Five islands in one day, plus the Blue Lagoon. This small-group speedboat tour turns Split into a launchpad for big water views, quick island-hopping, and real swim breaks. I love that you stay on a 12-person boat, and I also love that the day is built around snorkeling in multiple clear-water stops.

The main consideration is that this is a fast, sea-and-weather dependent day. If conditions turn choppy, you may spend more time bracing than floating, so go in prepared.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• 12-person speedboat for a calmer, less crowded feel while you zip between islands
• Multiple swim and snorkel stops at the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, and the Blue Lagoon
• Hvar Old Town time plus Fortica views so you get both streets and panorama
• Carpe Diem and Pakleni Island anchoring for that postcard island-archipelago vibe
• A real village break at Maslinica for olive-grove calm before the big finale

Split to the islands, the simple reason this feels so efficient

Split is a great base because the islands are close enough to reach by boat without losing your whole day to transit. This tour uses a speedboat so you spend more time at beaches and towns, not on the water waiting around.

It also helps that you return to the same meeting point at the end of the day. No weird shuttles or separate logistics. Just a full day loop, with time planned for both photos and actual swimming.

Meet up, gear up, and keep the day comfortable

You meet in front of the Smile Travel office in Split, at Marmontova ul. 5. Plan to arrive early enough to check in, because once the group boards, the pacing is steady.

Bring the basics that matter for this kind of day on open water:

• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Swimwear plus a change of clothes
• Towel and water
• Cash if you want to buy snacks or drinks at a stop

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people over 65. That’s not meant to be a buzzkill, it’s just honest about the speedboat and water time.

Stop 1: Milna on Brač, where the day starts slow on purpose

Your first big landing point is Milna on Brač. Expect a scenic harbor with fishing boats and ancient stone architecture, plus that classic Dalmatian feel where everything is close together and you can wander without pressure.

This is your “wake up and orient” stop. You get a break with photo time and free time, about 45 minutes. Use it to:

• Walk the harbor edges and find shade
• Take a few early photos before everyone’s hair turns salty
• Reset with a calm coffee moment if you’re prone to motion sickness

The drawback is that Milna time is limited. This is not the place to linger. It’s more like a scenic warm-up.

Stop 2: Hvar town, old streets and Fortica Fortress views

Then the pace shifts. You cruise to Hvar town, and you get around 1.5 hours there. Hvar is famous for a reason: the Old Town streets feel compact and photogenic, and the sea views always frame the background.

You also have options on what to do with that time. For classic Hvar highlights, consider:

• Exploring the Old Town on foot
• Admiring Venetian palaces
• Visiting the Fortica Fortress viewpoints

The fortress is the move when you want a clean overview of Hvar and the surrounding islands. Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in, because that stroll can include uneven stone and some uphill moments.

If you prefer a slower rhythm, Hvar also gives you the option to pause for a swim or relax on the beaches during your free time. The key is to decide early, so you don’t spend precious minutes circling in the heat.

Stop 3: Pakleni Islands, swimming plus the famous Carpe Diem stretch

After Hvar, you head to the Pakleni Islands archipelago. This is where the day starts feeling like a postcard you can physically reach.

You get about 1 hour total, with time for sightseeing, walking, photos, swimming, and snorkeling. It’s also where the tour specifically calls out the famous Carpe Diem area. Even if you don’t plan to party, it’s a good landmark for the vibe of this part of the Adriatic.

What makes this stop valuable is the combination:

• Scenic archipelago views from the boat
• A real water break in a protected island network
• Snorkeling time while conditions are often still good

Bring the snorkel gear you’re given, and use it right away at this stop if you’re unsure of your comfort. Once you get the feel, you can judge how much time you want underwater later at Blue Lagoon.

One practical drawback: if you’re traveling in peak season, anchoring areas can feel busy even with a small group. The upside is that your group is small, so you’re not swallowed by a massive crowd.

Stop 4: Šolta snorkeling time, a calmer island feel between big highlights

Next is Šolta, with around 45 minutes that includes swimming and snorkeling plus scenic cruising time. Šolta tends to feel less like a single famous town and more like an island day built for water lovers and people who just want to relax.

This is a great stop if you want variety. After the Hvar and Pakleni buzz, Šolta offers a quieter, more laid-back island rhythm. You can focus on:

• Snorkeling and getting used to the water temperature
• Short swims between photos and boat time
• Chilling in a way that doesn’t require planning a whole hike

The tradeoff is time. You’re not on Šolta long enough to do anything “slow travel” style. Think of it as another water hit and a reset, not a full exploration.

Stop 5: Maslinica on the calm end of the day

After your Šolta swim break, the route stops in Maslinica, where you get about 1 hour. Maslinica is known for a peaceful coastal feel, with a picturesque harbor, traditional stone houses, and olive groves nearby.

This is a smart inclusion because it gives your brain a break from sun, boats, and snorkeling gear. It’s also a good time for photos where you’re not surrounded by the big-city energy.

If you’re trying to maximize your enjoyment:

• Do a slow harbor walk first
• Then decide if you want one last quick swim, or just relax and soak up the scenery

Final stop: Blue Lagoon snorkel, the payoff moment

The last stop is the Blue Lagoon, and you get around 1.5 hours. This is the anchor moment of the entire trip, and the reason people choose the tour in the first place.

The tour experience here is simple: untouched nature, sparkling water, and time to swim and snorkel. It’s also when you’ll get the classic “how is the water this clear” photos, especially if you snorkel a bit early and not only at the end of the stop.

A few practical tips so you get more out of Blue Lagoon time:

• Start snorkeling early in the session if you want the best view
• Have your towel and change clothes ready, so you don’t waste time drying off
• Take one set of photos from the boat first, then go in once you’re warmed up

If you get even a little nervous about snorkeling, this stop is still worth it. You don’t have to stay underwater for long. Even a short swim with the snorkel gear can make the water look like a different world.

How the crew keeps a fast day feeling safe and fun

This tour is run with an English-speaking staff and a licensed skipper. You’ll have safety gear and life jackets, plus passenger insurance.

The boat also has music. In a small-group setting, that matters more than you’d think. It turns the traveling time into part of the day’s mood, instead of just transit between stops.

From what people have shared about this operator, guides can include folks like David and Maren, who focus on organization while keeping the atmosphere light. There have also been mentions of playlist-driven vibes, with popular music playing during the ride, and even early dolphin sightings on some runs toward Hvar.

You’ll still want to use common sense on a speedboat day:

• Keep your balance when boarding and leaving the water
• Keep valuables in the designated area and out of your pockets
• Stay aware when the crew is counting people back onto the boat

The value math on a $130 day ticket

At $130 per person for a 10-hour small-group speedboat day, the value is mostly in what’s included and how much you fit into one outing.

You do not just buy transportation. You also get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Safety gear and life jackets
• Fuel and boat transport by speedboat
• Music on board
• A small gift souvenir
• Passenger insurance

What’s not included is lunch and food and drinks. That’s a key budgeting detail. Even if you plan to snack at stops, bring the habit of paying attention to water, especially in summer heat.

So is it good value? For me, yes, if your goal is a high-output day: Hvar town time, multiple island swim breaks, and a Blue Lagoon finale without having to plan each leg. If you’d rather slow down and linger in one place, you might find this pacing a lot.

Who this tour suits, and who should choose another style

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a classic Split-to-islands day without switching ferries or planning transfers
• Love snorkeling and want multiple chances in one outing
• Prefer small groups, where you can hear the guide and not feel lost in a crowd
• Enjoy fast travel when it buys you more beach time

It’s probably not a fit if you:

• Need maximum stability or struggle with fast boat movement
• Have mobility limitations that make boarding and changing easier with stairs and ramps
• Want an uncrowded, slow, stay-in-one-place vacation day

Also, this experience may be subject to sea and weather conditions. That’s normal for Adriatic boating. Your best strategy is to book with flexibility and keep your expectations tied to enjoying the water and scenery, not to a rigid timeline that will never change.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon, Hvar and 5 Islands Small Group Tour?

If your ideal day from Split includes Hvar Old Town, at least one fortress-style viewpoint, and then real water time with snorkeling, I’d book it. The combination of a small 12-person boat plus several swim stops is exactly the kind of value you notice quickly once the day gets going.

I’d hold off if you’re sensitive to speedboat motion, need long beach lounging with zero rushing, or you want guaranteed included meals. With food and drinks not listed, plan your spending in advance.

My take: this is a great “first Croatia island day” choice. It gives you variety fast, and you’ll leave knowing exactly which islands you’d return to for a slower trip later.

FAQ

How many people are on the boat?

Your boat has room for only 12 people, which keeps the day feeling more private.

Where do I meet in Split?

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

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for 10 hours. Starting times vary by availability.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

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

How many stops are there during the day?

The route includes Milna, Hvar City, the Pakleni Islands, Šolta, Maslinica, and the Blue Lagoon, with boating time between stops.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, and food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

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

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10 years.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues or back problems?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or people with back problems.

What happens if weather or sea conditions are rough?

The activity may be subject to sea and weather conditions.