Split/Trogir: Half-Day(5 hours) 3-Island Speedboat Adventure

Imagine gliding across crystal-clear waters on a luxurious speedboat, visiting three stunning islands in just a few hours. That’s exactly what this half-day Croatian island-hopping tour offers, and it’s been getting rave reviews for its combination of scenery, comfort, and value. With a stellar 4.8/5 rating based on over 800 reviews, this adventure from Ria Tours has become a popular choice for travelers seeking a quick yet memorable escape to the Dalmatian islands.

What makes this trip stand out? For starters, the luxury speedboat promises a smooth ride, coupled with ample space and modern amenities. Second, the stops are thoughtfully curated—each offering a different flavor of Dalmatia, from turquoise waters to charming villages. And third, the price point of $73 per person makes it a surprisingly good deal considering the quality and sightseeing involved.

That said, it’s worth noting that weather conditions can influence the experience, with the captain reserving the right to modify or cancel if necessary. The trip is best suited for those who love a mix of relaxing swimming, scenic cruising, and exploring quaint local spots. If you’re after a full-day adventure or traveling with kids in a wheelchair, this short tour might not be the best fit. Otherwise, it’s an excellent way to see Croatia’s highlights without overcommitting.

Good To Know

• Comfort and Style: The tour uses a modern, luxury speedboat with shaded areas and onboard amenities, making the ride comfortable and relaxing.
• Stunning Stops: From the Blue Lagoon’s crystal waters to the historic village of Maslinica and the peaceful beaches of Iovo, each location offers something unique.
• Ideal Duration: At five hours, it’s a perfect half-day escape, leaving plenty of time for relaxation or additional exploring later.
• Great Value: For $73, travelers get multiple swim stops, snorkel equipment, drinks, and onboard facilities, making it a cost-effective experience.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Reviews highlight friendly, helpful crew members like Antonio and Ivan, who share insights and ensure safety.
• Weather Dependent: The tour’s success hinges on good weather, with safety always the top priority, potentially leading to cancellations or route adjustments.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Timing

The adventure kicks off either in Trogir (in front of Fortress Kamerlengo) or Split (Mletacki Mul, Riva) at 9:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., depending on your chosen schedule. The flexible timing caters to different travel plans, whether you’re an early riser or prefer a late-afternoon outing. The meeting points are easy to find, right in the heart of these historic towns, which makes logistical planning simpler.

The Luxury Speedboat

From the reviews, it’s clear that the speedboat isn’t just a transportation method—it’s part of the experience. It’s modern, clean, and well-maintained. Many mention the boat’s spacious layout, with plenty of room to lounge on deck or sit in shaded areas. The onboard Bluetooth music creates a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, adding a fun vibe to the cruise.

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon (Krknjai, Veliki Drvenik)

After a roughly 15-20 minute ride from Trogir or about 35-40 minutes from Split, the first stop is the Blue Lagoon. This name is no exaggeration—this spot lives up to its reputation with waters so clear you’ll feel like swimming in a giant swimming pool. Reviewers describe it as “incredible” and “awesome,” with snorkeling equipment making it easy to spot marine life, even if the fish tend to be shy in busy spots.

Visitors often mention the peaceful environment, perfect for unwinding or just floating in the warm water. Many appreciate the 1.5-hour window here, which offers enough time to swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the boat with an ice-cold drink. The Blue Lagoon feels like a true treasure, a well-deserved highlight of the trip.

Pro tip: Bring your own snorkeling mask if you want better visibility—some reviews noted that the snorkel stops can be a bit crowded, which might limit fish sightings.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Stop 2: Maslinica on Oltar

Next, the boat heads to Maslinica, a charming village on the island of Oltar, accessible after another 15-20 minute ride. This stop is all about soaking in local Dalmatian charm. The village is dominated by a well-preserved 16th-century castle, now functioning as a luxury hotel, which makes for some striking photos.

The traditional stone houses, narrow streets, and waterfront cafes are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Many travelers appreciate the relaxed pace here, calling it an “ideal” place for a gentle exploration. It’s a quieter, more authentic experience compared to the bustling coastline, letting you see how local life unfolds in this part of Croatia.

Stop 3: Branac Bay on Iovo

The last leg involves a 25-30 minute ride to Beach Bar Borkko on Iovo, a hidden gem beloved for its natural sandy seabed and peaceful atmosphere. The reviews hail this as a “beautiful” and “gorgeous” spot where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the untouched surroundings.

This is the perfect end to the tour—less crowded, more personal, and with clear waters ideal for swimming. Many reviewers mention relaxing here, with some noting the good facilities at the beach bar, which serves drinks and snacks, perfect for unwinding before heading back.

The Return Journey

After about an hour at Iovo, the boat heads back to the starting point. The overall timing ensures you’re not rushed, allowing everyone to truly enjoy each stop without feeling hurried.

What You’ll Love About This Tour

Authentic Scenery: Each stop offers a different facet of Dalmatia—turquoise waters, historic villages, and secluded beaches. You’ll leave feeling you’ve seen more than just the usual tourist spots.

Comfort and Modern Amenities: The boat’s shaded areas, onboard shower, fridge, Bluetooth music, and storage options make the trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

Engaging Guides: The crew, particularly named guides like Antonio and Ivan, are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness. Their insights and hospitality elevate the experience, making everyone feel comfortable.

Great Value: Considering the included snorkeling gear, drinks, and the scenic variety, the price of $73 per person feels fair. Many reviews note that this trip offers excellent value for money, especially when compared to longer or less comfortable options.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Weather is a significant factor. Since this tour depends heavily on sea conditions, poor weather can lead to cancellations or a modified route, which might mean fewer stops or a different experience. It’s advisable to check the forecast and be flexible with your plans.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s a group experience with stops at piers and anchors, which may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. Also, food isn’t included, so bring cash if you want to buy snacks or drinks at the stops.

Lastly, the snorkel spots can be busy, especially in peak season, which might reduce the chance of seeing more marine life. However, this is typical in popular spots and doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.

The Sum Up

This Split/Trogir 3-Island Speedboat Adventure offers a fantastic way to see Croatia’s stunning coast without committing to a full-day tour. The combination of comfortable, modern transport with carefully chosen stops makes it perfect for travelers looking for a mix of relaxation, scenery, and light exploration. The friendly guides and well-organized itinerary ensure a smooth experience, even if the weather plays a role in the day’s flow.

For those on a budget but wanting quality, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who love swimming, snorkeling, and exploring charming villages with a relaxed pace. It’s a fun, memorable escape that balances adventure with comfort and value.

If you want to maximize your time in Dalmatia without missing the best spots, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Just remember to pack your sunscreen, hat, and a good sense of adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the cruise on a luxury speedboat, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, coffee, life jackets, storage, shaded area, Bluetooth music, shower, and fridge.

Is food provided during the tour?
No, food is not included. You should bring cash if you want to purchase snacks or drinks at the stops or at the beach bar.

How long are the stops at each location?
Each stop lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, giving enough time for swimming, snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing.

What are the start times and meeting points?
Tours start at either 9:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., from Trogir in front of Fortress Kamerlengo or Split at Mletacki mul, riva.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users and involves stops at piers and anchors, so it might not be ideal for young children or those with mobility challenges.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a hat, towel, sunscreen, cash, and your own snorkeling gear if preferred. The boat supplies snorkeling equipment, but personal gear can be more comfortable.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be modified or canceled if weather conditions are unsafe. The captain makes the final decision, with options to reschedule or get a full refund if canceled.

This half-day trip offers a well-rounded taste of Croatia’s Dalmatian islands, blending scenic beauty, comfort, and authentic local charm. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape or a memorable addition to your Croatian itinerary, it’s a choice worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: