area.

Here’s how to think about these last two stops:

• Blue Lagoon is your “wow, this water is unreal” moment.
• Labadusa is your “stay a while” finale—more room to enjoy without feeling like you’re running the clock.

One small reality check: even with a speedboat, you’re not always guaranteed to stay totally dry. The wind is part of the experience, and depending on conditions, you might get some spray. Still, the boat rides are generally described as fun and comfortable, and many people report surprisingly manageable wetness.

Crew, safety, and the music vibe on a 12-person boat

This is a licensed-skipper, life-jacket-included day, with safety gear provided. The crew is English-speaking, and they’re there to keep you safe during quick crossings and organized during stop times.

Music is part of the boat experience too. A common theme in recent feedback is that guides set a lively tone with tunes while explaining what’s ahead at each stop. Names that show up often include Roko and Ella/Ela, and multiple teams are described as upbeat and good at managing the flow of boarding and off-boarding.

You’ll want to pay attention during boarding and crossing points, especially on faster stretches. One person noted the day can get bumpy if sea conditions turn rough—but the captain maneuvers to keep things safe. That’s exactly what you want from the crew: confident handling and clear instructions.

Price and value: why $116 makes sense for this kind of day

At about $116 per person for a 10-hour small-group speedboat tour, you’re paying for three things at once:

• Time efficiency: speedboat hops make it possible to fit multiple islands and swim stops in one day from Split.
• Equipment you’d otherwise have to source: snorkeling gear and safety gear are included.
• A real small-group feel: the boat capacity is limited (around 12 people), which means you’re not fighting for space or attention.

Food and drinks are not included in the base notes, and that’s the one place you’ll need to budget a bit for yourself. But the upside is you’re not paying “tour price” for meals you might not even want. You also get built-in time where you can choose what fits you—coffee in Milna, lunch time in Maslinica, and then beach time where you can buy something if you want.

If your goal is to see Hvar and also get serious water time without planning separate trips, this route is strong value for your schedule.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want multiple islands without spending half your vacation commuting.
• Love swimming and want snorkeling gear provided.
• Prefer small-group tours over big coach-style outings.
• Don’t mind a full day with frequent movement between stops.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 8
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People over 65

Also, because it’s on a speedboat and subject to sea/weather, people who get uncomfortable on boats or in choppy conditions should think carefully before booking.

Should you book Split: Blue Lagoon, Hvar and 6 Islands?

Book it if you want a do-it-all Adriatic day: town walking in Hvar, harbor calm in places like Milna and Maslinica, and big water moments at Pakleni, Blue Lagoon, and Labadusa. The small-group boat format is a real advantage, and snorkeling gear included makes it easier to take advantage of the best conditions.

Skip it if you’re hoping for a relaxed, slow-paced day on land. This is a water-and-wind schedule. You’ll be moving, stepping off, and getting back on throughout the day.

FAQ

How many people are on the speedboat?

The boat holds only about 12 people, which keeps the tour feeling more personal than large-group island hopping.

Where do we meet in Split?

Meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split.

What’s included in the tour besides transport?

Snorkeling equipment, safety gear/life jackets, music, an English-speaking staff, a licensed skipper, passenger insurance, and tax/fees are included.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are listed as not included. The schedule includes time for lunch at Maslinica, but you should plan to buy meals for yourself.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Is there luggage storage?

Yes, luggage storage is available. If you need it, contact the operator in advance.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour may be canceled due to sea and weather conditions. If that happens, you’ll be offered an alternative date, an alternative tour, or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 8 years old.