Blue water and old town, in one easy run. I love the small 12-person speedboat and the chance to swim in the Blue Lagoon with snorkeling goggles, all without a full-day commitment. One thing to consider: it is a speedboat, so bad weather or rough sea can change the route.

I also like the human touch, with an English-speaking captain and crew that keeps the day easy to follow. You might get a host like Nino, or a guide plan that feels well-paced thanks to people such as Theresa or Frankie. If you have back problems, a medical condition, or mobility limitations, note this trip is not suitable.

Key things to know before you go

• Blue Lagoon first: after about 30 minutes from Split, you get real swim time in a shallow, sand-and-shell lagoon with striking blue water
• Snorkeling gear included: goggles are provided, so you can see underwater life without extra shopping
• Čiovo break at Borkko: you get a beach-bar stop on the water for that sit, swim, repeat rhythm
• Trogir on foot: you’ll walk the UNESCO-listed old town, often called Little Venice for its channels
• Unsullied filming scenes: the city walk includes stops tied to the Unsullied theme, for film-fan extra payoff

From Split’s Riva to Speedboat Mode

Your half-day starts at the Gray Line office in Split on the Riva promenade, right by the entrance to the Diocletian’s cellars. If you’re already sightseeing in this area, it is a nice setup because you can stay in the flow of the city instead of doing a complicated transfer.

Then it is straight onto the boat. This isn’t a giant party barge either, with a small group of up to 12 passengers and a spacious, comfortable speedboat. That matters because the day feels more like an intimate island hop and less like a moving waiting room.

Blue Lagoon at Drvenik Island: the swim that makes it worth it

The first major stop is the Blue Lagoon, reached after a roughly 30-minute speedboat ride. You arrive at a shallow lagoon on the southeastern side of Drvenik island, with a seafloor of sand and crushed shells that creates that mesmerizing blue you came for.

This is the part where the trip earns its reputation. You’re not just looking at water from the deck. You actually get time to swim, and because the lagoon is shallow, you can enjoy it even if you are not a strong swimmer.

Practical tip: pack your essentials so you can get in the water fast. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and your swimwear ready to go. The tour also recommends warm clothing, which sounds odd in summer, but speedboats cool down quickly once you’re out on the open water.

Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon and Necujam Bay: what you’ll spot

You’ll snorkel using provided goggles, typically during the swim breaks connected to the Blue Lagoon and Necujam Bay. Even if you only snorkel for a short stretch, you’ll likely notice the difference between seeing the sea and actually reading the underwater scene.

The water clarity is the big advantage here. With a sand-and-shell bottom and good visibility, the experience feels visual and playful, like you’re hovering over the floor of a natural aquarium. If you enjoy watching fish or tracking how light moves underwater, this stop is the kind that stays with you.

Possible drawback to keep in mind: snorkeling time is still limited by the schedule of a half-day trip. If you want long, dedicated snorkeling, you might feel you want more time once you’re already in the water. The trade-off is that you also get the Čiovo beach bar and Trogir old town in the same day.

Čiovo Island and Borkko Beach Bar: swim, sip, repeat

After Blue Lagoon, the route shifts to Čiovo island. Here you get a calmer rhythm: crystal-clear sea time plus a beach-bar stop at Borkko right by the water.

This is the moment you can slow down. You can swim again, then come up for a lounge-style break at the bar, where the whole scene revolves around the shoreline and the views. If you like the idea of a boat trip that includes a real hangout spot, this one fits.

Food and drinks are not included, so treat Borkko like a budget or a chance to try something you like. If you prefer saving money, you can bring snacks and water as suggested in the packing list.

Trogir’s UNESCO Old Town: Little Venice on foot

Next comes the historic payoff: Trogir. You’ll take a walk through the old town, which is UNESCO-protected and often referred to as Little Venice because of its surrounding channels.

What I like about Trogir in this format is that it feels different from a typical bus stop. You’re on foot, so you can follow narrow lanes, glance along the channels, and get that old-coastline atmosphere without needing a full self-guided day.

The channels are part of the story. They have been standing since Greek colonization times, about 2,400 years ago. That’s a lot of time layered into a compact walk, and it explains why the town feels like it grew important in steps, not all at once.

Walking note: the trip description says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Trogir’s old streets and the timing of a guided walk can involve uneven surfaces, so if you rely on mobility aids, it’s worth choosing a different option.

Unsullied filming scenes: connecting screen moments to real streets

Trogir isn’t only for architecture lovers. The city walk includes a themed route that traces the steps of the Unsullied and points out filming sites in the city.

Even if you’re only casually aware of the theme, you’ll likely enjoy spotting recognizable streets and imagining the scenes. This is a smart add-on for fans because it turns sightseeing into a scavenger-style walk, with a reason to pause at specific corners.

The key is that the trip still balances that theme with time to simply enjoy the old town. You’re not stuck in one lecture mode the entire walk, and the pace is designed to keep the day feeling human.

The “how” matters: pace, music, and staying comfortable

One of the strongest signals from this experience is the pacing. Guides plan the day so each stop feels timed well, not rushed, not dragged out. Since this is a half-day, that balance is everything. You should leave with the feeling that you actually did the highlights, not just watched them go by.

Another detail that comes up is safety and comfort on the speedboat. There’s some adrenaline in the ride, but competent, experienced driving helps it feel controlled. I also like that the music is often part of the vibe, which can make the boat transfer feel like part of the trip, not just a commute.

Small-group size also helps. With around 12 passengers, you spend less time waiting your turn and more time at the water and in the town.

Price and value: is $69 fair for this route?

At $69 per person, the value is tied to what’s included and what’s left for you. You get transportation in a comfortable speedboat, an English-speaking captain and crew, snorkeling equipment (goggles), insurance, and VAT.

Food and drinks are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included, which means you’ll need to get yourself to the Gray Line meeting point at Riva.

So who feels this value most? People who want the core trio in one shot: Blue Lagoon swim time, Čiovo’s beach-bar relaxation, and a Trogir walk. If you’re the type who ends up spending time and money piecing together separate local transfers, this bundle can feel like the cheaper path even if you are paying for convenience.

Personal budget hack: bring water and a snack if you want one less purchase during the day. Then splurge on one meal or drink when you reach Borkko.

Who this boat trip suits best

This trip is a great fit if you want a fast, fun Split outing that mixes water time and a real old-town walk. You’ll likely enjoy it most if you like:

• swimming in clear water and snorkeling for a short, satisfying session
• short guided walks where you can still wander a bit on your own
• skipping crowds by doing a boat format with a smaller group

It also suits first-timers to speedboats because the size is manageable and the day is structured. The ride may feel quick, so if you are sensitive to motion, consider that.

On the flip side, it is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, people with back problems, anyone with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Pets are not allowed either.

Quick decision: should you book Split Boat Trip Half-Day?

Book it if you want maximum variety in a short window: Blue Lagoon swim time, a Čiovo break at Borkko, and a walk through UNESCO-listed Trogir with a themed Unsullied route. The included snorkeling goggles and the small boat group make it feel like more than a basic transfer.

Skip it if you need fully calm, guaranteed sea conditions, or if a speedboat ride would be uncomfortable for you. Also skip if you need accessibility support, since the trip is not set up for wheelchair users or mobility limitations.

FAQ

What is included in the Split Boat Trip Half-Day?

The price includes transportation on a comfortable speedboat, an English-speaking captain and crew, snorkeling equipment (goggles), insurance, and VAT.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll meet at the Gray Line office in Split and return there at the end.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Gray Line office in Split on the Riva promenade, next to the entrance to Diocletian’s cellars.

How does the day flow?

You take a speedboat from Split to the Blue Lagoon, then continue to Čiovo for time at Borkko by the water, and finish with a walk in Trogir before returning by boat to Split.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Goggles are included with the snorkeling.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and food and drinks (since they are not included).

What happens if the weather is bad?

In case of bad weather or rough sea conditions, the provider can change the route.

Is the trip suitable for kids and for pregnant travelers?

No. It is not suitable for children under 3 years and not suitable for pregnant women.

Who should avoid booking due to health or mobility?

The trip is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.